The Linley's Plus 1 Make 4

Happy Day-of-Love Day!

2012-02-14T12:00:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone is spending this fun and festive holiday remembering to say I love you...to those you love!

Know someone who may not have a valentine showering them with love? Reach out and let them know you are thinking of them ;)

Enjoy the hearts and glitter and cheesy sayings that abound!

And while I'm at it...Happy Valentine's Day to the amazing boys that have changed my life...I love you so much. More than life itself!

Woot!

2012-02-13T20:19:00.001-06:00

This Momma came home after a long and interesting day to find this:

I should also add my house was a spotlessly clean wonderland!

My hubby is the greatest :)

Happy Day before Valentine's Day!

Refrigerator art love...

2012-02-10T19:35:00.001-06:00

Owen made this with Miss Angie today. Miss Angie is one of our therapists. We heart Miss Angie around here! I also heart him making pictures for us to hang on our fridge!

Thanks Miss Angie! You always have fun holiday crafts for us :)

Time Flies…

2012-02-08T12:00:00.000-06:00

And without even realizing it, days add up and mesh together in a big blur and it’s April. Then it’s July. Then it’s December and you’re reviewing the year that just passed. It’s funny how the year begins slowly and with so much promise. But it seems that all too soon the everyday schedule has once again regained control and the days slip by one at a time without realizing how fast they are moving. I’m so terribly awful about controlling life one week at a time instead of stepping back to look at the whole picture. While I think there is some good to approaching each day as they come along…you can’t only view life that way!

I wrote this post over 2 Decembers ago. And it’s funny how many of my goals did not end up getting accomplished. It’s actually a huge failure on my part, both completing the goals and the following through of posting something about them. There are some reasons why a few didn’t work here and there. But wow. I thought it was funny that I stumbled onto this post as I was contemplating this year and what I wanted to do with it...and also what I wanted to say about last year.

So what did coming across this do for me?? It made me want to picture 2012 as a whole…instead of setting myself up for failure off the get go. No more stating that I will do certain things on a weekly basis or monthly basis or whatever. There are some things oh like bills and grocery shopping...that mostly need done on a weekly basis. But this space is where I log our memories. And I want 2012 to be chuck full of wonderful ones for our little amazing family! So no more weekly anything when it comes to our planning or memory making! I've learned first hand that life happens around whatever you think you have planned! Weekly library trips are great until someone is sick…or Dad is stuck at work late or we get invited to dinner with family or friends. So the short version of what I'm saying is....that if I change the goal to say…Go to the library more…then even just going once a month is ok and not failing my goals! And it's something fun to try out with the boys! So the plan for this year is to change the way I’m viewing what I want to accomplish. More like guidlines or general brainstorming about fun things to do with our time over the next 300 and something days we have left!

Here’s what I want 2012 to look like, if I have any say in the matter. By the season and/or family member but in no particular order of importance:

Winter 2012
Find some fun things to do with the boys on Friday afternoons (look up fun craft ideas for Owen, see about PlayPals for Cooper, maybe sign up Owen for a kids gymnastics or swimming class)

Potty Train with Owen

Take Owen sledding (if it snows enough anyway! We have the snow suit…we just need the snow!)

Get him prepped for Pre-school

Celebrate Isabel turning 1 year old!! (Which we did here...and though Owen and I missed her party because he was sick, we were there in spirit!!)

Spring/Summer 2012

Celebrate Owen turning 3

Take Owen for a photo shoot - scheduled!

Help my hubby prepare for his PE, be his cheerleader and make our trip to Columbia fun - April

Spend the summer enjoying ourselves…swimming, BBQing, playing in the yard

Plant a Garden
Plant wild flowers in our backyard and hang some butterfly houses
Get better about buying bird seed...Owen loves helping feed the birds!
Hang humming bird feeders
Take Owen riding on his tricycle - lots!

Celebrate our newest niece or nephews birth!! Congrats Jackie and Paul!!!!

Take Cooper for 1 Year photo shoot - scheduled!

Celebrate Cooper’s 1^st Birthday - space is scheduled!!

Get ice cream at the local ice cream place...the one that's only open in the summer months and makes homemade waffle cones!

Fall 2012

Celebrate Jer turning 30…do something neat

Celebrate 7 years of marriage

Celebrate Peyton turning 1 year old!
Go to the Balloon Glow in Forest Park
Try to make it to Boo and the Zoo

For the boys

Take them on a for real train ride to Springfield or St. Louis
Visit Kirckwood Train Station

Take the boys to the Linley farm in Wisconsin for a camping trip
Visit the library more often and find some new books

Go to the Botanical Gardens

Go to the Zoo

Go to the Magic House

Take a hike through the Nature Institute and pack a picnic lunch

For myself

Steal my nieces away from their Mommas and do something fun with each of them!!

Blog more Thankful Thursdays – use my phone to help me keep track as the weeks go on

Blog more in general…try some new things…post more pictures…

Save some money - budget, coupon clip, shop around.
Buy a sewing machine...and make some of the stuff I pinned on Pinterest...starting with these
Do a Pinterest craft and blog about it - try to do more than one!
Get more organized!

Go on more dates with my hubby - two scheduled for Feb already!

Take a couples-cooking class at Dierbergs with Jer

Re-organize my digitial photo files
Scrapbook with my bestie lots more

Revamp my scrapbook spaceFinish Owen’s baby book that includes his entire first year – over half way there.

Work on getting Cooper’s book up to speed

Do more Target runs with my bestie

Drink more wine...with my bestie!

Write more letters to my pen pal
Send more cards
Pray
Try Pilates or Yoga on DVD

Perfect my meal planning methods and try new meal ideas!

Read a couple new books (start with Hunger Games...7 chapters in...try to blog about it!)

Not take everything so seriously...I mean life is too short right!?!

And there you have it. Just some general directions for me to head in 2012...I think it's gonna be a great year!

Giving Puffs a Try...

2012-02-07T09:48:00.002-06:00

The first few were a little bit like...this:

But then we got the hang of it. And before we could say Banana Puff, he was picking them up and working on getting them in his mouth! YAY Coop! What a big boy!

Sometimes...

2012-02-06T14:03:00.002-06:00

A momma just needs a little pick me up. The other day...this did just the trick.

Happy Monday everyone!

Happy 6 Months Coop!

2012-02-01T20:00:00.000-06:00

So it’s here! Half a year since and one day this little being entered our lives. Wow. I say it every month as I watch him grow, but I just can’t seem to believe how fast it’s all going!

I decided to save his diaper pics for the post with his doctor's update...so stay tuned for those. In the meantime, enjoy a few pics of him doing his everyday thing...in his usual adorable fashion!

Weight: Will find at the doctor tomorrow!

Diaper Size: 4!!

Eye Color: Crystal Clear Blue and beautiful. Just like his Dadda and Owen's

Other Stats:

**Continues to roll over and over. He now sleeps on his belly all night long. He even has begun to roll himself over and play in the morning till he goes back to sleep. I love listening to him laugh and play in his crib. Such a fun stage we’re getting to!

**Continues to sleep unswaddled…and after one brief hiatus from his usual 10 hours a night sleeping…is back to sleeping before 8pm and waking around 6:30 or 7am!

**Oh the solid foods!! How Cooper LOVES to eat! This kid would prefer, I do believe, to eat every meal from a bowl or jar instead of a bottle J His typical AM eating habits include 3 tablespoons of oatmeal mixed with formula and a container of fruit (any kind…he’s not picky but LOVE his bananas). His PM eating habits include a few scoops of meat (chicken, beef or turkey) mixed in with a veggies (peas are his very favorite!) followed by a whole container of some manner of fruit or Gerber blends yogurt. It sort of feels like I’m stocking up for a bomb shelter when I buy baby food every week! I counted it up. Two containers of fruit a day x 7 days a week. Plus a veggie each night x 7. Plus 3 containers of beef or chicken a week. It equals 24 jars of baby food a week! Add that to his $25 a week cans of formula…holy moly!!!!

Is getting up his elbows and knees really well…crawling isn’t too far off in our future…and so are baby gates and all the safety stuff we need to get back out!

**LOVES to sit. As long as he’s got some pillows around him to protect him when he comes crashing down…he’ll sit 30 minutes or more and just play. Every once in awhile he’ll look up at me with a great big smile.

Continues to laugh non-stop.

Loves to flap his arms with excitement at you…if you do it back he just cracks up

**LOVES his bouncer…I’m pretty sure after him we may need to question the integrity of the entire thing…and whether it would handle baby number 3 if they come along for us!

**Still very into pulling hair, touching, grabbing faces and putting things into his mouth.

**He loves to pull your face to his really close and put his mouth on you like he’s giving you a big sloppy kiss.

**Loves rubbing his Dadda’s beard.

**Isn’t very into sitting alone in a room, sitting in one place for very long or laying down by himself…go figure! He's our kid right? Sitting still is for babies!

Also, in case you want to see what the past 6 months have looked like here are links to

**Thanks Steff for this great idea! I saw you do this with PB’s Watch me Grow posts…even though we’re half way through I thought it’d be the perfect time to start!

Dear Cooper,

Hey baby boy! What an amazing journey we are on in this life huh??

I read a blog recently that talked about the experience each of your children is for you. She was so right. Sometimes I sit back and look at you and your brother lying on the floor next to each other and realize that we did in fact do it. We most definitely created a little family. You and your brother are a piece of me and your Dadda in two amazing little bodies. Two amazing little people that I helped bring into the world. We are lucky buddy! Not everyone gets to do this. Not everyone has the rare gift of having babies. For whatever reason though, God blessed us and put you two in our plans. And not a day goes by that I am not thankful for that!! 6 months has come and gone so very fast. In no time flat you’ll be one and two and then 14 years old. So for now I’m gonna hang onto those chubby little legs and feet w/ the screwed on toes and kissable, bouncy cheeks a little bit longer. Kiss them an extra time or two every day. Because before we know it…well...before you know it.

I love you so much bubba. Happy 6 months!

Love, Your Momma

P.S. I didn’t get to do these letters for your brother…and I’m sad that the idea didn’t come to me. But I did decide that I want to keep writing these…and include you both. So after we celebrate your first birthday (I'm going to slip a few in to Owen before that!), I’m going to start addressing one to each of you and do some reflecting each month. That way I have them to go back to and even put in our family scrapbooks. I think they’ll help you understand…just how very much Dadda and I cherish every square inch of you…our precious children!

Ring that Bell!!!

2012-01-31T13:46:00.000-06:00

I recently received this photo-text from my Aunt! It’s a little blurry...BUT it's so awesome!!! Why?? Because it's my Pap…ringing the bell to signify his final radiation treatment for lung cancer! Go Pap! Such a big step in the direction of getting better!

I should also mention that Praise to God is needed and a big ol’ thanks to everyone who’s been praying! At a recent appointment with his doctor’s at Siteman, Pap was told that his tumor has receded away from his vital organs. They were/are extremely happy with the progress they have had in shrinking the tumor. The doctor said, and I quote, “I do believe we are going to beat this!”

It’s pretty amazing news to hear for this family! And prayers for the chemo treatments which began a short while ago and will continue for many weeks ahead.

Pap keep your head up and keep on fighting. We LOVE you!!

Woody the wounded!

2012-01-30T12:00:00.000-06:00

Woody, probably wishes he never set his perfectly pointy, cowboy-booted feet anywhere near our house. In our house, we have a dog. Her name is Deci. Among her many talents, destruction by teeth tops the list!

Woody lasted about one week after the Christmas holiday and I picked him up off the floor looking like this:

Poor Woody!

In an update about this particular massacre, his legs were sewn back up thanks to Grandma PJ. Woody lives to see another day!!

A Chubby Boys Bath time!

2012-01-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

Cooper LOVES to look at himself in the mirror. He smiles non-stop. How could you not when this chubby little face is staring back at you??

I should also point out that this big guy is now seated in a bath chair for all baths! He loves to play with the bubbles and chase the blue cup we use for rinsing hair (well Owens hair) all around the tub in front of him.

