Out with the Old...

...in with the front loaders!!

Yes ~ we pulled the plug and updated our washer/dryer situation with these beauties.  Our old models were on their way out. The washer was leaving spots on our clothes (kind of the opposite of what it is supposed to do!) and our dryer took at least 4-5 runs to dry a single load of clothes. Talk about anti-energy efficient!  We knew it was time to upgrade so we hit the stores over the weekend to find out what our options were.

We hit the usual suspects - Home Depot and Best Buy - along with newcomer h.h. gregg.  We learned that front loaders are way more efficient then their top loader buddies.  From using less water to less energy, it was a no brainer to go in this direction.  Plus they are pretty. :)  We also decided to go for the steam option on both the washer and dryer.  Apparently, the steam option in the washer combined with the Allergine option kills up to 96% of germs and allergens.  A nice option when you have a baby in the house. :)

After some online research and review-reading, we decided to go down the LG route.  They received 5 stars across the board and the Home Depot guy concurred.  After some negotiating, we decided to make our purchase at h.h. gregg.  Not only did they give us the best price, they also threw in a $200 rebate that is being mailed to us in the form of a Visa gift card.  Now who doesn't love a Visa gift card!

So this morning it was out with the old...

... and in with the new. :)

The inaugural wash just so happened to be a James item.  He chose today to be the day to puke up his entire bottle while strapped into his car seat.  So what better to test out the new washer on than the car seat liner! :)  We then tried out the Allergen setting on James' laundry.  I'm praying all those little cold germs he's been harboring are dead and gone!

It's amazing how as we age, our priorities change.  If you told my 24-year old self that I would be super duper excited about buying a front load washer and dryer, I would slap you silly.  But now, I couldn't be more thrilled!  Dork. I know. But I will be a dork with really sharp looking clothes!

Sittin' Pretty

So our little guy is about to conquer a very important milestone - sitting!  He is sooooooo close to being able to sit up right on his own without the help of Mommy, Daddy, the Bumbo or the Boppy pillow.  We are not quite there yet, but I'm telling ya ~ any day now!!

Warning - there is a LOT of Lucy love in this video.  Get ready to say "awwwwwwww!!!"

A Pampered Pooch

This past weekend, we spent some time up in New York visiting with family and friends and attending cousin Jeannine's baby shower.

We had a blast, but because we were up and back in 2 days, we decided that it was too much stress to inflict on Lucy girl.  So she spent the weekend at Affectionate Pet Care with her buddies.  We love this place because they offer cage-free boarding and recently, they moved from a tiny house to an upgraded facility.  All good stuff.

What was not good was the state she was in when she came home.  Her hair was a wreck, her eye goobers were in full force and the smell. The SMELL.  Not cute.

It was time for a full on groom so we brought in the professionals.  The place we had been going to, Red Dog Spa, recently closed their doors for good.  So we decided to see if Affectionate Pet Care was up for the challenge.  My sister used to bring her dog Sophie here to be groomed before moving to Chicago, so we figured we'd give them a shot.

The results were A. MAZE. ING.  She received THE BEST haircut she has ever had.

If you ask me, she is ready to be featured in a PetSmart commercial!!  And you know what...she knows she looks good. There is a little bit more sway in her hips when she walks and I think I saw her give James the paw when he tried to play with her.  Work it girl!!

Project Time

Yup...we are up to something. :)

Hints:

1. It's a big job that will most likely displace James for a day or two...or three.
2. We are tackling some of it on our own and some of it with a professional.
3. The change and WOW factor will be enormous!!

Any guesses?  Details soon! :)

Pool Days

Over the weekend we conquered another first for James - swimming in the pool!  We are lucky enough to have not 1, but 3 pools in our neighborhood. The sad thing is that up until this weekend, we had not used a single one of them!  Between the blazing sun and our busy schedule, it never seemed like the right time.

The sun was shining, but the heat level was mild so we didn't roast.  Grandma and Grandpa Q. joined us and we all had a blast.  James seemed to really like the water - both in the baby pool and in the big pool.  I think he just thought it was a big, cold bath.  :)

Once this kid is old enough, he will take swimming lessons.  We want him to know how to swim and not fear the water.  And hey, if he wants to be the next Michael Phelps sans the pot smoking incident, I say go for it!

James' Monthly Photo Project: Five Months Old

Here we are again.  Can you believe that the little guy is 5 months old?!?!??!  We sure can't.  It feels like yesterday that I was in the operating room and they were yanking him out of my belly.  :)  Well, here we are and we have lots to share about what James has been up to.

Milestones:

• One of the biggest, most exciting milestones hit during this month was the introduction of solid foods.  James' menu now includes not only formula, but rice cereal, oatmeal and sweet peas!
• He is on the move when we put him on his belly which means crawling is just around the corner.  He wiggles and shakes all over his play mat and does a psuedo army crawl.
• He experienced his first (and second and third) cold thanks to daycare!  This is not really a milestone to smile about, but it does mean that his immune system is working and developing so here's to a snotty nose!
• James LOVES to play with his toys and Mommy LOVES watching him as he does it.  His favorites include his Jumperoo, his high chair monkey and Sophie continues to be on top.
• Can you say TEETH?!  It's hard to believe, but in these last few days James' front bottom teeth have decided to cut through.  They are not fully emerged, but teething is officially in full force.

HAPPY FIVE MONTH BIRTHDAY JAMES!!!

Good Cook, Grandma

For every year that I can remember, my Mom's family would get together on Christmas Eve for the traditional fish dinner.  It was a meal that we all learned to look forward to not just for the delicious lobsters, shrimp and scallops, but because the entire family was there to spend quality time.  One year,  a long time ago, back when it was still hosted in Brooklyn at my Grandma and Grandpa Basile's house, we were all eating in silence ~ enjoying the good eats.  Out of no where, the little voice of my cousin Mikey who was no older than 5 says "Good cook, Grandma."  It was so adorable and perfect.  I think we all laughed and agreed!

Well, since then, whenever I am eating something that is just so yummy I think, "Good cook, Grandma" no matter who the actual cook was.  Last night, James had that moment because it was the first time that he ate something that didn't resemble cardboard.

May I present....PEAS!

But not just any peas - organic sweet peas made fresh by yours truly.  Yes ~ I am now a top chef in the world of baby food.  It is so simple to do...all you need is a steaming basket, a bowl and a blender.

Thanks to my Aunt Linda, we are well equipped with the Sage Spoonfuls baby food system inclusive of those handy dandy food containers.  My goal is to make as much as James' food as possible, but I am realistic.  I'm not sure I will have the stomach to puree meat.  I think Gerber is going to have to handle that one.  :)

James seemed to really enjoy this new food adventure.  The first bite was hilarious...

... but after a few more, he started liking it a lot.  So much so that he finished the entire bowl...and was actually looking for more!

Good cook, Grandma indeed.  :)