Iowa 2010, Part II

And by tomorrow I mean two days later of course.

In order to move on to Saturday of our trip I must first address Friday night. Friday night was eventful. Madeline didn't want to go to bed. She was so wound up from being in a new place, with new people, and a new bed that she wouldn't calm down. To add to the crazy Lydia was equally crazy. She didn't want to sleep in the pack n play. So after three hours of crazy Madeline finally settled down and fell asleep. Lydia was shortly there after. That was until an hour later...

Madeline slept through, but Lydia cried every time we tried to set her in bed. For the rest of the evening she slept in 45 minute shots whilst being held by Kevin or I. None of us woke up rested.

Lydia had no interest in napping in the pack n play either. She konked out in the sling instead.


So we made guacamole.


Her neck isn't nearly as strained as it looks in this photo. Promise.

Madeline and Quentin got along famously. They played together all morning and kept each other entertained for most of the football game.

Did I mention the football game? The whole reason we headed up to IA was for a barbeque with Kevin's friends from his Iowa State days. The Iowa State vs. Iowa rivalry game.


This is Lydia watching some other game.

So now for the story you've all been waiting for.

During the game the big kiddos were playing outside in the sand box. Somehow Madeline got sand in her eyes. In order to clean them out as quickly as I could I used saline solution to wash her eyes out.

I have to stop here and interject a bit of commentary. Madeline hates getting water in her eyes. Bath time leads to a huge melt down if water even comes close to her eyes. So me spraying saline into her eyes was probably her personal idea of hell.

By the time I had washed all the sand out of her eyes she was really upset. So upset in fact that we had a repeat of the infamous crying induced vomiting episode. That's right. She puked all over Aaron and Jenny's bathroom, the floor, the shower curtain, herself and me. I had to launder my clothes, Maddy's and the bath mat. I washed the shower curtain separate (because that is what the instructions told me to do) and I cleaned their bathroom.

I couldn't have felt worse. Now I know that it wasn't on purpose. I also know that they felt bad because of the sand getting into her eyes in the first place, but I don't know that I have ever done two loads of laundry and cleaned a bathroom with so much apologizing afterward!



After that was behind us, Madeline recovered quickly. There were cupcakes involved. I truly believe cupcakes cure all.


mg

Because in 1 and 1/2 innings the All Star Game will be over

I have to post the last of our All Star Fan Fest photos now because tomorrow it will just be tacky. And you know me, I hate to be late with posting anything. (Like those 4th of July parade photos I promised and still haven't posted... no, not me!)

Madeline, hanging out in the mock club house.

"But Dad, you have to get me this Cardinal's chair. That is where my sippy cup goes!"

Hanging out with Pujols' jerseys.

"Ok Mom. Take the picture already."

A horrible photo of our family. But I HAD to have a photo of all three of us in our Cards get ups.

Madeline: "Don't make me say cheese again."
Kevin: "I am smiling because Mo says I have to."
Maureen: "Are you smiling? Madeline? Kevin? Look happy damn it. I said smile!"

mg

For Uncle Bryan

It's All Star week here in the STL. With that comes exciting events, lots of increased revenue for our downtown area, and parking problems on our street. Argh!

Friday night the three of us headed down to the MLB Fan Fest to enjoy the festivities. We had fun, but didn't stop to do many of the activities because we had Madeline with us. Two year olds don't generally like standing in lines and most of the fun stuff had pretty long lines.

We did however, stop at some fun spots and Madeline played around.


Madeline, the future of American Softball.

Madeline, hitting home runs in the kiddo batting cages.

For uncle Bryan, who told her to find Fred Bird and say Hi! Sorry, this is the best we could do. The real one must have gone back to his nest for the evening by the time we got there.

mg

Why Legos rule our world

It was five years ago today that Kevin proposed. What does that have to do with Legos you ask?

Everything.

Kevin and I met in high school. One night, being the nerdy and totally boring teenagers we were back then (and still kinda are), Kevin and I broke out the Legos at my parents house. Yes, we were 17 and playing with Legos. Yes, we are both totally cool with that. If only we are so lucky to have teenage children who play with Legos as a fun night in. Legos rock.

Anywho... after making cars and planes and space ships Kevin made me a Lego house. As he handed me the house he said something hopelessly romantic like, "maybe someday, I'll get you a real one, but for now, here's a house." That little house sat on a shelf in my bed room at my parent's for YEARS.

Fast forward 10 years (give or take a few) to Tuesday, June 15, 2004. I had been at the pool all day with the girls I was nannying at the time so right after dinner I hopped in the shower. Kevin said he would be down stairs in the family room watching the Cards game and that I should come down when I was done.

So with my hair up in a towel and my bathrobe on I walked down stairs. Nothing unusual down there except a HUGE box sitting on the coffee table. I asked about the box and Kevin said it was a present for me he had made that weekend. (I had been out of town.) So I opened the box and inside was a large Lego House. At least 10 times the size of the little one he had made me before. I am sure the look on my face was of pure confusion. I had no idea what was going onl.

