This precious little laugh is such a wonderful sound. You can't help but smile hearing Little Man having so much fun with his sister. I can't believe I worried as much as I did about having 2 and how it would affect Little Love. I couldn't ask for our transition to have gone better. He is her best friend already and it just makes me realize how special this small excerpt of time is :)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Saturday, February 05, 2011
joy of LOVE day 5
today's topic is what you love to hate ...
Little Love and Little Man haven't been around long enough to fit into this category yet. I think as a married couple though, each of us have our quirks that drive the other crazy. I would say the #1 thing that Clay does that just drives me batty is forgetting to get the garbage out on Monday mornings. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not above doing this, have done so on multiple occasions but I am a bit germaphobic, so the though of messing with yucky garbage just gives the the hibby jibbys. :) This has always been Clay's "job" and since it has to be placed on the street on Monday mornings, when I 'm getting home from a long night of work. I like for it to be done when I get there.
Anyways, here is a picture I sent him to his Iphone the last time he forgot. I know, not the best tactect for forgiveness but I am working on that.
(ok I can't find the picture but I will go ahead and post this because I don't want to get too far behind :)
sweetest voice and big sister ...
I love how Little Man just sits there basking in her little voice and singing, just melts my heart :)
(oh and yes, I do realize that he is almost as big as she is already!!!)
Friday, February 04, 2011
joy of LOVE day 4
today's topic is what they wear ...
Little Love is quite the independent little lady these days. Clay likes to allow her to pick out her own clothes but this Momma just isn't ready for that yet. Not because I am worried about her growing up though but more so because she doesn't typically match when she chooses her own outfit!
This doesn't bother Clay but I just can't go with the flow that much :) Anyways, I will allow my little Princess to go out in her dress-up clothes every now and then though. For example, on Tuesday night, we headed to Jason's Deli for dinner and she had been wearing her Snow White costume for most of the day so instead of arguing with her and not wanting to make a big deal out of it, we just put on some pants that coordinated and a jacket and just went with it.
I do love that little thing even with her crazy dressing ways!!
I will say though that on any given day, you can find Miss Priss dressed to the nines in her smocked dresses and hairbows that size of her head. We are from the South so it's kinda a necessity when leaving the house around here :)
As far as Little Man goes, he just gets whatever I choose from his drawer. For the most part since it's been so cold, we have lived in fleece footed pajamas and sweat suits. Afterall, he is only 4 month's so we're not super worried about fashion at this time. I do love me some smocked outfits on little boys though and we definitely dress up when it's time for church but during the other 6 days of the week we just stay in our cloth diapers and jammies :)
Show Us Your Life - What your toddler eats?
Over at Kelly's Korner, she is having a blog hop today on what you feed your children. I try to feed Little Love as much organic food as possible. We do a lot of shopping at Costco and they have a really great selection of organic / natural foods. I typically, purchase the Kirkland brand all natural frozen chicken breasts and the organic ground beef from there. I actually try and get about 90% of my meat from there due to their great prices and fabulous selection on the kinds of food I like to purchase for my family.
For breakfast, we do a lot of cereal or oatmeal with fruit. She also loves biscuits and eggs that I try to do at least twice a week to give her a more healthy option and keep her full longer. I'm not opposed to cereal bars either but I just try to limit them to once a week or so. When possible, I try to steer clear of foods with high fructose corn syrup or things with lot's of additives. She has probably only had juice about a handful of times her whole life and just prefers milk and water which I LOVE! Makes my job so much easier.
For lunch, we typically do grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadilla's, Peanut butter and Jelly or lunch meat with cheese, Natural Cheetos, and yogurt or fruit. She does really struggle to eat a ton of variety but for the most part she will eat what I put in front of her. I think the problem with variety is my fault not hers :(
Little Love loves to eat fruit snacks and although I cave on occasion and let her pick out some Disney brand while at Target, I try and purchase the Annie's Homegrown brand as much as possible. They still aren't super nutritious or anything but Little Love is such a snacker that I try to have semi healthy options for her to choose from.
