The Ballantyne Babbles

Mommy Must Haves pt. 1

2012-02-09T13:56:00.001-06:00

I wanted to be able to look back at some of those must have items that I used with Cohen and Weston when they were babies. Hopefully, this may be able to help some of my expecting mommy friends as well! I will try to do this every now and then as the need for different things come up.
There are so many baby things out there but these just happen to be some of my favorite.

Babyganics Dish and Bottle Soap - there is a foam version and a liquid version. I like the foam version for the quick washing of pacifiers or bottles. If you like to soak things in the sink, you might go for the liquid. The best part of this product is that it is SAFE!

If you plan to nurse, this pillow, My Brest Friend, is magical for those first several weeks or months. It helps with positioning of the baby and really supports your back. My lactation specialist joked that she could nurse the baby and vacuum at the same time while wearing this!

These are the most wonderful swaddles! They are large, soft, and thin. The more you wash them, the softer they get. Aden and Anais is the company that makes them, along with other baby products. You can expect to pay about $40 for a pack of four, but they are so worth it!

Need I say anything more about this product - obviously for the mommy!

This is the ERGO baby carrier in Camel. This is by far my favorite carrier and I have tried a lot of them. I love that it is easy to buckle, the process of putting the baby in is quick, it has a zipper pouch on the front, it can be used from newborn to 40 pounds, and it has a little cover for the head. I didn't have this carrier for Cohen but have used it in public a couple of times and used it a lot at home with Weston and I love it!

The Carseat Canopy - love it! This attaches to the carrier and protects the baby from sun, germs, and people reaching in to touch the baby! We used to throw a blanket over Cohen's carrier but this is so much easier!

WubNub - paci/lovey combo = genius!

Baby Elephant Ears - use these in the car seat or the swing to keep baby's head positioned and from slouching over!

This is Weston in the swing with the swaddle, WubNub, and Elephant Ears. This swing is great! It converts into a seat too, like this :

I love that I can switch it out so easily and it takes away the need for a bouncy seat.

Hands down best diaper ointment! A little goes a long way, so worth the price.
I can't wait to do another mommy
must haves post. There are so many other things I want to share, but we will stop here for now!
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Lately...

2012-02-08T09:39:00.001-06:00

Just hanging out with mommy...

I love my playmat!

....and tummy time!

Crystal came for a visit!

So did Ann, Jordan, and Brooke!

We went to a make up indoor soccer practice...

The Yebras came over for Super Bowl!

Playing with Arley

"Busy" on the iPad

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Sleeping Through the Storm

2012-02-05T07:18:00.001-06:00

I couldn't resist posting this. The other night there was a huge storm. Cohen wanted to sleep with us. Weston sleeps next to our bed in a play yard. I captured this in the morning after a feeding when we all snuggled in bed together.

So much precious cargo in one king size bed! :)

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Capturing These Moments

2012-02-03T10:35:00.000-06:00

Cohen,

I've done a post like this before - where I pretty much sputter out every thing you are saying lately that I want to remember. You are at the funniest age and everyone is always blown away by your vocabulary. Even us.

So here are some random things you have been saying lately:

Whenever you tell us you have to go potty, you ask "mommy happy? Daddy happy?" If we say yes, you squeal with excitement.

When you are actually sitting on the potty, you shoo us out with your hand while saying "excuse me! Excuse me! Close door!" You will sometimes sit there for fifteen minutes or so doing your business, singing, or talking to yourself.

EVERY time we put you down for a nap or bed your request is always the same - "lay you?" (lay with me? is what you mean) Who can resist?

Since the baby has come, you have had a lot of visitors in and out of the house. So you will ask your visitor if they are here. For example, "Grandpa Ross you're here?" You even ask us if we are here, just to be sure!

You claim there is a scary snake under your bed.

You ask me every morning if I still have a big cut and need a bandaid. I had to show you my incision for a few days after the hospital so you would understand why I couldn't pick you up. You say "Mama have big cut? Mama need bandaid? Mama need kiss?" I love your sweet heart! You even check on me often with your new doctor's kit.

You can name more Thomas trains then I knew existed. But, you have also started using their sayings - "oh the indignity!" "rescue to the ready!" ?!?!?

You ask me, "What's dat?!" to everything!

You tell me, "I am mom. You are Cohen." Oh really?! haha!

You think that dirt on the bottom of your shoe is "spiders".

The other day when I finished vacuuming the living room rug, you ran around on it saying, "Mama! It's perfect!" Hilarious.

I rearranged the office and you walked in, leaned against the wall, and said, "Cool. That's cool!" and walked out. MAKE.ME.LAUGH!

Whenever you need help putting your train tracks together, you ask us "Fix gether please?" In otherwards, can we put it together for you? So sweet.

When you want to show me something, you grab my hand and say, "Keep following me".

When someone says, "OMG" you look at them very sternly and say, "Don't say that, Say oh my goodness."
I love it.

This is such a fun age! You make us laugh every day. Often times, Daddy and I look at each other and give a look thinking, "Did he just say that?"

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Miracle

2012-02-02T05:00:00.001-06:00

Tonight I had a rare reflective moment while laying next to my sweet new baby. As I began thinking, he reached up and grabbed me the tightest he has grabbed me. He didn't let go. It's almost as if he was thinking, Mom, go ahead...

I found myself just staring in amazement at him. The love that John and I share created this perfect little miracle that lay right before my eyes. This has happened to us twice. Amazing.

I stared at him and wondered how quickly this time would go and in what ways I could savor each moment without letting it pass me by.

I wondered if this would be the last newborn in this house or if God would bless us with more children someday.

I wondered how something so perfectly beautiful is formed in nine short months.

I ask myself why we deserve such a beautiful family when we are certainly not perfect.

I am reminded that God has a plan for my special boys and he knew of this plan for them long before he formed them in my womb. Wow, I can't wait to watch that plan unfold.

I thought about negative situations I am faced with in my life and I am reminded that these people within these four walls are mine and how lucky I am to love them and be loved by them. That should be all that matters.

I thought about the ups and downs we are going to face as a family. The love, the joy, the discipline, the fears, the tears, the scary times, the laughs, the memories, all of it.

I've said it before and it remains so true - my heart is SO full!

Babies truly are life's greatest miracle.

How lucky am I to be their mom. How blessed I am to call them my sons.

Just as I finished reflecting, his eyes drifted into sleep and his grip loosened up.

I am glad he held my hand through that!

Today

2012-01-31T22:13:00.002-06:00

I have been enjoying my time at home with my two babies. I can't believe that Weston will be three weeks old tomorrow. He sleeps most of the day, but when he is awake he is very alert!

When Daddy got home tonight, we took a long walk outside. It was good to get out for some fresh air! I still have to take it kind of slow, but we all enjoyed it!

On his first walk!

Here is my special big boy. He is such an amazing big brother!

Ring Bearer

2012-01-31T16:57:00.000-06:00

You were the ring bearer in your Auntie Cassidy's wedding on Saturday. You wore a long tail tuxedo and looked so handsome and grown up. This is before the wedding giving us your "happy face". I will post more pictures as I get them. It was a wonderful evening!

Two Week Well Check

2012-01-27T09:38:00.001-06:00

This morning we got out of the house with two boys and made it on time to Weston's two week well check. The secret? Daddy was with us. Haha! We will see how I do soon with getting two kids in the car and out the door on my own!

His well check was great! Here are the stats:

Weight: 7 lbs 11 oz - 20th percentile
Length: 20 inches - 22nd percentile
Head circumference: 35.75 cm - 22nd percentile

Dr. M was very pleased with the way Weston looked, his heart, his skin, etc. He is a happy, healthy baby and we are so thankful!

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Like This

2012-01-26T20:59:00.001-06:00

We could lay like this all day....and some day we do (during big brother's naps!) I never want to put him down!

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Trip to the Zoo

2012-01-24T09:04:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, Nana and Grandpa Ross took Cohen to the zoo! You had such a great time. When you got home you continually talked about a zebra and the train that was broken because "it got hit by an elephant".

Wiping out in the car is always a sign of a fun day!

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Tough Being Two

2012-01-23T06:56:00.001-06:00

Cohen is relaxing and watching his favorite show, Thomas the Train. He crossed his legs just like this quite often in the womb and I love when he still does it!

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Second Cousins

2012-01-22T10:02:00.003-06:00

I was very close to my cousins growing up. There are 11 of us on my dad's side of the family. We did everything together with our parents and grandparents. We even all lived on the same block. Particularly, I had a close bond with Jacquelyn and Heather, as they were the closest in age to me.

So, I was super excited when Heather told us last April that she was pregnant! In December, she gave birth to this beautiful baby boy on the right - Bishop. Weston and Bishop are seven weeks apart. Weston and Cohen have a first cousin coming in July that is also a boy! I can't wait to be an Auntie. That is for sure! 4 boys under the age of 4 is going to be SO much fun! I hope Cohen and Weston will be just as close to his cousins as I was to mine!

Bishop and Heather visited yesterday. I got the camera out and had an impromptu photo session. They slept through most of it, but they were super cute together!

Big Brother

2012-01-19T14:42:00.000-06:00

Someone is very excited to be a big brother! Here he is the day of his little brother's birth, ready to meet him!

This is his "happy face" for the camera.

The night before we went into the hospitl we took Cohen out for special little night. He made Weston a Baby Boy Build a Bear and then we went to dinner at PF Changs. He couldn't wait to give it to the baby!

Uncle Chris and Kate got Cohen this rolling Thomas suitcase and he loves it so much that he wants to take it everywhere! Knock! Knock! He's ready!

Daddy met him in the hallway to talk to him about what he would see in the room.

When he came in, I was holding the baby and he just stared and smiled. "Baby Weston came out of mommy's tummy!" He was a little confused with all the gadgets in the room and wondering why mommy was laying in the bed, but overall he was very happy!

Weston also had a special gift for Cohen - his very own doctor's kit!

I can't believe we ar e afamily of four!!!! Cohen looks a little leary in this picture, but he quickly warmed up to sitting next to me while holding another baby.

We are so blessed!

Cohen stayed at home with Mimi while we were in the hospital for three days. She took wonderful care of him and brought him to see us each day at the hospital. He had so much fun with his Mimi!

Great Aunt Joan also helped us out a lot. She spent a lot of time playing with Cohen, laughing, and helping us with dishes, laundry, etc.

This is one proud big brother!

These are just my favorite boys in the whole world! I love them so much!

Weston's Big Day - Part 1

2012-01-17T12:30:00.001-06:00

This is the morning of the big day - January 11, 2012! We were up by 4:00 AM getting ready to head to the hospital for my scheduled c-section. We had known for many weeks that this was Weston's big day, even though his actual due date was January 17th. We didn't share with many people and I thought that "the plan" wouldn't go as planned - knowing our crazy life! But, he decided to wait it out and come to us this day! I could barely sleep the night before. I was in bed by 11:30 and up by 2:00. I spent a lot of time thinking and some time laying with my first baby in his bed. I shed a tear or two thinking about how life was about to change so much - not out of sadness but out of joy and anticipation. I held Cohen in his bed and just soaked him in before his life changed!

Here we are, ready to be rolled in to surgery. My mom and dad came early to be with us. We arrived at the hospital, filled out paperwork, and started my IV. This time they didn't blow 8 veins, only two!

Daddy couldn't come into the OR with me until my epi was finished. I walked in and it was so weird because I could hear the nurses yelling off the tools they would be using and I could just see everyone prepping everything. I felt very calm though. I felt all those who prayed for us with me. This picture is after my epidural. I am feeling good at this point, but I can't feel anything below my chest. Not five minutes later, I began to get the shakes and I became very nauseous.

Daddy finally got to come in the room! It's probably best that he didn't see the spinal.

When Daddy came in, they began working. It was such a fast process. I could feel very little pushing and tugging. I just kept my eyes on John...just like I did with Cohen. I kept asking him, "Have they cut me?" "Are you ok?" "Is the baby out?"

I knew the exact moment when Weston was delivered by the loud lion screech he had! Instantly, the tears started flowing and I couldn't wait for John to get his hands on him and bring him over to me. Dr. R brought this huge mirror to put behind me so I could see everything they were doing behind my chest curtain. I watched the nurses working on him and watch Daddy beam with pride and cry tears of joy for his new son. It was such a special time.

He weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces and was 19.25 inches long.

The proud Daddy. He is such an amazing father and husband. I couldn't be more blessed!

Sharing our first moments together.

I was lucky enough to have Dr. R, our wonderful family friend, do my anaesthesia again. He makes me feel SO comforted in the OR.

I love the way Daddy is adoring him in this picture.

Just pure sweetness!

The proud big brother got to visit that afternoon...........to be continued!

He is here!

2012-01-12T00:16:00.001-06:00

Weston was born via c section on January 11, 2012. He is 7 pounds 5 oz and 19 1/4 inches long.

How blessed we are to have two gorgeous sons to love!

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Hospital Bag List

2012-01-09T09:24:00.001-06:00

The time is near. Our bags are packed and we are ready to leave the house. We spent Sunday on our big "to do" list. We made a trip to Costco, Babies R Us, and the grocery store. We spent the afternoon setting up the swing, the playyard and finishing up any baby organzing. We cleaned the house and spent a lot of time playing with Cohen and his trains. Today is the start of my maternity leave. I am excited to have some extra time with my first baby before he becomes a big brother!

I got a lot of questions from friends about what to pack in your hospital bag after Cohen was born. I compiled a list and have emailed it to several people since then. Of course, when it was time for me to do it, I had to pull the list back up and make sure I had all the essentials! I tend to overpack for trips and the hospital is no exception. I always like to be prepared for anything. I learned that after sending my mom on multiple Walgreens runs last time. I pack our carry on suitcase because I hate digging through the endless pit of a large bag. I like to open up the suitcase and have everything right there. I pack a seperate bag for the baby and John takes his own little bag too!

So, I am sharing my list here and know I will like looking back at it someday too.

1. The easiest thing to forget is your chargers! I have our camera charger, phone charger, and tablet charger. Obviously we will also take those things - the phones, camera, and tablet.

