Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Splish Splash

We had a wonderful long weekend in observance of Memorial Day! We busted out our bathing suits and did lots of swimming. This weekend was Trent's first time to swim, and first time at the beach. Actually, this is Hunter's first time to go to the beach too!! They both loved the waves. Trent slipped into total relaxation mode with the sound of the waves, and Hunter slipped into total excitement mode while jumping the waves and playing in the sand! It was so much fun to watch Hunter play, he was in his element. He likes noting more than to be outside, so this was a dream weekend for him!
We went to our neighborhood pool a couple times, and Trent took his first dip in the pool. He was not so sure at first, he cried. After about 10 minutes and distractions from Hunter, he was clapping and splashing the water with a smile! Then we went to Galveston on Memorial Day. We went with some of our friends to their beach house. Trent stayed on the big beach blanket and played with beach toys while Hunter and his friend played with their daddy's. They played in the sand and jumped the waves. Then, we all ate lunch on the beach. Trent kept his hat on which impressed me, but we decided to put their shirts back on after about 1.5 hours!
 After lunch, we put Trent in his stroller and he was so chill as he watched the waves. He laid back with his feet up and 'people watched.' He feed the seagulls and played in the baby pool that the boys built out of sand! Then, we headed home. It was a a pretty simple weekend, but it kicked off summer! Swim suits are out, and my boys are ready for the heat! We put Trent's wet hair in a mohawk, and it dried in this curly loose mohawk. I thought it was too cute!






Saturday, May 25, 2013

7 years ago...

I hugged my mom for that last time 7 years ago today! Her battle with pancreatic cancer was a long one, with lots of ups and downs. We had moments of feeling like she was healed, then we had moments of knowing the end is near. Along the whole journey, mom and I talked openly about the outcome of death. We decided to let it all out and talk about our fears, regrets, favorite memories, lessons she wants to leave with me, etc. One of the things that made her the most sad was the thought of me raising my family without her help, without her here at the drop of a dime! She said, "being a motherless mother is going to be the biggest and most rewarding challenge in your life!" She was right!! It is extremely hard not having that person to call about 'this or that,' not having that person that you know will babysit at any given time, not having someone that I know genuinely cares about all those tiny things that only moms care about "Hunter said this, or Trent did that," not having someone that can share all their past mom moments with me in order for me to learn! Nope, I am just winging this motherhood thing....BUT, what helps me everyday is the lessons and example that mom left behind.

 She was a full spirited, witty, and smart lady. She taught me so much by the kind of mother she was, and by the lessons she taught me in her last months. Those were some very powerful words of advice that I have stored in my steel trapped memory. Just one example, "don't let the fingerprints bother you- instead look at the fingerprints as a sign of a healthy child filling your home with love, you can always clean them later, but enjoy them now because one day you will look at a clean window and wish those fingerprints were still there!!" She always taught me that finding the humor in life will make life a ride! She would tell me that disciplining your children doesn't have to be so serious and filled with pressure, just brush off the things that will not make a difference in 30 minutes, but "you better make hell of an impression when dealing with the other stuff!" Man, she was a pistol...the sweetest, funniest, most joyful pistol there ever was!!  I tap my memory MANY times everyday while raising my boys! Her words and actions play over and over in my head, she will always be my "go-to" and I will always be able to count on her to help me shape my family! We miss her like crazy and talk about her daily. She was one of a kind, her spirit is larger than life!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Wouldn't have it any other way!

A friend of mine that was born and raised in River Oaks told me "a stay at home mom in River Oaks means you have a personal trainer in the morning then do 'lunch' with your friends, and have nannies that take care of the kids." She was trying to decide if she was going to stay home with her kids, but she can't get this "stereotype" out of her mind. She doesn't want to be like that, so she was asking me questions about a normal stay at home mom in the good 'ole middle class! That's when I started thinking....even if I was made of money, I would want to raise my own kids! Sure a babysitter to help here and there is great, but I am their MOM, and I stay at home. It is MY job to do the dirty work, the fun stuff and the not so fun stuff! I love that I am their only 'go-to' during the day, I love that my child knows he can count on ME! I wouldn't have it any other way!
I told my friend that I still have a life, but my kids are part of that life!! I still go to lunch with my friends AND all the babies! I still go work out EARLY in the morning before Scott leaves for work or go on long walks WITH the kids! I run errands WITH my kids, I take them in and out of the car a million times and have 'time-outs' in the store! I don't have a nanny that comes everyday to make the meals, clean up after meals, change diapers, put kids to sleep, make beds, clean up toys. Nope, all me! I am on my hands and knees picking up smashed strawberries while folding laundry, full time! I wouldn't trade it...not even for a million dollar house, fancy cars, vacations, or a name brand wardrobe! All that stuff is STUFF! I don't have all the stuff, but I do have memories that will be stored in my heart forever. And, I wouldn't have it any other way!
I have to plan out my grocery runs while Hunter is in school, I have to plan my doctor appointments in advance and hope that my aunt can sit at my house during their nap. Everything I do, I first think of how I am going to make it work around my kids. I told my friend that it is the ultimate sacrifice to give 100% of your life to your kids, and if you want to exercise, pray in silence, read, or shop...you must prepare and schedule that time! You are truly living life FOR your husband and children. Again, I wouldn't want it any other way!
She said, "when I think of stay at home moms, I see a lady running around thinking she is "busy" in her expensive exercise clothes, with a full face of make up, on her way to get her nails done then picking up her pre-ordered dinner!" I laughed and said, "well let me correct you...I AM busy in old target pants with my makeup from yesterday still on my face, with chipped nail polish on my way to cook a pre-planned meal at my house!" And, I wouldn't have it any other way!
I am not against nannies, I am not against River Oaks, I am not against moms that do things differently than me. I was just having a real conversation with my friend that got me thinking....I have real mom moments, I have real friends, I have real children, I have real messes, I have real chaos, I really love my children and husband, and I really love my life just the way it is!! I wouldn't have it any other way!!



Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Vacation as 4

We survived our first family trip as 4. Actually, it was very smooth and FUN! We went to our church retreat at Camp Tejas. We were spoiled for our first family vacation...child care was provided and all meals were served to us! But, at least we got a taste of road trips, packing, and the logistics of 2 kids! Hunter and Trent spent their days at "WhamCamp" that was provided by the child program at church. It was fantastic!! Hunter had a blast, a complete blast! Trent was the youngest baby there, so they just loved on him, and he got tons of attention. They had camp style activities, and my boys went with the flow.
 They adjusted to the sleeping arrangements, which happened to be the stroller for Trent during the day and pack-n-plays for both boys at night. The cabins were perfect for our little family, they were so cute and private. Trent took naps in the stroller next to the camp fire, during a magic show, and during the Sunday morning service! He was very flexible and never caused a fuss. He slept fabulous at night, he was exhausted!

 Scott and I spent most of our time in encouraging services or small breakout sessions. We did two sessions (calm your spirit and catch your spirit.) They were really neat. Quiet and a wonderful time for Scott and I to focus on our faith! We did lots of walking between cabin, cafeteria, child care cabin, and the activities. We love walking together- it's a time to simply be together with no distractions. We talked a lot, and we both left feeling really uplifted!
We also loved getting to know more people from our church. It really is becoming our "home away from home." Raising our family in the church is so important to us. It is a commitment that is really paying off, already! We are seeing Hunter start to really understand praying, God, the Bible and just church in general! We feel really good about our decision to have MDUMC be a major "thread" in our family's blanket!! We will make many parenting mistakes, but this is one choice that I know we will always be proud of! We love our boys, our church and we also loved our first family vacation as 4! Hunter put the bag of chips in his mouth in order to put his hands together to pray! No words for how sweet this picture is!!





Thursday, May 16, 2013

10 Months

My sweet baby!! Trent is a breath of fresh air, he is this calming force in the hussle and bussle of the day to day stuff! God blessed him with the ability to provide comfort, calmness, contentedness, and serenity! Wow, that is natural gift that so many people work their whole lives to achieve! I am sure that he will get more vocal and rowdy as he ages, but I feel that his foundation will always be comforting!
He is just happy with whatever life throws his way. You put him in the jumper, he's happy-  put him on the floor, he's happy- feed him, he's happy- or forget to feed him, he's happy!! My friends all joke "wait, we forgot about Trent...is he here?" One of our favorite Trent jokes, we always say, "if Trent could talk he would say things like- mom, when you get a second will you feed me please? When you have a chance, please get me out of the crib!" Not joking, he is that laid back!!
He has fully recovered from his ear infection. So, now he can check his first illness off our list! I've said it 100 times, but Hunter is an unbelievable big brother! He is protective over Trent and is just so sweet to him! He gives Trent tons of kisses, always makes sure he has a toy, and runs to his aid every time Trent makes a peep! They play games together....roll the flashlight back and forth, pat pat each others knees, peak a boo! It is so sweet that Hunter creates these "baby games" in order for them to play together!! Hunter tries to teach him how to crawl, and he is so proud of Trent every time he does anything cute, funny or new!! Gosh, their friendship melts my heart.
In regards to milestones, not much has changed with Trent. Our biggest change has just happened this week. He has weaned himself from breastfeeding!! He now gets a few bottles a day of either pumped milk or formula, but his main intake is food! In true Trent fashion, he literally feeds himself his bottles! I lay him in crib (at afternoon nap and bedtime) with his bottle, I come back 10 minutes later and he is sound asleep with the empty bottle right next to him! I just love his simple little heart!! Here are a few standouts for my 10 month old Trent!!
  • still no teeth
  • not crawling yet, but is 'dragging' on the floor a little
  • he "pivots" in circles on his bottom to get from point A to point B
  • is starting to pull up on things
  • sleeps 7-7:30
  • morning nap 9:00-10:30 afternoon nap 1:00-3:30
  • size 3 diaper
  • size 9-12 mo clothes
  • claps all the time- so cute
  • likes his pacifier
  • sleeps in sleepsack
  • breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner (eats meals same times as Hunter)
  • morning bottle, afternoon nap bottle and bedtime bottle
  • he has these "wild spurts" of energy that crack me up, he flings his head around with his arms in the air like he is trying to hard to be wild!!
  • he likes all foods, and a lot of it!
  • he is very quiet in the car, which provides a little silent time (when Hunter is in school!)
  • he admires Hunter and always watches him
 I look forward to our journey ahead with these two as they continue to grow and learn who they are! Regardless of what phases they go through, I know that I have two very sweet hearted boys! My witty Hunter and my gentle Trent....I wouldn't have it any other way!

