Baby Jail

We have entered an all-new era of mobility here at the Shingleton home this week: Jude climbed into the fireplace. That's right - he climbed up onto the hearth and into the fireplace. I was right there and watched him while he did it and after I put him back on the rug, he proceeded to crawl right back over and do it again. And again. And again. And again. While I'm very proud of his strength and climbing prowess, this is somewhat concerning to me as I thought that I had appropriately babyproofed the living room into the only "safe zone" in the house where he couldn't get it into any trouble! 

So today, my mom called and gently reminded me that back in the day, pack-n-plays were known as playpens, and they were not used for sleeping, they were used for containing babies! And that perhaps Jude might need to be contained...  And what do you know, Grandmother knew best! I drug the pack 'n' play into the living room and filled it with toys and Cheerios, and he was a happy camper. For awhile.
Yesterday was his first day at Mother's Day Out. I was far more nervous than he was; he was an old pro, according to his teachers! :)   They sent home a little report card sheet on him ("what I did today") and they remarked that he was "Happy" and "busy."  Boy oh boy, is he ever busy!

Animal House

You may remember this framed alphabet card that I have hanging in the powder bath. I bought the set of cards from Michael's -- it's a Martha Stewart design, and for $9.99, I think it was a pretty good deal. I've also framed the letter "U" and have it on the mantel in the family room. It's got a lovely little illustration of a sea urchin. Remind me to photograph it sometime ....

Anyway, I've had the rest of the alphabet sitting in a pile in my very unorganized office, and I finally got around to doing something with them this weekend. I hung almost all of the rest of them in the bonus room in a little nook where Jude can see them as he hops in his Jumperoo.  Every day, I take him over into the corner and we look at the different animals. I love the expressions on their faces. The cow is particularly demure.
I had to quickly clean up/clean out Jude's playroom today as the drywall guy was coming to patch up a few places that have unfortunately cracked. I threw all the stuffed animals into the crib and promptly forgot about them until naptime. All but two or three of these animals were mine from childhood. I still love them, especially the giraffe. Anyway, I put Jude in the crib with all the animals and he thought it was just the funniest thing ever. I let him play for awhile before removing all the animals. But he was happy this time to go down for a nap! :)

End of Summer

We have had the most interesting weather the past few days here. Usually at this point in August, the temperature is averaging 100 degrees, and we're cringing at the mere thought of longsleeves or sweaters. But with all the rain and cool weather we've had, fall is seeming more and more like an imminent possibility. Four inches of rain fell overnight in Oklahoma City; in other parts, we actually had 11 inches! 

This evening, as I stepped out to get the mail, there was a cool mist and everything felt so fresh and clean. I'm ready to curl up in a sweater with a good book. I grabbed the camera and shot a few photos of the trees in the front yard. The bark is completely saturated with water and the greens just pop against all of that bark and moss.
Yesterday, my nephew Matthew called and wondered if he could come over to hang out with Jude. I had just gotten home from the grocery store, and was happy to have him come hang out. Matthew will start the third grade tomorrow and is a gourmet cook in the making, and I love to make stuff with him. A couple of years ago at Thanksgiving, he helped me make the yummiest apple pie. I know he has great potential for big things and even bigger ideas. For dinner, we made spicy chicken strips with corn and smashed potatoes (individual Yukon gold potatoes: boiled, and then smooshed and then baked with cheese, chives, bacon, butter, etc. SOOOO good). For dessert, there was a YUM chocolate chip cookie bar recipe.

Jude was totally enthralled with his cousin and could not take his eyes off of him. We are so lucky to have such wonderful boys in our family for Jude to look up to. I am realizing more and more what an influence that older kids can have for little ones, even at this early age. 

So today, I got to hang out with Matthew's older brother Benjamin. Ben is starting the fifth grade tomorrow, and wanted to spend the last evening of summer freedom with us, and I was happy to oblige him. I cannot tell you what a joy these boys are! Anyway, with the rain and all, we ended up going to Barnes & Noble to look at books. Like Matthew, Ben is really good with Jude, and -- like with Matthew -- Jude was enthralled with his older cousin. When we came home, I made chicken fried rice while the boys ate crackers (above). Here's Matthew (below) with Jude on Monday night. Aren't they sweet?
Here's the beginnings of the chicken fried rice (below). It's one of my favorite things to make and is an easy crowd pleaser. Ben made us some delicious peanut butter cookies. We laughed that they were inadvertently vegan PB cookies ... because an egg was forgotten in the mix. :)  Oh well, they were still really delicious!

