The Colbmeister is officially 15 months and counting... well, he was on the 15th, but of course you never get an appointment for the pediatrician "ON" that day. So we settled for late last week and got the officially growth and measurement update.
Cman is still on top of the charts and is growing perfectly according to the doc.
Still hovering at the 25 pound mark and measuring up at 33 inches.
I was beginning to wonder the other day why it was that some of the clothes from when he was 10-12 months old still fit and some are actually falling down off his waist. Guess it's because he's sprouted up more than he's sprouted out - definitely a good thing! But, I suppose with how busy this little boy is, it wouldn't surpise me that he's eating like a champ and not packing on the pounds!
So good news on the growth front... and I'm not so happy to say we're back in ear infection world again. Oye... yup the little guy rang in his 15 month visit with a double ear infection. Our doc, however, is determined to "get this thing" this year so for now we're hopefully keeping those germs at bay with a month long preventative antibiotic. Keep your fingers crossed we make it through this winter much better than last.
Luckily our spunky boy is just as spunky as ever ear germies or no ear germies! Guess we all can't complain if he isn't!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SCOTT!
Another birthday celebration in our house....
Have a great one, we love you...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SCOOTS!
Labels:
Family Fun,
random thoughts
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Loooong neck
Why is it that most of the strange happenings we see (and I wind up blogging about) have usually revolved around cars or dogs?
Sure enough, here we go again! The other day Scott and I were driving along and haha out of the car in front of us popped the head of a Great Dane! He was HUGE. It was so funny to watch him ride with his head out the window because it looked like we were in the drive through safari and had a giraffe riding in the car ahead of us. And even funnier was watching him turn around to get to the other side. This little CR-V was barely wide enough for him and at one point his tail was sticking out of one side of the car while his head was out of the other.
It was very funny, so thought I'd share more of our strangeness.
Sure enough, here we go again! The other day Scott and I were driving along and haha out of the car in front of us popped the head of a Great Dane! He was HUGE. It was so funny to watch him ride with his head out the window because it looked like we were in the drive through safari and had a giraffe riding in the car ahead of us. And even funnier was watching him turn around to get to the other side. This little CR-V was barely wide enough for him and at one point his tail was sticking out of one side of the car while his head was out of the other.
It was very funny, so thought I'd share more of our strangeness.
Labels:
Pictures,
random thoughts,
Strange
Monday, October 20, 2008
More Apples and Pumpkins
We had eaten all of the apples (well, Cman ate most of them, Scott and I got like 3 or 4, but who can fault a boy for loving fruit) from our last picking adventure... so we decided we might as well pick some more. Considering there's an apple orchard that abuts our property it's a very easy, fun and inexpensive outing - now this is frugal to the "core" - ha, sorry, apple joke! :)
Not too much you can do these days for less than $5 for a few hours of family fun.
3+ pounds of apples, a boy-sized pumpkin, a tractor ride and good old fashion family time... now that's a Saturday morning for us!

Ready to chow down - this one is ripe guys!
Not too much you can do these days for less than $5 for a few hours of family fun.
3+ pounds of apples, a boy-sized pumpkin, a tractor ride and good old fashion family time... now that's a Saturday morning for us!
Ready to chow down - this one is ripe guys!
Labels:
Family Fun,
Fishy,
Pictures,
videos
First Hair Cut
It was bittersweet, but at 15 months old, Colbmeister needed his first haircut. The little ducktail in the back and wings hanging over his ears were looking a bit odd. So sure enough "Barber Daddy" with a snip snip here and a snip snip there took off the few strands in the bathroom this weekend. Colby wasn't phased at all and is sporting the same doo minus the duck tail and wings. Ha - he didn't even have enough hair to need a "real" cut!
Labels:
Family Fun,
Fishy,
milestones,
Pictures
Boy's Best Friend
I've blogged before about how much Doug and Cman have a very unique relationship.