This Momma loves, loves, loves bath time in our house!!

Surgery Wrap up!

2012-01-28T15:18:00.003-06:00

After his nap in Dadda's lap, Owen woke up more like himself. He was talking to us instead of crying. The nurse said home and he said Home? Bye Bye?? Okay! He didn't even cry when she took out his iv and untaped one of the sensors that were left on his chest. He was our great big champ and I am so proud of him!

They warned us that eye patients often get sick on the ride home or once arriving home just due to adjusting to their vision and eyes being messed with. This little guy was green on the ride home as you can see from the picture...but never did get sick. Even once we made it home he was a champ. He was quickly asking for chocolate milk and cookies...which is all he ate for dinner! But come on...this kid could have asked me to cut off my left arm...and I would have tried to figure out a way to do it!

Since being home Owen went a few days doing great...and then Friday evening spiked a fever. After a panicked call to Children's it was thought to be a coincidence of timing. Go figure! We sooo should have known O would come down with a virus or something! I mean we did go to a hospital.

Anyway, surgery was a success. His eyes are seeming to heal nicely. The ointment we put in twice a day seems to be a nice relief for him when they appear to be irritated. We go back in 3 months to the Eye Center for follow up...until then we're nursing a fever ridden little boy who can't seem to catch a break! Prayers for this family as we deal with our 5th round of fevers since the end of October.

All finished up!

2012-01-24T11:19:00.001-06:00

He's all done and back with us! I'll post more once were home and settled in. For now we nap in dadda's lap!

Away he goes...

2012-01-24T07:40:00.001-06:00

After an interesting morning of fishy-covered hospital gowns, Lightning McQueen stickers, and a very special medicine, everything is under way.

Our big brave boy is back in surgery! Now we just wait...

Almost Ready…

2012-01-23T15:39:00.001-06:00

It is official.

Tomorrow, Owen’s eye surgery will be taking place! I have received the call from the Day Surgery Nurses and everything is set to go. We report to the hospital at 6:15am.

Some other tid bits of information??

Tonight after 12am Owen can only have white soda, water or apple juice

Tomorrow after 4am Owen can’t have anything else to eat or drink

We have watched the DVD, read the paperwork two or three times, packed Owen’s Lightning McQueen blanket and his Woody doll for him to take into surgery with him…

And think we know what to expect. Note the words THINK!

Here we go big boy! Tomorrow we’re gonna go straighten out those big beautiful blue eyes of yours. Hopefully this time tomorrow we’re home on the couch watching Lightning and Mater race in the World Grand Prix and drinking all the chocolate milk your little heart desires!

Stay tuned for updates!

Date night with the hubs…

2012-01-23T11:38:00.001-06:00

I post a lot about our kids on here…and I realize unless Jer and I make a big trip somewhere, there isn’t much about our going’s-ons. We recently went on a date…first in a while actually…and enjoyed some much needed adult time! On our date we:

Had a delicious dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings

Shopped at an Old Navy and sent a funny pic to Steff and Bry

Decided to frequent a neat little place called Global Brew…where our samples of beer…known as a beer board…left a little to be desired. We had a good laugh about it though J

We also realized we are getting old because the place was so loud we ended up texting each other across the table so we could talk.

Like I said…we’re getting old!

What I realized is that I’m blessed because this guy still enjoys my company so much and I in turn can't think of anyone else I'd rather spend an evening drinking strange beers and laughing about it with.

AND I'm also thankful that after all the years we’ve been together as a couple (14 years this February!!!), we still have so much to say to each other when it's just us!

Love you Jer.

Surgeries, therapy, preschool and a smattering of updates!

2012-01-21T11:12:00.003-06:00

It’s 2012…over 2 weeks into 2012…and boy have I been slacking! What’s new? Lately it seems that my blog mantra has been filled with these same sentiments. Maybe if I stop beating myself up about it, it won’t feel so guilty about not posting?? Anyway...moving on...

I love the feeling of a new year. How it refreshes and motivates me to get things a little more organized, start fresh and re-set and create new goals. I want to start my first couple posts focusing on getting all caught back up about general Linley goings-ons. I hope you enjoy some general catch up from the trenches of this thing we call life!

Surgeries…oh will be I happy girl when January is over!! January 20^th my Dad went in for a procedure having to do with his heart. He has a condition called Wolff Parkinson White. My laymen’s understanding of this condition is that there is an extra nerve in the electrophysiology of his heart…and it causes it to beat differently than most. There are dangerous risks involved in carrying on with this condition. Not the least of which can be cardiac arrest. Dad recently gave us all a great scare when he was admitted to the ER with a heart rate of 214. After a night of observation he was told that he did not in fact have a heart attack (praise be!), but that due to his condition he was lucky that in the almost 30 years since he was diagnosed that it was the only episode he’s really had! Dad was referred to a specialist who deals with WPW and based on his first appointment with this doctor was told he needed to have a procedure that will eliminate that extra nerve. The procedure took just under 3 hours to complete and Dad was home resting early in the evening last night. He goes back in a month for a new EKG and following that another 6 months later to ensure that little bugger of a nerve didn't regenerate itself! Thank goodness for medicine and the amazing things they can do! On the flip side the doctor took one look at me yesterday and said, you are his daughter? I highly recommend you get an EKG just to be sure you don't have the same condition. Apparently you can walk around your whole life with zero symptoms and still have it! Interesting and good to know!

Then let's see...January 24 (THIS TUESDAY!!) Owen will go to Children’s Hospital for his eye surgery…so far everything is the same as the last time we mentioned it. Momma and Dadda and everyone else are nervous…and anxious for this to be over! Nothing new here…just marching towards the scheduled date! This coming weekend we will share a video with him and talk to him about what he will be going through on Tuesday. I also answered a bunch of health questions for a day surgery nurse and got some basic instructions yesterday. We can bring a favorite blanket or toy for him to take with him...also to bring sunglasses b/c his eyes will be weepy and sensitive when we leave. Um...queue the tears!

Speaking of Owen, we have embarked on the final 3 months of Owen’s therapy. He is finally rocking and rolling with a speech, developmental and occupational therapist 3 hours a week. To say that the journey has been easy is a lie. But the hardest part about the journey has not been the therapy itself. That part…what we have received anyway, has given us great empowerment and motivation as parents. We have great tools to use…and we’ve learned a lot about the kind of parents we want to continue aspiring to be. And how best to get Owen all that he needs to learn and thrive in toddlerhood And best of all...Owen has soaked up everything like a sponge and turned into a talking machine! But the program we have been involved with…has put us through some interesting trials. And it’s unfair just as everything is settling out and we’re getting Owen the complete package he was supposed to have since July, that we will have to be leaving the program. Regardless, Owen’s care is our top priority. I would like to get into a post all about therapy and what it has done for our house and how it has helped us teach and work with Owen in a more positive way…and I will. Very soon so stay tuned!

Speaking of leaving programs…Owen turns 3 in March. This means that as he exits the Early Intervention Program, he will be entering the Early Childhood Program through our school district. We toured the school in December and Owen loved it. And we go back February for an evaluation and to make the final decision about Owen attending this school beginning in the spring. If he does qualify, he will begin preschool 5 days a week for a few hours each day. I’m excited for him and also not sure I’m ready! (It's all about me right?!?) So 2012 is going to be a big year for us! One entering preschool and one turning one!

What else is happening??

For the most part the beginning of our year is pretty quiet! Or maybe not really?? BUT:

This little lady in our life will turn one on the 24^th and we get to celebrate her 1^st Birthday party on the 28^th. We cannot wait!!

Jer and I have a couple fun dates planned to help us get in some more husband and wife time together…we were a little short on that last year what with having a new baby and all!

AND we’re also on the countdown for this big guys 3^rd birthday!

And finally Jer will sit again for his PE in April and we’ll be making the trip down to Columbia as we did last spring…and Jer will be taking classes for about 8 weeks in a row on Saturday mornings prior to the test. Prayers for my hubby as he prepares to have his brain grilled once again.

So that’s a quick glance at what’s up and coming with the Linley’s…I hope everyone is having a wonderful start to a fresh new year!

Ever heard the saying…

2012-01-19T11:20:00.005-06:00

Don’t Wake a sleeping baby???

Um yeah…those words are so important to remember!!

So last night, Mr. C decided to cram his head into his crib rails at 2:30am. When Momma tried to move him back, she scared the diaper off of him because he wasn’t truly awake…there was jumping, crying that turned into full on screaming and guess what? He woke up. A lot.

Guess who’s been up since 2:30??? DING DING DING! He never did get settled until oh…5am. We did a lot of rocking and then putting him down. He'd be good for 10 or 15 minutes…then begin the kicking of legs, rubbing of eyes, and waking of his cute little self. There also lots of smiling…like Hi Momma. I’ve had 8 hours of sleep…I’m rested. Feed me. Play with me. Let me put my slobbery-covered fingers in your 2am mess of hair and grab your lips. Are you awake? You should be! It’s fun!

He’s lucky he’s cute that one!! It was shades of Owen…and he’s lucky he's cute too.

Regardless...the saying don't wake a sleep baby? It should also translate to...Don't wake a sleeping Momma. Or...don’t mess with momma in the middle of the night. More precisely I mean don't mess with me between the hours of 12am and 3:30 or 4am. My REM Cycle doesn’t allow interruptions without stomping, groaning and flat out impatience with being awake!

That’s all for now. Thanks Coop for reminding that I can in fact operate (i.e. shower, dress myself, drive a car and work) on 4 hours of sleep. Woot!

Happy 5 Months and counting...Mr. Cooper!

2012-01-12T21:25:00.002-06:00

And the Mother of the Year Award goes to...ding ding ding!! I've been delayed in posting my blessed baby boy's 5 months photos and stats...for oh...half the month!! But I'm hoping I won't be so late next month...and Cooper will one day find it in his heart to forgive me! I love you bubba! Sorry these are delayed.

Here's what our little bruiser has been up to the past few weeks:

Weight: 18lbs!!!!! Momma's arm is done with the carseat carrying!

Diaper size: 3 in dailies and 3 in overnights (yep...we need overnights for our sleeping champ who sleeps almost 11 and 12 hours a night consistently!)

Eye Color: Still Blue!

Starting to push up on his hands

Can roll over all ways - he's a maniac if you lay him on the floor and will roll half way across any room!!

Transferring things from one hand to another

Can put his pacifier in his mouth...ok sometimes it's in backwards or sideways...but even still!!

Stores food in his cheeks for winter...or we think it appears that way anyway!

Sleeping unswaddled - 3 nights in a row so far!!

Drool factory continues from last month stats and according to the doctor...no teeth yet!

Paid a visit to our doctor after a week long cold left him pulling on his ears. They were perfect...so it was just a fake out! But he was snotty none the less!

Laughs uncontrollably at being tickled.

Loves to have me pull his bink out of his mouth with my teeth and grab it from me

Eating solid foods...and LOVING it! He is eating oatmeal and fruit in the morning. At dinner time he's eating a meat, veggie and another fruit. So far his favorites are anything with bananas, oatmeal and peas! But let's be serious...the kid LOVES to eat and he's got the perfect chubby rolls to prove it :)

LOVES his Baby Einstein bouncer, doorway bouncer and his puppy dog that sings to him in the pack n play!

Loves putting everything into his mouth...hair, fingers, toys, Owen's foot. It doesn't matter. If he's got it in his hand it's going in his mouth!

And yep...still bald as a cue ball!!

**Shout out to Uncle Josh and Aunt Katie for the adorable hat :) It was the perfect January diaper pic addition!!!

Dear Coop,

It's crazy to think that in a few short weeks we'll have had you for almost half a year. Where does the time go buddy? You continue to be an absolutely amazing joy for our family. Your brother doesn't like to go anywhere without you and you seem to adore him just as much as he does you. I LOVE watching you two together. Listening to you laugh makes the world stop spinning for a second and I remember how truly blessed I am in this life.