Happy Mothers Day

We had a pretty laid back Mothers Day. Scott and Hunter made me breakfast, we went to church, went on a long family walk, then Scott let me take the night off! He was in charge of dinner, bath time and putting them both to sleep!! Honestly, Scott does this at least once a week, but it was an extra special treat to know he was taking over in honor of Mothers Day! I got to sleep in until about 8:00. Hunter ran into my room holding cards for me to read. The smell of bacon filled the house, and my boys were so excited to spoil me...perfect Mothers Day!! These boys make my days so adventurous. They are both at this wonderful age, and I am shocked daily at how much they admire each other! They mesh so well! God knew exactly what he was doing when he pieced these two together...what an honor to be their mommy!! I would say that my first Mothers Day with two kids was a success. It was simple, yet perfect!


 

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Bring on the meat!!

Trent is obsessed with food- all food! He is totally over baby food, hasn't touched it since about 8 mo old! Now he is pretty much over nursing! Dr. Brack has told me that when he is ready to wean, he will wean himself. I didn't think he would only be 9.5 months old, but he is definitely weaning!
I offer him a bottle of pumped milk or formula throughout the day, and it's hit or miss. Sometimes he will have a few sips and others he just wants some meat!! I will nurse him in the morning, but lately he wants to go straight to breakfast! I'm not stressing over it because I know he is getting plenty of nourishment...the kid eats more than I do!!
Hunter and Trent are both big eaters, and I am kind of nervous about our teen years! I may have to go back to work to pay for their appetites! Dr. Brack said that I could start introducing whole milk to Trent at 11 months, so only a few more weeks until we can try that. I bet he is going to love it. Honestly, Hunter never really touched whole milk. To this day, he may have 10 sips of milk a week!! Again, no worries because he eats a very well rounded diet!
We actually had our first emergency visit last weekend. We all, except Trent, got the stomach virus last Wednesday. Hunter only threw up once then was "over it." He bounced right back and carried on. I continued to feel a little shaky "up and down" the rest of the week. Come Saturday, Hunter spiked 105.9 fever!! Yes, 105.9!! They took off his clothes, put ice packs on his feet, gave a big dose of medicine, and took blood work. Poor guy had to get poked 3 times, got his nose poked at to test for flu, he was miserable! Blood work showed a bacterial infection. The doctor said that the stomach virus manifested into this fever for Hunter. Makes sense because even I was still feeling kinda crummy! Signs you know you are in TEXAS...'swoop' hair, pink polo, camo shorts, cowboy boots and fishin' pole! No better place in the world!!
The fever broke, and the doctor said that the worst was over! We followed up with Dr. Brack on Monday. They looked over his blood work and gave him a full exam. They said that Hunter is in the clear now and his body just got rid of the stomach virus through fever rather than throwing up! I am so glad that he didn't throw up as much as me and Scott- that would be terrible! Dr. said that day 4 of bacterial infections are usually the worst for kids, which makes since- virus started on Wednesday and fever was on Saturday! Our bodies sure do weird things! I am so glad that Trent did not catch this virus...I don't know how?! I was literally throwing up, putting Trent in high chair, feed him, run to throw up....it was miserable!
Good news, Hunter's limp is gone! Hopefully, we are over this hump and are able to enjoy the start of summer! We are still doing lots of walking with our "walking team!" We love walking with Zoe and Bentley. Trent rubs Zoe with his feet, it is so cute! Hunter will protect Zoe "Baby Trent, don't kick too hard!" I am loving these boys more than ever. They continue to be this perfect dynamic of sweet, subtle, gentle and rough! They laugh at each other often and I am thoroughly enjoying watching their love for each other grow daily!!