Now I know every dog loves their family and every family loves their dog. We are no exception to that rule and as a matter of fact have a dog that certainly thinks he's human. He's a "son" in most senses of the word and yet definitely takes on the role of protector as well. He has certainly taken his role as "big brother" and "best friend" to heart with the Little Man. I didn't think I'd ever see a dog purposefully move and strategically place himself at the top of the stairs so Colby wouldn't fall down them or wait patiently as a toddler feeds him dinner. Doug, is a great dog and I'm looking forward to see when he and Colby go romp and play together in the backyard. I'm sure at some point we'll need each of them to run the other ragged, getting that unending energy out that they both certainly have.
I think this picture of the 2 of them walking in the front yard is so simple - just a boy and his dog.
Yet, a perfect display of how they have become bestest of friends.
Labels:
Doug,
Family Fun,
Fishy,
Pictures
Imagination already in full bloom
Colbmeister has a very busy imagination already. Check out what he decided to do the other day with the lids to his bottles. He loves to play with Tupperware and utensils or pans, but on this particular day it was his bottle lids! I couldn't figure out why he was walking funny, that is until I realized that he had lids on his feet like shoes. haha It was very funny, so luckily I grabbed the camera and was able to capture some of the sillyness before he moved on to a different "game". If you listen carefully in the video you'll hear the tap tapping of the lids on his feet! Very funny.
Silly Boy.
Silly Boy.
Labels:
Family Fun,
Fishy,
Pictures,
videos
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Monkey See Monkey Do
Remember this playset???
Well, it's safe to say that not only does Colbmeister enjoy it, but Doug (the dog) also thinks it's a blast to play on as well.
Yes, you heard correctly, the dog officially climbs on the playset.
I lie not!
These are the times that I wish I had my camera in my backpocket. Colby was driving the little steering wheel and peeking at me through the slats, giggling and squealing, Doug must have thought this was the coolest thing around so he decided to jump up on the platform with the Cman. haha I laughed out loud... he was spinning around and peeking through just as if he was a 4 year old little boy. Sure enough, our little game of peek-a-boo was over and Colbmeister decided it was time to go down the slide. Why at this point would I have been surprised to find Doug following behind! WHAT? haha a dog that goes down the slide.
So fun!
I knew these 2 would become the bestest of friends. I'll try to get pictures next time.
Well, it's safe to say that not only does Colbmeister enjoy it, but Doug (the dog) also thinks it's a blast to play on as well.
Yes, you heard correctly, the dog officially climbs on the playset.
I lie not!
These are the times that I wish I had my camera in my backpocket. Colby was driving the little steering wheel and peeking at me through the slats, giggling and squealing, Doug must have thought this was the coolest thing around so he decided to jump up on the platform with the Cman. haha I laughed out loud... he was spinning around and peeking through just as if he was a 4 year old little boy. Sure enough, our little game of peek-a-boo was over and Colbmeister decided it was time to go down the slide. Why at this point would I have been surprised to find Doug following behind! WHAT? haha a dog that goes down the slide.
So fun!
I knew these 2 would become the bestest of friends. I'll try to get pictures next time.
Labels:
Doug,
Family Fun,
Fishy,
new adventures,
Strange
1 week and counting
Can you believe I have gone 1 week already and not yet filled my gas tank! Woo hoooo...
Labels:
new adventures,
random thoughts
Monday, October 13, 2008
Fall Morning Walk
After being away, it was nice to just get up and enjoy a walk in the woods just outside our own back door.
I think this may be our favorite time of year!

Ready for our hike.
I think this may be our favorite time of year!
Ready for our hike.
Labels:
Family Fun,
Fishy,
new adventures,
Pictures
Annapolis Trip 2008
Nice day for a boat ride.
and a nap!
The show from the water side
Super cool go-cart!
Colbmeister got in on the action too.
Sooo yummy, nothing left but shells.
This cracker is really fun.
Colby and I enjoyed playing on the grass of the Naval Academy.
The little man is becoming a world traveler just like his dad. We were on the move again this past week as we took our annual trip with Scott to the Annapolis Sail Boat show. Good thing Cman likes to travel and doesn't mind sleeping in a pack n play!
