Mother's Day 2012

So I know Mother's day was a few weekends ago but I've yet to blog about it.  So here it goes...

The night before Mother's day, I was up most of the night with an upset stomach so I spent most of my 1st mother's day going from the couch to the bed.  I was a little sad we weren't able to attend church and get dressed up for the day.  And maybe because I felt sick but I also was feeling homesick and was missing my own momma.

Such as life - things don't always go as planned but that is okay, I did have a wonderful day at home with my sweet baby boy and husband.

Brady gave me lots of sweet gifts - a shirt that says "I love my husband!" (ha!), a new busy mom's Bible with my name imprinted on it that is pink (love), a notepad & pen, a mom picture frame, and corbels to go with the shelves in the kitchen that AB is going to build.  AB took Brady out one Saturday to go get all my gifts, I thought that was so sweet!!  Love those boys!

AB ended up having Monday off so since I was feeling better we made a family trip to try out the new Genghis Grill for lunch and made a stop at Sprouts Farmers Market.  I'm a nerd and love grocery stores.  Sprouts is similar to a Whole Foods but on a much smaller scale.

Me & my sweet boy on my 1st Mother's Day!  Best gift in the world!!

Brady loves the cashiers when we go shopping.  It is too cute!

That Saturday we made a day trip to San Antonio to spend mother's day with AB's mom and his family.  We had lunch at The Tower of Americas, stopped by this delicious cookie place where I got a red velvet cupcake (yum!), and then we spent the rest of the day at his sisters visiting before dinner at a bbq place then making the 2 hour trek back home...at 9pm.  Oh my, way past B's bedtime!  But he did pretty good for the whirlwind trip.

Brady's first time ever at Tower of Americas...way up high in the sky!  And first time in his own seat/high chair.

After lunch, we got a complementary trip to the outside part of the tower.  It was sooo windy!  Also, there was no changing area/station in the bathrooms so it was rather interesting when B. had what we call a "blow-out" and I realized that not only was there no changing area in the bathroom but I didn't have a complete change of clothes for him in the diaper bag.  I had brought several changes of clothes but they were packed in a different bag, in the car, way down some 100 feet.  Ha!  Luckily, since the place is considered fine dining the bathrooms were immaculately cleaned and being lunch time, hardly a soul around but still I had to change him on the bathroom floor...ahhhh!  It reminded me of that Bethanny Ever After episode where she is changing Bryn on the bathroom floor at some restaurant...ha, the things we do as mothers!  Which would also explain the way too big shorts he is in. 

 

 

And back down on level ground...

Delicious red velvet cupcake...oh with a mini homemade ding-dong too! :)

Brady also took his first cousin bath so when we got home we just had to transfer him to his crib.

Love these two & so thankful God picked us to be B's parents!

I really did miss my mom on mother's day this year.  Maybe because I am a mom now I realize how important the day is.  I have an amazing mom and am so thankful for her.  I hope to be the same kind of mom to B. that she has been to me.  I love you mom!
Thank you for always supporting, loving, and encouraging me!

Happy Mother's Day 2012

5 Months

*I will update with more pictures tomorrow when I upload the ones from the DSLR.
 
Brady, you are FIVE months old today!

You weigh 15 pounds.
You wear size 2 diapers.
You wear mostly 3-6m clothes, some 6m and 9m depending on the brand.
You are now 25 inches long.
You are still on Zantac two times a day for reflux.

And the big news!  You have ONE tooth that has finally come through on the bottom.  I thought I felt it on Sunday (Mother's day) but wasn't sure then daddy and I confirmed it on Monday.  You have been drooling, biting everything in sight for the last month or two so finally we have a tooth!  I know it won't be long before the other one on the bottom pops up!

I can't believe how much you are changing each and every day.  Or how much you have changed just from last month.  You are so much more aware of things.  We laugh because we call you "nosy rosy" because you always have to see what someone else is doing or look when they start talking.  You are really starting to take note of things and be more aware of your surroundings.  I am amazed most days at the things you are doing.  Like the other day when I was clapping, you tried to mimic me.  Such a smart boy!  You reach for everything!  You can pick up and grab just about anything you want and normally bring it to your mouth.

You have started laughing out loud and it is the SWEETEST sound in the whole wide world!  I can normally get you to laugh by tickling you or "getting your kisses" around your neck.  Talk about dying and going to heaven on earth.  You also love when momma sings to you. 

 

You still love bath time.  During the day, if you are having a rough day and won't nap, I'll put you in the bathtub and you just perk right up.

