Birthday Weekend

This past weekend was my birthday. On Saturday, we had a fun morning with Jennifer and Michelle and then we met our family at Huey's for a yummy dinner. Afterwards, we walked down to a new yogurt place called YoLo's where we created our own yogurt concoctions. It was such a fun night and I really enjoyed spending it with the people that love me most. I got some great things for my birthday such as, a new pair of black boots, The Sound of Music DVD, (I can't wait to watch this with Little Love), a Panera gift card, Chili's gift card and lots of fun new jewelry. I really couldn't think of anything I needed but of course everyone was so generous and I loved everything I got.

Then on Monday, I had plans to eat dinner with 5 of my most favorite girls. We met at Swanky's and enjoyed some fabulous cheese dip and Margarita's while we were waiting on our dinner. I just love Swanky's and we never go there so it was so nice to just get out and have some much needed girl time. Of course, they were also super generous and brought me all kinds of fabulous gifts such as some super cute scarfs, and gift cards to Target and Ann Taylor. Overall, it was such a fabulous birthday and I am just so thankful that I have so many wonderful people in my life. I can't imagine not having all these special people in my life and just thank God for their lives.



This is a picture form Swanky's with the girls and sadly the waiter cut Annah Mary out of the picture :(

2 months

Wow Littlest Love, you are already 2 months old! I have no idea where the time has gone. To be honest, this past month has been a little more difficult than your first. You started having some pretty crazy days where you would cry almost all day at times and I think your reflux is all to blame. I don't want to jinx us but you have thrown up a lot less and not cried as much in the last week so maybe we are turning a corner. I can tell something is bothering you though when you cry because you draw your little legs up and are just inconsolable. It just breaks my heart because I am so not a fan of the self soothing routine but you have had many times in the past month where that is all that we could do. It didn't matter how I held you or the way we rocked you screamed the same either way. Oh my goodness, hopefully it is going to continue to get better.

Otherwise, we have had a great month together. Sister continues to fall in love with you more and more each day as do your Daddy and I. I love to see her precious expression every morning when I bring you into the living room after we wake. She just beams with joy and can't wait to get her little hands on you! She will typically call out, "there's my Ham-bone"! I just love the way she adores you so. I can really tell that you adore her just as much because she was gotten more smiles out of you than anyone else.

What things are you up to these days; you are wearing size 0-3 or 3 month clothing and size 1 diapers. You were 10 lb. 9 ounces at your 2 month appointment and were such a brave little boy when you had to get your shots. Although you did cry, so did your Mommy so we both soothed each other when it was over. I just hate having to give you those silly vaccines but know they are oh so necessary. It just breaks my heart to see you cry. You were also 23 inches long and are in the 50-75% for weight and height!! Your daddy was so proud and wants me to plot and frame this milestone because we are sure will never be in this percentile of growth again!! You don't have the best genes to be a very big boy :)

Your skin is pretty sensitive just like your sister's was at this age and so I just switched to using Aquaphor baby wash and lotion since you seemed to keep a little rash on your body after using the Johnson's all natural products. I know it's probably just because you are so young right now but there's not much better than a clean, good smelling baby! On that note, you are NOT a fan of bath time and typically cry the whole time. Little Love will just sit there and sing to you and ask why you are crying over and over, it is quite joyful. Not really! I do plan to put you in the big tub with her soon and see if you are happier there since you love her so much.

You are still waking up and eating about every 3 hours even through the night but you have given me a couple of 4 or 5 hour stretches every once in a while. I don't mind it though because you are so happy during the night. Although you cry a lot during the day, your little tummy doesn't seem to bother you at night and you don't have nearly the problems you do during the day. During this last week of month 2, I placed you in your crib at night on your newborn lounger. You seem to sleep much better and don't grunt and groan nearly as much as you did when I had you in the Moses basket. I honestly think you were uncomfortable laying flat and by placing you upright on the lounger you are more comfortable after a feeding. You are such a good eater and I am so thankful for that. You are also a fairly quick nurser and will take a bottle like a champ.

