AtlantaMama'sExpressions

My New Blog

2011-09-09T01:50:00.000-04:00

FOLLOW me over here:

http://injesusnamewe.blogspot.com/

to my NEW BLOG site!!

(It's mainly for Moms and Home Educators)

Happy Easter 2011

2011-04-25T00:30:00.001-04:00

I Love My Sister

2011-04-21T00:31:00.001-04:00

We packed up the kids, the high chair, the pack 'n play, the toys, the DVD's, and brought our Alabama t-shirts to go and visit my sister for the weekend. It was wonderful to see her! Sometimes I still can't believe that my baby sister is 21 and has a job now. But then again, sometimes, I still can't believe that I have two kids! Time goes by so fast as we get older. We had an awesome visit and we really enjoyed the A-Day game. My parents came along for the weekend too, so she had four adults and two kids crashing for the weekend. It was great & the kids had a BLAST.

I <3 My Sister!!

A Visit to UA

2011-04-19T00:24:00.002-04:00

A-Day Game 2011

My Firstborn

2011-04-14T23:13:00.002-04:00

Before the hair cut -- above (early April 2011)

My Baby is growing up!

His new hair cut (he looks even Older now)

16 Months Old

2011-04-03T22:02:00.001-04:00

March 2011 Recap

2011-03-31T22:12:00.000-04:00

Our Family Update and
Highlights from March 2011

This is one of the reasons I blog... it's a way to keep records of my kids, about my kids, and for my kids. It will be familiar to them to grow up in a generation where your whole life has been "shared" on line. And while I do am careful about what and how I post... I do love sharing milestones.

This past month both kids have been sick a lot. Mainly cough and cold stuff that just kept getting passed around (even to me and both grandmothers). But we are finally all getting well. Yay.

Early in March we had a service for the passing of the kids great grandmother. She had been sick for several years but it was still a very difficult loss because she was so dearly loved and super loveable. My husband was asked to pray at the family visitation and even spoke at the service the following day. He did a lovely job of honoring his sweet grandmother. We know that this is not the end but the beginning of her time in eternity. We will be together again Nanny.

WE LOVE YOU NANNY

Early Then on March 9th the baby turned 16 months old!! WOW! Where has the time gone? He's talking a lot... he says short sentences, he knows some animals and their sound, he loves to take about cars and airplanes, he loves to DANCE, and he will only feed himself (will not be fed). In month 16 he also started saying "I love you"! He melts my heart. In month 16 I've had to call poison control twice... and we now have a lovely butterfly bandage on his head. (The head boo boo took place this Sunday, March 27 and it's healing quickly!)

I say he's busy. My family says he's active. My husband says he's a billy goat because he has to climb to the highest point and he eats things like paper, side-walk-chalk, crayons, and diaper wipes all the time. So, the point is... I can't turn my back on my little Jack Russell for one minute. Literally in the time it took my to go pee pee the other day, he was on the fireplace, taking tiny rocks and other items out of the actual fireplace and covered in black dust. We now have child proofing on every drawer, cabnet, pantry, door knob... everything. I have my HAND FULL in this stage of his life. And I am praying for God to teach me how to keep him safe but also how to embrass his love and desire for FREEDOM. That's just in him!! He does not sit still. He's always happy and on the go... And I love him SOOOO much! God's got BIG plans for this kid... LOOK OUT!

My Toddler is growing up fast and turning into Mr. Pre-K. He knows his alphabet and sounds pretty well and we are starting to play with some writing. We made the decision to homeschool next year! Yikes! Here we go... Whatever happens, it will be an adventure.

He's also my helper in every way. He helps with clean up, cooking, baking, clothes, trash, and most importantly right now, he's my watchdog... He'll yell, "Mom, the Baby's doing something dangerous!" ; ) He's a good big brother. They are amazing friends and love to play together! And I enjoy watching them have fun and GO at their crazy energy levels until they crash. I also enjoy movie nights with Mr. Pre-K. We enjoy the pop corn and he talks about what we are watching and gets so into it.

We are getting to know his little personality and his heart even more now. He 's learned how to pray with us at night and that's just AWESOME! He's a good kid!! We are also seeing more and more of his creative skills. He's into drawing, singing, art, play-doh, and playing different instruments like drums, recorder, piano, and his new fav -- THE HARMONICA!

In this month of March, the Harmonica has LIVED with him 24/7. It goes in the car, in the sand box, in the bed, and even sometimes in the bath. He loves his yellow harmonica. So this past week (we have been stuck inside with a lot of rain) He put together a concert for us!! He picked out the outfit, he rehearsed "songs" and "tricks", and even practiced taking a bow while I clapped. So much fun!

Daddy and His Clone

2011-03-30T08:03:00.002-04:00

MARCH 2011

Mr Blue Eyes

2011-03-29T18:08:00.001-04:00

MARCH 2011

Climbing on TRUCKS

2011-03-28T09:46:00.001-04:00

Free photo slideshow made with Smilebox

Their First Year Together

2011-03-24T10:48:00.001-04:00

I'm going to play catch up a little bit and share this 2009-2010 collage with you of our boys FIRST YEAR TOGETHER as brothers and friends. This is filled with memories of playing at home, going on outings like the GA Aquarium, the Pumpkin Patch, the Beach trip, the Fishing Trip, and Holidays like Easter, Christmas, Valentines Day, and their Birthdays. They had an amazing first year together and they are fast friends already! They are growing up TOO FAST though.... Any finds the remote, please push PAUSE!