With all the rainy-ness, I went out the other night and shot some photos outside. In my college photography class, I really enjoyed learning how to shoot outside in the dark. You can get some really interesting results. It was one of my favorite projects... Anyway, I'd like to start trying some different things in my photos, but this was a start. 


Finally, a few photos of family silliness. Jude sure loves his daddy, and so do I!

Zoo Day

Today I took Jude to the Oklahoma City Zoo. On Wednesdays in August, they offer original admissions pricing (75 cents!) as well as discounted pricing for concessions. I hadn't been to the zoo in years, and it was fun to rediscover a place of good memories for me as a child. This plaque (above) was hidden in the bushes by the pachyderm house; apparently the OKC Zoo was the first and oldest zoo in the southwestern US.
Within the past 15 years or so, the Zoo has really been upgraded with the addition of the Cat Forest and the Great EscApe. I had not yet seen the newly-added Oklahoma Trail, which is a very long and winding exhibit that features the different indigenous animals of Oklahoma. It's extremely well-done. I particularly enjoyed the "Creatures of the Night" exhibit inside the red barn. There were all kinds of bats and owls and things. So neat!


Here's one of the beautiful Asian-inspired displays of the Cat Forest. (above) Jude was really excited about seeing the new Snow Leopard cubs (below).

I thought that the swan paddleboats were so beautiful! There are even a couple of black swan paddleboats. If it had only been a wee bit cooler, I think it would've been fun. Oh well, the little man sacked out and probably wouldn't have been that into it anyway. Another time!

Peacocks run wild throughout the zoo.

The Mold-A-Ramas are one of my favorite things in the OKC Zoo. This one is near the Aquaticus exhibit. For $2, you put your  money in and watch it mold your own individual plastic statuette. It's neat -- the hot plastic runs through the little tubes, and then it drops down into the holding bin where it cools off. I have a giraffe and a lion from a past trip; they're now in Jude's room. They're just so vintage and fun. I'm glad that the Zoo has kept these around. In a way, it's kind of sad to see some of the neat old things from my childhood are gone, like the lion-with-open-jaws water fountains. As a matter of fact, one of my parents' neighbors has one of them (presumably rescued from the zoo?) in their backyard!
Finally, Jude and I finished out the day by having lunch w/ my mom at Chick-Fil-A (below) and shopping at Target, where I scored this amazing mirror (above).

New Furniture!

I was delighted when our new furniture for our bedroom was delivered promptly at the beginning of August. I give Z Gallerie credit -- I've had furniture delivered by the alleged white glove service of WSHome and Pottery Barn, and neither were as efficient or professional as the service that ZG offered. So, 5 points for the ZG. Since we had ordered a new dresser, our old Ikea dresser got moved upstairs into the bonus room, where it now houses our board games and other goodies. I also spent a good majority of today trying to install our stupid top-of-the-stairs baby gate (see photo above, on the left side of the picture). Ugh. I have a college degree for goodness' sake, and I could not get this thing installed to save my life. Very frustrating. 
Anyway, here's Simon's new nightstand (see above). It is the match to our new dresser below, which I am so pleased with. I really loved the look of this WS Home dresser, but the price was very prohibitive. So I feel like we got the look of the stacked dresser but with nowhere near the price tag.
Plus, it fits perfectly in our little nook in the bedroom. Our room originally had two built-in closets; the woman we bought the house from ripped them out, and added in a ginormous master closet to the house. So, we have these little inset areas; one of them houses our TV (not worth showing yet -- still rough, designwise) and the 2nd one houses our dresser.
Here's my nightstand; it was really hard to get a good picture of either of them. Our room tends to be a little on the dark side. I really love mine, though. The mirrors are so fun, and it's great to have enough room to stack up all my books in the compartment below. PLUS, I am LOVING that we both have pull-out trays. So convenient! Our old bedside tables were so dinky, and not tall enough. We feel like we're living in luxury now. 
Our room sits off the main entryway. I really love coming out of our room and looking at this vintage poster. She has such a funky style and great movement. To the left is the formal living room and the stairs; to the right is the family room and kitchen.
I also realized that in my post below about Grandmother's buffet and the PB knockoff, I needed to take a newer picture of it. Here it is in our entryway. I just love it here. I received many things from my Grandmother, including the mirror above the buffet. The globe lantern to the left was in Grandmother's guest bedroom. As a little girl, I always loved to turn it off, as if I were blowing out an old-fashioned lantern, before I would go to sleep. I loved staying at her house. She was such a wonderful Grandmother.
These two tiny pictures of me as a little girl were from her house, too. For as long as I can remember, these were in her house, and I loved to hold them and look at them. Mom let me have them when she went through Grandmother's things. The one on the right makes me think of Jude.
Speaking of Jude, here he is, caught in the act -- getting into all of my magazines! Guess it's time to move them; he's already shredded up Harper's Bazaar!

