Friday, August 31, 2012

Troy and Preschool

Troy started preschool two weeks ago. Well, he went for one day, came down with a fever (not related to going to preschool) and was out for two days. Maybe one day I’ll get back to that.

troy first day of preschool 1

Anyway, he’s just a few weeks shy of turning 3 but he’s not old enough for that class. Now I know all parents say their kid is smart, bright and advanced, right? Well, this time it’s the truth. He isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed but he can hold his own. His intellectual capacity is quite remarkable for an (almost) 3 year old. His emotional and maturity level is that of his exact age. He knows his colors, how to spell his name, how to draw a few letters, knows his numbers, alphabet, what sounds many letters make, etc. No, it isn’t because we’ve drilled him. It’s because he LIKES that stuff for some reason. His favorite letter is “X”. Why? I think it’s easy to cross any two objects and make an X. Favorite color is Red (this is driving his father crazy). But he’s also intense and has a strong will. He NEEDS preschool with the 2 year olds. Many of the kids will be turning three (and a couple already are) so this is perfect for him.

He has three sweet teachers and his preschool just happens to be at our church. So he calls it “church preschool”. On many levels I’ve been happy that the baby hasn’t come yet because Troy has needed a little time to transition into preschool. It wears him out. As in he is sometimes over-stimulated when he gets home and at others he’s so darn fussy I just want him to go to bed. He takes awesome naps which has been nice – and should be nice once the baby comes!

To say that he loves “church preschool” is an understatement. He loves it. Absolutely loves it. Definitely one of the smartest decisions we’ve made. Hope I continue to feel the same way in a few months.

However….isn’t there always a “but” in things….he has been in trouble twice for hitting. Hmmm, never been a problem before. The worst he’s done is patted Justin on the head (this is something he just has to do anytime he passes by Justin). The first time it happened, they said he was provoked. Today they said he just started punching and they think he was mad. So, for now, we’ll just tell him not to hit and to tell his teachers if he’s upset about something. Crossing my fingers this is just a little stage. I definitely don’t want him to be “that” kid! On a positive note, a sweet friend of mine took Troy after preschool and said he couldn’t have been any better?! Well, that make this mother feel better. He does like to pretend like he’s punching the crocodiles…like the crocodile in Peter Pan. I wonder if that’s what he’s doing here. Only time will tell….and I realize it’s a small issue, nothing of significance but something that needs to be addressed.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Justin’s First Haircut!

At 18 months, the mullet had to go……and off it went!

DSC03064DSC03066DSC03067DSC03068DSC03069DSC03071DSC03072DSC03073DSC03075DSC03077DSC03078DSC03080

You probably can’t see it but he had some long little hairs. He has so little hair but we are proud of his boy haircut. He seems to feel much better today as well. I’m sure it’s the haircut!

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Happy Anniversary to US (12 years) and…dum dum….baby’s due date!

If I asked anyone who has been married 12 (plus) years, surely they would say they cannot believe this much time has gone by, right? I mean, where has the time gone? Sure, we’ve done a bunch of fun stuff, have had ups (and downs) and have survived. Time has flown, although the days seem long sometimes, these years have definitely passed me by like the trees fly by while driving down the interstate.

Brian is my best friend, confidant and the person who annoys me the most. We have to be truthful, right? Well, now that I think of it, there are other people who annoy me more. In fact, I’m probably the “constant” if I had to be quite honest. In any event, he’s my buddy and I wouldn’t change the last 12 years for the world! I’ve known him almost half of my existence. Craziness!

And the other thing….baby Blaine is due today! Seriously! Today! If you’ve ever gone past your due date, you know how much that day can sort of haunt you. While you try to ignore it, the date sticks in your mind and since you’ve said it over and over so many times to your friends and family, you can’t get away from it. So here I am, about 3/4 of the way through the day and there is no inkling of this little booger making his appearance today. Not a single sign. Admit as I may that neither of my boys came before their due date. So why would I think this time was different? Maybe because my stomach is so large, so heavy and I just didn’t think my body could take it to the 26th of August. Well, I was very wrong!

