Meet the Browns

Monday Riding Therapy

2012-02-14T11:19:00.000-06:00

First off I know it's been to long since I have updated the blog. But really it has been a lot of the same for the Brown's. Jeff and I have been working, Max is doing well in school blah blah blah. Also I've been sick a lot latley and Max is getting over a cold from this weekend. On Monday Jeff's good friend Richard was in the area of Max's riding therapy. He happens to be a really great photographer and he stopped by therapy and took some shots of Maxwell. I hope you enjoy them!

Scrimmage!

2012-01-22T21:31:00.000-06:00

The awesome people at Jeff's former work (McLain Chitwood) called Friday and told Jeff they had something for Max. We were so excited to find out that they had a little something for Max. A new basket ball goal! At first Max was only interested in laying on the box but he is catching on nicely!!! Last night during the Thunder game Jeff and Max had a little scrimmage of their own.

Brown Christmas!

2012-01-08T13:45:00.000-06:00

All of our schedules finally fell into place and the Browns got together last night to have our Christmas. I made tacos and we enjoyed some time together!

Hello 2012!

2012-01-08T13:27:00.000-06:00

2012 was brought in with a BANG! After I got off work on New Years Eve Jeff and I took Max to the park. It was a beautiful day at almost 70 degrees and we took advantage of it and burned off some extra energy. After the park we went home and I made a yummy homemade chocolate cake w/ homemade icing. Then we went outside for party poppers. The night ended (at 7:00) with a ball drop and sparking cider. It was a fun way to end the year. Now on to the bigger and better things that next year has to offer!!!

Fun at the park!

Popping Poppers!

The ball drop!

Happy New Year!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T12:39:00.000-06:00

Christmas 2011 is officially on the record books and it was good. I only have one small regret and I figure that isn't to bad. I totally forgot in the hubub of Christmas Eve to have Max and I leave out the raindeer food, oops. But if that is my biggest regret I'm doing pretty good. Max woke up bright and early to see that Santa had come to visit and Papa and Granny were even there. He was excited and has been obsessed with his Toy Story Slinky Dog ever since. After everything calmed down I made our traditional monkey bread breakfast and it was DELISHIOUS as always! It was a great day especially since I didn't have to go to work thanks to some very sweet ladies at work who came in for me. I wouldn't trade days like yesterday for anything. Playing with new toys, eating yummy food and spending time with the ones I love. Days like yesterday are what life is all about!

Santa definatly brought the GOODS!

Good morning sunshine!

The infamous Slinky Dog.

This is a video of him waking up. A little overwhelemd but he caught on quickly.

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-26T12:14:00.000-06:00

After getting home from my dad's on Christmas Eve I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies for Santa and then we got to the business of opening presents. Our family opens gifts from each other on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is all about Santa. So after the cookies were baked we divided everything and got down to it. Every year Max is more fun. And in the end I think we all got some really nice stuff. Jeff got some baseball cards he was wanting and a few other things, and I got a new camera and a Fossil purse I have been wanting just to name a few.

I think Jeff and I finally did good about not going to crazy with the gifts. The past few years there were WAY to many gifts. We had a nice balance this year.

Toy Story Figures that turned out to be Maxwell's favorite gift that night.

Helping Daddy open a present.

The last day of school Max came home with a package marked for Jeff and I. I was so curious the whole time and was happily surprised to find this from Maxwell.

And of course it's not Christmas Eve without reading The Night Before Christmas before bed.

Richardson Christmas

2011-12-26T11:07:00.000-06:00

After I got off work on Christmas Eve the Browns packed up and made the trip a little less than 10 miles to my dad's house. We had our typical dirty Santa exchange and the my nephews and Max opened presents. It was a good time just hanging out and spending time together. I made out like a bandit too. I got the gift I brought (a cookie press and cookie jar), and Jeff's (Pampered Chef gift certificate) booyah!

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Andrea got Max Chuck the Tonka Truck that comes with a cool track.

Clearly he loved it!

My Jeff decided to get 120 batteries for his Dirty Santa gift. Poor Andrea got stuck with those.

My nephews got some good stuff too!

Christmas Lights

2011-12-26T10:09:00.000-06:00

Apparently I jinxed myself by saying we were on the mend at my house when I really meant to say that Maxwell was on the mend. I however have finally conquered bronchitis just in time for Christmas. And, ***knock on wood*** looks like the boys are dodging this bullet. On Saturday before I came down with bronchitis we went out with my brother Jake and sister-in-law Brittney to dinner. Afterward we all piled into the Jeep stopped for hot chocolate and went around town looking at lights. We went back to Chesapeake again this year and it delivered as usual. Then we went to some posh neighborhoods and looked around. We ended it in Edmond at some houses that we heard a lot about. Plus the best house that I saw was a house just Max and I went and saw the night before, FANTASTIC! Overall it was a nice evening out and ended with Max falling asleep on Aunt Brittney's baby bump.

Chesapeake

Nichols Hills (side note, but has anyone noticed that not as many people puts lights up this year?)

This house was here in Edmond and it doesn't look like much but the house was set to music over a low power radio signal and flashed with the beat.

My personal favorite from the night before.

A Crafty Christmas!

2011-12-17T08:13:00.001-06:00

Max and I have been fighting colds this past week and so we haven't done much except lay around watching Christmas movies and eating ice cream. Today is my first day back at work and Max missed 3 days of school but I think we are on the mend. I cant wait for the days of if Max is sick I get sick to be done. So while we were feeling sick we did get around to doing a couple things for Christmas and one was to make salt dough ornaments. We made them for us and for Maxwell's teachers. Along with their gifts I wanted them to have something that Max made too. We gave soup mixes from a little place here in Oklahoma that I got at Affair of the Heart, and a nice loaf of bread from a local bakery. I think it went over well, but really what do I know. I was just trying to avoid the usual candles and lotion gift. Also we have 6 teachers/ therapist to buy for so I had to think economical. Making the ornaments was pretty fun. I had to let go a little and just let the ornaments be. Max was having to much fun I didn't want to stop him. Toward the end we had a pretty good groove working.

My little helper is kneading the dough!

Max and I had different ideas of how to use the rolling pin. Thank goodness I decided to put him in play pants before we started making the ornaments.

On a side note I am LOVING the oil cloth mat that I got from Affair of the Heat a few months ago. One of my best purchases there!

In the oven to bake and they are ready to go!

A Special Message For Maxwell

2011-12-04T12:13:00.000-06:00

Click HERE to see a special message for Maxwell!!!

Movie Attempt Take 2

2011-12-02T22:09:00.000-06:00

I took Max to go see the new Muppet Movie with my dad. If you'll remember I took Max to see Cars 2 this summer. This time was a little better and we only missed the last 20 minutes. So maybe in a few months we will make the entire thing, fingers crossed!

Fuzzy but I have to work with what I have.

Parade of Lights

2011-12-02T21:57:00.000-06:00

Last night was the annual Parade of Lights in downtown Edmond. It was just as I remembered last year and what was even better was we had the new car this year so we piled some blankets in the back and it was a great for blocking the wind. We also met up with Silas and Nicholas which is always a good time!

Santa Clause has come to town!

2011-11-30T20:57:00.001-06:00

Santa has made it to town and while I'm on vacation this week we decided to take Max for a little visit. There was no line and it was really great because Max signed to Santa what he wanted, a car, a dinosaur and a book, and Santa even signed back a little. Max was so excited he was all smiles! When the helper moved the velvet rope Max couldn't seem to run fast enough to a waiting Santa with open arms. The picture doesn't even begin to show how excited Max was.

Christmas Helper

2011-11-29T09:39:00.000-06:00

The tree has been trimmed and the stockings hung with care. And the best part was that this was the first year that Max helped. Mind you helping included Max putting on about 6 ornaments and taking off half as many. But he put on more ornaments than daddy since he was napping so it was nice to have a helper. Max is really starting to understand more about the magic of Christmas and that is making tis year even more fun!

2011 Christmas Card

2011-11-28T23:59:00.000-06:00

The official unveiling of our Christmas Card will help open the Christmas season. Have I mentioned I LOVE this time of year!!!

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

He's Back

2011-11-28T23:57:00.000-06:00

Our Elf on a Shelf Angus is back for the season. We found him on the kitchen table and we are trying our best not to touch him. If your not familiar with this little guy he is spent specially from Santa's workshop to watch over our house. He flies away every night back to the North Pole and tells Santa if you are being naughty or nice. And when you wake up in the morning you have to search out your elf (Angus in our case) and see where he ended up. So far we found him on the kitchen table, in the Christmas tree and in the bathroom. But you have to be careful not to touch him because it will take his magic away.

Stuffed and Dressed!

2011-11-28T23:27:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone and now on to Christmas! I'm not going to lie I feel a little bad for Thanksgiving. It's a fun time of food and togetherness. But sometimes it gets overshadowed by the fun costumes and candy of Halloween and the greatness that is Christmas. But Thanksgiving was good and lumped in with Black Friday was also absolutely good. My sister and her family came from Texas and everyone but my brother Jake and his wife made it. And to top it off only one person got shot! My nephews (20 and 17) were playing with what they thought were toy guns and one shot the other in the back with a BB, oops. Poor guy had to sit around with a bag of frozen corn on his back for the better part of the afternoon. But now we keep on trucking to Christmas. So here we are 28 days and counting for the most wonderful time of the year!!!

I think that Max shows best how everyone felt after a long afternoon of stuffing our faces!

Oh Sunny Day!

2011-11-15T21:54:00.000-06:00

Today was a beautiful mid November day. It was an awesome 68 degrees and Max and I just had to get out in it. I had no plans so I decided to start driving. We headed to the park where apparently I was not the only person taking advantage of the fantastic weather so I drove up the street a few blocks to a hidden park that most people forget about and it was deserted. We had the entire place to ourselves! Max's walking and climbing is getting so good. However when it was time to go Max wasn't quite ready and sat his happy but on the side walk. Ugh! Ultimately I had to pick him up and cart him to the car. After that was a run through the car wash and home for some tasty homemade toscana soup, delicious and a great end to the day. This is basically the recipe I used, but I have to admit I tweeked it here and there. Also on a bleh note. Max had a genetics appointment today and we came out know exactly what we know now and nothing else. I hated that I couldn't make it to the appointment, especially since Jeff and Max had to wait 40 minutes and they were both getting cranky. But we have no answers and we don't know what the future holds. I understand that his doctors, all of them, cant tell us what they don't know but I feel like we are shooting blind. I guess we just have to hope that what we are doing is helping and maybe Max will start really talking and catch up with his peers. It just feels like they are leaving them in their dust and it's hard to watch. But here is to being thankful for the beautiful day we had and we can worry about the future later.

