Mini-Van vs. SUV

Where do I begin? Ummm... let's see!

The day Isaac was born was the day my back problems began. Because of nursing and carrying around a chunky monkey, I'm not sure my body will ever be 100%. Isaac started out at 7lbs. 15oz. so I thought as he grew, my strength would too. It's a process, not an overnight weight gain. Well, I guess that's not the case. Isaac is now 25 lbs (maybe more) and my back feels every ounce of his little chubs from his head to his toes! Getting him in and out of the car is quite the process. That's where this debate begins...

When we were in Hawaii we rented a mini van and let me tell you... It was soooooo easy!!! I didn't have to lift Isaac way up into the seat, while getting hit in the bum by the door. He was at my level, right there AND because the door slid open I didn't have to worry about hitting the car (that parked too close) next to me. It was spacious and extremely convenient. Twice the size of my Xterra. We have a problem though. Shaun and I said that we would NEVER own a mini van. SUVers for life!!! Mini vans are so for old, uncool soccer moms (so sorry if I just offended drivers of mini vans but just keep reading)! I'm a young, hip sporty mom that knows when Isaac grows up all of his friends are going to say, "Wow! That's your mom? She drives a lifted SUV? She's so cool. My mom just drives a mini van." Well, I'm slowly changing my perspective on things. Ultimately it doesn't matter what I drive or what other people think. I am thankful for what I do have and pray that I never take for granted the blessings God has given me. I've heard that only 9% of the world's population have a car. With that being said, Shaun and I know that our family is still growing and that we will need a vehicle with more room soon. Let me clarify that "soon" does not mean I'm pregnant nor are we trying. ;) I seem to have been misleading in my last post. Sorry for that by the way. I guess I should have put the caption in past tense. It's nice to know that people are reading what I'm writing though! Anyway, the point of this post was to get your opinion - Mini-Van or SUV and why? I no longer think mini vans are out dated or lame. I totally get them now. Convincing Shaun of that is a different story though! I need your help soccer moms!"

Is it normal to take like 100 photos a day!?

I don't think I will ever catch up on scrapbooking, let alone developing, all my photos. I've only completed the first four months of Isaac's life... AND just that filled a 12 x 12 scrapbook! What can I say, my kid is the cutest thing in the world!

Giving mommy [open mouth] kisses!

Drinking from a straw at mommies 1st trimester craving spot

Isaac gets a kick out of turning the pages in books. He acts so surprised when he sees the picture on the next page.

Like most kids, Isaac loves the bath. BUT because he likes to stand up, he's back to sink baths. It's so much easier on mommy and daddy. There's only one thing he likes more than the bath time though... Running around naked after! He's feeling better but his nose is still yucky! We had pictures taken tonight for our church directory and poor Isaac blew the biggest snot bubble. Of course it was captured on camera and of course I ordered it! Go figure...

Trials of Parenthood

Today was my most draining, exhausting, and emotionally challenging day of motherhood to date. As I read other blogs though, I find comfort in knowing that I am not alone... It's cold season and no child likes their nose being wiped every minute of the day. Isaac spent most of the day crying because he didn't feel good. Poor guy was so tired but couldn't sleep because he couldn't breathe. At times he would happily be playing on the floor, with snot running down his face, when all of a sudden, big bad mom (or dad) would pull out a tissue. That's when the screams and hands waving us away would begin. He was up three times last night, officially up at 8, and then didn't nap until 11:30. He always seems to have perfect timing too. Just as I would drift off to sleep, he would wake up from his (short) naps. Shaun was home but he was just as frustrated as me. Most of the time Isaac just wanted mommy too. It's hard seeing your baby hurt. We were also so focused on Isaac that I think our relationship was a little on edge.

Even with today's trials, Isaac is still my little man and the best thing that has happened to Shaun and me... We don't even want to trade him in. Through all the tears, aches, and pains that today brought, Isaac was still able to give us plenty of hugs and kisses. Those are two things he is very good at!

Isaac is down for the night so Shaun and I are going to curl up on the couch, watch a movie, and eat ice cream and cookies topped with hot fudge! We'll probably end up stopping the movie and going to bed early. My eyes are already closing and it's only 8:30. Good night!

