A Southern Boy and A City Girl

Our Week

2012-02-14T10:53:00.001-05:00

My Little Guy and I had a great week together while Zoe Jane spent the week with Grandma and Grandaddy. Zoe stayed in Alabama from Sunday to Thursday night...which was just too long for me. I am thinking 3 days is long enough....5 is just too long. I thought since she has gotten a little bit older that it would be easier...nope!

But I must say...I did really enjoy my one on one time with Evan! He is such a happy little boy and so content. We worked a lot on building his strength with lots of tummy time, rolling and sitting up.

Evan has almost mastering rolling tummy to back!

He just gets a little caught up right here....he hasn't quite learned to use his little foot to push him completely over.

We also tried sweet potatoes...which he hated. He gagged and gagged and it ended up right on his bib. Oh well!

Since Evan is still sleeping between 3-4 times a day and so content, I was able to do a couple of projects. First on the list, reorganize the hall closet. You know how people have junk drawers, well I have a junk closet. Things were constantly falling out of it and I had just had enough of the chaos!

Ahhh....much better! I love organizing!

Our other project was to build Evan some bookshelves....out of pallets Zach had lying around at work.

I just love how they turned out and I think they are so cute in his room....now all we need is a comfy reading chair for his little reading nook!

And here is Evan's new trick with his pacie...all smiles here!

Thursday could not get here fast enough....boy did we miss Zoe. I think Evan missed her the most! It was so quiet around the house and he is used to being entertained all day. He got lots of great, uninterrupted naps.

Zoe and Grandma and Grandaddy arrived safely late Thursday night. Friday morning, we headed to our first Kindermusik class and I must say....it was such a disappointment. The teacher just should not be teaching...and that is being kind. But such is life! Friday night, we had The Koerner's over for dinner to celebrate our sweet Evan! Evan turned 1/2 a year old and that just calls for cake!

and maybe some wine, too!

We had a great week!

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-13T22:34:00.000-05:00

I really would find any reason to have a party and have all our friends over for an afternoon...and Valentine's Day was the next holiday! Luckily, last year I bought a ton of decor for the holiday of Love for mere pennies. And with the help of Pinterest...a party came to life!

The biggest hit of the party was the pretzel bites! So easy! Pretzel, hershey kiss (I used dark chocolate) heated in the oven and topped with an M&M.

My favorite valentine from Pinterest...'I DIG YOU!'

The craft table...busy making valentines!

Our Princesses!

What a Beauty!

And we really lucked out with a gorgeous day!

Poor Evan was completely worn out by all the love...he pretty much napped the entire party!

It was so nice spending a couple hours with some of my favorite Mommies and their beautiful babies! And I absolutely loved the fact that all my Godbabies were in one place, at one time and I got to spend time with each of them. I am so blessed to have each of these women in my life...and

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!!

I hope you get to spend the day with the ones you love.

Evan's 1/2 Way There...6 Months Old

2012-02-12T20:28:00.005-05:00

Evan wears some 3-6 months clothes, but mainly 6-9 months.

Evan wears size 2 diapers.

Evan eats every 3 hours roughly is breastfed. If he has a bottle, he has between 6-7 ounces (now mixed with prune juice).

Evan loves his pacie...he plays with it constantly. He takes it out of his mouth and then tries to get it back in the right way. He loves to gnaw on it and it is helping his teething.

Evan eats oatmeal, usually mixed with apple sauce or yogurt. he has also tried carrots, potatoes and sweet potatoes. Evan hated sweet potatoes...he gagged so much!

Evan has been doing awesome with tummy time! And when on his tummy, he can almost roll onto his back. He just needs a little bit of help.

Evan is getting very interested in EVERYTHING around him. Feeding time is getting harder and harder and he typically is moving his head anyway he can to see what is going on.

Evan loves to be sung to...especially at night when a little restless.

Evan almost always has a finger or two in his mouth, if he doesn't have a pacie...teething central!

Evan loves to play with his toy elephant that rattles and squeaks.

Evan is not a fan of the bumbo, so we really only put him in there to eat.

Evan is getting more active in the exersaucer.

Evan absolutely loves his big sister. He watches her every move and just smiles the minute he sees her. I really think he missed her and didn't like the quiet while Zoe was at Grandma's.

Evan is still swaddled. He loves to play with his pacie and this is how he is soothed to sleep. So I don't think we will stop swaddling until he can roll.

Evan take a morning cat nap, about 30 minutes, a early afternoon nap around Noon for about 2-3 hours, same as Zoe, and 1 or 2 cat naps before bed around 7pm. He usually takes his naps in his swing or swaddled in his crib.

Evan sleeps through the night without a feeding, but we do have to soothe him back to sleep one or two...or lets be honest ten times...some nights. Having a cold this past month has made sleeping a little more difficult.

Evan still has issues in the poop department. We have started to try and help him with oatmeal, prune juice...thermometers. He poops about once a week. One week he went three times which was the most he has ever gone in one week.

Evan puts up a little bit of a fight at night to go to sleep, but it is nothing about 10 minutes of rocking can cure.

Evan has brown hair and his eyes are turning green. Near the pupil, they are green and they fade to blue towards the edges.