Max kept trying to give me the wood from the playground, silly kid.

I was so proud! He climbed and went down the slide himself!!!

Pee Pee Pre-Season Has Begun

2011-11-15T21:01:00.000-06:00

This post is most definitely premature but I'm just to excited to hold it in. Max went pee pee on the potty!!! Max signed that he wanted to go potty and even though I thought it was weird I took him to the bathroom any way. walked out of the room for a second and I hear pee hitting the floor!!! I was gross but fantastic. Apparently at school they take him twice a day but he has never actually gone, but now, yup, we have PEE! I went a little nuts the next day and we are backing off again. I'm just trying to take cues from Max. We are just starting but if I learned anything with the big boy bed switch it is to let Max move at his own pace.

My boy is so proud of himself!

Love that tushy!

Guess who is expecting!

2011-11-08T07:40:00.001-06:00

If you guessed me then you are definitely wrong. Some of you may or may not remember my slight obsession with the Duggars. If you don't know who they are then you have been living under a rock. But they are the couple on TLC that have 19 children, wait make that 20!!! Yup, they are expecting their 20 child in April. I'm a little embarrassed to admit when I read the story I literally screamed out while here at work and scared the bejezus out of my girlfriend Christie, oops. I know it's dumb and weird but I think it is interesting. And I'm a little shocked they are having another. So my congratulations go out to Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar!

First Christmas Craft of the Season

2011-11-07T21:48:00.001-06:00

I saw this really awesome post on pinterest about how to make an ornament wreath. Also I just couldn't wait to get my hands on a Christmas craft. Seeing as how I have been wanting to make one for just about FOR-EVER I got my butt in gear!!! The other great part is it only cost me $8 to make it.

Cant wait to hang this on the door come December 1st!

A Monday Morning Quicky

2011-11-07T11:51:00.000-06:00

My incredible talented girlfriend Christie took some quick photos for us to use for our Christmas card this year. Max was starting to get sick so we made it even faster. I wont show you the one that is on the christmas card until later but here are a few others for now.

I had to throw this in. I was getting on to Max and trying to tell him he could have a sucker but he needed to sit still and take a picture.

Happy Haunting!

2011-11-04T21:22:00.000-05:00

You cant tell but we met up with Maxwell's friend Nicholas before got going. And yes, that is Jeff behind the boys. Max didn't want to stay put. He did a pretty fantastic job hiding.

Halloween and October in general is the kickoff to the best time of the year. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas, New Years and end it off with Jeff and I's anniversary. Whew! That's a ton of fun right there. So needless to say Halloween was great and what made it even better was that Jeff took off from work so he could go trick or treating with us. The finale for us was trick or treating in Downtown Edmond like we have done each year. This was the best year yet! Max made it walking for about half the time and in the stroller to end it. For the first time we made each stop and Maxwell did really good signing "candy please" and "thank you." After going Downtown we met up with Max's friend Nicholas for a picture and went around to a few houses. Also this year was the first year for Max to have major input on his costume and I was so excited to find a great deal. I'm sad to see this holiday go but I have already switched the decorations in the house for Thanksgiving and have started circling yummy recipes.

Storybook Forest

2011-11-02T13:52:00.000-05:00

Sunday was a busy day! I worked and while I was gone Jeff took Max to the nursing home in his costume so he could see Granny Lawana. After that was Max's last baseball game which was bittersweet. Jeff wants Max to do Spring ball too. I was apprehensive because Max hasn't been doing exactly great. He looses interest quickly and doesn't completely understand what is going. Jeff makes a good point though. He wants Max to know that he cant just give up and the other parents have been really supportive. After that Jeff and I took Max to Lake Arcadia for an annual event that they put on called Storybook Forest. It's a great alternative to scary things and it is just another reason for Max to dress up in his costume. I was so proud of what I found. Max was Buzz Lightyear! And I was able to find a high quality costume for just over $20 on Ebay, go me! Max did fantastic and Jeff and I really need a good drama/scream free outing. Just to get in the gate traffic was backed up an hour. Which turned out okay because since Max had baseball he was so tired. He was able to get about 45 minutes of sleep in which really helped. Then we stood in line for about 45 minutes and walked the trail and played games. He made it great the entire time and I couldn't be happier. He has been a handful lately and this was a refreshing trip. It is a definite must next year!!!

Just before we left for infinity and beyond!

That awesome nap I was talking about. Daddy had his music, I had a book and Max had a nap. Not to shabby!

Waiting in line.

Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater story and my personal favorite stop.

Slight Change in Plans.

2011-11-02T13:29:00.000-05:00

I had such grand plans for Saturday. I had some different Halloween activities planned and wanted to end the night with carving pumpkins. All that we accomplished was one little thing. After I thought more about carving pumpkins I decided that although it may be fun to let Max dig seeds out of the pumpkin Jeff and I didn't want to deal with the mess and Max doesn't exactly stay on task well. So we decided to let Max paint his pumpkin. He liked it just the same so I consider it a win!

Llamas and Hay Rides and Pumpkins, Oh My!

2011-10-27T22:33:00.000-05:00

We took Max to Chester's Pumpkin Patch last Thursday. He loved the animals and the actual hay ride but being a 3 year old he definitely switches moods on a whim. We made it an hour and a half and then we went out for lunch. I was a nice day out too which made for a nicer day.

We started at the petting zoo. Unfortunately they ran out of food right on our turn so we just went inside any way.

Max was sick of waiting in line for the Hayride and I was sure the ride was going to be terrible, but thankfully it was one of his favorite parts.

We went back to the petting zoo when they got more feed and I'm glad we did because Max really enjoyed that part.

Clearly someone got a little hungry.

Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite!!!

2011-10-27T21:58:00.000-05:00

I have been scared to post this but I think that I can officially say now Max is no longer in the crib. Max has been in a toddler bed for 2 weeks and even successfully stayed in his bed while I was away which I knew was the true test. Apparently he really just was not ready for the switch last July and I was probably to blame a lot for that. I see other kids his age that are doing so much and unfortunately I pushed and it ended in tears for us all involved. But this time has been seamless and it goes to show that now really was the right time.

We have made a good bedtime routine and this time I didn't add the rails back on. They are awkward and didn't serve any purpose.

This is how I found him at the end of the night. Pretty often he ends up on the floor with his face right in the humidifier. What a stinkin' cute kid!

Psst, Is this thing on?

2011-10-27T21:18:00.000-05:00

I have been gone for a while because I have had a lot of overtime two weeks ago and I just got home yesterday from a conference in Tulsa. Needless to say the blog has been pushed aside. Plus I'm not going to lie I often wonder if my sister and and girlfriend Christie are the only people who read this thing. So here is for anybody who happens by. Max finally got his school pictures back last week. They aren't my favorite cause he isn't his usual smiley self but here it is. And it will be forever marked as Maxwell's first year of school!

The Round Up Gang!

2011-10-12T12:12:00.000-05:00

I can not believe that these kids are 3! I love how they are getting older and playing together more.This is from a play date that they had about a week ago. Kacee and Nicholas are even learning to sign with Max which makes me very happy. I feel like the Toy Story song "You've got a Friend in Me" should be playing as the sound track for this post. Cheesy but I love it! Things are pretty much the same for us though. I'm taking sign language classes, Jeff and I are working, Max loves school and therapy oh and we got a new car. I love it, it's a Jeep Compass. We wanted to wait to get another car for a little longer but the Altima died and went and went to a better place. But we are coming up on my two FAVORITE seasons. Fall and Winter are fantastic with so many fun things to do, so I'll kepp you posted.

Batter Up!

2011-10-03T09:51:00.001-05:00

"Up to bat we have number 20, Maxwell Brown!" (screaming, cheering, high fives all around)

Maxwell started baseball yesterday as the newest member of the Dodgers with the Miracle League. He was in rare form and being a bit (a lot) obstinate. Several parents made me feel better to know that this is normal for him to act like this and loose interest after a while. Well loose interest he did! At one point he wouldn't stop crying until he got to have his juice, while at 3rd base might I add. He was overwhelmed which is understandable but I think it will be a really be good for him to learn something with structure and meet new friends.

My mom and dad went and so did Nanny! My mom isn't what you may call techno savvy but she did her best and thankfully got Maxwell's first at bat. Thanks mom!!!

You will notice the hat only made it for about half of the game. The two girls were his helpers/volunteers. Daddy was out there since it was his first time trying to show him what to do.

This is that point where we hit a brick wall that I was telling you about. We were playing 3rd base and got tired so we took a juice break while we played.

After the game Papa gave Maxwell a piggy back ride to the car. He was so exhausted from all of the hard playing that didn't even want to walk anymore.

A Day Out With Thomas

2011-09-26T09:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Jeff and I took Max to the Oklahoma Railway Museum for A Day Out With Thomas. We got to meet Sir Tophum Hatt, take a ride on Thomas, see a ventriloquist and play with trains. Max had not had a nap so at times he was a little grumpy but overall he enjoyed it. Once we got off the train Max was pooped so we went home where he caught some zzz's in the car. Jeff also forced him to walk everywhere to work on building his stamina so he had a work out!

Hello Thomas!

Maxwell was awestruck by all of the little things especially the rocks.

Daddy Made Max walk almost everywhere we went. It made me feel bad for him when he fell a few times but Jeff is right because he does need to build his stamina.

I tried to cheat the system and take a picture too instead of paying for one. Karma on me cause the photo turned out fuzzy, oops.

Max was getting restless while we waited for the train to go so I let him take a picture. I'm pretty sure I have the next Annie Leibovitz

I have come to realize that just because I want to take a cute family picture doesn't mean that I get what I want. Apparently taking pictures of Max (or Jeff) are based on how they feel that moment. Clearly this was not a moment where he wanted a picture taken.

