Sweet Potato Face

Today we started Brendan on Sweet Potatoes. Boy did he like them! He took one bite and was like Heyy! What's this?? Now if only he could keep them in his mouth or at least work on his aim a little bit! Or maybe I should leave that up to Tom as HE was the one who did the feeding! Sheesh! What a messs! And the bib! Tom wiped Brendan's mouth when he was done, and it was ALOT worse than that when he was done! I had to wash it TWICE to get the stains out !Ahh well. Such is the life of raising and feeding a baby AGAIN. He's such a cutie, How can you NOT want to squeeze that messy face? Sweet Potatoes and all!

Happy 4TH of July!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July!! Tom is out setting off yet ANOTHER arsenal of fireworks.. Remember LAST years??? let me remind you- we still have a butt load of it left ! BUT HE FEELS HE HAS TO Buy and set off MORE! Heres the boys dressed up in spirit of the holiday.. Happy 4th everyone! Hope its a great one! {and hope Tom doesnt blow any fingers off!

Bye Bye Baby

Well,yesterday I had to say goodbye to my van. Although I didn't post it, { I was kind of embarrassed to} I was in a bad accident withit- I was taking it to be recalled to be fixed a week and a half ago - very minor actually, something with the water heater or something but could have led to major if it wasn't fixed, so I was on my way to bringing it in, and with all the things on my mind lately, with mom passing away recently, and the heat ,and just coming back from errands, and getting Thomas into kindergarten, my mind wasn't all with it I guess,and well, I guess I wasn't paying attention , and let the person in front of me go at the stop sign, then figured ok, my turn, then proceeeded to go after looking momentarily, and here comes an F150 and WHAM! Right into my left quarter panel as I'm making a left turn and spun me around in the opposite direction!Turned out he moved my engine, as well as did damage to other things, my air bag didnt go off which I wondered why, but heard was a good thing because they would have totaled it right then and there because its so expensive to fix. I got a ticket for not staying at the stop sign for specified time- which I paid a fine and took traffic school online to take the four points off my license he gave me. 117 dollar ticket - ow. but I deserved it. I'm fine, didn't get hurt at all, just was shaken up and VERY upset at the damage of my van that I just bought three months ago! He had barely a scratch on his bumper- he was towing a trailer full of stone roofing supplies which I think contributed to the force of the damage. - 8,000 dollars worth plus the body shop found more in estimates which found it not worth it to fix it resulting in totaling it. so there goes my insurance to the moon and now I'm carless as well. Double so thought I'd show you a before and after. Heres my baby before the accident-nice and pretty... and after- dopey-- lesson learned-drive more responsibly with an ultimate clear head and stop look and listen for at LEAST 7 seconds! So word to the wise let my mistake influence you.I'm SOO pissed, but SOO learned my lesson because I loved my van, and SOO miss it! Tom doesnt want me to drive again, but I'm hoping he changes his mind.. I just want to cry looking at these pictures...

This Little Piggy...

I was just wondering whether to start Brendan on rice cereal or not since he's only 11 weeks but hear there are some that DO start feeding rice cereals to babies under 4months if they seem ready. Like this guy,Making this eating motion with his mouthwhether in his sleep or awakeand is above the norm in ounces for his age in months- norm os around 4 ounces where he downs 6 ounces no problem! We consulted Gerber and they said the baby should be twice his/her birth weight{which he has surpassed that from 6pounds to a chubby 13 and a half} and be able to consume 32 ounces in a 24 hour period.{which he does that no problem the slob! LOL sitting he downs 6ounces no problem-done-sometimes 4-but think that's covered-I'm constantly making formula for this guy! } So this morning we started off trying some rice cereal -and he loved it- which we ate mighty hungrily I might add! I actually made too much because it came out too thin so I added a little more cereal to thicken it up , But he ate the whole bowl anyway PLUS 3 oz of formula to wash it down !Just for breakfast and dinner and every four hours takes 6 ounces of formula. So hes a bit of a piggy but a healthy 13 pound piggy! Afterwards he had a nice powernap on a full belly of course then when he woke up he played a little in this walker we picked up which is a little premature, but these two looked so cute playing together, I had to take a shot and post it! Heres my piggy and Thomas giving Brendan a ride..