You really are such a joy and I can't imagine a single minute without you in our lives. Your daddy already has such big plans for you and I just love to see my 2 men together. I love you so much and look forward to waking up to your little chunky self every morning!!

2 month's failed attempt

I attempted to get Little Man's 2 month pics the other day and I would say the attempt wasn't the best. He was ready to eat and was just not in the mood for photographs. Oh well, I guess we will try again tomorrow :)



spitting up



no more picture's mom!!



well this one turned out pretty good :)

Day at the park

Last Sunday after we got home from church, we decided to pack a picnic lunch and walk to a local park. It was such a gorgeous Fall day and we knew the cooler weather and rain was heading this way so we decided to take advantage of it. It was so nice to get out and enjoy a long walk with both kids and have fun at the playground. Clay walked the trail that goes around the playground the whole time we were there strolling Little Man while Little Love and I played on the swings, the slides and did lots of running around. Anything to tire out the little ball of energy these days is a good thing.





When we got home, we did a little more playing, especially since Little Man had awoken and decided to join the party. I love how Little Love already just loves to "play" with him as much as possible. I know they are going to be just the best of friends!

Precious Friends

Today we had some special friends come over for a visit. Michelle came over so that we could all meet Jennifer's little boy Gray for the first time. He was just too precious and I knew he wouldn't get out of our house without being held by Little Love! She was so excited having another new baby in the house but I don't think she realized that a 4 month old could be almost as big as her!

I just love these girls so much and can't wait for us to all be raising our babies together.

Christmas Wish List

I really don't have much on my wish list but for the kids, well, there are a few specific things I would love to get them or for family members to get. I usually send out a list to our parents and immediate family members of gift ideas and this year was no exception. I am really trying to stay away from things with small parts for Little Love because I know when Little Man becomes mobile, I will have to take all those new toys away and that would not be fun. Anyways, here are just a few items that are on our list this year.


For Little Love:

A Radio Flyer Tricycle in Pink - You may remember that Clay already bought Little Love a trike when she was at the ripe old age of 1 but she still is unable to ride it because her little legs are too short, so, Clay found one at Toys-R-Us and sister was all over the store riding it. We were sold on it from that moment on!



Fisher Price - My Loving Family Dollhouse: When I first decided that I wanted Little Love to have a doll house, Clay asked me where on Earth we would put that doll house since we are officially running out of room at this house. Well, after I came across this one, I decided we could make it work. It folds up so that it will be able to sit flesh with the wall in her room and is so super cute. I have shown it to Little Love in the store and she says she loves it. Of course, everything she sees lately she says she wants for her birthday or Christmas but this is her big gift she is getting from Nana this year!



Do you remember the old school Lincoln Logs? I sure do and I just loved playing with them when I was little. When I realized they now had a girly version, the Prairie Farmhouse set I just got so giddy. This is actually not something that Little Love has asked for and was kinda a last minute shopping decision but isn't it just the cutest!! I just couldn't pass it up, ya know with the nostalgia and all that comes along with the fact that her Momma used to have a set. Just love these. I believe these are a Santa gift this year.



MobiGo in pink. I have read a ton of reviews and have had quite the time deciding on which video gaming system / learning game I wanted to get for Little Love. After looking at them all, and even debating while in the store to purchase, I finally decided on the MobiGo. It's super cute and has a ton of great features. It is from V-tech so I know it is a great item. On top of the gaming system, we also got her a Princess game and the pink case to go with it. I am super excited about this gift as this is her big gift from Clay and I.



Princess 3 wheel scooter. This is something else I have looked at for quite a bit. We have a friend with one and I was super surprised that Little Love was able to maneuver herself on it but she was. She loves the fact that it has Snow White on there, her favorite Princess of all and I believe her Uncle Eric is getting her this. I know there will be many long days spent riding this up and down the sidewalk outside our house!!

As for the Littlest Love in our life. Well, we know he doesn't really need a thing, besides maybe some diapers but that still didn't stop me from getting him just a few boyish toys. I mean the kid does spend half his wake time in Little Love's old bouncy seat which is every shade of pink imaginable so I thought it was the least I could do!