Maxwell's 3rd Video

2011-09-23T10:21:00.006-05:00

I know that I am behind on my blogging. Lately has been a lot of the same. Max is loving school and I can see improvements all the time. He is still going to equestrian therapy every other week and Dusty has become one of his new best friends. Also Max starts baseball with the Miracle League next week. To tell you the truth I think Jeff might be excited about that one too. Seeing as how baseball season is about to come to an end. Some of you may remember that either I or my girlfriend Christie has made a video to remember the past year with my favorite person. These are really more for me than anything. I love remember the great times and the hard times. This has been a year full of firsts. firsts steps, first haircut, first time using a spoon and so much more. A year of ups and downs that I wouldn't change for anything. Sorry for my hiatus but it has been for a good cause because I have been working on this...

Married to an older man.

2011-09-09T21:33:00.000-05:00

There are only 20 days a year that I can ever say I'm married to an older man. As of yesterday Jeff turned 28 and I am the younger woman in his life. As Jeff and I both are getting older it seems that birthdays have lost some of the excitement that they used to carry. Maybe because we work hard and have a 3 year old, or maybe this is how it is. I like to think it is because we are busy people though. The day started off unfortunately for Jeff early since Max had an eye appointment and everything looks good from what the doctor could tell. After dropping Max off at school Jeff and I headed home for a nap, interrupted but nice. After we picked up Maxwell we went and had a tasty Mexican lunch at Ted's. Then Jeff got his gifts. I got him tickets to see Weezer coming up in October, a mini fridge for his office and a toaster. The man wont have to leave his office to do anything but go to the bathroom, oh yeah and work. Max and I went up to his work with his favorite meal of chili and Maxwell's present for daddy. Then we headed home and I made a pit stop. Jeff said he didn't want a cake or anything but I know him pretty well to know he is lying especially since we were standing in Jeff's most hated place, Walmart. I knew all he wanted to do was get out of there. Since he wouldn't decide he got 2. Yes I made him 2 desserts since he wouldn't pick!!! All in all it wasn't bad. No crazy surprise trip to Hawaii but who knows maybe next year.

Max and I had to put together the last touch of his gift to daddy.

I asked Max what he wanted to name it. I said "want to name him Sherman?" he shook his head no and just kept saying, "Dada."

The finished product!

Chili picnic with daddy!

Helping daddy open his present. I let Max pick the stuff that went in. I was surprised he picked a baseball book, he bought daddy some candy and of course the gnome for daddy's office. Daddy has now named him Winkle Bottom.

And in true Jeff and Max fashion Winkle Bottom ended up with his hat stuck in Maxwell's nose!

Coffee Creek Riding Center

2011-08-31T21:44:00.000-05:00

Maxwell is officially a horse lover! A girlfriend of mine called me last month and was telling me about a place she was volunteering. Coffee Creek Riding Center is a non profit therapeutic riding center for people who are handicap and special needs. Max went in today for his evaluation to make sure that he would get along with the horses and wont be afraid. Unfortunately I have been sick with a virus and had to sit out and get the report back. Apparently when the workers took Max to brush the horse Jeff was able to follow behind. While brushing he kept saying "on, on" and according to the workers that was a pretty big surprise as most kids are a little nervous at first. Of course Max loves animals and thanks to Yaya for having big dogs that Max has always been around. Needless to say Max did great at his evaluation and will be receiving horse therapy every other week. Thank goodness the workers reminded Jeff to grab the camera and take a picture.

3 Year Pictures

2011-08-25T22:43:00.000-05:00

My fabulous and talented friend Christie took Maxwell's 3 year pictures yesterday. We went out to my dads house and took some pictures with his classic Ford and other goodies I found around his shop. She got some great shots , but of course I'm bias.

And so it begins.

2011-08-20T22:17:00.002-05:00

School started yesterday on Friday and it was a bittersweet moment. Max and I have been preparing for this switch for a long time and I cant believe we made it here. Maxwell is starting school early so it seems like time is flying by even faster than it should. We met his teacher Mrs Hopkins on Wednesday during enrollment and he played while we talked to her. Then Friday we got up a little to early not knowing how long we would need. Fed Max breakfast and got him dressed to go in his new 1st day of school clothes, then we waited watching TV until it was time to go. We thought we gave ourselves plenty of time but clearly made a rookie mistake and didn't realize how crazy drop off would be or that every other parent was walking there child to class. We made it just in the nick of time. Who knew that parent drop off would be so crazy. Cars parked on the main street, parking behind other cars in spaces, in fire lanes and straight up turn on their hazard lights and stopping at the entrance. I thought Jeff was about to go postal on someone! Then came the moment I had been anticipating... leaving Max at school. We walked in he went straight to the toys and to explore. We took him to his own little cubby with his name and put away his little backpack. I told the teacher I was going to sneak away so he wouldn't get upset thinking he would cry for me and miss me.... uh no. Not even a little. Not that I wanted him to freak but a tear or two would have made me feel a little better. Once we were at the car and on the way I tried to get Jeff to turn around so I could check on him. He was clearly having an easier time with this change and just laughed at me. After drop off Jeff and I went and ate breakfast. It was nice spending time together and not worrying about cutting up someones food and even getting to eat my food hot. Who knew it tasted better that way! Jeff and I picked up the movie Rio for Max to celebrate his first day too. Two and a half hours later it was time to pick up my sweet boy. We waited in the line my camera ready. Then I saw my big boy holding the aides hand toddling with his backpack on and I almost lost it! I got out of the car walking to him forgetting I wanted to take a picture of him. He was smiling ear to ear and saw Jeff and I and began to giggle. I think it is safe to say the first day went great. I will say that I;m not used to not getting feed back about each day. This is going to be a major adjustment since I have been at every therapy session and mother's day out would tell us all about his day at pick up. I guess I have to trust that he is doing ok and working hard. Just wish I knew for sure. Next week will be big because he has school everyday which is new and a new schedule. Wish us luck!

Killing time before we leave for school.

I snuck a picture of him through the door. It's hard to see but he is in the back near his teacher Mrs Hopkins.

This is when I almost lost it. This is after I hurried back to the car for the camera as I shook myself out of my teary eyed fog. He didn't wear his backpack in because it was so full of supplies when we went to school so this was the first I saw the whole picture of him looking so studious. He looked so grown up walking out holding the aides hand with that big backpack. I'm getting teary remembering it again...

Here is to a fantastic beginning to the school year!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

2011-08-16T22:08:00.001-05:00

We officially have another birthday on the books. Max has come down from his sugar high and is now resting peacefully in his bed. If someone would have asked me 3 years ago where I thought Max would be or where our family is now my answer would be so different. But I like where we are and we are getting in our groove. I guess that goes to show that you cant screw with what is meant to be. Today being Maxwell's actual birthday was a pretty low key affair. Jeff took Max to breakfast for a bagel at our favorite bagel shop, Old School Bagel Cafe. Then when I got home from work we had Max open his presents before Jeff left for work. After a nice nap for Max and I and a trip to Walmart to pick out a cake we headed to Mercy to have dinner and cake with Jeff and Nanny. Cake was tasty and like I said before, another birthday is on the books. Tomorrow is a crazy busy day. We take Maxwell for enrollment, then he has a dentist appointment and end the day with a play date, whew! Hope we make it out alive!!!

Jeff and I got Maxwell some fun stuff that Max really seems to like. He got a monster truck that moves and jumps, a Buzz Lightyear dart gun and his very own kids digital camera.

Also today was a big day because we switched Max to a booster seat. I know I like it but well see how it goes.

Here we are at Jeff's work after we ate Johnny's, yum! And no surprise here Max picked a monkey cake. He is very in to monkeys and acting like a monkey.

Mmm cake, nom nom nom!

Happy, Happy Birthday!

2011-08-14T22:23:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Maxwell's 3rd birthday party. I rented a party room at McDonald's and I have to admit that for a 3 year old party it wasn't bad. In the beginning when all the kids were playing there were some really big kids that were probably 10 or older. They were being bullies and apparently choosing McDonald's play place to practice their parkour skills. Luckily after cake the kids went back to play and the bullies were leaving. Max even managed to climb up the slide and graciously Mrs Jennifer had to go up after him. It was a good day with good friends. I managed to get a few shots in between everything and before my camera died (oops).

This video came in a little late but thanks to Aunt Brittany for thinking ahead. This is one of the first times I have every seen Max get shy, to cute!

I had planned more decorations but when I got there I thought about how I didn't want to have to clean it up on top of everything else.

The cake turned out pretty good.

I did hang the Cars banner that I made for the party. We had an extra Cars book so I took pages from the book to make the letters. I think it turned out pretty great if I do say so myself!

Play time!

Maxwell trying to be coy.

Thanks to everyone that could make it!

The kids all wanted to help Max open so we started letting each child that brought the gift help open it. It seemed to work pretty good.

The Change Up

2011-08-13T01:09:00.000-05:00

As you all can see I changed the blog header in honor of Maxwell's birthday coming up. I also changed the name of our blog back to "Meet the Browns" from "A Brown Bag Special." Jeff thought the cheese factor was to high and to tell you the truth I was sick of hearing him whine about it. Also here is a picture of Max I took today that I just couldn't help but post. Max found my gel relaxation mask and was obsessed with wearing it. Really Jeff and I may need the relaxation mask more than Max does. Jeff went into work late after we spent an hour looking for Jeff's car keys that also have all of his work keys on the ring. Strange enough "Steve" is also missing, coincidence I think not! Jeff and I looked EVERYWHERE! In the dog food bin, the trash, every cabinet and in the toilet with no sign of either. Hopefully they show up soon. Jeff needs his keys but luckily we have an extra "Steve". Wish us luck on the search.

Until next time.