Getting Away: Dallas Weekend

Sometimes you've just got to get out of town. And for us Oklahomans, there's not much that's easier than hopping in the car and driving south to Dallas. For as long as I can remember, we've taken occasional weekend jaunts to the Big D. I have early memories of staying at the Marriott Quorum, and wandering through the Galleria where I would beg my parents to let me go ice skating on their beautiful rink. I had great designs on being a figure skater back then. :)

Anyway, we love to make the 3 hour drive, and enjoy all the great restaurants and shopping. It's an easy way to come back refreshed and ready for the week ahead. On Friday evening after work, we loaded up the car with all our goods (so much more stuff than we used to travel with - thank you, Jude) as well as my parents and all of their stuff, and we headed on down I-35. We seem to have settled into a fairly predictable pattern: we drive down after work, and upon arrival into D, head straight to the Grand Lux Cafe and have a sizeable dinner, and then go straight to the hotel and hop into bed. And this trip was no exception. Except now we have to wait to get a crib sent up to our room before we hop into bed, and this makes for a fussy and tired enfant.
Really, for us, it's all about the food and the shopping. I don't know what else to do there but that. That's sad to say, I guess. I have no doubt there are a myriad of other fabulous cultural activities we could be participating in. But some people go to places just to golf, you know? So I guess going somewhere just to shop or eat can't be all bad.

Every Saturday morning, we get up and go to Chick-Fil-A for a chicken biscuit. Ok, I know we have these at home, but it just feels like such a treat. I mean, what is better than a delicious buttery biscuit with delicious Chick-Fil-A chicken on it, and a large unsweet iced tea with lemon? I don't know!
Here's Jude at Chick-Fil-A, enjoying some Cheerios furnished by the establishment.  How thoughtful!

Saturday afternoon was spent exploring the delightful Northpark Mall. When it's 100 degrees outside, it is entirely necessary to be indoors. We enjoyed checking out the different stores, and seeing new things. However. It is with great sadness that I announce that Jude's beloved Sophie the Giraffe is now living at Northpark. Somewhere in between J.Crew and Neiman Marcus, Sophie was lost to us. I hope she has found a happy new home. 

Here's Sophie with Jude, in happier times. :(  Jude hopes she's ok.

If you're ever in Dallas, you must eat at the Taco Diner. A fun modern interior with a great, light Mexican menu -  you just can't go wrong. Also try Mi Cocina, a part of the same restaurant group. It has a slightly more complex menu, but it is so good.

Last year at this time (actually, right at our anniversary), we enjoyed a weekend in Dallas, and celebrated our 2nd anni with a Sprinkles cupcake. And, come to think of it, we enjoyed a Sprinkles cupcake in Beverly Hills on our 1st anni in 2006. So we had to complete the tradition by having another Sprinkles so close to our 3rd. Plus, it's right across the way from the Taco Diner, so of course we had to go. Mom and Dad tried coconut and dark chocolate, and Simon and I split a red velvet and a dark chocolate marshmallow. Mom is vouching for the coconut being the best. I think I'm voting for red velvet. It's that darn cream cheese frosting, I tell you!

We also made a trip to the Williams-Sonoma Home. If you ever should get a chance to visit one, do take the opportunity. It's just a great visual experience. They have some really luxurious fabrics, and if you can hit a good sale, all the better. Their linens, in particular, go on excellent sales.

It was so gracious of Mom and Dad to offer to keep Jude on Saturday evening so Simon and I could have a night out. Jude had a little crib in our room that rolled on wheels, so we put him in it and rolled him down the hallway next door to their room along with some of his things. He looked like he was on a magic carpet or something. He thought it was just the funniest thing ever. He looked pretty cute, too!

Here's Simon rolling him away. Here I go!

