Twilight

So, I've been successfully avoiding picking up "Twilight" for several years now. Trust me, the impulse was there- you can't help but hear all about the Twilight Craze and Vampire Obsessions that are surrounding this series. I have an extremely addictive personality; and my most hindering addiction is literature! I do NOT have time to be consumed by compulsive reading- late nights, procrastinated work, abandoning Ada- these are all things I've been trying to save myself (and my family) from. But, low and behold, Aunt Kendra lent me the first and original Twilight book on Friday night. I picked it up last night- and began my self-fulfilling prophecy. I'm officially hooked! Just thought I'd get my nose out of the book to share this...

Casey the Handy Man

So, we've lived in the Redbud Terrace house for a little over a year now- and we have a list of upgrades we want to make to it before we move on (which is probably 100 years away!). We want a pergola, hardwood floors (OK, laminate), better landscaping- especially in the backyard, and it needs new interior paint pretty desperately (that will probably happen after kid(s) are much older!) We (meaning Casey) tackled a big project last weekend- he painted the door black, put in a peephole, replaced the doorbell, replaced the entire door handle, knob, and lock, and put up black shutters!!! It looks SO wonderful, and I'm so proud of him!!! It was a more labor intensive job than we initially expected- and he was so meticulous to make sure it all turned out perfectly.
Here is a "before" picture of the house. We had just tidied up the front yard landscaping this past Spring:

And here are the after pictures!!! Doesn't it look more polished, now?

(The landscaping now looks a little shabby; but we'll get that taken care of soon!)

I love it; and can't wait for him to tackle the next DIY project! :) Pergola, here we come!!!!!

The Weeknight Chronicles

Well, not much to report around here for the past week. Friday night we went to Aunt Kendra's house to celebrate Grandma's (Sandra!) 35th birthday. ;) Much to everyone's disappointment, Ada stayed home with MiMi- at this point in our lives, it is virtually impossible to take Ada ANYWHERE that is not bolted up and cushioned like an insane asylum. I honestly believe Ada is the most curious, interested, fast-paced, busiest 13 month old E-V-E-R. (I'm sure every mother of a toddler will say the same thing. It's a fact of life, I suppose!) Anyway, our house is not only a safe-haven for Ada, but for my sanity as well. (I'm already having mini-panic attacks just thinking about the Holidays. Although I consider myself an optimist- I also have a realist side and I am envisioning the headache, exhaustion, and frustration of staying on top of my little toot!)
Then Saturday we ventured to the Katy playoff game against Stratford- it was a blowout, of course. On to the 2nd round! Ada had a blast- she *loved* the mascot (a Tiger with a bow and big eyelashes!), and waved to her the entire time (I have Kelli in class- she waved back the entire time, too- My goal is to find a good opportunity to get a cute picture of the two together at some point). She also clapped along with the cheerleaders (who also spent a chunk of time waving to Ada- when they weren't trying to find people they knew in the crowd), and conducted the band whenever they would play a tune. We had to leave at half-time because Ada was over sitting still for an hour; and the score was 35-7. Katy won; but I don't know the final score. But I do know there was a cutie-patootie in the stands cheering on her future Alma Mater:

Since there are no other exciting things to fill you in on for the week; I thought I'd let you in on our weeknight routine! (Doesn't THAT sound enthralling!?) Last year, every day, we'd come home from school, take our baths/showers, get in our comfies (that's Mobley for comfortable clothes to lounge around the house in), then snuggle, watch a recorded Oprah, and read baby books the rest of the afternoon. That no longer flies with my extremely active Bug.... Here are some pictures of how we roll, now!

Immediately when we get home, Ada has her after school snack while I clean out our lunch boxes and then pack our necessities for the next day. (Can I just say how much I'm enjoying NOT having a pump to clean, re-assemble, and bottles to make anymore? I still can't get over how much time that took!) Ada typically has some sort of cracker (animal, graham, cheddar, you name it!), an easy fruit (bananas and avacados are her faves), and a glass of milk that ends up on her tray, hair, and the floor. Rarely makes it down her throat....

Immediately upon getting our chores done, we hurry up and change into our comfies. That is something that will never change! I also usually have a Route 44 Unsweet Tea with Extra Ice from Sonic Happy Hour. Not usually. Always. (Recognize my shirt, Katy!?)

Then, it's P-L-A-Y-T-I-M-E!!! And of the hundreds of fantastic, high tech, stimulating toys that inhabit the dining room- Ada relentlessly chooses the Tuppeware as her toy of choice. It is the one cabinet we left without baby locks- And Ada takes full advantage of that. Here she is making sure she hasn't missed one item!

I hope I don't accidentally use her as a container one day!

Tupperware can always be worn as hats and helmets. I've also witnessed them transform into a drum, a chair, a vehicle, a ball to throw, and once even a left shoe. Obviously, it is the perfect toy- someone should be making millions off of this.