I'm back...

2011-03-23T10:55:00.000-04:00

I have taken 3 month off from blogging. And I've missed it. I went through a time where I realized I needed to cut back on some things, that were extra, in order to better focus on the things that were and are most important. So the blog took a back seat for a few months. I now feel the freedom to come back to it WITH FREEDOM. Freedom to post when I can, when I have time, and when it's not taking away from other things.

God has been doing a lot in us lately. Well, He's always at work. But this has been a season where I can feel the work. It's not like having your teeth worked on with no drugs... no, no... it's more like truth boot camp. Almost like a coach who has you doing sports boot camp until you can hardly feel your legs underneath your body... but you know it's all for a goal and purpose. And you want to be there. I feel that. And I am grateful to be in this season.

The kids are doing well. WOW! They are growing up. The oldest, "Bear" is 3 & 1/2 going on 4 and the baby love, "Pumpkin" is now 16 months old! They get along super well and laugh at each other all the time... even when it's nap time. I am very grateful for them and I am loving being a Mom to two boys!

I'm leaning everyday with two toddlers... God is guiding me through the roller coaster days of messes - diapers - time out - cleaning - stepping on toys on the way to the bathroom - have teachable moments - watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse instead of the news - "let's share and take turns" over and over - all of the day in/day out things... I am learning. I love it. I love them.

I am really enjoying getting to know their personalities. In fact, I'm thinking about changing their blog nicknames. Hmm, we'll see?!!

Well... it's good to be back!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010

2010-12-24T10:53:00.002-05:00

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY

2010-11-09T11:45:00.001-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

It's your 1st Birthday and we are so excited!!

Your family loves you very much Baby.

Happy First!!!!!!!!!

You are saying a few more words now. You are walking pretty well. And you love to try to climb. (Oh no - say the Mama!) You are such a happy baby! We are having a BLAST!!!

Cookies = Epic Failure

2010-11-06T11:37:00.000-04:00

Cookies = Epic Failure

I wanted to make cookies... but we were out of cookie dough (as in - bought from the store and ready to pop in the oven) so I got on my Hubby's new smart phone, looked up a Betty C recipe for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies... YUMMY!

Ok, they came out like muffin tops?!! Seriously! Not cookies. And there were TONS of them!

I don't what went wrong....
Well, yes I do... several things went wrong. I had to cook and cool regular oatmeal because we didn't have quick-cooking oats. I had to use little Hershey bars broken up instead of semi sweet chocolate chips. I added nuts and coconut flakes too. I kept adding flour to get the thickness right because it was super runny. Crazy....

Oh well... we called them Breakfast Muffin Cookies and ate them anyway!

Happy Birthday Kiki

2010-10-21T01:35:00.003-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!!!!

We love you and we are very very grateful for you in 1,000 ways! I hope that your birthday (& our going out to dinner tomorrow night) will be very BLESSED!

...And MANY MORE!

FIRST STEPS!!

2010-10-19T01:32:00.000-04:00

The Baby took his first steps tonight! He took about three quick steps from the toy (push behind truck) to the sofa. My Hubby used his phone to make a video, but we could not get him to "re-do" the steps on camera. Yay for a milestone! Walking at 11 months... yikes!

GA Aquarium

2010-10-14T23:26:00.001-04:00

Yay for Kiki and Gran Gran giving our toddler man tickets to the GA Aquarium for his birthday! Today was our day to go to Atlanta and we really enjoyed it! The largest tank is the size of a football field and hold 4 whales (not full grown yet) and could hold up to 6 full grown whales! There were huge sting rays and lots of sharks too!! The kids had fun and we all really enjoyed seeing SO MUCH! We played at the park afterward and took our time getting back home. It was a great day!

(having trouble w/ blogger not uploading my photos!)

Pumpkin Patch Pictures

2010-10-12T22:30:00.000-04:00

(ugh!! What's the deal with blogger? not uploading photos)

HAPPY 11 Months Old

2010-10-09T01:22:00.001-04:00

(not allowing me to upload photo)

HAPPY 11 Months Old to our wonderful little man!

You are a joy and delight to our whole family! You love to laugh. You are talking and saying cute things. You pull up on the sofa and play table all day... you'll be walking any day now. You can stand alone. You make a funny face and love to dance and act silly. You are still nursing and very healthy. You are getting so tall and growing lots more hair (cute little curls in the back)

WE LOVE YOU BABY!

Happy Birthday Uncle

2010-10-06T01:21:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday!!

We love you!

N. GA State Fair 2010

2010-09-30T08:14:00.000-04:00

Our Tradition!! YUM!

Feeding the Animals (Petting Zoo is FREE)

Super Cute Baby Goat

The Guys LOVED This ROBOT

LOVED seeing his reaction!!

Feeding a Camel (above)

Playing a Football Toss (below)

It's another Tradition (pics in front of the Shark!)

A FUN NIGHT AT THE NORTH GA STATE FAIR!

State Fair

2010-09-29T00:49:00.005-04:00

Cell Phone Beach Pics

2010-09-28T11:29:00.000-04:00

Anniversary

2010-09-27T11:47:00.002-04:00

Happy Anniversary
to my Hubby!!