2011-08-13T00:58:00.000-05:00

Today Max and I had to say a very sad "until next time" to two women who have become like family to us. You have heard me talk several times about Jamie and Amy, Max's therapists. Amy did Max's initial evaluation when he started Sooner Start and Jamie has been Max's physical therapist since the beginning, with only a short hiatus when she had her little girl. They have become good friends that have helped me understand the journey that my family is on. I don't think that I will really notice until they are not here next Friday. I am amazed how much Max has grown with their help. When Max started Sooner Start about 2 years ago, he was barely able to sit up and having just turned a year old when this all began wasn't even making simple sounds. Now he is using sign language, toddling and saying some words. Look at us now, starting school in a week and moving on to the next chapter. Thank you ladies for coming into my home and opening your hearts to my sweet little boy. He is one of many children that you help everyday, but you made us feel like we were all that mattered every week. And not only did you help with therapy but you helped me grow. You listened to my fears and at times unrealistic concerns. You made me feel safe asking for help and feeling scared or uncertain about Maxwell's future. So, as many people say this is not goodbye this is until next time.

Jamie, Maxwell & Amy

South Padre 2011

2011-08-12T01:34:00.000-05:00

The Browns first family vacation is officially on the record books! My dad had this great idea that he wanted to take all of my siblings and our kids on a vacation. Sadly, last minute my nephew Eric wasn't able to make it because he got a new job through his school and now that he is 20, he has to think about bigger things. We all went to South Padre Texas and most of us had never been before. We were in a condo right on the beach and it was great. The mornings were spent on the beach, the afternoons napping and lounging and most nights were spent on the beach then afterwards laughing around the kitchen table. It was really great being all together like that. Some of you already know that I am a late in life surprise to my parents and, therefore, there is a pretty big age gap between me and my siblings. Jennifer is first and she is 12 years older than me, next is Jeff, who is 10 years older, then the first surprise (birth control baby) Jake who is only 15 months older than me and I was the last surprise (vasectomy baby)! Needless to say we had not all lived in the same house for quite some time and it was an adjustment to some of us. In true Richardson fashion there was a certain amount of drama that had to be met. On the first day, when my brother Jeff was pulling into the condo, he got rear ended by an 18 year old girl in a Benz. After that, we kept getting calls from people saying that there were crazy fires here at home. My dad's house had some damage but nothing too bad, especially since three of his neighbors across the street lost their entire houses. Then came the sting rays. On the first day my brother Jake and my brother in law Brian both got stung by a sting ray while body surfing on the sand bar. Lastly, it wouldn't be a trip if Max didn't get hurt. We were in a 3 story condo and knowing this Jeff and I brought baby gates. Unfortunately, when going upstairs someone didn't put the baby gate back and I found Max climbing the stairs. I was across the room and he lost his balance and fell down about four steps. I felt horrible because I was just watching him fall as I was running toward him. He fell right on his face and screaming ensued and then came the cuddling. Of course there were great memories made and a great first vacation for Jeff, Max and I. Now for pictures so you can have a visual. Ignore the goose egg on Maxwell's forehead at one point. It's not really obvious but it's there.

The drive was around 12 hours and Max did really well. There was a long stretch of 60 miles with nothing and we let Max get out of his seat for about 5 minutes. I know what your thinking but he is fine and made the end of a very long ride a little better.

Headed to the beach the night we got to Padre. This is Jeff and Maxwell's preferred mode of transportation.

At South Padre Island Brewing Company

The next night at The Big Donkey for dinner.

We took a dolphin cruise that was well... eh. Max was a grump because he was tired and there were just no dolphin to be seen. But not for lack of trying. This is Gorgi and he was on the look out for us.

This is as close as we got and one of only two sets of dolphin we saw. We were on the second wave because we had to split up and apparently the dolphin where spry and ready to go with the other boats, dang it!

Max wasn't feeling the photo op.

Uncle Jake offered to take a grumpy Max and he fell asleep in about 60 seconds.

These are all pictures from the only day I took my camera to the beach. It was our first morning out and we learned less is more on subsequent trips.

Shave and a hair cut, 2 bits!

2011-08-01T11:32:00.000-05:00

Maxwell is the only child I know that turns 3 in two weeks that has never had a hair cut. Well not completely true, we know girls who have not had a cut and of course Kate Hudson and Celine Dion had their boys looking like homeless children for a while. But Max has never had a cut and didn't even need one now except that he had a rats nest on the back of his head from sleeping and some of the hair on top was getting so long that it would hang past his hair line at times. He looks basically the same and I wish it wasn't so short on top and I wish I would have told her no when she asked if I wanted the razor around his ears. But what's done is done and I have to admit that he does look older. And at this point I better get used to it since at this rate it might take another 3 years to grow back! Also he did really great. Unfortunately I couldn't get a good picture of him smiling because there was a kid in there that was screaming his head off and Max was completely enthralled by it. But it is one thing marked off my to do list before we leave for vacation and Max's starts school.

This is before the hair cut. We went to a place that is just for kids called Snip Its, they have suckers, prizes and a tv at each station so they don't get bored.

And we're off!

No turning back now!

The finished product!

At the end you put in your hair in the machine and get a prize! He looks pretty Handsome!

Oklahoma Aquarium

2011-07-23T17:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday after therapy Max and I hit the dusty trail and went to see an old friend of mine Sarah that now lives in the Tulsa area. Part of the special trip was so we could go to this really cool aquarium. You could touch sting rays, star fish and reef. Also we walked through the tunnel where sharks swam all around us. It was crazy to see them go over you. And for those of you aware of my unrealistic anxiety when driving on the highway... yes, I drove Max and I there and back! With no problems might I add.

This is one of the bull sharks that swam over us while we were in the tunnel... Creepy!

I was a little weirded out by getting to touch a sting ray and in fact we didn't. I don't touch fish or anything like that. At least not willingly, ewww.

That poor little green guy in the front was the victim of Maxwell's hand. This is me pulling his hand away.

Bouncin' Craze

2011-07-22T01:25:00.002-05:00

Life is definitely busy and we have quite a bit on our plate right now. Max starts school in a few weeks and it is making me a nervous wreck! Also we are going on a big family vacation to South Padre courtesy of my awesome dad. Also the weekend that we get back is Maxwell's little get together for his birthday. Whoa, I keep thinking of more things to do even now!!! Any way back to the reason I'm posting. Max and his little friends all got together. We ventured to a new place (new to us) called Bouncin Craze. Max LOVED it and he had a blast! I had to go inside one of the bounce houses to find Max. So much fun and I cant wait to go back.

The first bounce he went to was really fun. Max didn't actually bounce in it but it had little air cannons that shot a ball into a hoop. However, he just kept putting his face in the air cannon.

This was Maxwell's favorite actual bounce that he climbed on. This is also the bounce that I had to go in and search for Maxwell when he was hiding. I found him literally "hanging" out. And thanks to Ben for being tall enough to get a picture you get to see it too.

This was the coolest see-saw that is also a helicopter. Max and his friend Nicholas were so preoccupied with the wheel and buttons that this is as good as it got!

Lastly right before we left there was a hurricane tunnel and Max and I took a ride! This was a really cute video of Max and I apologize now for the PG-13 rating but seriously it got up to 80mph! I love that he is keeps trying to eat the wind too. Who am I kidding I just love this kid!

Staying Cool!

2011-07-11T22:25:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma has had record breaking heat this summer. Every day temps are over 100 and some days reaching over 110. We are trying to stay inside because it is just to hot out. We did try t venture out to a little pool out in the yard. Spent about 30 minutes outside blowing bubbles and playing with water balloons. It was fun but could only last so long. It's only the beginning of July and I'm pretty sure that the worst is still to come.

By the way, yes, that is soap and shampoo in case any of you are wondering. It's trashy yes, but just think how resourceful it is too! Wash off the sunscreen all in one. Don't judge!

Even taking a little drink to cool off.

Tubes

2011-07-11T22:11:00.000-05:00

Part of the reason I have been on a blog hiatus is not only because I have been sleep deprived and have not really had free time to do it, but also Max had tubes put in on the 30th of June. We met the doctor on Monday and surgery was scheduled for Thursday. I'm hoping that it will bring an end to the never ending ear infections. Our follow up is at the end of this week and so far so good. Yes it is technically surgery but he was in and out in5-10 minutes. Also unlike last time Max had anesthesia he didn't have a reaction. I looked the other day from all of Maxwell's hospital bracelets that he has gotten since he was born. Including his stay in the NICU Max has been in the hospital 9 times, CRAZY!!!

At the doctor's office Monday.

3 short days later waiting in pre-op. He started getting fussy from waiting and at the time we were in the midst of switching to the big bed. I felt bad for people in recovery because at times Max could be heard whining off and on.

After the nurse that was with him said he did great, of course! He had to drink something before we left which turned out to be simple. He drank 2 cartons of juice and headed out.

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back!

2011-07-11T21:44:00.000-05:00

I know that I have been gone a while and some of you may be wanting to know how the bed switch went. After 10 sleepless days for everyone involved I broke down and put the crib back together. Max was not sleeping. He was taking forever to go to sleep, walking up about 3 hours early and not napping. Makes for a VERY grumpy Max. The time just was not right and we decided to bring back the crib. After I got the rail back on and put Max in bed it took all of 3 minutes for Max to fall asleep. Jeff had to wake him up the next morning at 10 and then he still took a 3 hour nap that I had to wake him up from. He wasn't getting enough sleep and some people may not agree but this is what is working for us. I'm not sure if he just wasn't ready or maybe has something to do with his special needs but at least we are back to normal and everyone including Jeff and I are in better moods.

Here is a picture that Jeff sent me when Max fell asleep at the table during lunch. So tired but still would not nap when Jeff tried to lay him down, ugh!

OMG!

2011-06-27T12:53:00.000-05:00

Some of you may remember the torture of us moving the crib across the room about a year ago and the sleepless night that followed. That night was nothing compared to last night. Max spent his first official night in a big boy toddler bed last night. He was very excited after I took the crib railing off. Climbed in and pretended to sleep. Then came actual bed time... OMG! I expected to have to put him in bed over and over, however, I did not expect the crying and hysterics that came with it. After an hour and a half of crying and testing boundaries Max finally fell asleep. I'm not going to lie the first few times I giggled when he came down the hall or when he would open and immediately close the door if he saw Jeff or I. But that got really old really fast. This morning while putting on my make-up I hear Max crying and crawling down the hall. I laid him back down and left for work. Apparently Jeff wakes up 30 minutes later to Max standing by the bed poking him in the leg. I got an email at lunch from Jeff saying Max only got up once before he fell asleep. Wait tough not even 30 minutes later he is up. It is going to be a long couple of weeks!!!