Then, it is dinner time. We try to eat as a family; but sometimes Daddy doesn't get home until 7:30 if he works out after work, so those nights are girls only! Ada's favorite meals are pasta dishes- the more veggies and sauce the better. She also loves to steal my avacaodos and tomatoes from my salads- I'm so lucky she enjoys such healthy foods! (Don't get me wrong- she also loves chicken nuggets, french fries, pizza, and ice cream. She definitely has her culinary priorities straight!)

Then, it's walk time. We get the mail and stroll around the block. Sometimes Ada loves it and could last for hours; other times we barely make it to the mailbox!

Lastly, its bathtime with Daddy. She loves her Ducks (and will occasionally let you know that a Duck goes "Quack Quack" if you bombard her enough with the noise). The purple hippo is also among her favorite bath toys. She's getting bath crayons for Christmas, and I have a feeling she's going to LOVE them!

I don't have a picture of our last stop- Mom knocking her out with her magic powers in the rocking chair! She'll sometimes wake up in the middle of the night if she's teething, got an ear infection, or just needs some extra loving (sound like a lot? It is). But a good night is one where she sleeps 'til 4 or 5 then gets to snooze for another hour or so in bed with Mom and Dad! :) This post ended up being a novel; so much for not having a lot to write about this weekend!

Happy Birthday, Bella Boswell!

One of my dearest friends from college, Roxanne (Roxy) had a baby girl just 7 weeks after Ada was born- Bella Faith Boswell. Her first birthday party was this weekend in College Station; and of course I took Ada. These girls ARE future Aggie roomies, afterall! Here are some cute pictures from the party:

Bella eating her Birthday Cupcake- she was much daintier about it than The Bug!

Ada being a Quirky Turkey- she was obsessed with venturing out from the Pavilion and playing solo in the grass. (Conducting an orchestra, as usual.)

Ada and Bella: Attempt #1

Ada and Bella: Attempt #2

Ada and Bella: Attempt #3 (this will have to do!)

My other good friend from college, Kinslow. (Well, her name is Jessica; but for some reason I can only address her by her last name!) Ada LOVED her!

Ada also loved Kinslow's dog: Stewart! Look how gently Ada is petting him. It took all of her efforts and restraint not to grab him up and squeeze him like a Lovey!

Alicia, Ada, Bella, and Roxanne

Alicia, Ada, Kinslow, Bella, and Roxanne

Dowelloween 2009

Well, Ada's 2nd Halloween has come and gone! Last year she was a Daisy (and a mighty cute Daisy, might I add):

Ada Grace Dowell- 10/31/2008 (5 weeks old)

This year she dressed as the ever-present, reoccuring theme of our lives: The Ladybug! The costume was adorable; she was adorable; and we had an AMAZING weekend!

The festivities started off with a bang on Friday morning at daycare: it was wear-your-costume-to-school-day. The moment I slipped Ada's bright red TuTu over her head, and tied her pretty black dress up shoes on her chubby little feet, she knew something spectacular was happening. She even wore her headband antennas ALL day! She typically won't even let you 5 feet near her if you have a headband-resembling item in your hands. She was such a ham- unfortunately at 6:20 am, you don't always have your camera handy and we were already running late! So you'll just have to visulaize the spectacle.

Upon picking up The Bug (an even more appropriate title this day of the year!), we headed straight to Grandma and Grandpa's for the annual Lakes of Eldridge Halloween Party. There was a magician, tricks and treats, and a spoooooky story teller. (Have y'all seen Poltergeist? This lady reminded me of the psychic from that movie. I was just waiting for her to look at the nearest fuzzy television and say "Carol Anne! Stay away from the light, Carol Anne!") Here are a few pictures from our Hallween Eve adventures:

Family Picture: Everyone say Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeze!

During the Spooky Storytelling: Ada was much more interested in the listeners than the reader.

Mimicking what witches do when they cast spells.

Dying to snatch some of this poor Dinosaur's candy.

Intrigued by the pirate. He doesn't look Somalian.....

Checking everything out from smack-dab in the center of it all.

Very pleased with this experience!

Then on Halloween afternoon, we ventured on down to Pearland to Trick-or-Treat with the Schilhabs! We love hanging out with them as much as we can; but the primary reason was to get a fabulous picture of Ada and Mia together. Both of their costumes were from Gymboree- Ada was the Ladybug and Mia was the Bumblebee!!! Needless to say; they are priceless memories. Here are few photos of their Trick-or-Treating extravaganza:

Fluffy TuTus blowing in the wind.

Red Wagonin' it!

"The Girls:" Alicia, Ada, Mia, and Katy

Tricks? Treats? All this for ME?

"Open up! We want your candy!"

Such a classic picture- I think I'm going to enter this in some kind of contest!

A little weary of the house with skulls on their doorstep.

A graveyard?? I'm not sure about this.

OMG Mom, that spider is huge. Is the candy really worth all this??

I had a really cute video of Ada and Mia walking, playing, swinging, and Trick-or-Treating; but it's taking too long to upload! I'll post that sometime in the near future!

