Friday, September 28, 2012

15 Month Check-up

 
This morning we went to the gym then headed to Colton's 15 month check-up.  I think someone whispered to Colton that was about to get some shots! =( Poor sweet boy did not want to sit on the scale.  

Colton weighs 19lbs 10oz and is 30 inches tall.  He is still below 5th percentile for weight but he has gained almost 2lbs in 3 months.  He is 20th percentile for height and his head is in the 25th percentile.  Our little guy is growing and getting bigger.  The doctor said even though he's on the lower end of the scale he will even out.  He was great eater and loves his milk.  

Big brother did awesome and was so proud to tell the doctor he is now peeing and pooping in the potty.  He was so good and had fun playing on my phone while we waited.  When Colton got his shots he got very worried and concerned about him.   He kept asking "mommy what happened, why's he crying?"  

Colton is right on track for all his milestones.  He is doing great in his gross and fine motor skills.  He almost says four words (standard they go by).  He says momma, dada and has said hi and bye-bye - we'll count those!  

After watching Colton cruise all over the room and stand by himself, he feels confident Colton will be walking within a month.  Yay!  I can't wait for him to walk, yes, I know he will get faster and get in to more things but it will be easier since he can walk a lot more places than he can crawl.  

The boys ate a whole snack trap of goldfish while we waited.  Thank goodness I found some graham crackers I stashed in my bag.  It was right at lunch time and they were hungry.  Sweet C Bear fell asleep on the way home and didn't even want lunch when we got home.  Guess he filled up on all the goldfish and graham crackers.

We are so blessed to have a healthy and thriving little boy!  He is growing so fast!  I'm cherishing this sweet time because it will be gone in a flash!

Thursday, September 27, 2012

15 Months Old

Colton - you are FIFTEEN Months old!  Wow!

I'm not sure what you weigh but we go tomorrow for you 15 month checkup so we will know then.  You wear size 12-18 month clothes, size 4 diaper and size 4.5 shoe. 

You are a great eater and will pretty much eat anything.  You love your green beans.  You typically eat whatever we are eating for dinner.  Lately when I've given you yogurt and applesauce it's in the squeeze containers because you eat it better than when I spoon feed it to you.   You are still a big lover of fruit. And boy do you LOVE your milk. 

 
You adore your big brother!  Your favorite activity is "chasing" him up the stairs til you catch him and tackle him.  You laugh and giggle the whole time.  It's precious.  

You are a busy, busy boy!  You are crawling everywhere and you are fast!  Everyone always comments on how fast you crawl.  I remember Ryan being the same exact way.  You are at the into everything stage.  You love to get into the pantry, bathroom and the dog bowls. 

 You are still not walking but you will stand alone unassisted for about 10-15 seconds.  This week you "walked" from the coffee table to the couch without touching the floor.  You are getting there and will be walking before we know it.

You don't say many words but you love to say "momma" and "dada".  You are very vocal and like to "talk".  

You continue to be a great sleeper!  You take one long nap in the afternoon.  

You are such a sweet cuddlier.  Sometimes in the morning if you are up early I will go in and rock with you and you lay your head on my shoulder and snuggle.  You are my snuggle bug and I love that. You will be playing and just come over for a little snuggle then go back to playing again. 


You show us more of your personality every day! You love attention and love to smile at other people. You do great in the nursery at church and ok at the gym.  You definitely have your favorite care takers at the gym and church nursery. 

It was a little tough, ok a lot tough, getting your 15 months pictures today.  I was a tired and sweaty mess afterwards.   You are SO busy and fast! You don't want to sit still for a second.  

You are growing so fast and we fall in love with you more every day.  You are such a joy and we love you so much sweet boy!
  

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

 
Did I mentioned that on Monday morning we went to the gym only to stay for thirty minutes before they called me to childcare because Colton was fussing and wouldn't stop crying?  They said he was fine as long as they held him but as soon as they put him down he would cry. Sadly we left the gym and came home.  I was so frustrated!  

On the way home I told the boys we were going for a run around the neighborhood in the stroller.  So for the first time ever I pushed the boys, ALL 70 pounds, in the stroller around the neighborhood.  Whew!!!  I was pretty slow but at least I finished my workout. 

Then we came home and rode bikes!