Thomas' Pre K Graduation

Last night was Thomas' graduation from Pre K- here's some pics from the evening. My baby's off to Kindergarten come August! He got an award for Marvelous friend award- He was the friend where all the kids loved and felt safe and trusted and loved to have around. Him being the sweet kid and easy to make friends with.I uploaded it to flicker but somehow it dissapeared- :rolleyes- oh well- my luck-ANyway - my baby's growing up! sorry so big-just thought I'd share! that's his teacher Ms Roni he's posing with by the way- she worked wonders on him- ! Brought him completely out of his shell! He went in this timid lil thing not knowing anyone or wanting to play with anyone and now hes this bright kid with lots of friends and I am so proud of him! I am amazed at what he has learned! I thank her so much! Shes worked wonders on him in such a short time its amazing! My lil boy's growing up so fast!

It's Time to Graduate

Tomorrow, Thomas graduates from Pre-K. It's been a year already.Wow. Where has the time gone? In August he'll be going off to Kindergarten. Elementary school. My baby's growing up and I get to start all over again with Brendan.. I'm looking forward to it, but in some ways not.- the writing on the walls the temper tantrums the potty training... He's going to have the cap and gown - the whole bit. the singing songs - the whole ceremony- I got my camcorder charged and camera alrready packed as any proud mom would! His teacher wrote a poem I thought was cute I thought I'd share with you. It's called "Everything I need to know I learned in VPK"
I've learned that green light is good, yellow light is a warning, and redlight means big dog trouble. I learned that sand is good,dirt is better but mud is best!
I learned that no matter how many times I'm told not to jump in the puddles I just can't resist! I've learned accidents just happen! I'm learning that using my words is so much nicer that using my hands. I've learned that sitting crisscross applesauce with a bubble in my mouth is so hard when my best friend is sitting next to me! I've learned that when I am sick I get to see Mommy or Daddy. I've learned that a snuggle hug makes me feel better whan I'm sad. Ive learned that no matter how many fun things my teacher has planned I just want to go to housekeeping/ construction area. I've learned to sing and dance. I've learned to write my name, my own way.And it looks good to me! I 've learne that can go anywhere when I look inside a book.I've learnedto hear things at least three times before I actually listen. I've learnednot to wear my best clothes because smocks dont cover everything!
I've learned that falling asleep at naptime is hard but I feel so much better when I wake up! Ive learned my letters and their sounds cause that how I start to read, Ms Roni says I'll need that in order to succeed. I've learned that its not hard to share When {I was 4 there was no way}I ve learned to raise my hand to speak, and my teacher says hooray! I've learned my bottom goes in the seat to keep me safe and stable, I've learned not to put my feet upon Ms Ronis table! I've learned that there are days when I want my mom or dad, But my teacher is always there. I've learned she always has a hug to show me that she cares. So you might say I am ready for what Kindergarten holds in store. I have respect, honesty, self control and I wont quit anymore.My teacher says that I am great, and it is time to graduate!

All About Mommy

Today I dropped Thomas off at school and perused through his homework folder for any homework or graded homework, and found this.. I'll copy it verbatum,You'll find it kinda cute , I know I did - Theyre studying writing and the teacher asks them questions about their moms and just fills in the blanks, heres what Thomas said about me!...
" My Mommy's name is Noreen"
She is 65 years old"- 65??! scuse me! now I KNOW I need to call my Avon lady!
"She has brown hair and Blue eyes" -??? I do huh? look again pally! theyre brown just like yours! LOL! what do ya want? he's only 5!
"She works at home"
"My mommy likes to just do stuff when shes not at work"
"I like mommy when she shows me stuff on the computer"
"My mommy loves me best when I feed the baby"
"If I could give my mother something special just from me, it would be something special" okay...
"My favorite thing about mommy is her flowers" too cute-
Not very observant but cute! just thought I'd share.. 65....hmph!!! guess those wrinke lines are really startin to show! better buy some of that Loreal wrinkle cream or tel lil' Ricky he's got som 'esplainin to do ! ;)