Since we were there on show set-up day, we were able to sneak out for the afternoon and enjoy a boat ride with George, one of Scott's salesmen. Fun afternoon. And to top it all off we had dinner of some yummy "Smash n Bash" crabs - Colby especially liked the cracker and the mallet! YUM YUM. (and no for all you food police out there, Colby had chicken and not shellfish!)
Guess it's back to reality after all these trips away. At least it'll be like Xmas since the little man hasn't played with his own toys in a few weeks!
Labels:
Family Fun,
Fishy,
new adventures,
Pictures,
Vacations
Apple Picking
Every year we do our best to get out at least once or twice in the Fall to go apple and pumpkin picking. This year was no exception... about 2 weeks ago (see told you I was really far behind) we had a nice get together with some of my many sisters, their husbands/fiances, and had one big apple picking extravaganza! It's still in the plans to get our pumpkin but that's ok since we haven't been around to enjoy it anyways.
We had a great time in search of a perfect apple - Colby approves of all types of apples and tasted tested each one along the way. This was the first year in a loooooooooooong time that we're been back to apple pick in my old stomping grounds (NJ) and therefore encountered a few unexpected things along the way aka thanks NJ farmers for bringing the city into the suburbs. (And for future reference...we'll probably stick to New England for apple picking in the future --- not that NJ apples aren't good or anything, but read on.)
So what were the strangenesses (ummm yeah I just made that a word) that we found...
- Since when do you have to PAY to go apple picking? Isn't the idea that you are going to BUY apples at the end enough? Guess not in NJ.
- Since when do you also have to PAY for the hay ride... + TAX! Ummm ok. We'll hoof it - Colby and Scott are both allergic anyways. Perhaps if we paid them for the ride they would pick up the tab for our hospital co-pay when they both get rushed to the ER.
- When did you ever have to buy the bags to carry your apples... no not like you buy 1 peck at $X and that's your total charge no matter how many you can squeeze in the bag - not at this place... you had to buy each bag for 50 cents and then your apples were weighed and you paid by the pound. Somehow I think there's a double charge here.
- When have you ever seen a line (and about 50 people long) to buy your apples?
- When was the last time you apple picked amongst the power lines? Interesting concept I suppose.
- Cider for $5.50 a gallon - no thanks - I'll squeeze my own if I want it that bad.
- Scott's personal favorite.... "Do not eat any fruit until it has been paid for" - really? Perhaps you've never had a "Mac" before and would like to try it... HELLO APPLE FARMERS OF NJ - EVERYONE EATS WHILE THEY PICK!!
- Funnel cake, bounce houses, pony rides, ice cream, vending machines ... enough said!
Ok... so yes, we had a good time, just eye opening to see how some apple pick and others apple pick amongt a carnival! Am I wrong to think these are a weee bit odd to find along side of our fresh fruit?
All in all it was fun to see some family we don't often get to spend time with outside of parties, weddings, funerals and the like. So good times had by all and once again Cman was the life of the fun!
Enjoy.
We had a great time in search of a perfect apple - Colby approves of all types of apples and tasted tested each one along the way. This was the first year in a loooooooooooong time that we're been back to apple pick in my old stomping grounds (NJ) and therefore encountered a few unexpected things along the way aka thanks NJ farmers for bringing the city into the suburbs. (And for future reference...we'll probably stick to New England for apple picking in the future --- not that NJ apples aren't good or anything, but read on.)
So what were the strangenesses (ummm yeah I just made that a word) that we found...
- Since when do you have to PAY to go apple picking? Isn't the idea that you are going to BUY apples at the end enough? Guess not in NJ.
- Since when do you also have to PAY for the hay ride... + TAX! Ummm ok. We'll hoof it - Colby and Scott are both allergic anyways. Perhaps if we paid them for the ride they would pick up the tab for our hospital co-pay when they both get rushed to the ER.
- When did you ever have to buy the bags to carry your apples... no not like you buy 1 peck at $X and that's your total charge no matter how many you can squeeze in the bag - not at this place... you had to buy each bag for 50 cents and then your apples were weighed and you paid by the pound. Somehow I think there's a double charge here.
- When have you ever seen a line (and about 50 people long) to buy your apples?
