Happy Birthday, Pop Pop!

Special birthday message from T: "Happy Happy, Pop Pop. I had so much fun during our visit last week. Every time I see a picture of a tractor I say, 'Pop Pop.' Are you SURE you want to sell that old Alice Chalmers?"

Gameday 2009

Thomas' 2009 appearance at a Virginia game occurred a few weeks ago.
We had a perfect afternoon despite the Cavaliers' performance.
T's friends W and M joined us for the game.

T: "You seriously want me to watch this game?"

Watching the game (sort of).

T: "I think they actually made a first down."
W: "Yeah, whatever, dude."

M: "Go Hoos?"

Random fan holding up a "pink slip" for the head coach Al Groh.

Thomas and Daddy at the end of the game. Note how empty the stadium is! Thomas enjoyed playing in the bleachers after most of the fans evacuated the stadium (that's what 7 turnovers will do).

Final Score:
UVa 14
TCU 30

Happy Birthday, Piper!

Special "modified" birthday cheer from T:
"Riding on a seal, sitting on a cactus
we think your team needs a little practice.
Jump in the tub,
Pull out the plug,
There goes your team CHUG CHUG CHUG!"

Yep folks, a total inside joke that only a handful of this blog's readers will understand (unless you too happen to be the owner of a talking cheerleader doll).

Peep Peep!

This weekend we traveled to Pennsylvania to visit Renee and Pop Pop, and to see Thomas the Tank Engine, who was making a special appearance at the railroad nearby.

T was in awe of the life-sized Thomas.

It's Thomas!

T: "Hi Thomas!"
(although T actually calls Thomas the Tank Engine "Me" since that is what T calls himself)

Thomas hands the conductor his ticket.

T and Daddy enjoying the scenic ride.

Attempt at a family portrait.

And hugs to Sir Topham Hatt.
T: "Thanks for letting me ride the train on your railroad!"

Evolution of a Nursery...Coming Soon

T and Papa John work on assembling the twin bed in the "new" nursery. Once it's all finished, I'll post pics of the transformation from guest room to baby's room. We're just missing one minor detail...the crib. It was due to ship mid September--still waiting.

As you can see from the above photo, T's not quite sure what to make of all this. If you ask him where his brother's room is, he'll point to this room. However, he still doesn't understand what's about to go down in just 6 or so weeks. He'll get it soon enough!

Props to my friend/decorator, Jennie, for helping me pull this room together.

Here We Go Steelers

The NFL kicked off its season tonight with the Steelers,
so our household was in full celebration mode. We couldn't attend the game, so we tried to recreate the stadium atmosphere at home.

Thomas warms up with his Terrible Towel. . .

. . .while I made authentic Primanti Bros. sandwiches, complete with homemade french fries and slaw.

You know, not to toot my own horn or anything, but, BEEP BEEP.

T stayed up late to watch the pre-game coverage and kickoff.

Imitating the crowd.

The two men, decked out in their game day attire, enjoying the masterpiece created by moi.

T: "Hmmm. I think I'll have another bite."

Go Steelers!

Labor Day Fiesta

Because what toddler doesn't love blue corn tortilla chips and spicy salsa?

Oh, and grilled halibut tacos with homemade tomatillo salsa. . .

Mmmm. A feast fit for a king.

Probably won't be so lucky with the next one's eating habits. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend!

Baby Update

I went to the OB today and everything is "perfecto" as he said. Heart rate in the 150's and even though all the old wives would say that means a girl, my confirming ultrasound showed otherwise. This boy continues to kick away. . .I will be shocked if I make it to the due date. Today I left the OB's office with a "goodie bag" containing pre-registration forms and labor instructions. Wowsers. It's really happening.

Firehouse Festival

I am so behind in posting (in case you haven't noticed)...

A few weeks ago, a local firehouse hosted a festival, where kids could climb all over the fire engines, and even pretend to drive them! There were police cars and ambulances as well. Thomas LOVED it.

T: "Hmmm. Which truck should I drive first? The classic or the modern?"

Old school wins. . .

but today's truck was pretty cool, too.

Thomas' favorite sentence?
"A truck!"

Bye bye, Miss Jessica!

For the past year and a half, Miss Jessica has been taking good care of T (and all the other little tykes) at the gym, so that us moms could work out, worry free. She just received her graduate degree in May, and is now off to a job that is more related to her studies. Thomas had such a good time with her on weekday mornings. We will miss you, J.!