I love your chubby little self to a million pieces sir. Just like your brother. And your Dadda.

Thanks for being adorable happy you and making my life complete!!

Your Momma :)

Thoughts on Cold and Flu Season…

2012-01-11T18:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Cold and Flu Season,

Let me just stress, how much we hate you in our house!

That is all.

Kindly Bug Off. The Linleys

Our 2011 Holiday

2012-01-10T22:04:00.002-06:00

What did our holiday season look like this year? Well my dear readers…it looked prettygreat!! We started celebrating theholiday early and wrapped it up on New Years Eve night. It was busy and full andwonderful! Just the way we’vegrown to love it! Settle in...there are lots of pictures!

Celebration #1

December 18^th had our annual Flory Family get-together. We’ve never officially called it that…but that’s what I think I’m gonna call it! It’s basically just that. The Flory side of our family gathering in one spot to celebrate!

This year was no different than any other. Wonderful food, drinks and of course company!

Uncle Doug has an amazing drum collection…and Owen LOVES exploring and making music with him!

A Cotton Eyed Joe singing Bear made its way into our White Elephant Gift Exchange…and this prompted tons of dancing from Mr. O!

We ended the night listening to Pap strum his guitar and watching his great grandson cross the room to put his hands back on the strings and ask him to sing some more. We heard some Johnny Cash and Jingle Bells and the night was complete.

Christmas Eve

This year we had the rare pleasure of spending a Christmas Eve with zero plans. No get together, no food to make, no where to be! What did we do with this? We seized the opportunity to have some wonderful family time!!

My favorite part of the day included watching Owen help make his first ever batch of sugar cookies. He LOVED it! Every detail. The flour. The cutters. The decorations. It was priceless in my book!!

We took off to view some Christmas lights in the area that evening, and Owen and Coop crashed before we even got to the first display. But Jer and I enjoyed a little quiet husband and wife time talking about our kids and our year and life in general.

When we got home we got the boys settled down and capped off our night with the fireplace roaring and Christmas Vacation playing. I could go for lots more days just like this one in 2012!

Christmas Day

On Christmas day we woke up early to the pitter patter of little feet making their way to our room. When we stumbled out of bed the following conversation took place:

Me: Owen, Santa brought you presents buddy. Are you excited?

Owen: Santa?!? Presents?? WHERE?!?!?!?

Me: Under the tree

And the rest is history! Following our morning of family time, we headed off to visit the Linley side of things! We ate some delicious snacks and enjoyed some wonderful memory making! We headed from there to the Lambie side of things where we enjoyed more wonderful family time, gift opening and delicious food!

We made it home at 9pm that evening, full, exhausted, and loaded down with more gifts than you can even imagine but so very blessed!

New Year’s Weekend

We wrapped up our holiday season with a Walnut and Wisconsin gathering of Linley's! It was nearly 30 people strong and was the lovely, messy chaos we've come to expect and enjoy when gathering our whole crew together! There was again delicious food, unwrapping of presents, catching up and lots of laughter.

And that's a wrap...we were so exhausted when we got home, we didn't even make it to see the ball drop!

But guess what? Watching it or not, 2012 came just the same!

This particular set of Linley's is one lucky bunch and we had an amazing holiday season.

Here's hoping that everyone had a wonderful Christmas season this year! Until next year!!

Lots to be blogging about...

2011-12-30T21:44:00.001-06:00

But since we have one last holiday gathering to enjoy, I'm gonna hold off on posting anything about the holidays just yet! I can say its been a blessed season for us!!! Until then...enjoy some candids of me and my handsome boy!

Ho Ho Ho!!!

2011-12-24T18:00:00.000-06:00

I have mentioned in years past that Santa pays a special visit to our local State Farm office. This year we were excited to continue the tradition and share it with Cooper! I was hoping Owen would be a little more warmed to the idea of meeting the big guy dressed in red. But you just never know! Strangers are strangers…even if they do promise to bring you presents. He does after all say he watches over you…even when you sleep…

But…we were pleasantly surprised when Owen ran to Santa to give him a great big hug this year :) The boys sported their first official "matchy matchy" outfits and could not (in this mother’s opinion) have been any cuter!!!

Everyone had a most wonderful visit with the Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Big thank you’s go out to Karen Wilson’s State Farm Office and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. We are so lucky to have a wonderful office filled with friendly faces we know and love!

Here's hoping everyone is gearing up for their special visitor :) We'll be reading the night before Christmas just before heading to bed! Happy Christmas Eve!

Owen to Cooper: "Pssst Cooper...I heard this guy brings fun stuff if you're good!"

And we ran into this adorable princess there as well!

Ahh cousins!!

Owen to Isabel: "I'm makin' a break for it."

Celebrating my 29th!!

2011-12-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

I just celebrated my 29th birthday...the last...one...hold your breath...of my 20's!! It was just a couple weeks ago. Honestly, does 29 feel any different? No. Because truth be told, I'm still me. Just another 24 hours older than the day before. Now next year...when we're talking about 30...hang on to your seats!

But anyway...I wanted to share a link to my best friends recent post. This particular family of 3 is a pretty amazing bunch and I was blessed enough to spend my 29th celebrating with them. We had pizza, wine, opened presents for the kiddos and trekked out to see lights in a giant Suburban. Two hot chocolates, 2 bottles of formula and LOTS of laughter later we were home by 9pm and exhausted. I will never forget the look on Steff's face when she climbed back in the back seat next to me after feeding Peyton her bottle and securing her back in her seat. All while watching a lights display mind you. She said...I'm exhausted! And I thought...ME TOO!! But we wouldn't have it any other way. It's always an adventure and I couldn't pass up the chance to share our adventures.

Thanks for a wonderful evening and a most memorable celebration!! From her blog to you all! Enjoy!

My Favorite Holiday Tradition

2011-12-23T20:00:00.000-06:00

In case it escapes anyone reading, this is my favorite time of year! I love it all. The red and green. The snowflakes. Santa Claus. The giving spirits. The Christmas Story being told at church. But one of my most favorite things to do is head out to chop down a tree. Wandering the tree farm looking for the right one and smelling the fresh pines…it doesn’t get any better!

We trekked out the day after Thanksgiving for a fun filled afternoon of tree-getting and family time! Cooper was an awesome sport as we stuffed him into the carrier and exposed him to the cool afternoon air. Owen’s favorite part was Molly the German Sheppard and the tractor ride from the building to the trees (she made our Christmas card!). Once again this year we chose Mill’s Apple Farm. It is not a fancy place, but it has all the charm you could ever need and the friendliest people on the planet!

It was a great afternoon that we capped off with our first trip through Rock Springs Park. A local park in town decorates the entire thing for the holidays. Lights go from the ground to the sky and we usually make at least one or two trips through each year. Again as I said…it’s my favorite time of year. Lights are included on my “No Holiday Season is complete without” list! Owen said, and this is a direct quote: “HOLY COW!” “WOW!” followed by “LIGHTS!” This was followed by nothing but silence and a very contented stare out the window for the rest of the ride! I never want to forget this moment…for the rest of my life! You are a boy after your Momma’s heart Owen!!

12 Days of Cookies and a Christmas Craft!

2011-12-23T12:00:00.000-06:00

I am very happy to say for the 3^rd year in a row, I have received the Food Network’s friendly free email called 12 Days of Cookies. For 12 days in a row beginning in December, you receive 12 fabulous new recipe ideas for cookies! I was also exited to learn that Betty Crocker has something similar called 24 Days of Cookies. It is just like Food Network…but twice as long. If you are a cookie baker, or have need to find some new holiday recipes…check out these fun free holiday options!! I plan to go through my emails and pin my favorites to Pinterest! Isn't Technology great????

Now onto my Christmas Craft...I am not sure exactly what made me think of this particular craft idea…I think it's a mash up of a few ideas I've seen around. But I want to share with everyone a fun new tradition I hope to start with my family each year.

Thankful Paper Chains
These aren’t just your average paper chains…no sir! In the middle of the chain you will find handwritten moments courtesy of me! Before putting these together I sat down and did some reflecting on 2011 and what I am thankful for this year. They were super easy and I'm so glad I took the time.

Step 1 Make your list of thankful/favorite moments from your year. I used our blog to jog my memory and also just let myself reflect on the months that went by.

Step 2 Cut strips of construction paper. I chose red, white and green, but you could use a rainbow of colors. I cut my strips into 1 1/2 inch strips. You could smaller or bigger! It's all up to you!

Step 3 Using an archive safe marker I jotted all my moments down (despite the fact that I HATE my own handwriting...I did it for memory keeping sake!) I included dates when applicable and anything else about the moment that was important or made it special! I could have gone on for days writing, but stopped for sake of time.

Step 4 Using a scrapbook stamp pad I inked the edges of my chain. It gave it the rustic look that matches all of our holiday decor.

Step 5 Have some little hands or your own help you assemble. I simply used a glue stick. It reminded me of elementary school!

Step 6 Hang on your Christmas tree or display with your holiday decorations. Ours is on our tree. I need to add some links so it will wrap the whole way, but I figure for the first year, it's a great start!!

I plan to cut the chain after Christmas and include it in my scrapbook with our pictures from the holidays :) Next year I'm hoping to do this the day after Thanksgiving when we normally begin putting up all of our holiday decorations and preparing for Christmas! I’m excited for Owen to be able to begin sharing with us and writing his own thankful thoughts on these chains and eventually Coop as well.

I hope everyone is knee deep in wrapping paper and cookie baking and celebrating the birth of Jesus in lots of special ways!! Happy Holidays!

Enjoy some more pics of my helping hands :) While Momma wrote, he was making a foam snowman ornament. He was covered in stickers and marker at the end but we sure had fun!! Thanks O man for a wonderful afternoon together.

I have come to realize…

2011-12-23T07:30:00.000-06:00

Me, blogging and the holidays don’t mix! I haven’t blogged since the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It’s my own fault…but it’s just ridiculous!! It’s not that I don’t have ideas or worse than even that…that I don’t have the blogs ready to go. Because I DO!! I have blogs drafted that just need pictures thrown in and they are ready to post! ARRGHH! So my apologies for the long term absence…if I look back at my blog from past holidays, it usually happens this way. It just seems that I get busy with the events taking place. I get the pictures and get the ideas rolling and then the execution fails! I guess it’s just a typical year for me right??

Anyway…my holiday break from work has just begun…and I have all kinds of great stuff ready to go! Enjoy the Linley 4 holiday highlights that are on their way and everyone have a safe and Merry Christmas!

Set the date

2011-12-06T12:00:00.000-06:00

Imentioned here that Owen would be most likely need to have surgery on his eyes.At our last follow-up visit to Children’s on November 11, they did one final measurement to ensure the condition wasn’t correcting itself, therebyeliminating the need for the procedure. Based on this appointment and alongwith findings from the last one, it was determined that he would definitelyneed the surgery. So we wereencouraged to move forward with setting the date. January 24^th Owen will go in for his first andhopefully only procedure to correct his cross-eye issues.

Whatelse do I know? Honestly,lots. Probably more than I really wantedto!! We were given a brochure,some paperwork with an in-depth description of what to expect, along with detailsof the surgery itself. Thosedetails leave me a little more nervous than before. What was initially describedas a simple procedure, sure sounds more serious in writing. Our short 30 minuteprocedure turned into “could be anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. Sometimeslonger depending on what is found.” He will have to wear a hospital gown. There will be a koolaiddrink that is given to help him get sleepy before any kind of iv or otherthings are done. While there is noovernight stay, we do have a 3 hour waiting period before he will be releasedto go home. Our no post-op downtime turned into “most kids are sluggish from the anesthesia for the remainderof the day,” as well as an antibiotic ointment will have to be applied once aday for 7 to 14 days following the procedure. The whites of his eyes will bered and irritate for weeks following the surgery…and the words no stitches,should have been “no visible stitches” as there will be stitches internallythat dissolve. Also interesting tonote, 20 to 40% of kids need a repeat surgery because the surgery just doesn’ttake. Which is the same as 80% chance of no repeats, but I guess the spin is different. Also problems can arise up to 10years later. Some kids needs onlyone repeat. Some kids need 4. He will end up being monitored for therest of his childhood.

