Happy Halloween... and Onto November!!!!

We had a GREAT Halloween this year. I think its probably because Maeve is 2 and she totally gets it. She loved her kitty costume and her pumpkin costume... and she adored her "Winnie the Pooh" candy bucket. She has also mastered saying "trick or treat." We started our Halloween celebrations on Friday night... we stayed up (ALL 3 of us) super late carving pumpkins- why do we save things for the last minute?? But they turned out cute and Maeve had a blast "cooking" the pumpkin guts. While Ryan and I did the knife work, Maeve sat on the floor with a giant mixing bowl full of the guts- she was serving it up to us on her princess bake ware. When Ryan and I kindly refused to eat it, she started stuffing it in the dogs lips- by the end of the carving session both dogs had dried guts all over their faces :)



Along with carving pumpkins on Friday night, our plan was also to go trunk or treating at Polly's. Unfortunately, it was like a monsoon outside and the event got totally rained out. Instead of Polly's we went to "Crazy Cowboy" with my parents and dressed Maeve up like Minnie Mouse. She absolutely ADORED that costume. She watches "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" every morning so she thought she was part of the crew :)


Saturday morning I had planned a Halloween breakfast. My mom always made a HUGE deal out of holidays and birthdays and so I think I got that from her... I had been collecting little Halloween odds and ends throughout the month of October to stuff in one of those plastic pumpkins for Maeve on Halloween morning. It was full of mostly stuff she could use for Halloween- pumpkin socks, a pink pumpkin torch (for trick or treating), a Halloween Mr. Potato Head (which has been a HUGE hit- its gone everywhere with us for 2 days now) and a "spooky" book. Unfortunately while I was taking a shower, Maeve found the pumpkin and Ryan let her open it- WITHOUT a camera or me! :( While Maeve played with her goodies, Ryan and I made a huge breakfast- and pulled out our waffle maker for the first time since we got it for Christmas! I'm so glad we did because it made some amaaaazing waffles- its one of those turning ones like they have at hotels and buffets. I HIGHLY recommend getting one! :) I used some pumpkin pancake mix I found at Trader Joe's and am thrilled to use it again for Thanksgiving morning- it was SO SO SO good. Instead of syrup we sprinkled cinnamon & sugar & butter (very healthy...) on them. Mmmm.mmmm.



After breakfast we got Maeve in her pumpkin outfit to go trunk or treating at Meijers & Seymour Chevorlet... I wanted to take her trunk or treating at least a couple of times because I knew we wouldn't really make it out of the house on Halloween night because of the VERY kid populated neighborhood we live in. Meijers was AWESOME- we most definitely will be participating in that event next year (hopefully they'll do it again!!). It was sooooo kid friendly and Maeve had an absolute blast. We went from station to station all over the store, eating, doing arts and crafts, Maeve even got her picture taken in the photo dept. (ALL FREE!) Maeve's favorite part of the event was decorating her spider cookie and eating it. She thought it was a hoot :) Mom & dad's favorite part? The free lunch! Maeve got an apple, PB & J, pretzels, juice and a brownie... how nice is that? And of course at every station there was candy... we were really impressed with the event.










Since we had such a great time at Meijers, we thought we'd end the afternoon with MORE trunk or treating at Seymours. UGH. We will NOT be doing that event next year (or ever again for that matter). Where do I start with this one? I guess we should have just kept going as soon as we saw the THOUSANDS of people and cars parked along the road leading up to the dealership. We thought it just hadn't started yet and as soon as they opened the doors to get in, the giant mobs of people would disperse and it would be fine. OH MY GOSH. Hardly! We stood in line for 45 minutes to get into this thing- not to mention the entire time I'm standing in line there is this MAMMOTH woman (and I'm not talking width wise- she was HUGE- like heads above Ryan & the rest of the crowd) who was chain smoking like it was her job. Maeve and I seriously had ashes being blown in our faces for 45 minutes. Ridiculous. What was even more ridiculous was her language- I thought for sure any second Maeve was going to spit out the "F" word. Some people are just so unbelievable- I mean, it was a family/kid event- drop the cig and clean up your mouth! After we finally got in, we were literally in the middle of a car warehouse type thing- I had to hold Maeve the entire time (she wouldn't let Ryan hold her) because there were poisonous fluids and huge machines and other junk all over the place. AND- half the cars there handed out fliers- yes, my 2 year old really appreciated the flier for 15% off an oil change. Anyways we got out of there as soon as we realized it was a bust. Unfortunately it was soooo past Maeve's nap time that by the time we got home, she was off schedule and not going to take a nap. This made for an incredibly grumpy pumpkin... especially when we didn't let her take her candy bucket into her bedroom (I know- call us crazy right???)