Another thing that she likes to do and helps me out, especially with Little Man around now, is she has a cabinet of her own to choose snacks from. I only place things in her cabinet that I don't mind her having pretty much anytime of day. She can ask me at any point for a snack and if it's not close to meal time I let her have the autonomy to pick out what she wants. She loves it and it is such a huge help!
I've had one rule since Little Love was small, and that is; I will not make her something special to eat each night, she must eat what Clay and I are having. Now, don't get me wrong, if what Clay and I are eating is spicy or something I don't want her having, I will make an exception to the rule but for the most part, she must eat what she is served. I am not a short order cook and will not make accommodations for her. I decided to do this when she first was able to eat what we were because it makes life easier for all of us. I didn't want her palate to just consist of macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets. I have so many friends who have children that won't eat anything else and I didn't want Little Love to be that way.
The other big thing I have learned was when I was at a women's bible study a couple summer's ago. They had a nutritionist come in and talk to us about healthy foods for our children and what kind of expectations we should have for them. She suggested that they must at least taste each kind of food on their plates. She said that she even felt that licking or even the smallest bite to be acceptable when trying a new food. She also said that sometimes it can take as long as 6-8 times when introducing new foods to your child.
For breakfast, we do a lot of cereal or oatmeal with fruit. She also loves biscuits and eggs that I try to do at least twice a week to give her a more healthy option and keep her full longer. I'm not opposed to cereal bars either but I just try to limit them to once a week or so. When possible, I try to steer clear of foods with high fructose corn syrup or things with lot's of additives. She has probably only had juice about a handful of times her whole life and just prefers milk and water which I LOVE! Makes my job so much easier.
For lunch, we typically do grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadilla's, Peanut butter and Jelly or lunch meat with cheese, Natural Cheetos, and yogurt or fruit. She does really struggle to eat a ton of variety but for the most part she will eat what I put in front of her. I think the problem with variety is my fault not hers :(
Little Love loves to eat fruit snacks and although I cave on occasion and let her pick out some Disney brand while at Target, I try and purchase the Annie's Homegrown brand as much as possible. They still aren't super nutritious or anything but Little Love is such a snacker that I try to have semi healthy options for her to choose from.
Another thing that she likes to do and helps me out, especially with Little Man around now, is she has a cabinet of her own to choose snacks from. I only place things in her cabinet that I don't mind her having pretty much anytime of day. She can ask me at any point for a snack and if it's not close to meal time I let her have the autonomy to pick out what she wants. She loves it and it is such a huge help!
I've had one rule since Little Love was small, and that is; I will not make her something special to eat each night, she must eat what Clay and I are having. Now, don't get me wrong, if what Clay and I are eating is spicy or something I don't want her having, I will make an exception to the rule but for the most part, she must eat what she is served. I am not a short order cook and will not make accommodations for her. I decided to do this when she first was able to eat what we were because it makes life easier for all of us. I didn't want her palate to just consist of macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets. I have so many friends who have children that won't eat anything else and I didn't want Little Love to be that way.
The other big thing I have learned was when I was at a women's bible study a couple summer's ago. They had a nutritionist come in and talk to us about healthy foods for our children and what kind of expectations we should have for them. She suggested that they must at least taste each kind of food on their plates. She said that she even felt that licking or even the smallest bite to be acceptable when trying a new food. She also said that sometimes it can take as long as 6-8 times when introducing new foods to your child.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
joy of LOVE day 3
today's topic is then and now ...
THEN:
this time last year we had a big snow and Little Love had a great time outside playing in it, we made snow angels, a snowman, and then we made snow cream upon coming inside ...
NOW:
a couple weeks ago, we again had a great snow and I had to drag Little Love inside. looking back on these previous pictures, I just can't believe how big she has gotten and how grown-up she looks, makes me sad to think how quickly like is just passing us by
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
the joy of LOVE day 2
How they look ....