Anniversary pic

Brian has been a God-send this pregnancy. Yes, everyone will say their husbands are wonderful and special, blah blah blah. But, seriously, we’ve had a week! A couple of friends have taken Troy for a few hours at a time and have brought us dinner which has been awesome. They may have felt sorry for us, who knows. But, I’ll take it! Justin has been sick for 7 days now. Troy was sick for 3 days this week. Brian traveled for work and lucky me got a virus of some sort from the boys. Loaded with congestion, coughing, achiness, sleepless nights, etc. I feel like I’ve been a complainer all week because I just haven’t felt good. Tylenol and Sudafed have helped a ton! Why didn’t I start taking it sooner? Yesterday and today I decided to rest as much as possible and it seems to have helped. It just isn’t my personality to be this way. But, with D-day imminent and unknown, I need to get as much rest as possible. Like training for a marathon!

40 week profile pic:

40 week profile

Okay, off of my complaining fit. To Brian: I thank the Lord for you and how wonderful you’ve been. Cleaning, doing the yard, cooking, taking care of the boys, sleeping near Justin to take care of him in the middle of the night….many more things that I can’t remember right now. I’m thankful for them all. I cannot believe 12 years has passed. They have been so much fun. With the last three being the most exciting with these little boys gracing our lives. I love you!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Justin at 18 Months

Time is flying by faster than I can keep up. Seriously, where has the time gone? Justin is a year and a half, is still as sweet as can be but is becoming more independent and friendly. At one point I thought he was shy, maybe because his brother is so outgoing? The kid isn’t shy at all and will “go” to anyone. He loves attention, loves being held but also loves to be able to share toys.

His vocabulary is exploding. He sleeps, eats and goes like a champ. Adoration for his big brother is so apparent and is increasing daily. Justin is still a Mama’s boy and lights up when I come into a room where he is. He can give the best hugs, doesn’t like to stay up too late (wants to go to bed when he gets tired) and wakes up raring to go! He sleeps from around 8 until 7 most days. Is getting picky with what he will eat. One day he loves one type of veggie and the next day he won’t tough vegetables. He’ll pretty much each any type of meat.

Still need to take him to the doctor for his 18 month appt but we know he weighs about 27 pounds.

He loves, loves babies. Well, babies just a few months younger than him. One example is Addie, his cousin. He adores her.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The Countdown is ON!!!

Here we are in the last week before this baby is due. How do I feel? Surprisingly good. Yeah, I have the back aches, my feet are tired after standing for just a short while, I’m tired and my stomach gets in the way. The kicker in this is my 27 pound (almost) 18 month old who, although walking, still needs to be picked up often. Yes, walking is nice but he JUST started walking only a month ago which equals him not being super confident in the walking. In any event, Brian has been super duper these past few weeks.

Troy and Justin were supposed to start preschool this week. Hear that? W-E-R-E. Well, Troy made it the first day but Justin woke up at 2 a.m. screaming. Once I picked Troy up from preschool, I realized he had a fever. They both got some sort of crud. Brian has a national sales meeting this week. Yep, this week. Perfect timing, right?! Oh, and I’m still working. So although we had planned on having someone come in the afternoons to help me a little, we didn’t plan on the boys getting sick. So Brian stayed home Tuesday to help.We noticed a knot on the side of Justin’s neck which has turned out to be a swollen lymph node. Because of the lymph node, we took him to the doctor. She thinks it’s a virus. Hoping it is a virus! I asked my mom to come today (Wednesday). Thankfully she was able to get off and help. Seeing that Justin wanted to be held a good bit of the day, I think she realized what I was up against. Yep, could always be worse, always. But, when you’re in the middle of it, no matter what it is, it can be pretty hard.