2. Notebook - My aunt made me this really cute notebook. I take a lot of notes - things the dr. and nurses say, tips, and I will also have to time feedings and record diaper changes. I can use this little notebook for all future pediatrician trips and have everything all in one place.

3. Pillows and blankets from home for me and hubby. He will have to sleep on a couch and it's nice to have some comfort from home.

4. SOCKS with grippers on the bottom! It is so cold in those hospital rooms. I am not likely to get out of bed and walk around in socks, but just in case, they should have grippers so you don't fall.

5. flip flops - I plan to take a shower there as soon as I can! But, I also like to walk around in these. I have a thing with walking in socks and getting back into bed. ew.

6. 2 nursing night gowns and a robe, a pair of comfy pajama pants, nursing camis, and a loose and comfortable going home outfit - I remember the ride home with Cohen. I had a c section and at every tiny bump or turn I would cringe with pain. It's important to be comfortable!

7. Nursing bras and grannie panties - yep I said it! Also, feminine hygeine products. You'll want your own!

8. My bag full of toiletries - deodarant, lotion, makeup remover wipes, shamp/conditioner, toothbrushes, chapstick- a must, hand lotion, hair ties, bobby pins, Lanisoh cream - they usually only provide the tiny tubes, etc.

9. Cupcakes for the nurses, doctors, visitors, etc. With Cohen, we had cookies with a C on them. This time, I ordered a dozen mini-cupcakes from Kate.

10. Boppy Pillow

11. The baby's bag has a couple of zip up outfits, some beanie hats, hand mitts (so he doesn't scratch himself), a little soccer ball (picture prop), swaddling blankets, burp cloths, and his Little Brother going home outfit.

9. My own water tumbler. The hospital usually just provides those little styrofoam cups.

10. My own towel. The hospital towels were paper thin.

11. My friend Amanda made this wreath for the hospital door. So sweet!

11. Big Brother present for Cohen. We got him a doctor's kit so he can check on mommy and the baby. He is really into bandaids right now for "boo boos" and constantly asking if I am ok or if my tummy hurts. I think he will love it.

That's it. I think! If you can think of something else I am forgetting, leave me a comment! Today, Big Brother and I are going to hang out, play with trains, and go through his toys and declutter!

The Nursery Details

2012-01-07T21:06:00.000-06:00

When we began to think about Weston's nursery, I knew we wanted it to be different in style and furniture color from Cohen's room. Cohen has a room with beautiful browns and greens with a trace of "vintage soccer" items and we love it! I knew I didn't want a "theme" this time and that I wanted to be able to find neat things throughout my pregnancy that would "go" with the room. I wanted a clean and fresh look that would be easy to transition into a big boy room later. I think we accomplished what we wanted, and I love love love how it turned out!

Here is a picture from the door looking in. We chose a gray color for the walls, with white furniture, and touches of orange and turquoise.

The color of the walls is Anonymous by Behr

The rug is from Target

The W above his crib is from an Etsy shop called Sweet Zoe Love Designs. She did a custom color match to the orange birds and birdhouse on the tree decal. The font is Century Gothic and it's 18 inches tall!

The tree is not painted on the wall! It is a decal from an Etsy shop called Simple Shapes. I actually saw this tree on Pinterest and knew we had to have it. We selected the orange birds. This was one of the first things in the nursery after we painted. The white shelves on the tree are from Target. We thought it would be neat to include some pictures on this "Family Tree". I used craft spray paint in turquoise from Michaels and I still need to paint the other one the same color. I ran out of paint!

The mirror above the dresser is from Homegoods. I would go to HG once a week in search of the perfect mirror. I knew I'd find one at some point! The gray laundry basket and woven diaper basket are also from Homegoods. I have had the lamp since college. It just fit in!

The white bookcase was a gift from Nana. It's from Target.

I saw this print on Etsy. It was painted on wood and so pretty, but I knew I could make one for a whole lot less money if I did it myself! Plus, I like that it is homeade. I love this verse. It is a constant reminder that only God knows our life's plan. The materials cost $15 total! (Always pull up your Michaels coupon on the website from your phone at checkout) It's a white canvas and acrylic paint called "Turquoise" from Michaels.

Surprise! This mini coat hanger is from Homegoods!

The gray and white Chevron curtains are my favorite part of the nursery. I had my eyes on them for months from Carousel Bedding. I even put them in the shopping cart online months ago. One night I closed my eyes and just clicked purchase. haha! We got them two days later and John actually loves them too! I think they really give the room that pop I was looking for!

The white antique curtain rod is from Lowes.

We thought about buying a nice recliner chair, but decided it would be silly when we already had one that was just fine in Cohen's room. We replaced his chair with a soccer ball chair and moved this to the nursery. I like that I will have the memory of rocking both of my babies in this chair! It's from Babies R Us.

This was super easy. I had three brown frames I was going to throw out. I decided to spray paint them white and purchase different kinds of scrapbook paper from Michaels, cut them to size, and give the room some instant art. Total for this project -$4.00!

The dresser is from IKEA. I love that it is so tall and it will be really esy to change diapers on!

One of the things we spent the most on for the nursery with our first baby was bedding. Well, a week later when I learned of SIDS, all the cute baby bumpers, quilt, etc came OUT of his crib. This time we went with this sheet. It's from Target.com

His crib will have a fitted sheet and that is all!

Now all this room needs is that sweet little baby!

38 Weeks

2012-01-04T19:58:00.001-06:00

38 Weeks

Eleven Weeks - We have almost made it! I am 38 weeks pregnant.

Baby is the size of: a baby! The doctor estimates Baby W will be almost 7 pounds. I have a feeling he will be similar to Cohen's size (which was 7 pounds 10 oz.), although this time I weigh a little less with Weston than I did with Cohen. We will see! Baby is ready to come. He is in the final stages of "plumping". Organs and lungs are developed! He is ready to meet the world!

Doctor's appointment: I go to the doctor weekly. Yesterday, my appointment went well. I was not dilated at all, even though I have been having contractions. They have been very inconsistent though, but the pain is that of a real contraction! His head is down and the doctor could feel it while he checked my cervix. I can feel it too, on my bladder! Dr. was slightly concerned about pre-eclampsia because I told him I have been having headaches and seeing sparkles at times. I had a trace of protein in my urine sample and he double checked my blood pressure - which was fine! Today at work, I had the nurse check my blood pressure and it was fine. I also told him that it is a stressful time at work right now. My 22 five year olds have just returned from a long Winter break, and it is almost like the first week of school all over again. I gained a pound, fundal height measured up to the weeks, and baby had a nice strong heartbeat.

Symptoms: This has been a rough week. I am back to work, super tired but waking up at 4 am, and exhausted at night. I have been having heartburn, headaches, leg cramps, and upper back pain. I keep reminding myself of the end result! No complaints here! I know soon I will have a precious baby boy in my arms and all the "symptoms" of pregnancy will be long forgotten.
Crazy story: Last night, Daddy and I went for a couples massage. Mine was prenatal. I had to lay flat on my tummy in a pillow with a huge hole in it for my belly. Afterwards we went for a little dinner date, picked up Cohen from Mimi's, and headed to bed. At 2 am, I woke up screaming in pain. John jumped out of bed. I am sure he thought the baby was COMING. I was screaming about my left calf. I had the WORST Charlie Horse. I had never had one before, so I had no idea what it was until he told me. He started shaking my leg and doing all these stretches, all while I was screaming and crying in pain. Usually, I am pretty tolerant. I think that this was worse than an epidural. Today my leg is SO sore and I am terrified to go to sleep in fear that it might happen again. He was so caught off guard by my screaming that it made him nauseas and have a hot flash. OOPS! haha I HOPE that does not happen again tonight. I don't know what I would have done if I was alone while that happened. He knew just what to do.

Baby-related purchases? The nursery is done. My latest purchase was the gray and white chevron curtains that I had been eyeing for months. Carseat is installed!

Fun moment this past week: We took Cohen to Sea World for New Years Eve and we had the best day together as a family. We soaked in every second of Cohen. Just what we needed.

Movement: He moves all the time, all day long. He punches, kicks, and elbows me. It is amazing to see my tummy bouncing all over the place!

Food cravings: I am not really having any specific cravings, just trying a whole bunch of new recipes for dinner that we are loving!

What I am looking forward to: The big day! Please say a prayer for us!

Thank you Mom for taking me to get a pedi/mani! It was a fun mother/daughter outing before the big day!

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iPhone Pics of 2011

2012-01-02T05:17:00.000-06:00

I scrolled through my camera roll and picked some pictures that may or may not have made my blog this year. I have over 2000 pics on my phone! Time to transfer them to the computer!

Favorite Posts of 2011

2012-01-01T09:05:00.002-06:00

We were so blessed this year in many ways, although it seems that the year went by so quickly. I have come to realize that while raising a family, that is what will happen. Years are just going to fly by! We stayed busy with selling our house, buying and building a new house, new job positions within our work, illnesses and a horrible hospital stay with Cohen, the gift of a positive pregnancy test, fabulous memories and laughter with our son, and we were surrounded by amazing family, friends, co-workers, etc through it all.

Here are some of my favorite posts to look back on from 2011:

Old House
Selling our old house was bittersweet. We were on a timeline to sell and we sold last New Year's Eve. We moved out in February and stayed with my mom for almost 3 months while our new house was built. It was such a fun process to go through together as a family.

Your First Snow Day
I never thought we'd see snow while you were so young. I remember my first snow when I was 4 years old. One morning we woke up to a beautiful white wonderland. It didn't last long, but it happened! School was canceled and we spent the day together as a family.

Talbert Wedding
We traveled to Dallas in March to Jacquelyn and Marcus Talbert's wedding. It was gorgeous! It was nice to be together as a family. We all had a great time.

Honesty
Just being honest.

Dedication
What a special day!

Morning in theYard
You love your new backyard and I love watching you play back there.

Cohen's News
The news of baby # 2 was obviously one of the best days this year! As Weston approaches his arrival date, it's so fun to look back on all of my posts about my pregnancy. I am glad I documented this for both of my boys.

Morning at the Zoo
We had such a fun summer filled with many playdates. How lucky I am to have met and gotten close to some amazing mommies. I love when we get together. We all "get it" and can relate, share stories, laughter, and watch our kids grow up together. Although our playdates have been less frequent during the school year, we manage to stay close. I can't wait for next summer!

Twenty Three Months
The month before you turned TWO! I love that we can look back and see what you were up to each month!

Coast Trip
Mimi and I took you to the beach last summer. We had a fun time!!

Fourth of July/Daddy's Birthday Weekend
It's rare that we get to go somewhere as a little family, and when we do we just enjoy being together so much!

Your SECOND Birthday
You are just growing up way too fast.

Sleep
Sleep deprivation - all part of raising kids.

A Day Out With Thomas
Thomas - the other main guy in our life this year!

Soccer
You LOVED soccer practice this year. We are taking a break while I am on maternity leave since it is a parent participation class, but come March, you will be back on the field! Hopefully, you will get to start at Daddy's club when you turn 3.

Weston's 3D/4D U/S
We got to share "meeting" your little brother with Mimi, Nana, Grandpa Ross, Grandpa "Roe" and Auntie Cassie.

You Make Me Laugh
Just one of many posts where I post your famous sayings. Thanks to you, we have had a year full of laughter. The kind that makes your side hurt!

Pictures With Santa
This year was so different from last year. You LOVED Christmas this year - Santa, making cookies, saying Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus - it was truly magical!

Here is to 2012!

Basketball Fun

2011-12-30T22:41:00.001-06:00

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Merry Christmas Morning 2011

2011-12-27T15:13:00.000-06:00

We had such a busy and late night on Christmas Eve (that post is coming later), that on Christmas morning I was the first one up at 7:30 and I had to wake you and Daddy up! I told Daddy that next year, I am sure you will be running into our room at 5:00 am begging us to wake up. When I walked into the living room, I noticed that Santa ate a bite out of your cookie and drank the orange juice you left for him.

I turned to the stairs and saw the stockings were filled with all kinds of goodies! Looking in our stockings was one of my favorite parts of Christmas morning growing up (and it still is). I took down the stockings and took them into our room, where I had laid you on the bed with Daddy.

As I walked out of the living room, I saw that Santa had come and left you some neat new things! I knew you would be excited to see your new art easel and especially your Kevin Crane from Thomas and Friends.

I must tell you that when we woke you up, you were so grouchy! I wish we could have let you sleep in but we had Christmas plans at 9:30 am. It would have been easy to be really disappointed, but we kept reminding ourselves that you are only two and you can only understand so much of Christmas. We celebrated Jesus' birthday the night before at a beautiful church service, had dinner, and opened presents from your Grandpa Monroe and I am sure you thought that was it! So, we let you fuss and I gave Daddy his stocking. As soon as Daddy brought out a package of Jelly Bellys your mood instantly changed! Hmmm! Interesting! One Jelly Belly later, and you were ready to dive into your stocking! You had several goodies in there - a new Thomas singing toothbrush, bathtub squirters, a Valentines t-shirt, some underwear, and other things.

Then you RAN into the living room to see what Santa had left. The first thing you noticed was the box with Kevin the Crane in it. You grabbed it and ran back to me saying "Open it! Open it!"

After we checked out what Santa left you, we passed out a few more gifts from each other. You especially liked all the trains that Weston left for you.

Our tree is filling up with neat ornaments (my favorite are your hand made ones) and you loved walking around the tree during Christmas time to tell us about each ornament. We had a nice morning playing with our new things and rushing to Mimi's house for Christmas morning there.

This is something special that Mommy made Weston for Christmas. It looks so great in his beautiful nursery!

Next up...Christmas at Mimi's!

Christmas Crafts With Joan

2011-12-22T08:31:00.001-06:00

The other day, Joan came over to watch you so I could go to my doctor for my 36 week check up. She had a lot of fun things planned for you!

You made reindeer food. We will sprinkle it in the grass on Christmas Eve for Santa's reindeer to have a little snack.

You made a reindeer puppet too! Joan said you were so busy that she couldn't get a picture fast enough and they came out blurry.

You also decorated cookies and water colored. You had a great time!

