So I bit the bullet and did something that I NEVER thought I would do…I bought a minivan. Not just any minivan, a Honda Odyssey. Granted it is a “nice” minivan, but it is still a minivan. Jen is really happy with this new (used) purchase, but I just haven’t been able to accept it yet. Maybe I will come to terms with it with enough time. That is doubtful, considering I had to trade a significant portion of my manhood to acquire this vehicle. Seriously.
The reason for this purchase was simple…to make it easier to get everyone in and out of the car, with enough room to handle all of our stuff. The GMC Suburban wasn’t the easiest to get everyone in and out, but considering the amount of little children in our car, no car is “easy.” The Odyssey is really the only car that currently fits us. Anything with bucket seats didn’t really work (or won’t be easy in a few months. It has a bench seats, but is has the option of removing the middle portion (making them buckets) with the ability to move the two buckets together (no other minivan that we saw does this). This allows for easier access to the back were Jack and Owen sit. Owen is the far corner so he can climb in himself, but still needs some help buckling up, so you kind of have to climb in the car to accomplish this. These logistical issues are what you get when you have that many car seats!!!
Needless to say, everything is going to get a bit easier as everyone gets older and is able to be a bit more independent with getting in and out of the car. This is part of the reason that a minivan is acceptable, I know it is short term. I can see an end in sight. I can one day reclaim my manhood.
I don’t have the same issues getting all the boys in and out of the car that Jen has – baby Quatro is really hindering her ability to pick everyone up and put them where they go. I guess they don’t design cars thinking that most families will A) have 4 kids, B) have 4 kids so close together, and C) have 4 kids so close together and who will actually pack them up to go ANYWHERE.
So we traded in our GMC Acadia (which we really liked) and bought the Odyssey (which Momma really likes). Since Owen has had a recent obsession with cars, now whenever we see an Acadia, he says “That’s Mommy’s car.” Not anymore buddy, not anymore. We sold the Acadia and got a decent check to show for it so I guess I can't complain about that.
I really think Jen’s love for a minivan is solely based on this video:
PS – Owen is now requesting the “where my kids at” video and has started to learn the words…we have created a monster.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Very Cranky Bear
After a crazy (but fun) play date and BBQ with the Melerines, we came home and Owen hit that funny stage of delirium. He didn’t nap very well on Saturday and with an afternoon running around with Josie, he must have been exhausted. We didn’t get to the cranky, fussy, and overall meltdown stage, but we got to the funny stage where he laughs uncontrollably and is just fun to be around. We don’t get to this stage often due to our obsessive nature to keep everyone on their routines, but it is fun to break out of that once in a while and just have a good laugh. Mimi and Uncle Jack were in town and got to witness firsthand how funny this time can be.
Owen is very good at remembering his books. We read every day and he looks forward to it as part of his nighttime routine. He knows all the words (or at least repeats them) to Goodnight Moon, Bless Me, The Very Cranky Bear, and a plethora of others, including an obscene amount of nursery rhymes. During our visit with Mimi and Uncle Jack, while eating some “cake with carrots” Owen started to put on a little show where he likes to play up to the crowd. He kept repeating the phrase “he stomped his feet and chased them out the door!!!!” Owen repeated this over 20 times. For a second, we didn’t know what he was saying or why he was saying it. After 4 or 5 times, we realized that he was quoting the book The Very Cranky Bear and we read the whole book. He repeats all the words after you read them to him, but he continued to say that one line. Every time, we all laughed at his expressions and hand gestures (and the fact that he KEPT repeating it). Each reaction egged him on and he didn’t quit, it was hilarious. He is such a ham…
'ROAAAAR,' went the cranky bear, 'ROAR, ROAR, ROAR!' He gnashed his teeth and stomped his feet and chased them out the door.