- When was the last time you apple picked amongst the power lines? Interesting concept I suppose.
- Cider for $5.50 a gallon - no thanks - I'll squeeze my own if I want it that bad.
- Scott's personal favorite.... "Do not eat any fruit until it has been paid for" - really? Perhaps you've never had a "Mac" before and would like to try it... HELLO APPLE FARMERS OF NJ - EVERYONE EATS WHILE THEY PICK!!
- Funnel cake, bounce houses, pony rides, ice cream, vending machines ... enough said!
Ok... so yes, we had a good time, just eye opening to see how some apple pick and others apple pick amongt a carnival! Am I wrong to think these are a weee bit odd to find along side of our fresh fruit?
All in all it was fun to see some family we don't often get to spend time with outside of parties, weddings, funerals and the like. So good times had by all and once again Cman was the life of the fun!
Enjoy.
Colby opted for the healthy snack.
Group photo..
Kristen, Scott, Colby(hiding), John, Linda, Kristen (yes there are 2 of us), Mary, Chris
Kristen, Scott, Colby(hiding), John, Linda, Kristen (yes there are 2 of us), Mary, Chris
Labels:
Family Fun,
Fishy,
friends,
new adventures,
Pictures
Way behind
I'm way behind on blogging. Stay tuned today for lots of updates!
Labels:
random thoughts
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
1 down...
Good News to report!
The Colbmeister has been off Prevacid, his reflux medication for an entire month now ---- so far so good! He doesn't seem to be bothered by drinking from a bottle, a cup, eating off a spoon and he's chowing on all types of food with no problems.
FANTASTIC!
The Colbmeister has been off Prevacid, his reflux medication for an entire month now ---- so far so good! He doesn't seem to be bothered by drinking from a bottle, a cup, eating off a spoon and he's chowing on all types of food with no problems.
FANTASTIC!
Labels:
Fishy,
Medicine,
milestones
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Slide
Sorry the video is croooked we always forget that our camera only takes video horizontally. It was cute though so I had to post it always. Turn your head to get a better view of the little man on his first tube slide ride... first slide alone... first BIG smile at the end!
Labels:
Fishy,
new adventures,
Vacations,
videos
First Mickey Ice Cream
Colbster enjoyed his very first Cookies n Cream Mickey Ice Cream Sandwich while we were in Disney World. I think he probably ate more of it than I did... and based on the reaction I think he may have liked it.
Here are some pictures to prove the yummy happiness!

Big Bite
Here are some pictures to prove the yummy happiness!
Big Bite
Labels:
Family Fun,
Fishy,
new adventures,
Pictures,
Vacations
Cabinets are fun!
Make sure to move your fingers out of the way....
Labels:
Family Fun,
Fishy,
Pictures,
Vacations
More Disney 2008
I've posted some of the pictures from our Disney Trip. More are coming soon, they are from a different camera card and I haven't motivated myself yet to upload and create captions for the hundreds of them. Check back soon and enjoy!
Muppets
1st Dumbo ride!
Hey, did you guys know there was sand here too?!
Neato... this is more fun than riding backwards in our car!
Labels:
Family Fun,
Fishy,
Pictures,
Vacations
Friday, October 3, 2008
Last Day...
It was a little bittersweet driving to work this morning knowing it the last day of my commute. I don't truly enjoy the 62 mile haul I've done every day for over 5 years, I just sort of got used to it. I enjoy driving and so that's why it never actually bothered me to be on the road that much. The amount of time I lose in the day by doing this back and forth is what finally got the best of me... not the on the road part, or the number of miles, but the ticking in my head that marks the number of minutes missed out on this or that or I could and should be doing this instead.
It's amazing how desensitized to time you become when you always seem to be on the road. Way back when Scott and I first moved to CT I used to dread the drive home from a visit to NJ. I would count the exits and do a jump for joy when we were about a half hour away. Now those trips seem like just another day, just another mile, no big shakes. I still mark that same exit in my head every time I pass it and can predict exactly the time we'll be home... based on the day, based on the traffic, based on who's driving. I'm completely convinced I could get home on that stretch of highway in my sleep. Wonder if I'll lose my time predicting skills and patience for driving once I'm not doing it each and every day?!