After my appointment I came to pick you up and we met Mimi at Jim's. At lunch, Joan said, "Man, it's tiring being a mom! I need a nap!" haha My thoughts exactly.

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That's For Kids

2011-12-21T08:42:00.000-06:00

In the morning, after breakfast, I let you watch one show. Today, I turned on Sesame Street just to see if you would still have any interest in it. You immediately looked over at me and said, "Mama, that's for kids." I said, "Well, aren't you a kid?" You said, "No, I'm a Thomas. I want Thomas please." Sorry, Elmo. Your days are over in this household....that is until Weston discovers you I suppose!

Doctor Appointment

2011-12-20T16:08:00.001-06:00

Today I visited the doctor for my first "weekly" appointment. Everything was great!
He seances for the Strep B test and checked my cervix. There was NO dilation, but I am softening and it's tilting forward. Good signs!
My blood pressure was great and I didn't gain any weight this week.
I told him I was still feeling regular movement and let him know that the pain in my pelvic area, lower back and sciatic nerve were strenuous!
I go in for a sonogram on Thursday to get some measurements on Baby W! Can't wait!

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Santa Claus is Coming to Town

2011-12-20T07:29:00.001-06:00

Last night, we took our annual visit to The Bass Pro Shops to visit Santa and Mimi joined in the fun! This year was MUCH different from last year. You were SO excited to see him and sit on his lap to tell him what you would like for Christmas. We prepped you a lot this year and it helped that we said he would love to see your train, so you took that with you. There were a lot of fun activities for the kids to do - a carousel, cookie decorating, coloring, writing and sending a letter to the North Pole, a train set, and more! We had such a fun time and it made me so happy to see YOU so happy!

You better watch out, you better not cry, better watch out , I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town.

He's making a list and checking it twice

Gonna find out who's been naughty or nice

Santa Claus is coming to town!

This is last year's Santa picture. He had a much different reaction I would say! What a difference a year makes.

"Hi Santa! I want a Thomas and a Kevin (crane from Thomas)."

We definitely do Santa, but we also talk to Cohen about celebrating Jesus' birthday. That is the most important reason we celebrate Christmas. He knows that the presents under the tree are because it's His birthday. When he says his little prayers at night, he asks me, "Jesus get cupcake? Happy birthday to you?" I love the magic of Christmas!

The Things You Say...

2011-12-18T13:15:00.002-06:00

This is going to be a random post about some of the things you have been saying lately. When you say these things, I always think about running to write them down so I will never forget this stage. I just love this age! It is trying and tests my patience, but it is also humbling and wonderful. I couldn't love you more!

"Wook it!" You want us to look at everything and everyone. Usually it's followed by that particular thing you want us to look at. "Wook it Cookie Monster!" "Wook it Cranky!" "Wook it Daddy!"

When we ask you a question you typically follow with, "Yea, sure!" while shaking your head ok. It's the cutest!

Every other word is "Mommy". You have also started saying "Mom" though. What are you, 15 years old?!

You can name every single character/train from Thomas and Friends. You are very content to sit alone and play with all of your trains and narrate what each one is doing. It's so funny to watch.

When you get in trouble we say "That makes me very sad" and you say "Don't say that mommy/daddy!"
Then when you apologize you ask, "I make Mommy/Daddy so happy?"

You count, sometimes all the way to 20 and you recognize ALL the letters in the alphabet. I am so proud of you!

When I called you into the bedroom this morning, you told me, "No thank you! I'm busy!"

You tell Weston to "get out!" (of Mommy's tummy)

When you pray at night you add in funny things to your blessings. Last night you said, "God bless Cake (that's Kate - Uncle Chris' girlfriend) and my chicken - I ate it all."

Whenever the doorbell rings you get SO worried. You grab all your trains and RUN to wherever we are and say, "That's tary!" (scary)

You always want to go to the "tore" (store). That's probably my fault! The other day when we pulled up to Costco, you said "That's Costco!" I couldn't believe you recognized the store name.

You know all of your family members name and faces now. It's so cute to see you get so excited to see them! It's especially cute how you say your Grandpa Ross' name. "Crackaw Ross"

You often request to watch "Thomas on the puter?" (computer)

You have been playing with my hair a lot lately. It's so long now. You put it in front of my face and tell me, "Mommy need haircut!"

You respond to things we ask you to do with "Yes, sir" or "Yes, mam". Sometimes you switch those around and think you are so funny.

Any time you fall or get a teeny little owie, you run to our bathroom closet and say, "I need a bandaid!"

For a week, when we would ask you to do something, you would say, "Yess, boss! I will" Then when we asked you who told you to say, yes boss! you told us Kevin. We had NO clue who Kevin was. I did not even think of googling that until yesterday when we were driving and he said it again. I told Daddy I was googling that and sure enough - Kevin is a crane on Thomas that says, "Yes, boss!" He is a new character and I just must not have noticed him. Oops!

You ask me to go to Soccer Tots every day. I feel so bad because we are going to take a break during the Winter from it. It will be too crazy to get you to soccer practice with a new baby. I promised you we will start going again in the Spring!

When you wake up in your big boy bed in the mornings, you yell - "Mommy and Daddy, I woke up!" Then, you sit there patiently until we come to get you.

I love all the things you say. You make me laugh and laugh. I can't wait to look back on these sometimes in your blog book and laugh with you!

Almost 36 Weeks!

2011-12-15T15:56:00.001-06:00

I am almost 36 weeks pregnant! Baby time is less than a month away. I just can't believe it's almost here. We are getting more excited each day and so is your big brother, Cohen!

Baby is the size of: a baby! He is packing on at least an ounce a day at this point. He probably weighs around six pounds, but we will find out for sure at an ultrasound in the next week or two. The doctor thinks he will be similar in size to Cohen at birth (7 pounds 10 ounces) At this stage, he is probably about 18 inches long. I definitely agree with that. I can confirm that he does not like being scrunched up like a roly poly in this belly! Weston will be considered full-term at 37 weeks. This is still an important week for weight gain and lung maturation. So, stay put little guy!

Doctor's appointment: My appointment on Tuesday took forever because I had a long list of questions. All of a sudden, it became real to me that delivery was not too far off and I wanted to be sure of some things. I have been having a lot of sporadic contractions and that is all in preparation for my little man to get here. I won't go into the details of my questions, but I sure do love my doctor for taking the time out to thoroughly explain things to me. He knows I am a woman of detail! Weston was head down at this appointment and his heartbeat was 130. I go back in every week now. Next week, I will get the Strep B testing done and he will check my cervix!

Symptoms: Imagine someone ripping your pelvic bone apart slowly. That's what I feel like. My feet have not swollen up like they did with Cohen, so I am grateful for that. But, after teaching kinderagarten all day and coming home to my amazing but busy two year old, by the time eight o'clock rolls around you can find me with my legs up and heating pad going! The heartburn comes and goes and I cannot eat a normal sized meal at nights. Sometimes, I wake up in the middle of the night hungry, but it is too hard to get out of bed to attempt to make it to the kitchen! I always make sure to have some water right by me. I still get up most nights around 3 though. Sometimes the insomnia has created a nesting burst in me and sometimes I fall right back to sleep.

Baby-related purchases? We got some new things for the nursery!! Check out his W above his crib!
When I go to Costco, I always buy a box of diapers as well. Just stocking up!

Fun moment this past week: We are busy in the rush of the Holidays. This week is my last week of school before I get a two week vacation. I plan on soaking up all my time with Cohen while he is still the only child. We have a lot of fun things planned to do with him this weekend as well. I am looking forward to my break and wonder if I will make it back to work on January 2?????

Movement: He moves all the time, all day long. He punches, kicks, and elbows me. It is amazing to see my tummy bouncing all over the place!

Food cravings: nothing really!!!! Just know I will NOT be eating tomato basil soup again any time soon - serious heartburn!

What I am looking forward to: Life with my amazing husband and two beautiful sons!

I thought this picture was so funny. This week we can wear Holiday shirts and jeans. My aunt sent me some ribbon and I created my own Christmas tree holiday shirt. I just laugh when I see this because it's SO big! My kids loved it today!

Kicking Off December

2011-12-11T20:06:00.000-06:00

We started off December by attending a cookie decorating playdate at Arley's house. It was a sugar fest and you loved it!

We were really surprised at the mess y'all DID NOT make. You were each so careful with each cookie, the frosting, and the decorations. Too cute!

That night, we went to a Christmas parade in a little town near us. You were dancing like crazy and you have never really been a dancer. We saw a lot of neat floats, cars, and Santa! Ever since then, you have been dancing more and more. You like to proclaim, "I'm dancing!"

Nana and Grandpa Ross came to town. One night, we got in pjs and drove through Daddy's old school to look at all the lights. You kept wanting us to roll your window down to see the lights. It was so pretty!

Before Nana and Grandpa left, you got to open some Christmas presents!

You were SO EXCITED about this Thomas the Train track set. You loved that, the books, blocks, and puzzles.

December is going to go so quickly, I just know it!

iPhone Pics of Our Week

2011-12-04T22:04:00.001-06:00

We put the Christmas deco up...

We visited Baby Bishop in the hospital...

Cohen had his last soccer practice for the season and got his first medal....

Weston's stocking came in....

We decorated cookies at Arley's....

We went mattress shopping....

...and he spent his first night in his big boy bed.

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Thirty Three Weeks and The Tree

2011-11-29T20:47:00.001-06:00

Today I am thirty three weeks pregnant. I had a great doctors appointment today. Everything is looking good. The heart palpitations, lower back pain, and ligament stretching pain is all normal. I tell John at night that it feels like my hips are ripping apart! My rear end hurts so bad by the time night time comes!

Every picture I try to take of him is blurry. He doesn't hold still! Tonight we decorated the tree. He was such a good helper!

Cohen made this at Ms. M's last year. It might be my favorite ornament because it was one of his first projects. :) I like a sentimental tree that has ornaments with meaning and a story behind them. We have a lot of those.

We let Cohen stay up past his bedtime to help us decorate. He was so good tonight and in the best mood.

When he prayed tonight, he went through his list of people and then prayed for the wall and his diaper pail. There is never a dull moment!

Lastly, Cohen's second cousin was born tonight at 7:23 PM to my cousin Heather! So excited for Cohen and Weston to have another little boy family member to play with!

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Weston's 3d/4d Ultrasound

2011-11-25T11:40:00.002-06:00

Thirty Two Weeks!

2011-11-23T09:03:00.000-06:00

I am 32 weeks pregnant! I can't believe I haven't updated in almost five weeks. Time is seriously flying by!

Baby is the size of: a baby! Right now, baby Weston weighs almost 4 pounds and is roughly 16.7 inches long. He will gain 1/3 to 1/2 of his birth weight in the next few weeks to get ready to come meet us! He has toenails, fingernails, and hair. (I think we saw some hair during the 4d ultrasound!) Baby is busy inside - blinking, drinking, grabbing things, going to the bathroom, looking around.

Doctor's appointment: I had a great appointment at the beginning of November. Weston was head down and had a strong heartbeart. He has continually had a heartbeat around 150bpm each time we have gone. My gestational diabetes test came back negative and my iron levels were a little low which is totally normal during pregnancy. I do have to take some iron supplements now along with my prenatals. I have an appointment next week and then will start going every two weeks. But, 36 weeks will come quickly and then I will go every week until the big day! We had an elective 3d/4d ultrasound last week, but my doctor will do another u/s in the next few weeks to check on baby's size and position, etc.

Symptoms: Itching! My stomach area will be stretching a lot more quickly in the next few weeks and I just itch like crazy! I try my best to keep it under control with a lot of lotion. Thankfully, Cohen likes to help me put lotion on Baby Weston. This pregnancy is different for me in a lot of ways. I was very sick in the beginning of this one and with Cohen I never felt ill. I also got to relax a lot because the end of my pregnancy with Cohen was in the summer. This time it's totally different! I am on my feet all day with 22 five year olds in a kinder classroom and I come home to my busy two year old. I always tell John that I am exhausted most mornings before I even leave the house. At night my lower back hurts, my feet are swollen, and my sciatic nerve pain is elevated. BUT, I would not have it any other way! I am just ready to have my second son in my arms and watch Cohen be a big brother!

Baby-related purchases? We have been prepping the nursery a little bit more and it's been really fun. What's been more fun is pulling all of Cohen's itty bitty newborn clothes out, cleaning them, and putting them in Weston's drawers.

Fun moment this past week: We had a 3d/4d ultrasound last week. It was very special because most of our family members got to attend. We really missed Uncle Tanner and Uncle Chris though! Weston was hiding his face a lot at first so we had to leave and take a walk to try to get him to move a little bit more. When we came back he was a little more active. He was messing with the cord and that was weird to me! We saw confirmation again that he is a boy and he gave us a little smirk or two. We got some wonderful pictures. Most of all, I thought he looked exactly like Cohen did at this time from his 3d ultrasound. I am still so anxious to see what he will actually look like!

Movement: He moves like crazy. The best way to describe it is that it feels like he is trying to dig his way out. Sometimes it even hurts. I LOVE this part of pregnancy.

Food cravings: I'm loving veggies and hummus right now. Yummy!

What I miss: I don't necassarily miss anything, but I do get sad thinking about how fast time is going and how fast Cohen is growing up. I still dig up those emotions about him not being the only baby. I know in the grand scheme of things, this is exactly the place we are supposed to be and the growth of our little family is such a blessing!

What I am looking forward to: Life with my amazing husband and two beautiful sons!

Busy

2011-11-19T12:16:00.001-06:00

Sometimes life gets so busy that it seems we don't get to take a lot of breaks. Today Daddy is at a soccer tournament all day long from early morning until night. So we went to pick him up and take you to do something fun with him. You took a little putting break at the sports store and had a blast!

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The Weekend

2011-11-13T22:13:00.001-06:00

Your Nana and Grandpa drove in late Friday night to visit. You were very excited to see them. At first you acted a little shy and silly, but quickly warmed up!

On Saturday, Nana drove up to Austin with us for Daddy's team's playoff tournament!