Owen is very good at remembering his books. We read every day and he looks forward to it as part of his nighttime routine. He knows all the words (or at least repeats them) to Goodnight Moon, Bless Me, The Very Cranky Bear, and a plethora of others, including an obscene amount of nursery rhymes. During our visit with Mimi and Uncle Jack, while eating some “cake with carrots” Owen started to put on a little show where he likes to play up to the crowd. He kept repeating the phrase “he stomped his feet and chased them out the door!!!!” Owen repeated this over 20 times. For a second, we didn’t know what he was saying or why he was saying it. After 4 or 5 times, we realized that he was quoting the book The Very Cranky Bear and we read the whole book. He repeats all the words after you read them to him, but he continued to say that one line. Every time, we all laughed at his expressions and hand gestures (and the fact that he KEPT repeating it). Each reaction egged him on and he didn’t quit, it was hilarious. He is such a ham…
'ROAAAAR,' went the cranky bear, 'ROAR, ROAR, ROAR!' He gnashed his teeth and stomped his feet and chased them out the door.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Happy Mother's Day from the boys
A little belated, but in honor of Mother’s Day, I am writing this post on behalf of each of the boys in the same way that Jen does to them.
Mommy, I love you so much. I love how you tell me “Guess What?” and I say, “I Love You.” I love how you tell me you are going to check on me when I’m in bed. I love how you go somewhere and make me feel better by telling me Mommy always comes back. I love to watch you from the window and say that’s mommy’s car. I love how you stay home with me every day and make me lunch and watch Sesame Street with me. I love how you read books with me and how we play outside. I love how you give me a chewy when I get a bobo and how you are always there for me. Thank you for everything. I love you Mommy!!
Love, O
Ma-Ma, I know I can’t talk very well right now, but I am trying. I can say Ma-Ma sometimes when I feel like it and before you know it, I am going to be calling you ALL THE TIME. I’m sure you remember that with Owen… he always says Mommeeeeeeeee and he told me that you will never get sick of it. Pretty soon I will be walking all over and you are not going to know what to do. I plan on running through the house just like my big brother and you are not even going to remember what quiet time was like. I love you so much – Thank you for being my Ma-Ma!!
Love, P
Ma-Ma, Parker pretty much summed it up but I wanted to add that you make us laugh a lot and we love playing with you. Reading books with you is really fun and you make P and I feel special in our own way. I can’t wait to play in the backyard with you this summer and have play dates with Aunt Katie, Mack, and Kevin. I know it was rough for a while with us chickens, but we are better boys because you stay home with us. We all survived year one and it is all because you sacrifice for us. I know you are the best nurse, but thanks for putting that aside for now and focusing on being the best mommy. I love you a lot!!!
Love, J
PS - Please don’t bring us through any more carwashes!!!
Mommy, I know I am not even born yet, but you are doing a fantastic job growing me. Thanks for the delicious Galatoire’s the other day. Seriously, who doesn’t love lump crabmeat? Sorry I am a surprise, but so were all my brothers so whatev. If I am another boy, I wonder if you are going to baby me since I will be the last one?? If I am a girl, I know we will have so much in common and I apologize in advance for my teen years. Anyway, thanks for all that you do for me and my brothers – you are a great baby maker and mother. I will see you soon enough after I am done baking!!!
Love, Baby in the Belly
Mommy, I love you so much. I love how you tell me “Guess What?” and I say, “I Love You.” I love how you tell me you are going to check on me when I’m in bed. I love how you go somewhere and make me feel better by telling me Mommy always comes back. I love to watch you from the window and say that’s mommy’s car. I love how you stay home with me every day and make me lunch and watch Sesame Street with me. I love how you read books with me and how we play outside. I love how you give me a chewy when I get a bobo and how you are always there for me. Thank you for everything. I love you Mommy!!
Love, O
Ma-Ma, I know I can’t talk very well right now, but I am trying. I can say Ma-Ma sometimes when I feel like it and before you know it, I am going to be calling you ALL THE TIME. I’m sure you remember that with Owen… he always says Mommeeeeeeeee and he told me that you will never get sick of it. Pretty soon I will be walking all over and you are not going to know what to do. I plan on running through the house just like my big brother and you are not even going to remember what quiet time was like. I love you so much – Thank you for being my Ma-Ma!!
