August Adventures

This past weekend Shawn, Frances and Maile drove over to the Burg for a visit. We got to play in the pool a bit even though the water was a little chilly. What's up with this mild August weather? I guess I shouldn't complain. It's nice not having to run the AC and having the windows open.

The brothers playing basketball. It got pretty physical.

Watching a DVD while running errands. He put his glasses on himself, upside down. I looked back and he had them on and looked hilarious. By the time I got the camera out (at a red light everyone), he had pushed them up on his head. At the York Revolution baseball game with Nannie. Liam wearing some of my medals. Either he is inspired by Michael Phelps or aspires to be Mr. T. Whichever, I think he looks good!

Finally, last night we went to the Eagles last preseason game. This is the same game we took Liam to last year. A lot of people bring their kids to this game and it is way less "Drunken Philly Styles" than the regular season games. He had a blast! We ate at Chickie and Pete's and then played in the concourse area before going to our seats. Be sure to check out the videos below.

The "four" of us.

Liam dancing to the live band Lost in Paris. They were fab. My son definitely inherited his father's moves!

Running the obstacle course. He was one of the youngest kids to try it and waited patiently in a long line. Hopefully in a couple years we can take him to a real game, after I explain to him that the behavior he will witness is in no way normal and the language will never be repeated.

The Homestretch

So, it's about one month until the BIG day. I'm doing great!! A little heartburn, a little trouble getting comfortable to sleep, a little (2-3 times) peeing throughout the night, a little difficultly walking after sitting, a little back pain, and a little foot digging in my side, but I'm not complaining. I've gained 25 pounds, so I might meet my goal of gaining less than I did with Liam (38 lbs) as long as I don't pork out in the next 4 weeks. I saw the doctor today and she said I look tired so I'm supposed to take it easy. Maybe I will finally listen to Kyle and just nap and laze around the next few weeks since I probably won't have an excuse to do so again ever.

Liam seems to be excited for the baby to come. He kisses and talks to my belly, and we discuss what it will be like when the baby is finally here ("It will cry a lot." "It will sleep a lot." "It will drink milk, and yes, it will come from Mommy's boobies.") He wants to be a big brother and he wants to see the baby. Although today he said, "I'm not ready for the baby to come out yet." Well, son, it's coming. Whether any of us are ready for it or not.

35 Weeks

For a Moment This Good Time Would Never End

LeRoi Moore 1961-2008

"It's always easier to leave than be left." - Dave Matthews

Happy Birthday Philly Friends

I thought I'd do a post for two Philly girls that I miss dearly and are celebrating their birthdays this month. My sister scanned the pics in for this post since most are from pre-digital camera days. Of course she whined, "Why didn't I get a post for MY birthday?" "Because I see you almost everyday and made you a birthday cake FROM SCRATCH, that's why." These poor girls have to settle for less than poetic writing skills and a few old memories.

The 13th was Lora's birthday. I only know this because she reminded us about 73 times on her blog, well, one of her blogs. I think she has many. I read a few. She is the one that got me into blogging and I read hers everyday. In the past five years I have only seen her a few times, yet it feels like we are going through life together. Our sons were born only 6 days apart and have met just twice, but Liam could tell you all about Jake and his songs and silly faces. I feel very lucky to have such a close friend and I'm very glad that we found each other again when we were pregnant in 05.

2001 - Lora, 25, Sex Kitten - Me, 21, Oversexed Pop Star (or how we celebrated Halloween before we had munchkins)

You will always be my fellow fat girl and former Pub wench. Here's to you hot momma!

And to my one month younger gorgeous, loving and bestest friend affectionately referred to as Ti-ti Ana, welcome to 28!! Although she is now jet setting all over the U.S., South America and Europe, she used to settle for terrorizing the Pub every week and surviving conditions at the Pink House with me. I'm so lucky that we became friends and don't think I would have made it in Philly without you. I hope to still see you at our Thanksgiving table when we are 78-years-old so we can drink wine and pass out together on the couch.

The good old days, not a care in the world. What would we have done without each other? You are the Maria to my Jennifer. Can you believe we turned 21 seven years ago?!?

"Like a Catholic School Virgin"

Thanksgiving 2007 - thanks Jamie for scanning the pics

Go Birds! It was freezing that night, but we couldn't tell. Thank God for Cabernet!

Flash to next morning, "Damn Cabernet, how we loathe thee!"

Happy Birthday Turbo!! I love you!!!

Extracurriculars

Dear Sir or Madam at the University of the Future:

In addition to being supremely intelligent, possessing a photographic memory and enhanced cognitive skills, studying and developing his own language, and maintaining a fiercely competitive level in all athletic endeavors, Liam is also adept in many activities and holds an abundance of natural talent. Please see the pictorial resume below for his list of extracurricular work: Avid cyclist devoting many minutes to difficult rides through our development. CDL holder volunteering many times to transport donated goods throughout HersheyPark. Co-founder of the "Fort Division" of Habitat For Humanity. Member of a round table discussion team appointed to solve the problems of global warming, economic recession and later bedtimes. Gifted artist with a deep love for painting and a progressive vision for representing animals with unnatural colors.

Please note that this letter was written in a 100% unbiased view. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Flanagan

(Liam's beautiful, talented, patient, and genius Momma)

Rest in Peace Great-Grandpa

Henry Moses Stover (2 Jun 1929 - 2 Aug 2008)

and William Henry Flanagan