Fisher Price Go Baby Go Snail - This is something I had not seen before and it looked pretty cute. It goes from baby to I believe age 1 so it will be just perfect for him. He also loves to look in mirrors right now so I am sure this will add many hours of enjoyment for him.



Fisher Price Work Bench - I absolutely love this and how boyish it is. I think I have a trend going. Did you notice the pink theme above for Little Love. I have to bring some masculinity into this house! Although this is for 6 months and up I think it will be super fun in the coming months. I love all the light and action along with the little hammer that comes with it.

I think he is also getting a quilt and some new curtains for his room, I finally took the pink ones down, and a few stocking stuffers. I have a friends that told me about the Sophie teething giraffe so I may look into that for his stocking. Super cute and very practical for the coming months.

As for Clay and I, well we don't really need a thing. As long as I am able to spend Christmas with my family and enjoy all the Lord has blessed us with I am happy as can be. I just want to spend Christmas morning here at my house and possibly have a big breakfast spread and invite our immediate family over to watch the kids open gifts. This time of year is so much more fun with an almost 3 year old around!! It just gets more and more fun every year!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year ...

I just can't get enough of the cuteness! I just love me some babies in coordinating / matching clothes! This is one pair of our Christmas jammies and I decided to get them out while we were decorating for Christmas.









Littlest Love says, "wow sister, that hairbow is bigger than my head!!"

Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving, we headed out to Clay's parents house in Collierville. We had originally planned to do lunch over at our house but since we had some last minute changes and guests that had some change of plans, we just decided this would be easiest. It was so nice to not have to go to different families homes in one day and to be able to spend Thanksgiving at one place with everyone.

Unfortunately, I didn't get my camera out until almost everyone had left but I did get a cute pic of Little Love sleeping on her Poppy. I would never have guessed that she would have actually fallen asleep when I sent her upstairs with Clay and Leon but she did!

Happy Thanksgiving!

from my littlest turkey to you!!

Christmas Card Time

I love this time of year. The leaves are starting to change, the weather is turning cooler, and it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! Of course, with this season can also come stress and lots of crazy days but I just like to enjoy the fact that the sun goes down early and it's dark by 5:00. It's easier to get Little Love to bed with it being dark outside and although she wakes a bit earlier than normal, I enjoy our early mornings spent with just us while Littlest Love is still snoozing away, (lately in my bed since I've been too exhausted to put him down after the 2nd or 3rd feeding of the night).

Anyways, it's also that time of year again, when I search all over for the most perfect Christmas Card to send out to all my family and friends. After searching high and low, I have been super impressed with the selection that Shutterfly has to offer this year. They also have a great deal going on where bloggers are able to get 50 free Christmas cards from their amazing selection. Just go here for more information. There are so many great options for multiple price ranges and all sorts of different styles. Below are just a few of my favorites they are offering this year.











I really love the fact that there are so many options for different religions. There are actually more than 800 Holiday Cards to choose from which may seem a little bit overwhelming but there is also a great little tool to help you sort through them all and choose the card that suits you best. Not only does Shutterfly have fabulous Christmas Cards to choose from, but they also have such a wide assortment of calendars, photo books, and photo gifts for any occasion.

I really look forward to choosing the most perfect card this year and using even more of those fabulous picture Elizabeth Wiggs took for us. I love showing off pictures of my precious little family and this year is even more special since there are 2 little ones to be oh so thankful for!!

Prematurity Awareness Day

Today is Prematurity Awareness Day. This is something that means a lot to our little family as all 3 of my kids were officially premature. Of course, I don't really consider L or H premature when I think about it but according to the definition, they were born before 37 weeks so they all fit in that category. The March of Dimes holds a special place in my heart and we have a family team called "Cooper's Troop" in memory of Cooper Walker. Although he was only here with us on earth for 3 short days, he has changed my life immeasurably and I know there are so many others that feel the same way.