I spent the rest of the afternoon making chili and spiderweb cupcakes- both of which came out really good- I hadn't ever made either one before (I KNOW- I had NEVER made chili!!!) so I was pleased that everything was edible. My parents came over around 5 and joined us for dinner. After dinner, we took Maeve to 3 or 4 houses- just enough that she could get the idea of trick or treating. She was a pro! And she used her manners :) I know I've raved about Old Navy's Halloween costumes before, but really- they're the best! She was so warm, she was sweating in her kitty cat outfit! And not to mention they're super adorable... and durable. I took lots of pictures, but I wish I could've gotten ONE thing on videotape- her reaction to this skeleton costume she saw. Maeve is a really huge chicken when it comes to "spooky" things- and if you've been around us in the past month or so, you know that almost everything is "spooky." All day long I hear "Momma look! Spooky sky!" or "Momma! SPOOKY pumpkins!" So when she saw this glow in the dark skeleton walking towards her she had a complete meltdown. She dropped her winnie the pooh pot (the whole thing exploded all over the road) and ran into my arms shaking- it was so sad! :( After the skeleton walked past us she started shouting really loud "BYE BONES!!! NO MORE BONES!" Dang I wish we had our video camera with us! :(






Maeve finally hit the sheets around 9 or so- still crying for her "treats." And surprise, surprise, this morning when she woke up the one thing that was on her mind were her TREATS. We've hidden the bucket of candy but she knows its around here somewhere... :)

I can't wait until next Halloween- I've already come up with some really cute brother/sister costume combos!!! :)

And to end this post... IT'S NOVEMBER!!! I CAN OFFICIALLY SAY I AM DUE THIS MONTH!!!!!!!! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

First Few Days of Oct.

It's funny- I am SO ready to not be pregnant and meet this little guy, but on the same hand its a bit depressing to know that my one on one time with Maeve is slowly coming to an end... okay, that's REALLY depressing. We have a great schedule worked out and each day is a blast with her- and I'm really not exaggerating- sure, we have tough days but I truly, truly enjoy our time together and I wouldn't trade a minute of it. With all that said, I've been packing our calender and days with things that I know we aren't going to be able to do once the turkey makes his appearance (at least things we won't be able to do right away...).

A few days ago, Maeve and I took a trip up to Chuckie Cheese- it was SO MUCH FUN! She played hard for a couple of hours and zonked herself out on the way home. We've also been soaking up these last few days of "nice" weather ("nice" meaning its not raining...) and going to the park. I'm not sure what's going to happen when it snows and we literally cannot go outside to play. Maeve will not be a happy camper... I've also been on this cooking/baking kick- and while Maeve can't sit there for the whole 30/45 minutes it takes to make something, she does like pouring things in the bowls, licking the mixers and eating the finished product. :) Just this week alone, we've made pumpkin spice cookies, chocolate chip oatmeal raisin cookies & those amazing apricot bars I blogged about a few weeks ago. (I know what you're thinking- "Ashley if you're going to be cooking up all that stuff don't complain about your weight anymore!"


Maeve holding a box of cookies we baked for Dadda...

Tuesdays have quickly become my favorite night of the week- strange, because its the one night Ryan's not home- he has night class until 9:50. When he first registered for that class I was upset, thinking "WOW that's going to be one packed day of no rest and all play for me!" But it's turned out to be a wonderful thing. I call it "Maeve & Mom day." We go out for dinner (no sense cooking for just us)- usually its "Culvers"- I love their chicken sandwiches and Maeve gets a free scoop of custard. We also visit my mom out at the studio and Maeve gets to dance with the big girls for a little bit. Then we either come home, take a bath and watch a movie until Daddy gets home (yes I let her stay up to see Ryan- she is SUCH a daddy's girl and loves it when he tucks her in at night :) or we run some late night errands. Last week we went to "Michaels" to pick up some craft supplies for her upcoming birthday.:) I know once the baby comes, our sweet little Tuesday nights will no longer exist, so I'm really trying to take advantage of them while I can.