7 YEARS

We met our junior yr in college. Our first date: April 18th. We got engaged on Dec. 18. We got married after we finished school (2003). We've lived in 4 different houses, we've had about 7 different jobs (btw the two of us), we've traveled to Guatemala, Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, and made lots of memories, we have had 2 great kids!!, we've made lots of friends, we have a great church community, and well.... we are doing this thing called LIFE together. It's been an adventure! Some days, it seems like a wild Six Flags ride and other days it seems natural and organic. We are very blessed by our family and friends. We are very blessed by our two wonderful boys. And we certainly blessed to have each other...

So here's to many more...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BUBBS

Happy 7 Year Anniversary

Our Beach Trip

2010-09-22T02:02:00.001-04:00

September in South Carolina

Our Fam ~ 2010

Donation Hair Cut Day

2010-09-16T17:34:00.002-04:00

Here's the BEFORE

Time for my hair cut...

Here's the AFTER

Here's the DONATION

Shopping made him Sleepy

2010-09-15T11:25:00.003-04:00

I'm doing my shopping... buying food... finding sales at Kroger's

I realize I haven't heard from my little man in the front "car" of our shopping cart in a while....

Because he was SOUND ASLEEP!!

But I'm a good Mom and I gave him the Coke pack to lean on!

Finally made it to our car seat... the nap continues...

Sept 2010 Update...

2010-09-14T10:01:00.002-04:00

I want more time to blog so that I can keep a track record of all of the great stories of my kids and our family life together. This summer was super busy with trips and visits to their grandparents. Then we took a huge step with our company so I have just stayed busy! We enjoyed our church summer camp this summer, and our first big family fishing trip to a lake and river area in north Georgia, we enjoyed lots of swimming time and cooking out together, we celebrated Nana's 50th this summer, we found out that our brother and sister in-law are going to have a baby in Feb 2011, we enjoyed lots of other friends 3rd birthday parties from our playgroup... I met two of these mom's in our Lamaze class over three years ago!! It's been a busy summer. This summer also brought some harder times with our house on the market and more importantly Gran Gran has had a lot going on with his heart and A-fib issues. Wow, we have been busy!

We have recently enjoyed our toddler's 3 year birthday and our little baby love is now 10 months old!

The baby is pulling up all day long and will even let go and just stand. He'll be walking soon! He's also teething very fast... already up to 7 teeth! He's a busy baby. He does not stay still for long. He's a talker too... tellin' us all about it! We are so blessed by him.

Our amazingly funny toddler is almost fully potty trained now. He likes the "big boy pants" and being a big boy "like Daddy". The poopy was our hardest step but we are doing better and better. We are enjoying this age because we talk and talk and he just says the funniest things. He's always been into animals and we continue to talk about animals and become animals and draw pictures of animals. It's his thing! We are doing homeschool pre-school... yes! I never thought I would homeschool... but here we go! He is so smart and I love to watch him learn. We are doing more now with some Leap Frog stuff and he's just doing great. We do lots of hands on art work to talk about colors, shapes, letters, etc... and then we hang the art work up to show it off to Daddy, Kiki, and Gran Gran. He is an awesome kid!! We are so close and I love our relationships with in our little family of four.

The boys love each other and laugh at each other often. They laugh at each other when it's time for naps or bed time and I don't even know what they are laughing at or why they think the other one is so funny. It's a brother thing. My Husband and I are really working on honor being the key thing in our home. We want to set an example of honoring each other and showing love and respect. We set that out there for them too... even between each other. We believe if we encourage them to honor, respect, and love each other (and us) then that will translate outside the home to other friends, and other adults. Character is more important than schooling. Character is built through example and relationship. We are are all learning... the kids are learning about each other and how to treat each other and we are learning a lot as parents of two boys.

I am very busy with the kids, homeschool stuff, our company (I am a photographer), and my own stuff - like our small group and our mom's groups... but I sure do miss keeping up with my blog. It's a good outlet for me. Me time is few and far between these days.

Please continue to pray for my Daddy. Pray for our house to SELL. And please pray for favor over our family run company!!!

Happy 10 Months Old!

2010-09-09T17:59:00.002-04:00

My Sweet Pumpkin Pumpkin

(Said here, "Punkin' Punkin' ")

Is 10 MONTHS OLD Today!!!!

I cannot believe it!!

7 teeth

22lbs and change

30&1/4" tall

Pulling up and Busy!!

WE LOVE YOU BABY!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Papa

2010-09-06T11:18:00.001-04:00

9 Month Pictures

2010-09-01T08:11:00.001-04:00

Diego's Treasure Hunt

2010-08-30T16:43:00.001-04:00

more birthday party pictures

3rd Birthday Party

2010-08-28T16:07:00.000-04:00

happy 3rd

Go Diego Go

when he 1st saw his party set up... Such A Happy Boy!

yummy party food

Kiki & Gran Gran

eat up

happy birthday

yummy cake

Nana & Papa

cousins

and friends

Rescue Pack

Mama's tradition of setting out pictures of the birthday boy...

(above) second from right is his 3Dsonogram photo

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY!!!

Pictures from his BIRTHDAY

2010-08-24T17:23:00.001-04:00

Adventure Birthday Party

2010-08-21T16:24:00.007-04:00

Diego came to our party!

