Since I love the “10 Random facts about me” posts that Andy does every once in a while, I thought I would combine an Observations post with one of those – so here’s 10 random Jenny facts and 10 random observations about Brenden:

About me:

1. You know that little bit of skin between your top gum and your lip? (Half of you are reaching in your mouth, aren’t you?) I don’t have one. An unfortunate incident with a brick hearth when I was a toddler took care of that.
2. I hate being cold. HATE it. So I’m struggling as the weather cools off, since I’ve got an extra heating unit on board, but he’s not heating me up enough to keep me from looking for warmer clothes!
3. Yes, I did go with Andy to the Bluebonnet Nudist resort, but no, I did not participate. Yes, it was odd. No, it was not that uncomfortable. Yes, I will probably go back with him next time he runs.
4. I don’t wear high heels. Ever. I walk like a dork in them.
5. I am a notoriously picky eater, but I love cooking new recipes. I may or may not eat them, but I like cooking them!
6. Same goes for craft projects. I’ll pick up a new hobby for about a year, then stop. It drives Andy crazy.
7. I used to be a pretty good photographer, until I got a digital camera. I don’t know what happened, but I just can’t take a good picture with one.
8. I don’t run. I’ve never liked it, even as a kid. I did horribly on the presidential fitness tests because I could never finish the mile in time. But I like doing the 5k races in the fall – just walking them. My favorite is the Jingle Bell Run in Fort Worth.
9. I love to bargain shop – garage sales, Craigslist, Goodwill, etc. Especially now, with Brenden and all his toys and clothes. Why pay a whole lot for toys and clothes that don’t last? (This is the reason I’m having trouble finding winter stuff for me – see #2)
10. For some reason, this pregnancy I’ve been craving sugar. I haven’t had a lot of wild cravings for things, but if I want something, it’s always sweet. Ice cream doesn’t last long in our house.

On to Brenden:

1. He’s talking up a storm! Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s English yet. Who has been teaching him Chinese when I’m not looking?
2. He has discovered Sesame Street – “melmo” is his favorite character.
3. He also likes to “mow”. He drags his play mower all over the living room chanting “mowmowmow” as he goes.
4. The poor guy has the worst diaper rash I have ever seen, but nothing seems to help, not even prescription medication. I think we’re about to have to make a trip to the doctor to come up with a new plan.
5. We’re no longer using bottles at all – it’s sippy cups all the way! However, the pacifier is still in heavy use when he sleeps. There’s about 4-5 in the crib at any time, just in case he wakes up.
6. He’s wearing 24 month clothes, but we’re having troubles with pants. If they fit his waist, they’re too short. So he’s been “sagging” a lot lately! Good thing Target diapers are kind of cute.
7. He can’t stand loud noises. Noises seem to be the only thing that scares him. So we’re trying to get him used to the vacuum, the mower, etc. My blow dryer sends him running down the hall.
8. His favorite foods at the moment: bananas, black beans, and cheese. Not all at the same time. Other stuff will be good for a day, then he hates it the next. Pizza seems to be off the good list this week.
9. We’re trying to teach him to say Jonathan. So far, the closest he’s gotten is “nah-nah-nah” – which I thought was pretty good!
10. He loves running full speed around the house – and chasing the cat’s tail. Jedda is not amused.

That’s all I’ve got for now! Maybe next time we’ll do a “Q&A edition” – anybody have any questions?

Reagan and Brenden - hanging out after nap