Our Birthday Staycation

Adam is 30!  WOW!  I didn't think anything of the number 30 until I realized that my husband is now in his 30's.  Not that I think it's old but it sounds soooooo different than being in your 20's. 
So Adam is 30?!?  I still can't believe it.
Anyway...
Our original plan was to take a trip to the beach, however with the unknown amount of work we need to do on the rental before we sell it and the cost that adds up with every new project; we thought it best to save money on a memorial weekend inflated hotel price and stay home.  Adam took off from Thursday to Monday. 
Thursday we spent the afternoon with Adam's parents eating way too much and showing off all the cute things Zack is doing.
Friday we went to the Science Museum in Raleigh and ate lunch downtown. 

In front of the Cree LED display

Zack was not happy I took him away from daddy for a picture.

Saturday we spent the whole day at the pool (minus Z's nap time which was a perfect break from the sun).

We got Z ready for bed dropped him off at his girlfriends house and went to dinner and a movie.  Indian food and MIB 3 in 3D...perfect to celebrate my man.
Sunday we went to church, had lunch with Adam's Chinese coworkers and Adam took them downtown for some sight seeing.
Monday we went to the pool and got some energy out at the mall.
It's Monday night and I am so thankful for the time we have had together.  I am kind of glad that we didn't go away...I mean the packing and preparation, the sleeping in a hotel, the traffic, the laundry pile after.  I know this is a pretty lame way to celebrate such a major milestone but we all had a great time (and when I say all I mean mostly Zack...I don't know what will happen when Daddy isn't here to play all day).

My New Pantry

I am so obsessed with my new pantry.  It may be small, it may have to hold kitchen items that don't fit in cabinets and unopened wedding gifts that we love but don't need and would be too difficult to unpack only to pack it back up (I really can't wait to settle).  Now...thanks to canisters from Ikea and labels I made using basic shipping labels and Microsoft word (there is probably a better way, but word works for me).
I have gone back and forth on weather I should purchase organizing containers now or wait until we have a more permanent home.  Plus I HATE spending money on containers (meanwhile I LOVE new containers).  I told Adam all I wanted for mothers day was his permission (which I didn't need...but it helps) to buy supplies to organize the pantry.  He approved and I went to Ikea!
I figure any home we buy will have more cabinets or a bigger pantry and most likely both than our apartment so it shouldn't be a problem fitting everything.

ahhhhh...I can see what I have!

So I had to take a cereal picture...each of these boxes cost less than 50c (thanks to coupons).  I actually paid almost $1 for the Apple Jacks...I wasn't happy about it but I splurged for my little boy.



I used shipping labels and digital scrapbook paper for my labels.  The shipping labels are much cheaper and have more pages than the full sticker sheets.



I used the same label layout but printed these on card stock and tied them to the bins using twine.

I am not totally finished, I have several other things I want to put in glass canisters and I want to get a shoe organizer for our sauces (you know what I'm talking about if you have been on pinterest at all).  I am finished for now though and I am extremely happy with how nice everything looks and how easy it is to keep neat.

At The Mall

The other day Zack and I went to the mall to get some energy out without having to worry about sunscreen.  I have a feeling we will take a lot of mall trips.  We don't shop we just walk and ride the elevator and escalator and run around the play area.  I am teaching Zack to stay near me and it works...sometimes. 
At the play area we noticed several kids with balloons and rather than let Zack steal balloons from other Children I hunted one down at the Nordstrom Kids Shoe department.

Helium always confuses and frustrates Zack.  I usually tie a balloon to his belt loop but this balloon had a weight.  unfortunately it was still put the balloon a little out of reach.

I love how he carried the balloon around the mall...again the string would make it easier.

My favorite is the string following him.

