Thanksgiving in Florida

We headed to Florida to see my in laws after my mom’s. We had a blast there, of course. Spent two nights down there and was able to log in a few firsts:

Blaine’s first trip to Florida.

Blaine’s first trip to the beach.

Justin’s first time sleeping on a pallet (not in a crib) and he did SO good! I think he wants to be big so bad but just can’t tell us yet.

We also picked out a Christmas tree, decorated it and I went running. I’m back running and training for a half marathon. I ran 6 1/2 miles for the first time since before Justin was born. I have to admit it felt pretty exhilarating knowing I can still do it! Yes, I have questioned myself!

So we also decided to go see Santa at the Bass Pro Shops in Destin. Little did we know that there was a parade and celebration of Santa lighting the big tree at Destin Commons. We had so much fun at this event! Troy, Brooke, Jake and Justin ran around the Commons. Justin ran and ran and ran until we decided not to chase him any longer. He was SO happy and would run up to someone, say “atch dis” (which means watch this) and would march (he marches by kicking one foot up in the air) around until he decided he wanted to run. It was the cutest thing. Then the fireworks went off. Let’s just say that they were WAY too close for us and were very loud. No one got upset but they were intense.

This was the most fun I’ve had doing something Christmas-y with the kids. Hope we can do it again one day!

Brian made the below “ornament” as a small child. There is some sort of inside joke (of which I’m not privy) but it’s some sort of special ornament. I *might* make fun of it sometimes.

Mom’s Thanksgiving

Next we headed to my mom’s house. Fun stuff! We got there very early (for a family of 3 with a baby). We wanted the kids to play together as much as possible. Addie was a doll, Colt and Troy  played together like brother, Justin stayed busy between following the big boys and eating snacks off of the dinner table and Blaine was SO sweet! My step siblings were all there and, I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t take any pictures of them. I wish I would have!

Mamama was there and was enamored with Justin. She said he has the most beautiful brown eyes and is so sweet. Probably didn’t hurt that he kept going up to her and hugging her. Wouldn’t you love him, too?

Here he is…giving a tongue kiss and all. Ha!

Sweet Addie….and Blaine.

As Mary pointed out, my mom must have spotted some fried chicken

I love this…

This past summer, my BIL and sister opened a cross-fit gym in Dothan (with a couple of other people). They are in SUCH great shape and I’m so proud of their new business. They’re doing such a great job with it.

To work to work

Two weeks ago, I started back to work. Good thing? Yes, it’s a good thing. We have a nanny at home….who is wonderful BUT who is also leaving to go back to school in the Winter. No, we didn’t think that would happen and yes, we’re shocked and looking for a replacement. Nothing like getting the news before she even started. Oh well! It’s a good thing for her anyway.

So Tori has been pretty fantastic. She is super sweet and I can hear her working with the boys which is wonderful. We didn’t know how she would be until she started working with the boys. I know we’ll miss her dearly.

Going back to work has been good for me. Brian traveled those first two weeks and, well, let’s be frank: caring for three young children isn’t easy! The biggest problem for me so far is that I can’t please everyone all at one time…most of the time. In their defense, however; they have been like little toddler angels. Yes, they require someone to help them do just about everything BUT they haven’t been bad in the sense of a bad three year old throwing crazy fits. I just hope it stays this way!

On the other hand, I still feel the need to accomplish something. Whether that’s folding a load of clothes, washing dishes or making up beds, I can’t seem to relax….but I also don’t want to relax. It’s like this little thing clicks in my head and reminds me over and over of the things I want to complete. Sometimes it’s quite annoying but I think it’s just my personality? You’d think I would have figured this out a long time ago….my personality and all.

October-ish

This October we:

Went to the annual College of Architecture’s pumpkin carve.

Just about froze at our church’s annual Trunk or Treat.

I decorated pumpkins and made a couple of cute BOO! pillows to go on our front porch chairs.

Painted pumpkins….and Justin enjoyed a little paint.

Put the baby in the candy basket…

Had a Halloween party and trick or treated at our house with friends.

That was enough!

Blaine at Two Months

What? Two months already? He is still a sweet, patient baby. As in even when he’s hungry, he’s so patient and will wait to eat. I hope this continues. Don’t get me wrong, the kid doesn’t go hungry. He’s probably around 16 pounds now but we’ll find out next week at his 2 month appointment.

He’s smiling, cooing and laughing a little. Blaine loves his mother! Well her…and pretty much anyone else who wants to hold him. Wearing mostly 6 months clothes. Can still wear some 3-6 month clothes. Size 2 diapers but we are moving him up to 3’s when we run out of what we have!

He’s absolutely sweet as pie!

Having a baby is so fun and sweet. They are so innocent and completely dependent upon their caregiver. I love him to pieces and never realized I could love all of these boys SO much!

Blaine sleeps about 7-8 hour stretches at night, usually getting up around 4 a.m. Then he goes back to sleep for about 3 hours. It’s hard waking up that early sometimes but I know one day I’ll miss these moments!