So he got down in front of me and said, "I told you many years ago I'd get you a bigger house then the one I made you. I know we got this house (meaning our first actual home in which we were sitting in the basement) first, but I still wanted to make good on my promise."

At this point I am still clueless but I remember the little house he had made me years before and hadn't seen since before I moved from my parents house into our house. So I said, "I wonder what ever happened to that little house you made me?"

"You mean this one?" Kevin said as he pulled it from behind the couch I was sitting on. I was shocked and still totally clueless. That is until he opened the little window and I saw that he had propped my engagement ring up inside. One that I didn't know he had, nor had we discussed, but was exactly what I wanted.

To be honest, the rest is a little bit of a blur. I know he asked me to marry him and I know I said yes. Obviously. But what was said and in what order and all of that is a total blur. I do know that at some point I said, "I can't believe I just got engaged in my bathrobe" and Kevin laughed and said, "me either!"

So that explains our Lego cake topper and my June 2009 masthead. I love our story because I've never heard another one quite like it. There are lots of great engagement stories out there. (Which I would LOVE to hear if you want to post yours! Wink, wink! Just leave a comment on this post to let me know you are playing along...) I am just so glad that ours is so us: rich in history, a little sappy and totally quirky!

Thank you Kevin for the best stories to tell.

mg

Superbowl Sunday

One week late. I am trying to get myself caught up.

We watched the Superbowl at Bry and Beth's house! It was their first official party at the new house and we were so happy to be there celebrating with them!

My Cupcake-cake. Isn't it fantastical!
Please don't submit it to Cake Wrecks.

Madeline had a wonderful time playing with her new friend Miles and Beth. They colored and played with puzzles and ran around crazy!

Kevin was totally ready for the 3D commercial break. Isn't he cute in those glasses? I think so.

Madeline was a trooper and showed us all her super hero impression.

mg

Fan fest

Kevin loves hockey (and admittedly, so do I). So today we headed downtown to see the Blues training camp scrimmage at Fan Fest. We went last year when Madeline was only 4 1/2 months old. It was our first real "outing" with Madeline. (We were first time parents and worried about, well, everything.) It was so much easier last year!

I remember feeling really overwhelmed last year. It was the first time we had her in a major public place, and I didn't know what to expect. What if she spit up? What if she needed to eat? Would I be able to nurse her without all of STL seeing? What if she had an explosive poop? What if?!?!?!? It was stressful. I think I brought changes of clothes for all three of us.

This year I didn't have any of the anxiety. So why was last year easier? Because Madeline didn't move. We held Madeline on our laps. She looked around all bobble heady at the people in the stands. Then she slept. She cuddled in our arms and just slept.

This year Madeline was up and down and in and out and around and around... I am exhausted just thinking about it. She figured out how to get into and out of her stroller. So of course she had to practice. She must have gotten in and out at least 75 times. At Least. Having a toddler is wonderful. Even if I am exhausted.

Madeline watching the Zamboni make the rounds before the scrimmage begins. We had just arrived and she was still happily buckled into the stroller. That didn't last long.

My family. You can really see Madeline's blues outfit in this photo. Yes, it is a "cheerleader" style dress. No, it was not our first choice. But do you know how hard it is to find Blues gear for toddlers?!? It is downright impossible. (We went to four different stores.) The stuff we did find was almost as much as a weeks worth of groceries! So I found this dress at a children's resale shop for $7.50. You can't complain about that now can you?!?

The Blues unveiled their 3rd jersey at fan fest today. Within minutes of the jersey being revealed, they had this one in the Blue Note Shop. (They are not officially released until early November, but you can pre-order them now.)

The logo up close. It is pretty slick lookin'. We approve.

mg

Baseball and Beer

I have never had a beer at a baseball game. I don't really like the stuff, and why spent $8.50 for 12oz!!!! That has never stopped me from coming home from a game smelling of the stuff.

Yes, for the millionth time I had beer spilled on me. The guy behind me dropped his cup and it splattered all over my seat and down my back. I just looked at Kevin and started laughing. This is at least the fourth time I have had beer spilled on me in the last three years. (And one of those years we had series tickets in the last row of the upper deck...)

How many times has Kevin had beer spilled on him?

Never. In his entire life. Ever.

I used to come home from Blues or Cardinal games in high school scared that my mom would think I was out boozin' it up. I am a beer magnet and tonight was no exception.

Thank you to Beth and Bryan for the tickets. Really, thank you. We had a great time and they are great seats!

mg

Wacky Wednesday

I am a really poor speller. For that reason alone I hate Wed-nes-days. Now that I got that off my chest I feel better.

**********
Normally the bop-oo is reserved for bed time only. But on Saturday Maddy found one under her bed and brought it out into the living room. I caught this moment and it is now one of my favorite photos of her. Look at those curly locks and big lovely eyes. She really is an amazing little love isn't she?!?