Simon and I had THE best dinner in a long time at Taverna Pizzeria & Risotteria. Really, anything dubbed a risotteria has to be fantastic. Close to the Knox-Henderson neighborhood, we had tried to eat there last year for our anniversary, but we couldn't ever get a parking space (a good sign, I guess, of a good restaurant?). This year, we were lucky and so we figured that we might as well hang around and wait for a table since we scored a parking space. And what else did we have to do? Besides, every plate that passed by us looked incredible, not to mention smelled amazing. It was entirely worth the wait. We started with parmesan-dusted shrimp on polenta, with a fresh caprese salad including yellow cherry tomatoes (i'm sure there's a technical term for that, foodies). Simon had the mahi with whipped white polenta and asparagus; I enjoyed the pesto risotto with fried zucchini strips and scampi. To. die. for. Everything on the menu was well-priced as well as diverse. I would love to go back and try a myriad of items. It seemed everyone ordered the chef's special flatbread.
When we got back, it was late, but we heard Jude in my parents' room, so we rescued them. It was around 11 o'clock, and Jude had just woken up. Unfortunately, he didn't go back to sleep until 1am! It was a really late night, but we slept in to make up for it. Breakfast was at La Madeleine at the Galleria. We enjoyed wandering around, checking out all the shops. Mom and Dad just spoil Jude (and us!) rotten: Jude got some fantastic new clothes as well as some cute blankets. We are so thankful for all they do for us; they really keep us outfitted cute.

Can I just say that the sales were rocking this weekend? Ugh, it may be a recession, but that means that all the stuff is going on mad sales! We all scored big time in the shopping department. I came away with an obscenely-discounted Diane von Furstenberg. I'll have to take a picture of it to post, because it is just too cute. 

It was such a great weekend. We always have such fun with my parents. They have a fun sense of humor, and we always enjoy swapping funny stories with them. Jude was an excellent little traveler and even though we lost Sophie (tear!), he was a good little trooper.

Cheese! I'm 9 months old!

Look at this cheeseball face - here's Mr. Big Man, eating cheese for the first time, and this was the look of sheer enthusiasm. Ahh, yes, Jude - this is just the beginning of what will hopefully be a lifetime love affair with that most wondrous of substances: cheese.

Tonight was a night for all different kinds of new things because Jude is 9 months old, and he got the go-ahead from the pediatrician today for various things, such as eggs and cheese. So tonight, I gave him a bit of shredded mozzarella cheese while I was making a breakfast-for-dinner of waffles and scrambled eggs. The waffles were a HUGE hit, and he was very content to nibble away on one. 

Speaking of the pediatrician, we went this morning at 10:30 for his 9 month check up. We are proud to announce that Jude is a whopping (for him) 18 lbs 2 oz, and 28 inches long. This makes us finally higher on the percentile charts -- the 40th percentile for height, and the 15th percentile for weight. Slowly but surely catching up! I am so proud of him!

There has been a recent rebellion, though, against the baby food. I don't know what the deal is; he's been eating it just fine and liking nearly everything that I've given him. And then all of a sudden, it's like he just decided that he was not going to have it. I've even started putting the baby food into real bowls, so he feels like a big boy. :)  That worked for awhile.

This past week, we took care of my nephews' dog, Sparky. He is such a sweet dog, and we were so happy to have him. He is probably the best dog with kids that I have ever seen. Sparky looooved to lick Jude from head to toe. It got to the point where if Jude saw Sparky from across the room, he would automatically squinch up his face in anticipation of a good licking. However, as I was shooting the photo above, I looked into the screen and thought, What is that in Jude's mouth???  Oh yeah - it was a furrball. Yummmm. Another joy of crawling! I have pulled sooo many things out of his mouth.
All in all, we are so very proud of our boy. He is constantly such a joy to be around. We are always especially glad to get a good report at the pediatricians'. We praise God that Jude has been so healthy during his 9 months of life thus far. 

Summer Magic

Summer is creeping on by, and we are enjoying the not-yet-100-degree temperatures here. I love this time of year; summer in Oklahoma is characterized by high heat, the sounds of cicadas in the late afternoon sun, and vibrant sunsets. 

At this time of year, I always think of the old Disney movie Summer Magic with Hayley Mills of original Parent Trap fame. When I was little and I'd go to my Grandmother's house, we would watch old movies, and this was one of our favorites. Lovely Burl Ives co-stars, and there's lots of great songs and a little romance to boot. I think of the scene where they're sitting out on the porch at dusk, the mother in a rocking chair, everybody just feeling lazy in the summer heat... it's just a feel-good, summery kind of movie and it makes me think of my own family, sitting outside until it's too dark to see, by the pool, everyone all warm and sunkissed from a day of swimming. I think of the feeling of walking in a wet swimsuit, wrapped up in a towel, and opening the door into the kitchen when the air-conditioning hits you full-force. Run, run, run to a hot shower!
Anyways, I digress... not much to report here, but we're just enjoying each other, and enjoying Jude. He is a busy, busy boy and definitely on the move. The other night, we were giggling at him because his feet were popping out through these PJs (above). He looked like such a little urchin.