Today we just had a day at home, we spent time with some friends over lunch and just enjoyed each other's company. Little Love got out her dress-up clothes and just had a blast playing with Little Man. She has started calling him her Prince Charming, (typically this is what she calls her Daddy, but yesterday she mentioned that H was her Prince Charming) :) I just love it!! I had such a great day just spending time with my babies.
to join this fun month of love, click here
Just makes me smile!
I just love to see my little babies smile. One of the happiest times is when they are in the bathtub together! They are just precious. H loves his big sister and vice versa. She loves to tickle his little toes while they are in there and help me by rinsing him off when it's time to get out.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
silly girl
Little Love was getting ready for ballet last week and decided that she could dress herself. This is actually her newest talent that is a huge help, baring she picks out matching clothes! Well, she was surprisingly able to get her tights on and then pulled them up super high and wanted her picture taken. Vain much?? I do love her sassy little self :)
the joy of LOVE
I'm not sure if you've ever heard of Willette Photography but if you haven't, you should definitely check her out. She is fabulous and is doing a very fun thing for the month of February.
This is a FREE 28-day class. I can't believe she is willing to help all of us amateur photogs or those that wish we were, trying to photograph our children and loved ones.
from Willette's blog ...
participants will receive daily email prompts/photo assignments with some tutorial/instruction built into the daily email lesson. it is that easy. i email you every morning, and you follow the assignment/prompt if you would like. i will create a public flickr gallery where you can share if you so choose.
suggested class materials:
* someone(s) you love
* a camera
* a desire to stretch your photographic skills
what you can expect from this willette JOY class:
* a daily email during the month of february
* the email will contain a photo idea and occasional tips
* a public flickr gallery to share photos
* an album template download at the end for all of your photos you take during the class
* a journey to help you document your loved one(s) – whether it is a spouse, partner, child, pet, parent or friend
I chose to document my family. I'm not going to focus only on my children although that is probably what most of my pictures will include. I realize I don't have nearly enough pictures of Clay so I plan to try and get more of him and learn a few things in the process.
Praying God's Word - Week # 4
January 24-30: Me…serving others (1 Peter 4:10, 1 Samuel 12:24)
This week was all about me and how I am to serve others. In 1 Peter God says that, "each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others , as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." I know there are certain gifts that God has given me that I am not putting to use. I prayed this week that God would show those to me and make it known how to better serve Him with what has been given to me.
In 1 Samuel, it speaks of fearing the Lord and serving Him faithfully with my whole heart. I am ashamed to admit it but the fact that I should love God above all others and serve him before anything else has been thrown in my face lately and I have been super convicted. I know that I place certain things and or people above God and this is something I am determined to work on.
Next week, starts a new month. I will be praying over the following for the month of February....
1/31 - 2/6 my children ... to trust (Proverbs 3:5-6)
2/7 - 2/13 my husband ... as a provider (Philippians 4:19)
2/14 - 2/20 me ... as a Mommy (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Proverbs 31:28)
2/21 - 2/27 our family ...for Clay & I as parents (Deuteronomy 6:5-9, Proverbs 22:6)
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Girl's Weekend
This past weekend, my nursing friends from college came in to town for a fun filled weekend. Melissa was the first one to get in to Memphis on Friday afternoon. We decided to run a few errands together and then headed back yo our house to wait for Michelle to get off work and Katie to get here. Once Michelle came over, we headed to Swanky's Taco Shop for a yummy dinner. It was so much fun to enjoy each other's company and catch up. We were super sad that Jenn wasn't able to make it this time. She had been sick and driving 6 hours to Memphis with a 6 month old while sick didn't sound very appealing and I don't blame her at all! Hope your feeling better Jenn, we missed you bunches!!