I once thought because I knew these road so well, perhaps I'll wind up with a position at the D.O.T.! ha ha. They sure could use someone to give them "real life" tips.
I could tell them that the giant electronic road signs that tell you of an accident ahead actually are worse than if you just happened upon the accident. Why?! People don't attempt to find a way around the incident, but instead slam on their brakes to figure out how to read the sign that flashed either too fast or too slow all while still maneuvering their vehicle at 80 mph. And then instantaneously begin driving even faster in hopes of passing all those cars ahead of them. My guess is that they think perhaps if they go crazy driving around everyone there will be less cars in front of them at the time of the backup... weird, but possible.
I could tell them how the traffic in construction zones really isn't that bad as long as the darn radio DJs don't try to force you into anticipation of the backup by continuously reporting it every 4 minutes. Where we live there are no traffic reports on the radio... there are also no backups.... correlation - maybe? maybe not? But worth a shot as an experiment.
I could continue those thoughts for days... so we'll move on.
And then there are other commuters I see on the road each and every day. Is it weird when you encounter the same tractor trailer truck at the exact same point on the road each morning and wonder what happened when you don't see it? Did he leave early or am I running late - CRAP - definitely me!
Why do more people not realize that if they push their schedule forward a mere 15 minute there is significantly less people on the road. Where the swarms of people come from between 8:00 and 8:15 I'll never know... it's like the state population triples in a matter of moments. Oh and did you know there are about 1/3 of the cars on the road in the summer - do that many people really vacation during those months? Are that many people school teachers who commute?
All these weird happenings of my mind each morning... will I miss those?
I'm sure I will.
I'm also sure I'll probably find another time and place to let my mind wander as it used to on the drive. We'll see what it wanders about when I'm not always surrounded by cars and road signs.
Guess it really is a new chapter in life. New Thoughts. New Times.
At least I also know not much will change because of how goofy my work environment is. I'll be able to transition quite easily to being casual all the time since it will be no change at all. Yep, the low-keyed, no dress code, wear jeans and a sweatshirt atmosphere has been a fantastic place to work. I loved that when April rolled around my flip-flops came out and I could wear them to work too. And playing... that won't be too hard either. I'm used to having "Nerf" wars at any given moment during the work day. Yes, every person in my department has a Nerf gun strategically placed on their desk. Armed and ready. Oh a sad moment to reflect on... I passed on my Nerf today as I couldn't bear to take it with me - it belonged in the office - I had to gift it to someone. Shoot it with pride Miss Adina!
The only quirk that I'll certainly be missing out... which I'm not sure is going to be a loss really - is returning from vacation to the "welcome back surprise". Somehow, way back when, it got started that if you went away on vacation for longer than 3 days, you came back to a completely different desk. Your coworkers would do something to "welcome" you back - in some cases this was turn your monitors upside down or perhaps even your desk ... or how about use cardboard boxes to create a personal cubicle.... or place every non working computer from the entire office on and around your desk... all in good fun. I'm sorry I'm going to miss the day when a colleague of mine (who will remain unnamed since I'm not actually sure he/she doesn't read this blog) realizes that we put glitter in his/her hand lotion. Gosh that will be a funny sight given that it happened almost 3 months ago and he/she still has not had a reason to slather up. Guess I should have planned to stay through the winter "dry skin" months!
Or how about these 2 "welcomes"... A desk and everything on it covered in tin foil... or how bout a shrink wrapped desk?! Not sure if I'm happy or sad that I'll miss out on these office happenings.


So a fond farewell to commuting.
A welcome sign for working a much less stressful and choatic life. A shorter drive, more time with the family, more time to appreciate life and love.
I know I'll miss it. I know I won't.
We shall just have to wait and see what life has in store just around the corner.