Summer is also inspirational when it comes to trying new recipes. My new favorite is from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food: baked polenta fries. They were SO easy and SO delicious. You've got to try them! It's a new fave here at our house. I paired them with baked parmesan chicken that was also delicious and super-easy.
Tonight, Jude took  us on a crawling tour of the house. He crawled further than ever today, and he is just thrilled with himself and his new ability. This means that I am constantly on the run w/ the new Swiffer Vac, trying to suck up any wandering rolie polies, dust bunnies, or wayward Cheerios that might be in his path. Because inevitably, they will all end up in his mouth. We've already fished tree bark and particle board (don't ask) out of his mouth in the past few days.  

This might be the bark about to be consumed (above).

When Simon came home from work tonight, I had dinner awaiting out on our lovely patio. It's the first time we've ever had dinner out on our new table (shocking, I know). We have got to do this more often, despite the flies and mosquitos. Jude was nearby, playing on his blanket, trying to eat more tree bark and grass. It was so beautiful outside... just an idyllic evening.

 

The blueberries were particularly good tonight.

Whoops, here he is going into the powder bath. So much to explore!

Domestic scene: Simon at the counter in the kitchen while Jude makes his way into the laundry room.

And he's off again - around the bend!

This is the face of determination: he is going to get the dust pan next to the refrigerator.

Bye!

Big Milestones

Man oh man... times, they are a-changing here at the Shingletons. It seems like within a matter of two or three weeks, Jude has made some major milestones. As of tonight, we now have a crawler on our hands. He's been up on all fours for over a week, but tonight, he really got moving. I nearly cried, I just can't believe it. He just seems so... big.
Plus, he's sitting up so well these days. Granted, he can't quite pull himself all the way up, but if I sit him up, he'll stay that way for awhile. He likes to lay on his side, so George Hamilton chic, as if he were lounging on a bearskin rug and he needs me to bring him a refreshing beverage. He waves his hand around like, "Yes, my minions...."

Today, he distinctly said, "Mama." I don't think he had the slightest clue what he was saying or what it meant, but he said it!
And, as evidenced by my earlier post today about the high chair, he's doing so well with eating. I started giving him Puffs, these little dissolvable cracker things (that are actually pretty yum), and he has now figured out how to carefully pick them up one by one and place them in his mouth. Now if we could only get the sippy cup thing down, we'd be good to go!
So now we have entered an all new era of mobility. I have a feeling the crib mattress will need to be lowered very, very soon. And I'm also going to be in the market for childproofing items and baby gates for the stairs (!!!!). A whole bunch of new things for Momma to worry about!
Every day is a new day, with new things to see and learn. Tipping over his toy bucket today was a source of great glee, as he just laughed and laughed, like it was just the funniest thing ever to dump out all your toys. But it was more a laugh like, Wow, look what I did! 

What a joy and a privilege to be with him every day. I couldn't be more thankful that I get to stay home with him and see every exciting little thing.

Product Rave: Boon Flair Highchair

I've been holding out as long as possible on the whole high chair thing. For one thing, nearly every high chair I have ever seen is just flat-out ugly. Plus, they all seem to come with some mega-frou-frou plush padding that just seems like a sticky food mess-magnet. And after spending yesterday morning cleaning (ahem) poop out of a carseat, which is pretty low on the frilly scale, I want low-maintenance when it comes to cleaning.
Hence, our new highchair, the Boon Flair Pedestal with pneumatic lift. Boon is a fantastic company when it comes to kid stuff. With a variety of products, they've pretty much cornered the market on cool. Some friends of ours gave us several of the bath products, including the super-cute Frog Pod.
We've been using the Bumbo seat up until now, and as of the past couple of weeks, it just wasn't cutting it anymore. Jude's starting to climb out of it now, and as it doesn't have any straps, it's pretty easy for him to get in and out. Plus, the thing's getting pretty nasty now, and I clean it all. the. time. So I'm pretty excited about this -- Jude is completely strapped in, and he can sit up high so he can watch me while I work in the kitchen or wherever. With the Bumbo, he was pretty much restricted to the floor. 

Such glee as he sits in the Flair!

I'm also super-stoked that it goes up and down so easily, and it rolls so smoothly. Can I gush anymore? Oh yes I can -- because I got it on eBay for a great deal, and that makes me (and Simon) happy!

