Oops

Sorry, I forgot these two pictures. 

Above, Lucys favorite, an apple. She still hates applesauce, but LOVES to munch on 

a whole apple. 

And below, our sweet baby boy, Charlie, fresh from the tub (or in his case, the kitchen sink).

For other updates...see below. 

Life at the Sanders

As busy as I thought I'd be, that has not been the case. 

It was 9:30 am. and it felt like it was 5pm. So, Lucy had a pool party. 

She at first wasn't crazy about the idea, but soon found all the different toys that 

are only in the kitchen! 

She has been a pretty good girl with the new baby. 

I should give her more credit then I do. She adores Charlie, 

and is always trying to kiss him. She doesn't mind him, until he cries, 

and then she looses it. 

We'll get life back together one of these days, but until then, we are really 

enjoying where we are. 

Thanks to Abe, Lucy toted many costumes on Christmas morning. 

Thanks for spending the morning with us Abe! 

The best Christmas gift of all!! Charlie! 

He has been really sweet, not a great eater, but just as cute as a bugs ear. 

He finally had his first bath on Christmas, 10 days after being born. 

His accessories just did not fall off!! 

He was screaming as I took of his clothes, and well, this is the reaction once in the water! 

He LOVED the bath! 

And this is him, before our walk. I probably over dress the poor kid, but better safe then sorry. 

Things have been super crazy at our house this year....inbetween having a new baby, 

finishing our house in every spare second, and finding time to be together as a family...

but we feel so blessed. 

Happy Holidays to you all! 

Stork Delivery

Jackie's a little occupied right now, I think I'll post something about our new family addition.

After two days of false labor pains, Charles Jeffrey Sanders (Charlie) made his way to this world. 

He came fast and relatively easy...at least for me. Jackie on the other hand found it a little more discomforting. Despite that, because of her determination and grit, Jackie handled that discomfort with an enormous amount of courage. And all that without any medication! (Yes, I am considering making a superhero movie starring Jackie)

Gratefully we were at the hospital for less than 1.5 hours before he was born, just a little quicker and he would've beat the doctor.

He's perfect to us...7 lbs 5 oz, 21.5 inches and cute as a button. He was born 12:29 AM, December 15th. Jackie is amazingly refreshed and already looking forward to the next one...just kidding. 

Thanks to all our friends and family who have given us encouragement and help!

EVICTION notice

So, if you are wondering (and if your not, you should be) why in HEAVENS name am I writing this blog a day AFTER my due date, well, my friends, I am still GREAT with child!!!! 

The problem began when I didn't have a period date to get a due date from (sorry folks, TMI) 

SO, we were left to determine my due date from an ultra sound...aka guessing game! 

Who the heck knows! Maybe I am not even DUE in December! 

Maybe I still have 4 weeks!! Really! Who knows ! I am dilated to a whopping 1, BUT whenever I move around, which is ALL day, I seem to get Braxton Hicks. I know, I know. I'm not the first woman to experience pregnancy, BUT alas, the further we go, the closer to Christmas we get, and the more nervous I get. 

I do get nervous for one great reason. The reason, if he has not made his appearance by Sunday, December 14, then that will be his birthday. AHAH! I'm not excited for that, as we plan to have this baby natural again, and a forced eviction and induction don't always fit in the same bucket! 

On one final note, a funny thing has happened this pregnancy, late in the game. 

When the phone rings, or when someone is at the door, honestly, my first thought is, 

"Is that the baby? Is he here?" And then I remind myself, it doesn't work that way. So, if I don't answer your phone calls, its because I realize as much of a treasure that it would be to talk to you, it won't get us any closer to holding this little cherubim. 

Ok ok ok. 

Enought. 

As for the pictures, once again, an update on the house! Abe and Jeff spent the day priming the ceiling, or from the looks of these picture, just messing around! 

We are CLOSER then we've ever been, and as Bob would say 

"baby steps" 

Thankful...

I am surprised that I chose that word as the header to this post, but let me explain. 