Me at 39 weeks. WOW! Yes, my hair is very long. Thought I’d donate it before the baby came but I’m not so sure that’s going to happen now. We’ll see.

39 weeks

I end this with a prayer that baby Blaine is going to enter this world in His perfect timing and drug-free. It’s only by God’s grace, His hand and strength that I will be able to make it through delivery with this child.Nervous? Yes, a little. Sure I’ve done this twice already but each time is different. And, let’s just be frank – it is painful. That’s the way God made it. Although, I know I can do it! I know I can and I’m determined. But I cannot get through it without God’s help. Specifically I’m also praying that Troy and Justin will be healthy by the time I go into labor. Why? Well, I don’t want to burden someone else with caring for ill children. Our family will come in town to see the baby (or so we think) but I don’t want them to have to care or worry about our sick boys. I know it’ll work out the way it should, though Smile

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Wait…we’re having another baby?!

As the days draw nearer to the due date, I realize it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything about my pregnancy.

It’s going pretty good. The OB I see will only do one ultrasound (between 17-20 weeks) unless there are potential issues. Granted I probably could have asked for another one because of how things went with Justin but this time I have enjoyed just going with the flow. I have had a pretty uneventful pregnancy which has been nice. My belly is pretty darn large (see below) and gets in the way frequently when trying to pick up a child, bend over or when my children are pulling at my legs. The later is done quite frequently! And, when said child is trying to get my attention, my stomach keeps me from seeing them. I have to bend over to check out their faces. Fun stuff overall.

So here are some pics of me with my boys and just me at 37 1/2 weeks. How much longer will we wait for this baby to get here?! Only the good Lord knows!

E belly with boys1E walking with boysE with boys 1

See Brian’s beard? This started out as sort of a joke. See, I’ve practiced the “Bradley” method of childbirth. If you check out the suggested companion book, “Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way” was originally written in the late 1970’s. Let’s just say the photos haven’t been updated. We found that it was appropriate (in a comical way) for Brian to grow out his facial hair via a beard or mustache in order to follow along with the book. Here he is with the beard:

Daddy with boys

So yesterday I thought I was in labor, the real deal…it dissipated within a few hours but it sure did kick us into get ready mode! Brian shaved the beard in preparation because we thought we’d have a baby the next day. And he didn’t want a bunch of pictures with him bearing a huge beard. False alarm!

On another note, Justin did WONDERFUL with getting tubes yesterday. We may be reading into things more than normal but Brian and I both think he hears better. Only time will tell! Perhaps this is why I started having contractions? Although I had pure faith that everything was going to be fine, I’m sure I was stressed a little about my baby being sedated and having surgery. Glad it’s over!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Justin is Walking!

At 16 1/2 months, he started taking a few steps and one week before he turned 17 months old, he took 10+ steps! Yay!!! After working with him daily on taking steps and getting to the point of walking, this has been a HUGE milestone! Babies born with clubfeet walk at all different times. Some walk early (by a year) and others are older than two. To be in the middle is awesome for us! Praise for Justin and a huge accomplishment….oh, and he’s pretty proud of himself also.

walking 2walking!

Long story but he has kept fluid on his ears since after he turned a year old. This is all that we know – hearing tests aren’t being passed and the next step is tubes. Tomorrow (Wednesday) morning, we’re going in and he’s getting tubes. Praying that this eliminates the fluid sitting in his inner ears and will correct any issues.

July….Part 4….Troy Swimming

Technically this belongs in May and June. But, here we are in July…

Anyway, Troy took swimming lessons from a local professional swimmer, Adam. He just happened to swim in the Olympic trials. Unfortunately he didn’t make it past the trials but just getting there is pretty remarkable. Adam will be in graduate school in Auburn this fall so there is a chance they’ll take lessons again. To say he was wonderful with Troy and his buddy P would be an understatement. Both boys cooperated at times and also acted like two year olds at times. Troy needed to go “potty” (#2) just about every lesson! Haha!