Evan has gorgeous long eyelashes, but not so gorgeous long eyebrows...he's eyebrows look like they belong on an 80 year old man.

Evan is such a cuddlier.

Evan cries very little. He is usually smiling from ear to ear.

Evan has the sweetest low pitched giggle.

Evan's favorite toy is his floor gym.

Evan look so much like Daddy but has Mommy's eyes.

Evan isn't quite sitting up, but he can hold himself for a few seconds before face planting.

Evan loves to have his diaper changed.

Evan still has reflux. We decided to try and medicate him this past month. After 2 1/2 weeks, we didn't think it was really helping enough to continue.

Evan is the sweetest little boy and we just love him so very much!

Anna Riley's 2nd Birthday

2012-02-08T23:51:00.001-05:00

This past weekend, Zoe, Evan and I headed to Tuscaloosa to celebrate one of our favorite little girls, Anna Riley! Crystal had Anna Riley's 2nd Birthday at Playhouse Christian Academy.

We stayed with Shawn and Misty while in town...so when Kendall found out we were going to a party...she was already dressed and in the car, ready to go! And I am so glad she got to celebrate with us!

Crystal did so good with all the Mickey Mouse and Minnie decorations!!!

This is Zoe singing 'Happy Birthday' ... she was really excited about the cupcakes!

Happy Birthday, Anna Riley! We love you!

Later, after naps, we headed back over to The Hollyhand's for dinner and some play time! I just love every minute I get to spend with Crystal since they don't happen often enough. This picture just makes me laugh...it was a long day! But so worth all the traveling and exhaustion! Love these girls!

Evan's Nursery

2012-02-07T16:44:00.002-05:00

I just realized that I never posted pictures of Evan's Nursery...probably because there was more I wanted to do...but I came to terms with the fact that Evan doesn't care and it is fine the way it is.

The only thing I really wanted in Evan's Room was the color red. I don't know why...but it was a must! So I got on Pinterest in search of red bedding...and this Pottery Barn Bedding popped up! I just fell in love with it! I love the plaid, the red and the airplanes....and it has Big Boy Bedding so we will not have to change a thing when he moves to a bed.

Right after I ordered the bedding, I remembered seeing these adorable vintage airplanes at Hobby Lobby. I knew I wanted to hang them from the ceiling and I wanted a couple so I waited until they went 50%.

We re-purposed this dumpster dive find! To save space, I wanted to put the changing pad on top of a dresser, instead of having a dresser and changing table like we did with Zoe. When I was about 38 weeks pregnant, I was driving to work and saw this dresser sitting on the curb in our neighborhood. I called Zach immediately to ask the neighbors if we could have it and bring it on home!

Orignially, the dresser was pine wood and had ugly floral details on the top two drawers. We filled in the details with wood puddy, sanded the whole piece and painted. I found these 'E' knobs and drawer handles at Hobby Lobby.

I was so excited when I saw the above decorative detail at Hobby Lobby! I had been eyeing the exact same thing, only made from wood, handpainted and about triple the price, at Pottery Barn.

I decided on brown black out curtains...and they are just amazing at blocking out all the light during daytime naps!

We just left the rocker as it was. Pink doesn't go...but I knew it wouldn't be in there long enough to recover it. I rarely used the rocker with Zoe and have barely used it with Evan. Evan doesn't feed at night and he is not big on being rocked to sleep...so it will be gone soon I am sure.

My Dad got us this for Christmas and I think it is perfect!

I love that his room screams 'BOY' without having blue everywhere!

My big plans for Evan's Room in the future is a twin bed, painting his nightstand red, getting a cute airplane lamp, building a bookshelf (probably out of wooden palettes) and painting one wall with chalkboard paint!

Our Week

2012-02-06T16:16:00.001-05:00

Last week is a little foggy for me...I think the exhausting weekend has blurred my memory!

Monday, we headed over to Toddler Time and she loved it yet again!

Tuesday, we had a wonderful play date at the park with Alyshia and her kiddos and my sister, Kaitlin! The weather here has been awesome...you just can't not be outside! After we headed to our favorite and really the only place we go to eat these days....CHICK-FIL-A!

Wednesday, we had a fun day at home! First, we worked on our hand eye coordination, counting, colors and made some accessories!

We took turns choosing which color bead we wanted to put on our necklace. Zoe would say "Zoe's turn" or "Mommy's turn!"

Of course, the beads ended up all over the floor...but we managed to get a couple on the pipe cleaner.

And after we made our accessories...it was off to Zoe's room to play dress up!

Zoe has been such a good big sister! We have been working really hard building up Evan's strength. Zoe loves to help roll him onto his tummy.

Once he is on his tummy, Zoe screams..."Yay, Evan! Good Job, Evan!"

These two just make life so perfect!

Thursday, we had a busy day getting ready to go out of town and I participated in a survey and received $75 and two awesome kids toys. Zoe got to play with Daddy at work. She loves playing on the golf carts! And Evan got to play with his Godmommy and Goddaddy!!!

And Friday, I had to do some training on the new computer system at the Flower Shop and then we were off to Tuscaloosa!!!

I also made Crockpot Meatloaf...it sort of grossed me out to think about it at first...not going to lie...but it was actually pretty good. And Zach liked it so....win!