Fantastic Fourth

Patriotic Cousins! Note Jude clutching the flag.

I hope this weekend found everybody enjoying friends, family, freedom, and lots of fireworks. Add food to that, too, and that's a pretty potent combination. Simon and I both commented to each other that we thought this was quite possibly the best Fourth of July ever. It was particularly nice that it fell on a Friday so we could enjoy a three-day weekend. Three cheers for that!

Our long weekend began Thursday night with a campout of sorts. For whatever reason, Jude decided to be particularly fussy and woke up numerous times Thursday night. At some point after midnight, I had nearly decided it must be the inevitable first tooth, since he was so so so sad, and wouldn't let me feel around in his mouth. This teething business is fishy - every time he's uncharacteristically unhappy or a fuss-face, we attribute it to teeth. And as of yet, there are zero teeth. So, Jude and I camped out in the spare bedroom where we got very little sleep. However, he was Mr. Perky at 8 a.m., which bode well for us since we were going to meet my sister and nephews at 9 a.m. for their local neighborhood parade.

The parade was a huge success and so much fun. The neighborhood puts it on every year because families wanted something to go do on the 4th of July: the kids decorate their bikes, there's a parade of cool old cars, and there's one dude who brings out his gigantic snake (think the snake that Britney Spears shimmied around with) that all the kids pat as it slithers around in the grass. Jude was thrilled with all of it. He just kicked his feet and squealed. 

The snake! I love the colors of his skin - the yellow and gray is so chic right now! :)

Kennedy for President: Best for Oklahoma

Rachel and Jude in front of the firetruck.

Great vintage cars. Wouldn't it be fun to buzz around town in one of these?

Really, everything is just so much more fun with kids. Maybe it's just that I really liked being a kid and still like doing kid things, so now it's just a great excuse to be a participant again! My nephews also have a new trampoline, so we enjoyed jumping on the trampoline. Simon can do four flips in a row. I really need to get a picture of that, because it is something to see -- all six feet four inches of him flipping in the air!

The afternoon was spent lounging at my parents' house, who are out of town on an Alaskan cruise. We slathered on the sunscreen and baked all. day. long. There is no better way to spend a summer day than in the pool.  We also ate more junk than I care to admit. So much for my resolution of taking good care of myself by eating good things and exercising. :-\

Ugh, speaking of the pool, Jude thoroughly christened it. I was holding him, he was gleefully frolicking, and all of a sudden, there was, um, debris floating in the pool, despite his swim diaper. We all squealed, promptly removed Jude from the pool, and stripped him down in the grass, where we then hosed him down(!) to get all the poo(!) off of him. Sounds harsh, but he thought it was great fun and the water wasn't too cold. 

Maui Babe Suntan lotion and Biotherm sunscreen. 

We unearthed the Maui Babe browning lotion from somewhere in our bathroom. Despite the fact that we bought it on our honeymoon in Maui nearly three years ago, we think it's still good! Either way, we are all sunburn-free, and slightly glowing from our tans. 

We enjoyed dinner at Simon's parents' house, and then packed up in the car to go look at fireworks. Fireworks are always my favorite part (once again, it must be my inner child or something). Is there anything better than listening to the oohs and aahs of the little kids as they stare up into the sky? Jude was sound asleep, but quickly woke up, and was slack-jawed as he stared at the firecrackers bursting. I'm kicking myself that I let the battery get down on the camera, because I think I could've gotten some really great night shots. It was just all so magical, all of us there, and I do mean all of us, which is great. I think the last time I saw fireworks with my entire family was when I was 7 or 8, in Colorado Springs. It just felt like we really celebrated this year. It was just so great, everyone sitting out on a blanket, and cheering. It would have only been made complete by the presence of my parents, but I'm glad that they're enjoying a great vacation.

Saturday, Simon worked really hard to get all of the stuff that had been sitting in the garage appropriated to its final resting spot. I'm glad he felt the urge to do this as I have been seriously unmotivated to even touch anything in the garage. 

We enjoyed a yummy lunch at the Iguana Cafe, a cool new spot in downtown OKC. Once again, we consumed a ridiculous amount of food, and then hurried out to Mom and Dad's for more sunning and swimming. Check out that 7-layer dip that came out in an Oklahoma-shaped platter. Delicioso!

Jude and Simon, eating their hands, being silly.