We discovered a train station at the field! I just couldn't believe it! Neither could you. We rode throughout the park and through a dark tunnel.

Daddy's boys have advanced to the state playoffs! We are so proud of you Daddy. He is just an amazing coach and soccer player.

Today, you wanted to give your little brother some extra loving!

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Houston

2011-11-06T10:55:00.001-06:00

We went to Houston this past weekend to visit some friends and family and go to a wedding.

We got in late Friday night and met with Jacq, Marcus, Allie, and Tanner for Mexican food.

We stayed with Jacq and Marcus and their two little French Bulldogs kept you quite entertained.

Saturday, Daddy got to enjoy a round of golf with Uncle Tanner and we headed out for some shopping. We first headed to Allie's store where we had the whole place to ourselves and I found some maternity things for the cold weather.

We then headed to Spring to visit Katie and her three month old son, Gabriel. You loved the baby and kept giving him kisses on the cheek and putting his paci into his mouth.

We had to head back to Houston and head to a wedding with the fam.

On Sunday morning we woke up way too early and met everyone for breakfast.

We are heading home now and we are all wiped out! This is your first trip to use the headphones for the DVD player. Thomas has kept you nice and calm on the way home.

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You Make Me Laugh

2011-11-03T20:44:00.002-05:00

•The other night we were waiting on the front porch for Daddy to come in from his run and you were growing impatient. You kept yelling, "Babe! Where are you? Babe!"

•When you go number two on the potty we have to leave the bathroom. The other day you told me, "Mommy, go away. I pooping!" We have talked several times about a nice way to say that and now you politely say, "Excuse me please."

•Today you called me "Mom". What happened to Mommy and Mama?!?!

•Every morning on the way to work we pass a theme park. You claim it's the Land of Sodor and Thomas and Cranky are working. You yell hi to them until they are out of sight.

•Tonight you ate all your vegetables because I told you the green beans were green Cheetos. I'll do most anything at this point for you to eat veggies regularly.

•The other night you "got tared" (scared) and asked to sleep in our bed. So, I let you climb in there and you sat up and demanded, "Mommy! Wash face, brush teeth, lay down!" Whoa!

You just make me laugh constantly all day. Sure, we have our share of tantrums and whining, but overall you are just the happiest and silliest little boy. I just love love love you sooooo much!

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Pumpkin Bellies and Pumpkin Muffins

2011-10-30T21:53:00.001-05:00

My cousin Heather is due in five weeks and me in five. I can't wait to meet little Baby Bishop.

This morning you helped me make breakfast for Jacq and Yvette. One thing we made was pumpkin spice chocolate chip muffins! Mmmmmmmm!

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Fall Decor

2011-10-29T13:26:00.001-05:00

Have I already done this post? I don't know and I don't feel like looking back right now. I just love this season and this morning we woke up to 38 chilly degrees and it just reminded me to take pics of our Fall decor in our new house.

I don't decorate too much for the change of seasons, but I do like to add a few touches here and there.

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28 Week Picture

2011-10-26T05:17:00.001-05:00

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Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-10-22T15:16:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, we traveled out of town with our friends theYebra's and the Hagstroms to visit a real pumpkin patch! We had a great time. There were so many fun things to do. I hope this becomes an October tradition. Hard to believe that next year we will be taking TWO babes!

Unfortunately, because of the drought this year, there weren't a large number of pumpkins. That certainly didn't stop us from having fun climbing on them,

and posing for pictures with our girlfriends,

and just being cute.

You really loved the hay maze.

The babies and the mamas

There was a puppet show...

and "Thomas the Train" was even there!

They had a petting zoo and you loved the bunny rabbit.

Here is my two year old handsome little guy.

For fun, here is a comparison picture with Aubrey from last year!

27 Weeks

2011-10-20T13:42:00.001-05:00

Baby is the size of: a head of cauliflower and weighs about two pounds. He is 14.5 inches long with his legs extended. He has fallen into a sleep/wake routine and might be sucking fingers and batting eyelashes. (I get this information from Babycenter.)

Doctor's appointment: I won't go back until the 4th of November. I will take my Gestational Diabetes one hour screening at that time, which means I get to drink a really yucky drink thirty minutes before they draw blood to check for GD and other things. At this next appointment, I am going to ask him more about our timeline because I will soon be in the third trimester! I will be having another c-section this time after my emergency section with Cohen. Although that somewhat saddens me, I know after much research and many conversations with our doctor that for US, this is the safest way to get Weston out when the time comes. All we care about is delivering a healthy baby. :)

Symptoms: I am noticing more Braxton Hicks contractions. I am growing! I have veins running all over my stomach area and I can feel my skin stretching every day. My stomach is starting to itch. Thankfully, I do not have stretch marks. If I did, I really wouldn't mind. The end result is worth it. I can't see my feet. One night this last week I woke up with some SERIOUS Braxton Hicks. I almost cried, but instead I got out of bed for water and to walk around. It feels like someone is wrapping their arms around your tummy and squeezing tightly.

Baby-related purchases? We have been working on the nursery and we love it. I can't wait to share it with you! We have bought several random things like crib sheets, curtains, some scrapbook paper that I am putting in white painted frames, organizers for the closet, etc. We need to find a new carseat and I would love a double stroller. We have some painting projects to do as well - the rocker, the corner shelf and the nightstand. Hopefully we get those completed this weekend!

Fun moment this past week: Just spending time together working on baby things and listening to Cohen say he has a baby brother.

Movement: he moves regularly now. Sometimes he dances on my bladder (is that too much info) and sometimes it feels like he is in my throat, although that is probably just the heartburn. ;) Dr. wants me to do kick counts. There is no way I can do that during the day. I can't lay down thirty minutes after breakfast and lunch. I am working. I think Weston sleeps all day. He is mostly active at night after I drink ice water.

Food cravings: I really wanted a pumpkin spice cupcake with cream cheese frosting from Kate's Frosting, so I texted her my order before her and my brother came to meet us for dinner the other night. Now, I want one with a big cup of hot chocolate. Yummy.

What I miss: not having heartburn

What I am looking forward to: I scheduled our 3d/4d ultrasound. I can't wait! All of our family (minus Tanner - he is too far away :( ) will be here to come with us.

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Mommy Confessions

2011-10-19T15:15:00.002-05:00

1. I am not as crazy as I used to be about germs. Don't get me wrong, I am still pretty observant of germy things and places, but the other day after leaving Sea World Daddy and I heard a "ree-ree-ree-ree" sound coming from the back seat. I turned around and you were rubbing the bottom of your Crocs all over your teeth and gums. I almost laughed, but instead of frantically pulling over and washing your mouth out I just took your Crocs off and Daddy and I sighed. That's progress.

2. Is it weird that I am looking forward to those middle of the night feedings with Weston? I used to cherish that time so much with you - just me and you. Even though I was dreary eyed, the time passed too quickly and I can't wait to have that again. I pray you continue to be a good sleeper though so I am not entertaining two babies in the wee hours of night.

3. I really should have bought the Jessica Simpson leopard print flats I spotted the other day. I loved them, but I walked away. I don't like heels right now. I can't balance. I need more flats. Last pregnancy, I would wear heels and people were shocked I could still wear them. Now, I just don't have the desire.

4. I opened the windows yesterday in the house. Only SOME windows. I went around talking to myself about which windows would be ok to open and which wouldn't. I have never had to think about a little boy being able to climb on something and fall out of a window. So, of course, when I thought of that I panicked and thought..."Ok, I am going to put little sticky notes on all the windows that are NOT ok to open". Yes, I will go so far as to inform myself and Daddy and anyone else which windows are not ok to open with labels. Overprotective much? HA! That's my job.

5. You have been fully potty trained with minimal accidents for several weeks now. This morning when I got you out of the car and you gave me a big hug and wouldn't let go, I wrapped my arms around and squeezed you tight and I could feel your little booty through your pants. It was so cute but when I got in the car I teared up thinking about how big you are now. One of those moments I guess.

Sometimes I just need to get my thoughts on paper.

Bubble Bath

2011-10-17T18:26:00.001-05:00

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Howl-o-Scream at Sea World

2011-10-15T14:08:00.001-05:00

We took you to Sea World last night for their Halloween events. The Yebras met up with us there. We were kind of disappointed that the only Shamu show was at 10 pm, but we had a lot of fun anyway!

Y'all made it until way past your bedtime and still you managed to wake up by 7 AM.

We didn't make the Shamu show, but we did see the Elmo show, ride the carousel, and see a Monster Stomp Dance. We had a funnel cake and we got you a Shamu straw in place of the show. The daddies even got to enjoy a haunted house and the roller-coaster.

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Monday Musings

2011-10-10T16:48:00.001-05:00

Daddy surprised me some beautiful flowers today! It made my day! I love a vase full of fresh flowers.

He has been working so hard on Weston's nursery. He painted over the weekend, put together the dresser last night, and is currently putting the crib together right now. You can see a little of the color scheme here. Once the big pieces are put into place, I can have fun making it into a bedroom!

I had to share this picture from last night. Two silly boys just being boys.

Cohen has been working on his "faces" lately. This is cracking me up. Here is his "happy face".

This is the "mad face".

What a "sad face"!

I couldn't stop laughing during his "surprised face".

I will leave you with his laughing face. What a funny guy.

Oh, sorry there was a foot in every picture!

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Nursery Teaser Part 2

2011-10-09T16:22:00.002-05:00

Soccer

2011-10-09T08:13:00.000-05:00

Last week, we started soccer practice! We tried this when you were about eighteen months old, but it was too difficult for you at that point to be able to follow instructions, share, and even comprehend what a coach was telling you. Now that you are two and can better understand what people are asking of you, we thought we'd try again. Plus, this new class is outdoors on a real soccer field in the evening. It was great! I was truly impressed with the program and even more impressed with you and Arley!

I asked our friends, The Yebras, if they wanted to join us since Arley had recently started taking an interest in soccer and it would be a nice break in the middle of our work week to get together. Here y'all are taking a water break. The cuteness is killing me.

You started off practice with stretching.

Then you practiced stopping the ball, which is something you and Daddy do quite often.

I was amazed with how well you followed instructions from your coach. Here you are standing on your "boo circle". Look at Arley standing on hers!

You worked on scoring a goal,

placing cones, kicking them down,

and picking them back up with your feet.

You chased a hula hoop and kicked it.

You completed an obstacle course with Mimi. It was so nice to have her there to help me with some of the activities (it's a parent participation class but Daddy coaches on Wednesday nights). She also took a lot of these pictures!

You had the time of your life!

At the end, your team huddled up for some cheering and a soccer ball stamp.

At the end of practice, you and Arley walked out hand in hand chatting away.

Here is a pic of the soccer moms! I look forward to this special time with you each week for the next eight weeks!

25 Weeks

2011-10-08T15:46:00.000-05:00

I am twenty-five weeks pregnant. Cohen wanted to be in the picture with me this week. He really likes to give his Baby Weston kisses and hugs. I can't believe it's already October. The time before January is just going to fly by! I am trying to soak it all in as a mom of one before I become a mom of two BOYS!

Baby is the size of: an average rutabaga. Weston is about 13.5 inches long now and probably weighs about a pound a half. Wrinkled skin is beginning to smooth out and he is starting to look more like a newborn. If we could see his hair (if he has any) we would be able to tell it's color and texture.
Doctor's appointment: My appointment last week was good. I had gained 4 pounds, which he said was great. My blood pressure was good and the fundal height measured right on track. His heartbeat was 151 bpm. That is what I have found to be pretty average for him. I check it every other night at home on my fetal doppler. At this appointment, I was given my infamous glucose screening drink to take right before my next appointment. Then, the nurse will draw my blood and check for gestational diabetes and anemia. Doctor said I will be experiencing more Braxton Hicks contractions as time goes on. After my next appointment in early November, I will begin going to the doctor twice a month!

Symptoms: I am still feeling good! Heartburn in my throat started last week. I found myself trying to sleep upright sevral nights last week. This seems a lot earlier than it was last time. Also, my calves have been really sore when I wake up in the morning. I remember with my last pregnancy towards the end, I would wake up and it would feel like I was stepping on pins and needles. My fingers are swelling. Last pregnancy I got my wedding ring re-adjusted THREE times so that it would fit. After Cohen was born and my fingers shrunk, I got it resized again. This time, I haven't done it yet, but that may be right around the corner.

Baby-related purchases? The paint in the nursery is completed! We love it. We have also purchased the crib and the dresser and are just waiting for those to arrive. After that is set up, it will be easy for me to accessorize the room with all the fun things. Thanks to Pinterest, I have several great ideas.

Fun moment this past week: I always enjoy picking Cohen up from school, but this week I found myself missing him terribly during the day. Every afternoon, picking him up and hearing him yell "Mommy!" from inside the door was an enjoyable moment. He succeeded in wearing underwear ALL week at school with only TWO total accidents in a week. I'd say that it a major milestone for us! Yay for underwear.

Movement: He is finally moving a lot, moreso after I eat grapefruit. Sometimes I can feel him kicking at 2 AM. I don't mind waking up to that.

Food cravings: nothing crazy this week.

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach

What I am looking forward to: Fall! I love all things Fall - pumpkin patches, Halloween, cooler weather. I can't wait to celebrate!

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ABCBs

2011-10-06T17:07:00.001-05:00

You have been so into the alphabet lately. You call them the "ABCBs". Daddy and I have never drilled you with letters, but we have done flashcards during dinner or while waiting somewhere and Mrs. M works with you and the other kids at school. You also love your Meet the Sight Words DVD I got you last year. There is an app on my phone that sings the alphabet song, displays letters and their sounds when you touch that and you have been choosing to play that over Angry Birds. Proud moment! Haha We have been reading to you nightly since you were born and you love books. I hope your love for learning continues!

I wanted to remember a few cute/amazing things you have done. The other day I pulled onto Compass Bank to get cash out of the ATM. I never go to this bank so much to my surprise when I pulled in you yelled out, "Mama look! C-o-m!" Seriously it just blew my mind that you were recognizing letters in a word. Today, as we were driving home a big Walmart truck pulled beside us and you spouted off the whole world Walmart in letters. You are so amazing bubby! I just wanted you to know. "lub u"

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A Picture Says It All

2011-10-02T13:31:00.001-05:00

We feel the same way. A weekend of big boy underwear brought many celebrations and lots of exhaustion!