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY!!!

Happy 3rd Birthday!!!

2010-08-19T07:15:00.001-04:00

It's Your 3rd Birthday TODAY!!!

My sweet baby boy is 3 now! We love you more than you can understand and we are so blessed by you everyday! We are very proud of the person you are becoming and your amazing heart! You are a great son and wonderful brother! You are so full of life and love and we find great joy in just watching you live your life. God has such a destiny for you big boy! I am honored to be your Mommy and to be part of this adventure we call life... together! My this be an AWESOME, WONDERFUL, and SUPER BLESSED year for you!!!

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!

This past weekend... a good Aunt

2010-08-17T12:07:00.001-04:00

Early Birthday Gifts (from this past weekend)

Someone has a BIRTHDAY coming up....

Happy Birthday Gifts from Aunt Ellen

More July FUN

2010-08-16T11:48:00.001-04:00

1st time with Cotton Candy!!

Daddy wanted to slide too!

This event was to raise money for MUST Ministries and it was a great event back in July! We had FUN!

More from July -- Nana's 50th

2010-08-14T02:09:00.033-04:00

Nana & Aunt Katie

Papa & Daddy

Happy Birthday Nana!!

Happy Birthday NANA

Our first July trip -- Summer Camp 2010

2010-08-12T13:28:00.001-04:00

our 1st july trip began with long packing list

my helpers

this makes packing faster ?!!

and they're out

...and back in...

this trip was over the 4th of July week

my parents were there too

the boys did great

church summer camp

dance night

thru the pack 'n play mesh

in the stroller a lot

he thought the golf cart was so cool

Aunt Ellen don't look... Shark bite

Dad and Hubby were A/V Nerds and worked at the Camp

we had FUN

I'm back and better that ever

2010-08-11T09:19:00.012-04:00

Hello Bloggy Blog and Friends,

We have been traveling and enjoying life this summer.....
several of the locations where we went had No Internet and/or limited access. So I took a MONTH off from blogging. What? But don't worry, I was out living life with my awesome boys and taking TONS and TONS of PHOTOS to share here with all of you!!
So now I'm back and better than ever!

Coming soon.... Lots of JULY pictures to show off what we've been up to!

Happy 9 Months Old

2010-08-09T08:48:00.000-04:00

Happy 9 Months Old
My little Pumpkin Pumpkin!

We are SO blessed by your sweet spirit and your joy!

Highlights from Month 8:

- You are ON THE GO full speed

- You are a climber

- You pull up all day long

- You are on a mission for electronics

- You are Super happy and joyful

- You have been teething.... and got 3 more teeth this past month....

Your 1st top tooth (Top Left) Then you got the top left of left and your lower right of right

- You tune in to the TV when songs come on, like the theme songs of Umi Zoomi and ELMO

- You are newly clingy to Mommy and you have never really been like that (I think It's the TEETH)

- You are talking a lot... Da Da, Buh Buh, and even some Mama (YAY!)

- You can clap

- You can crawl like superman

- You can get into anything

- You laugh SO MUCH and love to play with your brother

- You went to the church nursery for the first time and did GREAT (Mama heard a whole sermon)

- You went on your 1st Summer Camp

- Your Nana had her 50th B'day while you were 8 mons

- You went on your 1st Fishing Trip

- You love your home made baby food (fruits, veggies, and some grains so far)

- You never took a paci/nuk or a bottle

- If given the choice btw a toy of bright colors and something that's not a toy like a cell phone, remote, or other electronic device.... you almost never go for the toy

- You still sleep on the tummy

- You sleep best when your legs are covered (either by clothes or a little blanket)

- You do great in the bath (other then trying to stand up or climb the walls silly goose)

- You are a joy and blessing to this family and we are just LOVING learning who you are and what you like to do and see

I LOVE YOU BABY!!!!

away

2010-07-02T01:43:00.001-04:00

I miss you Dear Bloggy Blog! But I'm away and have NO interenet.... I'll catch up with you soon Dear Bloggy Blog. Hang in there while I'm away.

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”- Jeremiah 32:17

Boys, We do have a sofa...

2010-07-01T10:29:00.000-04:00

a few pics -- happy end of June

2010-07-01T10:20:00.007-04:00

the way they fell asleep for a nap

the way he fell asleep for a nap

seriously

the way he fell asleep in the play yard

the way he slept after Mama moved toys

they were all clean

sweet baby smiles

happy times

More June Pics

2010-06-30T08:25:00.002-04:00

PHONE PHOTO & VIDEO UPDATE:

sleeping sweetly with a SHARK in the bed

how did my pj's get up on my head?

family bbq night (rotisserie grilled steak)

the kids took me out for a lunch date

we were out... fast asleep

VIDEO of eating a Baby MUM MUM rice rusk

and gagging a lot (video below)

all covered in oatmeal and lovin' it

VIDEO of eating Oatmeal and laughing:

My Fav

used my b'day gift cards to get out one night

(below) sunset on my phone cam

crawling

2010-06-29T00:01:00.004-04:00

he's on the move now.....