What I Am Lovin'

2012-02-01T13:58:00.003-05:00

Click here to share what you are loving today!

I am LOVING that I finally bought my absolute favorite perfume....

I am LOVING that I only have to work 2 nights a week!

I am LOVING my coffee, brewed strong, with a packet of sugar free hot chocolate mix and a splash of caramel vanilla creamer.

I am LOVING this spring like weather in February!

I am LOVING that tomorrow I am going to help with a survey on travel systems and I will get $75 and lots of fun new toys...all for giving my opinion!

I am LOVING carrots dipped in roasted pine nut hummus!

I am LOVING that Friday, me and the kids are leaving for Tuscaloosa!!!

I am LOVING that I am having a Valentine's Day Party for all our Mommy and Kiddo friends and all the touches are coming together!

I am LOVING my two babies playing so cute this morning! Zoe was helping Evan roll. And I am also LOVING that I got both to nap at the same time...dinner was already in the crockpot and the house was already tidied up....so I got to take a nap, too!

I am LOVING my amazing husband!!!!

Miscellany Monday

2012-01-30T20:33:00.001-05:00

~Design Mode~

I am so very excited to redesign this precious little house that is home to A Daisy A Day...

And I am loving all things Shabby Chic!

The Weekend after Valentine's Day...Mom and I are in full force design mode. We will be patching, painting, cleaning, SHOPPING and making A Daisy A Day a home away from home!

All Images Courtesy of Pinterest!

~Lavender~

A therapist from Catholic Charities of Atlanta came to one of our Mom's Circle meetings and helped us with stress relief. It was an awesome meeting and the therapist gave us some amazing advice on how to destress our lives in easy, every day ways....We are moms...who has time to go to therapy!

My favorite from the presentation was Lavender! The woman had a bottle of lavender oil. Something similar to this

You put a small amount in your hands and take deep breathes, breathing the fragrance in....INSTANT relief!

And because my mom is just awesome, she remembered me telling her about this great tool and she bought me lavender bar soap, which is just awesome because it mixes two great ways to destress...

A Hot Shower and A Bar of Lavender Soap....Try It...It will seriously change your life!

~Tax Season~

I am so happy....Our Federal and State Taxes are filed and we should get a nice deposit into our checking account in the next 2 weeks! And this wonderful check will bring us one step closer to being DEBT FREE! As of next month...Zach and I will be debt free in the credit card department and only have 1 student loan left to pay before being DEBT FREE (aside from our mortgage, of course)! Life is Good!

~Smash~

Can't wait for the premiere of Smash next week on NBC!

What randomness is going on in your life?

...Sigh...

2012-01-30T19:53:00.000-05:00

...Sigh...

Our Week

2012-01-27T13:11:00.000-05:00

Evan has been on his medicine for a week now...and I do think it is starting to help. He doesn't seem to spit up as much...but he still does. And it is now possible to have some tummy time without Niagara Falls. I hate that Evan isn't as strong as he should be because I don't want him to loose his entire lunch by putting him on his tummy....but he is getting there.

Tummy Time...sometimes he loves it...

Sometimes he doesn't...

Check Out those Brows!

Monday was a NASTY day! I mean downpour! But I was not going to let it stop us from going to our first Toddler Time at the Library. Suwanee Library hosts Toddler Time for 2 and under...and Zoe LOVED it!!! The woman who leads is so great and their were lots of songs, interactive play, visuals and, of course, a story. Zoe had a blast and I can't wait to take her again!

I made Skinny Crockpot's Taco Soup....Yummo! My Mom and Dad joined us for dinner which was so nice! We also played Monopoly The Card Game....so much fun!

Tuesday was full of errands. Thankfully it was gorgeous out...and like 66 degrees. In between some errands, we grabbed lunch at Chipotle and KK got to meet us. We sat outside and just soaked up the sun we have missed so much lately. Tuesday night was Mr. Church's visitation, so we all got dressed in our flannels and jeans (his "uniform") and headed to St. Oliver's. And I must say that in times like these, I am so beyond grateful and constantly reminded of how important it is to have support from friends and your community. To see all the people who Arnie touched in his life was beautiful!

And it begins!

Poor Evan!

Wednesday was Mr. Church's funeral...what an absolutely beautiful Mass to celebrate the life of this man, full of many tears, many kind words and many, many memories. It was surreal being there...I couldn't really believe it was all happening.

Wednesday night, we headed over to The Picture People to use our Groupon! Unfortunately, Zoe had not taken but a 15 minute nap in the car the WHOLE DAY! Yikes! But I kept telling myself...All we need is 1 good picture! And luckily we got 1!

Thursday we had a pretty laid back day and I made dinner again...So proud of myself! I made Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Roasted Broccoli...and everyone loved it!

I have been looking forward to Friday since we heard Ringling Bros Clowns were putting on Story time at Hamilton Mill Library.

It was AWESOME! We read Dr. Seuss's If I Ran The Circus and they acted out so much of it! They got all the kids involved with pretending to eat popcorn and making tiger sounds and giving a big drum roll on their laps! And they even played some tricks...which caused one little girl in the front to stand up, put her hands on her hips and scream..."Don't play tricks with me Clown!"...I kid you not! And I could not stop laughing!

