Update...

Seems it's been over a year, nearly 2 since I posted here.  I'm feeling listy so I'm updating a list from before and hope to post again with another list of to-do's (and dones!) including our newest plans: Chile in 2015!

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR.  Need to finalize.  
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money-researched-no savings to be found :(
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage-Made Book instead
* Scrapbook projects
      * Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar Deleted as the chalkboard thingy is in progress!
* Order windows 
* Hall Bath Renovation DONE!
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      *  Things to add: paint wainscotting, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor (decided not to), paint trim/pieces, install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower, hang shower curtain rod, 
      *  New additions: Hang Medicine cabinet, install final paint job/touch up on moulding/trim, install hooks
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath (none for now)
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation DONE, except for sealing grout

      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation (Sand it)
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road.  Progress!  We met with a designer who gave us some good ideas and an estimate.  Timeline is now probably 3 years down the road.   It's down!  Project started this past week.
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table?- Nope, probably not going to happen.  The color is growing on me, so who knows.
* Paint chairs- got new chairs and recovered the old ones, but still need to paint and now recover again (with easy to clean fabric this time.
* Paint Secretary? Giving it back to Matt's parents.
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut!  Hang Chalkboard! Hang Chalkboard in Cashi's room!
      * Get shelf/Hang Shelf- Do I want a shelf?
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed.  Figured out its a separate unit, so it can be replaced! Progress!  Actually it's not!
* Hang House Numbers 
* Rebuild/replace fence!  
* Replace deck
* Build Outdoor shower aka Matt's "Master Bathroom" project

Tattoo you!

I love it, I love it, I love it!

Details:
My mom's handwriting
Both my grandfather's enjoyed birdwatching
The flowers are based off the embroidery that my grandmother's both did with on pillows
The color idea is mine :)

Cute things my kid said this morning....

"Sibs is Mama's friend.  Loki is mine"

"When I get bigger than daddy, I'm going to help someone. I'm going to touch their back."- Matt helped someone up who fell last weekend while we were walking at the Lafayette reservoir.

"When I get bigger than  mommy, I'm going to drink coffee 'cuz then I'll be an adult."

Birthday #32

Today is my birthday and I couldn't be happier in my life... really. 

Since I don't write all that often, I'm not going to try to wax poetic about the epic awesomeness that is my life but I do want to remember in 30 years that this time in my life was amazing.

I'm healthy (except for a root canal that I need done, next Tuesday)
Cash and Matt are healthy
Matt's family and my family are all healthy

We have anything we could need and a ton of the stuff that we want.  My "wants" for this year were a new silicon pastry brush and a tattoo design and I got them both. 

Matt did a lot of special things in honor of my birthday... let's name a few:
* Cleaned the bathroom with very little prompting :)
* Refurbished our old bench in a color that I requested
* Indulged my lunch/dinner desires pretty much all week (that's not all that special, but I knew I had the card this week!)
* Sinful Bliss cupcake gift certificate and we all walked down after dinner tonight to share dessert
* He got up at 6am when Cash woke up asking for someone
* Lovely text during the day

Cash was a pretty great kid (minus a few random screams) and I even got leg hugs and kisses before I went off to work.

All in all, I'm delighted to be 32 but even more thankful that life is so good.  

And a quickie update with the list

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR.  Need to finalize. 
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money-researched-no savings to be found :(
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage-Made Book instead
* Scrapbook projects
      * Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar Deleted as the chalkboard thingy is in progress!
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      *  Things to add: paint wainscotting, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor (decided not to), paint trim/pieces, install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower, hang shower curtain rod,
      *  New additions: Hang Medicine cabinet, install final paint job/touch up on moulding/trim, install hooks
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath (none for now)
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation (Sand it)
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road.  Progress!  We met with a designer who gave us some good ideas and an estimate.  Timeline is now probably 3 years down the road. 
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table?
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut!  Hang Chalkboard! Hang Chalkboard in Cashi's room!
      * Get shelf/Hang Shelf- Do I want a shelf?
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed.  Figured out its a separate unit, so it can be replaced! Progress!
* Hang House Numbers 
* Rebuild/replace fence!  
* Replace deck
* Build Outdoor shower aka Matt's "Master Bathroom" project

What's hapenning: May 2012 version

Hi Brooke!  Thanks for the reminder that I need to post about updates.