Being ONE DAY away from my due date, and more then ready to have this baby, today, I have been thankful that he has not made an appearance. 

Lucy woke up a few times in the night, and come to find out, she's got a roaring fever. 

So, today, we have really (I have) really enjoyed time with her. Just with her. 

We've spent the morning cuddling, (which she never does), and I have loved being able to hold and rock her, and provide what comfort I can. Its been so nice to have time to give to her, with nothing else needing to get done.

I can't wait (BELIEVE ME) to have this baby, but all things in their own time. 

p.s. The doc says hang in there, as she's skeptical that he'll arrive even close to punctual...arg. 

Random Ramblings

Lucy is at such a fun stage! 

I have honestly had a hard time being 

as grateful as I should on some days, 

as she is switching from 2 naps to one, 

and at times can get SO cranky! 

My favorite thing lately, as she has learned

to walk, she'll go into the pantry, 

and pull out some food, and either bring it to me, 

or as seen here, just sit down, and dig in! 

She makes me laugh, and, (for the most part), 

can't get enough of her unique personality! :)

If there wasn't enough going on, and constant change, 

Lucy had a fall! 

I just felt SO SO bad! 

We had gone on a walk around the block, 

and as she was coming down a small incline, 

attempted to catch herself as she fell! 

Well, unsuccessfully, this was the result! 

I just tell people she's in the holiday 

spirit as Rudolph! 

But oh, every time I look at her cute nose, 

I just feel so bad! 

Poor little girl! 

I'm sure is not even the worst of whats to come! 

(oh, and my favorite feature from the Sanders side, 

her DARLING dimple on her right cheek!

Thanks Karma!) 

So....thanks to Jenna and "Bearded M",

Jeff and I had a smashing time at the Jazz Game! 

It was so fun to be out in the crowd, and in 

great company! 

Jenna, you are ONE in a million, and I am 

honored to be your friend! 

Truly! 

Thanks for a great night! 

And last but not least, Happy Thanksgiving! 

Its been a crazy season for me this year! 

I don't feel as grateful as I should be for what I have. 

Lucy has seemed to be a handful at times,

we are anxious for our sweet baby boy to arrive, 

the house is taking so much free time....

BUT we have our health, 

our safety, 

a warm home, 

a loving family...

SO SO MUCH!

Sometimes its hard to see the clearing in the forest,

but what a better reminder then Thanksgiving! 

 Hope you all enjoyed your holiday! 

Just the great fellas in my life!

The other day we had my brother up for dinner! 

I suddenly noticed how quite the house became, and I grew curious. 

As I approached Lucy's room, I heard the sound of Abes voice, 

and this is what I found! 

He really is everybody's favorite Uncle! 

Thanks for being so great Abe!

Just when I think Jeff couldn't possibly come up with something

 different to entertain Lucy, they come pealin' around the corner! 

This is Lucy's push toy, that Jeff turned into a car. 

Dada really was Lucy's first word, and its for good reason!

True LOVE

It really must have been love at first site, for both of us! 

This is my handsome war hero, just entering WWI.

And lucky for Jeff, he got such a FOX! 

Yes, from the 70's, quite the age difference, but thats how he liked them! 

But the scariest thing, I really do look just like my mom!!! 

Thanks for the crazy web site Jana! 

The Leonardo

SO SO SO cool, and HIGHLY recommended!!! 

If you have NOT been, to "The Bodyworlds Exhibit", GO!!!!

Jeff and I went on Friday, I did have expectations, and they were EXCEEDED.

I won't spoil the fun, but the human body is aMaZiNg!! I came to appreciate a woman's ability 

to cary and "grow" a child. Humans are a remarkable species. 

Other impressions I had were sympathy for those with arthritis (DAD!!!), 

body parts that have received replacements (Miguel, :)) 

 and the common element that ALL of us on earth enjoy, A HEART!!! 

On a serious note, I did learn that a person can truly suffer, and DIE from a broken heart! 

I know several people who's children have been called home far to early, 

and have wondered if their sorrow will ever be overcome. 

