Choo Choo!

This is a choo choo train, right?

My friend Rachel blogged today about her son 'helping out' around the house, which reminded me of this video Daniel took a few months ago.  Every time we vacuum, Sullivan either tries to ride it like a train, or gets his popper toy to pretend to vacuum right along side me.  I think both are hilarious, and I sure hope he retains the love of vacuuming! Ha! It's great exercise to pull a vacuum and 30lb child around the house! 

Several people have asked for the stuffed shells recipe, so here is the link:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/turkey-and-artichoke-stuffed-shells-with-arrabbiata-sauce-recipe/index.html

Tonight, thanks to the hard work of my lovely crock pot, we'll be having this (minus the pickled onions- i like my onions crunchy):

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/slow-cooked-pork-tacos-with-fire-roasted-tomatoes-and-pickled-onions-recipe/index.html

I'll let you know how this newest recipe turns out.  It was amazing simple to throw into the crock pot this morning, and we love homemade tacos, so I sure hope it's a winner! 

It's almost TGIF!

Unsolved Mystery (rash)

*I apologize for any baby nakedness, I wasn't paying attention!

Our trip the allergist this week didn't really give us any answers as to what caused Sullivan's hives last week. Of course by Monday afternoon they were all but gone.  Thankfully, all the photos I took came in handy!  The doctor did a scratch test for about 16 different things, but all came back negative.  This in itself is pretty amazing considering when I had my allergy scratch test done as an adult I was allergic to severely allergic to every single thing.  Here's hoping Sullivan is working with Daniel's genes on the allergy front!  So, since all were negative, we know what DIDNT cause the hives.  Doctors best guess is a food we haven't eaten since or a virus/infection.  We are to return for blood work if the hives return. Oh well.  Glad my baby is back to normal!

I made some new dishes Sunday afternoon!  Turkey and artichoke stuffed shells with Arrabbiata sauce and artichoke pesto.  I'm very happy with both.  The stuffed shells are reminiscent of a lasagna, but the turkey, artichokes, and herbs really lighten it up to me.  Doesn't feel as heavy or fattening.  The pesto was good as well, but I still prefer traditional basil pesto!  Looking forward to that this summer for sure!  Both of these recipes are Giada's so are easily found on the internets. 

Sullivan and I are heading to Cleveland this weekend for an Outback Kayak Reunion dinner in honor of Dave Heflin.  Dave is a legend in those parts, and most everyone has been on at least one of his trips.  My childhood is filled with memories of Halloween's in Tishamingo, winters skiing, and summers at the Nantahala.  Dad, Dave and Henry sure knew how to have a good time!  If I had written down all the stories I heard growing up from this group, I would be a retired, and very wealthy, author.  Maybe one day.  Regardless, I'm looking forward to my first trip home in MONTHS! 

Me Slacker

My brain is fried from work and long hours and stress, but feel the need for an update here! I'm definitely feeling the strain of too many activities in my life, but I can't exactly get rid of any of my current responsibilities!  Note to self: stressful/long hours career, Rotary President, 1 + year old son, husband, filthy house, Leadership Lafayette, book club, yada, yada, yada...might be a bit much for one year! Anyway!  I'm lucky to have these opportunities!

This week we've been battling the mystery hive maker on Sullivan.  Most of you have seen on facebook I'm sure, but since Monday morning we've been battling mild to severe cases of hives.  he started a steroid Tuesday night and yesterday looked to be almost completely cleared up, and then, BAM, worst case ever this morning.  His back was actually one big hive rather than polka dots.  He literally looked sunburned.  It has spread to his legs, arms, and neck now poor baby.  We have an appointment with the allergist in Tupelo on Monday.  Tonight I plan to rewash EVERYTHING of his in the no chemical stuff to see if that helps any.  He's been playing outside a good bit more lately, so I'm afraid if might be related to that.  We'll see on Monday I suppose.

In more fun news, I think Sullivan and I will begin a Mommy and Me 'Baby Fish' swim class this Sunday on campus.  Daniel and I have been talking about getting him in some 'swimming' lessons, and this just happened to fit right in.  Yeah, I know, adding one more thing to my schedule, but this is on the weekend and is for Sullivan and should be FUN!  :)  Daniel and I are planning a lovely 7 day vacation to Seaside late this summer, so I want Sullivan to have as much exposure to swimming as possible before that!  Speaking of that, can late summer get here already? :)  If anyone plans to be in the Seaside area between late July and early August, let me know so we can meet up!