Last week I made these AMAZING Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.  They were seriously SO good.  I wanted to eat the whole thing but I sent Matt to work the next day with half of them.  He said his co-workers were fighting over the last few crumbs.  I got the recipe from the blog "The Girl Who Ate Everything".  It's a great food blog and I can't wait to try more recipes.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
by The Girl Who Ate Everything (adapted from Paula Deen)

Ingredients:
Crust: 2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

Cheesecake Filling:
3 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Apples:
3 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping:
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1/2 cup caramel topping

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
In a medium bow, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in buyer with a pastry blender (or 2 forks) until mixture is crumbly.  Press evenly into a 9x13 baking pan lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil.  Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla.  Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.
In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. 

For the streusel topping:
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.  Sprinkle streusel topping over apples. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set.  Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool.  Serve cold and enjoy!  Makes 16 servings. 


Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Fall Wreath

 
So I posted a few weeks ago the fall wreath I made this year.  I remembered I never showed the steps in how I made it.  So here's how I did it!

You will need:

- Glue gun
- Staple Gun
- 12 inch wreath form
- scissors
- 1/2 yard natural colored burlap
- 1/4 yard of orange and brown burlap

First take 1/2 yard of natural colored burlap and cut in half.  Then I gathered it around the wreath form and stapled along the way.  There is really no wrong way to do it. 

This is how my wreath looked once I stapled the burlap on.  

For the burlap rosettes cut one long strip of burlap about 2 inches wide.  Fold the burlap in half length wise.  Tie a knot at the end.  Then start wrapping the burlap strap around the knot, gluing as you go.  When you get to the end just tuck the last piece in the back and glue!  

 Cut a square piece and glue on the back.  

Now glue the rosettes to the wreath.  Use some extra brown burlap and cut into a long strip and tie a know at the end.  Easy, fun and cute.  



Monday, September 24, 2012

Weekend Wrap-up

Do you see these two adorable little boys???  Oh my word, I can hardly take the sweetness.  I am just crazy about them and just eating them up lately.  They have been so sweet! I can't get enough of them!

 
We had a great, busy weekend!  Friday night we went to a birthday party for our cousin Evie at Recreations Outlet.  She turned four years old.  The boys had the BEST time and played so hard.  Part of the time at the party they got to play in the bouncy house thing.  When Ryan came out of the bouncy house his face was blood red and he was just a sweaty mess.  Matt and I looked at each other and both said "it's definitely bath night".  He was bouncy off the walls and had a blast!  Both boys definitely slept great Friday night and let me sleep in til 8:20 Saturday morning.

 Saturday night our church had a parents night out for the first time!  Yay!!!  I have been asking them to do this for a looong time.  I was SO excited they did it and excited that the money they charged was going to the youth department for trips and mission projects.  Win win!!!

We went to dinner at The Melting Pot with our friends the Crafts.  They have three adorable girls.  It was so fun and we can't wait to do it again!  

 Sunday we went to church and came home to relax and eat lunch.  I went out to dinner with my Mops girls and the boys hung out at home.  Let's just say that I am back on the eating healthy train today.  Loved me some cake, cheese and chocolate fondue and pizza over the weekend but now it's back to counting points.  

I will say that I have been doing Weight Watchers online for awhile now and since January I've lost almost 30 lbs.  I am so proud of myself for losing the weight and reaching my goal!  It's been a journey and I've worked hard at staying within my points and working my buns off at the gym.  

Friday, September 21, 2012

My Brother - Matt

  So today I'm not featuring any adorable pictures of my two cutie pies or our life as the Deepe Peeps.  

Instead I am linking up to Kelly's Korner "Show Us Your Singles".  I've wanted to do this for some time and my brother finally gave me the ok to link up.  So let me introduce you to my big brother Matt.
  
 
Matt is 35 years old and lives in Memphis, TN.  He works in software support at Shelby Systems.  He is seriously one of the smartest people I know.  He is amazing with the computer and loves to help others.  He is an awesome teacher.  Matt is such a giving person and will go out of his way to help someone in need.  

Matt loves all things outdoors and loves get out and do things.  He has a 3 year old toy fox terrior named Shelby.  She is super hyper and loves to go on walks and to the dog park.  I had a picture of her but I can't seem to find it right now. 

Matt is a Christian and enjoys reading the Bible and talking to others about his faith.  
He is a fantastic Uncle to my two boys.  They love him to pieces and he is crazy about them.  

He is a huge Tennessee Vols fan (Florida fans need not reply, ha;)!  He loves going to TN games and always cheering on the Vols whether it's football or basketball.  

Matt has so much to give!  I know he is looking for someone who shares his faith in Christ.  He is looking for that special someone to share his life with.  We would love to see him settle down with a great girl.  If you are interested just post a comment below and I will get it to him. 