Max thinking, "This bed thing is pretty cool Mom."

Night Night I love you -Max

Wait, you aren't staying with me!- Max (the crying begins)

And finally sleep!

This is a really bad video but it is more about what you hear. I cracked the door trying to get video but Max likes his room dark and the black out shade made it to dark inside his room.

Cars 2!

2011-06-27T12:17:00.000-05:00

We attempted to go to a movie over my days off on Friday. Papa Mike invited us so we decided to try it out. Max went to a movie when he was 9 months old and slept through the entire thing! This was the first time for us to go to a movie that he knew what was actually going on. He did pretty well too, especially not having had a nap. We got there about 20 minutes early and Max made it an hour which was 2/3 of the way through the movie. I guess we will have to rent it when it comes out to see how it ends.

Looks so serious but once it started he was pretty excited, ooo's and ahh's abound!

Apparently Papa Mike is feeling under appreciated because he wanted to know why he doesn't get mentioned very often. Hello Papa Mike! We do hang out with my dad quite a bit so there you go. This was taken while he was gripping!

mmm popcorn!

Busy, Busy

2011-06-27T11:43:00.001-05:00

It has been a busy week. At work, at home, with family you know what I mean. My niece Emma came to town a week ago from Texas and is still here this week but now she is in a camp. Then we had father's day and make up fathers day for Jeff. Jeff couldn't make fathers day dinner since it was at Red Lobster so on Saturday I took him to his absolute FAVORITE restaurant Don Serapios all the way in El Reno! Yes, because apparently he deserves it. Also on father's day Sunday we went to the park for Great Granny Lawana's birthday! I was hot (over 100 degrees) and the afternoon heat so we didn't stay to long but we had some fun at the park at ate homemade ice cream, which was a first for Max. Here we are at the park!!!

Nanny, me, Granny Lawana, Max and Jeff

Peek-a-boo!

Nanny went down the slide with Max cause it was so hot, Turns out bad idea... she burned her biscuits!!!

Please forgive the "Blair Witch" camera effects but I liked the video to much not to add it.

Father's Day

2011-06-20T07:19:00.000-05:00

I am a lucky girl. I found a partner, friend and a man to be the father of my children early in life. Of course we didn't know in the beginning. Jeff and I have been together for a long time. So long in fact I don't know what it is like to be without him. It's crazy to think that the 16 year old boy with pink hair and a tattoo that caught my eye would one day be the fantastic father that he is today. I'm not sure that he really knew either. Jeff was afraid of becoming a daddy, probably like most. Jeff is an only child that had never been around babies before so that on top of being a new daddy was SCARY! When Max was born early everyone was telling me how fantastic Jeff was with him, and how proud he seemed to be taking people back to the NICU two at a time to meet our little boy. Jeff is a man of very few words, unless it's about sports, so his actions really speak to a person. Jeff's actions have shown so many people how much he absolutely loves his son and Max knows it too which is what really matters. I love that Maxwell will never have to question if his daddy really cares because it is so obvious everyday. Jeff is the yin to my yang and the peanut butter to my jelly. That is why Max has the best of both worlds and is so very lucky to have his daddy. I hope that Max grows up to be just like his daddy. Minus the fact that Jeff cant seem to get his clothes to make it in the hamper just next to it but hopefully Maxwell can master this someday.

I actually took these pictures on mothers day but they were so cute I saved them for this.

School Pictures

2011-06-17T20:52:00.000-05:00

I almost completely forgot that I had not shared Maxwell's official school pictures with you. They are scans so they are a little fuzzy. We had such a hard time deciding which picture to go with that I ended up buying 2 of the smallest packages. I'm so bad, but really all the proofs were so good I couldn't decide. The first one is Jeff's favorite because it really shows his personality. The last one shows how big he has gotten and really looks like a school picture. He is such a ham for the camera, most of the time at least. Next year Max starts school at an actual elementary school for preschool. Backpacks, buses, you name it! I know he is starting school a few years early since he is special needs so he can get his therapies there but it really is a big step. We have made it so far!

Catch a Glimpse

2011-06-16T22:46:00.000-05:00

Several people have been asking about Max and his walking. Well here is a little looksie. Keep in mind that Max was getting mad because I wouldn't let him play with the camera. I think he looks like his daddy when he is getting mad because they make the same faces. He even blows a kiss and says a few things. I cant believe that he is walking so well even though it is only in short stints. He is wobbly and you will see he still falls down. It's all about the progress though baby! Psst, Max was fine at the end when he fell.

Getting in the groove.

2011-06-16T22:24:00.001-05:00

As many of you already know with Jeff's new job he works nights and I think that the family is really getting into a pretty good groove. Jeff is off on the weekend and we are able to spend time together. Then Mondays Max goes to Yaya's house while I go to a sign language class. Tuesday we go eat dinner with daddy at Mercy and that is always fun. We eat together at least once a week and a lot of times more. Jeff and I want to still spend plenty of family time together even if that means we are eating dinner in a hospital cafeteria. I'll admit the food is better than I thought it would be, the price is right and the company we share is defiantly good too. On Tuesday Max was a tired kid! He doesn't typically fall asleep in the car unless it's a long car trip and even then that isn't always. He fell asleep just as we had pulled out of the parking lot of the hospital. At it was a DEEP sleep. Snoring, drooling, all of it! It sure is hard to put pajamas on a kid that wont wake up. I laid him on the chair when we got in and just had to take a picture.

Fun in the sun!

2011-06-11T10:09:00.001-05:00

Last weekend was hot when I got home from work and I decided to kill some time by letting Max play outside in the water. At first he wanted nothing to do with it and just wanted to get inside the car to play then he gained interest. On Thursday Max and I went and swam in Uncle Jeff and Aunt Andrea's new pool and man was is nice! I'm not going to lie and say that his kiddie pool and beach ball even come close to that. Max enjoyed it though. Even to the point that he threw a fit when we went inside. We have hit the fit throwing terrible 2's people!!! Hitting, biting, tantrums we have got 'em all. Maxwells' time out stool has been getting some good use lately. Max did do good while we were outside with his walking. I would say we are close, close enough that I can maybe taste it. And oh it tastes so sweet! He is walking/ taking steps about half the time. He can take about 15 steps or so depending on the day and the elements before he falls down. I CANT wait to meet this milestone, plus my arms will thank me!

It's a Max in a box!

2011-06-11T10:02:00.000-05:00

Turns out that Max has finally fallen in love with most toddlers favorite "toy," a box! Max grabs "Steve" his new Buzz Lightyear toy and whatever else he decides to throw in that day. Mostly it is used to watch a movie but it also doubles as really good therapy apparently. Jamie saw Max doing this yesterday and told us to support it because it is forcing him to balance and all of those good things. This past week has been a little nuts. There has been a lot of overtime for me at work and I just got over being sick. I had a sinus infection, but apparently the medicine I took (z pack) made me even more sick and I had an allergic reaction to it. I have taken it before but who knows when an allergy will develop, especially with me. Also after getting off work from going in for overtime at 2 am Jeff and I had to take Max to his appointment at Edmond Special Services so they could do his evaluation for preschool. Of course they loved him! I cant believe that he is starting school so soon, (sigh).

As you can see Max likes to sing along when he feels it is necessary for dramatic effect. Jeff is a little annoyed because I have turned most things into a microphone for Max and I to sing into. I think the clincher was when I showed Max how to use a baseball bat as a microphone on a stand. I think it's cute but Jeff is probably worried Max might walk up to bat someday and start singing into his bat. Priceless!

Last Day of School!

2011-05-28T21:15:00.000-05:00

The last day of school was on Thursday and it was bitter sweet. New Covenant has been fantastic for Max and I'm sad that they don't have a summer session but all good things must come to an end. The end of the year carnival was Wednesday and I couldn't help out so Jeff being the awesome daddy he is went and chaperoned. He acted mostly as Maxwell's helper and he said that Max LOVED the bounce house which is surprising considering he usually hates it. Jeff and I are very torn about next year. We want him to still be with the friends he made at New Covenant but we also feel that the more days he can be in preschool with actual therapist the better it will be for him. Maxwell's last day I brought some goodies for his teachers and support staff. Making the container was difficult to figure out because I had to make my own pattern but I think it turned out pretty good. Jeff liked the gift but thinks the tag I added was cheesy. It say "we need s'more teachers like you!" We also got them each a gift card to the Old School Bagel Cafe which has yummy New York style bagels.

So this school year has come and gone and we are already looking forward to the next school year! Also before I forget Max had another hearing test for the public school and he passed. He still had fluid but he was able to test. He did really good signing his answers too which was great. Here are Max and I before we head out for school!

Also here is a picture that looks pitiful and I couldn't help but add it, I LOVE it! And Maxwell looks like such a big boy. He is pouting because I wouldn't let have the camera. I may have a future photographer on my hands. He just loves taking pictures.

nothing much here...

2011-05-25T08:39:00.000-05:00

I don't have much to talk about right now. Max and I have been staying busy while Jeff is working. In fact we were so busy for a few weeks that it has been nice to just sit back and relax for the past several days. Yesterday we had a mini play date at Silas's house, which unfortunately had to be cut short because of severe weather in the area. Once we got home the weather man projected one of several tornadoes that were in the area to hit our house. They even though it would be an F-4 if not an F-5. Unfortunate for some, but luckily it went north of us. Talk about excitement! And Max couldn't have been better. I kept the mood light so that Max wouldn't get scared and he was good. While I was trying to get blankets and put batteries in the flash lights he was following me around wanting to play. After he was rewarded for be so good and brave with a cookie and Toy Story. He was begging to watch a movie the entire time I was watching the tornado coverage so after the threat was gone we watched it. We even ate dinner in front of the TV! With Jeff's new job turns out the hospital doubles as a shelter and Jeff was guessing that there was about 3000 people there with their loved ones and PETS! I understand loving your pet but really! Some people are afraid of animals, the animals might try to fight each other or heck what about allergies. Any hoo, people left such a mess behind that Jeff didn't get home until 2:30am. The only other excitement that has been had is a can of soda exploding in the car! Um yeah, that sucked. I'll post pictures but they are hard to see all the sticky brown goo on EVERYTHING. Jeff did an pretty good job cleaning it up but I keep finding little spots of sticky residue in the car.

