Just a Note

Thursday we slept the whole night through-what an amazing feeling.


Friday was a whirlwind-literally-early release for students with Pep Rally so no recess & 20 minute specials. It was like my room had a revolving door that once we got in, started on something (pretty much nothing), we were back out. Jack ran towards Nick after kissing me goodnight, tripped on the "man pillow", spanked the floor, and had his first nose gusher...quite dramatic for all of us as you can imagine.


This morning we cleaned house:

• Jack is no longer afraid of the vacuum. Gets comfortable to watch while I vacumn, waves and shouts "hi" to me the whole time, and then will point to areas I've missed while ranting about it.
• While Jack was setting up his LSU chair in the living room to watch the rug vacuuming I got some scissors and cut off the tag from the new rug. When I stood up he SHOUTED out while using sign language, "Thank you Mommy!" Guess that tag was really getting to him.
  
  

The Sullivan's are on their way. Robin and I are heading to the HUGE baby consignment sale, then meeting up with Angela for some shopping and dining while the boys tend to the babies. We don't need anything that I can find there for Jack, but I am selling a few things for money and you know how I get all wrapped up in the bargains when I get there.

Hope all is well!

Growing Up

We are growing up here in the Relle Clan Household.

Because of a 20% off coupon without furniture/special order stipulation (which NEVER happens)we used my Christmas gift card from Mom and Dad (I know it was supposed to be spent on me...but Jack is me!) to get Jack's hutch attachment for his dresser/changing table. It looks really great. Still working on getting the things on the shelf...we have stuff and I'm sure will pick up a few things along the way.
Here is Jack's big boy bed that he is getting better with sleeping in. It's pretty comfy if I don't say so myself....minus the overload of stuffed animals that have accumulated and once they are there one night...the OCD kicks in and they HAVE to be there. And I know what you're thinking...I'm sure I exceed the weight limit...worth the risk of breaking though to help him get comfortable in his new Big Boy Room.

Jack and Nick went to Stephanie's (our friend and Upper Case Living Consultants) house to have her help them put the decal on a big canvas for Jack's room. It has been on our list FOREVER and so for my birthday we were able to cross it off. I love, love the way it turned out...now to find somewhere to hang the belly cast. Thanks Stephanie!

And the last big purchase (I know we are in a recession and our medical bills our out of control) but we had been looking, Angela sent a link to this from Target.com, it was on SUPER sale, we had a 10% off coupon, and I used all our Christmas Target gift cards...so it only cost us a little. Isn't it grown up looking?

Jack likes it except for one thing...the tag that I'm not able to cut off yet because I have issues...every time he passes by it-he bends down, rattles off some gripe at me, then walks off shaking his head. One day Jack....I'm just not ready yet.

Obsessions-CARS

Rant-Beware:

Not sleeping because of psychotic night terrors, orange vomit on our bedroom carpet (& Baby Claratin on clothes and Pottery Barn bedding), before school conferences with concerned/head strong parents & tutoring, working like a slave, staying til after 8 prepping for class, filling out ridiculous amounts of paper for struggling students, and conferences with angry/head strong parents, stomach bug for Nick and I, to do lists beyond belief-and as usual...the only thing that keeps us going is JACK. What an angel he is!

A glimpse of our little man's obsession. Mickey is catching up to Cars daily.

I have a birthday list and am ordering this week too so I'll send it out asap if you want to be included on my order and just cut me a check for the wrapped gift. Stay tuned. Off to bed to rest up before the exorcists wakes up for round one.

Bebe's Back-Monkey Heart-All About Me-Kleenex

Bebe left on Sunday and was back Wednesday night so she could go to the Cardiothoraic Surgeon with us on Thursday.

Jack rode in style to pick her up at the airport. We were all about to eat our arms we were so hungry.
Wanting something quick and new we decided to try out Wild About Harry's for some hot dogs (corn dog for Jack), fries, and of course frozen custard.
Bebe was going to share her custard with Jack but he would have none of that...he wanted his own.