Saturday was a little rougher than Friday evening. You had one accident at MiMi's and one in the car after Daddy's game. Otherwise, Saturday was also filled with many successful potty trips!

Sunday was amazing! You woke up dry, went to the potty and we left for Daddy's Mens Leauge game across town. You stayed dry and went in the car potty as soon as we got there. We tried to watch Daddy's game but you are BUSY! You also needed to go potty every 15 minutes. It would seem like we would just get back to our seat and you would look at me minutes later and say "Go potty?" So, off we would go again. Can't deny you the pot when you are learning!
It's funny because I won't put your bottom on a public seat yet so we have to hover you over the potty for you to go. Daddy has a much easier time with that because he doesn't have a preg belly in front of him. You did great, but mommy is wiped out!

On the way home, we stopped to grab lunch and while we were waiting in line you asked for potty in a serious tone. I jumped out, got your potty and brought you to the front for a big number two! Woop Woop! You were so proud of yourself!

We got home, ate lunch, watched the Cowboys and now you are snoozing. My eyes are drifting off as I write this too. Just wanted to let you know that I couldn't be more proud of you. Let's see if we can keep it up all week!

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Nursery Teaser

2011-10-01T20:08:00.001-05:00

Proud Parents

2011-09-30T22:09:00.001-05:00

Tonight was your first outing in underwear! You did so well! We knew potty training would not get serious unless you were allowed to just your undies out of the house and not have the opportunity to comfortably go potty in your diaper. I don't want to jinx it, but it sure was easy tonight!

We dressed you in your Thomas underwear and I packed three extra outfits just in case!

Our first stop was to drop daddy off at his soccer fields for a short practice. Then you and I headed to the mall to get Auntie Cassie's birthday gift. I put your training potty in the car so we'd have easy access to a potty. Plus I am
not ready to put your hiney on a public potty. You sat before we went into the mall but didn't go.

We were in the mall for an hour, and when we came back out you went right away in the potty. Yes!

Then we went to Daddy's field to kick around with Max!

You had so much fun! After playing soccer, we headed to meet Cass and David for dinner. We put you on the potty before heading there and had potty success number two!

At dinner you asked me to go twice. Daddy took you and held you up so you could go facing forward. That's what we are practicing now on big potties. Again, you were successful twice!

After the last time you went at the restaurant, you kept saying more potty so we knew it was going to be number 2! We quickly headed to the car and sat you down and had another potty success followed by dry underwear all the way home and a bigger success (if you know what I mean haha!) once we got home.

We are so proud of you! I hope this is the beginning of the road to no diapers/pull ups!

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Sleep

2011-09-28T03:05:00.001-05:00

It's 2:34 am. On a Wednesday. Not a weekend.

Buggy, lately we have been dealing with some sleep issues. I could say it's been since we tossed the paci, but that would be a lie. It's definitely not since the bed change. You have done a great job in your big boy bed. You love it, you stay in it, you want to sleep in it. You are just having a hard time with that last part. I could also blame it on 2% milk not filling you up at night, but we have started doing a night time snack before bed and you are quite satisfied hunger wise before we put you down.

We had about a week of Post-Paci Meltdown 2011. But, we got through that. I think this may have a little something to do with W-e-s-t-o-n.

Tonight has been a perfect example of what we will now call September Sleep Deprivation Month.

We put you in bed after dinner, walk, play, snack, bath, brush teeth, Daddy time, book. You wanted me to read Calico and Thomas Has a Crack in His Track no less than 3 times each.

I tucked you in and I let Daddy say the goodbyes. Otherwise you might have ended up around my neck rather than in your bed.

A storm was coming in and we saw you cover your face on the monitor with your book. (You like to sleep with books. I'm a teacher so this excites me. Can I say no to that? No.) You fell asleep with your book on your face. Mommy fell asleep on the couch with daddy with some tv show blaring in my face. Daddy woke me up around 11 and we went to bed.

We had two more blissful hours of sleep before I finally heard you over the monitor. Most nights I play the ignore card and you fall back asleep after a while. Tonight though, you wanted your blankie and I saw it through the monitor laying on the floor. (This is how good you are about getting out)

I can't sleep without my blankie either so I got up, walked down to your room, opened the door, and without saying a word put your blankie on you and walked out. (thank you SuperNanny for that tip)

Cue meltdown. Over the monitor. "Nooooooo! Mama lay down!!! Paci!!!! Chewy!!! ( I give him a teether now in place of paci in case his teeth hurt that are coming in. Instead of a chew toy we call it a chewy) "Blankie!!!! Pig!!! (not me, the stuffed animal) pillow!!!! Nilk!!!! (milk) snack!!! Hungry!!! Ouchie!!!! *fake cough fake cough* Take bath!!!! Sit on couch!!!!". Basically, he requested everything he could think of.

After thirty minutes of this and because I'm just a mom, I give in and go in. All he wants now is "Sleep with mama and daddy now". Maybe if I got to see and spend the whole day with my child, I might feel differently, but there is something about getting to snuggle up close with your son after not getting to spend the day with him. These days are going to pass too quickly. Don't judge!

So, into our bed he goes. SuperNanny tactic fail. Next comes thirty minutes of sleep and then it starts all over. The novelty has worn off. "milk, snack, yo yo (Cheerios), pleasssse". Over and over and over. Daddy -"not now go night night" Mommy - repeat what daddy says. Cohen - repeat what he wants. Thirty more minutes of sleep. Then my body is being shaken and woken up by a two year old. "Mama, get up please. Hungry snack. Hungry milk." Can't deny my child a midnight (two AM) snack. Can't say I didn't want one myself. A Nutri Grain bar and cup of milk later we are back in bed. Two seconds later. "Mama get up. Gotta potty!" Lord, thank you for making me humble with this potty training. Rush full speed ahead to his bathroom potty in the dark. Then go through cheer routine, wash hands, high five, explanation of why he can only have one vitamin a day for the 50th time today(maybe I should start hiding that vitamin bottle in view- not in reach but in view) and off to bed. Forgot "pig" in bathroom. Back to bed with a full tummy and empty bladder. As I finish writing this blog from my phone, I turn over to this.

Sweet dream, two hours later!

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A Day Out With Thomas

2011-09-26T21:52:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful weekend in Horseshoe Bay and Burnet, TX! We have been planning our little trip to the Day Out With Thomas Event for a long while and it did not disappoint! We spent Saturday afternoon/night in Horseshoe Bay because it is so close to Burnet and we had a 9:20 AM train to catch on Sunday morning!

On the way up there, you showed us your new trick - eating with your toes. Oh, boys. I am sure I have plenty more of this to look forward to. I actually had to hand it to you for being so creative.

We spent the afternoon at the "beach" - The Marriot at Horsehoe Bay Resort. We have come here with you several times, and we love it each time! Mimi and Joan were with us! We all enjoyed a few hours of swimming and a nice dinner by the pool.

The next morning, we woke up early to head to Burnet, TX to see Thomas the Train. You were so excited! You kept saying you were going to ride Thomas and you would get so excited and laugh each time you thought about it. Get ready for an overload of pictures from the day in no particular order. My computer likes to do what it wants.

They had a lot of fun things to do at the event. You played with the trains,

picked out a Henry tatoo,

and this was your priceless face as you watched Thomas pull up into the station.

Finally, you realized who it was and yelled over and over, "It's THOMAS! Hi Thomas" Your excitement made me tear up a little.

It took a while before Thomas actually took off and you were getting pretty anxious to get moving.

You even took a little rest before we started moving.

We left the station and you loved looking out the window the whole time. We saw fields, cows, and junkyards. ha!

A real "brakemaster" came by to punch our tickets.

Mimi and Joan enjoyed the ride too!

As much as you love Thomas, you didn't care too much about taking pictures with him. It took MANY attempts.

Even though you didn't pose for this picture, I thought it turned out so cute.

We caught Thomas leaving, so we ran over to wave goodbye.

We walked around a little bit more. You loved this jumpy sliding train. You went through the maze about five times with a whole bunch of other kids. I was nervous but you did great! I thought you were such a big boy.

We had a great day with Thomas and Friends!

Twenty Three Weeks

2011-09-22T15:03:00.001-05:00

I am twenty THREE weeks pregnant and being a little silly in this pic because I feel humongous.

This week I decided to take some things off this update status so you won't have to read the same thing over and over. I have no stretch marks still and I didn't get any last time. Come to think of it, why would you want to know that anyway?! Also, I never know how much weight I gained because a.) we don't have a scale at home - threw that out a long time ago and b.) I only go to the Dr. once every month and get weighed, so I just don't know how it flucuates. Again though, like you care, right! You also know it's a boy and I am due January 17th. So, I will leave it to the interesting stuff.

Baby is the size of: a large mango. Weston weighs about a pound now! Blood vessels in his lungs are developing. Loud noises that become familiar now might not phase him once he is in the real world.

Symptoms: I am feeling good and surprisingly have a good amount of energy this week. Last weekend, we took away Cohen's pacifier. He was only using it at night, but it is apparent that it was a big comfort to him. His sleep has been totally out of whack this week because he is having a hard time adjusting. He is using every excuse in the book to get me to come into his room. "I'm scare" "Blankie fell" "Sleep with Mama, Daddy". My heart is sad for him, but I would rather his teeth be straight in the future and not start preschool with a paci in his mouth! HA!
My fingers are starting to swell a little bit and my feet hurt this week. It probably has something to do with the fact that I am standing, squatting, up and down all day long with 22 five year olds.

Baby-related purchases? This week we decided on nursery colors and I am hoping to get the approval from hubby to order the wall decal and buy the paint. Here is a hint. The paint color is called "Anonymous". :)

Fun moment this past week: Pinterest inspiration for the nursery. That website is addicting.

Movement: Somebody asked me yesterday if he was moving. I replied yes, but not as much as I'd like. I guess I just feel better when I feel a baby moving all day long.

Food cravings: Tortillas. Queso. You get the picture.

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach

What I am looking forward to: We are doing something very special with Cohen this weekend! Can't wait!

The Lion King and Dinner

2011-09-19T19:53:00.001-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, our friend Jen and I took you to see Lion King in 3d! You lasted about 45 minutes before you got bored. I got you a slushie and some Teddy Grahams. You sat in between us and you kept calling Jen, Jenny. It was hilarious. Then you held hands with her! It was fun to take you to a classic movie but it was probably more fun for me and Jen!

That night we had a birthday dinner for Uncle Chris at our house. I made a very simple meal of burgers, fries, and Queso. Here you and Chris are hanging out on the counter eating strawberries! Happy birthday Uncle Chris!

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Paci

2011-09-17T13:08:00.001-05:00

This is you and your beloved paci. Unfortunately for you, it was time to take that away. Trust me, it's hard on both of us.

We have been wanting to do this since you turned two, but with school starting and different things going on like transitioning into your big boy bed and Nana coming to town, we decided to wait until we could have a clear weekend to do it without too much change. It really is a big step.

We first took it away Friday night. We enjoyed a nice dinner out with friends then went for ice cream. We explained to you that all the pacis had gone bye bye and you weren't going to be getting one that night. You kept saying "bye bye paci" and looking out the window. Then bed time came. You were very sad but you got lots of extra kisses and snuggled and after 45 minutes of crying for it, you went to sleep.

You woke up at 5 and I could hear you saying "ow!" on the monitor so I went in to check on you and you were pointing at your teeth. You have some new ones coming in.

I took you back to our bed and you immediately asked for a paci. I just ignored it and we fell asleep.

Today, naptime was rough. You cried and cried for your paci but quickly found comfort in your books. I watched you on the video monitor as you got out of bed over and over to get another one to bring back into bed with you. Finally, after 45 minutes, you fell asleep.

This is just another little milestone that makes me both sad and happy. You are my big boy!

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Percy and Yes Mam!

2011-09-15T20:37:00.002-05:00

See the train in the middle? That's Percy. Last weekend, he went missing. It was tragic from a two year old's point of view. Well, a two year old that has a deep fascination with Thomas the Train. He can name every single train and conductor. He is allowed one thirty minute Thomas show a day, and that usually happens at 6:00 AM while we are finishing getting ready for work. He has books and toys galore of Thomas and Friends. John and I are amazed at the way he recognizes these things because besides a few color differences, they all look the same to us!

Anyway, I've been demanded by my two year to "find Percy!" every night. I have torn the house and car apart looking for this little green train. Today, we took a surprise trip to Kohls to find a new Percy. I knew all the normally pricey Thomas toys were 40% off, plus I always pull up the 20% off coupon on my phone. It was win-win.

Cohen saw all the trains way before we actually reached the toy aisle. Who do you think he spotted first?! Percy! The whole store got to hear his excitement.
It made me laugh. I let him pick out his Percy and we went on our way to check out the Halloween deco.

Funny story. I guess he got mad at Percy because he chunked him into a pumpkin display. We are having some throwing issues right now. Takes me back to about six months ago again. Well , I proceeded with "Oh how sad, mommy has to put Percy in the cart now. Poor Percy"

Immediately his response - "oh yes mam! Yes mam! Yes mam! No throw! I sorry! Yes mam!" Call me a pushover, but how do you deny him Percy back after that?

He clutched that train tight the whole rest of our shopping trip and when I finally opened him up in the car for him, it was followed with "Ohhhh thank you Mama!" and the happiest little two year old train lover.

I know this story was so fascinating for some of you. Haha. But I just wanted to remember it in his "baby book".

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Twenty Two Weeks

2011-09-15T17:34:00.000-05:00

I am twenty TWO weeks pregnant! (Tuesday)

How far along: 22 weeks

Baby is the size of: the length of a spaghetti squash. Weston weighs about a pound now! This week he looks like a miniature newborn and eyelids and eyebrows are more distinct. Tooth buds are actually forming inside his gums this week. His eyes are formed but won't have color yet. He also has fine hair covering his body called lanugo.