It's a bird... It's a plane...

2011-05-15T21:55:00.000-05:00

Max and I went out to dinner with some friends of ours on Wednesday. After dinner we didn't want to finish chatting so we went next door to Hobby Lobby. Abby and I have both been wanting to make super hero capes for our little guys. Her little boy has taken on the alter ego "Super Sylis!" I had forgotten about the cape for a while but thanks to Abby Maxwell now has his own alter ego, "Mighty Max!" I learned a few things and might make another but it's turned out pretty good. How is yours going Abby? Let me know if you need help learning from my mistakes. Psst, be careful not to make the neck to big like I did.

This picture doesn't actually show off the cape but it is of Max WALKING! Yup from the couch to the chair!

The finished product!

Sand Castles

2011-05-15T21:27:00.000-05:00

We have a new toy at the Brown house! Thanks to Uncle Jeff and Aunt Andrea we are the proud new owners of a boat shaped sand box. For whatever reason he didn't want to use a shovel to put sand in the bucket and used his hands. Even had a little sand bath while he was at it. Thanks for the new toy!!! We will be ready for the beach family vacation come August.

mmm, me love cookie!

2011-05-15T21:14:00.000-05:00

With Jeff being gone at night now with the new job I have been trying to get into a new grove. Max and I miss him a lot, especially when Max is getting cranky and I just want to be able to go to the bathroom without a shadow. But I've got this and it's working so far! Plus it's nice that once a week, typically Tuesday, Max and I visit daddy at work after we eat dinner for Jeff's dinner break and we get frozen yogurt. After some dinner and Shrek on Friday Max and I made and decorated sugar cookies. I probably should have made them from scratch but... eh they were still tasty just flat. A little piece of advice don't make the dry bag mix and opt to make them or get them pre-made from the dairy case at the store.Now excuse me while I have a cookie, nom nom nom!

Still Waiting...

2011-05-11T16:09:00.000-05:00

Maxwell had his genetics appointment yesterday here in Oklahoma. Dr Werenga is at OU Children's so it's nice that it is so much closer to home. The doctor made it clear to Jeff and I that there is a possibility of never finding an exact diagnosis. We have a couple more steps to go. Yesterday after the appointment we went around the hospital get a few tests. First was a bone scan and we also had blood drawn. Next week we go in for an echo cardiogram to rule out anything going on with his heart. The only other actual disorder that is being tested for is Soto Syndrome. As usual Max has some and doesn't have some of the characteristics. We'll see how it turns out. Also we just got home from the audiologist. Unfortunately he couldn't be tested because he still has to much fluid in his ears from his ear infection just almost 2 weeks ago. So as has become the Brown family motto we are... still waiting.

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T13:30:00.000-05:00

Whoever invented Mothers day be it Hallmark or something with a real story I love it! It's like having another birthday but for something more special. Unfortunately I had to work and had some overtime so when I finally got home I was very happy to see my little guy. The hand print is something Max made for me at school for Mother's Day. I love that little hand! Also when I got home I was so excited to see flowers in the kitchen. I am constantly telling Jeff that I never get flowers and look... Even better Jeff says he put Max in front of the flower case and he picked them out all on his own. Not only did he pick one of my favorite flowers (daisy) but also my favorite color (yellow.) And it means so much more that he did it himself. Also Daddy and Max got me a massage, aah. It will most definitely come in handy. Tomorrow is our follow up appointment at the geneticists here in Oklahoma so I'll let you know what we find out then.

The newest results are in.

2011-05-07T12:26:00.000-05:00

I was so surprised yesterday afternoon when I received a call from Maxwell's genetics doctor. They called to let me know that the results of his latest test for PTEN have come back negative. Great news, however, it is a double edge sword because we still have no diagnosis. The doctor doesn't want to see Maxwell again unless additional symptoms appear because they have run out of tests for him. In the beginning of this entire adventure with all of the testing and everything Jeff and I kept moving on because we thought what we were doing was going to help. Now I have put Max through test after test and some of them being so painful I will never do it again. For what? Nothing! We are in the same spot we were in before. At our last appointment the doctor was still looking at his head size and running some tests based on that. Now that this test has come back negative she had said that we were going to have to go in a different direction. Now instead they want to do nothing. I'm taking Max back to his original geneticist for a second opinion. I want answers and I feel like we have been dealing with all of this for to long to just come out with an "undiagnosed genetic condition with developmental delays." To some of you it may seem like I am wanting something to be wrong and that couldn't be further from the truth. I want to be able to help my child and give him the best of everything that is out there. I'm also realistic though and I know that genetics is a fairly new medical field and there are tons of undiagnosed conditions out there and it's looking more and more like my child will be one of the undiagnosed. As a parent that is hard to swallow and it's something I clearly will have to deal with. I'm hitting a brick wall and it hurts. I have such a great support system and have made so many friends along the way and I couldn't have kept my sanity this long without all of you. On the flip side maybe this is a good thing because no one will put limitations on Max and we will end up setting our own boundaries. I have to keep looking at the positive! With Mother's Day tomorrow I cant tell you how much I love being Maxwell's mommy and it is something that I would NEVER trade. I hate the days like yesterday when I feel guilty like I have done something wrong or I'm not a good enough mommy. Those days don't help any of us, especially Maxwell. Being a mommy is all I can remember ever really wanting to be and I embrace everything that comes along with it. From the sleepless nights, therapy sessions and testing we are a stronger family, and Maxwell is what made us a real family. My perfect family.

Faux Chenille

2011-05-05T23:00:00.000-05:00

I have been working on a summer blanket for Maxwell's bed. It was an easy project but really time consuming. I am totally in LOVE with chenille right now so I made a faux chenille blanket. You will see it is in his favorite thing right now, Cars!

Times they are a changing!

2011-05-05T22:49:00.000-05:00

The Brown house has been turned upside down! Jeff accepted a new job at Mercy and this week is his first week at work. He really seems to enjoy the new job. His hours are different he works from 3-11:30pm which is good and bad. We don't have to worry about sitters and we don't have to pay for tuition at school. The decision was so hard and even after the decision was made Jeff and I were so unsure. His old job has always been great to us and I hope that we made the right decision. Jeff would bring in more money, no sitter issues and we have additional insurance for Max. Only time will tell so wish us luck!

Craft Time

2011-05-05T22:21:00.001-05:00

While at Hobby Lobby the other day aprons were on sale so Max and I picked one up! We decorated it with markers but there is still plenty of room for more"art". He started to loose interest so we will have to finish decorating it some other time.

Jeff's TV Debut

2011-05-02T20:59:00.002-05:00

Jeff had his TV debut during the NBA Finals. Jeff spent the day as an extra a little while back for a Gatorade commercial he is quite proud of. You can look it up on YouTube here but this is the only spot you'll see him. Congrats to Jeff but don't quit your day job!

Always the Rhoda

2011-04-25T20:11:00.001-05:00

I'm going to take a minute from talking about my favorite subject to talking about one of my most hated subjects. If I put it out there then there is no turning back. RIGHT! Right? My name is Jessica and I am fat! Oh boy am I. Even in my thinner days I have always been the "Rhoda" and never the "Mary". Today was the first day of my new diet and I will admit I did pretty good today. I came in under all my counts and even managed the bite from a peanut butter Easter Bunnies ear. I'm not going to lie and say that it will be easy but the time has come to put down the Pringles and get off the couch! Fat and I have had a love hate relationship for almost as long as I can remember. I'll loose it and it creeps back. My last successful diet was when I got pregnant with Max. I have PCOS and in order to get pregnant with Max I changed my lifestyle and lost quite a bit of weight. It sounds so easy but trust me it was hard work and just over 2 1/2 years before I got pregnant with Max. I maintained a healthy pregnancy as far as my weight it concerned but the stress of having a preemie and postpartum was to much. Not to mention a glorious dessert called dump cake and I had a very intimate love affair each night at Maxwell's 2am feeding. Now it's time to fix it and fix it I will! Hopefully some day in the near future I will be writing back to you as the "Mary." Wish me luck!!!

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T21:51:00.001-05:00

As I am sitting on the couch devouring chocolate Easter is coming to an end. The family dyed eggs last night and Max did better than previous years and there were only 2 broken eggs. This morning I, of course, was at work so Max woke up the what the Easter Bunny brought with daddy. Strange but his favorite thing was a magnifying glass. Jeff was raised a little different than me cause he only let Max eat 2 little bites of his chocolate bunny. I can remember eating Easter candy instead of breakfast and hiding some in my pocket for church that morning. Nanny took Max over to Cashion with her family for Easter. He had fun and nanny made up for Jeff by letting him have strawberry shortcake, banana pudding, misc fruit and 4 baked beans. That's what nanny can do without getting in trouble though! We wanted to hunt eggs when Max got home but sadly it has been raining all day. I sound so old but we really need the rain so I guess the eggs can wait until later in the week.

Max helped put all the eggs in the carton to dry.

Max drew his own egg this year.

The Easter Bunny was good to Maxwell this year.

The infamous magnifying glass.

Vacation Synopsis

2011-04-24T21:24:00.001-05:00

After several good naps with Max, errands, and watching the The Incredible about 15 million times I feel refreshed. We went to the Zoo to kick things off at Thursday. One of Maxwell's best friends Kacee had her 3rd birthday party on Sunday and it was a blast. Max fell in love with the sand box (mental note for Maxwell's birthday.) Of course, Monday was the doctors appointment in Texas. Therapy fell on Friday and the rest is history! Max is getting better with his walking. The other day he took about 10 steps across the living room!!!

Max helping daddy get the mail. He starts to loose his balance at the end but he is doing it!!!