Thursday morning Nick took Jack to Watters and met us at Dr. Platt's office in Presby Dallas for my consultation. Trying to keep to the point here we go: a part from my right aortic arch when in womb didn't sloth off and has wrapped around my esophagus forming a pocket. There is a swollen diverticulum that is very small. We will monitor it with a CT yearly to ensure that it isn't growing. If it is then we will discuss surgically correcting it. Until then life as normal with close moderation of my blood pressure as this could cause swelling to occur. Particular attention would be necessary during future pregnancies since this was a concern when expecting Jack. And so it goes...



After the appointment we went to Northpark since we were in the city. Of course the trip started with buying a few things for Jack, then Mom treated me to a mani and pedi, a delicious lunch at Kona Grill, and my birthday present-some Spring clothes that FIT! By the time we left it was 4 and I had some super cute outfits-Thanks Mom and Dad. Dad-See below a few of the outfits that you'll be wondering about when the credit card bill comes in. :)





Nick and Jack both said, "Oh Wow!" when they saw me modeling this outfit. Pretty sure it was because this is the first time they have seen my legs in FOREVER, not so much that I was looking like a Hot Mama.



After I modeled my clothes we loaded in the car for a BBQ dinner at Peggy Sue's Bar B Que before dropping Bebe back off at the airport to fly home. Below is a video we took while driving away after Bebe got out of the car. Grab your Kleenex folks...this one is a tear jerker and believe me it went on much longer and much worse than this clip shows.

Papa & Bebe

Papa and Bebe got in town right about when Nick and I had to get our dinner that had just arrived put in a to go box because Jack had reached his celebrate Mommy's birthday limit. So our first trip to Uncle Julio's wasn't great...but we obviously can't hold that against them. Papa and Bebe headed to their hotel and we headed home to get some sleep before our busy weekend.

Before heading to Watters to pick up Jack Mom and Dad came to see my school, classroom, and meet my students. I can't believe it is past mid year and this was their first trip to McGowen...but then again priorities have changed for us all and Jack trumps all.
Papa and Bebe showed up in Jack's room at lunch. Once the deer in head lights look pasted and he heard their name...off he ran super happy to see them and be "rescued". Since it was chilly out (Bebe is allergic to cold weather remember?!?!) they went to Chuck E Cheese for lunch and fun.

Could the boy be any happier?!?

Skeet Ball Fun!

A tuckered out little dude. Dad dropped Mom off at McGowen then drove around making business calls til he woke up. Mom went to the Gastro appointment with me and Nick covered dismissing my class and my afternoon duty....my lots of logistics for a doctor's appointment.

Friday night once Mom and I made it back to the burbs we did dinner at Cheesecake Factory (Nick and I made sure to put Mom and Dad next to Jack so our meal didn't end up on the floor again), a few stores, then home to turn Jack's crib into a Big Kid Bed (more on that later).

Saturday morning we all slept in and then went downtown to the Children's Museum since it was indoors.

It was a bit crowded for my liking and I'm pretty sure I was thinking I should have brought my meds and was going to need an adult beverage after my trip to the children's museum...but Jack had fun and that is all that matters. Here he is with Bebe doing a little measuring for his construction project.

Music Man

Papa was the only one in the group that could teach Jack how to milk a cow...none of us had the experience like he has.

Jack has a playroom full of kitchen appliances and materials....yet this was his favorite part of the exhibit. No matter what direction we tried to take him...back he would run to cook up some fun.

Bebe and Jack made the hot air balloon fly up to the second floor of the museum.

More music.

Jack was continuing to refuse to sleep in his big boy bed (or the crib prior to the change) so Papa layed down on the floor to take a nap with him while Mom and I ran some errands. Jack beat Papa up for their nap as you can see.