I'm feeling like categories tonight, so here we go:

House:  We are making progress towards a kitchen remodel, but it's SLOW going.  The outdoor shower is done, and has been done and we've been enjoying it, especially in the mornings!  The guest room is now finished.... which means the master bedroom/bathroom is probably next on the minor projects list (ha!)

Kidlet:  Growing and showing every part of 2.5.  Wow!  We've figured out that if we stray from his bedtimes too much we pay for it with a cranky, cranky kid which in turn leads to a cranky, ornery mama which is no good.  My mom and Karsyn came for a visit last week and he had a BLAST! but ice cream for lunch and bedtimes around 9am meant the day after they left, I lost it because he was losing it.  We're back on track (for the most part now) and we only have major tantrums, horrible listening, general wiseassness every once in awhile- which I can handle.  I'm too lazy to look at my last update about Cash's language- but it's amazing.  He's starting to joke around a lot and completely speaks in full sentences.  Just tonight he asked, "Mama, wanna hear my joke?  Why did the chicken cross the road?"  His answer was total nonsense but it was hilarious.  Last week, we were sitting at the table eating breakfast and he looked and me and said, "Dohlman, guess what?" He's picked up all kinds of things from daycare from the good (like he told me the other day that Jupiter is the biggest planet, Saturn has rings, Mars is red and Mercury is closest to the sun, which is REALLY hot!) and the bad (we are going to kill the monsters, calling people boobie and poopoo and whatnot).  Potty training is not going too well.  He'll pee on the potty 90% of the time you put him on it, but he rarely (like only 1-2 times) has told us he has to pee.  The stickler really seems to be pooping.  Our reward system is a riot.  I want to document it so I can laugh at it down the road.   Right now, he gets a jelly bean and an M & M for peeing (a big pee) on the potty, a jelly bean or an M & M for a little pee or a "quick try (just sitting on the potty)", skittles for even farting on the potty, and the promise of any thing from his monster goodie (candy) bag if he poops.  I can not believe I can keep track. 

He's awesome at playing baseball and can hit a ball when it is tossed to him.  He can run and kick a ball without stopping. 

He knows the Alphabet song and to count to 10.  He knows most of his letters by sight (not lowercase) and he knows what a lot of the letters are for "D is for Dog" and funny enough, "D is for Dohlman." 

Work:  Going pretty well.  It looks like my job will be split into two positions if the budget goes through (hallelujah!).

Matt:  A gardening fool.  He got a juicer for his birthday.  Tonight was our first juice and he's smitten.

Sibley:  She's doing better.  She wears a muzzle 100% of the time when she is with Cash. 

Sprite:  He is an awesome cat, with extremely stinky poop! 

That's all I wanna write.  Hit PUBLISH! 

You're Driving My Nuts! and other cute things my 2 year old says

We were preparing dinner and Cash wanted to help but was really just getting in the way.  I really wasn't at the end of my patience, but I jokingly said, "Cash, You are driving me nuts!" and he responded, "You are driving my nuts!"  Which in honestly, I do every day!

Whenever Matt and I are talking to each other and not to Cash, he says, "Talka me." (Talk to me).

We made something (I can't remember what it was) and Cash exclaimed, "It's delicious mama!"  Which is incredibly precious coming from that little mouth.

Cash can properly pronounce (and use the following words): rhinoceros, elephant, delicious, cooperate, gross,  frustrated and a bunch of others that I'll add here as I think of them.

I love 2 year olds! 

Best Date Night Ever (with a 2 year old)!

Tonight, Cash and I had a little date night.  Matt went over to a friends house to watch a football game so I told Cash that we were going on a date.  To start off, we walked (he triked, I pushed) to the school park and toodled around looking at the creek and monster equipment that is set up right now (they are installing solar panels at the school).  He slid down the slide once but went through a puddle of water, so we headed back.  It was adorable because I asked "Donde esta la luna?" and he pointed right at it, though I asked again and I don't think he thought he actually understood what I was saying.

Then we went to Panera for dinner.  On the way there, out of no where, he said "I love you so much."  Tears, I tell you and the highlight of my day.  At Panera, he was generally well-behaved, especially for a two year old and especially after drinking a very sweet hot chocolate (my little treat for him). 