Zoe had kind of a rough night of sleep...well we all did! So she was a little tired at the show, but she did great.

'Say Cheese'...or make a really awkward face

Another great week we had!

Our Week

2012-01-24T08:21:00.000-05:00

Y'all....I am absolutely loving this new way of life!!!

Yes, the mornings after I work are a little tough. I wish I could just have an IV of coffee, but once I get one cup in....I am good to go.

Here is what we did this past week!

Thursday Morning, I woke up refreshed and ready to jump right into what I hoped would be our new routine. Zoe woke up saying "Watch" and I said "Not today, Sweetie!" And she didn't ask again. We played with play-doh this morning. I let her tell me which color she wanted and she said "Blue"...so after we ate breakfast at the table, I got her blue play-doh and you would have thought it was Christmas Morning again...the girl was so excited.

We practiced rolling and patting. I got one of her play knives and the roller from her kitchen and we cut and counted. She was so precious. We made letters and shapes. She just loved it.

After playing, we had to run to the grocery to pick up Evan's medicine and get all the ingredients for dinner. Once we got home, we had some reading time and played in Zoe's room before nap time. I guess I didn't wear Zoe out enough this day because nap time was darn near impossible. Zoe has gotten over her fear of getting down off her bed. We would close the door and next thing you know you would hear little feet tapping and her pans being hit together. After about 10 times of going in to tell Zoe to get in her bed...her room feel silent. When she finally woke up and I went to get her, she was on the top bunk....oy vey!

Thursday was a gorgeous day, so we headed outside to swing and run around! Zoe just loves to be outside and so does her Mommy. And so does Evan!

And Thursday was a complete success in the kitchen! I made Skinny Crockpot's Balsamic Chicken....SO GOOD! I found too, and yes I know it is just one day, but my house stayed cleaner! Keeping Zoe eating in the dining room and not having the TV on meant no vacuuming the living room rug and she brought no toys into the living room...they all stayed in her room! Yes and Yes!!!

Friday was jam packed for us! I worked Thursday night, so I was nervous that my exhaustion would get the best of me....but staying busy really helped. We woke up and had breakfast and got right into our morning activity. Finger Painting!

I put on Pandora for some fun kid's music and she just loved it. A Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song came on and she recognized his voice right away....she just smiled the whole time!

Finger Painting was such a success! She constantly was asking me if her painting was pretty. And we talked about which colors she was painting with and which shapes she was making. Evan is learning how to play in the exersaucer. He is getting stronger and stronger every day! And as you can see...it just wears him out!

The Dacula Library had a Puppet Show Friday so we headed to the library. I wasn't sure how Zoe would do sitting still, but she did great! The theme of the show was winter and they performed some books. She made it through 2 shows, but didn't last for the 3rd. Once she was ready to move, we headed to the kids section and she picked out books to read. Zoe would find herself a spot and sit and look at the pages.

Nap Time was in order for all!!!

After nap time, it was party time to celebrate our sweet Ella Kate at Catch Air!

And after the party, we got to go see Carson and Colin! Zoe just adores Carson!

And all of this happened with only about a 1/2 hour of TV. After Thursday morning, she never really even asked!

SUCCESS!

Living with Purpose

2012-01-23T16:36:00.000-05:00

"So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning."

Last Friday, I received a phone call from my mom. It is kind of crazy how immediately you know something is wrong. I missed her call and even before calling her back, I knew something wasn't right. My mom let me know that my best friend from my childhood, Kara, lost her dad....so unexpected and so heart-wrenching.

Kara and I have known each other since kindergarten...Mrs. McClusky's KB class at St. John Neumann. Mrs. Church always tells the story of remembering the first time she met me. I had my desk turned away from the rest of the class because I couldn't stop talking...some things never change. And so our friendship began. Majority of my memories growing up involve Kara. We were in girl scouts together, swam on swim team together, spent every birthday with one another, had slumber parties and went to camp together during the summer. She is the one who told me I should be shaving my legs and introduced me to bras. We went to NSYNC concerts and on spring break together. Mrs. Church always made me chocolate chip muffins and would always have waffle crisp when I spent the night! Their family constantly reminded me that I was never allowed to wear white...because whatever I ate...it would end up on my shirt. The Church family instilled in me a love for the lake! We would swim with the farting fishies and the tooting turtles....we would tube and tube and ask for whirlpool after whirlpool. We would sing Dixie Chicks at the top of our lungs and just soak up the sun! Mr. Church treated me no different then one of his own. He made me give him foot massages if I wanted to go on the boat. He taught me to ski and showed no mercy on that tube. He joked with me and said my zodiac sign should have been a fagasauras since my birthday always feel on the weekend of the Gay-Pride weekend in Atlanta. My memories could go on and on....

And then came high school and for the first time...Kara and I were separated...and from then on we both have been growing in different directions, but she has always been someone I hold dear to my heart.

And now...I am holding her...crying because of the loss of her dad.

Mrs. Church wants this quote to be included in the program....isn't it beautiful! Just another reminder of how precious life is and how God made us to do great things. We are meant to make relationships. We are made to love! We are made to LIVE and not just walk around doing the mundane things of this world. Are you LIVING!?! Are you really living with purpose and does your life have meaning?