You are still nursing every few hours.  You have started taking more bottles while we are out and about but still only take a bottle every once in awhile.  We also started giving you water in your own sippy/bottle cup. 


You have really found your voice and you babble so much.  You will just talk and talk to us.  Normally when we are out in public, you love to squeal loud, really loud!  When we talk to you, you just light up, smile, and babble back.

You try to break your neck to watch TV (I know a 60" tv doesn't help!!!) so we have started turning the TV off when you are in the room.  You always want our phones too - Lord, help us!

During tummy time, I put you on your tummy and you almost immediately roll over to your back.  You still love being on your play mat and in the mornings you enjoy it while looking out the window.

You love to be outside.  You have already taken your first swim!  You also love to watch the trees/leaves in the wind.

Sophie is your best friend.  And you take a pacifier but really only in the car.  Which we are so thankful for because without it, car rides would be miserable!  You are getting better in the car and have started falling asleep while riding.  If you are over-tired, there is NOTHING we can do, you will just have a screaming/crying fight in your seat. 

You sleep wonderfully at night.  But you love to sleep face down...we are always trying to get you to move your head, ha!  Our night-time routine is bath between 8:30 and 9, we read a few books, then it's one last feeding where you fall asleep.  You sleep until 3 or 4am for a quick feeding then it's back to sleep until 7 or 8.  Daddy normally brings you to me if he is still here and then we snuggle/nurse until 9ish...some mornings you sleep in with me or I put you back in your crib so I can go back to sleep.  Nap time is a whole other story...you refuse to take a nap!  You scream/cry/get so angry/turn red - just flat out not sleep.  Even though you did take 2 really long naps yesterday and today so I'm hoping we are on the up hill side of napping.

You are still so happy in the mornings!  In the morning is when you happily sit in the exersaucer or lay on your play mat.

You have also started coughing...a totally fake cough.  Ha, you are so funny!!!  I love it!

Your nicknames are Brady B., B., and babee boy.

To my sweet Brady,
I can't even begin to describe the love I/we have for you!  And how it grows so much each and every day.  Your daddy and I adore you!  You have started giving kisses and oh my so sweet!  You will grab my face with both hands and just open mouth kiss my face/nose/cheek.  Talk about melt.my.heart!  You also will reach out for momma.  You definitely love your momma and daddy.  I love that you are a momma's boy but also love that you love your daddy the way you do.  I know I can leave you with him and you two will have a great time, that makes me so happy!  Your daddy adores you!  He loves to sing to you (that is y'alls thing), rock you to sleep, and take you for rides.  There are so many things I want you to know as you grow up.  I pray daily that you will grow up to have a heart for Jesus, a giving heart and that He will use you for his kingdom.  I often wonder about what you will be when you grow up.  I know you are going to be incredibly smart and talented and while I don't want you to grow up, I am excited to see where this life will take you.  These past five months have been the absolute best and I am so very proud to be your momma!  I love watching you grow.  I wish I could bottle you up, you are so sweet!  I thank God everyday for picking me to be your mom...greatest honor ever!
Love your biggest cheerleader and fan, your momma :)

SUYL: New Mom

I'm linking up with Kelly's Korner and her Show Us Your Life Series: New Moms.

December 16, 2011

I am a new momma to a precious almost five month old baby boy!

Being a mom, especially to a little boy is the best.  Not that I have anything to compare it to (I'm sure having a girl would be just as fun) but oh my word - little boys steal their momma's hearts.

I am happy to say that I have a "momma's boy!" no doubt.  And there is no stronger bond.

I can also be real honest and say when I was pregnant, I really was hoping/wishing for a girl.  Actually was rather shocked during the gender ultrasound when they said "it's a boy!"  But God always knows what is best for us and I am so thrilled to be a boy mom.

My sweet boy will turn 5 months this coming Wednesday and he is the light of my life!

But my word being a mom is exhausting.......

I knew it would be tiring but I had no idea it would be THIS tiring.  But totally worth it!

The topic of motherhood has really been on my heart this past week.  Being a mom in general has to be one of the hardest jobs on this earth, but yet one of the most rewarding.  I think it's so easy for us to get caught up in comparing ourselves with other mothers, comparing our babies, and just beating ourselves up over things that in the long run won't really matter.  Like about that load of laundry that never seems to get folded and put away or the floor that never seems to stay clean.

