Happy Birthday to Me :)

Having a kid makes birthdays even that much more exciting - and for those of you that know me, you know I already got pretty excited about them before!  Earlier this month, we were on vacation in the Outer Banks when the calendar flipped from July to August.  On August 1st, Ryan asked us what day it was (as he does almost every single day!) and when we told him it was August, he shouted with glee "Yay!!! August!!!  It's almost Mommy's BIRTHDAY!!!"  Adorable.  Last week we were discussing my birthday and he asked how old I would be, and I replied "36."  He then replied quickly " 36? That's really old!!" Not adorable.  Today the subject of my age came up again and this time he said "You don't look that big!"  And he redeemed himself :)

We had plans to travel to NY to visit family and celebrate Tim's grandmother's 85th birthday this weekend, but those plans were derailed by the approach of Hurricane Irene.  We decided to stay close to home to make sure everything is ok during the storm.  So instead of waking up in Albany, I woke up in the house I love living in, for what may be my last "city birthday."  (I have said that the past 2 years though!)  I went for a run as the sun rose, and then came home to a surprise breakfast party planned and prepared by my two favorite guys.  I enjoyed my egg sandwich, yogurt and coffee, and counted my blessings.  Maybe 36 isn't so bad after all.

Birds and the Bees...Take 2

The questions just keep on comin'....

Ryan: "How did I come out of your belly?"
Me: (Stalling) "Umm...what do you mean?"
Ryan: "How did I get out of your belly?  Did your body crack?"
Me: "No...you came out through a hole"
Ryan: (Looking at my upper body and down my tank top) "There?" (pointing to cleavage)
Me: "No, lower down."
Ryan: (not satisfied and starting to look closer at my belly and shorts) "Where?"
me: "never mind.  Um, do you want to go to the playground?" (Distractions - works every time!)

The Birds and The Bees...

The following conversation took place no more than 10 minutes ago, and I had to document it as soon as possible, before I forgot...
Ryan and I were driving by the apartment Tim and I lived in prior to the house we live in now.  We were engaged and married in that apartment, but we didn't have Ryan until we moved to this house...

Me: Ryan, that is where Daddy and I used to live
Ryan: You did?  Was I in your belly then?
Me: No, you were not born yet or in my belly
Ryan: Where was I then? I wasn't born - I was dead?
Me: No, you were not dead.  You just were not made yet.
Ryan: Made? You MAKE people?? How do you do that?
Me: (starting to realize I chose the wrong words) Um...you just do
Ryan: You painted my skin?
Me: No...
Ryan" You put my head on and put me all together?
Me: Um, no....
Ryan: Well then how did you MAKE me?
Me: (holding back laughter) Um....Why don't you ask Daddy that question when we get home...

Goodbye OBX

Cousins

First Annual Colin W. Hansen Mini Golf Tournament

Colin had been planning all week to hold a mini golf tournament in the backyard on our last night of vacation.  After dinner, we all gathered on the course and awaited our instructions.  He divided us into teams of 2, and planned out three holes that involved hitting the ball under the alligator, down the plank of the pirate ship, and down the slide of the pirate ship (this also required the putter to slide down after taking their shot).  He then launched a rocket to commemorate the start of the tournament.  It was a lot of fun and a great way to spend our last night together. Andrew and Pat were the winning team and posed for pictured the tournament organizer himself and the pirate (Ryan named him "Blackbeard."  First Prize?  Being able to eat first at Christmas dinner :)

Fun at the mini golf tournament

Nightime at the beach...