.....our little one has been fully crawling

7 & 1/2 Months

2010-06-28T17:57:00.000-04:00

Our Quick Update

2010-06-27T10:38:00.001-04:00

My Daddy had another heart procedure. This was another ablation process, but it was not to deal with A-fib, but something circular, called A-flutter. This one was NOT as long as the first time around and he did NOT even have to stay in the hospital over night. His recovery has gone very well. In being at the hospital with my Mother that day, we can to realize that my Father's nurse was my best friend from 4th, 5th, & 6th grade when I attended a small Christian school. We were able to do some major catching up while my Dad "slept it off". What a blessing.

The Toddler is still potty training and very close to being "there". It's this AtlantaMama who is nervous about going OUT of the house w/o the trusty diaper. But he really is doing great when we are at home. And he's not even three years old yet.... which according to all of the other Mom's of boys, is "the age". So we are closer.

The Baby love is teething. Fully crawling all over the house. And has been trying to get up on his feet and tries to pull up on things (he's not able to pull-up fully, but he's close). He is eating his baby mush of organic oatmeal, rice cereal, and milk once a day. He's about to get to try some sweet potatoes this week... so we'll see how that goes.

They are both enjoying the pool and the great weather we have been having here in Hot-lanta!!

In other news, some of ours friends lost their baby girl this weekend. It was so hard to know what to say or think. Sometimes there are just no words. There are some things that we don't understand. I am praying for them and thinking about all they have gone thru. It just hurts. May the Lord be their comfort and peace this week.

The Fam

2010-06-25T08:11:00.003-04:00

Our first family pics since the baby was born!

fun fun

2010-06-24T01:00:00.000-04:00

a cousin's wedding

2010-06-23T09:42:00.003-04:00

the kids did great

workin' the dance floor

toddler Bear, you are not a single lady

toddler Bear, you are not old enough

We Enjoyed Their Beautiful Wedding!! Congrats!

Another 1st -- Food!

2010-06-22T11:33:00.002-04:00

he had his first food last week (organic rice... aka paste)

he did not love it and gagged a lot

it made for a funny video

Father's Day Pictures

2010-06-21T22:57:00.001-04:00

Daddy and his Boys

Gran Gran, Kiki, Aunt Ellen (and her little dog) enjoying the Pool with Daddy and little Bear on Father's Day after grilling out on the new grill

My Daddy ~ Gran Gran

happy father's day Daddy

not sure what the masking tape is for?

Daddy got a photo collage from each child

And new framed pictures for his desk

my fav ! A framed picture of Daddy holding each of our boys on the day that they were born and the title below says, "since day one" SO SWEET for Father's Day!

Another BLESSED Father's Day!!

(And we saw our Papa too, but we did not get ANY pictures?!)

Happy Father's Day 2010

2010-06-20T08:57:00.001-04:00

UGA vs UA

2010-06-19T19:14:00.000-04:00

What am I going to do? My whole family went to UGA and loves the Bulldawgs! My little sister is the ONLY Tide Fan in the family. Did she teach him this? Where did he get this? Well, he might not be accepted in the UGA football family on my side of the family... but all of the UA - Roll Tide folks will LOVE this video!!

Now He Knows His ABCs

2010-06-18T10:05:00.001-04:00

SINGS ABC's

ABC's like ELMO

More ABC's

mama's idea of fun

2010-06-16T07:55:00.001-04:00

Mama's Cowboy

A First Time For Everything

2010-06-15T07:48:00.001-04:00

First Time in the POOL

He loved the cool water on his foot and got realy excited about being in the POOL! kick.. kick.. kick.. Splash... Splash... Splash... We had a BLAST!

1st Time 4 Everything

2010-06-14T07:09:00.001-04:00

We got the bumper lane and found a 6lb ball so that our Toddler man could have at it and enjoy his first adventure in the bowling lane. You mean I can take a ball and throw it as hard as a I can and knock things over?!! Oh yes! He loved it! We did not know about the ramp ahead of time, but that made the ball go even faster... so he loved it too! Mama loves to see my kids light up and try something new. We all enjoyed it until it was time for a nap. He helped me and we still scored 130! Sweet!

these big brown eyes

2010-06-12T07:15:00.001-04:00

THESE Big Brown Eyes MELT MY HEART!

7 Months

2010-06-11T01:45:00.002-04:00

Wow! My sweet little Pumpkin Pie, you are already 7 months old and Mama cannot believe it! Time goes by TOO fast, my Love. This past month (month 6) was loaded with milestones. And once again I find myself being happy for you and so very proud of you and all that is going on as you grow... and yet sad too that with each change means it will never be that way again. New teeth means that your little toothless grin will never be the same. But I am deeply grateful that you are happy, healthy, and thriving. You are so much FUN!