On Saturday morning, the girls came over to our house and Clay and I fixed us a big breakfast before heading out to the Collierville Mall. It was sunny and 70 degrees so we wanted to take advantage of the gorgeous weather. And what better way than strolling around outside and doing some shopping. We stopped at Baby Gap in order for Katie and Michelle to look at some maternity clothes while Melissa and I perused the little boy section. We both got J and H the cutest onesie with a tie on it!!
After a little more shopping and a afternoon feeding for H, we headed to The Crepe Maker for lunch. I have eaten here before with my Mom but it's not ever anywhere Clay wants to stop. It was so yummy though. We all enjoyed some delicious lunch crepes and then rounded out the meal with a few dessert ones too. It was so good, we thought we were all going to pop once we were ready to leave.
We then headed to Ann Taylor Loft and Barnes and Noble before heading back to Memphis. We decided on the way home to stop and get pedicures at a local shop and I was a little worried that H was going to be spent at some point but he was s Super Trooper! He just went along with all our shenanigans all day long. He did great at the nail place and I got all kinds of compliments about what a sweet and good baby he was. I really enjoyed our day out with all the girls and I think H enjoyed his Mommy time too. :)
Once we got home, we met up with Clay and Brian, Michelle's husband and went to dinner at Central Barbecue. It was again yummy and we began debating why we decided to eat again for the third big meal that day. After dinner, we came back to our house again and once we got the kids together we played some super fun games and just chatted and enjoyed each other's company.
We got together once more this morning for another meal, breakfast at Blue Plate Cafe before everyone packed up and headed back out of town. I really love these girls and the relationships we have formed with each other. I love that we are all having or have children. I know we have so much to look forward to in the years ahead. I can't wait for the next beach trip where we will most likely be using every room in the Shelton abode!!
Love you girls!!
(sadly, the only pics I got were on my Iphone and mainly when we were getting our nails done! we were just having too much fun to get the cameras out :)
On Saturday morning, the girls came over to our house and Clay and I fixed us a big breakfast before heading out to the Collierville Mall. It was sunny and 70 degrees so we wanted to take advantage of the gorgeous weather. And what better way than strolling around outside and doing some shopping. We stopped at Baby Gap in order for Katie and Michelle to look at some maternity clothes while Melissa and I perused the little boy section. We both got J and H the cutest onesie with a tie on it!!
After a little more shopping and a afternoon feeding for H, we headed to The Crepe Maker for lunch. I have eaten here before with my Mom but it's not ever anywhere Clay wants to stop. It was so yummy though. We all enjoyed some delicious lunch crepes and then rounded out the meal with a few dessert ones too. It was so good, we thought we were all going to pop once we were ready to leave.
We then headed to Ann Taylor Loft and Barnes and Noble before heading back to Memphis. We decided on the way home to stop and get pedicures at a local shop and I was a little worried that H was going to be spent at some point but he was s Super Trooper! He just went along with all our shenanigans all day long. He did great at the nail place and I got all kinds of compliments about what a sweet and good baby he was. I really enjoyed our day out with all the girls and I think H enjoyed his Mommy time too. :)
Once we got home, we met up with Clay and Brian, Michelle's husband and went to dinner at Central Barbecue. It was again yummy and we began debating why we decided to eat again for the third big meal that day. After dinner, we came back to our house again and once we got the kids together we played some super fun games and just chatted and enjoyed each other's company.
We got together once more this morning for another meal, breakfast at Blue Plate Cafe before everyone packed up and headed back out of town. I really love these girls and the relationships we have formed with each other. I love that we are all having or have children. I know we have so much to look forward to in the years ahead. I can't wait for the next beach trip where we will most likely be using every room in the Shelton abode!!
Love you girls!!
(sadly, the only pics I got were on my Iphone and mainly when we were getting our nails done! we were just having too much fun to get the cameras out :)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
4 month's
Little Man you are 4 month's old! You had quite an adventurous day for your 4 month birthday that included; shopping with Mom and her friends from college, enjoying lunch at Crepe Maker, more shopping, pedicures for us all and then dinner at Central Barbecue. To say you are an easy going and laid back baby is putting it mildly. You were FANTASTIC the entire time and just went with the flow.