The Nursery - finally getting pulled together

This is the beginning of the third week in our new home, and I truly love it more and more everyday. Jude and I have been enjoying strolls through the neighborhood; everyone is so friendly and it is just so beautiful here! We are on a cul-de-sac, which is also marvelous. I feel like we've gone to polar opposites; we used to live on an extremely busy corner, which wasn't bad, but it sure is different now that we're on a super-quiet, uber-private cul-de-sac. 

Anyway, I'm slowly starting to get things put away into their rightful spots. I will say, I am overcome with the beigeness of this house. I know neutrals are in, but I'm about to go nutso. It's a pretty beige, almost buttery, and I will leave it in many places, but some rooms just need some color already.

Like Jude's room, for example. I loved the cheery green that was in his former nursery. I'll probably paint one room in this house that color. However, for his room this time, I want to do some light blue and navy. Nothing too baby-ish, maybe include some stripes as well. My color inspiration comes from the Matterhorn bobsleds poster pictured below. Simon gave it to me years ago as a birthday present, and I LOVE it. It's an authentic Disneyland poster - it's one of the ones they actually use to display in the park. It's got such great vintage character and typography.
Jude's room may also be my most favorite room in the whole house. When you walk in his room, to the right is a fantastic little play nook. This is where the rocking chair is, as well as his bookshelves and toys. I just love it. I wish I lived in there! It's a kid's dream come true really.
This is the main part of his room, with a great view of the backyard. I'm telling you, we're living in paradise here. It is fantastic. Otherwise, beige beige beige in this room. Zzzzzzzz.
I also finally hung up his book rack that I got while I was pregnant. It's stuffed full of Little Golden Books and other faves. 

8 Months

Happy 8 Months Old to Jude! Eight months ago today, you popped into the world! These days, you are a super-happy little man and you enjoy all kinds of activities. Rolling over and over and over is a big deal and Momma is having a harder time keeping up with you. Today you went for your first swim at your Grandmother and Grandaddy's house. Momma and Daddy didn't know how you'd react since you were pretty blase about the ocean and pool in Florida. However, it was with great glee that you began thrashing your arms and legs the instant you hit the water. We were so proud! Plus, you're pretty cute in your giraffe-print swim trunks.

You're so much fun and we love you so much. The joy you bring into our lives is unmatched. I can't really remember what life was like before you. And now I can't imagine life Jude-less. I love listening to your little coos and baby babble, and glancing at you in the rearview mirror when I'm driving. Your joy is inspiring and I love looking at life through your precious little blue eyes.

Nicknames:

Jude the Dude

Jude w/ a 'Tude (only rarely)

Ju Ju Bee

Hude

The Papoose (this makes you crack up big-time)

The Bean

The Man

Thrash

Splash

Things you love:

Your daddy

Your bottle

Anything that can fit into your mouth (especially your hands)

Anything within grabbing distance

Fruit

All of your rattles

Jumperoo & Johnny Jump-Up

The swing at the park

Being naked (sorry, but it's true!)

Water & bathtime

Being tickled 

Things you don't love so much:

Green vegetables

Being put into your carseat

Sippy cup

Happy eight months, my son! Daddy and I love you.

xo,

Mom

Food for thought

Dear Receptionist at Church Down the Street who Hosts Acclaimed Mother's-Day-Out,

I just wanted to let you know that when I called today to get information about your MDO program, the frustrated and surly reply of "Well, whaddya wanna know?" was not the correct response. This does not instill confidence in me nor in your ability to keep my precious little one for a few hours once a week. 

Thanks so much,

Now-Disgruntled Momma

New House

Well, I just need to post something else so I'm not staring at Mazie's post every time I log on. It just makes me too sad. So. Let's move onto something a little more cheerful, ok?

We're so excited to be in our new house. It really feels like a home, and we feel like we've been given the keys to the castle. God is so good; He wants to delight us as his children. We have a long way to go, decorating-wise, and I'm itching to get some color on these walls, but for now, it is fantastic.

We got a lovely new patio set on sale at the Pottery Barn, and and found a fantastic umbrella in the Hollywood Regency style at Z Gallerie. I just love it. I'm really wanting to get some striped chair cushions. It's just so fab. I've always wanted pretty patio furniture! And now we've got a patio to actually be out on!

This morning, I took Jude out into the backyard and let him play in the grass. He was impressed,  I think. He's changing in new ways every single day. I'm so proud of him. He's eating all kinds of foods these days, and just so much fun.
Here's our pretty little dining room. It's the only room at this point that's actually pulled together. I'm actually loving Grandmother's china cabinet against that mirror. It may be my most favorite thing about the dining room. Oh, and there is just so much room in the kitchen, I finally have room to put away all of my serving pieces! Hooray!