Allthat being said our pediatrician assured us that they do not just performsurgery on a whim. If they decide to do it is because they have thoroughlyreviewed his case and feel it is necessary. So, while all of the above scares the pants off me and makesme nervous for my little boy…I am comforted remembering we are doing what’s inhis best interest in the long run!

Anyway…Iam usually a more information is good kinda gal. But for now, I just want to pretend I didn’t read itall. And when we get a little bitcloser to his appointment…I’ll pick it all back up and read it again. They gave us a wonderful set of papers, books and a DVD to share with Owen before the surgery so he is more prepared. We will also read a book or two to Owenabout surgeries and going to stay at the hospital. Just so he isn’t as scared. It is still a little ways offand we have lots of wonderful Christmas things to concern to ourselves with atthe moment. But don’t you worry.I’ll be back! We return January 13for follow-up measurements and then again on the 24^th for thesurgery itself.

Fornow we just wait!

Happy four months Coop!!

2011-12-05T07:50:00.000-06:00

Crazycrazy crazy! Our littlest man is 4months old!! Here are some statsand interesting tid bits about our adorable little guy.

Lookingback Mr C’s 3 month diaper pics weren’t super flattering. Sooo…Mommy is making up for it thismonth!! Happy chubby-little-baby-all ready-for-Christmas photo gazing!

**Weight: 16.9lbs (believe it or not, his big brother still outweighed him at 4 months!)

**Length: 26 1/4inches long

**Head circumference: 41.2 cm

**For anyone interested this puts him in 75% for weight, 90% for length (he's workin' on being tall) and 25% for head size. Not to worry, he was given a "growing beautifully" report from the doc!

**Survived round 2 of shots with zero complaints! A little tylenol helped his sore legs and the next day all was well :)

**Nomajor change in hair. Every time I think he’s getting more, more on the back ofhis head disappears. Poor poorCoop and your bald little head. Thankfully you and Momma are big fans of hats! We gotta keep that noggin warm!

**Eyesare blue!

**WearingHuggies size 3’s! Holy macaroni buddy! Also, are going to begin purchasing Huggies overnights for our littleall night sleeper!!

**Stillsporting the chunky baby look…though he has grown in length and his tummy has gottena little less rotund!

**Continuesto work on rolling over and sitting up. He can now sometimes flip from his belly to his back. Nothing from the back to his belly yet. But he's sure trying!

**Lovesputting everything in his mouth. Our hands, his toys, his teethers. He has also turned into a drool factory. Looks like we’re gonna be sporting a lot of bibs!!

**Officiallyfits in only BIG 3 month clothes, 6 month and also is wearing PJ’s that his bigbrother Owen wore…shhh don’t tell but they are 9 MONTHS!! Me and my big boys!!

**Hasmanaged to stay healthy. Now letme go find some wood to knock on!!

**Continuesto be smily, happy and amazingly content. Again...I need some wood.

**Enjoysbeing held in the evenings…and Momma is happy to oblige!

**Hasbegun playing and talking to Owen. Owen and him played with Thomas and Percy trains the other day and myheart melted into a giant puddle.

**Continuesto sleep all night long. And also has made the transition into his crib. No more bassinet in our bedroom. This Momma had a much harder time thanI anticipated making the switch! Maybe it’s because in the same range of weeks, Owen began staying in hisbig boy bed all night long. Ioften wake at 3am wondering whose house I’m in!

**Celebratedhis first Thanksgiving/holiday event! A fabulous day of family time!

DearCooper,

Anothermonth has come and gone. 4 monthsold buddy. Before we know it youare going to be rolling around and beginning to scoot! I’m excited to watch you show us moreand more of your personality! Youhave so much to say and you pay attention to every single thing going on aroundyou! Your smiles continue to light upour days and remind me we are blessed by you and your sweet big brother.

Loveyou to pieces sir.

Mommaand Dadda

Almost Wordless Wednesday...

2011-11-23T12:00:00.000-06:00

While I was away at a work event this past Monday and Tuesday this photo came through my cell phone courtesy of their Dadda. What a wonderful Monday afternoon surprise! These two faces make everything better :)

Cell Phone Pics!

2011-11-21T12:00:00.000-06:00

On the days when I'm home with the boys and it's just us...I often send pictures and video to Jer. I just like to say hi, love you and miss you. My cell phone is a very convenient way to keep track of these type of photos and also a quick way to capture a video I don't want to miss.

As I was flipping through a few the other day, I realized there were some really cute ones of me and the boys. And honestly the boys in general. So I decided to do a cell phone photo dump :) Enjoy these random selections...from Jessie's Palm Pre...soon to be iPhone!

Going to see Tom Tom!

2011-11-20T12:00:00.000-06:00

Owen is obsessed with Thomas the Train!! When he was first learning to say it, he would call him Tom Tom. Now he is Thonnas. James (the red engine) is also known as Jamie in our house. It wasn't long before we decided we had to take him to see some real life Tom Tom's!!

Before I went back to work, we decided to plan a few fun family outtings. One of the things we did was make a trip to the Museum of Transportation. We had heard there were lots of trains and displays. It was such a fun day with our boys!! We took lots of pictures and enjoyed as much fun as we could squeeze out of our visit!

Riding the miniature train.

Cooper was passed out!

Lots and lots of neat things to see...

We rode a rehabbed street car around...we took seats way in the back in case anyone got rowdy! You never know with these two ;)

Stopping for a snack!

Ringing the big train bell...it was hard work and O needed a little help so Cooper and Dad assisted!

Telling Owen all the place we had been at the end of our day. What an adventure!

Still Sinking in...

2011-11-18T22:16:00.001-06:00

Tonight I took my boys over to see their Great-Grandpa. Pap is what we call him. I believe Pap started during my era...so for all of my 28 almost 29 years, this man, my grandpa, Pap...has been in my life. So tonight I took my boys to enjoy some time with him. It was also for myself...to enjoy time. To see my Pap and remember all the wonderful things I love about him. The evening was not short on the usual Pap-isms. He played his guitar. He said "That's stupid!" He kissed my cheek and called me Jessica. He couldn't wait to ruffle Owen's hair and kiss Cooper's cheeks and make him smile. I think the only discussion we missed was the 255 exchange moving into our area and how much money the state was spending on it. HA! That's my Pap.

But now that I'm home I'm so overwhelmingly sad it's incredible. So I did what I always do, take to my words. To see if I can find some understanding there. Lord, if you're listening tonight...these words aren't here to get them off my chest. I'm sending them your way. So you can help me know what to do with all of this...

On my way to see him, I felt it coming. The sinking feeling that this visit was different. My stomach told me so. I wasn't just going to visit Pap and say hello and have a regular ol' visit. And it was that too...but it was more than that. Honestly, when I got there it was the same way it always is. The boys make him light up like a Christmas tree and it was easy to forget about what's really going on. In fact, Owen was so excited to see him, he knocked him over as he bend down for a hug!

But tonight was different. I realized as I ate dinner with him...and watched him play his guitar for Owen and Owen danced around in my aunt and uncle's living room, that time is so precious. I wondered, if Owen will ever get a chance to remember this about him. Because tonight I stared at a man who has been told he has a mass in his chest. He has cancer. I kept thinking about the words...without treatment 6 months. In the past few weeks he's been at the hospital, getting scans and tests and talking about treatments. Cancer scores another one. This time, its my Grandpa. I hate cancer...so very much.

What I realized tonight is that I think it's all still sinking in...what it all means. Looking at Pap you would never know there's something so dark happening to his body. And I found myself thinking no. He's fine. It's just like always. But it's not. Like I said...it's still sinking in. Until then, I am just gonna muddle along...with this stupid knot in my stomach. The one that moves to my throat and creeps out a couple tears at a time...

Pap, because fighting this is an option, fight hard. Fight hard for you, for us, for your great-grandsons that love you. Please know you are stronger than you know. And you can do whatever you set your mind to. We love you so much.

Should have been in bed...

2011-11-08T12:00:00.000-06:00

But instead, these three goofballs were saying cheese with the camera and giving Owen an improtu lesson on how to use the camera. It's times like this assure me that bending the rules and having some fun are way more important than making sure Owen is in bed at 8:30pm on the nose!!!

Everything Halloween

2011-11-06T12:00:00.000-06:00

So I’m going to take a moment…and brag unabashedly on my kids!! Our boys…are some of the cutest darn kids on the planet! That’s just a mother speaking…but seriously…I love these two!!! And I love how much fun we’ve been having as a family :) Halloween was no different!

We accompanied this adorable Orca Whale:

And this adorable little Green Striped Monster:

On a Halloween extravaganza!!

Here are some of the people we met on our adventures:

A bumble bee…complete with antennae (antennae not pictured here...but her Mommy had backup head gear...she's so prepared!) and a stinger…I'm positive there was no cuter bumble bee around!!

And this sket-a-lin as Uncle Jonnie used to call them! The skeleton outline on her sleeper was hard to see here...but she was perfectly pink and adorable!! I’m certain there was no cuter skeleton than this around too!!

Miss Sket-a-lin meets Mr. Green stripes (a.k.a. her future husband!!)

Maybe I’m just having a proud Momma/Aunt moment…but all these amazing little ones in my life…make me smile :)

Here are a few more shots from our Halloween Adventures!

Also worth mentioning…my love for all things Pinterest led me to feeling very crafty/creative…and after spotting these adorable Halloween buckets at Target in the dollar aisle I threw together a plan in my head. I presented Jeremy with my bag o’ goodies and a very vague description of my idea…and whala! The next day…he came to me saying…so I was thinking about your idea…I think I can make those work…but we need more lights. So I (along with the help of my sweet hubby who is used to my harebrained schemes and making them actually come to life) created this awesome Halloween décor for my mantle! The best part was that Owen loved them!

In progress...

The finished product on display...

More Pinterest love came in the form of these fun rice crispy cupcakes! It was a family affair :)

Eckerts 2011

2011-11-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

This year we made 2 amazing trips to Eckerts. They were both filled with all the usual fall fun we've come to expect! Here is a photo montage of our trips :)

Our first trip to Eckerts was with Mom and Dad and Uncle Josh and Aunt Katie! We loaded up in two cars and took off after lunch time. We got there just in time because as we sat down to enjoy some funnel cake, the line nearly tripled in size!! It was a wonderful way to spend a fabulous fall afternoon and I hope we do this every year :)

Getting Coop all set up in the carrier

Momma and Cooper :)

Mr. Cool

Uncle Josh and Aunt Katie

The big kids :)

Going for a tractor ride

Apple pickin'!

Dadda and the O man

Grandma PJ and O

Waiting for a ride back

Owen taking a ride up top with Grandma and Pawpaw!

He said Bye bye apples!

COWS! Owen was so excited! He even fed them grass and petted them.

Owen taking his first horseback ride!

When he was all done he said, bye cow!

Cookies!! Notice he took one bite out of each and laid them on the table...

Going in for more!

Momma lovin'

Always share :)

Say Cheese!

Our second trip to Eckerts was to explore the pumpkin patch. This time it was just us four. It was a beautiful day for a pumpkin picking extravaganza!

Johnny Appleseed

Directions...

Momma and Coop

Dadda and Owen on the hunt

Momma and Cooper pick a pumpkin!

Bumpy!

At first he didn't like touching the stems...but he got the hang of it and picked one out :)

Momma with her boys

Sharing apple cider with Dad

Attempting to pose for a picture...hard to do with a 2 year old!!

We went across the river on the ferry to find the stand we went to last year to pick up some gourds for me! We decided on our trip back to get out of the car and enjoy the breeze as the ferry crossed back over. While we were outside telling Owen all about the boats and the giant barge crossing the river, he blew us away by pointing at the water and exclaiming WILLY!! He thought Willy the whale (from the movie Free Willy) was going to come jumping up out of the river! Big body of water that looks a lot like where Willy lives...what a smart little cookie! I think we officially have to take him to see a real whale :)

Here he and Dadda are pointing to the water and talking about Willy!