To die of a broken heart is simply a toxic overload, from stress. 

Amazing, that our body could allow such an occurrence! 

Ok. ENOUGH SAID!!! 

JUST GO!!! 

And, thanks a BILLION Karma and Mel for babysitting! 

They also took us out to lunch for our birthdays, to the Texas Roadhouse, 

which was quite tasty! 

Lucy's favorite part, the honey butter! 

Yum! 

At least she'll have beautiful, glowing (and probably zitty skin) when she's older! 

P.S. We both got the audio tour as well. Jeff said it wasn't worth it, 

and I recommend it...

Why I LOVE Veterans Day

When Jeff worked as a city planner, Veterans Day was a paid vacation day. 

 Veterans Day was not only a paid vacation, BUT it is JEFFS BIRTHDAY!!!!!

So, now that he is no longer works with a city, we were finally able to celebrate his birthday, 

like I've always wanted!  

I remember when I was little, my mom would load us all in the car, and take us down

 to my dads office, with treats for the entire office, on my dads birthday. 

I have ALWAYS wanted to do this, but being that its a paid day off in his previous jobs,

 never had the opportunity! 

Well, today, Lucy and I joined Jeff for lunch and pumpkin pie! At his office!! 

It was fun to be down town and out to lunch with the city folk! 

Lucy and I are both SO SO lucky to have Jeff!!!! 

Jeff is a great husband, and a TERRIFIC father!

Happy Birthday, "old man Sanders!!!" 

We LOVE you !!!!!  

Confessions of a stay at home mother...

First, let me offer a question. 

How many grapefruits can a persons body tolerate in a 24 hour period? 

It all started at Costco, yesterday. I physically could not push my cart past the 

delectable bag of grapefruits that stood before me. 

I tried going around them, even to a different isle. But it was as if my cart 

had a mind of its own, and before I knew it, I had a bag of grapefruits in MY cart!!! 

Well, since then, I have consumed at least 5, and I say at least, because I truly have lost count! 

Why are they delicious to me? I may never know, but MAN are they delicious!!! 

Ok, and my next two confessions, I have found GREAT pleasure, just today, 

listening to CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!! Yes, I know, even Jeff, my ever loving husband

finds it hard to love me when I listen to Christmas music in NOVEMBER!!!!

Sorry everybody. 

Perhaps its a mental thing. I know that if I am listening to Christmas music, 

that must mean our baby boy is getting closer to being here!!!!! 

So, maybe I can trick myself, and by listening to christmas music, will my body into labor. 

Heck, who knows, maybe grapefruits have an inducing effect. 

I'll let you know!!! 

And the last confession, on one of the Christmas songs, they mentioned FRUIT CAKE. 

Normally, I would dry heave at just the mention of such a catastrophe, but my friends, 

what has the world come to? It actually sounds good. I've already thought,

 "how could I disguise such a beast, to get Jeff to eat some, so that I ( heaven forbid!!!) would not eat a whole loaf!!!"

Honestly, I don't think I could live with myself if I made one, sorry Fruit Cake. 

The darn cutest DUCK

This is the beginning of our Duck costume! 

My favorite, her chubby legs!!!! that I was able to squeeze into these tights. 

And they're off. 

Sadly, there was no candy collected. 

But just you wait Lucy, next year...

What a stinker! 

The costume looks big, but believe me, when trying to put the beast on, 

you'd think it was for a new born! 

It was a great Halloween, and we already can't wait for many many more! 

And last but NOT least, today is Tuesday, SUPER Tuesday! 

I listen to NPR (90.1) on a regular basis, but today especially, have been glued to the radio! 

So, my usual shout out on Tuesday, about the show "The biggest looser" 

has transformed today regarding the election!! 

We are pretty exited around here, and thrilled to have been a part of history, 

whatever the outcome! 

The power of ONE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

And what a birthday! 

I have to hand it to Jeff for the most excellent surprise! 

It was Wednesday mid day, (my birthday was not till the next day) and Jeff insisted that I pack my things, 

get everything ready for Lucy, and meet him at his parents home by 3. 