Aunt Mary Beth send Jack a Mardi Gras bag full of goodies. He had so much fun playing with all of it. There was everything from stuffed animal magnets, LSU necklaces (one that makes a LOT of noise), and even bubbles. THANKS AUNT MARY BETH!!

Sunday morning we previewed a new Gymboree class that is Level 5. Papa and Bebe were able to come and Jack just jumped right in. Twice in one week....how exciting!

This level works a lot with imaginative play and this week's theme was mail. Here is Jack with Papa moving the package down the conveyor belt...

and down the shoot to Bebe!

We loved the teacher, Sundays are way more doable for us with plans and Saturdays for make ups, and the grandparents were there to help with the bill-so we signed Jack up for Gymboree again-YEA!!!

After lunch we stopped to pick up some Easter decorations for the yard and Jack helped Papa put them up like the Christmas decorations. He kept wanting to use the plug...but this time there isn't anything that requires electricity...that boy has a memory. Now since the Christmas just got put away a few weeks ago looks like Papa will have to make plans to come before whatever holiday is next to take this down although from the street the eggs look like flowers and they don't' require any water...so they might just stay up til next December.

Now in the front yard instead of yelling, "Bunny or Eggs" we hear "Papa".

Playing real quick before Papa and Bebe head out although Jack will see Bebe tomorrow.
The usual spot, pose, people.
A hug good-bye.
The bottom lip started to quiver.
I mean how sad is this?!?!
Bebe tried to reassure him that she would see him soon...it was terrible to watch and I'm sure over time it will only get worse. But in the end a few cookies later he was back to himself and we can't wait already for their next visit to Dallas.

Happy Birthday To Me!

So Coach Relle is so funny...I kept hearing about his shirt...and finally got to see it when I dropped my kids off at PE.

It said, "Mrs. Relle is 30 today!"
Spending your birthday with a bunch of excited kids is a fun way to celebrate your special day (although I would have rather spend it with my little man if I had the choice).

But no worries...I was able to spend the evening with both my men. Gymboree was having a Valentine's Party so the night I go the e-mail I called the next morning first thing to sing up. The Relle Clan headed to spend my birthday evening with Gymbo for the first time in over 6 months.

The two reunited.

Jack was off and running...first stop...the trampoline.

Using our imagination with the giant "bubble".

After spending sometime in the gym we headed to the side room for art and snack while the class continued in the gym. Here I am getting painted purple by Jack.
The artist couple.
What a better way to end a Valentine's Party and Birthday than to witness TRUE LOVE!

Thanks for all the cards, gifts, and well wishes. It was a great 30th birthday!

ENT Follow Up

Here are the pictures from the day Jack got his tubes. Last week we were WAY overserved so I'm just now getting around to uploading pictures and bear with me as I catch up here on the blog with all of our recent adventures.

Jack has been to so many doctors that he is a pro...he knows exactly what each instrument does and what he needs to do during the exam. Mommy's little boy! :)
It was hard for Jack to hold his monkey and the cow that Dr. Mehendale gave him too. The monkey made the cut and went back to the operating room with him.

He was fine after the surgery when he finally got his milk but when it was done the content face went away...

that is until the Nila Wafers came out.

The most tears he had the whole day were in the parking lot when we had to get into the car without Nick. It took til calling Papa to calm him down and once we got home and he was comfy, eating a warm croissant, while watching Cars...he was A-OK.

At home we played with play dough. Yes it is a turkey baster...had to improvise for a rolling pin.

Nick and I had gotten Jack a cheer up treat from the dollar bin at Target...Cars magnets.

Then what to do with a day home with Mom other than an old school photo shoot-

Sleepy Jack

Pensive Jack

Surprised Jack

Innocent Jack

Dreamy Jack

After our photo shoot we drew on the AquaDoodle mat that I bought on clearance awhile back for a future gift...but I just couldn't wait. It was a great day just my little man and I...I miss that more than anything in the world!!!