It's amazing how desensitized to time you become when you always seem to be on the road. Way back when Scott and I first moved to CT I used to dread the drive home from a visit to NJ. I would count the exits and do a jump for joy when we were about a half hour away. Now those trips seem like just another day, just another mile, no big shakes. I still mark that same exit in my head every time I pass it and can predict exactly the time we'll be home... based on the day, based on the traffic, based on who's driving. I'm completely convinced I could get home on that stretch of highway in my sleep. Wonder if I'll lose my time predicting skills and patience for driving once I'm not doing it each and every day?!
I once thought because I knew these road so well, perhaps I'll wind up with a position at the D.O.T.! ha ha. They sure could use someone to give them "real life" tips.
I could tell them that the giant electronic road signs that tell you of an accident ahead actually are worse than if you just happened upon the accident. Why?! People don't attempt to find a way around the incident, but instead slam on their brakes to figure out how to read the sign that flashed either too fast or too slow all while still maneuvering their vehicle at 80 mph. And then instantaneously begin driving even faster in hopes of passing all those cars ahead of them. My guess is that they think perhaps if they go crazy driving around everyone there will be less cars in front of them at the time of the backup... weird, but possible.
I could tell them how the traffic in construction zones really isn't that bad as long as the darn radio DJs don't try to force you into anticipation of the backup by continuously reporting it every 4 minutes. Where we live there are no traffic reports on the radio... there are also no backups.... correlation - maybe? maybe not? But worth a shot as an experiment.
I could continue those thoughts for days... so we'll move on.
And then there are other commuters I see on the road each and every day. Is it weird when you encounter the same tractor trailer truck at the exact same point on the road each morning and wonder what happened when you don't see it? Did he leave early or am I running late - CRAP - definitely me!
Why do more people not realize that if they push their schedule forward a mere 15 minute there is significantly less people on the road. Where the swarms of people come from between 8:00 and 8:15 I'll never know... it's like the state population triples in a matter of moments. Oh and did you know there are about 1/3 of the cars on the road in the summer - do that many people really vacation during those months? Are that many people school teachers who commute?
All these weird happenings of my mind each morning... will I miss those?
I'm sure I will.
I'm also sure I'll probably find another time and place to let my mind wander as it used to on the drive. We'll see what it wanders about when I'm not always surrounded by cars and road signs.
Guess it really is a new chapter in life. New Thoughts. New Times.
At least I also know not much will change because of how goofy my work environment is. I'll be able to transition quite easily to being casual all the time since it will be no change at all. Yep, the low-keyed, no dress code, wear jeans and a sweatshirt atmosphere has been a fantastic place to work. I loved that when April rolled around my flip-flops came out and I could wear them to work too. And playing... that won't be too hard either. I'm used to having "Nerf" wars at any given moment during the work day. Yes, every person in my department has a Nerf gun strategically placed on their desk. Armed and ready. Oh a sad moment to reflect on... I passed on my Nerf today as I couldn't bear to take it with me - it belonged in the office - I had to gift it to someone. Shoot it with pride Miss Adina!
The only quirk that I'll certainly be missing out... which I'm not sure is going to be a loss really - is returning from vacation to the "welcome back surprise". Somehow, way back when, it got started that if you went away on vacation for longer than 3 days, you came back to a completely different desk. Your coworkers would do something to "welcome" you back - in some cases this was turn your monitors upside down or perhaps even your desk ... or how about use cardboard boxes to create a personal cubicle.... or place every non working computer from the entire office on and around your desk... all in good fun. I'm sorry I'm going to miss the day when a colleague of mine (who will remain unnamed since I'm not actually sure he/she doesn't read this blog) realizes that we put glitter in his/her hand lotion. Gosh that will be a funny sight given that it happened almost 3 months ago and he/she still has not had a reason to slather up. Guess I should have planned to stay through the winter "dry skin" months!
Or how about these 2 "welcomes"... A desk and everything on it covered in tin foil... or how bout a shrink wrapped desk?! Not sure if I'm happy or sad that I'll miss out on these office happenings.

So a fond farewell to commuting.
A welcome sign for working a much less stressful and choatic life. A shorter drive, more time with the family, more time to appreciate life and love.
I know I'll miss it. I know I won't.
We shall just have to wait and see what life has in store just around the corner.
Labels:
new adventures,
Pictures,
random thoughts,
Work
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