There are also things I didn't really think much about until I became a mom...like the questions people ask.  For example, I cringe when people ask "is he sleeping through the night?" or "is a good sleeper?"  (and yes before I had a baby I was totally guilty of asking this) I mean come on...no, he isn't sleeping through the night and so what if he doesn't - I can't tell sleeping through the night is a character flaw.  Sleep is over-rated anyway as a mother or so that's why I tell myself.  And truth be told, those middle of the night feedings are the sweetest.  Ones I cherish because I know soon enough they will be gone.

As a new mom, I often feel so "inadequate" at the end of the day.  I feel like there were so many situations I could have handled differently or maybe I shouldn't have gotten frustrated when Brady wouldn't go down for nap.  He is notorious for fighting his sleep!  Or when I feel like I need a "small" break from.it.all.  I get a sense from talking with other mommas that this is normal.  It takes a lot out of us to be a parent.

Thankfully, I have an amazing and supportive husband who is willing to take on baby anytime so I can get a break! 

But truth be told, motherhood while it may not be what I thought it might look like before I had a baby and while it may be incredibly tough some days, there is no greater job or love in this world.

To know that there is a precious little soul that looks up to me for all of his needs.  To know that God created him perfect in His imagine.  And to know that God knew my sweet boy before he was ever conceived...absolutely blows my mind. 

Also to know that God trust me so much that he has entrusted me with a human life.  God knew exactly what I needed when he made me a mom...and still does each and every day.

That's the beauty of it all.  We aren't meant to be perfect people or perfect moms.

There is no greater joy than being a mom, especially a new mom.  As a new mom, I think it is so important to just take the time to soak it all in.  The saying about the days go by slow but the years quick couldn't be more true.  And I don't want to look back and not remember the days...for these days are what make up the years.

Which is why the dishes and laundry can wait...they are only so little for such a short while.

Photo A Day {Day 1-7}

So I finally jumped on the wagon with Fat Mum Slim in her photo a day challenge.

Gives me a "little project" each day.  Something I look forward to it.  Here are days 1-7...

Day 1.  peace

Day 2.  skyline

Day 3.  something you wore today

Day 4.  fun!

Day 5.  bird

Day 6.  you

Day 7.  someone that inspires you

First Swim

Saturday we had friends over for hamburgers and the first swim of the summer.  I know it's not officially summer but around here, it is.  90* degree weather, day after day feels like summer to me.  Actually, I am dreading summer because I know it will be miserably hot!

Since the boys were in the pool, we thought the water was warm enough for Brady to take his first dip in the pool.  He didn't hate it, but didn't love it.  I think he was in awe of the water and more just trying to figure out what in the world we had him in, ha.  You can tell how serious he was in the pictures.  He also wanted to eat/suck on the float, ha silly boy.  He probably only stayed in the water 10-15 minutes before he was ready to get out.

Brady would not look up.  He was mesmerized by the water.

I love this!

And a video...

The first of many swims.  What a fun way to spend Cinco de Mayo! :)

To Austin and back...

Yesterday, we had a fun day!  We got up super early (6:30ish) for us and got ready to hit the road to Austin.

AB had some "business" to do there and we decided to tag along for the day.  Don't get me wrong, I had anxiety over the trip since I never know how a 4 month old will be, especially during a 3 hour drive there and back.  But I decided not to let "my fears" control me and just go with it...and I am so glad I did.

We had a wonderful day!  Brady did amazing and we got to spend some good quality time together as a family.  Just doesn't get much better than that.

And one would think I would be worn-out from the trip but actually the trip did me so good.  Okay, a whole lot of good.  I have been feeling so tired and worn-down these last few weeks and yesterday I was able to get out, clear my head and just take in life.

I came back feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next week...

The trip must have been good for Brady too because he only woke up once during the night and then woke up for his morning feeding around 7am then went back down until a little after 11.  I think that is the most, decent sleep I've gotten since he's been born.  So yay!

I know who would have guessed?  Definitely not me and I am thanking my Lord for a fresh, renewed spirit.

Brady saying "Gig 'em!" in his sleep!  Be still my little Aggie heart :)

We had lunch at Mimi's Cafe...I've heard good things about the place but was kind of disappointed.  AB and I said, "well we can say we give it a shot!"  Maybe it was what we ordered.  Everyone seemed to be ordering breakfast and we had lunch??

I also did some shopping, mostly window shopping while AB was at his meeting.  I drove to this area of Austin where there were shops galore!  Pretty much every store you can think of.  If I only had loads of money to spend...I did get some shorts, a new pool towel, and a picture frame from Marshall's.  I found some shoes I really wanted in DSW but decided against spending the money.