I loved having so much quality time with you while Big Sister was at her Gigi's with Daddy running around outside and enjoying the beautiful day we had. I really don't think the 2 of us have spent that much time together bonding and snuggling, well EVER! It was very cherished and I loved having you all to myself for the day.
You are growing up so fast and getting so big. If I had to guess, I would say you are weighing about 13 lb 8 oz. I weighed you once a week or so ago on our scales at home and you were just over 13 lb so I think this is pretty close. We will see soon at your 4 month well baby check-up this week.
You are wearing 3-6 month and a some 6 month clothing along with size 2 or 3 diapers. We typically wear cloth diapers but that is the equivalent to disposable sizes you are fitting into. You are on a great routine. You typically wake somewhere between 6:00 and 7:00, I feed you and you usually either go right back to sleep or are only awake for about 30 minutes before getting back into your bed for your first morning nap. Then you wake up around 10:00 for your next feeding and we have play time until it's time for your second morning nap around 11:30. You usually only sleep about 45 minutes to an hour for that nap and we eat again by 1:00, you are usually tired at this feeding and will sometimes fall right to sleep and this is when Big Sister is also napping so Mommy can either rest or get things done. I typically choose to rest! :) After naps for all, we play and you lay down for a short cat nap around 4:00. I wake you up by 5:00 so we can play and get a bath before bedtime. Big Sister LOVES to get in the bathtub with you and you do in return. You just laugh and laugh at her and think she is so silly. After bath's it's bedtime for you between 6:00 - 6:30 and then I have some good quality time with L before it's time for her to get ready for bed. We are still doing a dream feeding around 10:00 but I don't know if you really need it anymore. We may try dropping that in the next few weeks and see if you continue to sleep as well. You are a great sleeper and will sleep after at 10:00 feeding until the morning and time to start all over again. You are so content and will nap in your own bed for anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour but if you are napping with Momma, you can nap for hours.
On Monday mornings after I get home from work. I shower and get sister ready for school and then you and I snuggle until time to pick her up again. I just love these days where you will sleep pretty much anytime I need you too. I know they are short lived.
You love to smile and laugh and you have been "talking" and cooing up a storm lately. If you are crying, sister will come over to you and sing and you always stop and start smiling. You love it when she climbs in your crib with you after your naps and you both just smile and laugh at each other.
We are still keeping you with us during church because I am worried about you getting sick in nursery. Sunday School is during your naptime so if you aren't officially sleeping, you are still quiet.
You bring us so much joy and we are having more fun with you everyday. I can't believe what a little chunky monkey you are and I just love to squeeze those chubby cheeks and thighs! You will roll from your back to your belly and belly to back but not very often. You only do so if you get mad enough and are made to! You have recently been rolling on your side a lot to see what is going on around you. You love your playmat and your bouncy seat. Not so much the swing but I think it's because you are so big! We have been using the Moby wrap when we are out and we both love how close and snug you are in it. You will typically just fall asleep so peacefully against me. :)
We love you so much Little Man and can't wait to watch you grow up!!
Mommy, Daddy and Big Sister
I thought these pictures were funny, this is real life here at our house. Little Man just loves that little lady and she is a huge helper with him. This is what our photo shoot really looks like from the other side of the lens!!
I loved having so much quality time with you while Big Sister was at her Gigi's with Daddy running around outside and enjoying the beautiful day we had. I really don't think the 2 of us have spent that much time together bonding and snuggling, well EVER! It was very cherished and I loved having you all to myself for the day.
You are growing up so fast and getting so big. If I had to guess, I would say you are weighing about 13 lb 8 oz. I weighed you once a week or so ago on our scales at home and you were just over 13 lb so I think this is pretty close. We will see soon at your 4 month well baby check-up this week.