Another big hit around here has been "colors" (aka coloring). Maeve BEGS to "colors" all day long. Not a big deal right??? That's what I thought, but its really, REALLY not a good idea to leave a 2 year old alone with a pack of crayons. She had never really strayed from the coloring book (maybe a little on the table here and there) but the other morning while I was making breakfast and Maeve was using her "colors" she snuck in the hallway and did her "colors" all over the wall... and of course it just had to be a red crayon. So this makes for a dilemma- the kid wants to color ALL THE TIME but I can't have my eyeballs glued to her 24/7- especially when I'm in the kitchen either cooking or doing dishes (there's a big wall that separates the kitchen from the living room). There have been many tantrums pitched because I won't let her color while I'm in the kitchen unless she's in her high chair (and of course she refuses the highchair...so bring on the tantrums).

Maeve & her coloring destruction. I really don't find it to be a big deal... it comes right off with those magic eraser things. But Ryan, who is set on selling this house is kind of going nuts finding random drawings on the floors, walls, cabinets, etc.
Weekends are filled with what else, but football. I'm not going to try and hide it- I couldn't care less about football (or any other sports except for the Olympics). It's funny, I see a ton of my girlfriends on facebook with "football-ish" status's and no matter how hard I try, I can't get excited or even interested in it. My husband however, is addicted. Therefore, football is on the tv all the time. He's even taught Maeve how to scream "TOUCHDOWN" and throw her hands in the air. He is more pleased with this than he is with her ABC's or counting to 10. Hmmm... Today is the big MSU vs. U of M game and just to bust his chops I'm rooting for U of M. I also dressed Maeve in gold & blue today :) haha... And trying to get in the spirit of the game, I made a big football food spread... my husband is very happy :) And he'll be even happier if MSU wins.




Our mini football party... Maeve LOVES playing with the black olives (what kid doesn't?) I'm not sure how much food she actually ate, but there are squashed olives all over the living room...
Our next few weekends are packed- and I love it. It speeds the month up which brings me closer to November!!! Next weekend is Maeve's "real" birthday (OMG TWO!!!!!!!!) The weekend after that is her birthday party (invites are in the mail on Monday- I PROMISE!) The weekend after that, we're taking her to the zoo boo walk up in Battle Creek, and the weekend after that is HALLOWEEEEEEEEEN!!! We're also making a few trips out to "Flavor Fruit Farms," although that all hinges on the weather so who knows when exactly we'll make it out there. We've all been feeling pretty well lately and I'm crossing my fingers that it stays that way! There is so much to do and tons to get in... but I do have to say, I love fall... and I love how this fall is going so far.

Bitten By the FALL Bug

Usually the yearning for fall doesn't begin until September or so- and then I simply can't wait for apple and pumpkin season to kick into full gear... and the changing leaves... This year however I am excited NOW. I want to fast forward through August and half of September just to get to the heart of fall. I've even been cooking "fall" foods- tonight we're having chicken pot pie & baked apples. Maybe its because the weather has been so fall like or it definitely could be the fact that I am extremely ready to have this baby and I still have 3 months to go!? I've even let my mind wander to Maeve's birthday (Oct. 11)- debating between party themes & scoping out possible birthday gifts. I've also decided that there is NO WAY I will be in the hospital during the week of Thanksgiving- either I will demand to be induced the week before (haha I know- I said that last time and I'm way too chicken to demand anything) or I will hold this baby in until after Thanksgiving- or to be exact, the SATURDAY after Thanksgiving. I am determined, with a capitol D, to go shopping the day after thanksgiving! I did it last year and we saved so much money (not to mention had a blast) that I've been looking forward to it for months.

I hope this post doesn't upset anyone- I know its a touchy subject- I mentioned to my mom the other day I wanted it to be fall and she said "its been fall all summer!" True, true- the weather has been awful... so I figure it might as well be fall right? :)

Happenings...

The week of Halloween!!! I am excited and looking forward to a FUN week/weekend. Tonight we're having sloppy joes & french fries (we try to keep it healthy around here haha...) and then its out to the pumpkin patch to pick out our pumpkin family for the front porch. We bought a Disney (go figure!) pumpkin carving kit and I am super excited to test my skilllllz. We're planning on spreading newspapers all over the mudroom and letting Maeve go to town gutting out the pumpkins... we should have some good pics of that! Then we're going to wash her up, put her down and continue on carving them. I get too nervous with knives laying around- so I want Maeve in bed before we break out the goods. Haha I also talked Ryan into watching a horror movie (he HATES them- not becuase they scare him but because they're "boring"...hmmm...) while we carve away! I'm excited :)