Month 6 Highlights:
- you made a crazy noise while sucking in air (the end of month 5 and the first few weeks of month 6) but you were just vocalizing and you'd even smile about it
- you had your first round of shots
- you were wearing some 3-6 months stuff, but you've now gone to just 6-9month sizes and up
- you got your first tooth, bottom right (may 27, 2010)
- you got your 2nd tooth, bottom left (may 29, 2010)
- you were able to fully roll over and did that often
- you have been crawling backwards (and even getting stuck under things: chairs, ottoman, etc.)
- you figured out how to go from laying to SITTING UP on your own
- you can go from laying on your back, to your tummy, get up on all four and rock or scoot (pre-crawling)
- you started babbling syllables like "da da" and "bu bu" and found your voice toward the end of month six and now you "talk" all the time
- you have to know that Daddy loves that fact that you and your big bro said "da da" FIRST
- you had your first bath in the Bumbo chair
- you had your first bath just sitting up in the bath tub all by your big self
- you are such a happy baby
- you have used some paci's but don't have to have one (you main bite and play w/ them)
- you have used several teethers but anything cold or just actual ice seems best
- you have used large pieces of carrot for a teether and you enjoyed that
- still have not started food - food or any baby food yet, but will in month 7
- you sleep well: still take about 3 naps a day and sometimes 4, sleep through the night great MOST nights, and you always sleep on your belly
- we lowered your crib this month (when you taught yourself to sit up, you were able to get over to the side Mama thought you might try to jump out of the Pack 'N Play)
- you have a great personality
- you love to play with us and with your brother and get right in on whatever is going on
- you love to be tickled and you laugh like you can't breath
- you love your song and just light up when we sing it
- you are a blessing and a gift to us in every way
- 20 lbs 6 oz (early 6 months) my big boy
- we love you and we are so blessed by you

Toes and Teeth (video 1)

On The Move (video 2)

7 Months Old

2010-06-09T14:15:00.000-04:00

Happy 7 Months Old

Weekend Fun with Family

2010-06-07T01:02:00.004-04:00

We enjoyed a visit with our Uncle and Aunt

Got some AIR

the baby is trying to crawl and learned to SIT UP

We enjoyed going out to a festival together

Baby is fully SITTING UP on his own

New Shirts for the Baby

2010-06-04T12:54:00.000-04:00

If you think I'm cute you should see my Aunt

Clothes from his Aunt

This is how I roll

6 Month Pictures

2010-06-02T09:39:00.001-04:00

my birthday re-cap

2010-06-01T17:38:00.001-04:00

earlier in the day we swam and saw frogs

My Hubby planned to take the whole family to our down town square for a picnic and a free beach music concert. He packed the car with loads of food, chairs, cupcakes, the stroller, ice, drinks, etc... and one umbrella just in case....

My parents and my Grandma met us there... in the RAIN

(above) Family shot in the RAIN

(below) My sister and her bf also came to party in the rain

and my GOOD friend even came by...

the RAIN did not let up

(I dryed my hair when we got home)

took the party HOME

happy & wet BIRTHDAY to me

my husband made a huge effort

It was a HAPPY birthday!!

I am loved

(and a little sick since Friday night, but that 's Ok

it's just a little cold)

Memorial Day

2010-05-30T17:16:00.007-04:00

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To those who have served and who still serve to make us safe and free! We are grateful!

(Both of my grandfathers were in in the Navy and are now with Jesus)

GOD BLESS AMERICA

love 'em

2010-05-29T03:06:00.000-04:00

My Birthday

2010-05-28T00:01:00.004-04:00

It's my birthday, friends!

Another year..... my, my, how time does fly the older we get.

I have been very blessed to have the family, friends, education, hobbies, church family, Husband, & amazing babies that I have in my life!!

What more could a girl want?

Favorites on my B'day

- Being with my family
- Eating out (not having to clean up dishes... whoo hoo)
- Cookie Cake or Tiramisu
- Iced Moca or Frap
- Picnics
- Taking lots of pictures (but that's almost everyday)

Thank you Lord for awesome friends and a wonderful, healthy family!

PS - in other news, I felt the baby's FIRST TOOTH yesterday... a huge milestone

FIRST TOOTH!!!!

May Sweeps & TV Reviews

2010-05-25T23:46:00.002-04:00

May Sweeps & TV Reviews

Sunday Night: LOST = D -
This grade comes from a non-fan who thinks the end lacked creativity and went in the politically correct (all be it unreal and untrue) direction... very odd, unfulfilled, and almost cheesy. I do recommend Jimmy Falon's take-off of LOST called, LATE so look that up on line and you'll be more fulfilled by this time travel ending and you'll LAUGH!!

Monday Night: 24 = A -
This grade comes from a fan who thinks that the end was well thought out and fulfilling! Now Jack can eat, use the bathroom, and get some sleep!
SIDEBAR: Was kind of wanting the "girl ending" where the old girlfriend from a few seasons ago (who went a little crazy in China) would come back and find him at his daughter's house and she 'd be well and want to grow old together... but hey, they writers knew better.

Monday Night: CHUCK = A+
This grade comes from a fan who thinks the season finally was AWESOME and opened a can-o-worms for next season. If you are a child of the 80's and you have not been watching CHUCK, do it! I will hold my breath until next season. The season finally was very fulfilling and full of action-comedy.

Tuesday Nigh: BIGGEST LOSER = B+
This grade comes from a fan who enjoys seeing people TRANSFORM their lives. However, it only gets a B+ because I think it is not "fair" on who wins (ie - those who come in with MORE to loose, loose the most).

Wednesday Night: AMERICAN IDOL = TBD
Looking fwd to the finally on Wednesday night. Will it be Lee or Crystal?? Simon's last season! I think Lee and Crystal are both talented and have already "won" no matter what happens. I am cheering for them both but I've been leaning more toward the Lee camp for about 5 weeks now. I was personally yelling at the TV that Casey stayed on the show as long as he did. He's is great on guitar, but it's not about that... it's about singing. These comments come from a fan with a BFA degree in Musical Theatre.