I love this precious face!

The last one of our 20's and Happy Three Months Coop!!

2011-11-04T15:00:00.000-05:00

I had this post ready to go on Sunday...and forgot to hit publish! Sorry Jer!! My full intention was there. But our life has been a little crazy as of late. So anyway...late is better than never right?

This man, has been in my life in some facet since I was 13 years old. I remember sitting next to him in 6th grade computers, 7th grade science and even band in 8th grade.

October 30th marked his 29th Birthday. Wow. Both of us celebrate our final birthday of our 20's this year. Again...wow. While I haven't known him his whole life...I've pretty much known him for half of it. So to say he's pretty important to me is quite the understatement. Of the century!

Jeremy to you on your 29th birhday I just wanna say Happy Birthday. Thanks for spending the last half your life celebrating birthdays with me. Here's to another wonderful 29 :)

I love you always.

I also happen to miss this little bundle of joy's three month birthday...what is Cooper up to these days? LOTS!! Below you will find some stats and my favorite things from this month. Enjoy :)

**Weight: 14lbs 2oz.
**Is still working on his hair. He now has a cute little bald spot on the back of his head from sleeping. But the rest continues to be growing in. It's getting spiky on top...and so far it's dark!
**Eyes appear to be turning/staying blue...yay for another beautiful blue-eyed boy!
**Huggies size 2 remain the diaper choice, though if he keeps growing like this...it may be size 3 by next month!
**He has gone from our skinny little newborn to a hunk a chunk in just the short time between last month and this month!! From 12 to 14 pounds!
**Can officially fit into 6 month outfits. What a fast transition that was!
**Had his first ear infection and 10 days of amoxicillin :( He was such a good, sweet boy for us though, rarely crying at all. He just didn't want to eat much...and that was our cue! Sorry bud, I guess it costs to be the little brother!
**Was treated a week later for reflux and now is on a special formula with added rice starch to help keep things in his tummy better. So far he LOVES the new stuff. And Momma and Dadda are loving that you have more peaceful bottles!
**Is grasping on very tightly to anything and everything..clothes, toys, hair. He's got a serious grip!
**Trying so hard to sit up.
**Loves to play in his Bumbo and under his play gym. He and his octupus have lots of fun conversations!
**Wakes up in the morning with a huge grin on his face. It's the most precious thing in the world!
**Smiles at you before you smile at him.
**Laughs when you tickle his belly, kiss his feet or grab him under his arms
**Laughs when you pop your lips at him or say Boo
**Laughs all by himself when he's laying in his crib playing!
**Enjoys putting his hands together and pulling them to his mouth. It's even more fun when he has a fun little toy in his hands.
**Talks and coos and makes noise NON-STOP. He's gonna be a little talker if his verbal communication keeps going like this!
**Thinks his Dadda is the best thing since bottled formula. If Jer is simply around him, he lights up. I LOVE this!
**Is hitting a stage in the evening where he needs a lot of extra love and attention! At the end of a busy day of play it seems you just don't know quite what to do with yourself! Remember Momma and Dadda love you and we will do everything we can to help you relax and enjoy the evenings as much as possible :)
**Likes to sit in his highchair
**Is very close to rolling over and works really hard to bring his feet up in the air and wiggle around.
**Sleeps...all night long...every night! Bless your little heart Cooper. You're a rockstar sleeper and Momma and Dadda love you to pieces for it!!
**Watches everything going on around him with pure contentment!
**Sleeps better when it's noisy...hmm...I wonder if that has to do with his big brother??
**Besides Momma and Dadda's lack of making the change, is ready to sleep in his crib and be moved out of our room. I thought I would be ready to have our bedroom back...but I honestly keep coming up with excuses not to move him out yet!

Dear Cooper,
Somehow you have already turned 3 months old. I think every letter I write like this will be filled with this sentiment of "my how time flies!" I have enjoyed every minute! You are changing and growing SO MUCH! You were the cutest little monster on the planet this month when we celebrated Halloween. I want to thank you for your beautiful little smile. It makes my day so bright and happy. I can't wait to get home to you after a long day. Or spend a quiet morning before the rest of our house is awake just enjoying a bottle and hanging out :) Thanks for the wonderful addition you continue to make to our amazing little family! God is good to us buddy! He truly is!

Love you, Your Momma and Dadda

Thoughts on...Target

2011-10-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

While I was on maternity leave, I took some time to do some comparison shopping. I began making a few different stops to pick things up from different stores. We use Target for formula and wipes, as well as a huge number of household goods. So we are there weekly. And since we just had a Walmart Supercenter put in just 1/2 a mile up the road from our house, I let myself do some shopping there as well. I also have a few staples I just can't get any cheaper than Aldi's. So all in all I end up doing some shopping at all three places. Knowing I have headed back to work...I am once again battling for time to get through one shopping trip, much less three different places for groceries and household items.  I needed to find a happy medium between price saving and time saving.

Target to the rescue! Recently our Target began renovating the store. It was a welcome and necessary update for the look of the store, but I'm also excited because during the rennovations they added a grocery department.  To say I was stoked was an understatment! My favorite household store combine with the Walmart convenience of grocery. YAY!

**So a little side note about me, if I could, I would spend WAY too much money buying expensive, specialty items at places like Dierbergs and Schnucks every payday whether we needed them or not. That's just me and my I-could-rock-at-being-rich attitude!! To help our budget, I often I forgo the speciality-type stuff (I know whoa is me...there are little kids starving in other countries who would kill for the shoes on my feet and the bottle of water I let go warm and subsequently poured in the dog's water bowl)***

BUT the point is, as Target began adding items to the store, I started browsing.  I have found delicious looking mole sauces in the mexican food section. In the pasta aisle I bought some Giada marinara sauce I mentioned in my last post. They also have a blueberry granola cereal that I think I MUST have! And lots of other little items that have that specialty feel...but that won't break the budget.  I haven't done any major grocery shopping yet, but I am slowly begining to price compare with Walmart and Aldi's. Because while I want to save time, I don't want to spend an arm a leg doing it. My ultimate hope is to not only regain my time spent in shopping centers, but also once again pick up a few speciality items here and there too!!

Do you shop at a Target with grocery? What have you found that's great? Anything super overpriced??

Thank you Target for adding groceries! I heart you even more than I did before...and that's saying something!!

Happy shopping!

Meeting Miss Peyton!

2011-10-24T22:00:00.000-05:00

This past week we had the pleasure of meeting this amazing bundle of joy! Meet our newest niece!!

Peyton Olivia

7lbs 5oz

18 1/2 inches long

Born Wednesday October 19 at 10:15am

Congrats go out to our best friends, Steff and Bryan, two awesome people who have waited for this miracle for a long time!! We're over the moon for you and can't wait for all the fun Linoski fun that lies ahead of us! Adventures they await :) We love you all so much!!

Welcome to the world Peyton Olivia!!

Channeling my inner-chef!

2011-10-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

I don't have a state of the art kitchen...or super expensive equipment...or even fancy ingredients. In fact I usually curse my kitchen size, shape, storage abilities...you get the drift.

BUT...I have:

These wooden utensils. They let me channel my inner-Paula Deen.

I bought this pasta sauce.

And mixed it with my favorite seasoned hamburger. I even cooked it ahead of time for the next night ;) I'm no Giada...but stirring it in my pan on my stove helped me feel more inspired!

I often drink out of these wine glasses while cooking.

They are perfect because they hold a wonderful size glass of wine AND they won't tip because there are no stems. Smart!

I used these crocs for the first time the other day. Putting tomato soup in them and cutting up my grilled cheese on the surrounding plate made me feel just a little bit fancy.

Any time I want to feel classy, I whip out these pasta bowls. It can be a random Wednesday night and pre-filled cheese ravioli from the freezer, but in this dish...it's kind of like a little bit of Italy in my kitchen.

I have this beautiful pottery that is the perfect addition to any table of appetizers I make for a get-together. I also used my favorite heart-shaped one to make rice-crispies for Owen. I can't wait for him to be old enough to have fun doing this sort of thing with me!

I sat some of my favorite cookbooks and cooking magazines within easy reach. And any time I need a little inspiration, I open these pages and soak it up.

I watch this. This. This. And this all on Food Network. All of them help me get creative. Oh and I love this too. I heart Food Network!

I have my Mom's phone number on speed dial. I learned to cook from her. Anything I know about meatloaf, cooking temps, portion sizes and just about anything related to being smart in the kitchen...it's because of my Mom. Thanks Mom!

So I may not have a state of the art kitchen. I certainly don't have french cuisine culinary cooking experience. And I may even be able to enter a contest for small kitchens (though I know there are smaller ones around!) BUT I have lots of wonderful things surrounding me each and every time I cook. Paula Deen on my utensils, Pioneer Woman's cookbook at my fingertips and my Mom's common sense and delicious cooking know-how engrained in my fibers.

Every time I remember these things and step into my tiny little kitchen big enough for two, I am transported to another place...perfect for me and whatever culinary wonder I decide to cook up!!

Thank You…

2011-10-15T12:00:00.005-05:00

To my husband for so many things.
For:

Owen

And Cooper

For the lanterns you put up in their nursery

For taking the middle of the night shift when I’m too tired

For making me laugh

For that night in Puerta Vallarta where I tried to drink you under the table…and I ended up under the table.

For your silly made-up songs

For your goofy dancing skills

For telling me you love me…every day

For supporting me and always me…first

For the diamond ring you worked so hard to buy me

For the paint, blood, sweat and tears you put into our home and yard

For the night that you took me ice skating and asked me to marry you

For helping me till all hours of the night…any time I have a big something to do

For telling me that you loved our children spending every day with me while I was on leave

For reading our blog

For helping me proof my posts whenever I ask

For boogey boarding with me on the beach in the Dominican.

For not calling me a chicken when I thought we were going to die in our kayak in the Domincan

For answering my stupid sports questions that I ask EVERY time we watch football
For your love of cookies

For loving to help pick out clothes for the boys

For late night conversations...the ones where we laugh till we cry
For late night conversations...the ones where I cry till I laugh

For being such a big part of our kids lives

For sending me links to songs in my email

For that Yahtzee game on the condo deck at the lake

For your black leather jacket and Tommy Hilfiger sweatshirts…the ones that made me swoon in high school
For how smart you are...and you don't even know it

For building me a scrapbook table

For watching the Notebook with me

For liking movies in general and being willing to give lots of them a try
For your great big bear hugs

For helping me cook

For being honest

For always trying to be fair

For your kind heart

For the family we’re building
For the things that only you and I know

For everything I’ve mentioned here and all that’s in-between

Happy Anniversary. Here is to 6 amazing years of marriage…and so many more to look forward to.

Trying a little something new

2011-10-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

Chances are when you opened up my blog today, you saw that the layout might look a lot different. Blogger has lots of new layouts to offer...and I've been playing with the idea to change ours for awhile now. I stumbled onto these options called Dynamic Views. The dynamic views are kind of neat because you can change the main layout to other ones. I like the magazine, flipcard and mosiacs as well. These can be found at the top under the title bar.

So anyway, I'm giving it a try for awhile. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. Which layout do you like best?? Is this too much change? I don't want it to be confusing to find my latest posts or anything else. So please be honest!! I'd love to hear from some of you who read but haven't left me a comment before!

Thanks for your thoughts!!

Getting back into the swing…

2011-10-13T23:00:00.001-05:00

I’m still not 100% sure I’d say were back in the complete swing. But we’re off the park bench , in the seat and pumping our legs.

