Keep Calm and Carry On

So I got a tattoo. A pretty big tattoo... But, there is a reason I got a tattoo.

Everyone seems to know, so it isn't a secret, I had a miscarriage. I was probably 6-7 weeks along and it threw us way off guard. Never did I think that would happen to me, especially since Oliver was a surprise blessing. I find the most annoying part of it all is how taboo the subject of miscarriage is. It just isn't talked about and why not? I'd like to acknowledge the child that I will never get to meet or hold. I, luckily, I do have friends and family that do that. I greatly appreciate that.

Anyways, on to the tattoo. As part of my grieving, I got it. I figured if this poster helped English citizens during WWII to go on with their daily lives, it would help me with the day to day happenings. It was supposed to be a small little dainty thing on my wrist. Well, my tattoo artist told me that is would be a big black ball of gross by three years or so. So, I moved it down and made the giant leap to be a visibly tattooed gal. The red gems are for Bill, the white are me, the yellow/gold are Oliver, and the blue are for what the baby's birthstone would have been. It hurt, but the pain was good for me. I believe it helped me bring closure to the situation.

A Train ride with Santa

Today we went on a train ride with Santa. Like most kids Oliver's age, he is obsessed with trains! It was a great time. Ollie wasn't really into Santa. In his defense, our Santa looked like he has been living a hard life for awhile. All Aboard!

Um, we have snow here...

A couple weeks back I remember seeing all my midwest friends mentioning the amount of snow they were getting. I kind of chuckled and thought, "HA! I'm glad that it is them and not me..." Well... I shouldn't have mocked you all because we are getting HAMMERED with the white stuff! If you didn't watch the Today Show, we have been getting 98 hours straight. REALLY!?! Yes... here is some proof!

The Zoo Crew Birthday Party

So, I live life by the Jane Austen's quote, "One cannot have too big of a party," but I also like to add, "or too many parties for the same occassion." he he he This past weekend Oliver got to celebrate his birthday along with five of his birthday friends. Ollie is the oldest one out of the group and then Jordyn is the youngest (12/25 is her birthday). Then, the other four kiddos birthdays are in between. So, the mommies decided we should just do one big celebration. It was a fun time at My Gym.

Our little man is 2!

Friday was Oliver's second birthday! I'm in shock and disbelief to be honest. But, it is exciting all at the same time. We were lucky enough to have my parents come visit for the occassion. We haven't seen them since June, so it has been nice to have them around. We had Oliver's two best buds and their families come over for a little dinner. My thought is was that this is my last year where I can design a party that I (yes I) want. So, we had a little man party. I sewed all the kids (and myself) bowties. It was fantastic!

Ollie got his haircut

It is with great sadness that I write this. Oliver... got a *tear* haircut. Whew, that was hard to type! My vision of my little blonde curly surfer boy long hair was in reality a frizzy, mullet mess. It was time for a trim, so my vision will be a little bit more uniform. My friend, Judith, and I scheduled back to back appointments for our boys so we could get through it together! Here are some pictures. (The watching TV pic is the after result.)

Halloween 2010

I LOVE HALLOWEEN! I would spend all day and night crafting things for it if I didn't have to be a functioning member of society. I also seem to live for dressing Oliver up. I couldn't resist and got him two costumes. (In hopes that one would fit him next year, but that isn't happening...) So, he was a blue furry monster and a plaid elephant.
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This year, I was blessed to have two good (equally crafty) friends from Wisconsin come to visit the weekend before. We went and picked pumpkins and apples and then carved some masterpieces. We had a little pumpkin carving evening playdate here at the house. It is always fun to see all the kiddies in their costumes.

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Then, the day after the girls left, we had another Halloween playdate at our friends Seth and Emmas' house. (Ollie's costume turned a little au naturel there...)

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The weekend of Halloween we went to Zoo Boo with our friends the Phillipson family. The zoo needs to be open at night more often. Ollie was really enjoying the active penguins. And, Sunday, brought a little trick or treating. Luckily for Oliver, both his grandmas made sure he would get candy! He really didn't even need to walk out his door. Did I mention I made beef stew with ghosts made out of mashed potatoes for dinner? Yep, I love halloween!! .