Other Shows
I heard that the guy won this season of celebrity apprentice but I did not catch the finally so I cannot accurately give that one a grade. I know he's been in and out of the hospital so I am glad he's Ok. I am sorry for Holly though, she worked very hard and raised the most money - ever - in the history of that show. But it is what it is and it's all for charity.

I have not been keeping up with Dancing with the Stars this season. Can't give a true review or grade on this season.

My family also enjoys Under Cover Boss and Extreme Home Make Over
And I am looking fwd to Coco's return to TBS in November!!

That's all for tonight....... get on line and buy/rent CHUCK seasons 1-3... Seriously!

All Clean

2010-05-24T07:45:00.001-04:00

a GREAT saturday to enjoy

2010-05-22T21:42:00.000-04:00

Saturday ~ I traded maternity jeans and diaper bags for my "real" jeans and a cute pink purse and headed out to get my hair done with my Sister and my Mom. Getting my hair done was my Mother's Day gift from my Hubby & the boys! We enjoyed time at the salon & going out to lunch together... a girls morning.

The afternoon was spent by the POOL!!!!

my Dad and Hubby built out from the grill

and did yard work

It was a beautiful day!

FRIDAY

2010-05-21T20:02:00.001-04:00

My little sister came HOME!

My sister came into town and brought the storms from Alabama

On friday we went to lunch with our Mom and my Hubby (who took a break from work to meet up with us) and then we all came home to REST

so nice to rest on a friday afternoon

ha ha... jokes... he's a good actor

Then on Friday Night we were going to GRILL OUT but it was rainy (and the pop up storms were still coming thru...) so we bought food from Kroger and invited our Grandma over for a big family meal! Complete with a cake - YUM!

6 Month Dr Visit

2010-05-20T20:46:00.002-04:00

Today was your 6 month Dr check up and your first round of shots.... Mama HATES SHOTS! Let me just say that for the record. Oh, it's aweful to watch a sweet baby love getting shots. But other than that, the visit was PERFECT! You are super healthy and doing very well.

phone pics today

My sweet Pumpkin Pie, you are 20 lbs & 6 oz and

you are 28 & 1/4" long now! 90th %-tile little man! ;)

We love you and are SO proud of you!!

Graduation Parties

2010-05-19T08:12:00.001-04:00

2010-05-18T07:52:00.000-04:00

Two Videos of my LAUGHING happy babies!

daddy needs a nap ;)

2010-05-17T07:13:00.001-04:00

you know you're sleepy when you fall asleep MID "hide-n-seek"

UNDER A TABLE

Glasses & Grandma

2010-05-16T07:04:00.001-04:00

putting on Mama's glasses...

putting Mama's glasses on the Baby...

coolest baby brother ever...

-------------------------

a very special grandmother

family day

2010-05-15T07:55:00.002-04:00

a great day

2010-05-14T00:31:00.001-04:00

picnic at the downtown square

playing & loved the little slide

playing with friends

ice cream shop with friends (phone pics)

a dinner picnic in the living room (Daddy had to work late)

then we needed to make CUPCAKES

Mommy had a great helper!

He called them "cupcake mountain" from DORA

had to have one after all his hard work with the candy

he did a great job & we had FUN

they love to LAUGH

2010-05-12T08:43:00.000-04:00

the baby may think mama & daddy are funny from time to time, but he ALWAYS thinks that his big brother is SO VERY FUNNY

even when he takes the teether

they love to laugh

And laugh

the love each other

And I LOVE my boys!! (all 3 of them)

more family

2010-05-11T10:35:00.001-04:00

Papa & Nana

Kiki & Gran Gran

We Love Our Family

Mother's Day Pics

2010-05-10T22:46:00.001-04:00

I Love Being A Mama!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day (photos!!)

Mother's Day (& 6 Months Old)

2010-05-09T09:38:00.002-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!!

I have a wonderful Mom & I'm so BLESSED!!

this day -- one year ago -- I was sharing happy news about our sweet baby on-the-way... and today, he's 6 Months Old!!!

Happy 6 Months my sweet baby love! We are so proud of you!

VIDEO from two weeks ago:

Saturday Pics

2010-05-08T22:38:00.000-04:00

We enjoyed the pool today!!

Update

2010-05-06T22:20:00.001-04:00

My Daddy is doing better... we've had a couple of times where his heart when off beat again, but it regulated each time w/o needing to be shocked with the paddles again. Praise God.

home from the hospital

2010-05-04T21:33:00.001-04:00

My Daddy has been in the hospital having a heart procedure (last Friday) and now he 's back home with us!!

We are so glad that he's doing better.

Older pictures w/ my kids:

5 Months

2010-04-26T22:16:00.004-04:00

happy 5 months pictures

We Love You

from last weekend

2010-04-21T16:57:00.001-04:00

they are growing up fast

2010-04-19T16:49:00.016-04:00

Today is the 19th & it's a Monday.... My Toddler 's month birthday's are on the 19th and my little Baby was born on a Monday, so it's his week birthday's. Which means that TODAY my Toddler is 32 MONTHS Old and the Baby baby is 23 WEEKS Old.