This week was interesting. This week was successful. This week was also completely exhausting! After 10 glorious weeks away, getting used to all of the changes is tough. Between working during the week and balancing home chores and our kids after work hours, my body is in shock right now. My shins and calves are killing me from wearing heels again for the first time in FOREVER. My eyelids are heavy by noon. And once I sit down at the end of the day…I may as well not get back up because it makes me completely crabby. I feel like I’ve run a marathon by the time I’m leaving my parents house in the morning…and my day hasn’t really even started yet! All the while, my laundry is piling up by the second. My household and grocery lists are mounting as I type. I also am watching the dirt collect on my bathroom sink, and my kitchen floors are laughing at me for trying to do a deep cleaning on them last week. Like I said…I’m exhausted and my work hasn’t even really begun!

Through all of the changes mentioned above though, I haven’t even mentioned the most important and difficult change. I’ve missed those two little creatures who I call my sons something terrible. I woke this morning (Thursday) so very thankful for my part-time schedule. So thankful that tomorrow…I get to snuggle in my sweats till whatever time I want. I get to have kisses all morning long from Owen, feed Cooper his first, second and third bottle of the day and just enjoy being home! It’s going to be wonderful and marvelous and I just might bust out into song! And no amount of laundry, dirt or household anything else is going to stop that from being my only job tomorrow morning! I get to be Momma in the AM…and it’s going to be blessed!!

Thoughts on...Downy Unstopables

2011-10-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

Have you seen a commercial for this stuff??

Here is a video. This lady is cute and makes me laugh.

So here's my two cents...for what it's worth. I was skeptical. In fact, when I saw my first commercial, I believe the thought that went through my head was..."Well that seems like a big waste of money. I already spend a bazillion dollars on detergent." Now don't misunderstand me, I'm a high maintenance laundry-doer. I swear by my liquid Tide and Downy. I also use a Downy dryer sheet because liquid alone just isn't fresh enough. BUT...it's expensive. And buying detergent is no cheap affair. I could buy cheaper options, but laundry is hard work. And I like a return on my efforts.

At any rate, with my last purchase of Downy I got a lovely little packet of these Unstopables. I liked the scent and made a mental note to be an educated Debbie Downer of the product before writing them off without trying them. Plus...what could it hurt? Free is free. I threw the whole pack into the wash as instructed. One of my favorite fresh clean items out of the laundry is sheets...and I always wish they would smell fresher longer. This was the perfect test-load to try them on.

Well my dear blog readers, I'm here to say...without admitting to the exact length of time I go between washing our sheets (Oprah says everyday, I think Dr. Oz says once a week...since I am my own maid we're somewhere around Dr. Oz's recommendation on a good week!) I can truly and honestly say, they do what they say they do. When I was removing Owen's sheets to wash them after using the Unstoppables, I could still smell that fresh laundry scent on his sheets. It wasn't fresh out of the dryer, first night you sleep with them type smell, but it wasn't sweaty, little boy smell either. And our bed sheets, also faired nearly as fresh smelling as Owen's!!

While shopping last night I purchased a bottle of the Unstopables and began doing my laundry with them. I am not sure how far they will go...but I would like to keep track and post another post on my thoughts after using them a bit more! Stay tuned...more to come on this :)

Cooper's Two Month Checkup!

2011-10-04T12:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we took Cooper in for his 2 month checkup. Here are the stats:

Weight: 12lbs 3oz.
Length: 23 1/2 inches
Head Circumference: 39cm

He continues to be perfectly proportioned and happily growing at the 50th percentile for his age!

This checkup brought Cooper's first round of shots. He was such a big boy with them that he was smiling before we even left the exam room. He did spike a fever later in the evening and his poor little legs were very sore to the touch, but after a little Tylenol, he perked right up, ate 6oz of formula and crashed out from exhaustion!!

Way to go Coop! You survived your first round of shots :) We go back December 2nd for his 4 month checkup...we get to start trying out solid foods at that time and he will be getting ready to start rolling over! Until then, we'll just be keeping up the good work!!

One more Week...

2011-10-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

Today marks my last official Monday of maternity leave. Holy cow has this time gone by so fast...

I will not lie and say I'm ready. Because the thought of going back to work...it makes my stomach upset. A lot. But, I'm also trying to keep perspective. Going back means good things too. It means Cooper is growing. He's nearly 10 weeks old and healthy and happy and wonderful. The holidays are quickly approaching. Me going back signifies that we're almost to Halloween, Jer's birthday and trick or treating, Thanksgiving and my favorite time of year, Christmas! We also are anticipating the birth of our newest niece Peyton and cannot wait to meet her! So while all of those things would come if I didn't have to return to work, I guess what I really mean is that I have things to look forward to. To keep us moving through the transition of me going back.

One day, I do envision staying home. But for now, working is what I need to do for our family. Luckily enough, it's part-time and it's flexible. That also makes it easier.

Anyway, there really wasn't much point to this post today other than to begin the count down. One week and counting! I'm hoping to soak up as many hugs, smiles and lovin' from my two boys this week I can get. Jeremy and I also have a few fun family days planned - all they consist of is spending time together. I'm envisioning some pumpkin getting, park visiting and living room dancing till bedtime! I'm also envisioning that when Sunday rolls around it'll hit me like a ton of bricks...but I refuse to let it tarnish the rest of my week!

Here's to soaking up the remainder of an absolutely amazing 10 weeks of my life!!

Wee-Squeaks!!

2011-10-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

Owen recently got a new pair of shoes for the fall/winter.

I picked them up at a neat little boutique in Alton. I thought they were adorable and liked the option of velcro so we could work with Owen on dressing himself. But I got an even better surprise when I got home and tried them on him. THEY SQUEAK!! And he LOVES them! He has asked to put them on just to play around the house in. Don't worry...they come with plugs in case we are going somewhere he needs to be quiet. But...I could not be more excited about his new shoes!!

Here's a link to the website. They have lots of cute stuff for boys and girls :) Enjoy!!

Happy Two Month Coop!!!

2011-10-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

As crazy as it is...Cooper turns two months old today!! Yay for another wonderful month together! Yay for more healthy reports about our ever growing little guy.

This Month Cooper:

**Is still working on this wonderfur hair of his. The top of his sweet little head looks and feels just like a peach with brown fuzz. In the back, we're working on a mullet.

**Has transitioned to size 2 diapers. We are a Huggies lovin' family and they run a little smaller than Pampers...so we're movin' on up!

**Doesn't cry much during a day, except around feeding time...and holy moly do we make up for the rest of the quiet throughout a day.

**Speaking of eating, he has begun to eat 4 to 5oz of formula every 2 to 3 hours, except at night when he will stretch for longer periods.

**Continues to be a sleep champ. We had our first full nights sleep last Saturday. This hasn't happened since, but I can say this much, he continues to sleep in nice full blocks at night. His nighttime feeding is peaceful, fast and he goes right back to sleep. So nice!

**Continues to smile...A LOT!! If you talk to him, sing to him or pretty much put your face in front of him and smile...he smiles back. He is almost going to full out giggles if you tickle him and I LOVE it! It just brightens your day every time you hold him!

**Continues to love baths and this special time together.

**Has begun to purposefully grasp and bat at objects he sees

**LOVES the ceiling fan in the living room. I mean...so does his Momma so he comes by it honestly ;)

**Slow dances with his Momma at the end of many days together

**When Owen comes into a room and starts talking and playing, Cooper lights up...I adore this.

**Has grown into most everything of Owen's clothes. He will soon be growing out of the sweat pants and many of the 0 - 3 month onesies we have!

**Went on his first walk-a-thon for charity. Well we ate a bottle in the car because the timing stunk, but we went all the same! This event was also his first event with Jer's company.

**Let his Momma and Dadda go on our first night out with adults only since his birth :)

**Got a visit from my good friend Colette and her son Brennan. We all had such a fun play date together! I loved playing cars with Brennan. Brennan, come back soon and bring your Momma so we can play again soon!

**Got a visit from my good friend Cindy. Cooper smiled a lot for her and we all went to McDonalds for lunch!

**Had a fun Linley family dinner celebrating Grandpa Mike's birthday. We got lots of face time with Isabel...so fun :)

**Is growing like a weed and changing everyday!

Dear Cooper,

Another fun month has come and gone. You continue to make us laugh and smile every single day! I am cherishing every smile and snuggle more than ever as I prepare to leave you a few days a week and go back to work. I can't believe this time in our lives has almost past already! I have loved slow dancing in our living room, your late night baths in the kitchen sink listening to music, snuggling you up for the night, getting you dressed and ready for each and every day, listening to your grunt and stir as you settle in to a sleep and so many more things I can't even put into words. You are growing and changing in so many ways big boy. I never want to forget this time!

Thanks for a wonderful second month. I'm very excited to celebrate the holidays with you and your brother this year. It'll be your first of so many fun times to come!

Love Momma (and Dadda too)

Updates on the O man!!

2011-09-29T12:00:00.000-05:00

I've neglected in the past several posts to report on Owen's therapy sessions. This week he also had 2 doctor's appointments to report on...so here goes a nice full post all about the little amazing man in my life.

Therapy...
On this front Owen could not be doing better. I love learning new things each week to try with him and watching him flourish with his communication skills. Owen is now putting together 2 and 3 word sentences. He also uses lots of words to communicate that he wants, needs or notices something. His speech has actually exploded so much for me that I can't even remember all the amazing things he'll say in a day.

Some of my favorite new phrases and speech:
**Thomas the Train is Tom Tom and all trains are choo choos!
**He loves to watch the movie Bambi. He asks for Bambi all the time.
**Free Willy is another current favorite...he calls this movie Willwee. And any time there is an Orca whale in his presence (he has a whale bath toy and puppet), it's a Willwee.
**Today in the car as we were leaving the driveway I got 1...2...3...Blast Off!! And then 1...2...3 GOOOO!!!
**He can sign and use the word for Go in lots of fun ways!
**He likes to pat his legs like they do on Little Einsteins and say pat pat pat....GO!
**He loves to use the word jump and push me around the circle in our house saying Jump Jump Jump!
**His baby brother is CooCoo, Coop or CooKer.
**But most importantly, Owen will mimic most if not every sound you make. It's amazing how much communication we are hearing out of him now! It's been all about teaching him the power of communicating...and for Owen it's made all the difference!!

Preschool...
I recently sent in Owen's form to pre-register him for preschool at our church. He would not be attending until next fall, but we are hopeful he'll be all set for starting preschool with his peers at the same preschool I attended nearly 25 years ago! It's crazy for me to think that this time next year, we will have celebrated Cooper's 1st birthday and Owen will be nearly half way to 4 years old.

Wow...I think I might get a little bit emotional...

Okay...I'm composed and we're moving on!

Doctor's Visit #1
On Monday of this week he had his 2 and a half year checkup! That is right....2 1/2!!! The check up went great. We got some recommendation for potty training guidance for when the time comes. We also found out he is still 85 - 90th percentile for his age in weight and height. He weighs in at 34 pounds and was 36 1/2 inches tall. He's our healthy little bruiser. Because he is old enough now, he was able to get the flu mist instead of a shot this year. Much less of a debacle than a shot would be...that was great! We left with instructions to come back at 3 years of age and a Sponge Bob Sticker for the road!

Doctor's Visit #2
Remember this post? Well this Wednesday was our follow-up exam. This time I was so much less apprehensive. I had a sense of calm about returning to this office. I think mostly because we knew what to expect...and Owen is older now so it was easier to help him understand a bit of what was happening. This time we saw the same doctors and they did similar tests. The biggest difference was that Owen mostly enjoyed the flashy lighted sticks and movies they played. He was also calmed by me and Jer. The worst part of our visit was his dilation and compared to last time, it was a piece of cake! The news from this visit though, was not the same as last time. In fact, we learned some things that very much surprised me. First the good news. Owen will not be needing glasses. What near-sightedness they saw last time has since corrected itself. YAY! He has however, official developed intermittent isotropy. He has moderate issues in his left and mild issues in his right that have worsened since last September. The doctor said that instead of his muscles figuring out what to do they have actually gotten less responsive to their cueing and he's having more trouble getting them to focus than before. He recommended Owen have the corrective surgery to fix the problem now, and asked that we return in 6 weeks to have another set of measurements completed. Following that appointment, we will schedule the surgery.

