What's in a Name?

I put my blog on lock down yesterday, so I could make a few changes. I've been wanting to rename my blog for a very long time now. There are so many The ____ Family blogs out there, and I wanted to stand apart.... just a *smidgen* at least.

And, I will also be the first to admit that I am technically challenged when it comes to this blogger stuff. So, please bear with me.... it is definitely not the finished product. The background is a bit loud, but it'll work for the time being. I have an idea of what I want, but I'll probably just have to hire someone to do it for me one day!

Anyhow... onto the new name. Bob's dad coined Winston (our labradoodle) regal, a long time ago. According to Dictionary.com, regal means:

1) of or pertaining to a king; royal. {not Winston.}

2) befitting or resembling a king. {not Winston.}

3) stately; splendid. {Winston!}

Winston is so photogenic, and stately in so many pictures.... hence, the nickname. He's also a pretty darn smart, talented frisbee catching pup!

So, back in either 2006, or early 2007, I created my first blog. I honestly don't remember the title, but it was Bob and I's life through the eyes of Winston. I think I had maybe 5 readers. So, I have gone full-circle with this blog. I will not blog through the eyes of Winston (as if!), but my blog's namesake will most definitely bring him the notoriety he once had {wink, wink.}

Here's to another 3 more years of blogging! (And, then some...)

Mommy and Me Monday

Both photos courtesy of Paul Perdue.

For some reason, I am having technical difficulties and cannot attach the button for Mommy and Me Monday. If you want to play, go here.

Happy Monday & Have a Great Week!

The Makings of a B-A-B-Y

Image courtesy of Bob Ross.

Or, something like that...

As I see Bobby change and develop each new day, I have started feeling the pressure of really wanting to add to our little family. Having had Bobby at 30, I thought that naturally the next one would be born at the ripe, old age of 32. Well, I'll be 32 in December, so... I can only hope we can swing that! Ha! I don't know why I put all of these stupid timelines, deadlines, etc... on my life. It is actually kind of stupid, and I need to just trust that things will happen when they're meant to happen. This last statement rings so true for me lately {ding, ding, ding}, and I am thankful to have learned or realized this over the past few months.

Bob has definitely given me some perspective on having another child right now. We've had a rough few months financially, due to Bob's layoff in June. While we have managed to stay afloat, we have also realized that we were not as prepared for such a calamity; as we had thought or hoped. So, with all that being said, we have become wiser with our finances. And, while the mommy in me wants to hurry up and procreate again; I do agree that we should wait a little while longer. It is stressful enough having a newborn. There is no need to add another stress on top of that.

I think I'll probably look back on this post one day and laugh. My family will be complete. My child(ren) will be happy, healthy, and perfect. And, I'll wonder why the heck I was ever even thinking these thoughts? Ahhh.... but, who cares? :)

Bobby Updates

Bobby on the computer at the library, after story time.

I realize it has been quite some time since I've done a Bobby update. So, here's what he's been up to...

- He's talking a lot more. He can now say his name. He also says Harper (his friend). He says nap now, instead of just night-night. He loves to make monkey sounds. I feel like this is the beginning of the "talking non-stop" phase we'll gladly endure for the next few years.

- He is getting better with his utensils. He still cannot poke his fork into the food. But, once I do it for him, he can bring the fork to his mouth and eat. We've had a lot of hit and misses. He seems to favor his left hand, but will still definitely use his right hand.

- Toys he's obsessed with: Lego's, tool bench, Mickey Mouse push-toy, cars, his bear, books.

- Household stuff he's obsessed with: opening and closing doors, turning on faucets (and, sometimes leaving them on), the washing machine, pots and pans drawers, climbing everywhere, stairs, and light switches.

- Loves playing outdoors!

- Bobby almost always has the same thing for dinner lately that we eat. This of course is easily done, because Bob is home earlier these days. Love that!

- Usually goes down for a nap between 12 - 12:30. On average, he'll nap for 2 hours.

- He had his first illness (besides a cold) this past Saturday with the stomach bug.

- He colors during the nursery at church.

I think that's about it; at least that I can think of. He has been very clingy toward me, ever since I left him for a night. Go figure. He's lately been a little rascal at home, and more reserved while in public. He seems to be branching out some more.

I hope everyone is having a good week thus far. I've hit the train park everyday this week with friends. It's a great workout walking the hills to get there and back. The kids love it too. The weather is gorgeous here today! I love this time of year. We are headed up to the resort later for a friend's birthday dinner. Looking forward to it!

Happy Hump Day!

The Zoo

Last week, Bobby and I headed to the zoo with Volree and Cooper, our friends across the street.

We had a fun afternoon, and the boys had a great time! We got there around 2:30pm, and stayed until about 4pm. It was a nice way to kill some time that afternoon. Volree and I, along with most of my friends have annual zoo passes. Volree, who is taking up photography, took some great pictures. Without Bob's help, I couldn't figure out how to transfer the downloaded pictures she sent, to my desktop. So, unfortunately most of these pictures were dropped in straight from her email. I have been a Mac user for 2.5 years now, but there are still some things I need help with - obviously!

Love, love, love this picture of Bobby. Volree did some of her photo editing magic on it to liven up the colors. Notice his Safari shirt he wore that day!

Cooper and Bobby taking a break on a bench.

Bobby sucking on his two fingers - classic move.

Cooper checking out the animals, and Bobby, checking out Cooper.

Mommy showing Bobby the sea lions.

Ok, so these two pictures were stolen straight from Volree's blog, which is why they are bigger.

How awesome is this picture of the tiger? His eyes are beautiful! He was laying right by the glass.

We were lucky enough to stumble onto the lion/lioness den for feeding time. It was pretty cool!