I ask you all to include The Church Family in your prayer tonight and pray for the repose of Mr. Church's soul.

She Does Him Good...

2012-01-19T12:40:00.001-05:00

So I came to a huge realization....another one.....what is with me this week!?!

Zach and I argue...I know, I know...hard to believe! Last night, we argued about him helping me around the house. Ever had this argument....glad I am not alone! If you haven't...it went something like this.

"Zach, after I get done feeding Evan, can you swaddle him and put him in his crib?"

Roll of the eyes and whisper under his breathe..."As if I am doing nothing right now."

And that is all it took to send me into complete hysteria!

Now, I know I am a woman. I should take complete pride of keeping my home super sanitized, organized and smelling great. I should have dinner on the table promptly at 6:00. Clean clothes should always be folded and put away, not a wrinkle in sight. And my children should sit still and say please and thank you, yes ma'am, no sir...on que. But I am a woman, unfortunately...who doesn't take pride in this....

....until now!

After our argument....where I explained to him that I can't do it all by myself (and shouldn't have to) and he made the comment that he works 40 hours a week and I work 12...aaahhheeemmm....TWELVE!!!...

I had a thought....or maybe the Holy Spirit was talking to me...a come to Jesus kind of conversation....and I realized something...

Maybe if I did take pride in these things...if these things were to somehow bring me happiness...then maybe we wouldn't have this argument....and we would be happy!

You see...if you want something to change...you must change yourself...if your goal is to change someone else...good luck (I've tried...it doesn't work ;) )!

"She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life."

Proverbs 31:12

So my thought continued on....If I do good to him, what would he most likely do in return....

GOOD!

If I make dinner....he will love me and in return....do the dishes!

If I do his laundry and fold his clothes....he will love me and in return...put the clothes away!

If I clean the house....he will love me and in return...not leave his stuff all over the place!

But even if he doesn't....I should still do him good....All the days of my life! (and pray really, really hard that he does the same in return).

So here is to a new way of thinking, living, cleaning, and doing some good!

Prayers Welcome!

A New Routine

2012-01-18T12:08:00.001-05:00

Something is in the air people....I have already folded a load of laundry, washed and dried another and started a third. I have cubed potatoes, sliced carrots and diced onions (tear) and dinner is in the corckpot. I have feed my little man twice, fed Zoe breakfast....and now have both of them napping....AT THE SAME TIME! And fixed Zach lunch during his quick lunch break home.

All without coffee....I totally forgot!

What has gotten into me!?! I am usually about to get off the couch from morning cartoons and think about getting something done at this point in the day! Part of it, I think, is because I might have gone to bed last night at 8:30...it was great. And another part of me thinks it is because this is the way I want my home to be...the way our days go!

I am super-duper excited about Zoe attending PreSchool this fall at Prince of Peace! Zach and I looked at 2 different schools and both fell in love with PoP...you just know right! Well, I go to fill out the application and they have a section on learning about your child. Good...I love this...I get to tell them all about what we do and how great Zoe is....and then they ask how much TV does your child watch?

And I immediately want to lie! How bad is that!?! But really I am just lying to myself in thinking that how my home is run right now is healthy. It is not! I write down 1 1/2 hours and then a movie later....and I feel guilty.

Truthfully, we watch about 3....cringe. Our morning consists of breakfast and TV....and some more TV. No, Zoe doesn't sit and watch TV all 3 hours, but it is on. She is usually running around, playing with Evan, or sitting on the couch for those 3 hours before her nap.

And I think....This has got to stop!

Here is my plan!

I want our mornings to be more scheduled, maybe just more organized. I want there to be more structure and more education in our day...for both of us! I have things I need to get done too in the day in order for our home to run smoothly.

I want our day to start at the kitchen table (not the coffee table). I want to either make breakfast together or eat cereal or waffle at the kitchen table. This will help with messes and start a good habit of only having food in the dining room.

Afterwards, I want to have some sort of activity for Zoe to do, whether it be coloring, matching, finger paints, playdough, whatever while listening to music....something hands on and creative! And I would like this to be something she can entertain herself with so I can get dinner prepared or laundry folded or dishes in the dishwasher. I am hoping this will last us until oooo 8:30.

I really, really want to start working with Zoe on her education. By, September when she starts school, I would like her to know the alphabet, be able to count 1-10 and know most of her colors, if not all. And this is not going to happen watching 3 hours of TV, people!

Between 8:30-9:30, I am going to get together some great educational resources so we can work on different skills. I want this to be fun for her and different everyday...so I am really going to need to get creative. Each week, I want to try and work on certain things, like the letter A, number 5 and color blue for example. And I want it to be FUN!!!!

Another goal is to get Zoe more interaction with other children. Whether we go to story time, kindermusik or a playdate, I want her to be with kids her age! I have signed Zoe up for Kindermusik, which I am really excited about, and there are so many different libraries in our area that offer story times or puppet shows every morning around 10:00. So on days we are on the GO...we will leave around 9:30 to get to our specific activity.

On days we stay home, around 9:30 we will do one more activity or play outside. At 10:00, Zoe's favorite show right now, Little Einsteins, comes on and we can watch that if she wants to until 11:00...then we will have a small snack, reading time and nap by 11:15.