June 28

**********
Madeline is so curious about everything. On Sunday night she kept looking to her grandparents watering can. Just to see if there was anything inside. How cute is she?! (And how pink are those pants! Whoa!)

June 29

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Scott and Becky are in town for the holiday and we have spent time with them every day since they got home. On Monday Kev and Scott got out the RC cars and raced them around the island in the subdivision. Kevin is thrilled to have his best friend home for the week. None of us are getting any sleep! (It is a good thing really...) I got a really good photo of Madeline that night, but I have special plans for it so I am not going to post it now. Try back tonight or tomorrow and I may have finished my project... (that is a tease so you will come back!)

June 30

June 30

mg

Glad I went to bed

The Cardinals lost 20-2. I'd say we made the right choice by going to bed.

I am off to work this morning. (Yes, work. I have been doing some part-time temoprary work at KETC Channel 9 during their pledge.) I am actually working a double today. You do what you have to do to bring home the bacon. I am going to miss my baby girl. I will try to post photos tomorrow.

Life has been kinda crazy. I feel like I have a ton to blog about but I don't even know where to start. I guess I will just start small, and tomorrow.

For now, I am just glad I went to bed when I did last night. Ouch.

mg

Friday the 13th

It really must be Friday the 13th. Have you seen the score of the Cardinal's game? it is the 5th inning and they are loosing 14 to 1. No sense in staying awake. We are going to bed.

mg

Worlds Cutest Cards fan

Madeline or Popeye?

"Augg gug gug gug"

Hello, cutest little girl ever!

mg

Wii

While one of Kevin's co-workers is in Florida this week he let Kev borrow his Wii. Even Madeline has gotten in on the action.

May 5- Look at that swing! She is quite the tennis player.

May 5- "I was totally cheated! That is outrageous! I swung at that ball, I did!"

May 5- "I need a nap."

mg

Opening Day, part II

Opening Day, take 2.



Maureen and Kevin, a little colder, but a lot drier.














Maureen is bringing back the bloomer look with tall socks and short pants.




mg

Opening Day (Take two)

April 1- What do you mean I don't get to go? I don't care that it is a night game!















March 31- The Gibson Family on opening day.


mg

My First...

OPENING DAY!

This time the first is for Maureen not for Madeline. Kevin got an early birthday present from my family... tickets to opening day! Although Kev has been before, I have only seen it on TV. The first three and a half innings were awesome.

We were in section 270 in left field, and we were lucky to be in row 12. We were just under cover. We sat through an hour and a half of rain delay before they called the game and rescheduled for tomorrow night. Wouldn't you know we have tickets to the Blues tomorrow night. (The ONE week we go anywhere and now they are at the exact same night and time!)

This "first" lead to another...


My First...

Rain out!




I must apologize for the poor quality of the photo/video. I took my old Kodak, not the fancy pants Sony. Rain + fp.o.s. Kodak = not so good photos

mg

Go Statesmen!

Our high school's basketball team won the Missouri Class 5 Championships last night 71-62 against defending state campions McCluer North! Woo Who!

Madeline is 8 months old!!

Well this month has been a very, very busy one. Not just because of the holidays but also a busy month of growth for Ms. Madeline! She started crawling on December 5th. That was fun with a Christmas tree up and all! Since then she has stomped all over the house getting into anything left at her eye level!

Just about a week and a half ago she started pulling herself up with out our help. She got a cool bike from Grandma and Grandpa and in order to get to the part that makes noise she has to stand up. It was a great motivator. She is a little dare devil too... she likes to get up on her feet and then let go. This has resulted in a few bumps, but she is not fazed at all. She just gets right back up and keeps letting go!

She babbles almost non stop these days too. She was quiet for a while, but has resumed her constant chatter. It is so much fun to listen to her play with sounds. She is eating like crazy too. She loves peas, sweet potatoes, bananas and just like her daddy, any meat we put in front of her. There isn't anything she doesn't like really, except for broccoli... but who can blame her?!?

January 3
Standing up with a watchful and nervous mother behind her!

January 1
Daddy's girl for sure!

mg

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas too all our readers! We hope your holiday was as relaxing as ours!

**After a long day of celebration Madeline is all tucked into bed and Kev and I are pooped! There are many more photos from the last two days of holiday cheer... but that will have to wait! Rest assured that there will be a glorious and marvelous post in the coming days! For now, we rest!

Much love for a wonderful holiday and an even better New Year!!!

Love,
Kevin, Maureen, Madeline and Olive


mg

Our little Cards fan

The season may be over for the Cardinals, but Maddy is an optimistic fan. She is already looking forward to spring training '08. Maybe the hat will fit a little better by then too!

October 10, 2007

Go Cyclones!!

On Saturday Daddy and I watched Iowa State University beat University of Iowa in football. Dad rocked the T-shirt and I rocked my ISU socks! ISU won ! I am sure it was my socks that did the trick.