We read book in Mama's bed and sang two songs and he went down to bed.  Just after I left, he said "Where are you mama and prite (Sprite)?" and I just couldn't help but go in and tell him that we were right here and would see him in the morning.  It's now 8:15 and I still hear him tossing and turning but he's been quiet ever since.

Matt reported the best day with him too.  2 is sooooo much fun.  I love it!

A Fun Day in the City and home

What a fun day!  (With no photos to prove it).

3rd day of vacation after 2 days of working on home projects with Matt led us to a day in the city.  We had intentions of spending the entire day in the city but plans changed.... Here's a rundown of the day:

Cash to School
Home to Ready
Out of the door at 9:45, in the city by 10:30.  Parked at Guerrero, rockstar style, near Tartine.
Awesome breakfast- croque monsieur, croissant with ham and a morning bun
Walk around the Mission, stopped in a thrift store (no finds)
Walked through Dolored Park
Pit Stop at Bi-rite creamery
Then we decided to head home!

Nap time!
Got my toe nails did!
Picked up Cash
Baby shower
Now Matt, Ron and Jimmy are just finishing up a jam session in the living room!

What an awesome day!

My Man, My Outdoor Shower!

Matt worked on this project (his dream project) all over winter break.  I got to enjoy a nice soak yesterday.  Here are some shots:

Struggling in 2012...

I've been thinking about 2012 and all that it entails to ring in a new year and I am struggling with a word.  A word in inspire me through the new year, to focus on improvement/betterment/etc.

Here's the current struggles:
Finance:  I struggle because we make enough money to live and enjoy life, but not enough to not worry.   In 2012, I'd like to relax a bit more about our monthly expenses but also be looking forward to saving for bigger plans (not in 2012- like a kitchen renovation)

Family:  I have really enjoyed living in the moment in 2011 and will continue to do so.  I struggle with balancing time to myself and time with family and time at work. 

Self:  I love to blog, facebook, read, design, dream but I struggle with balancing that with family and productivity time. 

Organization:  Part of me says "Organization!" It's the way to go and part of me says "Who cares!"  I think more organization will take a lot of effort on my part but would alleviate some struggles on a daily basis (what to do with dinner, where to find that, storage/house stuff, etc).

Memories:  I struggle with living in the moment, and capturing it all and getting it down.  I love to look back on the year, but haven't found a project to stick with throughout the year.  

Job:  I struggle with balance on getting projects done, keeping caught up with my daily work, asking for what I need and being detailed enough.  Also struggle with leaving work at work.  Yet, I really enjoy my job most days, which means checking in from home is actually something I look forward to nearly each day. 

The words that I've tossed around so far are "peace "(it was on a candle I was gifted and it seems like a sign, but I have yet to make sense of that sign), "organize" and "live."  Perhaps another word will come to me.  Perhaps I'll start to jot things down here so they stop swirling in my head.

House Project update

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR.  Need to finalize. 
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money-researched-no savings to be found :(
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage-Made Book instead
* Scrapbook projects
      * Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar Deleted as the chalkboard thingy is in progress!
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      *  Things to add: paint wainscotting, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor (decided not to), paint trim/pieces, install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower, hang shower curtain rod,
      *  New additions: Hang Medicine cabinet, install final paint job/touch up on moulding/trim, install hooks
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath (none for now)
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road.  Progress!  We met with a designer who gave us some good ideas and an estimate.  Timeline is now probably 3 years down the road. 
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table?
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut!  Hang Chalkboard! Hang Chalkboard in Cashi's room!
      * Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed.  Figured out its a separate unit, so it can be replaced! Progress!
* Hang House Numbers 
* Rebuild/replace fence!  
* Replace deck
* Build Outdoor shower aka Matt's "Master Bathroom" project

23 Months

Dear Cassius,

We are approaching your 2nd birthday! Wowzer!

You are an incredible little boy and I'm so grateful that you are my kid!