Friday, since I've been working til after 10 most nights, I'll be taking off work a bit early to clean house and cook dinner (first time this week) in anticipation of a visit from my grandparents!  There is a free Benny Goodman-esk concert at the performing arts center here, so they are driving over to join us for dinner, a show, and a spend the night!  We've done this in the past and it's always such a treat!  I know they are anxious for a visit with Sullivan and we are anxious for a visit with them as well!  Daniel has been doing some big time work in the yard in preparation of this year's veggie bed, etc, so we do have to squeeze in some yard work at some point!  I'll have to post photos when he finishes his current project list. 

Hope you all enjoy your weekend!  It's almost TGIF!

16 months and Mardi Gras!

Daniel, Sullivan, and I headed to the Coast last weekend to visit family and attend a Mardi Gras ball.  It was wonderful to see family we haven't seen since Christmas (or much longer in some cases).  Unfortunately, I took almost NO photos.  There are some photos on Sherri's camera, so when she shares those, I'll pass them on here! Here are some photos from the night of the ball in Mobile.  There were 8 of us total, and we had a really fun time!  I would post video from the limo ride home, but some people might not appreciate me sharing their music talents with the world!  Trust me when I say, very funny stuff.  The ball was quite a party!  Multiple bands, open bars all over the place, all the food you can eat, and dancing til you drop!  I was shocked and delighted to discover the hot dog bar a little later in the evening!  Don't think I didn't enjoy a chili dog!  LOL.  All that fancy food, and I was still excited by a chili dog...oh well.  Daniel pulled out dance moves like I've never seen from him before.  I definitely wish I had video of that!  Good times!

Sullivan had a wonderful time visiting with grandmothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc, etc!  He was thoroughly entertained and worn out the entire trip! 

He's learned several new 'tricks' over the last month.  His list of body parts he can identify is growing.   He gets a huge kick out of you fake burping or sneezing and then saying excuse me or bless you.  He loves to mimic the fake burps.  Bleh!  He loves Bailey more every day!  He was so happy to see her when we got home.  He went up to her making his dog growl noises and just hugged on her!  They enjoy scoping out the backyard through the windows together.  don't know if I've shared this before or not, but since Bailey doesn't bark, when you ask Sullivan what the dog says, he just growls.  It's funny and very accurate for our dog!  He loves to pretend to talk on the phone or any other item that he holds up to his ear like a phone.  He has really gotten the hang of running and can quickly escape with items he knows he shouldn't have!  The boy LOVES balls!  He has one of ever size and gets them all out to throw constantly!  He and Bailey really like playing fetch outside together!

He calls his cup his 'ba boom'.  Other new words: truck, shoes, fishy, juice, cheese. We have definitely been getting a taste of the terrible twos on occasion with his falling to the ground and squealing or banging his head when he doesn't get what he wants or if you take something away from him.  One loud 'Sullivan' from Daniel typically cuts that out real quick though!  He definitely tests me more than Daniel.  Guess I need to work on being more authoritative.  So hard when he gives you that cute little devilish grin! 

Sullivan has officially moved up to the 1-2  year old class at his daycare.  Don't think I'm not a little sad to see him leave the nursery!  I know he's enjoying his big boy class though.  They get to go outside on the playground, and I've heard he adores that!  He certainly comes home worn out!  The progress sheet they send home every day lists the food he was served each day.  I say served, since I don't buy for a second that he ate beef tips or sloppy joes, etc.  No way my child is eating that.  He will still eat just about any fruit, but veggies are limited to carrots and sweet potatoes.  Meat is limited to bacon.  Super healthy, right?  Ha!  We are sneaking in veggies through smoothies, so I don't feel too terrible about it. 

He has started giving out hugs upon request, and is really quite affectionate. Nothing like feeling his soft little hands hug you around the neck and really hold on to you! Love, love, love him!  We are so very blessed and lucky to be the parents of such a wonderful boy!  Love making new memories with him every day!  Thank you God!