With staggering statistics like, "1 in 8 babies are born prematurely", the fact that the United States scored a D on their report for the incidence of premature births and TN scoring a whopping 'F' it is just a sad reminder that even with all the medical advancements, still "the rate of premature birth in America is higher than that of most other developed nations." I wish there was an answer to why this is, but unfortunately there is not at this time. The March of Dimes though is working hard doing research and supporting moms, such as me, during difficult pregnancies and NICU stays. I can't say enough how much this organization means to me and the way I have been changed for the better because of their role in my life.

Church

I was attempting to get some pics of Littlest Love before church this morning but it is so hard to get these little ones to do anything I want them to. We did try again when we got home but then Little Love wasn't really into cooperating. Oh well, I guess we will just have to wait until our next shoot with Miss Elizabeth for some good shots :)







I do love this pic of my 2 precious miracles though. I just can't thank God enough for these precious blessings!!

Happy Birthday Lillie!

Today, Little Love and I headed over to one of her friends birthday parties from school. It is so fun to see her making friends outside of my circle of friends. Of course, she has to be friends with the kids of my friends since we do stuff with them frequently, but I love that she has made some little friends of her own.

She had a great time jumping in the bouncy house even though it was cold and rainy. That did not stop any of those little girls and boys! Then we headed inside for some craft time and cupcakes. Such a fun little party and I sure had one exhausted little girl afterwards! Good for naps :)











this is what Daddy and H did while we were partying :)

Before I know it, he's going to be bigger than her!!

Baby it's Cold Outside

All of a sudden, it has gotten COLD here in Memphis! Today, the high was only 52 and currently, Clay is at the UT vs. Memphis game and the temperature is supposed to reach a low of the 30's tonight. It does give Little Love a reason to try on her new mittens and toboggan :)







And, of course snuggling this little chunk is super fun too when it's cooling off outside!!

1 month

Dear Littlest Love,

I can't believe you are already 1 month old. It seems like the time has flown by even more so than it did with your sister! We have loved having you in our little family and I already can't imagine a single minute without you. I would be lying if I didn't say that I was concerned about how my heart could love anyone like I did your sister but to be honest, I guess it has just doubled in size. I love you so much and you really complete our family, (we think).

You are such a happy little baby and not really all that little anymore. When we went for your 2 week check-up you were weighing in at 6 lb. 10 oz and then when we went back the following week you were all the way up to 7 lb. 7 oz! I was just floored with your rapid growth and Dr. W was very impressed. I think you are going to be bigger than your sister was but we will just have to see. You are wearing newborn and 0-3 month clothing as well as size 1 diapers. Our Tiny G diapers didn't last nearly as long as I had anticipated! I would guess at this point that you are about 8 pounds which is a 3 pound weight gain since leaving the hospital!

You are such a happy baby and pretty easy going. You sleep really well in your Moses Basket and we are eating every 2 1/2 - 3 hours. You will sleep through anything at this point which is really great since sister is so loud and NEVER stops talking! :) I was hoping when you were inside of me that you would get used to her precious little voice and that it wouldn't disrupt your sleeping habits. You love to be swaddled and only seem to get frustrated at night some times. We have struggled with some reflux this month, and you will cry at times from late afternoon until the evening but just last week we started on some meds and I think they are starting to work. It just breaks this Mommas heart to hear you crying because when you do, I know it's because you are hurting.

Your sister absolutely LOVES you to death. She thinks you are her baby and she loves to just tickle your little toes and kiss your head. It is the most precious and heart warming thing to see her with you. I can tell that you really love her also because you will typically stop crying if she sings to you or gives you your pacifier. I know that in time, you will be the best of friends :) She just loves it when I pick her up at school and bring you with me and she just loves to show you off to everyone she knows.

You have brought us more joy than I ever thought a little boy could do and although you have graced me with lots of bodily fluids within the last month, I wouldn't trade you for the world. You are so much fun already and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for your life! I'm just praying that your Daddy and I will raise you to love the Lord and place Him first above everything else.

I love you little Ham-bone and can't wait to snuggle your little stinky self every morning!!

Love,
Momma