A few fun memories:
* Yesterday, we woke up together and you watched some videos while we all got the energy to get out of bed.  We watched a Sesame Street video about things being "fragile" and then later in the day, your Grandma asked you to be careful with something and you said "fragile."  Holy Cow!  You really connect things!
* Speaking of "Be Careful"... You told me to "Be Careful (it sounds like Car-full) Mama" when I got up on the step ladder the other day.
* You talk up a storm.  Most of the time we can totally figure out what you are saying but last weekend you started saying what sounded like a full on sentence of gibberish that ended with "up in the sky."  We have no clue what you were saying. 
* You love to sing.  You sing "Twinkle, Twinkle lill tar,""Pat Cake,""Humpty Dumpty sat wall,""ABCEFGLMNOP," and other little songs.
* You started to go pee on the potty!  We've had numerous successes this past weekend!  Every time we ask if you want to go potty, you exclaim "Jeyye Bean, Mama?"  (Translation: Jelly Bean, Mama?).  Yes, you get 2 jelly beans if you "make a 'posit" (Make a Deposit) in the potty.  Yesterday, you wore big boy underpants for the first time.  You wore them for about 45 minutes and you didn't have one accident!

I'm gonna post this now, and then add some photos in a bit.

I Love You SOOOOOOOOOOOOO Much!

Mama

22 months

Dear Cassius,

You are a whole lot closer to 23 months now but this is your 22 month letter.

It seems like life is just speeding by sometimes.  I can hardly remember what happened yesterday let alone the last month.

A few funny thoughts from our last month together:
* I've got you saying "Please Mama Dear" and it's super cute.  We were at a party and another guest commented on your manners.  Apparently you asked some one for "more water, please".  Good job, buzz!  You say "no, please" instead of "no, thank you" :)
* You mimic just about anything we say, which is hilarious.  You'll say "awesome", "dude", and all sorts of other things.
* You love our neighbors, especially Megan.  To hear you say "Hi Megan" is about the cutest thing.  You also want to hug, hive five or kiss her or Don (her grandpa).  They've started to watch you a bit and you love it over there.
* You love tools.  Drills, Saws, Blowers, Lawn Mowers, Weed Wackers, Garbage Trucks... you know the names of all of them and you still love to "blow".
* You love the skateboard that you helped Daddy build.  You love to help daddy with projects, like the ramp you built.
* Dad reports that you planted your first bean!  Yeah!  You are still scared of the chickens, but you love to collect the eggs.  We are batting about .75 for making it into the house without breaking the egg.  You know all the names of the chickens!
* We went to a U-Pick farm and you picked and ate plenty of peaches and plums.  You were a complete beast as we tried to eat our lunch and you didn't fall asleep the entire way home :(
*You started a new daycare at Miss Karen's and you seem to love it!  You love Miriam and James and Cameron and talk about them often.  Apparently, they even have you practicing on the potty!
* You like to do a lot of things yourself "my do it" and you often want "whole fing" and not a piece of anything.
* Just the past few days you started to enjoy "being a baby" so that I'll hold you and sing to you.  It's pretty darn cute.  You started singing quite a few words to "itsy" and also to "Happy Birthday". 
* When you wake up in the morning, your little voice says "Mama! Come here!" so sweetly it melts my heart every morning, even if I don't really want to get up.

Despite the semi-frequent meltdowns, you are so fun to spend time with.  I love being your mama!

Love you Cashi!

Mama Dear

Another House Project list!

It feels like we are constantly working on this list but only a little, little bit gets to be marked off.  Such is life:

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I- in progress... next step, tests (for Matt, mine are done, then results).
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR.  Paperwork filled out, just need to call.
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage
* Scrapbook projects
      * Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar Deleted as the chalkboard thingy is in progress!
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      *  Things to add: paint wainscotting, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor, paint trim/pieces, install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower, hang shower curtain rod,
      *  New additions: Hang Medicine cabinet, install final paint job/touch up on moulding/trim, install hooks
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road.  Progress!  We met with a designer who gave us some good ideas and an estimate.  Timeline is now probably 3 years down the road. 
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table?
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut!  Hang Chalkboard! Hang Chalkboard in Cashi's room!
      * Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed.  Figured out its a separate unit, so it can be replaced! Progress!
* Hang House Numbers 
* Rebuild/replace fence!  
* Replace deck
* Build Outdoor shower aka Matt's "Master Bathroom" project

House Project List update again

Cuz we've made some progress!!