Phewwww....do you think it will work?

I know everyday will bring about something new....but I would love to stick with this basic routine for our mornings. Another reason for this new schedule is because I want the transition of going to school to be an easy one for Zoe. Going from sitting on the couch for 3 hours to being in a classroom with other kids and a teacher...is quite a change! So I want to start making positive improvements now!

Plus....not sitting on the couch for 3 hours will help me get more done around our home too! It is a win-win!

I am going to use the rest of this week to get organized and start planning out some fun activities...any suggestions?

What is Zoe Zoo Up To?

2012-01-15T11:54:00.001-05:00

Zoe is now 26 months old.
Zoe wears size 5 diapers or 2T-3T pull-ups.
Zoe wears 24 months pants (2T are too long) and 24 months and 2T shirts.
Zoe is 33 1/4 inches tall.
Zoe weighs about 30 pounds.

Zoe sleeps like a champ. She takes one nap, lasting for 2-3 hours, in the early afternoon and goes to bed between 7:30-8:30 every night and wakes between 7:30-8:30 every morning.
Zoe has started having 'reading time' before bed to let her calm down and she loves to look at her books!
Zoe always wants ride in Daddy's truck, not Mommy's car...as she says.
Zoe loves to play and she lets us know by saying, 'I playin Mommy, I playin!'
Zoe loves to talk on the phone. And she now introduces herself saying 'Hi, I Zoe...How ya doin''. Whenever she says goodbye, she usually tacks on 'see ya' or 'see ya later'.

Zoe has started to think anything and everything is hers...constantly saying 'Mines!' And this is when we talk about how nice it is to share. She does like to point out what is Evan's....his pacie, his swing, his bed, his carseat...or what is mine and Zach's...Daddy's juice, Mommy's Cup, Daddy's shoes, Mommy' mone (phone).
Zoe is a frequenter of time-out. The biggest thing she goes for is telling Mommy and Daddy 'NO!' or 'NO WAY'...we can tell her to go to time-out and she goes straight to a chair in the dining room, turns it around and takes a seat. She doesn't really cry anymore, but boy is she excited when we tell her she can get down.
Zoe loves to climb on her bunk beds and she loves to jump...from anything...the stairs, a chair, on the trampoline, off boxes...she says, 'I jump'...which really helps us when she wants to jump from the top bunk...we appreciate the warning.

Zoe loves her brother. She is finally calling him Evan or 'Eban', but also calls him Buddy, Baby Buddy, Bud and Baby. Evan is the first thing Zoe asks for in the morning now.
Zoe asks to 'Watch' and points to the TV or says 'oovie' for a Movie. She also knows her favorite shows and characters...She has grown to love Little Einsteins and loves to pat her lap and raise her hands and scream 'BLAST OFF!' She also knows each of her favorite movies. Beauty and the Beast she says just 'Beast', Finding Nemo is just 'Nemo' and she says all of Lion King. In each movie she loves certain parts and it is so cute seeing her get excited.
Zoe says she is 'ungry' alot...but most of the time it is because she is bored. She will stand in front of the pantry or pull on the fridge door and scream, 'I ungry, Mommy'. She also knows what she wants and doesn't want to eat...and doesn't hesitate to tell you. Her favorites are yogurt, cheese, chips, crackers, waffle (baffle), green beans, chicken, ice cream, peanuts, mac'n cheese, tacos, cereal and apples. I think she would eat all day long if I let her.
Zoe loves to ask us for 'a bite'. Even if we are eating the exact same thing as her, she would rather eat ours.
Zoe is eating really well with her utensils. She knows spoons, forks and knives by name. Sometimes she gets frustrated and uses her hands though.

Zoe loves to scream. She has quite the vocals. If Zoe is trying to get our attention, she starts with Mommy or Daddy and if we don't answer she starts calling us by our names 'Sak' or 'Gecca'. It is quite funny.
Zoe doesn't like to have her hair played with. She says 'no hairs'...but her long blonde locks just beg to have your fingers run through them!
Zoe loves to be outside, rain or shine, hot or cold. She just runs and runs...thank goodness we have a great big yard!
Zoe is such a good helper. She loves to help Mommy with switching the laundry and emptying the dishwasher and we are working on cleaning our room and picking up toys when we are done with them. She helps with Evan by giving him his pacie and she loves to push him in the swing and tell us when he has spit up. Zoe always goes and gets her diaper when it is time for a diaper change. She also loves to help Daddy bring in the firewood and sweep the floors.

Zoe is remembering peoples names. And if we remind her, she can say almost anyone's name. Sometimes she can even remember when we go certain places, who is at that place. She knows she sees Papa at Church, she knows Grammy and Papa's house, she knows when we are home when we pull on our street, she knows Greg and Ria's house and usually says 'Be Nice, Greg' when we pull in their driveway...and this makes me laugh!
Zoe loves to tell us when we have arrived somewhere and screams 'We're HERE!'
Zoe is such a cuddlier now and she will sit on my lap and watch cartoons with me. I love this! She also asks to be help by saying, 'I hold you'.
Zoe loves to throw 'I throw Mommy' and catch and says 'Good Throw' right after...unfortunately a lot of things get thrown at Evan.
Zoe loves to be sung to...and she will say 'Again...Again' until you sing the song to her again.