Love, P
Ma-Ma, Parker pretty much summed it up but I wanted to add that you make us laugh a lot and we love playing with you. Reading books with you is really fun and you make P and I feel special in our own way. I can’t wait to play in the backyard with you this summer and have play dates with Aunt Katie, Mack, and Kevin. I know it was rough for a while with us chickens, but we are better boys because you stay home with us. We all survived year one and it is all because you sacrifice for us. I know you are the best nurse, but thanks for putting that aside for now and focusing on being the best mommy. I love you a lot!!!
Love, J
PS - Please don’t bring us through any more carwashes!!!
Mommy, I know I am not even born yet, but you are doing a fantastic job growing me. Thanks for the delicious Galatoire’s the other day. Seriously, who doesn’t love lump crabmeat? Sorry I am a surprise, but so were all my brothers so whatev. If I am another boy, I wonder if you are going to baby me since I will be the last one?? If I am a girl, I know we will have so much in common and I apologize in advance for my teen years. Anyway, thanks for all that you do for me and my brothers – you are a great baby maker and mother. I will see you soon enough after I am done baking!!!
Love, Baby in the Belly
Monday, May 10, 2010
NOLA Weekend
Jen and I enjoy each other’s company, apparently a little too much - hence the abundance of Connison children running around. Regardless, we do what we can to get away and have some time alone thanks to wonderful grandparents. They say that honeymoons are the reason for your first child and grandparents are the reason you have more kids!! When we got the chance, Jen was spontaneous and booked a hotel in NOLA for the two of us.
On Wednesday, we received a postcard in the mail that was advertising for $99 for two nights at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel in New Orleans. Of course, I was instantly skeptical and of course, Jen immediately called the number. Turns out it was for some presentation for a travel club and required you to sit through their presentation (90-120 minutes) and then you got some other free gifts. Sounded a bit too good to be true, but we went for it anyway. MawMaw and PawPaw were coming into town on Thursday and we had already had plans for Jen's birthday lunch at Galatoire’s on Friday, so it worked out perfectly.
We packed our bags and headed for the Astor after everyone was going to bed on Thursday. We were able to snag Case and Lea’s parking pass in the quarter and went to check in. After a number of phone calls and messages (that Jen didn’t check), we ended up finding out that we had to check in at a tourist booth on Canal. I dropped Jen off and learned we were about 15 away from losing the whole deal - I guess it was meant to be…
After walking the “2 blocks or so” (as Case put it) from the parking lot to the hotel, I met back up with Jen and we headed up to the room. Note to Casey: This is not 2 blocks. It really didn’t matter as it was still better than paying an arm and a leg to valet. Jen and I had a laugh because we are not used to the city life where you walk everywhere and I am sure that everything is “2 blocks or so.”
After sleeping late (7:20a) and a coffee date, it was time to come back to the hotel, take showers, and get ready for lunch. Kaya was having her going away lunch and Jen and I were combining that with Jen’s early birthday lunch since we had MM and PP in town. Kaya has been at Galatoire’s since Jen was a hostess back in our pre-marriage/baby days, but she is leaving and headed to the Philippines for a while. Jen always says it was the most fun job she has ever had. She used to call me when they got slow on the weekends and I could usually guess how many sweet old fashioneds that Arnold “forced her to drink.” We made our way past the crowd in the lobby to our table and were immediately greeted to various wigs (Kaya’s themed lunch was Wigging Out and everyone was supposed to wear a wig). Case had a lovely hat that I modeled as I was the only guy at the table of 11 girls. I am not sure if I was supposed to be their pimp or gay friend, so I played both parts, complete with a hat and a wig.
On the way to the presentation, Jen spotted an Asian massage parlor…not that kind (at least I don’t think it was). They really spotted her and it doesn’t take too much convincing to get her to get a massage. She sat down for a foot massage and I was there for moral support…note to self: Asian massagers don’t give up easily. They were not happy until they were rubbing some part of me, so I got a scalp massage. Every bald guy needs one because it was pretty awesome and Jen was satisfied with her oily feet slipping and sliding out of her sandals as we left the place.