Symptoms: This week I woke up on Wednesday not feeling 100%. I had chills and thought I had a sore throat coming on. I had gotten the flu shot the day before, so I worried it was a reaction to that. I had some other symptoms that I won't elaborate on here, but I suspected mastitis. Mastitis is a swelling of your milk ducts/glands that can lead to an infection. I had that while nursing Cohen and it was just as bad as the flu. It knocks your body out. I suspected it, but wasn't sure I could get that while pregnant and not nursing yet. Sure enough, when I called my doctor's nurse, she said I must be in the lucky 2% that gets it while pregnant before nursing. Lovely. So, I am on a Z Pack (yes, it's safe) and it is feeling much better today!

Baby-related purchases? We bought a new vehicle! We love love love it! We knew we needed more space than the Rogue before Weston came, and we happened to come across a great opportunity. Of course, we stuck with used like planned and saved a ton. My favorite parts are the space, the leather, the THIRD row, the touch button on the remote to open the trunk AND start the car, and the feeling of being safe. We also have XM Radio and On Star! Whoo hoo!

Maternity clothes? Yes, but having the hardest time finding maternity pants for work!! Ugh!

Fun moment this past week: Nana was here to hang out.

Movement: more so at night than any other time or in the early morning when I turn over

Food cravings: grilled cheese this week and flautas

Gender: It's a boy! Weston Daniel Ballantyne

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach

Stretch marks: none

Weight gained:Ok, I don't know! It's going to happen every week! That's all I know!

What I am looking forward to: Halloween!

Time

2011-09-15T12:41:00.003-05:00

Time -
the system of those sequential relations that any event has to any other, as past, present, or future; indefinite and continuous duration regarded as that in which events succeed one another.

I like to think of myself as a timely person. I like to plan ahead whether it's meals or events; I like to be on time to things like work, church and social events; I believe that every child thrives on a routine especially for bedtime, naps, and meals; if I lost my calendar it would ruin my day; I like to wake up at the same time every day. I also know that if I leave five minutes later than normal, traffic can throw that whole "being timely" thing off; I knew that after many long/failed relationships that God would lead me to the perfect man in His time. He did and we were married just a little over a year after we met. Cohen came the next August. We have had the time of our lives.

Time is not always my friend. Lately, I feel RUSHED and PRESSED for time. Why is my baby growing up so fast? How are there possibly only 18 more Saturdays until my due date? When are we going to START on the nursery? How is it already Thursday? How is it already mid September? When am I going to get my Fall deco out and when I do will it already be time for Christmas deco? When is it going to be cold? How can I spend more time putting God first in our lives or teaching Cohen by His example? When are my kindergartners going to "get it"? How can I make enough time for our families? How do we make enough time for friends? When can we see our friends again? How will we rush from that soccer game to this one? When can we go on a date again? Am I focusing on my husband as much as I should? Am I focusing on Cohen as much as I should? Why can't I just freeze time when I am snuggling with him or when he is being angelic. Am I focusing on me as much as I should? SEE. TIME is overwhelming, but thanks for taking the time to read my vent. I feel better.

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Honesty

2011-09-07T22:58:00.001-05:00

The past couple of days I have been kind of emotional. Remember when I cried in my first pregnancy when John made me drop my Pop Tart? Yea. It's true. But this time it's different.

Ever since school started, I have imagined Cohen being at school with me next year in the preschool class. He will have just turned three. He will be the baby of the class. He is so smart, so sweet, kind, polite, and his laughter is contagious. I know he is going to do great, but the fact that he is going to be old enough for this makes me want to CRY. So, I do sometimes when I think about it. Maybe it will prep me for the actual day he goes.

Secondly, as my pregnancy continues along, I begin to think about my heart's capacity to love two little boys. I have heard this is a common fear for a second time mom. You wonder, "How will I ever love two babies the same?" And then I hear it just happens and you just do. Obviously. But, it is an emotional thing to think about! I wonder, hope, and pray for that day Weston comes into our lives. I know the love will be endless and my heart will just burst but again when I think about it I cry.

Last night I was gone all day. I saw Cohen for a total of five minutes before I was at work, doctor's appointment, and PTA meeting. When I got home he was cranky. I felt like he was mad at me. He had a great day with his Nana while she was here visiting, but he wasn't treating me the way he normally does. Of course that made me sad and frustrated. As I was changing him for bed, he slapped me. Hard. So out of character for him. It really really hurt my feelings. My jaw dropped and he knew by the look on my face and the disappointment in my voice that it was not ok. I had to walk away and cry. Then when I came back to him, he repeatedly said "I sorry mama" which made me cry more! But I waited for that until I laid in bed with him. Then the tears flowed. He didn't see. But I was emotional.

Emotion comes with being a mom. I've experienced every emotional possible with Cohen. Right now, my baby is growing up, another baby is growing, and my emotion is at an all time high.

Tonight, I tucked him in and told him my usual "I love you soooo much" and he repeated it like a parrot. I lay his blanket over his tummy, put Shamu in his arms, and turned on his turtle nightlight with the blue stars that project on the ceiling he loves so much. As I was closing the door behind me, I heard "I lub you momma". My heart probably melted on the floor. I went back in for one more kiss and I knew that my son knew just what I needed.

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Twenty One Weeks!

2011-09-06T06:14:00.000-05:00

I am twenty one weeks pregnant! (over halfway there) I remember when I was so sick this summer, and John and I were the only ones that knew about my pregnancy around 5 - 8 weeks, I thought it would never go by fast. Now, it seems to be flying by! It is true that the second pregnancy goes much faster than the first. I am sure it has to do with the busy two year old that keeps me on the go!

How far along: 21 weeks

Baby is the size of: the length of a large carrot. Baby weighs 3/4 of a pound now and is almost a foot long! This week the eyebrows and lids are present.

Symptoms: I am feeling pretty good! If I work too hard or stay on my feet all day (which I do most days! I am a kinder teacher and mom!) I might have Braxton Hicks contractions that night. Sometimes my stomach still bothers me. I am beginning to think it might be my gall bladder. I will ask my doctor today at my check up. Update - I will start taking Prilosec once a day. He doesn't think it's gallbladder related.

Baby-related purchases? We still haven't bought anything for this one! We need to get moving. I did semi start an online registry. We decided on a paint color. Does that count?

Maternity clothes? Yes! Of course, now.

Fun moment this past week: Feeling him move a lot more and seeing Cohen go right up to my stomach to "tiss Baby Weston" (kiss)

Movement: finally!

Food cravings: pecan praline ice cream, cherry tomatoes, pb & j

Gender: It's a boy! Weston Daniel Ballantyne

What I miss: nothing really right now, just loving every minute

Stretch marks: none

Weight gained:I will find out today - three pounds !

What I am looking forward to: We had a hint of Fall weather yesterday. I can't wait to open all the windows in the house, let the cool breeze in, wrap up in a blanket with my boys and "watch" some football and eat football snacks.

Busy Weekend

2011-09-05T21:24:00.001-05:00

Nana is in town and we took her to the first ever UTSA football game at The Alamodome. You did not get a nap that day and it showed. You screamed the whole way home and then we got stuck in traffic because of an accident. It made for a really long day!

The game was really loud but you were SO good!

Sunday, we rode the train at the zoo. You said we were riding Gordon ( a train from Thomas and Friends) You kind of just sat in awe the whole time. You didn't like the tunnel. It was dark and everyone was screaming. When we came out, you said "no more tunnel!"

After our train trip you got to visit your Uncle Chris AND your Auntie Cass all in one day!

Monday we decided we would start painting.

This is how I "worked". I didn't do much at all. Daddy and Nana worked so hard all day and it turned out beautifully.

I love love love the pop of blue color. It is starting to feel like home.

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Weston's First Movement

2011-08-27T15:54:00.001-05:00

Excuse the lovely bed head, but it's the Saturday after the first week of school and the plans are to be in pajamas all day! Cohen is sick and John's boys have a soccer tournament, so the day will be spent relaxing at home.

This morning, after a bowl of Shredded Wheat and while laying on the couch with Cohen finishing the movie Rio, I felt Weston's movements for the first time! I think I felt a flutter or two in the past couple weeks, but he was moving and shaking this morning and I wanted to be sure to document it. I'm sure he was wide awake since I was so still and that has been rare lately.

I am nineteen weeks and four days today. I will do a twenty week post next week. :)

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Sesame Street Second Birthday Party

2011-08-20T09:50:00.000-05:00

Crazy Week

2011-08-19T12:24:00.001-05:00

This is why I haven't blogged all week. I have a lot of catching up to do - and I will. But tonight I meet my new class and next week school starts!

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Can I Bottle This Stage Up?

2011-08-15T16:34:00.001-05:00

Our conversation on the way home was very interesting today.

1. I asked you if you had an accident because you had your spare clothes on when I picked you up. You said you had a "pee pee assident".

2. You then told me to "Go fast!" um?!?!?!

3. You proclaimed that you ate Sammy's snack today. I hope that's not true.

4. After all of these thing you told me, I said "You crack me up!" and you replied with, "I crack me up!"

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Paisley

2011-08-14T16:33:00.001-05:00

Auntie Cassidy got a new Yorkie Poo puppy named Paisley.

You were so sweet to her. You kept wanting to give her hugs and kisses. One time you played too rough with her, walked over to say "I sorry" and gave Paisley a hug.

This is the new face you have been making at me when I want to take your picture. Then I can't help but laugh because it's so hilarious! I have a feeling you are really going to love when Paisley comes over to play.

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Big Boy Bed

2011-08-13T09:03:00.001-05:00

We have been talking about switching you to your toddler bed (big boy bed) for a few months. You like to hike your leg up on the crib rail or jump around like a monkey. I never thought you were really tall enough to climb over, but that and the fact that it's difficult on my back to get you out while pregnant, prompted the bed switch over.

Daddy took Friday off and while I was working in my classroom he took the front part off of the crib and replaced it with the toddler rail.

I really didn't want to miss your first nap so after you and Daddy came to visit me in my class, we all went home for the first nap in your new bed.

I talked to you about it the whole way home, sat you down in your room and explained that you were not to get out until mommy and daddy came to get you or you called for us. We celebrated that you were a big boy, I laid you down with your blanket, pillow, and pig.....

and within a matter of minutes you were fast asleep.

I must say I was a little emotional (only a tear or two). I guess I was just so proud of you but sad that you were growing up at the same time. You slept for three wonderful hours and when you got up you waited for us with your feet dangling off the bed.

Last night, we had the same success. You took a little longer to fall asleep, but you didn't budge all night and you woke up around 8:30.

This time though, you could hear us talking in the living room and you ran out of your room very excited to see us and brag about your "big boy bed". Well, we will see what happens from here!

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Two Year Stats

2011-08-12T08:26:00.001-05:00

I am not going to lie when I say I couldn't sleep last night because I was so emotional that my little seven pound ten ounce baby boy is now a big two year old! Of course, I am ecstatic that you are growing, happy, and healthy, but I did get a little sad thinking back on your days as a "baby". It just really seems that time has been going so fast, and I can't tap on the brakes fast enough.

You had your two year well check on your actual birthday. We had to fill out the usual growth and development surveys and it's so interesting to see how the things on there match up with the things you have done or we have done with you in such a timely way. It's pretty amazing actually. Daddy and I laughed at the question "Does he kick a ball and follow it?"

Here are your stats from your visit:
Weight 24 pounds - 8%
Length 34 inches - 41%
Head circumference - 50.5cm- 90%

As soon as your exam was over, she asked "So, mom, do you have any concerns?" I always tell her that I am concerned with your eating habits. It's not that they are awful, and they have improved greatly, but seeing the eighth percentile kind of worried me. She nicely reassured me that you are perfect and she is not concerned or worried about your weight. It's matching nicely with your height (in otherwards you are stretching out) and if you weren't growing height wise then that might be cause for concern. She reminded me that you seem very active and athletic and that John and I are smaller, so you probably will be too. In fact, your Daddy was small growing up until about high school. She gave us the go ahead to switch from whole milk to 2% milk and that should improve your appetite. Again, she reassured me that most toddlers are picky eaters and that you might not eat three full meals a day and that's ok. Sometimes it's frustrating for me because you will love one thing one day and the next you won't eat it. But, as long as you are growing and the doc is happy, I am happy!

We talked about your language and how it has taken off. She was impressed that you could follow simple commands, said please and thank you, ask to go places, and that you ask a lot of questions. You were just talking up a storm in there for her. I told her that I used to be concerned that your big tongue would inhibit your speech development but that I wasn't as concerned, especially in the past month because you had been talking SO much. She said that was all normal.

We then talked about potty training and sleep habits. You are still doing pretty well with potty training at home for us. You do great at Mrs. M's. You especially like your new soccer ball potty. We are not pushing you, but more celebrating the times you do go for us! Two is still pretty early for a boy, like she said. But, because you are interested in it and do it often, we are going with it. If for some reason you start to show lack of interest, we will back off.

We told her you sleep wonderfully, still! She asked about the big boy bed transition and if we've done it. We told her no but that you've hiked your leg up and you jump around like a monkey in it. I also told her it is really starting to hurt my tummy and back being pregnant and getting you out of a crib. She agreed with us that it was time to transition. It is exciting, sad, and scary all at the same time! We talked about many ways to keep you safe in your room and in your bed at night and the things we should do if you choose to get out of your bed in the night.

You are just a happy healthy little boy and I thank God above each day for you. You love people, balls, animals, cars, trucks, and trains. You like to laugh, to run, and play. You love your friends and your family. You are independent but need your Mama too. Each morning when I hear "Mama, Are you?!" from the crib, I just can't wait to get in there and hold you. I still sit in the rocking chair with you every morning to rock you and wake you up. You are not a big morning person, but that just gives us more time to snuggle. You react to discipline well. We haven't needed timeout as much as we used to and you are starting to recognize the things that used to get you put in timeout. It works for us. You are respectful. You say I'm sorry when you need to and I "ove" you at the perfect times.

I love you my sweet baby boy!

Cohen is Two

2011-08-12T04:28:00.001-05:00

Cohen's Auntie Cassie made him this picture and I think it describes him perfectly!