Zoe loves the Moon and Stars. She tells us they are in the sky and points to them. Most nights, we take her outside and she screams 'THE MOON'. It is so sweet. She also knows the clouds and sun are in the sky and always points out airplanes she sees.
Zoe is learning the Sign of the Cross. She now touches her forehead when we say 'In the Name of the Father' and before we get to the Holy Spirit, she is screaming 'AMEN'. During our blessing over meals, Zoe must hold hands...and now she always wants to hold Evan's. Zoe also knows we pray before bedtime and she clasps her hands together while we pray and it could just melt my heart!
Zoe is starting to learn to count. If we start counting, she knows two comes after one and four comes after three. We are working on getting her to count by herself to five.
Zoe is so stubborn when it comes to colors. She knows how to say blue, purple, pink, yellow, green, red, white...but will only say something is yellow.

Zoe asking more whats and whys....which I have mixed feelings about. I love that she is curious and wants to learn, but she will say what a millions times...'What...what Mommy, what!'
Zoe is getting better at taking pictures. She loves to say cheese and make silly faces.
Zoe always needs a boo-boo kissed. Sometimes, she will fake getting hurt, just so she can get an all better kiss. Zoe also lets us know when she falls down that she is fine by saying 'I okay Mommy, I okay'.
Zoe is obsessed with her 'shwankie'...which is her blanket.

Zoe is getting so good at playing by herself and imaginary play. She loves to build towers out of her new blocks and make food for us in her kitchen. She still doesn't quite understand dress up, but loves changing a million times and putting on the accessories.
Zoe loves playing with her Bitty Baby and feeding her its bottle. But sometimes she gives me her baby to feed and puts her right to my chest...she hasn't tried to feed her that way yet though.
Zoe can lock doors, but not unlock. I have been locked outside once. Thank goodness for hide-a-keys.
Zoe loves shoes...her boots are her favorite!
Zoe loves to dress herself. She doesn't pick her clothes out yet, but she loves to pull up her pull-ups and put her pants on...one leg at a time. She also is obsessed with socks and loves wearing them.
Zoe is curious about the potty, but not ready for potty training yet. She tells us when she poops sometimes, but still could care less that she has a dirty diaper. She loves to sit on the potty and she pushes and squints her face...and loves to wipe...a lot...but no consistency. I am not going to push it.
Zoe is loving, playful, funny, silly, and just everything I could hope for...she makes me look forward to waking up every morning and I love that my days are filled with teaching her, seeing what new things she can do and hearing that sweet voice say 'Mommy'! What a gift she is!

5 Months Old

2012-01-11T08:35:00.002-05:00

This Big Man is Growing sooo Fast!!! And I am loving every minute of it!

Evan wears 3-6 months clothes and still some 3 month...maybe because Mommy can't let go of some of his cute outfits...sigh.
Evan wears size 2 diapers.
Evan always wears a bib....ALWAYS!
Evan loves changing time more than any other time. He smiles constantly and giggles when he gets wiped...BOYS!

Evan eats every 3-4 hours and is still breastfed. He is able to go longer between feedings...but if he had it his way, it would be every 3 hours. When he has a bottle, he now eats between 5-6 ounces.
Evan is still practicing eating his oatmeal with a spoon. His reflex to push all food out is still pretty strong...but we practice daily.
Evan still has pretty bad reflux, which now is mixed with extra drool from teething...equaling 6-7 bib changes a day!

Evan still sleeps through the night without a feeding, but this past month woke more often around the 2:30 hour and needed to be soothed and pacified.
Evan naps great and really wherever we put him. He will nap in the swing, carseat, our bed, his crib....wherever. He typically takes one short nap in the morning, a longer nap after his 2nd feeding (same time as Zoe) and one more nap before bedtime at 8...and then we wake him to feed one last time for the remainder of the night.
Evan loves, loves, loves his swaddle and is swaddled for almost every nap and at bedtime.

Evan is doing great with tummy time....he isn't a huge fan of it, but he does really well. While on his tummy, he tucks his knees in and is lifting his head so well.
Evan can balance on his side and roll to his back and almost can roll to his tummy from laying on his side.
Evan loves to stand up on your lap and sit with you, rather than swing or lay on the floor gym.

Evan loves to take his pacie out of his mouth and try to put it back in...sometimes this is successful, sometimes not.
Evan is such a flirt and so smiley!!!
Evan has CRAZY eyebrows that stick straight out like an old man!
Evan loves playing with his hands and is really grasping for objects...and, of course, bringing them straight to his mouth.

Evan has only pooped about 5 times this past month...Yikes...which results in the most smelly farts you have every smelt!
Evan LOVES Zoe. They are so darn precious together. She hugs him and talks to him and kisses him and he just smiles away.
Evan doesn't like his bouncy seat anymore and isn't a huge fan of the bumbo.

Evan talks so much! Especially with his Papa...and he has started to make his presence known at Mass.
Evan is all pacie...and has sucked his thumb less and less.
Evan loves staring at the TV and all its colors.
Evan has a great disposition and is so happy majority of the time!!! I just love this kid!