You are wearing 3-6 month and a some 6 month clothing along with size 2 or 3 diapers. We typically wear cloth diapers but that is the equivalent to disposable sizes you are fitting into. You are on a great routine. You typically wake somewhere between 6:00 and 7:00, I feed you and you usually either go right back to sleep or are only awake for about 30 minutes before getting back into your bed for your first morning nap. Then you wake up around 10:00 for your next feeding and we have play time until it's time for your second morning nap around 11:30. You usually only sleep about 45 minutes to an hour for that nap and we eat again by 1:00, you are usually tired at this feeding and will sometimes fall right to sleep and this is when Big Sister is also napping so Mommy can either rest or get things done. I typically choose to rest! :) After naps for all, we play and you lay down for a short cat nap around 4:00. I wake you up by 5:00 so we can play and get a bath before bedtime. Big Sister LOVES to get in the bathtub with you and you do in return. You just laugh and laugh at her and think she is so silly. After bath's it's bedtime for you between 6:00 - 6:30 and then I have some good quality time with L before it's time for her to get ready for bed. We are still doing a dream feeding around 10:00 but I don't know if you really need it anymore. We may try dropping that in the next few weeks and see if you continue to sleep as well. You are a great sleeper and will sleep after at 10:00 feeding until the morning and time to start all over again. You are so content and will nap in your own bed for anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour but if you are napping with Momma, you can nap for hours.
On Monday mornings after I get home from work. I shower and get sister ready for school and then you and I snuggle until time to pick her up again. I just love these days where you will sleep pretty much anytime I need you too. I know they are short lived.
You love to smile and laugh and you have been "talking" and cooing up a storm lately. If you are crying, sister will come over to you and sing and you always stop and start smiling. You love it when she climbs in your crib with you after your naps and you both just smile and laugh at each other.
We are still keeping you with us during church because I am worried about you getting sick in nursery. Sunday School is during your naptime so if you aren't officially sleeping, you are still quiet.
You bring us so much joy and we are having more fun with you everyday. I can't believe what a little chunky monkey you are and I just love to squeeze those chubby cheeks and thighs! You will roll from your back to your belly and belly to back but not very often. You only do so if you get mad enough and are made to! You have recently been rolling on your side a lot to see what is going on around you. You love your playmat and your bouncy seat. Not so much the swing but I think it's because you are so big! We have been using the Moby wrap when we are out and we both love how close and snug you are in it. You will typically just fall asleep so peacefully against me. :)
We love you so much Little Man and can't wait to watch you grow up!!
Mommy, Daddy and Big Sister
I thought these pictures were funny, this is real life here at our house. Little Man just loves that little lady and she is a huge helper with him. This is what our photo shoot really looks like from the other side of the lens!!
Monday, January 24, 2011
A dedication to the Lord
On Sunday, Clay and I met up with our families and best friends at church to celebrate dedicating Little Man to the Lord. This was such a special time for our little family and I was glad that we were able to celebrate such a special day with the ones we love. The passage that Brother Danny spoke about as a commandment to us parents was "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" Deuteronomy 6: 5-7.
I love this verse and the implications of it. Our children are going to follow in our footsteps and the most important thing we can do is to bring them up in a God fearing, God honoring home. I want them to see that Clay and I love the Lord above everything else and that He is our everything.
After dedication, we headed to Jason's Deli with all our family and enjoyed lunch while Little Man slept the afternoon away. He was tired after his big morning and fighting sleep during service :)
I love this verse and the implications of it. Our children are going to follow in our footsteps and the most important thing we can do is to bring them up in a God fearing, God honoring home. I want them to see that Clay and I love the Lord above everything else and that He is our everything.
After dedication, we headed to Jason's Deli with all our family and enjoyed lunch while Little Man slept the afternoon away. He was tired after his big morning and fighting sleep during service :)
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