Zack's Words

Because this is my baby book and Zack seems to be learning so much I figured I would make a list so I don't forget.

ma ma ma ma - (always 4) Mommy
da da da da - Daddy  (sometimes just da)
ba - ball
daw - dog
goose - juice
toose - shoes
bu - boo (as in "I am jumping out from behind the couch to scare you"...we don't do peek-a-boo anymore)
wa wa wa - bye bye (only says it sometimes but waves for both hi and bye)

He also makes some animal noises
When you ask what a dog says, or if he sees a dog he says "pfffff"
when he sees a sheep in his book he makes the "baaaaa" noise
sometimes a monkey makes him say "ah ah ah" in a really high pitched voice
and any other animal makes him "roar" we are working on that

I am really excited that he understands what I am saying. 
When I say the word outside he runs to the door and points to the cabinet with his outside ball and says "ba ba ba..."
When I say shoes (if we are near the door) he will bring me his shoes sit in my lap and say "ba ba ba..." pointing to the outside ball cabinet.
When I say snack he gets really excited and runs into the kitchen and stands by the pantry.
When we say bath he runs into the bathroom and puts his hands under the faucet waiting for me to turn it on.

Positive (Round 2)

I have taken one VERY positive pregnancy test.  I am really excited that there were two very solid lines on the test.  With Zack I took 6 tests that were all very faint even at 7 weeks (the day of my first appointment).  The faintness only made me question weather I was actually preggo or just wanted the test to be positive so badly that I imagined a second line. 
Is it possible for kid #2 to have second child syndrome while in the womb?  I am already treating my #2 differently.  With Zack I got my body into the best shape before I was pregnant and started eating really well once we decided we were ready to start a family.  This time I stopped exercising (not that I exercised regularly anyway) in case I have a blood clot like I had with Zack.  When the doctor saw the clot he told me no lifting more than one bag of groceries and no extra activity.  I was thinking about that today as I ran from my car to the apartment carrying Zack, 3 bags of groceries, my coupon book and a diaper bag in the rain.  Instead of eating really well I am eating all my favorite foods...just in case I won't be able to eat anything for 7 months again. 
I am basically certain that I am not going to be able to wait as long as we waited with Zack to announce the pregnancy.  It is really hard seeing and talking to friends and family without telling them our exciting news. 

First Pool Trip in 2012

As you may remember Zack wasn't a fan of the pool last summer...

Well this year I decided we need to nip this because little man wants to spend all day outside and where I love taking him outside I am not ready to be outside in the heat all day everyday this summer.  I really need Zack to like taking a dip in the pool to cool off every once and a while. 
The first few seconds looked a lot like the photo above.  After he learned to splash he held on to me as if his life depended on it with one had and splashed with the other.  If I held him out at all he would freak out.  The nervous laughter gives me hope that sometime he will LOVE the pool. 
I didn't get any pool shots because it was just the two of us but after we spent 5 min. in the pool we played...

Zack's version of sitting on a chair

"gis" His word for anything he doesn't know the word for...pointing to an airplane

Is that my kid walking on the grass?  Maybe there is hope for the pool!

After pool relaxation with Sesame Street.  I see London I see France...

Getting the mail

Everyday Zack and I take a trip to the mailbox around 5:00...the time Zack is done with the day but not ready for bed or dinner.  It's a great time of day to go out around the apartment because it's the time people get home from work and walk their dogs...or "daw" as Z-man says.  He loves dogs.  Not touching them but getting close to them and barking at them ("pffff" is his version of woof).  As they walk away usually because the owner figures: ok...this kid really doesn't want to be near this dog...and Zack chases it.  No we will not buy him a dog!

I think the trade off for having a small living space and play area is having the biggest sandbox ever!  And is there a better time to stop and play in the sand than when you are on the way to pick up the mail.

 I can't believe this picture actually turned out alright...you can see we have the same eyes, smile and crazy hair.

 Zack is a big helper.  He always carries my keys.  At first I was afraid to let him thinking he would throw them and I would be stuck somewhere but he holds on to those keys for dear life.  He will even hold the keys through a whole grocery trip. 

I really don't need to check the mail everyday because all our bills are electronic but I enjoy our 30 minute (should be about 30 seconds) daily trip to the mailbox.