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I- in progress... next step, tests.  Waiting on the guy.
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR.  Paperwork filled out, just need to call.
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage
* Scrapbook projects
      * Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar Deleted as the chalkboard thingy is in progress!
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      *  Things to add: paint wainscotting, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor, paint trim/pieces, install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower, hang shower curtain rod,
      *  New additions: Hang Medicine cabinet, install moulding/trim, install hooks
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road.  Progress!  We met with a designer who gave us some good ideas and an estimate.  Timeline is now probably 3 years down the road. 
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut!  Hand Chalkboard! Hang Chalkboard in Cashi's room!
* Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed.  Figured out its a separate unit, so it can be replaced! Progress!
* Hang House Numbers 
* Rebuild/replace fence! 

21 months

Dear Cassius,

Wow!  Time is flying by!  We've done a lot since my last letter and I'm eeking this in just before you turn 22 months! 

We had a great trip to Witch Lake and you L.O.V.E.D. it!  Every waking moment of it.  You had so much fun playing "boo" with Andy and Georgie.  You weed wacked every day.  You played in the water (a bit) with your Gramma and you loved to watch the saws and tools while Papa and Keith worked (tool are sharp- you remind us!).  A few highlights from the trip:
* You got to see Uncle Brett cut down a tree, with a chainsaw!  You still talk about this! 
* You got to see your other Uncle Brett, Aunt Mikki and cousins Kinley and Karsyn.
* You had a blast with Andy and Georgie doing all sorts of things.
* You flew with mom on the way out and dad on the way back and you did pretty well... it wasn't easy but we made it!
* You got to sleep with us a few nights in the last month or so.  It seems that in a new place, you just like to snuggle.  I kinda like it!

Speaking of snuggle... you learned to say the word "nuggle" and will often request it, especially in the morning.  Your vocab expands every day and you are stringing words and thoughts together all the time.  A couple of days ago you said "uncle" "picture" "raccoon" "phone" "white car"... because the day (or two) prior, Jeremy (aka Uncle Jeremy) came over and showed you a picture of a raccoon on his phone. I can't really remember, but I think the raccoon was near a white car!  Holy moly! 

I can't remember if this is new or not, but you know all your colors! and you are learning to count.  You've got 1, 2, 3 down (especially since we frequently use that to prepare you for what's to come next) and can count aloud to get Daddy to run through the "spinklers" with you.

You love to play with the big kids and can easily get into what ever game they are playing, be it hide and seek, duck duck goose or red light, green light.

It's been a big month for us as we decided to make the switch with your daycare...so August 15th, you start up at a new daycare.  I hope you love the learning, and I think you will.

Oh... I almost forgot.  The temper tantrums have officially started.  Your first true tantrum was hilarious (to us).  You were S.O. upset because you couldn't hold the package of graham crackers.  You kept wailing "brown" (as in brown graham crackers) and "package".  Kicking, screaming, flailing, limp body, screaming and screaming for a good 20 minutes.  Then you got up, asked for a peach (and I gave it to you) and all was okay with the world.  Silly boy!

I know I say this every month, but you are the love of my life and a joy to watch.  I get excited for the times we share because you are just hilarious.

I love you,

Mama

20 months

Dear Cassius,

You are one incredibly smart little dude!  It's so much fun figuring out what you've figured out!  Here's a snapshot:
- You started to sing songs.  Robot Parade was the first... it's so darn cute "obot arade".  You also like/sing Twinkle (Twinkle Little Stars) and (Wheels on the) Bus.  You ask dada to sing Monkey (and the Engineer).
- You like to count, or rather, when we count.  Your favorite is counting the chickens!
- You wake up with mama!mama!mama!mama! or dada!dada!dada!dada! every morning now.  No crying or whining like you used to... you use your words!
- You seem to like timeouts or the "corner".  Always keeping us on our toes.  You only try to bite and hit me... and no one else.  I guess that is good.
- You love "more ketchens (questions)".  What does a cow say? What does a donkey say? This one is my favorite as your "heehaw" is so cute!)
- You know all your colors (blue, red, pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, brown and black).  Just this week the answer is not automatically "lellow" (you would get it right on the second ask) but you're offering the color now and often with the object (white truck).   You are even getting two color combos!
-You love to help in the kitchen- from making food to washing dishes.  You love to be a part of the action.
-Your little voice is so cute.  Your intonation is so cute when you say "good girl" to Sibley or when you say "HONEY!" (as in Honey, I'm Home).

