Santa, Baby...

...slip an Apple under the tree, for me. Been an awful good girl.


Anything extreme on YOUR Christmas list this year?

Genetics

Ella five days old.

Jude five days old.

There's no question...these two are related.

Thanks Jessica

As I have mentioned before, my sister-in-law, Jessica, can do absolutely anything. Yesterday she decided to take up infant photography. And as always, she was great at it. You can check out little Ella HERE.

Happy 21st Sarah!

Today is my baby sister's 21st birthday, and I'm sure she's loving every minute of it. Growing up, Sarah and I shared a room - so I have MANY a story about this lady. I'll try not to embarrass her too much, but there are a few things I just have to say.

Sarah went by the nickname Po-Po Manunky for a very long time. I'm not really sure where it originated from, I just know it was the only way she could say Po-Po the Monkey.

Sarah and I used to have dance routines that involved her and I, and a bunch of ice skating moves. She'd run to me, I'd pick her up over my shoulders, slide her down my back until I was holding her by the ankles, and then swing her around. We thought we were AWESOME.

Sarah collected EVERYTHING as a child, and it all became very sentimental to her. I remember she scored a box from Sam's Club, and kept it in our room to be filled with all sorts of stuff: drawings, garbage, toys, you name it. I was always so annoyed with the box that she called "her desk" because it made our room look so dirty all the time. My mom, being the sentimental schmuck that she is - wouldn't throw any of the stuff away, so it really began to pile up. Once Sarah's "desk" was completely full of garbage, Sarah scored ANOTHER box from Sam's, and set it right next to the original desk. They both stayed there, full of junk, for years.

We had a sign posted on our bedroom door that read, "No Tackling, or Conswakenses." She then drew two hands with a big X over them. The sign meant, "No Tickling, or Consequences."

Sarah used to make me do "puppet shows" for her at night.

I remember that I would beg my parent's constantly to have my own room, and when Dan left for college, my wish was granted. One thing I've never told anyone is that the first night we had our own rooms, I cried like a little baby. I missed my sister like crazy.

Sarah, I love you so much - and I hope that 21 is a blast for you!

I am SOOO in love with this girl!

Welcome Ella

Ella Isabel was born on November 14, at 2:03pm - after four easy hours of labor. She was just barely under 7 lbs, and 20 inches long. Thus far she's content, adorable and sleepy. She looks SO much like Jude. We love her tons!

I went in for my 39 week appointment this morning, and the Doc measured my belly - then squeezed, and made his guess. He said that this little lady is already in the high seven pounds. It's possible she could be my biggest so far. Maddie was 7 lbs 1 oz, and Jude was 7 lbs 14 oz. This girl has the potential to be quite the chunk. Guess we'll find out soon!

The Habbit

Many of you know that I am usually OBSESSED with anything Cola: Pepsi, Coke, RC, I don't care - just give it to me...in mass quantities. But lately something has changed. I have slowed down on the pop and switched to water. Not because I like water, but because I want to chew on the ice. I (on an average day) have at least four full glasses of crushed ice. In the few minutes/day that I'm not carrying a MASSIVE cup of it around, I'm craving it. Why? What IS this? At night I sit down to watch an episode or two of "House" with Rob, and literally miss half of the jokes because I can't hear over my crunching. I think I'm starting to lose friends over my bad manners, so I decided to do some research. Here's what I found:

"Doctors use the term "pica" to describe craving and chewing substances that have no nutritional value — such as ice, clay, cornstarch or paper. Craving and chewing ice (pagophagia) is often associated with iron deficiency anemia — although it may be associated with other nutritional problems as well. It's not known why some people with iron deficiency anemia crave and chew ice. Researchers from one recent study suggested it may be because of ice's pain-relieving properties, since some people with iron deficiency anemia experience tongue pain and inflammation (glossitis). The same researchers found that ice has a new and better taste to some people who are iron deficient."

So maybe it's time I get my iron checked. The last time I had blood work done, they said it was a little low, but nothing to be concerned about. So to all my friends and family that are turned off by my constant chomping, give me a break. I obviously have a very serious medical condition. And let's be honest here - would you prefer I chew on clay, cornstarch or paper? Yeah. I didn't think so.

It's okay, Derek. You're obviously not alone.
*You can pause the music at the bottom of the page if you want to hear the video better*

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

Halloween Day

The family spent Halloween Day wearing costumes, shaking leaves from the tree, riding a Halloween train, hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa, partying with Nate and Stef, and obviously trick-or-treating.








I spent Halloween growing to my max potential. Please come soon, baby...I'm HUGE.