In & Out of Texas in 24 Hours

2011-04-24T20:57:00.000-05:00

While I was on vacation I had to take Max to Texas to follow up on some testing with the geneticist. As usual it seemed like as soon as we crossed the boarder into Texas Max got fussy. My fabulous sister got Max to sleep since I was dreading it, and heck she offered and you don't pass that up. Unfortunately Max fell off his make shift bed and it scared him when he woke up not knowing where he was. He REFUSED to let me leave him after that happened so we slept in a recliner off and on from 1am on. More off than on though. We got up and left for the doctor the next morning. As has become habit we didn't find out much from the doctor. We ran another test, this one for PTEN but we did rule out testing for FG which is good since insurance wont cover that test and it's very expensive. Once we left the doctors office we grabbed lunch with a very tired cranky boy and hit the road. Max fell asleep on the way home and was pooped.

Cute and pooped.

The Stay-Cation Begins!

2011-04-24T20:17:00.001-05:00

Some of you may have noticed that I have been on a bit of a hiatus. I have had the week of from work and had a nice little stay-cation at home. I also decided to take time off from the blog too so I have a ton to blog about. Last Thursday (wow, 10 days ago!) my stay-cation started after I got off work and picked up Max.We met his friends and mine at the Zoo and made a quick trip there. We saw the new elephant exhibit which was fantastic! Unfortunately mama elephant was giving birth so we didn't see any actual elephants. It was a quick trip but a great kick start to my time off from work.

Kacee and Nicholas were taking pictures left and right with the greenery and statues. It's hard for me to keep taking Max in and out of his stroller since he cant help me out by crawling back in. This is the only animal that we got out to sit on. It may not seem like it but the gorilla was really high and Max loved every bit of it!!!

The new header is finally here!

2011-04-14T10:10:00.000-05:00

I'll give you that the blog isn't very springy but I like it. And this header took me a couple hours of tweaking to fix it just like I wanted it so it stays, for a while at least. Now that the weather has changed and the nights are getting longer Max has loved going outside to play. And he has really loved getting in the cars wet after "helping" daddy water the infamous tree that some of you may remember from last year. Here are a couple shots of my little roadster! He also managed to apparently help mommy by putting all of the change from it's place onto the dash. I took it as a hint yesterday when it was still there to get him a drink from the gas station. Well played Max, well played!

Spring Pictures

2011-04-11T11:49:00.001-05:00

Saturday my best friend Christie took some pictures of my family. I think they turned out great and I'm ready to make a new header but unfortunatly I'm not on a computer that will allow me to do this, so until then. On to the pictures! Shocking but yes I did leave a few pictures off.

Therapy

2011-04-05T21:26:00.001-05:00

Therapy was Friday and we went to McDonalds! We grabbed some breakfast and went into the Play Place. Thank goodness for Jamie because my big butt wasn't going up in that thing! Amy couldn't make it this week but next session is at Chick Fil A. Fun, Fun!

Enjoying the small things!

2011-03-29T17:33:00.000-05:00

Some of you may notice the title of my blog is borrowed from a woman who writes a blog called Enjoying the Small Things. I love this blog and it helps bring things into perspective for me and helps me realize it truly is the little things in life that should be appreciated. Here is a glimpse into a night with Maxwell. He makes me laugh all the time and brings a smile to my face. He is definitely a 2 year old with a mind of his own as you will be able to see when I ask him to do something and he wont. Apparently he is not my personal performing monkey, but he sure is cute.

Funky Foodie

2011-03-28T11:31:00.001-05:00

Max has become a funky foodie. He is getting very particular. Since he still has such a hard time holding silverware Jeff and I still strip Max down to a diaper when he eats so we don't ruin our clothes, well we do when we are at home at least. He has gotten to where he doesn't like to eat much meat. He eats soy fine so who knows maybe he is channeling a little of his daddy. Last weekend Jeff took Max to something downtown with the Thunder and was late getting back so he grabbed them dinner. He went to Taco Bueno and got Max a mexi dip and chips. I don't like Taco Bueno but Max sure did. Beans, cheese and guacamole where everywhere!

Then last night after Sesame Street Live we grabbed sandwiches from Quiznos. Max and I shared a French dip, notice the roast beef that he picked off the sandwich? Any way he loves to dip things, he probably gets it from me, but he began dipping his Teddy Grahams in the au jus. Not just once but several times. Then he ate all of his dinner (minus the meat) and was grunting signing "eat" at me. I ask "do you want a drink" and he continues to sign and grunt. I give him the au jus and he DRINKS it! Again several times ending with an "ahh" after each drink. Maybe all of this is from the crazy food I ate while I was pregnant. It's now having adverse effects. I'm still a wired eater too. While I was pregnant some of my favorite things were corn dogs with guacamole, Cheetos with ranch dip and the list goes on. The kid has no chance growing up with a picky vegetarian for a dad and a wacky eating mom!

Shh!

2011-03-27T21:30:00.000-05:00

Not sure where Max learned this but he shh's people now, especially the dogs. Plus while he was on my bed the other day he came across all kinds of goodies including my new sun hat, daddy's back pack and a curtain rod. Random I know!

Sesame Street Live

2011-03-27T21:00:00.000-05:00

After I got off work today we took Max to see Sesame Street Live. It started good but started going down hill. Unfortunately Max did not take a nap today so it made for a short fuse. We made it over half way through but Max was just getting to cranky. All in all it was fun and Max liked it and that is what counts! We may try the Barnum and Bailey Circus when it comes in a few months and of course we have to go see Cars on ice at the state fair in September. So we will have plenty of opportunities to practice staying on task.

Wow Max just DID NOT want to smile for the camera. Every time I get out the camera the smile disappeared

Finally a smile while watching Bert and Ernie in the opening.

Under Construction

2011-03-24T09:47:00.000-05:00

As you can see I have made some changes to the blog and we are getting ready for spring! I promise a new header as soon as we get some new pictures taken next month by my VERY talented best friend/photographer Christie with cj media design. Also speaking of pictures we got back Maxwell's school picture proofs. The decision is so hard. I want the more school portrait look but Jeff and I really like the laid back picture (#138). Ben and Christie like #135 because they can see it in the hallway as my little guy grows up, sniff sniff. Help me decide! Decision has to be in by the April 7th.

It's a BOY!!!

2011-03-14T12:03:00.002-05:00

Some of you may notice the new addition to my blog. The countdown to the newest Dugger baby. Some people obsess over the royal wedding, celebrities or music. My obsession is the Duggers. I love their show and I don't know why but I find them interesting. Jeff hates the show and anything about them to the point he no longer lets me watch it if he is home. So I dedicate this blog post to you dear! I can name all the kids and I know way to much about them. I even made their famous tater tot casserole from the show. Jeff never knew that is what it is from but I guess the cats out of the bag now. I would agree that it is creepy to know as much as I do about people that you don't even know. Especially how I cant wait for John David or Jana to fall in love and get married. Thank goodness People Magazine supports people like me that are obsessed.

Potty Time

2011-03-14T11:43:00.000-05:00

On my day off Friday I decided impromptu that I was going to start potty training Max. He woke up dry, but only twice, and was telling me after he went potty. Jeff and my mom thought it was to early and that I was pushing him. And if you don't having willing participants to help then it's kind of pointless. I was short lived put I still got some pictures. Especially of his cute little tush! I'm taking a week off in the middle of April so hopefully he and everyone else will be ready then.

Internatinal Space Station

2011-03-14T11:37:00.000-05:00

It's a bird it's a plane... wait no it's the international space station! With about 2 minutes warning Jeff told me that he was going to take Max outside after he got his jammies on. The space station was supposed to be coming over the house from the NE at 7:08pm. We went out side and what did we see? Nothing! That's right nill. But it made for a cute picture of Max and Jeff straning to controll Max moving around. Lesson learned... Jeff has no clue about space!

iPad

2011-03-14T11:33:00.000-05:00

We have been getting a TON of really great advice lately from professionals and mommies both. A friend of mine really helped push Jeff and I into a decision to get Max an iPad. I know it sounds crazy to get a child something like this but it is supposed to really help him. There are hundreds of great apps to help his motor movements and his speech. We just got it on Thursday but we are getting used to it and having fun. Mommy and Daddy are liking it too. My Friend that convinced us to buy the iPad is really great with all things Apple so he has been helping us with little things. He also added some fun apps for Max. Apparently it's really popular, it's called "talking Tom." You hit a poor defenseless cat and it cracks kids up. Are we raising serial killers or something? I have to admit it is pretty cute though.

Ride 'em little doggie!

2011-03-07T08:34:00.000-06:00

After School on Wednesday Max and I ran to Walmart for a few things. You'll notice that he is still wearing his Hawaiian shirt but I refuse to take him out in his wacky outfit I do have to draw a line somewhere! Max got to ride a little boat that sits in the breeze way of Walmart. When I put the quarters in the slot Max's eyes lit up with curiosity. He almost threw a fit when it was over but luckily I dodged that bullet.

This was Wednesday at Walmart.

Here was Max the first time sitting at Toys 'R' Us last Monday I liked it to much not to add it even though it happened a week ago... oops!

Wacky Wednesday

2011-03-07T07:33:00.000-06:00

In celebration of Dr Seuss' birthday last week Maxwell's school had something scheduled everyday. Max doesn't go to school on Tuesday but that was crazy sock day, and oh boy did I have some cool crazy socks for him to wear. I let him wear them still even tough he wasn't in school. It did not go with his outfit but he enjoyed them so it was best that I went against my better judgement and he wore his Cars socks. When he looked at them he kept saying "vroom, vroom!" Wednesday was Wacky Wednesday! And of course Jeff was the best option to come up with something incredibly wacky. Jeff could only get an okay picture but you get the idea. He wore a cowboy hat, glasses, a Hawaiian shirt and a pair of bright green fish pajama pants. Cutest wackiest kid I have ever seen! Thursday was the grand finale with cake and a party! Dr Seuss was celebrated to the nth degree! Happy Birthday Dr Seuss!!!

Family Night

2011-02-27T15:23:00.000-06:00

Friday night was family night. A trip to the grocery store, where yes, Jeff became disgusted and annoyed at the shoppers loitering in the isles. Once we got home it was on your own for dinner since it was already 6. I know, I know one your own night has happened a lot at the Brown's house and I could make up some fairly valid reasons but it happens. After dinner Jeff gave Max his bath and tracked down Megamind at the Redbox. We turned down the lights got all of Maxwell's favorite cuddly things and started the movie. Really cute movie and a really fun night. I recommend both whenever you can get them!