Thursday, September 20, 2012

Quality Colton Time

 
Today while Ryan was at school Colton and I had some quality Colton time.  Do you like his milk mouth?  I've never seen two kids love milk like my two boys.  We go through a gallon of milk every three days.  Crazy!  We should just by the cow, ha.  

 Whenever I'm trying to work with Colton on new skills and new sight words Ryan is always right in the middle giving the answers and taking over the toys.  It drives me nuts!  Sometimes he can be helpful but many times it's distracting.  I want Colton to learn and I want to help him in every way I can.  

Today we got to play together and work on skills and words.  He did so well and we both had fun!  Love spending time with my sweet baby boy.  


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

French Dip Sandwich

So I'm resuming my Recipe Wednesday today.  This recipe is one of our new favorite go to meals.  It's super easy and really yummy.   Hope you will try it and definitely enjoy!

French Dip Sandwich

Ingredients: 2-3lb Pot Roast
McCormick Au Jus Gravy mix packet
3 Cups Water
Hoagie Sandwich Buns
Provolone Cheese Slices

Directions: Place roast, gravy packet and water in a crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours.  Once your roast have been cooking for awhile use two forks to start pulling apart your meat.  Once your meat is ready and your ready to eat, butter your hoagie bun and place in the oven for 5-7 min in a 350 degree oven.  Immediately after you take the bun out of the oven place 2-3 slices of provolone cheese on your bun. Now it's time to put your sandwich together.  Enjoy!
  

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Tuesday

 
Nothing too exciting happened today.  Ryan went to preschool this morning and Colton and I went to Little Gym.  He did so good and had the best time playing.  He is doing better at walking holding my hands. I hope he will be walking on his own very soon!  He is getting so big I can hardly believe it!

The weather was gorgeous today so we took a walk this afternoon.  Great just spending time with my boys!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Boys and Trucks

 
Saturday we took the boys to lunch then headed over to the Touch a Truck event in Mason.  I totally thought they would just have a firetruck, ambulance, police car but there was so much more.  They had the usuals plus a dump truck, backhoe, police motorcycle, helicopter, and of course Matt's favorite an armored car.

I seriously think Matt might have had more fun than the boys.  Ha!  I have to say it was really neat and Ryan had a Blast!!  He loved crawling through the firetruck and ambulance.

They had multiple firetrucks for the kids to enjoy.  Ryan loved the backhoe (the first picture).  He kept saying "it's not moving, it's not moving" as he was shifting the gears back and forth.  Glad they had people stationed at every truck and they were safely parked. 

He was fascinated with the air care helicopter.  I told him this is one helicopter we hope to never ride in.

Another favorite was the dump truck/snow plow.  He loved going up and down on the air compressed chair.  He totally thought it was a ride.

Such a fun time.  The boys were exhausted by the time we got home and took amazing naps.

  Saturday night we watched the TN/FL game.  The first half was awesome and I thought we might just pull it off and the second half went downhill for TN.  The Florida defense just shut down our offense and our defense gave up. So bummed but at least we were better than we were last year! 

Friday, September 14, 2012

Back to the Glory Days

 
In case you live under a rock (or in my case, buckeye nation) you know that the Tennessee Vols are back with vengeance for the 2012 football season.  You see, back many, many years ago the Tennessee Vols were ranked in the top 10 but after Peyton Manning graduated the Vols lost their steam, leadership, and ugh many coaches.  

Back in the glory days Tennessee had a HUGE rivalry with Florida.  Much of that has faded over the years since Florida has beaten the Vols the last seven times.  Did I mention I hate the Gators? 

On Saturday, for the first time since 2004, ESPN College Gameday is coming to Rocky Top!!!!  TN has won their first two games and the Florida Gators created an upset against SEC's newest Texas A&M.  The buzz has started and I CANNOT WAIT to watch the Vols crush the Gators on Saturday night!!

I dressed the boys in their Vols and football shirts this morning in preparation for a fun football weekend.  I tried to get a cute pic of them before leaving for the gym but this was as good as I got.  

This is how most of my pictures look like.  Little stinky pants was a squirmy wormy and would not sit still for anything.  They crack me up!  This is just life right now! 

One of our favorite things to do every day is Colton will crawl up the stairs "chasing" after Ryan.  They laugh and laugh.  Colton will get to the top and giggle then crawl after his big brother until he reaches him and tackles him.  

Of course this event happened today right before naps and we all laughed and giggled til our belly hurt.  When I put Ryan down he said "I want to chase Colton".  So sweet!  I LOVE having two boys that will wrestle, chase each other and hopefully be best friends for life!