A Glimpse Into A Teacher's Inbox:

Mrs. Dowell: Does anyone have 30 muzzles I could borrow for my 6th period class? I’d like to use them for the rest of the year. If possible, I would also love to put the shields around their neck that dogs have to wear after surgery. Just to amuse myself. If you’ve got those laying around, I’d greatly appreciate it!

Mrs. Stiles: You could try a refrigerator box. Just cut a hole so that they can see you in the front of the classroom.

Mrs. Dowell: I’m cracking up right now.
I need 30…. I think I’ll go dumpster diving at Sears tonight.

Mrs. Stiles (55 minutes later): Why is Caleb over here?

Mrs. Dowell: OOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH NO HE DID-NT! He’s supposed to be using the restroom- he’s been hopping around all class about to wet his pants…. Is he trying to get Nick’s attention??

Mrs. Dowell (immediately after Caleb was sent back to her room by Mrs. Stiles): Just gave Caleb the evil eye when he came back and informed him that your room does not have a toilet in it. His reply: “but she has this cool magnetic liquid!!!”

Houston Texans

Casey's parents have some AWESOME seats and season tickets to the Houston Texans- and they took us with them today to watch the Texans squeak by with a win against the 49ers! (The next game we are going to is against the Colts...that will be exciting!) Ada loved the Katy HS and Aggie football games so much, we decided to throw caution to the wind and take The Bug along for the ride. (Babies under 2 are free....) Let's put it this way: she will probably stay home for the Colts game!! She had fun, we had a blast, and of course Grandma and Grandpa spoiled her rotten; it was just exhausting! She is so curious and independent now, that holding her was not an option- which makes Tailgating and sitting in the stadium a bit challenging! But we survived and made some wonderful memories. Here are some pictures!

Hut Hut!!
I got my own mini-Tailgating lounge chair!

Do I look fierce like Toro!?!

George Bush and George Bush Jr. were there! (George Sr didn't see me; or I'm sure he'd remember meeting me when I was a Receptionist at the Student Rec at A&M!)

Sittin' pretty with Grandpa and Grandma... the pre-game entertainment was mesmorizing!

GO TEXANS! I'm your #1 Fan!

If You're Happy and You Know It....

If You're Happy and You Know It- walk around ignoring your Mom....

If You're Happy and You Know It- Clap Your Hands!!

Swine Flu

The dreaded H1N1 Virus, or The Swine Flu, has officially invaded our home. I'm the one who came down with it first- it started last Wednesday, got bad Thursday, and I thought I was dying by Friday. I ran a 103 fever for at least 3 days, and I almost went to the ER on Saturday night with some intense chest pains- but waited it out to go to a clinic on Sunday only to be turned away because they were too full! By the time I got into a doctor on Monday, I had a sinus infection, upper respiratory infection, and an unexplainable rash (that is now fading). My H1N1 test actually came back negative, but Ada's doctor today told me that those tests are pretty inaccurate and frequently give false negatives. Apparently I probably did have the virus... because Ada tested positive for it today. :*(Her case actually seems fairly mild- knock on wood. Her fever hasn't gotten above a 101.5, and her cough is pretty tame. We do have Tamiflu ($100, ouch!) in case her symptoms worsen drastically- but there are some scary side effects that the antiviral can have, so we're not being hasty and giving it just yet. (Severe nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations in children are just a few....) On top of all of this that this baby is enduring, she also has a double ear infection, so is on antibiotics for another 10 days. (She does not tolerate antibiotics well, her body hates them...therefore I do, too!)Say a little prayer for The Bug! And enjoy the pictures of her with her new stuffed Lovey, Piglet- purchased today in honor of her Swine Flu!!!

Not feelin' too hot- but loving on my Swine Flu anyway!

I got this thing by the ankles- don't worry about me, Mom!!I love this baby.

Girly Girl?

Here is Ada in her pretty, floral, feminine bubble dress that she wore to daycare on Tuesday! She was picture perfect. She even sat a little prissier than usual in her carseat- with her hands clasped politely in her lap and her lips pursed just a little. She knew she looked special! (This day was the first day since Ada began crawling that we have ventured into dress/skirt territory. Now that she's walking we're introducing them back into her wardrobe options!)

When I picked her up from daycare that day, however, I learned that her behavior didn't quite match her girly outfit. The daycare bully (not the infant room bully- the DAYCARE bully) was exiled into the infants room because she wouldn't let any of the 2 year olds in her room sleep at naptime. (Sound like anyone we know? At least our bug does it out of the goodness of her heart- surely the other babies would rather stay up and play with her!) So The Bully was up to no good, and bullying babies: pulling hair, trying to bite, stealing toys, food, and bottles, pushing down, walking over, anything else toturous you can imagine doing to a 12 month old. Ada, apparently had enough- because she started to dish it right back out to The Bully; and had her running scared from her by the end of the day! All the while dressed so pretty in her bubble skirt.... I can't help but laugh when I picture all of that going down!