We discussed some details of the surgery. I am sure we will have more to share following our appointment in November. However, for now, this is what we know. During the procedure, Owen will have to be put under by a pediatric anesthesiologist for at least half an hour. It is outpatient surgery though, and we will get to take him home that evening with no restrictions. So basically if you going to have to have a procedure done, it's the kind you want because it's fast and it just so happens to be incision, bandage and pain free for Owen. We also learned there is an 80% chance that he will not have to have any follow-on procedures done to make further corrections. I'm going to cross my fingers he makes it into that 80%!

I'm pretty sure any time this crosses my mind between now and when it's over, this Momma is going to be a ball of nerves. But I will be praying. And I also will be rationalizing with myself that it is the right thing to do for our little boy and his future vision. Also reminding myself that its simple and luckily its a pretty easy fix. While I'd prefer him to not have to have a procedure done...at least this isn't something more serious. So we are blessed for that fact.

Thanks for reading and sharing in this parenting journey with me and Jer. Life sure keeps you on your toes!

Smart Cookin'!!

2011-09-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

Somewhere awhile ago I read on a blog or a website, that a smart thing to do with leftover soup broth was to pour off any leftovers into ice cube trays and freeze! You could easily grab out however many cubes you need and thaw for an individual bowl of soup. Smart right??

Well last week I made a huge batch of my chicken and homemade dumplings...and I'm proud to say, I gave this a try!

I made a nice big batch of the soup AND while I was making the mess of dumplings (think dark blue counters with flour and dough everywhere!!) I went ahead and made a double batch of dumplings. After portioning out my soup into some containers, I heated my left over broth back to boiling and cooked my extra dumplings. After cooking them, I strained them off and put them in a bowl to cool. I wrote the date on a freezer safe bag and spooned the dumplings/noodles into a freezer bag. Perfect to thaw out for later!

Then once my broth cooled down a bit, I poured it into our ice cube trays and left it in the freezer to cool. Out of 5 ice cube trays I got 2 gallon freezer bags to save for later! Not to shabby...and I hope to get better and better with this as I cook all these yummy winter foods. They are perfect for saving and freezing!

Words for my boys - The Heart of Life

2011-09-26T12:00:00.007-05:00

I heard this song while slow dancing in the living room with Mr. Cooper. He was blissfully sleepy and cuddled in my arms. And the words fit so perfectly for the moment I was sharing with him. Looking at this baby in my arms. All of his life ahead of him. My wish for my children above all else is to know love and see life for all it's possibilities. I especially love the line about "No it won't all go the way it should...but I know the heart of life is good." How true a statement.

Owen and Cooper, if you are one day looking back at things on this blog...or things I've said to you. Maybe you're pouring over some scrapbook...or a card I left you...or of life is just tough for you at the moment...I hope you come across these words. I could pick no more perfect words to send you into the world with. There is nothing truer about the way I view life. Thank you for being the heart of my life. Momma

"The Heart Of Life"

I hate to see you cry
Lying there in that position
There's things you need to hear
So turn off your tears
And listen

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good

You know, it's nothing new
Bad news never had good timing
Then, circle of your friends
Will defend the silver lining

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
Fear is a friend who's misunderstood
But I know the heart of life is good
I know it's good

Obsessed!!

2011-09-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

Some might call my latest time spent on the Internet obsessed...others might just call it smart web-surfing.

My husband calls it "GET OFF THE LAPTOP!!"

I call it pure genius :)

If you haven't hopped on over to Pinterest...DO IT NOW!!! I strongly recommend if you spend much time on the net looking up recipes or crafts or clothes or frankly anything, you can Pin It to your page and have it to inspire you later!! I can't help but feel inspired to craft, scrapbook, take pictures, cook...you get the idea. It's just flat out cool!

I owe a thank you to two ladies (Steff and April) in my life for getting me started. Now there is just no going back. If you have time, go to my page and check out my boards. You won't be sorry.

Happy Pinning :)

The many smiling faces of Mr. C!

2011-09-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

Just my typical morning...

2011-09-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

Little stirs and rustles come from the tiny bassinets in our bedroom. It's my cue. Morning begins. Wondrous smells of coffee waft through the air and promise to help me pry my eyes open far enough to see. It's 5am. I make a bottle and then crack open the curtains. When morning light starts peeking it's way through, I'm ready to see it shining. After gathering up the necessities...a boppy, a burp cloth, a bottle...I settle in. Cooper usually sleeps through most of this bottle, so I pop on the TV to keep me a little company. Cooper quietly begins to snack on his first bottle of the day and we sit snuggled in the down comforter on the couch. Only the TV light shining on us. An ounce down and we burp. Another ounce down and his eyes close back again, usually for good this time. We may struggle here and there for another ounce and a burp or two. Or he may be completely uninterested. After a wipe of his sweet little lips and a few forehead kisses, I change his diaper and settle him into his swing. By now the sun is up. If the house is still quiet, I can snuggle back in on the couch and snag an hour or more of sleep. Sometimes though, another country heard from wanders his way to see me. I'm greeted by curly headed toddler with sleepy eyes. He smiles a crooked smile and says, "hi guys!!" His enthusiastic voice does not match the bewildered sleepy look in his eyes though. I usually scoop him up onto the couch. We snuggle under the covers until he's ready to get moving. It won't be long and I'll be up again to make a cup of milk and grab his breakfast for him. Soon the TV will be turned to Mickey Mouse and I'll hear the Disney Junior theme song being sung from the living room. Soon my peaceful, quiet time will be replaced with noisy, boisterous play. Cooper will wake and need another bottle. Owen will sing, dance and play.

Before I know it, morning will turn to lunch time turn to dinner time and then bedtime. Time flies these days! So that peaceful quiet each day? I soak it up. It is fleeting. It is amazing. It's the beginning of another day...and it's my favorite time of day because it holds the promise of good things to come. It's a chance to start fresh and make each day new. It's just a typical morning and I'm so glad for them. Each and every day.

Thankful Thursday...

2011-09-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

So overdue for one of these. And since I'm so far behind...I'm just going to start with the last week or two that come to mind. I really need to get back into this habit!!

Having two perfectly healthy little boys to love on
My hubby
My best friend's encouraging text messages on long days
Cooper's little smile
Emailing with Hannah
Starbucks breakfast blend coffee
Brothers and Sisters on Netflix
A girls night out with my bestie - Bread Co conversations and massages...the perfect recipe for two worn out Mommas!
That Pioneer Woman has a new show on Food Network
Making chili for the first time this fall
Making chicken pot pie for the first time this fall
That fall came...because if you asked me if in the middle of our 19+ days over 100, I would have said fall was NEVER coming
A nice, long, rainy day...finally!!
Owen's great big hugs and kisses
Watching Owen do his bedtime routine, willingly and happily...such a relief
That Jeremy and I have mastered figuring out the best way to help each other get sleep when we need it.
That though I miss falling into my bed for a wonderfully full, uninterrupted night's sleep, I know one day I'll look back with sadness that this time in our lives is over. I try to remember that at 2:30am when a sleepy toddler wanders into bed with us.
For new jeans, a fall jacket and a couple tops that make my wardrobe all fresh and lively!
For Cookie Factory visits and relax time with my best friend
For a promising fun couple of weekends ahead.
That my Grandma is strong...and survived a hospital visit and seems to be doing well.
For Owen's therapy and feeling like it has made a tremendous difference in his communication with us!
Pinterest and my new found love for it!
For getting back to this habit.
Spending a day organizing somethings around the house last week...feels so nice to be caught up.
Mr. Cooper smiles and coos...we get more and more every day
My husbands big warm hugs at the end of the day
Owen's love for peanut butter crackers
The way Owen says peez...when he wants something
Our Macbook
My perfectly imperfect life and all the wonderful things that encompass learning to be a mother of two...the good days, the bad days and everything in between.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T12:00:00.002-05:00

It's not a glamorous job...

2011-09-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

But what's the saying?? Someone has to do it?

Well in my house I'm so blessed it is me. That doesn't mean that I don't feel like a total scrub in my jeans and t-shirt with my headband to hold back my untamed, un-flatironed hair which so happens to be in a pony tail for day number I won't mention, in a row!

Regardless...Wednesday evening I was feeling as though I hadn't accomplished much. At the end of the day the coffee pot was still dirty...laundry wasn't completely caught up...I hadn't showered. We hadn't left the house at all, all day. Heaven forbid I even start on my real to-do list (closet swapping for fall/maternity swap out, thank you cards, photo downloading, blog posts that need written, you get the idea!) But then I started going down my list of things I did during the day. And I guess though it didn't feel like much that night when I was looking around my messier than usual house...I really had done a lot!! And maybe...just maybe...that's the case most days lately and I'm not giving myself enough credit.

Wednesday...I accomplished the following:

Poopy diapers changed - 2

Total diapers changed - 8

Sucked out snotty/clogged up noses - A LOT

Sprayed saline into said clogged snotty nose...at least 4 or 5 times so far (remember the day isn't over)

Crackers vacuumed: 1. I watched Owen lick the salt off a Ritz cracker...put it on my floor in front of the entertainment center and stomp on it with both feet. Then lay down and put the couch pillows on it and pick up some of the pieces and lick them too. Don't worry. We honor the 5 second rule if it falls on the floor of our living room ;)

Lunch made: 1

Bottles Fed: 4

Beds made: 3 (Owen's twice, ours once)

Trash emptied: 1 bag

Dishwashers emptied: 1

Loads of dishes: 2

Toys picked up: Too many to count

Animals fed: 2

Laundry done: 1 load

Episodes of Brothers and Sisters watched (at 5am feeding time): 2

Cooper smiles I've gotten: a whole bunch

Owen Kisses: Too many too count

Owen Thank You's: a bunch

Alphabet puzzles attempted: 1

Husbands kissed: 1 very handsome one if I do say so myself

Blog posts written: 1 and a start on a few others

Moments where I thought I might lose my mind: Today, only maybe once or twice. As the days go on, I'm adjusting to the chaos that is two little ones in one house and this number goes down!!

Massage Appointment made for Friday - 2 (one for me and one for my bestie) It helps with the moments when I think I might lose my mind ;)

Dinner made: 1...and I even managed to make a quick homemade mac and cheese. It was so yummy!!

Baths given: 2

Stories read: 3

Night night kisses: 3. One from each of the boys in my house.

Ahh the sound of a day's accomplishments...helps to remember these when it's been a long day!!

Reflections - 6 weeks in

2011-09-15T12:00:00.001-05:00

(photograph courtesy of Steph's Photography)

I thought it might be appropriate to sit down...while I have a spare moment...and jot down some thoughts about life six weeks into parenting two.

It's different. It's busy. It's kinda...well...crazy. There is a lot less time where I can get someone settled with this that or the other, without turning around to take care of this that or the other from the other someone. It could be because Cooper requires feedings every 2 to 4 hours. Or diaper changes even more frequently. It could be that Owen is 2 and seems to have a knack for getting into crazy things. Or it could just be life with 2 in general. Somedays I think I am getting the hang of it. Some days...I have no idea what day it is, when I took my last shower and I'm jotting down times when Cooper ate b/c I swear it felt like it was only an hour ago that he was screaming at me for more food! There are also days where I literally will look at clock at 2pm and realize that I haven't eaten. Oops! That's one way to help loose the left over baby weight!!

But all in all? It isn't as insane as I expected. I feel a TON more sure of myself than I thought I would. I know what to do with both kids. It's just a matter of feeling like I can accomplish needs for both successfully. I also am not intending to pretend I did or do any of this alone. My hubby is a hands on Dad and jumps in to help with and participate in every part of parenting the boys. And since Jer went back to work, during the days I'm here alone, I've gotten sodas, lunch and sanity checks from my Mom nearly everyday. My Grandma has also stopped by several times just to sit with Cooper so I could hop in the shower and relax. I owe them a few more people a big fat thank you because I'm sure without the help...I would have done lost my mind!