In other news, Maeve is sick- still. I thought she was getting better yesterday but this morning she woke up with a yucky cough and nose. I gave her some motrin before naptime and I'm hoping she'll have a better afternoon/night. LAST night was ROUGH!!! She was up from about 3 to 5... crying and tossing and turning. As soon as she gets over this cold/flu or whatever it is, she is first in line for a flu shot!!!! (PS I got mine today)

This past weekend was fun- our good friends Lindsey and Brice came down from St. Joe to visit. Let me share bit of history with you- Lindsey and I used to be roomates a few years back (actually about 4 years ago). We had a ball! We used to go out to Ann Arbor just about every weekend.... and ya know. Well since my baby bearing days, I am not one to party or even drink too much anymore. But EVERY momma needs at least one night out once in awhile right?? So I thought this weekend would be a perfect time to "let loose" and relive the good ol' days in Ann Arbor with Lindsey. Our plans were dinner at Gratzis, then Connors, then Babs, then Gracies for dancing. I don't know what my deal was, but for some reason I wasn't feeling that great all day Saturday. But I kept thinking as soon as we got up there, I'd feel better. WELL for those of you who don't know, it was the MSU/Michigan game- so it was a madhouse in AA. Our wait at Gratzis was over an hour long so we sat up at the bar and I had a glass of wine. *Still feeling funny at this point* I thought it was because I was hungry- so when the bartender put the glass of pistachios in front of us I dove right in. He had to refill it twice... yikes. By the time we were seated for dinner my stomach definitely wasn't feeling right and I was wishing that we could go hooooooome! I ordered mashed potatos for dinner... Everyone else was having a good time and talking- I was trying so hard not to be a party pooper. So I was downing glasses of water and eating bread like crazy- trying to get my stomach to feel better. After dinner we walked over to Connors- there was a wait to get in. FIRST time I've ever seen that bar at capacity. So out in the cold we waited, and on and on my stomach churned. When we got in, I was frozen to the core and felt worse than ever. Still though, I realized we were with a group of people and I couldn't just tell Ryan I wanted to go home. So I ordered the only thing I thought I could stomach- a miller lite. Turns out I couldn't even stomach that. I took about 2 sips and asked for more water. We sat at a table and the boys (Ryan and Brice) were watching the game and I was trying my hardest to concentrate on the conversation with Lindsey, but my stomach was churning and churning and churning. All I could think about was getting home and getting to a bathroom. When Ryan saw I was chugging the water, he FINALLY asked what was up. I told him I was sick and not going to drink... he was thrilled- I got to be the DD and for once, he got to drink freely. He didn't drink all that much, but still he was grateful for NOT having to drive home! Oh have times changed! It might have been my 2nd time ever leaving ann arbor totally sober. But it was nice- we weren't planning on picking Maeve up till the morning (she was with my parents) but since I had to cut the evening short, and I was totally sober and missing my girl, I picked her up. :) When we got home I was thinking "bathroom,bathroom,bathroom!" But when I finally got in there, NOTHING. I mean I tried and tried for about an hour- and NOTHING! (sorry for this overload of information- I am just trying to convey the uncomfortable state I am STILL in) Anyways, long story short, I tried just about everything- greasy food (that always works!), veggies, juice, etc. I finally had to take exlax. And at this very moment, I have still not gone and I am in a great amount of discomfort... So yeah, totally do not know whats up with my tummy but its giving me some ISSSSSUUUUEEEES!!!!!

This morning I had a doc. appointment to check up on my anxiety meds. I will also make this long story short- the zoloft, buspar and ativan aren't cutting it. SO I was referred up to the U of M anxiety disorder clinic. I am actually super excited and very optimistic! U of M is known for its excellence in both medicine and research so I am hoping they will know exactly what to do with me! The unfortunate part is my appointment isn't until November 24th!!! A MONTH away :( But I really believe this is the avenue I need to take to totally get better and not rely on the ativan to get me through the days.

I will keep you updated on my progress at the clinic- and if you all could keep me in your thoughts and prayers- I know anxiety isn't a life threatening condition but it is certainly debilitating. And it has taken so much away from me- I am ready to be rid of it. I understand its going to be a long road (it already has been a long road) but I will do anything to be a healthy, full of life and ENERGETIC mom!!!

One more note- we're planning spring break out and our fall trip for next year- If any of you are looking to travel, AIRTRAN has fabulous deals going to Orlando!!!! We found spring break flights for 130 a person!!! YES!

Have a blessed week everyone!