A few exciting things happened in May/June...
We went camping in the BUS! and we all had a great time.  You were hilarious with your saw, saw, saw, saw, saw!

Your dad picked up a bunch of lumber.  As usual, you were game to help! 

We had a foster kitten in the house.  Her name was Diana but you called her nanny.  It's been almost 3 weeks and you still talk about her.  You were scared of her when she would come near you, but you loved to watch her! I also had to bring a cat to the local shelter.  It's name was Toga and you still ask about "yogie" even though you spent all of 5 minutes with that cat!

You are one special little boy.  I am so proud you are mine and I am yours!

Love,
Mama

More updates on project

Some {very small, but still!} progress has been made, new projects have been added to the list.  Here's an update:

Life Projects:
* Get Life Insurance for Matt and I- in progress... next step, tests.
* Start 403b plan and putting $50/paycheck away to start- in progres, next step, roll over pension, submit thingy to HR
* Get a will in place
* Make a doctor's appointment with new doctor
* Talk to Financial Guy
* Get new insurance to save money
* Send Frye Boots in for stitching
* Get Library Card
* Update DMV with address
* Make Cashi's first year CD/Video montage
* Scrapbook projects
      * Finish Wedding Scrapbook
      * Finish Family scrapbook
      * Finish College scrapbook
      * Finish 2010 Project Life scrapbook
* Taxes 2010

House Projects:
* Create chalkboard calendar
* Put up chalkboard calendar
* Order windows
* Hall Bath Renovation
      * Many things have been completed but were not on this list, including: select paint, paint walls, cut wainscotting, buy and install light, patch up drywall
      *  Things to add: paint wainscotting, touch up paint, re-grout and seal floor, paint trim/pieces, install fixtures, hang light after paint dries, caulk fixtures in shower, hang shower curtain rod
      *  New additions: Hang Medicine cabinet, install moulding/trim,
      * Find shelving for Hall Bath
      * Obtain Mirror for Hall Bath
* Master Bath Renovation
      * Paint new sink base for Master Bath Renovation
* Repaint Master Bedroom
* Knock out wall between Kitchen and Living Room... really, did I put this on here.. this is probably 5 years down the road.
     * Purchase new refrigerator
* Paint dining table
* Paint chairs
* Paint Secretary?
* Paint Chalkboard Menu Thingy- It's cut! 
* Get shelf/Hang Shelf
* Figure out if Microwave can be fixed
* Hang House Numbers

19 months

Dear Cassius,

You said "I love you" unprompted for the first time this month.  I think my heart nearly exploded as I put you to bed and you said, so sweetly, "la laaaa lo mama."

You went to the doctor for your 18 month check up and you haven't changed a whole lot since your last appointment.  33.25 inches (or so) and 26lbs 5 oz (or so).  The doctor isn't too worried that you supposedly haven't changed much, especially since it's probably due to the fact that you aren't too thrilled about being weighed and measured, hence some kinda wonky measurements (PS.  That is a horrible run on sentence with lots of useless words).

You started to put sentences together this month.  Hello Dada was your first and the vocab just keeps coming.  Today you said "wawa on (water on)".  You are getting pretty good about playing by yourself.  You still play relatively well with others.  You love to help your dad in the garden and you helped me bake cookies for the first time.  It was quite a mess and you only helped for about 30 seconds, but you did help.  We made cookies for all the neighbors who have so warmly greeted us since our move.  You had fun handing out the cookies too, even though you weren't feeling well that day.  A few days after handing out the cookies, you point to the houses where we dropped them off and say "coooookies".

This last month you went to 2 zoo's: Happy Hollow and the Oakland Zoo.  You really love looking at the animals (and running around) but you're not fond of the carousel!

Speaking of under the weather, you seem to have taken on your father's drama queen moments while ill.  Granted, you did vomit once, but the rest of the time, you were whiny and full of drama.  Now that you are on the mend, it seems to be residing.  Yeah!

You had two cousins born this month, Chloe (Chris and Melissa) and Lucas (Bob and Sarah)!

We booked our trip to Witch Lake this month!  I can't wait.  You'll be flying up with me and back with your dad.  It should be a blast!

Not sure there is a whole lot more to report.  I love you so much.  Thanks for being an awesome kid!

Love,

Mama