Also unrelated but exciting. During therapy Jamie brought over a walker. We aren't keeping this one but he did really great with it so we are looking at getting a different model.

Cars and a Cupcake

2011-02-27T14:31:00.000-06:00

I was sick last week and was home for part of the week from work. Max got really used to me staying home and he has been having some separation. Thursday I picked up Maxwell from school and you could tell he was more excited than usual to see me. I had been home with him until Thursday when I went back to work. It was a rainy day so we went home. One of Maxwell's favorite things right now is the Disney movie Cars. When I say favorite what I really mean to say is that he is obsessed! So we got comfy and had a cupcake while watching Cars. I really love days that end like this.

I know this one turned out blurry but I LOVE it!

Signing Book

2011-02-27T14:24:00.000-06:00

The other day I had the idea to make a signing book so that Max's teachers could have a reference if he makes a sign that they are not familiar with. Hopefully it will work. Each month the teacher sends home the words that the kids will be working on and the color. I figure that I'll print off the new colors and shapes and add it to a section of the book.

I didn't make this for Max but he seems to like it too.

This is the section of signs that Max knows.

Sections for spoken words, signed words, learning new signs, signsfor school lessons and misc.

Words that Max can say and how they sound when he says them.

I know, I know but I'm back now!

2011-02-27T13:30:00.000-06:00

Life gets in the way sometimes and the blog is one of the things that fell by the wayside. Max had one of his tests done on February 16th. This was the simple test for Fragile X. The doctor doesn't really think that is what is going on with Max but she says that insurance will cover it and it is best to rule it out since he has some similarities of the disease. Max really has become a trouper. I didn't even cry a single tear. When the phlebotomist took out the needle and began to say "ow" and shake his head no. I felt so bad for him. Of course he got ice cream for being so brave. Max goes through so much and is so strong. I'll let you know once we get the orders for our other tests but looks like we are going to be waiting a while for that still.

Be My Valentine!

2011-02-15T09:32:00.000-06:00

Ever notice how certain days that used to be really special before are more laid back. Valentines Day has become that kind of holiday for me. Kind of just another day but I get some chocolate too. I worked a 12 hour shift yesterday so I didn't get off work until 6:00. I met up with my two favorite Valentines and we got a sandwich for dinner and ran a couple errands. When we got home with my very cranky kiddo (he has refused to nap for 3 days now) we got him ready for bed and gave him his Valentine from me and Daddy. He got a new car, a flashlight and some Cars chocolates. He loved them and it got him in a bit of a better mood. After we put Max to bed Jeff and I were tired from a long day and I'm not going to lie, we were also kind of cranky. I felt much better after Jeff surprised me, really surprised me, with a weekend trip for the two of us that I get to pick. Apparently he has been saving money here and there for the past several months and selling some of his memorabilia and saved the money for us to go. Now all I need to do I bake a batch of oatmeal cookies for my dad and I know he'll watch Maxwell. That man will do anything for an oatmeal cookie... really try it out. So apparently what I thought was a normal day turned out pretty good in the long run. Thanks Jeffekins!!!

The picture quality is not good cause I forgot my SD card at work and had to use my phone...Oops!

Mama!

2011-02-10T09:37:00.001-06:00

I have been remiss I'm so sorry. But I have really big news to report... Max says Mama now. And now that he has figures it out he says it all the time, and especially when he wants something. It all started last Sunday and I have been so excited ever since. And Mrs Amy if you are reading this his signing has been going really good with his signs. Yesterday he said "no touch" and he is doing better with help. But of course I'm most excited about about him saying "mama" and of course Jeff hasn't said but I like to think that he is jealous that he hasn't said Dada since he was a bitty baby. And I know what your thinking I'm on the ball today with these posts but this is the last thing. Jeff and I have been to lax about punishing Max and when we do he laughs at us. Not good. So on Tuesday we had a play date with the usual group and Maxwell stole, yes stole, Nicholas's cupcake. Nicholas took a bite set it down to take a drink and Max pounced on the chance to eat it and shoved it into his mouth. I told Ashlee to just give him m&m's instead and apparently he decided different. Ashlee saw that when I was telling Max no that he wasn't listening and she took over. This woman is like the supper nanny or the baby whisperer or something. She made Max look at her and then put him in the corner. And he actually stayed! I have been refreshed and got a glimpse that Max is able to actually listen to someone and now I know it. When I got home I told Jeff about it and we agree because of everything that he has been going through we have been to easy. No more! I am taking a page from the Supper Nanny Ashlee and we are setting up some consequence for bad behavior. So I'll let you know how it goes and wish us luck!

Snow Day

2011-02-10T09:08:00.000-06:00

It is crazy how often school is out for snow. Today is the 7th snow day for Edmond this year. Jeff and I were scrambling to find someone to watch Max since he was supposed to be in school today. The best we could do was have me come home at 10 and Jeff go into work late. I'm hoping that Max and I can maybe get out and play for a little bit. The temperature right now is 12° which is up from only 2° this morning so hopefully we can go out for a few minutes. Maybe head out to do our grocery shopping a day early. Who knows maybe I'll lay down for a nap when Max does. Big day with big plans!

This is Max last week during the bigger snow storm. We had to get out to get some milk and it was still cold but the snow was melting.

Only in Oklahoma can we have a snow storm and predicted 70° weather all in the same week. I love this state!

Found Dog

2011-02-10T08:45:00.002-06:00

Monday I was introduced to someone I have lovingly have called Creeper. Before the next snow storm hit (which I guess you could say we are coming back from now) I took Max to Target to get out of the house. When I got back I found what looked like a yorkie poo inside the house. At first I thought someone was messing with me. My sister has a dog that looks identical and I thought maybe she came into town and was playing a joke. Negative! I loaded up Max in the stroller and went door to door asking if anyone knew who owned the dog. I had no takers so I tried to make the dog leave. I finally got it to leave and Jeff came home 30-45 minutes later and the dog followed Jeff in. Ugh! This dog wasn't catching the hint. We put up signs and listed the dog with animal welfare and on Craig's list. We though we found it's owner but that was a no go. We have finally gotten rid of the dog and given it to a nice family in the city who promise to take car of him. Have a nice life creeper, glad I didn't have to take you to the pound.

Eggs Hatching

2011-02-10T07:38:00.002-06:00

I already know what your thinking "ugh! another post with Max in a bathtub!" Yes it is and it is adorable. Max got new bath toys because the other were just getting yucky. Also my friend Toni got Max this cool dinosaur egg that hatches in the water.

Ooh Ahh, the egg made the water turn purple and best of all it smelled like GRAPE!

Sorry about the quality I used the video on my camera instead of the flip but you can at least get my favorite part of him saying his favorite word.

Helping little hands.

2011-02-09T11:39:00.000-06:00

Friday on my day off Max and I stayed home for the most part and piddled around the house. We did a few crafts and had fun. Max helped me make Valentines for his teachers and therapists, but I think he ate more of the candy hearts than anything. I like how the smaller set came out but on the two that I made second I had to use larger styrofoam balls and it looks a little silly. Oh well, they were made with love and that's what counts. Other than eating all the candy Max loved putting the chocolate candy hearts in the cup. Going from one cup to another and of course attempting to sneak one hear and there.

Including everything that I got for this it was just $12 to make all 4 Valentines!

Here is the smaller and larger version.

After nap was over we made another craft that I have been DYING to make, homemade bath tub crayons that wont stain the tub or cost me an arm and a leg. Again I went thrifty and it only cost me $.50 to make them. Unfortunately they did not turn out as great as I may have hoped. As you will see in the picture they just kind of turned into mush. So I either need to figure out a better way to harden them than the freezer or break down and buy some from the store. I was fun to make them though.

Items needed: cheese grater, bar of white soap, food coloring, water and a tray of some kind. I used this beach theme silicone mold I got from the dollar tree.

This is where they turned into mush.

And a big thank you to Ben for the photo editing of this picture. I'd hate for Max to never speak to me again because I failed to blur out the no no zone.

Snowmageddon 2011

2011-02-02T09:18:00.001-06:00

I am shocked by the weather we are having here in good ole' Edmond Oklahoma! This weekend was absolutely beautiful weather. We played outside and got to take out toys we haven't seen in a little while. Also the car that Max got for Christmas got to come out of hiding and took a few laps. Daddy came home while we were outside and they kicked the ball around some too.

74 degrees on Friday

Today there are massive snow drifts and I even had to get a ride into work. Gotta love this Oklahoma weather! I really love the snow, but I wish that I could have gotten to stay home too.

Visit to the dentist.

2011-02-01T10:49:00.001-06:00

Last week I told you all about Maxwell's dentist appointment and the not so great week I had. Well both have come and gone and are behind us. Maxwell's dentist said that his teeth look good for the most part. I was told by the geneticist that whatever is going on might be what has caused his teeth to grow in funny. Dr Strange is very interested to hear what is going on because he is also perplexed as to why they have grown in this way. He also wants to make sure that we take extra good care of his teeth because with him being delayed there is a possibility of him having his baby teeth for a few extra years than normal. He also mention that he still is showing dental delay and was surprised to see that his 2 year molars haven't come in. Looks like there is a tooth (not a molar) that is about to erupt soon. Also Granny came to our appointment with us. She didn't tell the doctor but she took Max and I out to ice cream after his appointment. I'm sure the doctor would have been so excited to hear of our sweet plans. After the days I had last week mom felt like I needed some love in the form of ice cream and she always thinks that Max needs ice cream.

Here he is with said ice cream, yup using his own spoon!

Here is Max patiently waiting for the doctor. He hammed it up and won over all of the ladies with his kisses and smiles! (Sorry it's fuzzy.)

Boost Me Up

2011-01-31T20:33:00.000-06:00

Jeff and I decided that it was time for us to ditch the highchair for something a little more sophisticated. Max has made the official move to the booster seat at the table. It has been a very smooth move without any incidents so far. Also because of everything that has been going on with Max he has a hard time holding a fork or spoon. So our first day at the table was BIG cause Max used a spoon on his chicken and rice the entire meal. This is one proud mama bear!