I thought it was hilarious. Troy is a VERY intense child. Almost two months later, he is doing awesome with swimming. He loves to jump off the side of the pool and swim back to the side on his own. He’s definitely on his way!

 

Troy and adamTroy with adam 1troy with adam 2troy with adam 3Troy and pattonadam and pattonTroy

Adam gave both boys jelly beans after their last lesson. Yummy! Troy wasn’t that excited, can’t you tell?

adam with t and p

July….Part 3

Since the Fourth of July fell the middle of the week, we headed to Grandy and Memama’s house the weekend before the 4th.

Troy LOVES the beach. Loves it….and would spend all day there if he could. He’ll randomly ask to go to the beach at the oddest times. Justin enjoyed eating the sand this time. Taking after his brother…

 

boys at beachE with boys on beachE with Justinfam bw at beach

Yummy sand!

Justin eating sand

Both boys had a taste of their first ride on the carousel. To say they LOVED it would be an understatement.

Brian and Justin on carouseltroy on carousel 1troy on carousel 2

Justin had his first trip to Baytowne. Troy was in awe of the zip line and thought he could ride it. Uh…maybe in a few years.

at baytown with T and J

We also cooked crabs! This is one of my favorite things to eat after going to the beach. Something my family did each year during our trips to Gulf Shores. Although Brian lived on the coast growing up, I’m the one who taught him how to cook these yummy critters. So good! I had to convince Troy (again) that they aren’t spiders. The child has a slight obsession with spiders and spider webs. Don’t let him in your house if you have any…unless you want him to find them for you!

grandy and troy with crawfishcrawfish in pot

Monday, August 6, 2012

July continued….Part 2

More time with the cousins. We took a day trip to my mom’s house (KK) to visit with my sister Mary who had her children over there again. I was around 33 (or s0) weeks pregnant. Saying that it was hot outside is an understatement. But, we had a lot of fun.

Mary, KK and I went to Wetumpka’s little (or big) park at the Riverwalk and let Troy and Colt run around. Troy likes to “perform” in that he will hold anything resembling a microphone in his hand and make announcements. It usually goes something like, “ladies and gentlemen, it’s kitty cat!” Or he’ll announce a person. Not sure where this came from but he first did it at the zoo. If he can find something that looks like a stage or is a raised area, he uses it as a stage and will make announcements and sing.

We went walking a good bit and when Troy said his legs were “tired”, I was so grateful when my sister Mary and my Mom took over and carried him. Awesome Brian stayed at home with Justin and Addie so they could take naps. How awesome is HE!?!?!

KK and Mary carrying boys

Here is Troy making announcements and both boys checking out the ducks.

Troy singing Colt runningboys with ducks

Here are both boys…randomly wearing outfits KK made.

Troy and Colt at little house 2

Troy and Colt at little house

Troy…..and KK trying out the zip slide thingy.

Troy on sliderKK on slider

July continued….Part 1

As the unknown “day” approaches, I realized I need to get caught up on old pictures!

I’m going to recap (for the two people in my family who actually look at this blog) what we’ve been doing over the last month (and almost month and a half).

My sister Mary came to see us and brought her kiddos. It’s sufficient enough to say that Colt and Troy, at 4 months apart, play and fight like twins. Justin and Addie play like babies who don’t care (yet). The two of them are less than 9 months apart so I imagine they’ll fight one day when they care who plays with what toys. The boys and Addie played a good bit at home, rode the gator, colored and went swimming.

They look so sweet and innocent here, don’t they?!

cousins 1

And swimming…..think someone is shopping from Shrimp and Grits Kids?!

cousins

These two had the best time together. 2nd pic- hilarious!

J and addieaddie rear

 

Little J got sleepy…………………and my belly has overcome being able to see my child pulling at my legs!

j sleeping mary holdinge stomach with justin