I Welcome You Fall

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE FALL!!!!!!!! It is by far, hands down, my favorite season. Its the best weather, best food and it now includes Maeve & I's birthdays :) YEA! So I was pretty excited to get back to work on Sept. 2nd. Hesitant to leave Maeve (well I don't really LEAVE her...) but not be with her all day I guess...
This is a look at my life now that summer is over:
Monday- Maeve wakes up (usually between 7-8)
Breakfast
Bath
Play/Run errands
Lunch @ noon
Nap @ 1 (during her nap I get dinner ready and usually its in the crockpot or something easy to heat up later in the evening.
I have to be at work by 3:30, so sometimes I have to wake Maevers up
Bring Maeve to the studio (my lil sis Emily watches her from 3:30-5)
Daddy picks her up around 5:15
I work until 6:30/7 on Mondays.
Get home around 7, eat dinner, give Maeve a bath, get her in bed by 8.

Tuesday- Tuesdays are a little busy because I have to be at the studio by 10. This means I have to feed Maeve, bathe her, dress her, bathe and dress myself and be out the door by 9:40-ish.
The rest of Tuesday is almost exactly the same as Monday except I only work until 5 :)

Wed-Fri- all the same as Monday, except Thursdays I work until 7:30 :(

Saturdays I work from 10-12.

So that is kind of what our fall schedule looks like. But I think I am going to give a "playgroup" thing another try so we might have that a couple of mornings. (we were just invited again... and now since Maeve is walking I'm hoping she can keep up with the other kids)

This past week went by in a flurry and I am hoping the next several months will fly as well. As much as I love fall, I hate winter- so the quicker winter is over and spring break is here, the better :)

In other news, Maeve is a WALKER now. Not just taking a few steps here in there- she is now walking all over the place, turning around, bending down, standing back up and walking across the living room. Its absolutely crazy! But very exciting :)

She is also becoming VERY vocal. If I say "Noooo." She says "YEAH!" in this really shrill, excited voice. It was really cute the first 100 times or so but now its kind of annoying. She also cut her 4th tooth so I've started brushing the little guys now... I don't use toothpaste- just water, but she bites down on the tooth brush as soon as I stick it in her mouth. But stinky breath and rotting teeth are not going to be in her future so I figure she better get used to a toothbrush.

We also took her to this AWESOME park right here in Jackson- you other "Jackson'ers" are going to call me crazy when I had never heard of this park before, but LOOMIS park in downtown Jackson right by the hospital is about the coolest park ever. It is all wooden and has a rocket ship and a pirate ship and tons of stairs!!!! Which Maeve loves... she goes up stairs like its her job- she's not real great at coming down yet. Besides the threat of being mugged or shot (we ARE talking about the East side of downtown Jackson) it was a beautiful time :) And I want to take her back before the weather gets too cold.

Oooh! Exciting- since Maeve is now walking I had to find a pair of shoes for the kid that she can't take off. She hates shoes, socks, really anything confining, she is not a fan of. But I got a pair of those "Robeeze" shoes (I think thats what they're called) and she loves 'em! She walks great in them and they must be pretty comfy because she doesn't pull at them or anything. It felt very accomplishing to put shoes on her, go out for dinner, and come home with the shoes STILL on her feet.

It is such a good time for garage sales right now :) I actually hate going to them (I always feel like a bum) but I have gotten some awesome deals this past summer. I got this huge rocking zebra- that is in great condition (its in some of my pics on facebook) for 5 bucks. And at that same garage sale I found one of those fabulous wooden toys that has all the balls and twisting pieces of plastic on it (they have them at all doctors offices) anyways she loves it and I have since seen some out at the store for major bucks. So I was proud of my deal :) And just yesterday after work, I was driving home and passed a garage sale so I stopped by and picked up one of those HUGE crab sandboxes. Literally- I had just been looking at those in the Toy House and ON SALE they were going for around 60 bucks. I got Maeves for 5 bucks :) We got some bags of sand last night and filled it up for her and she LOVES it. She actually screamed when we took her out.

And the last thing I'll post about on my week of happenings, is ANOTHER great diaper deal I got today at Walgreens (my new fave. store) The jumbo packs of pampers were on sale for 9.49 (down from 11.99) and I had 4 dollars in register rewards, and 4.50 in manufacturers coupons. SO I got 2 packs of pampers (40 diapers in each) for about 4.50 a pack. I was pleased :) Again, not as good as Shelby's deals but I'm learning!! :)

Well that is all about my week... Here's to a GREAT fall and TONS of birthday, DISNEY, Halloween and turkey fun!!!!!!!!