Miss Me -But Let Me Go.-Im Loving Memory of Mom10/6/41-4/30/06

This April 30th, I lost the most beautiful woman I have ever known. My Mother. To a disease that is the ugliest sickness known to man or woman. Cancer. It either spreads slowly, or rapidly.In Mom's case it was the latter. We don't actually know where it originated from,or how long she had had it,but know it persevered in her lower region in her pelvic area and liver and worked it way through her fragile body.Shutting her major organs down putting her to sleep peacefully which is what we wanted. She went in to the clinic a Monday on the 24th of April, was sent to the ER, had a bag packed already so must have known something was up.I flew up to New York on Wednesday to see her, where she was still in the ER and was in great spirits-cracking jokes and in pain, but managing-that's just mom - high pain tolerance- I get that from her-doesnt want to bother anyone- sweet as pie.I fixed her hair and all and made her comfortable. They moved us to a second room but still Er located. Mom's pain is increasing, so they worked with her to get her on a morphine patch and new room by by Friday. In between this time the family is taking shifts back and forth the by staying vigil at mom's bedside with someone constantly there so if she wakes up she won't be scared if no one is there. It's not long now . Mom's breathing is labored and she is in and out of conciousness mostly out.Her sense of humor is still there though. Eddie came to visit her after work as he is a copand she briefly woke up and peeped one eye open and whispered - "what are you gonna do? arrest me? " and went back out again..I called Tom to say its time to bring the kids up but thought we had more time some doctors said a week more some didnt know. Saturday we all hung out at the hospital and bit by bit went home to get some rest Doug Steph , Deb n SeAN decided to stay. Dad and I were there for the day and decided to get some rest. Doug came home later and at 12:30 Doug got a call from Steph saying we needed to go back to the hospital . We got there , and Mom was gone . She had just passed away shortly before we got there. Her breathing got labored and just stopped. Bless her heart she went peacefully and painlessly due to the morphine. She was only 64 years old.I called Tom and he flew up with the kids on Monday and we attended the wake and funeral on Tuesday and Wednesday. What a sendoff. The whole 6th precinct showed up to pay their respects, as did Doug's work -C. W. Post staff and her insurance company and all of her family and friends. More that 150 people signed the guest book but there were ALOT more than that we're sure- they just didn't sign. because they were lined up outside the door. 0h the flowers!They were gorgeous- as was the church-it was a wake and funeral fit for a Queen as was it should have been. As was mom to us. It was what she deserved and the least we could have done.She was the most selfless,giving, caring , loving woman I have ever known in my life with a heart of gold an eternity wide. She volunteered at Helen Keller services for the blind,She taught religion for the physically and mentally handicapped,she did hair for the seniors and befriended them and became close friends with them beyond doing hair for them, If there ever was an angel incognito , it was my mother- Carol.God blessed her with a a set of shiny gold wings , this I am sure of.Her illness was brief and death was sudden, this I am both thankful for and deeply saddened by and don't believe I will fully get over for a long long time.Call me greedy, but I love my mother to pieces, and I want her back. I'm not ready for her to go yet. I'm too used to calling her every week to tell her I love her and seeing how she is and letting her talk to her grandson and just to hear her voice and sweet smile. And her infectious laugh.I have that memory in my heart locked up tight, But I still crave the real thing. I miss you mom soo much. I know you're happy where you are, But we're in agony missing you down here. We love you Mom. Always have, Always will. And look forward to seeing you again one day when the time is right, and will do our best to make sure we make it there. For now, please watch over us and guide us with your loving ways as you have when you were here on Earth. I love you Mom. I miss you. God how I miss you. Now we all are home and I wont say back to normal because things will never be back to normal without her in our lives but lives are back to a sense of what they were before all of this. Just a link of the chain is missing and we're all trying to make do.We're trying to mend each others hearts in the process when needed. One day at a time. When the time comes when one of us needs a little extra support, We're there for each other. God Bless You and keep you safe in his Loving arms .Funny, One thing Mom always used to say is, " Everytime you hear a bell,it means an angel gets his wings." Well Mom,every time I hear a bell,I'll be thinking of you and saying a special prayer. God Bless. Youre a wonderful woman who will be sorely missed here on Earth, But thankful there watching over us as always.

When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me,I want no rites in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little-but not too long And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me- but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's Plan, a step on the road to home. When you are lonely,and sick of heart, go to the friends we know and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.Miss me -but let me go.-Im Loving Memory of Carol Sturm 10/6 /1941-4/30/2006

Happy Easter!