Still stuffed from lunch we lounged around the hotel until we decided to eat dinner. Palace Café it is…a short walk back down Canal (I had to stop Jen from visiting the Asian massage parlor again), and we sat for dinner. Jen was craving a salad so we each had a side salad as our main course. We did manage to split an oyster loaf appetizer and strawberry shortcake for desert, which pretty much made the meal. We stopped and watched the makeshift band on the corner of Bourbon and Canal hoopin’ it up to the crowd and we commented on the dancers in the middle of the street – “this is why tourists think this town is crazy.” Since our hotel was connected to the Bourbon House, I decided it was only fair to partake in a drink. Two words - Woodford Reserve. One more word – Delicious.
Then Saturday morning came so I hiked it back to the car while Jen finished getting ready and we went to breakfast. After a quick call to Casey to find out where the restaurant was, we knew it was on Decatur and of course it was “2 blocks or so.” I was worried. No need, it was only a block past her apartment so I secretly apologized to Case for doubting her. Breakfast was awesome and I want to go back now. For some reason, they loved us and were lobbying Jen and I to keep that as our “New Orleans breakfast place.” Casey confirmed they do that to everyone, so I felt a little less special after that but it was still awesome.
Back to Gaga and Pop’s house to drop Jen off where she was then headed to a surprise lunch/baby shower for Stephanie and I was on my way back to BR to see our dudes. Walking in the front door, I saw Jack in MM’s arms and he started to get excited to see me, then Parker caught my eye as well. They were even cuter than when we left them and I was glad to see them. Owen on the other hand says “I gotta take a rest. Don’t worry, we’ll play later. I gotta go read some books and then go to bed.” And he ran into his room with PP and took a nap. Wow, I didn’t expect that one; I guess he grew up a lot while we were gone.
Thanks to MawMaw and PawPaw for letting us get away enjoy and remember why we have the life we do - with ALL those kids. It was great to hang out with my best friend like old times and I fell in love with her all over again. I thought was funny was that MM and PP felt “safe” that they could leave Jen and I alone - because there was no chance for us to have another baby!! Thanks for the vote of confidence…
In case you are keeping track for the weekend, this was how we ate our way through New Orleans:
1. Café Du Monde
2. PJ’s Coffee
3. Galatoire’s
4. Palace Café
5. The Bar at Bourbon House
6. Magnolia Grill
On Wednesday, we received a postcard in the mail that was advertising for $99 for two nights at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel in New Orleans. Of course, I was instantly skeptical and of course, Jen immediately called the number. Turns out it was for some presentation for a travel club and required you to sit through their presentation (90-120 minutes) and then you got some other free gifts. Sounded a bit too good to be true, but we went for it anyway. MawMaw and PawPaw were coming into town on Thursday and we had already had plans for Jen's birthday lunch at Galatoire’s on Friday, so it worked out perfectly.
We packed our bags and headed for the Astor after everyone was going to bed on Thursday. We were able to snag Case and Lea’s parking pass in the quarter and went to check in. After a number of phone calls and messages (that Jen didn’t check), we ended up finding out that we had to check in at a tourist booth on Canal. I dropped Jen off and learned we were about 15 away from losing the whole deal - I guess it was meant to be…
After walking the “2 blocks or so” (as Case put it) from the parking lot to the hotel, I met back up with Jen and we headed up to the room. Note to Casey: This is not 2 blocks. It really didn’t matter as it was still better than paying an arm and a leg to valet. Jen and I had a laugh because we are not used to the city life where you walk everywhere and I am sure that everything is “2 blocks or so.”
"Homer said it best, "Ooh, I'd sell my soul for a doughnut."