In the past 6 weeks I've also had lots of time to contemplate life with two boys...and how much fun it's gonna be when Cooper gets to being a little more mobile. I already melt because I've seen Cooper give Owen a few smiles when Owen has talked to him or attempted to play with him. I can't imagine what it'll be like when they actually constructively play together...have their first wrestling match...beg me to let them do some hair-brained scheme that boys come up with when they are young. We have so much wonderful memory making to be done. We get to raise best friends for life. And these 6 weeks have just been the beginning. I can't wait to see what a wonderful full life with Owen and Cooper means for us. And pray we can make sure in return we can give them the same full wonderful childhood they deserve!!

My 6 Week Check-up

2011-09-14T12:00:00.003-05:00

Seems as though the Linley's have a lot of appointments lately! This Monday was my 6 week post-partum checkup. Six weeks have flown by in an instant.

The appointment was a great success. Dr. Talsky informed me that I had done great. I healed nicely. My scar would finish up its final healing/smoothing out by 3 months. Essentially everything went perfectly!

I'm blessed!!

And now I can finally pick up my big boy and hold him when he cries. Put him on his changer after bath time. Give him a bath for that matter. Though I'm thankful that the past 6 weeks were nice, calm and relaxing for me...I'm excited to get back to being able to put Owen in the car and go somewhere. I know taking two kids anywhere...especially a baby Cooper's age...will present its own challenges. However, I'm excited none-the-less!

Thank God for good health and good news for our family :)

Labor Day Partay!!

2011-09-13T12:00:00.005-05:00

This Labor Day we had the wonderful opportunity to host a great big Linley gathering at our house!! We had a house full of family all day complete with a bounce house and lots of delicious food. Though the prep for the get together was kinda crazy...I wouldn't trade the time for anything!! I do wish I had taken more/better pictures and hope I can steal some from Holly, April or Stacey ;)

Thanks everyone for the wonderful celebration :) We had a great time and hope we can do it again next year!!

Cooper's One Month Checkup

2011-09-10T12:00:00.004-05:00

After Cooper's One Month checkup with Dr. Hill, we learned:

Weight: 10 lb. 1 oz.
Length: 21 inches
Head Circumference: 38.1cm

He is 50% for weight, 10 - 25% for height and 25 - 50% for head size.

He is perfectly proportioned and doing just perfectly :)

Owen and Momma Play Time!

2011-09-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

Owen and I have been doing lots of morning-time play at our dining room table :) He has begun to enjoy sitting in our chairs like a big boy. He's so smart and careful (with a few exceptions). He lets us know when he wants up and will also let us know he wants down. During our play time we often pick a couple wooden puzzles. We may also play with stickers and if he's in the mood, we color too!!

He loves nearly all wooden puzzles! This one is a great one. It allows us to work on his ABC's, the sounds they make, and identifying objects. We also work on taking turns and having O communicate with me about wanting to do more and letting me know when he's done! When we are all done playing the puzzle, Owen helps me to put the puzzle pieces up and we sing a song his speech therapist taught us. I think its a Barney original...but it goes, Clean up. Clean up. Everybody everywhere. Clean up. Clean up. Everybody do your share! Owen enjoys singing along with me and helping me to put things away.

We also have had lots of fun with STICKERS!!! You saw here what Owen likes to do with them :) We also spend time naming colors, putting them in the book, on our faces and talking about the different trucks!

Owen - Momma loves our playtime very much :) It's quiet and so sweet! I love you my little buddy!

Happy One Month Coop!!

2011-09-01T12:00:00.085-05:00

Today marks Cooper's one month birthday!

The saying time flies doesn't even cut it in this case. Actually time flies is the understatement of the year. How we have seen a month come and go is beyond me...but none the less...it has. Wow! Here's a few tidbits, some diaper pics and some miscellaneous stuff about Cooper and his first full month of life!!

This month Cooper:

**Is growing in some wonderfully fuzzy brown hair. It sticks straight up depending on what side of his head he is laying on. Just this week the top of his head began to peel, but I'm crossing my fingers he keeps some of that beautiful fuzzy baby hair! It's too cute!

**Has transitioned from newborn diapers to wearing size one diapers!

**Speaking of diapers, though Jeremy and I are pretty skilled diaper-ers, in Cooper's first several weeks, he managed to pee through at least 3 or 4 outfits a day.

**Yesterday was his first official day of no wetting through that I can remember since bringing him home! Yay Cooper...keep up the good work buddy!! :)

**Officially outgrew his first outfit. It was a newborn sleeper...and the part that he outgrew was the length. His skinny little upper body fit just fine...but his legs were much too long!

**Is smiling...a lot! Yesterday I got my first smile that I knew he gave me just because I was talking to him. It melted my heart.

**LOVES his new baths. We are able to submerge him and his chair in the kitchen sink now. He loves the warm water and has begun to talk to us during the entire process.

**Is opening his eyes wide, cooing and batting (very jerkily) at objects in front of him. It's precious and has happened so fast!

**Sleeping is pretty fabulous on most nights with him. He isn't sleeping all night at this point, but I imagine another few weeks will bring us mostly well slept nights! Right now, he will have an evening bottle between 9 and 11 after which he will sleep at least 4 hours...and he has been known to sleep 5 to 5.5 hours in one sweep!! God love you for that Cooper. Momma and Dadda can't tell you how great it is!!

**Took his first and second ride in the carrier with Momma. We wandered the yard while Dadda and Owen played like maniacs!

**Took his first trip to the park

**Had his first park picnic.

**Took his second and third trip the park.

**Has given his Momma a wonderful first full month of maternity leave. I already can't imagine leaving you all day 4 days a week. UGH!!

**Eyes are beginning to turn blue. Or so they appear to be anyway! If you inherit the same eyes your brother did, there will be some broken hearts over those eyes. I can guarantee it!

**Goes back to the doctor for his one month checkup on September 6. I can't wait to see how much you've grown little man!!

Cooper,

This month has been nothing short of an amazing blur of bottles and sleepy snuggles. Your Dadda and I have loved every second of this precious and fleeting time with you. It's amazing to see how you're changing already. We can't wait for all the fun we have in store for us! More smiles, giggles and watching your little personality show us more and more about who you are going to be!! Will you be rambunctious and full of energy like your big brother Owen? Or will you be reserved and calm like...well...no one our family is at the moment?? Oh the things you are going to teach us little man!! We're already on to month 2! What wonderful world this is and what a blessing you are!

Love you always, Momma and Dadda

Sticker Time with Grandpa!

2011-08-31T12:00:00.008-05:00

Owen and Grandpa had a lot of fun playing with stickers the other day!!

PB's Baby Shower!!

2011-08-30T12:00:00.007-05:00

This past Saturday we had a big ol' celebration! What was the occasion??? Well it just so happen to be Miss Peyton Cincoski's (also known by Mommy and Daddy as Peyter Bug, Peyters and PB) first party. We helped her Mommy and Daddy celebrate her pending arrival :)

I had the honor of helping plan the details of the shower...and helping shower them with love and warmth on this special day!! I enjoyed every minute of it!

One of my favorite tasks was ordering, picking up and arranging Gerber daisies for the centerpieces :) Here are some pics of the flowers before the shower. Simply beautiful!!

The shower itself was a great success! We played trivia, ate delicious food and enjoyed the company of wonderful people :) I believe Baby Peyton is going to be well dressed and surrounded with mountains of love!!

A table full of memories...along with a canvas signed by shower guests...and a GIANT mason jar that had Steff written all over it! I had so much fun filling it with daisies!

The centerpieces came together just like I'd hoped they would!

Delicious cupcakes!

This little turkey belongs to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law...and us too ;) Can't pass up cute pictures of your niece right?? Love you and those cheeks Miss Isabel :)

Peyter's Mommy and Daddy opening all the amazing gifts!!

This dress was so sweet and perfect!

Happy Baby Shower Lil' Peyter Bug!! We can't wait to meet you!

Family Photos

2011-08-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

This past weekend, we took ourselves to do a family photo shoot. I thought it would be nice timing to have some pictures of us as our family structure changes and grows. I'm so glad we scheduled the time and went and did this. This time is so precious!

I was very excited to have Steph from Steph's Photography do our photo shoot. She did our maternity photos when I was pregnant with Owen and we LOVED the pictures! This session was no different! You can check out the photos she posted to her blog here.

I'm really excited to use these as a springboard for our family photo wall. The one of the four of us from her blog is going to be smack in the middle!!

If you are in the IL Metro and need some good photos taken, I would highly recommend checking her out :)

Music Lovin' bunch!!

2011-08-24T08:00:00.030-05:00

Lately the Linley's have done lots of listening to music. Maybe it's because we have allowed ourselves to embrace the beauty of iTunes and Pandora Radio. But regardless...if you stop by our house right now...it's highly likely you will hear some great new tunes floating around! I have included some links to many of the great new songs we're listening to right now.

Admittedly, I have once again had my heart stollen...and it's not by one of the boys living here. Shame on me I know! Jer and I have been anxiously awaiting another album from this guy. It also looks like he has a recently released single...which is exciting! So needless to say, I was excited when some of his newer music popped up on Pandora. All I can say is LOVE it!!

We also recently downloaded music from a guy named Eric Hutchinson. Thanks Jer!! He was a great find! Check him out here.

AND...I'm currently loving nearly everything Adele. Especially this song...oh and this one is one of my favorites!!

Not to be forgotten, the littlest Linleys aren't subjected only to Jer and I's favorites. The boys have been enjoying this lady and her band...I frequently sing this song to Owen. He pretty much heard it every day for the first 12 months of his life. Also, the Disney station on Pandora is saved to our radio stations. If you have kids...you gotta check it out!

I hope you enjoy some of the musical snacks that have been filling the air at the Linley household :)

Owen's Therapy...an update!

2011-08-20T12:00:00.002-05:00

So in the midst of all the craziness that has been having and bringing Cooper home, we have also began a few sessions of therapy with Owen. I mentioned this here.

All I can say is that Owen is doing tremendously!! Before the therapy even began, we were given some basic homework. We began signing just a few things with him and it has opened a gateway of communication from him. He is imitating sounds and gestures. He is Dadda's little copy cat and wants to do everything that Jeremy is doing. From putting on shoes to turning a screwdriver. If Jer is doing it...Owen wants to be doing it too. So I am happy to report that prior to the beginning of any of his therapy...his communication stepped up by several levels!!

His first session with speech left us with many great new tips and things to try. Despite having a newborn in the middle of the first couple sessions, we have tried really hard to work on the things recommended. Owen can now say and sign for More, Eat, Drink, All Done. He can also say a huge list of words and has also began putting together full sentences such as What did he do? And There he is. He says Deci's name, calls for my parents dog Maggie, says Thank You, Love You, Outside, Bye Bye, The End. It's truly been an explosion of language. It is so exciting!!

Here is a chart of some of the signs he is using on a regular basis!

This week he had his 3rd and 4th session with Speech and his second with Developmental. He will also begin Occupational in just a short week or two. It is a lot of appointments to juggle, but I'm hoping once we get a few set on the calendar, it will be a little bit smoother in terms of scheduling!

I'm hoping to get better about posting a weekly progress report on some things we did in each session and what we learned from them. Not just for my own record keeping, but also to help me reflect back on things as we build from week to week! Stay tuned for more on Owen and everything he is doing :) I'll be back next week with an update on this!!

Momma and Cooper photo shoot

2011-08-18T12:00:00.002-05:00

Cooper's First Bath

2011-08-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

Since we are still waiting for Coop's belly button to take leave, we can't submerge his little body into a nice warm bath just yet. We are still doing baths with him though...just the kind that make him scream!

Here's some photos of our first go round. And we recently received the neatest little bath essential!! It's a duck shaped cloth that you get nice and warm with water and then lay over them as you bath! It's been a great way to keep Cooper from screaming his little tushy off because he's freezing!!

And the awesome ducky!