Just thought I'd share some pics from my family to yours and say Happy Easter everyone! hope it was a pleasant one! we had mom in law over for a pork roast and potatoes and green bean casserole - -small but nice- .Took the boys to Church this morning- they were complete angels! Not a peep from either one of them for the whole service! and Thomas came down with a sore thraot last night so we were leery on letting him go to church this morning, but he wanted to go so... he was wonderful! he went to bed early hopefully will sleeep it off and will feel better soon. here's some pics from today. I couldn't resist the matching outfits- only get to do it once right? just had to do it!! Happy Easter all! Heres Thomas feeling yucky but putting his best face forward for the camera.. and my lil peanut - hell be a month tuesday already!..me n da boyz . Thomas coloring eggs.. and how they came out- quite nice I think! job well done!

Welcome Brendan Michael !!

I know I am SOOO late in doing this, {Like 18 days late}but due to the fact that I was a bit immobile, sore, then had my brother here for a week , then Tom went back to work during the past week where I was unable to get back on the computer as well as Thomas has become a massive computer gamer online at the tender of 5 yrs old.. I hope I am forgiven! Tom and I arrived at the Hospital at 5:00 in the morning to be prepped and monitored for my scheduled c-section. Surprisingly, I WASN'T SCARED AT ALL! I was for some reason very calm! Maybe because I had been looking forward to this day for 9 months maybe? I just let everybody do what they had to do, do my IV, take my blood, do the catheter thing- {which I thought was gonna hurt because I didnt feel it last time because I was out cold} but never felt it go in} and was most grateful! Then came time for the epidural-she told me to go limp like a ragdoll, and I was remembering how Some said it hurt I think so I was a little apprehensive, but did as she said and she said I might feel a little pressure or pinch and it would be the worst part. I was like " oh boy.. here it comes!" but never felt a thing! I even told her " boy you must be a pro because I never felt a thing! all I felt was like my legs were on fire and felt like someone strapped weights to them , and they swung my legs up onto the gurney and from then on I kept trying to move them but couldnt and knew what it felt like to be parilized - it was kinda scary, but knew it would wear off and felt a sense of guilt that I would get my legs back and there are some out there that wouldnt-strange the thoughts that go through your head.I remember telling them as they strapped down my arms as well that I felt like Jesus on the cross the way I was posistioned! Then my O/B came in , and said his good mornings, and proceeded to get down to business. All I felt was some jiggling and pushing and then heard the sweet cries of my lil peanut being born and feeling tears of joy rolling down my face as he lifted him up over the drape for me to see him. Oh he was beautiful! I got tears in my eyes now thinking about it! His hair all swirly from the vernix and him all red and pissed off from being evacuated from his nice warm surroundings to a cold stark operating room! I'd be pissed too! LOL Brendan arrived Tuesday morning, March 21st, The First day of Spring, at 7:25 .My Little spring Baby. He weighed in at 6 pounds, 2 ounces and was 18 and a half inches long. He scored a nine and a nine on the apgar scale , and is currently doing very well adjusting to the formula and his new room and family.Thomas absolutely ADORES him! He's a very mellow baby, doesn't cry alot, is more of a squeaker when he does cry- or is not very loud like Thomas was when he cried I should say! - Him I could have heard him down the hall! lol me I'm much better,still slightly sore at times from my incision because I also had what was called a scar revision { or mini tummytuck} where they take out some of the fat from your "pooch" so I'm more sore and below my incision than the actual c section incision itself - my O/B is a bit of a jokester- part of that procedure he took out some fat and held it up and goes " oh look!- fishbait!" I was like LOL okayy! Tom was like Eww! But it was funny anyway. I'm getting around much quicker. Tom thinks I'm nuts but is more than glad that I can help out as much as I do. Nothing crazy but little things add up with a 5 yr old and a newborn aroud the house plus laundry and cooking and keeping things in order and getting to prekindergarden and getting dinner done etc.. we do feedings in shifts- I'll do days and he'll do nights, then switch-every couple days so it doesnt interfere with his work - having him work from home like he does is a big plus as well. We went to MGM and a seafood festival and My brother and Thomas and I went to the beach as well when he was here so I've been doing alright you might say as far as healing is concerned. Delivery was a breeze,was in and out, and wasn't scared at all for some reason!Just was looking forward to our new blessing! And without further adue, I give you Brendan Michael Higdon- Our new Lil Peanut and angel and bundle of joy!
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