After sleeping late (7:20a) and a coffee date, it was time to come back to the hotel, take showers, and get ready for lunch. Kaya was having her going away lunch and Jen and I were combining that with Jen’s early birthday lunch since we had MM and PP in town. Kaya has been at Galatoire’s since Jen was a hostess back in our pre-marriage/baby days, but she is leaving and headed to the Philippines for a while. Jen always says it was the most fun job she has ever had. She used to call me when they got slow on the weekends and I could usually guess how many sweet old fashioneds that Arnold “forced her to drink.” We made our way past the crowd in the lobby to our table and were immediately greeted to various wigs (Kaya’s themed lunch was Wigging Out and everyone was supposed to wear a wig). Case had a lovely hat that I modeled as I was the only guy at the table of 11 girls. I am not sure if I was supposed to be their pimp or gay friend, so I played both parts, complete with a hat and a wig.
Also known as Adam Lambert.
Jen looks amazing and I look like I belong in the '20's.
On the way to the presentation, Jen spotted an Asian massage parlor…not that kind (at least I don’t think it was). They really spotted her and it doesn’t take too much convincing to get her to get a massage. She sat down for a foot massage and I was there for moral support…note to self: Asian massagers don’t give up easily. They were not happy until they were rubbing some part of me, so I got a scalp massage. Every bald guy needs one because it was pretty awesome and Jen was satisfied with her oily feet slipping and sliding out of her sandals as we left the place.
Still stuffed from lunch we lounged around the hotel until we decided to eat dinner. Palace Café it is…a short walk back down Canal (I had to stop Jen from visiting the Asian massage parlor again), and we sat for dinner. Jen was craving a salad so we each had a side salad as our main course. We did manage to split an oyster loaf appetizer and strawberry shortcake for desert, which pretty much made the meal. We stopped and watched the makeshift band on the corner of Bourbon and Canal hoopin’ it up to the crowd and we commented on the dancers in the middle of the street – “this is why tourists think this town is crazy.” Since our hotel was connected to the Bourbon House, I decided it was only fair to partake in a drink. Two words - Woodford Reserve. One more word – Delicious.
Then Saturday morning came so I hiked it back to the car while Jen finished getting ready and we went to breakfast. After a quick call to Casey to find out where the restaurant was, we knew it was on Decatur and of course it was “2 blocks or so.” I was worried. No need, it was only a block past her apartment so I secretly apologized to Case for doubting her. Breakfast was awesome and I want to go back now. For some reason, they loved us and were lobbying Jen and I to keep that as our “New Orleans breakfast place.” Casey confirmed they do that to everyone, so I felt a little less special after that but it was still awesome.
Back to Gaga and Pop’s house to drop Jen off where she was then headed to a surprise lunch/baby shower for Stephanie and I was on my way back to BR to see our dudes. Walking in the front door, I saw Jack in MM’s arms and he started to get excited to see me, then Parker caught my eye as well. They were even cuter than when we left them and I was glad to see them. Owen on the other hand says “I gotta take a rest. Don’t worry, we’ll play later. I gotta go read some books and then go to bed.” And he ran into his room with PP and took a nap. Wow, I didn’t expect that one; I guess he grew up a lot while we were gone.
Thanks to MawMaw and PawPaw for letting us get away enjoy and remember why we have the life we do - with ALL those kids. It was great to hang out with my best friend like old times and I fell in love with her all over again. I thought was funny was that MM and PP felt “safe” that they could leave Jen and I alone - because there was no chance for us to have another baby!! Thanks for the vote of confidence…
In case you are keeping track for the weekend, this was how we ate our way through New Orleans:
1. Café Du Monde
2. PJ’s Coffee
3. Galatoire’s
4. Palace Café
5. The Bar at Bourbon House
6. Magnolia Grill
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
What Owen Wants
The other day after Emily and Baby Charlotte were visiting Connisonville,Owen and I were chatting about our Baby in the Belly. So I asked him if he wanted 2 brothers and 1 sister or 3 brothers?
He responded with "I want 3 sisters."
Um...I don't think so buddy.
Location : Springtide Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70810,
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