 

B and I then just hung out, mostly because I was too scared to venture out too far in the big city, ha!  We had fun singing, laughing, and chatting while we waited for daddy.  He amazes me everyday with what he is able to do...but more on that later in a different post.

We took a different way home then how we went, all so AB could stop and eat in the bbq capital of Texas.  We ate at Black's BBQ's in Lockhart, home of giant beef ribs.  AB opted for regular ribs and I got a chopped beef sandwich with onions & pickles, my favorite.  The way home ended up being such a nice drive.  It was all mostly county roads, the sun was going down over all the fields, and wildflowers everywhere.  Brady slept most of the way and AB and I talked and listened to music...it was wonderful and just what my soul needed.  Okay, the real sugar Dr. Pepper and fried chocolate pie also helped :)

It's days like these that make me want to pinch myself...no my life isn't that glamorous, we don't have a ton of money, but we sure do have a rich, blessed, abundant life!  And that my friends is priceless!

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness. 

Lamentations 3:22-23

Catching up...

So there are lots of things I've wanted to blog about but I haven't really had much free time on my hands and when I do I try to spend my time cleaning house, doing laundry, or eating breakfast or lunch, ha!  Or I am just plain too tired to get on the computer.

Brady is keeping me busy, busy these days!  I can't imagine what it's going to be like once he's mobile...

So this post is going to be all over the place and mostly for our memories/record book.

A little over a week ago (April 19th), we went to a gender reveal dinner for some of our closet friends.  We were so excited to find out that they were expecting & even more excited to find out they are having a BOY!  Brady and Carter will be best of friends.  AB and Jones have been friends since they were little boys and now they will have their own boys growing up together.  We can't wait to meet baby Carter and take family vacations together!

Excited mom and dad!

It's a BOY!!!!

Brady fell asleep during the cupcake reveal but he says "yeah for blue!" haha

Did you eat a bird?! ;)

I had to take the dogs to the groomers last week...they were wayyy over due.  I ended up getting them a summer cut, as a lion cut.  Ha!  It was interesting taking 2 dogs with a baby in the backseat...Coco decided she should ride with Brady in his seat.

Loaded up, ready to go

Last week while waiting for the dogs to get groomed, we had a lunch date with Miss Grace and momma Robyn.  She is a little over 2 months older than Brady and just precious!  She would just giggle at Brady and reach out for him.  And of course, I always enjoy chatting with Robyn.  Much needed girl talk and mommy time out :)

Look how sweet Grace is and look at Brady...hahaha!  I told him it's not nice to cry on dates!

Last Friday was a bit of a dramatic one.  I found a baby bird Thursday on our back patio...it literally had just hatched.  I hate seeing animals, birds, insects, anything suffer but I wasn't sure how I could help it.  Thanks to Google, I made it a make-shift nest and put it back near the nest I thought it came from.  Some little swallows built a nest behind one of the speaker boxes right by our french doors so I was guessing it came from there...well after a few hours the "mom and dad" did not rescue the poor thing so when AB got home he just dropped it back in the nest.  Well...the next day...I found it on the patio again but this time dead!  I was sooo sad!!  AB said since they didn't care to take care of their own child they can no longer "nest" here anymore!  Haha so I guess the nest will be knocked down after summer.

And to top off the bad news, we found out that AB's beloved dog, II (Deuce) had to be put down.  He got Deuce while in college so maybe 8 or 9 years ago.  It was a sad day!  So to try to cheer us all up, we decided to go out to dinner Friday then did some shopping.  Of course, it wouldn't be a night out without a blow-out diaper and a flat tire on the stroller.  Ah, life is funny!

Last week, we went out to the field to see daddy and go for a tractor ride.  Always puts him to sleep...

Look at those thighs!!

We had a pretty low key weekend, which was much needed.  Saturday morning, AB took Brady shopping for my mother's day gift so I had the morning to myself.  I made a trip to Wal-Mart and cleaned house in between making king ranch chicken and sopapilla cheesecake for a good friend of mine who recently had her baby almost 3 months early!

Dressed by daddy and ready for a day out with him :)

And random but Brady recently started taking a pacifier...sometimes.  He keeps wanting to suck his thumb which I'm trying to discourage and amazingly he has started taking a pacifier.

He has also started noticing the dogs more...

Well, I think that some what catches me up on what's been going on...I can't believe tomorrow will be May!!