Well, little did I know that we would be leaving Lucy with Karma and Mel, and be heading

up to beautiful Midway, to the Homestead! 

I'm sure that any good mother would miss her child horribly, and although I do ADORE

Lucy, the power of ONE night...with just Jeff and I was a huge slice of relaxation. 

This is the adorable place we stayed in! We only saw 4 other people, soaked in all the 

fall beauty, and really enjoyed peace and quiet! 

I encourage ya'll to visit, on the off season, if you are looking for a fantastic get away. 

Fall, and all the beauty. Need I say more. 

So, all you dedicated and loyal fans to the Burger Meister House, there is no such thing! 

Yes, I know, true tragedy! 

They have replaced the historic land mark with "Mountain House Grill" 

It was not near the Swiss experience that Burger Meister House offered, but still tasty eats!

So, if this isn't the coolest thing I've ever seen...a natural hot spring, in a crater! 

I'm surprised that I even ventured beyond this gate...

Once inside, despite attempts to throw me in, 

Jeff and I enjoyed a 30 min. soak in the 95 degree hot spring! 

Perfect! 

It is 65m. deep natural pool.

People can scuba, snorkel or just soak in the craters waters. 

We just floated around and enjoyed the bubbles from the below scuba divers. 

I had no idea that such a place existed, and in little old Midway. (p.s. what a good lookin' guy!!)

I LOVE surprises, but was not expecting such a great quick get away! 

Thank you Jeff for all the trouble to plan such an adventure! 

Thank you for making it such a great beginning to my new year! 

Thank you 10 times over Sanders for watching Lucy! This was not possible with out your help!

 Thank you Megan AND Jenna for spending time with me, and making me 

feel so loved! I adore you both! 

What a great beginning to many more years to come!!! 

M is for MURDER

It all began when Boris Ivanovitch was MURDERED!!!!

Alicia Tomasini and Buzzy Reinhardt, as shown here, were suspects in the murder! 

Alicia, a bohemian jet setter, who grew up in the ghetto seemed to be quite fond of Buzzy.

And  Buzzy, a wealthy, good looking, ski shop owner was fond of ALL ladies. 

It turns out that...well, I won't spoil the murder, but what a fun night! 

We had some great friends come, and really, it made all my actress dreams come true! 

We had some YUMMIE food, chili, corn bread, salad, artichoke dip, pumpkin pie,

 and munchies to the sky and back. 

And all this not to be over shadowed by a second birthday party for Lucy. 

What would a first birthday be, if it wasn't celebrated twice? 

Lucy still wasn't into the cake, but takes after her cousin Addie, when it comes to loving 

Ice Cream. Thanks Addie for sharing your precious gold! 

ONE YEAR LATER!!!!!!!

I know I know, time goes by so quickly. 

This is the beginning of our eternal family. 

Lucy Taylor Sanders, October 19th 2007.

Came into the world weighing 6lb. 14 oz. 19 in. long. 

And now, 22.9 lbs, 29in. and growing ever so lovable by the hour!!! 

Lucy and her first bath, not so sure about this water thing yet. 

Just capturing those ever so kissable cheeks! 

We had some fun at the park on Saturday in the gorgeous weather and leaves

Lucy's first experience with chocolate cake! 

She was more interested in capturing the run away sprinkles then eating the cupcake.

After a small taste, she was still fascinated with squishing the cupcake. 

This face is like "what!?  I hardly had any, AND its my birthday. I can eat what I want!"

Lucy LOVED the pumpkin at "Cinderella Park"

What birthday celebration would be complete with out dancing? 

This is her cousin Sammie, celebrating through the night by dancing. 

This is just after Sam did the "Haacka" for Lucy.

And the toy of choice for the day, Parsley from the fridge. 

Heck, it was her birthday. I wasn't about to lay down the law. 

Happy Birthday Sweet baby girl Lucy, or as daddy calls you, little Lucy. Not so little anymore! 

We can't wait to have so many more memories and birthdays with you!!