Hmmmmmm

Last Wednesday I skipped breakfast.  Not an unusual event since little man ends up eating my food or panting like a dog, crawling up my leg while I try.  Ironic because he won't eat his own food and call me crazy but I don't think I am ready to give Zack a bowl of Special K and skim milk.  I give him milk and cereal of his own.  Anyway I digress...
At around 10 I felt a feeling I hadn't felt since...oh...January of last year.  I ran to the bathroom and threw up the glass of water I just drank.  Zack was taking a nap so I laid down and fell asleep for 20 min.  I woke up and still felt queasy and really wanted a bowl of popcorn (acceptable lunch/late breakfast...right?).  I ate the whole thing.
Hmmmmm.  I knew exactly what the feeling was!  Pair that with the bloating, fatigue and the sudden need for a midnight snack...CAN IT BE?
It was still a couple days early for the EARLY pregnancy test (I know...I hope the morning sickness isn't starting this early).  I took a test a couple days later and there was a faint line...last time I had a faint line it resulted in Zack.  I know that it still could be false but I will take another test this week then call the doctor. 
With Zack we waited 11 weeks (we wanted to wait 13).  I honestly wanted to tell everyone the day of my faint line so if the doctor confirms it I don't know how long we will wait.

Egg Hunt at Duke Garden

I know I am like a month late but these pictures are too cute to keep to myself.  Maybe someday I will get around to posting pictures on facebook again but one thing at a time...

Doesn't he look like a big boy here?

sporting the latest battle wound while trying to pull off the hat

his girlfriend...they are really cute together

His girlfriend's twin sister...I feel like E & Z will be getting in a lot of trouble together.  It's funny that he and P are so close being so different.  I guess opposites attract even at 1.

"ba...ba..ba...ba"

"BA"

Chasing E...with an egg in each hand.

A day in the life...Zack 13 months

After breakfast Zack makes me put his shoes on then he waits by the door...no I don't let him go out like that.

We do some cleaning

We go at least one place everyday...Zack likes to read in the car.

After we get home we go for a walk and usually end at the volleyball court AKA biggest sandbox EVER

Dinner

and yes because of dinner he has a bath every night

Couponing Update

I haven't blogged about it for a while but couponing is awesome.  I am truly addicted.  I had to pay full price for groceries the other day and it ruined my day...not really but sort of.  I only pay full price for bread milk, Zack food or K-Cups.  I try to find these on sale or use coupons...or both...but I have to keep my boys happy!
Last week was super douples at Lowes Foods AND at Harris Teeter.  Meaning they doubled coupons up to $1.99.  That combined with my new found love of printed coupons, my electronic coupons and my fully organized coupon binder made for some AMAZING deals.

Lowes Foods...total cost under $12...for almost $40 worth of food!  Tyson Frozen Chicken Tenders + Oreida SP Fries + 2 bags of Birds Eye Frozen veggies = FREE  Velveta Cheesy Skillets 18c, 2 boxes of Club Crackers $3, 4 Boxes of cereal $3 and Angel Soft TP $4.50  plus tax

This was a lot more money but I picked up some big ticket items...2 packs of batteries, contact solution and spray sun screen.  Total cost under $42.  My favortie deals Starbucks Coffee = $2.50, Wholy Guacamole 50c and emerald nuts (origionally $6.99 each) for $2.50 each.

After a coupon swap and cutting the next sundays coupons I had to go back...



I don't remember the total cost but I got free jelly and free I can't believe it's not butter.  The cake mix and frosting cost me $1.50 for both and the dry shampoo (got 2b brand) was only $1.50.

$4.50 plus tax!

I know what you're thinking...that is a lot of cereal and a lot of butter.  I eat cereal every day and I have enough of a supply that I won't buy anymore unless it is under 50c a piece.  As far as butter we use it and I won't buy that anymore unless it's free.  Other things on my "free" list are jelly, toothpaste, deodorent, and crackers. 
According to my coupon teacher it should take 12 weeks to really see a difference in our grocery budget and I am at that point.  I was able to plan a whole month of meals (I buy and freeze meat when it is super cheap) without needing to buy anything but a few fresh ingredients a week. 

A boy and his "ba"

Zack has a favorite toy.  Not one in particular but something he prefers over anything else.

Anyone who has been around him will hear "ba" over and over...in fact I walk into his room in the morning and say "good morning" and Zack points to the living room and says "ba".



 Should I be insulted that he no longer says "mama" unless he is tired? 



 After I change his diaper and give him some cheerios we like to have playtime in our pj's...or should I say we DID like to have playtime in our pj's. Now Zack brings me his shoes, sits in my lap and holds up his foot and says (something like) tsu...I have a feeling shoe will be his second word. 



 After I put his shoe on (Adam and I aren't indoor shoe people but this isn't a battle I choose to fight) he gets his outdoor ball and off we go. 

How cute is a little boy in overalls?