It says:
Cohen age two
Loves: swimming, Elmo, choo choo trains, cupcakes, Sea World, soccer balls, mommy and daddy

I absolutely love this!

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Goodbye Normal Clothes

2011-08-09T19:01:00.001-05:00

I'm seventeen weeks today! I'm definitely growing. So, I thought it was time to say goodbye to some of my dear friends....

...a lot of my clothes. They will just be a short walk down the hall to the office closet, but I can't handle them anymore. I don't like opening my closet and rummaging through to find what fits and what doesn't.

I hung all of my maternity clothes, flowy tunics, maxi dresses, and organized my leggings. Being pregnant makes the organization OCD a little more extreme. Ha! I love this part of being pregnant though and it's fun to pull out all of the tops and jeans from when I was pregnany with Cohen. It's fun to find new stuff too!

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A-gee Buwds

2011-08-08T22:40:00.001-05:00

Right now you love to play Angry Birds on our iPhones. Any time you see an iPhone you beg to play "A-gee Buwds". You are actually pretty good too! Its just a little something I wanted to remember.

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Trip to the Park

2011-08-05T07:57:00.000-05:00

Sixteen Weeks

2011-08-04T08:51:00.000-05:00

I am sixteen weeks pregnant! (Tuesday) So I am a little late posting, but it has been a crazy week of putting my classroom together and getting a Sesame Street themed birthday party together for my little man.

How far along: 16 weeks

Baby is the size of: a large avocado - 4.5 inches long and 3-4 oz. In the next few weeks, the baby will DOUBLE his weight. This is supposed to be the time of a large growth spurt.

Symptoms: Lately, my lower back has really been hurting. Also, I can feel twinging and stretching. If I move quickly or sneeze, I get a sharp pain - all normal. I have a little more energy this week and feel less exhausted, although I have been waking up around 4 and not able to go back to sleep. I make up for it by going to bed most nights by 9.

Baby-related purchases? We almost bought a new car seat the other day, but didn't end up doing it.Again, we are waiting for the gender u/s before we buy much.

Maternity clothes? Yes, they are definitely more comfortable at this point. I can still wear some regular shirts, but all in all, maternity is most comfortable. I also love maxi dresses more than ever now.

Fun moment this past week: Cohen grabbed the fetal monitor and told me he was going to check on "beebee". Too cute.

Movement: not yet

Food cravings: strawberries, bean and cheese tacos

Gender: Hopefully, my doctor will say my scheduled u/s on August 11 is ok to do! That is Cohen's second birthday and I think it would be really cool to find out that day!

What I miss: COLD WEATHER. It's SO hot here this summer. Temps above 100 every day.

Stretch marks: none

Weight gained:Not sure...Last appointment I hadn't gained a pound. I am sure this has changed. See picture above. HAHA

What I am looking forward to: my next ob appointment on August 8th!

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Aug 2 Quote

2011-08-02T15:32:00.001-05:00

This afternoon when you woke from your nap, you asked if you could have a snack and watch choo choo train (Thomas)

When the Thomas song came on, I started singing along with it. "Go Go Thomas, Thomas number one!"

You looked right at me with an awkward face and said "Please stop!" I burst into laughter and said ok.

Then as I tried to snap this picture of you afterwards....

..you gave me that same awkward look, turned your head with a frown and said "No thank you no thank you"

Gosh, we have come along way from no! and stop! You're a crack up.

When Daddy got off work, we went with him to the dentist. The Dr blew up a balloon for you and you had a blast playing "tatch" with the front desk ladies.

You seemed to have a big crush on one of them because as soon as she would leave your view, you would say "Hey girl, are you?" (where are you?) Then she would come back into view and you would laugh and laugh.

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Birthday Month

2011-08-01T19:38:00.000-05:00

It's August 1st, which means it's your birthday month! Are you really almost two? How did this happen so fast? Because you have been making us laugh like crazy, I am going to pick one funny or sweet thing you say to us a day to post here in your "baby book" until your second birthday. I always loved the stories my mom wrote in mine about the things I said. Hopefully, you will get a kick out of this too someday.

It's no surprise that you are starting to repeat EVERYTHING we say. You are starting to talk in short sentences lately and it blows me away. Here is your funny story from today.

We were driving home this afternoon and the man in front of me, who was on his phone ARGH!, was changing his speed so frequently I couldn't pass him or keep up with him. He was not paying attention to the road. Under my breath, I said "Oh, so nowwww we are going to go 60?" He was aggravating me and I was being a little sarcastic.

From the back seat I hear this cheerful comment - "Now we go si-tee?!"

This was so funny to me and a good wake up call. You listen to every.little.thing.we.say. That was a teachable moment and I gave you a good lesson about driving. You responded like you totally understood - "OHHH, sank you mama!" (thank you mama)

You just brighten my day so much!

Party Sneak Peek

2011-07-31T08:40:00.001-05:00

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Cravings

2011-07-30T22:19:00.001-05:00

Sometimes when I get a craving, I type it in my little note app on my phone so I remember to check it at the store.

Here is this week's list:

I really want a Toaster Strudel AND some baby carrots right now. Not together, but one right after the other. Of course, we have neither in the fridge. Time for a trip to the store.

Oh, the reason strawberry milk gets a sad face is because I feel like if I drink milk I will get sick again. Soy milk gets a sideways smile because I have some, but it tastes better in a skinny vanilla latte-which I am passing on these days.

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Fetal Doppler

2011-07-30T05:35:00.001-05:00

I went back and forth in my decision to purchase a Fetal Doppler when I was about 10 weeks pregnant. I didn't want to not be able to find the heartbeat of the baby and end up consumed with worry. But, the $55 was worth the upside to that - which was getting to check on the newest little one whenever I wanted to between visits to the ob......which feels like forever the second time around.

I don't check it daily, but I do check a lot. Cohen is usually with me when I do, so he has picked up on the habit. Today, he took the doppler out of my nightstand drawer, looked at me as if to ask, and said "check on beebee".

This kid just keeps getting cuter and cuter. We are so blessed!

Choo Choo Train

2011-07-28T16:00:00.001-05:00

You have been into trains lately, specifically Thomas. Today, we went our our last playgroup outing to the Zoo Train!

From the moment you woke up and I told you where we were going, you repeatedly said "I want to ride the choo choo train" all morning. Finally, we got there!

All of you were very excited for the train to start moving!

Afterwards, you got between the girls and held hands. How sweet! We walked over to the Japanese Tea Gardens to look at the ducks and fish. Then we headed to Twin Sisters for a yummy brunch.

We will really miss our playdates!

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Cute Things

2011-07-26T21:21:00.001-05:00

I wanted to post about a few cute things you have been doing lately.

Since Daddy and I took you to Sea World the other night, you have been talking about Shamu constantly. You covered your ears for the Azul show and the "choo choo train"(roller coaster), but you absolutely loved Sea World.

When you get up in the mornings, you lay Cookie Monster on your pillow, put your paci in his mouth, cover him with a blankie, and tell him night night.

You also wake up most mornings asking for a rice cake. Hilarious.

You respond to our "I love you" now. So sweet.

You are better at using the potty when I let you run around in your big boy underwear. This afternoon, you told us three times when you had to go. No accidents!

You have moved from the high chair to a booster seat at the table with us.

Every day you do cute new things. You make me laugh! Love you bubs!

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Fourteen Weeks

2011-07-19T19:08:00.001-05:00

How far along: 14 weeks

Baby is the size of: an orange - 3.5/4 inches

Symptoms: stomach pains are hard to predict - they come and go, but overall I am feeling much better! I am now having lower back pains and can definitely feels twinges of things stretching from time to time.

Baby-related purchases? still not quite yet

Maternity clothes? I hung them all up and I am now wearing them!

Sleep: I slept through the night last night!

Fun moment this past week: We took Cohen to his first movie - Winnie the Pooh

Movement: not yet

Food cravings: soups and caffeine free Coke

Gender: On Thursday, I will find out the date of the gender sono

What I miss: my old clothes - oh well!

Stretch marks: none

Weight gained: We shall see on Thursday

What I am looking forward to: appointment!

Your First Movie

2011-07-17T21:41:00.001-05:00

Uncle Chris texted me yesterday to see if we'd be interested in taking you to a movie, Winnie the Pooh. You had never been but I had recently started to wonder if you might like it. So we said yes!

You thought this place was really cool!

Waiting for the movie to start

You kept calling the movie Winnie a Poop! Hilarious!

You did a great job. You loved the movie and were very interested in the red balloon that got stuck in the tree and then carried away a pot of Hunny. You talked about it in the car afterwards. It was really cute to watch you see your first movie!

Children's Museum

2011-07-14T19:02:00.001-05:00

We took a wild adventure to the Children's Museum downtown with our playgroup the other day. You guys had so much fun....

You shopped at "HEB",

milked a cow,

rode in a boat,

played with bubbles,

checked out the fish,

and had a scary lunch at Rainforest Cafe!

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Twenty Three Months

2011-07-11T21:17:00.001-05:00

I can't believe this will be my last monthly post and you will be TWO in a month. Weren't you just the sweet little seven pound ten ounce itty bitty baby that was handed to me in the hospital? It's bittersweet. I have spent a lot of time lately looking at those old photos and comparing them to the photos of you now. A lot of times I laugh and smile, and at times I cry a tear or two. You are growing up so fast and sometimes I wish I could just bottle you up and keep you this way forever. On the other hand, you amaze me each day with how much you learn and how much you love. You will always be my "baby".

Life around the age of two has definitely been trying. But, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Your sweet kisses and silly laughter make up for the temper tantrums. I love to see your little personality blossom. You are so innocent. You learn so much by watching and listening. You make us laugh daily, you test our patience, and you never cease to amaze us.

You still love people. You are Mister Social. You now say hello and bye to everything and everyone as well as thank you and please. I hear these phrases constantly "Bye bed!" in the morning when we leave your room. "Bye house" when we leave the house. "Hi Dadda night night" when you walk over to Daddy's side of the bed in the morning because you think he is still here. "Cank ew Mama" (thank you Mama) probably 100 times a day. "Cank ew taco" or whatever you just ate. "Peas nilk" (please milk) and the list could go on and on.

You are such an athlete. Your motor skills are incredible. At first I thought I was biased, but you seem to make jaws drop with the things you do. Your golf swing is insanely good for a child. Your precision and concentration when you hit the ball blow us away. You line balls up and kick them in the goal like it's natural. You climb (thank God not out of the crib yet), you jump, you run - you are constantly on the go. Although you love sports, you also love to color, to put puzzles together, to grab things with your tongs, to stack blocks and my favorite - you love to CLEAN!

Every day you say several new words. I gave up trying to list them all. But, here are some cute things you talk about.

"read book" - you want to read books when you wake up, before nap, and before bed.

"more books" and then you want more!

"I want ___________" fill in the blank with almost anything - you want it

"Night Night with Mama" - since our coast trip you are saying this constantly because I let you sleep in bed with me

"Kiss the baby" - you always want to kiss your new brother or sister in my tummy

"Choo Choo Timmy" is Thomas the Train's name - sorry Thomas!

You name most of the Sesame Street characters - "Elmo, Abby, Nom Nom (Cookie Monster), Er-ee is both Ernie and Bert, and HA HA HA is the Count"

You have started naming some colors - I let you choose which color Flinstone vitamin you want every morning and you always say "Furfle" (purple)

Counting is still not going so well, but that's ok. To you, numbers go in this order - "1,2, NINE?!, Dos" You seriously crack me up. We will get it before kindergarten.

"I want to brush teeth" - yay!

You are obsessed with "cake" and know that the little pink boxes Kate brings over contain cupcakes!

When we ask you a question you raise your hand and say "MEEEEE!"

Whenever you see someone with an ouch you want to kiss it. Let's stick with just kissing mommy and daddy's ouchies.

You love "iccccce"

When I ask you a question like "Are you ok?" you always cough first and say "mmmmm hmmmmmm." You always get the cough in though. Funny guy.

You still tell us "no" sometime but you have stopped using your finger and you have started just shaking your head and saying "no no no no no" in a sing song voice. Your new favorite word to use with us is "STOP!" We have at least come to the point where you say "please stop!" John and I just roll with it. We stopped saying no and started asking you to stop and look where it got us. HA!

You are loving this summer at home with Mama, going on play dates with our friends, playing outside with Daddy when he gets home from work, sleeping in and eating popsicles.

I saw this quote the other day and it couldn't be more true. "I thought I was a perfect parent, until I became a parent". I try every day to be perfect for you, but I'm not. The best part of that is that we are growing and learning together and that makes us as close as we are and the bond that we share indestructible. There is nothing like the love between a mama and son. I can't explain my love for you, because I would never find the words. HAPPY TWENTY THREE MONTHS, BUG!

Coast Trip

2011-07-10T22:38:00.001-05:00

Mimi called me on Thursday to see if we could go to Rockport because the condo opened up for the weekend. I wish we could say it was our condo, but her boss is always so nice to let us use it.

Here we are - beach-bound.Daddy stayed home to work and play golf with Uncle Chris.

We got there late on Friday and it was your bedtime already, but Saturday morning we headed to the beach. To my surprise, you ran right towards the water! You loved it. Mimi took you in the waves and you were laughing and having a ball.

You finally fell asleep in my arms and we decided to head back to the condo.

Of course once we got there you wanted nothing to do with a nap. We got dressed to go eat dinner. You were so handsome in your little Hawaiian outfit.

You were exhausted after playing ball outside when we got back. You kept saying "nigh nigh with mama" I let you sleep in bed with me and it was nice to snuggle with you for two nights.

In the morning you played a little golf,

watched a little golf (your request)

and then we walked on the pier.

We had a great weekend!

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Twelve Weeks

2011-07-06T13:31:00.000-05:00

I am twelve weeks pregnant (yesterday)! I will add a picture as soon as I decide to get up and get ready. I hadn't started this blog yet when I was twelve weeks with Cohen, so I don't have a post to compare to. But here are some fun highlights:

How far along: 12 weeks

Baby is the size of: a lime

Symptoms: still feeling stomach pains (Zantac seems to help, but been avoiding dairy), tired, and headaches

Baby-related purchases? not yet! Waiting until we find out the gender. That will determine a lot considering we have a ton of boy things.