Yay for silly Mommy milestones.

a day in the life

2010-04-14T22:56:00.001-04:00

I've been away from my bloggy blog because we are Potty Training! Oh yea. So far so good (since last Friday) for my first time potty training a boy. I'll update on that soon and let you know what is working.

Today I am back on my blog to share with anyone and no one about my crazy day. My mom says that I have "I Love Lucy" moments and that is too true. Comedy.
So sometimes I wonder why I take two kids out to buy bread and milk, but I keep doing it again!
Today we made a quick Wal-Mart run. Quick means, nurse the baby in the parking lot when we get there. Get the double stroller out and open. Load up the diaper bag, wallet, and both kids and oh don't forget the sippy cup. And we go inside to by some basics. First I am stopped by a nice lady who wants to tell me a suggestion for teething babies. She called my son a "she" (and he's not actually teething yet) but I took no offense and just listened to her suggestion..... and life story about her four grandkids and five kids she raised and even her doctor's name in NJ. Awesome times. This employee was nice and while it was random, I now know her doctor in NJ's suggestions for my child's teething and as a bonus track I also got tips on dealing with the stomach bug too, also from the same doctor from NJ that she still calls from Atlanta. Ok, got the bread and cereal...Strawberry boxes are on sale $2... heading for the milk. Went over to look for clothes and found some play shorts for $3.50 and I'm thinking about what a sweet deal that is when IT HAPPENS. Melt down city. As my cousin says, I pushed it and stayed about four minutes longer than I should have... I'm in the shoes, in the very BACK of the store and both kids are "DONE". They have had it with the shoppin' time. The toddler is begging for juice like a scratched repeating CD. A fussy "I need to go home and take a nap now" repeating cry for more juice. The baby is crying. He wants to nurse and go take a nap too. Ok. I barrel toward the front of the store to make my way to the check out line. Everyone I pass is giving me looks as my double stroller of kids and food (and cute pair of shorts) is getting noticed. They fuss and cry through out the check out process. The nice express lane lady coments on "Done and Done-er" and hurries to get us out. Now we are heading for the car. Let's head home and get a nap. I got everything unloaded out of the stroller and loaded up in the car. The toddler is still droning about more juice so I finally open the milk (while I'm loading the car) and pour his sippy cup. I got everything and everyone back in the hot car. I get the crying baby to let him nurse again. Then, as I'm putting him in his car seat I SMELL SOMETHING. Remember that we are potty training?! Yea. So, he didn't tell me and he had a poopy situation. I choose NOT to unload and go back inside. I will just deal with this one in the car. While I'm changing the poopy pants toddler and he's laughing and kicking (oh because it would be too easy any other way) and the baby is still "talking" because he's so sleepy an older lady OPENS MY CAR DOOR across from me. I was so taken back and focused on the kids crying, laughing and needing diapers.... I just said to her, Excuse me?!
She kind of laughed and told me she had the wrong car.
Crazy times at Wal-Mart are not to be out done by the baby's poopy adventure slash complete diaper blow out this morning when I got to bible study. (Just finished the Beth Moore study on Revelation) I saw that it had gone thru his clothes and by the time I got to the bathroom it was all the way down his leg to his ankle. Yea. I found a trash bag in a closet and put the clothes in there and literally washed my baby in the SINK of the church restroom! Are you kidding me? Then I had to carry him back in with only his new diaper on. (Which meant sharing the lovely story with my whole table group.) I did have extra clothes in the diaper bag - thank goodness.
I love being a Mama.

Dear Wal-Mart,
Please, oh please make a bread and milk DRIVE-THRU
You'd make millions on the Moms like me who don't wanna get everyone out and in and potty and nap and forget a sippy cup. It would be SO EASY! I want a drive -thru!!
Who's with me?

happy 5 months old today

2010-04-09T17:57:00.001-04:00

HAPPY 5 MONTHS OLD
little bay

We Love You

You are amazing! You are the best baby.... so sweet, great with nursing, good with sleeping, and just very very content! You are almost sitting up on your own now. You love to hold toys, fingers, or a blanket and of course everything goes in the mouth now. Not sure if you are teething this early. You track things very well. You LAUGH all the time. You laugh when we try to get you to laugh. You laugh when someone tickles you. But you laugh sometimes when I am just changing your diaper or changing your clothes. You just think life is great and that lots of things are very very funny! I love that. You are are joyful and free. You minister calm to others and I see people disarm and chill out more when they hold you and when you are around them. You are in 6mo clothes (and up). You are in size 3 diapers. I love you chunky feet. I love your bright blue HUGE eyes... they just shine and light up. I love your smile and your laugh. I love it when you fall asleep and just sleep so hard that I think of a cat laying on it's side just passed out! (Sleeping hard!) You do spit up some and drool some... but it's really NOT a lot. Overall you are easy and sweet. And very healthy other than an occational congestion. You had your first St. Patrick's Day and your first Easter this month. We have been BUSY! Daddy left one job and is working on another in the field he really wants to be in anyway. (We are happy for that change!) We are so proud of you and we love you little baby. You are WONDERFUL. You are a blessing to our family in everyway.
Happy 5 Months Old!!!

Easter Sunday Pics

2010-04-08T08:25:00.003-04:00

making eggs last week

2010-04-07T12:19:00.001-04:00

oops!

Playgroup Easter

2010-04-06T00:57:00.003-04:00