Goodbye Summer...

I think summer is finally coming to an end. Now that school is back in session, our community pool is on the chilly side. I don't think they are heating it anymore. Isaac doesn't seem to mind but someone has to get in and hold him... Notice how Shaun is in the water with him and not me!

Goodbye Summer it sure was fun.
Swimming with friends and lying in the sun.
Goodbye Summer have a good rest.
You sure deserve it for you did your best.
Goodbye Summer I'll see you soon.
I know you'll return like the month of June.
Goodbye Summer we've had a good year.
But you must go now because Fall is here.
Kathy Fretwell Gandy ©10-21-02

Vacuumland

So, as you can see from the pictures, vacuuming is not a quick or boring task in our house. Isaac LOVES the vacuum!!! He chases it all over the floor, yelling as he goes. I thought most kids were afraid of things like this!? I try moving as fast as I can to get away from him, but as soon as I turn around he's right under my feet. I'm constantly tripping over him! Today I decided to vacuum his hair and it gave him a sweet mohawk! This kid is hilarious!

P.S. With as many pictures as I take this collage thing is GREAT!!! The pictures are kinda small this way but I think you can click on one to make it bigger.

Solid Food + 8 Teeth = A Diego Toothbrush

Because Isaac has 8 teeth, we decided that it was time to get him a toothbrush! I know, it's a little overdue. To our absolute surprise, he LOVED it! He even let us help him with it. I'm sure this excitement won't last and in the near future he'll be screaming just at the sight of the toothbrush, but at least I'll have pictures to remember the time that it was easy to run the little bristles across his teeth!

California Beaches: Two Thumbs DOWN!!!

I'm sad to report that California beaches are horrible! The water is freezing, not to mention brown, the sand feels like gravel, and they are way too crowded. We went to Huntington Beach today hoping it would make us feel like we were still in Hawaii... We were greatly disappointed!

10 Months

Our little Isaac Timothy is 10 months today! Before we know it he'll be asking for money and the car keys!

Home Sweet Home

After flying all night and taking turns napping all day, we are finally settling into the realization that Hawaii has come and gone! Isaac is sound to sleep and it's early bedtimes for the rest of us. I can't wait to catch up on everyone's blogs. That's this week's goal... Good night and sweet dreams!

Until We Meet Again...

Sadly, our Hawaii vacation is coming to an end. We have one more day to soak up as much clean air, grass skirts, coconuts, banana bread, snorkeling, shopping, and breath taking views that we can. I'll be honest... I don't want to come home! This place is just too good to be true!

Tiger Shark = No swimming

No swimming today... Shaun peed in the "pool" and it attracted a shark (or so he thinks that's the reason). A Tiger Shark was spotted in a cove just after Shaun and my dad got out of the water. It was in the EXACT same area they had been snorkeling. The lifeguards hurried to get everyone out of the water. They ended up closing all the beaches on the west side of the island. Bummer!

Aloha from Earth's Paradise!

Awwwwww! I must say, if you have never been to Hawaii... well... that's probably good because you would be addicted like me and never want to leave! We arrived at the Big Island yesterday and have been in awe of it's beauty ever since. It's been overcast all day with a rainy afternoon. the plane ride was loooong! Isaac was a NUT the first half of the plane ride then slept the last two hours. he was up bright at early too, 4:30am... his usual time (of course 7:30 Cali time). Grandpa took him on a walk at 5 because he couldn't sleep either. An hour and a half later they came back with stories of what they saw. Today was spent sight seeing, snorkeling with sea turtles, and grocery shopping for the week! It's now 7pm and Isaac has been in bed for an hour. I don't think he is going to catch on to this whole time change thing. it looks like we'll be going to bed early and waking up before everyone else on the island. Oh yeah, Shaun got his cast off so he is in a boot. He still can't put weight on it but at least he can take it off to go in the water!

loving life!!!!

Kona, Hawaii

Snorkeling Kahalu'u State Park

Can you see the turtle?

Still loving life!!!

Clever Family Picture

Look! It's a picture of Isaac with Mommy, Daddy, Uncle Aaron, and Antie Lisa! AND if you look really hard you can see G-Daddy and Grammie in the small left corner of the computer! Ahhh! We're all together!