Ok, more on the new house later when I can get some more photos shot. 

Separation Anxiety

Today was momentous for us in the Shingleton family. It was the first time that Jude has gone to the church nursery instead of just coming with us to Sunday school and "big church" (aka, the service). Because Jude was born 7 weeks premature, as well as the fact that he arrived at the very beginning of cold/flu/RSV season, we've had to be vigilant that Jude not be exposed to too many germs. Plus, he's been receiving the very expensive Synagis shots to help ward off RSV, which can be very deadly for babies, especially premature ones. We've worked hard to keep Jude well for the past six months, and it was with great joy that he received his last Synagis shot of the season this past month.

So this morning, we arrived a little bit early to church, and Jude was sound asleep in his carseat. We headed to the nursery and were kindly greeted and we passed him off to the nursery workers.

Let me tell you: it. broke. my. heart. As we left, the nursery lady placed him in the window in the little crib, and there he laid, looking like a little angel, so sweet and perfect. I wanted to go back in and snatch him up and just hold him. I fought off the desire to run and check on him in between Sunday school and the service. And it didn't help matters much that all our friends looked puzzled when they were trying to figure out what was wrong with the picture of just Simon and I, sans Jude. Then it hit them - "Where's the baby?!"

I commented to Simon that this was good for Jude, that he was growing up and getting some independence. He looked at me and smiled. "Actually," he said, "I think this is more about you getting some independence."

True that. I felt like my right arm had been cut off. What's going to happen when he goes to school?

Oh, but about the photo - I was delighted to see the little masking tape name badge on his back. It brought back memories of being little and in the church nursery. :)

Mother's Day Thoughts

A year ago today on Mother's Day, I remember being pregnant, nauseated and bloated, and all I could think was, "A year from now, we're going to have a baby. Our own offspring." It was an incredible thought to me. We had gone to the OB a few times by this point, but it still didn't seem real. 

Let me tell you, it is real today. It's late in the evening, and I'm watching a little bouncing baby boy in his Jumperoo. He's starting to get tired, and rub his eyes, but he still has enough pep to give me a big grin when he catches me looking at him. His name is Jude, and he is the best thing that ever happened to us.

I'm also married to the love of my life, the desire of my heart. This morning (and last year, too), he made me a most wonderful breakfast and had a card waiting for me. He is such a sweetheart and I adore him.

I just looked up at Jude in time to see his eyelids droop, and his head plop. He has passed out cold in the Jumper. However, as he is falling asleep, he still manages to get a few more hops in. 

Lotsa Ladies

Late last week, I received an email from one of the girls in our lifegroup at church about a special event at the Myriad Botanical Gardens/Crystal Bridge in downtown Oklahoma City. Every year, they host Bug Out, described on their website here:

Help the Crystal Bridge take a bite out of its pesky pest population with this annual ladybug release, part of our Integrated Pest Management Program. Thousands of these polka-dotted hungry helpers will chow down on pests that are bugging our plants. Great for the entire family and an excellent educational opportunity! Crafts, games and other bug-related activities are part of the fun. The release kicks off at 9:30 a.m. and ladybugs are only available while they last. Regular admission rates apply.

How fun does that sound? And who doesn't love ladybugs? So at 9:30 this morning, Jude and I, along with some of our lifegroup friends, and a whole bunch of other kids and their keepers, converged on the Crystal Bridge. Even Jude got some ladybugs to pass out. 

Jude rode in the Baby Bjorn, and was totally delighted. He was kicking his feet and waving his arms. Lovin' it. He was all about watching all the other kids who were running around like nuts. And when we went to look at the snakes and various frogs, was he looking at them? No - he was checking out the other kids. 

Here's our cup of ladybugs. Unfortunately, some had already, um, well, died. One of them found a home on Jude. He thought it was pretty neat when they were crawling all over my hand as I tried to get them out of that tiny cup. And I kid you not, there were ladybugs crawling up my jeans. I've felt creepy crawly all day long.

Apparently a bunch of kids all converged on this one leaf with their ladybugs. One girl in particular was boo-hooing because she had to let her ladybugs go. Sad.

We were there for probably an hour, and then it was time to go. It is soooo humid and sticky in there. I guess it has to be for all those beautiful plants to thrive year-round. By the time we left, I was red-faced and thoroughly sweaty. Toting around a near-15 pound baby in the humidity left me needing a big iced tea and some A/C blasting in the car. Jude sacked out the minute I put him in his carseat.