Maternity clothes? not yet, although I have pulled them all out and they are looking very tempting. I did wear a pair of maternity shorts the other day, but they were a little big.

Sleep: waking up in the middle of the night to use the restroom and having a hard time falling back to sleep, waking up at 6 like clockwork and napping in the afternoons when Cohen does

Fun moment this past week: went on a family vacation to the Flying L Guest Ranch and celebrated Daddy's birthday

Movement: not yet, but stretching.

Food cravings: nothing. just aversions.

Gender: won't know for 6-8 more weeks :(

Belly Button in or out? in between

What I miss: coffee, energy, margs

Milestones: Almost through my first trimester!

Stretch marks: no no no! not yet, and hoping not to!

Weight gained: @ my last appointment I had only gained three pounds. huh?!

What I am looking forward to: feeling better!

Fourth of July

2011-07-04T20:19:00.001-05:00

For the fourth, we headed out to the Flying L Guest Ranch in Bandera. We heard they had a great toddler friendly water park and a golf course, so I knew both of my boys would be happy with staying there!

I really didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked, but we were too busy having fun!

We had a private one room cabin. It was so cute! We loved it. This morning though when John left for golf and me and Cohen were in bed, a black spider ran across the bed! Yikes!

After we checked in, we took a walk around the grounds and saw many cool things to do. Then we headed to the cabin for a quick nap, woke up and went straight to the water park for several hours before dinner.

They had a Putt putt course adjacent to the waterpark so while they golfed, mommy spent some time floating the lazy river by myself. I have to say, Cohen is really taking a liking to golf!

After dinner, we went on a sunset tractor ride. The tractor pulled a long trailer with seats. We rode down to the creek, fed the fish, went to the Ghost Town, and enjoyed the nice breeze and all the wildlife.

When we got back to the hotel area, we went to make s'mores! Cohen liked making them, but didn't like eating them.

We ordered some smoothies and headed to the real putting green.

We got a great night's rest. I scheduled a 7:00 am tee time for Daddy. It was neat because our cabin overlooked the first hole, and we got to watch him finish the first hole.

Cohen and I went to breakfast and met John at the ninth hole where we hopped in the cart. I thought we'd only last one hole but we rode around the whole back nine with him. Cohen had a blast and got to putt on each hole.

We quickly checked out of our cabin and headed back to the pool. We ordered lunch and swam for an hour before a major meltdown. Cohen was so exhausted. We knew it was time to head home! We all took a great nap! It was such a nice little quick get away!

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Week in the Life - Friday

2011-07-01T10:10:00.002-05:00

My day started at 2:00 am when a glass hurricane in our bathroom exploded. Seriously weirded me out and I couldn't get back to sleep. I have no clue what happened.

At 8:30, I finally got out of bed and had a bowl of cereal. John had left for work and Cohen was still sleeping. At nine, he woke up. We got a bowl of Apple Jacks and blueberries for him and sat on the couch. I'm not feeling good this morning.

I decided I needed to get up and not act like a zombie today. I needed to go to the bank, Costco, and to get J's birthday gift. While I got ready, Cohen played a Sesame Street computer game.

We picked up Mimi because she wanted to come. We headed to the bank. Bad idea - there were a million people. Headed to the oil change place again. Another bad idea - 2 hour wait. So we headed to lunch at Jims. The food took unusually long for Jims so Cohen played Angry Birds on MiMi's iPad and he was actually really good at it. He was screaming real loud when he knocked things down - Ohhhhhh Nooooooo!

After lunch we went to get Daddy's gift and they didn't have what I needed! Ugh! Not my day.

We headed home for naps. You WOULD NOT nap! So we read some books for a while and I tried again. This time you fell asleep.

Since we have been home my tummy has been hurting so bad. It just feels like I want to throw up, but can't. I never felt like this with Cohen and it's not a pleasant feeling. I tried some hibiscus Ginger tea and a cheese sandwich - that calmed it down a little.

While Cohen slept I did a couple loads of laundry, while battling my tummy, like I promised.
Then I got ready for GNO. We went to Habaneros (yummy!) and to see Bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids was hilarious. Sad I didn't get a pic of all us girls! Cohen had fun with Daddy at home, and when I got home I hung out with daddy and checked into bed! Goodnight!

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Week in the Life - Thursday

2011-06-30T08:23:00.001-05:00

I woke up at 6:30 this morning. I think I could sleep longer if I didn't have to wake up to use the bathroom every few hours. Is that TMI? Oh well, it's a fact of pregnancy.

I got up, poured myself some Carnation Instant breakfast (otherwise I will feel nausea right away) and cleaned the floors and the kitchen to prep for playgroup today.

At 7 I went to the store to get swim diapers and cash for pizza. When I got back John was ready to leave for work and Cohen was still asleep!

So I got started on some cupcakes for Aubrey. She is turning two on Saturday! Her, Arley, and Cheyanne are all coming over this morning to play in the water outside and have pizza!

Cohen finally got up around 9:00, which was nice because I got so much done before our friends got here.

Everyone got here around ten and we headed up to the playroom first. The kids played with all the toys! It was interesting to have four toddlers in one room! They did so good!

Then we headed down for some water and popsicle fun!

After water play, we had pizza, fruit, and cupcakes for Aubrey's birthday! Soon after that, babies started having breakdowns (Cohen most especially) and it was nap time! Cohen passed out as soon as everyone was out the door around 12:30.

At four o clock(!!) I heard him yelling "ninished!". Immediately I imagine him holding up a diaper full of number 2. He has been known to declothe during nap. I ran in there and he was holding his wet diaper up. Nothing else in site. I was laughing so hard at him. As soon as I got him out, he ran to the bathroom to go number two. Awesome!

He kept saying "wrap wrap" so I wrapped him up and let him watch a little Yo Gabba Gabba.

We took a walk up to the mailbox because I knew this was being delivered today:

Can't wait to use it!

Then Auntie Cass came over to hang out after work for a little bit. You showed her your little pool and water table outside. You didn't like when she left. You whined for her to come back.

Then we had a snack of blueberries, strawberries and you ate TWO bananas! Who is this child?!

We went upstairs to play and wait for Daddy. When Daddy got home we all played then he tool you downstairs go eat dinner (pizza) and let me stay upstairs to relax. Then they played soccer outside for a while.

They came in and Cohen got his bath and we put him to bed together.

Then John and I went to the room to test out the monitor. We found mine (in the placenta) and moved the probe over to the left and found the baby's. Clear difference and check out the heart rate!

Every time I have gone to Dr, it has been above 150! This was the fastest I have heard it!

I'm off to shower, get to bed and SLEEP!

I told Cohen that tomorrow was laundry day. John said, "Did you just say the L word?" I laughed. I have really sucked at laundry the past couple weeks. I just haven't felt good and folding clothes is the last thing that sounds fun. So, tomorrow is L day and we will venture out at some point to find a birthday gift for Daddy!

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Week in the Life - Wednesday

2011-06-29T08:13:00.001-05:00

Well, because Cohen fell asleep in the car yesterday at 5:30, I wasn't sure he would stay asleep for the night. I thought he would since he missed a nap. Sure enough though, he was up and calling for me at 9:30. We ended up golfing in the living room until about 10:30 with Daddy.

Then we let him lay in bed with us, hoping he'd fall asleep and we could take him to bed. Look who I found in bed with us this morning.

There is nothing better than snuggling with this guy, so I can't complain.

The boys continued to sleep until
nine o clock while I emptied the dishwasher, ran another load of laundry, ordered pics from Costco.

I had to wake them up around nine because I could hear the garbage truck and John wanted to be sure to get some bigger stuff out to them. So they woke up and we all ended up in the garage for the next hour cleaning and watering plants. Cohen loved watching the big truck drive by and when it left he yelled "bye truck! Thank you!"

I made pancakes, eggs, and hashbrowns while Cohen watched Sesame Street and John went to the store for potting soil.

We did a lot of things around the house today since John was off. Cohen went down for his nap at about twelve thirty.

John went outside to seal the front walkway that he stained and I settled into the couch for a Lifetime movie. On commercial breaks I did random chores around the house.

A while back I bought a Living Social deal for a photography studio at the mall, so when Cohen woke up we went to redeem that and check out the maternity clothing sale at Gap. By the way, I was not pleased with the photographer or the pictures. Ugh. I did find some great deals on some maternity tops. All of these for $50!

We came home and started dinner - grilled BBQ chicken, roasted corn, and mashed potatoes.

We even made some yummy Queso!

We sat outside while the chicken cooked and watched Cohen play in the water.

Here is some toddler reality for you - after this nice scene outside, Cohen started getting cranky and telling us "no!" so we had about three timeouts in a span of thirty minutes until he finally stopped. In otherwards, be would say no, to timeout he went for a minute and repeat. After timeout we always talk to him about why he went there and he has to apologize. Sometimes it takes a while for him to get it, but he eventually does. But we were exhausted!

Cohen actually ate his whole plate tonight - shocker! He finished it off with this.

Daddy left for a soccer game, I got Cohen ready for bed, and cleaned the house for playgroup tomorrow. Bed is calling my name. My stomach starts really hurting every night around 6 and tonight is no exception.

Long but productive day!

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Cohen's News

2011-06-28T22:07:00.002-05:00

Cohen is going to be a big brother in January!
** At the time I am posting this, I am exactly eleven weeks pregnant. However, I created this post at nine weeks! ;) I have been updating a little the past couple weeks before we made the news official to other people than family.

We are beyond thrilled at the news we received on May 3. It's been really hard to keep it a secret!

This little guy is going to be an amazing big brother. God has given him a sweet spirit, a loving heart, and a contagious attitude for life.

This is our new, sweet little blessing at 6 weeks. The baby had a heartbeat of 150 bpm. In the Dr's words, it was nice and strong.

Mommy is feeling awful. Thanks goodness for God's timing, as I am now out of work for the summer break. Cohen is so busy and keeps me constantly on my toes. I could watch him in awe for hours. I'm soaking in every nap I can while this guy snoozes. I am a walking zombie. Most days I prefer for us to stay in our pjs and not leave the house. This will pass, but I have to be thankful for the symptoms because that means my baby is growing inside me.

Our exact due date is January 17th. At the time I am writing this I am almost nine weeks. My major symptoms are nausea and sheer exhaustion. I have some serious smell and food aversions. Opening up the fridge or walking by the kitchen makes me want to cry because I am afraid of what I will smell. With Cohen I craved fresh fruit and orange juice constantly. With this pregnancy so far, I have only craved Ginger ale, sweet decaf tea, Chic Fil A lemonade, Tums( I suck on them and it helps!) and a nap. I can eat, but it's not my favorite thing to do. The one thing that reminds me of my pregnancy with Cohen is my true love for these:

I imagine we will find out the sex of the baby around September. Quite honestly, we will be happy with either - we just want a healthy baby!

Update at nine weeks. I was sent for blood work yesterday because I have been dizzy and out of breath very easily. I think I know that my iron will come back low, which means I will have to take supplements. Boo. My gummy vitamins don't have as much iron as regular prenatals. So, I will most likely have to add some to that.

When I visited the doctor, I did get extra surprise u/s. So, there's the bean at nine weeks!

**Update - My iron and thyroid levels were just find. Sometimes I need to remind myself that I am growing another human AND chasing around a toddler. It WILL get easier.

I am eleven weeks now. Some of the smell aversions are gone and most of the nausea has subsided. In the evenings though, my stomach really hurts. I try to make sure that water is the only thing I drink all day long now. Some of my cravings have been cereal, pop tarts (AGAIN!), grilled cheese, and chips and queso - nothing new there!

The doctor says I have gained three pounds. It feels like more, but I will go with three. I like that number. This stage of pregnancy just makes you feel fat. I can still fit into all of my clothes, but things are getting tighter, especially in the chest area. A major perk of pregnancy! haha

Our days have pretty much gone like this - wake up, playdate, come home for lunch, three hour nap, play and wait for daddy, dinner and bed. I still feel zombie-ish. I KNOW it will pass soon!

Here's the bump (already!?) at eleven weeks!

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Week in the Life - Tuesday

2011-06-28T13:35:00.001-05:00

Today we woke up around 7:45, ate waffles and yogurt for breakfast, and quickly got ready to meet our playgroup.

Some days Cohen prefers to sit in his booster seat at the table. Pretty sure it makes him feel like a big boy.

We did have to sit in timeout before we left for climbing up the stairs without mommy. Even if it was just the first two....He will learn someday.

Playgroup was so fun today! We met at a little farm/zoo. There were turkeys, peacocks, ponies, bunnies, goats, pigs, dogs, cows. It was such a neat place and y'all had a blast!

We went back to Cheyanne's house and Natalie made us a nice lunch. We watched y'all play while we got a little mommy talk in. Funny thing is as I was thinking of our conversation later today, I laughed at how many times it was cut off trying to crowd control three toddlers. Such is life! At least we have a girls night out this Friday. We might not know what to do with ourselves!

We came home and tried to nap but that just didn't happen today. Some cleaners showed up to scrape paint off the tile leftover from construction and then we had to bolt out the door for an appointment.

You went to hang out with Mimi while I went to the appointment. Y'all had a shopping trip to Walgreens next door to her office because she said you wouldn't stop talking about balls. She found you a little golf club set.

While at the Dr, I got to sneak in an unplanned sono of Baby B2. Everything was looking good at eleven weeks!

When we got home I put you in bed because you had finally fallen asleep....but it was in the car! Im thinking you might just stay asleep, but I could be wrong.

For the first time today, I did this:

When Daddy got home, we started dinner - Orange Chicken and Rice!

We thought the house was so quiet in the evening with Cohen already asleep. This is RARE.

I settled into the couch to watch a DVRd movie and Daddy headed up to watch a soccer documentary.

About thirty minutes later I heard, "Mammaaaaaaaa! Are you?!"

All I can do is laugh. It is what it is! It's 9:30 and Cohen is wide awake! This should be an interesting night!