Miscellany Monday

2012-01-09T14:23:00.001-05:00

#14

Will tonight be the night that #14 is brought home for The Crimson Tide!?! We will be waiting anxiously for 8pm....and watching every second of the game! Roll Tide Roll.....I might even make some new yummies from Pinterest!

Weekend Recap

Zach and I had an awesome date night, Friday. We went to a shooting range in Atlanta and got to shoot 5 different guns for 10 rounds. The revolver was my favorite...I told Zach it was because I felt like I was playing clue...he didn't laugh. The AR something was really awkward...but I shot it the best! Dinner was catered by Sol Catering...the same owners of Taqueria del Sol....YUMMY! After shooting, it was off to Neighbors for drinks. We decided to go to another bar closer to home to watch football...but on the way home got sucked into the idea of getting Krispy Kreme and coffee...Wow...isn't that what old people do? We were home by 9:30....and couldn't have been happier!

Zach did pretty awesome...I was hoping this gift would quiet the "I want a gun" plea from him....I think it fueled the fire!

Saturday, we ran around town celebrating birthdays with The Koerner Family and The Williams Family! I can't believe how fast all our babies are growing! We got to stay in Athens for dinner and relax...lots of fun!

I also completed my first week of training for the Publix Half Marathon in March....I feel GREAT! And I am really starting to feel and see results which makes me want to work that much harder!

Reading Time

Zoe Jane is quite the little reader. She loves to sit in her chair and look through her books. She loves to have books read to her at night before bed. We have started to let her sit in her bed after prayers and "read" for about 15 minutes by herself. She loves it!!! She asks for her light on and books and she is so content! I hope she loves reading young...because neither Zach nor I did :(

I, on the other hand, can't seem to catch a second to read lately...and if I do...well I find myself fighting to stay awake. I tend to read at work and try to get in as much as I can there. Last night, I got to Part II of Catching Fire.....Loving it!!! And almost all of my friends are on The Hunger Games bandwagon now...I see another midnight movie in our future!!!

A Daisy A Day

2012 is already looking to be one for the books....we are only 9 days in and change is filling the air! My parents signed today to buy 'A Daisy A Day', a local flower shop that has been booming for 35 years! Random...totally...part of a midlife crisis...maybe! But we are so excited! I see flowers in my future! And if you are local and need flowers for a special occasion...maybe Valentine's Day...you know where to go!

25 Rules for Mothers of Sons

2012-01-05T13:12:00.001-05:00

Is it weird that 5 months later...it still hasn't fully hit me that I have a son!?! It still blows my mind away that this little man is mine...and that he is a boy!

Yes, I have reminders often that this kid is, in fact, a male....disgustingly smelly farts, a deep manly coo, a pee fountain every time he bathes....all the signs are there for sure!

I found this today, 25 Rules for Mothers of Sons and I thought...."Ohh I have a son, I can read this!" And it brought me to tears how grateful I am for this little man and how excited I am for all of our adventures to come!

25 Rules for Mothers of Sons

1. Teach him the words for how he feels.

Your son will scream out of frustration and hide out of embarrassment. He'll cry from fear and bite out of excitement. Let his body move by the emotion, but also explain to him what the emotion is and the appropriate response to that emotion for future reference. Point out other people who are feeling the same thing and compare how they are showing that emotion. Talk him through your emotions so that someday when he is grown, he will know the difference between angry and embarrassed; between disappointment and grief.

2. Be a cheerleader for his life.

There is no doubt that you are the loudest person in the stands at his t-ball games. There is no doubt that he will tell you to "stop, mom" when you sing along to his garage band's lyrics. There is no doubt that he will get red-faced when you show his prom date his pictures from boy scouts. There is no doubt that he is not telling his prom date about your blog where you've been bragging about his life from his first time on the potty to the citizenship award he won in ninth grade. He will tell you to stop. He will say he's embarrassed. But he will know that there is at least one person that is always rooting for him.

3. Teach him how to do laundry.

..and load the dishwasher, and iron a shirt. He may not always choose to do it. He may not ever have to do it. But someday his wife will thank you.

4. Read to him and read with him.

Emilie Buchwald said, "Children become readers on the laps of their parents." Offer your son the opportunity to learn new things, believe in pretend places, and imagine bigger possibilities through books. Let him see you reading...reading the paper, reading novels, reading magazine articles. Help him understand that writing words down is a way to be present forever. Writers are the transcribers of history and memories. They keep a record of how we lived at that time; what we thought was interesting; how we spoke to each other; what was important. And Readers help preserve and pass along those memories.

5. Encourage him to dance.

Dance, rhythm, and music are cultural universals. No matter where you go, no matter who you meet - they have some form of the three. It doesn't have to be good. Just encourage your son that when he feels it, it's perfectly fine to go ahead and bust a move.

6. Make sure he has examples of good men who are powerful because of their brains, their determination, and their integrity.

The examples of men with big muscles and a uniform (like Batman and LaMarr Woodley) will surround your son from birth. But make sure he also knows about men who kick a$s because of their brains (Albert Einstein), and their pen (Mark Twain), and their words (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), and their determination (Team Hoyt), and their ideas (The Wright Brothers), and their integrity (Officer Frank Shankwitz), and fearlessness (Neil Armstrong), and their ability to keep their mouths closed when everyone else is screaming (Jackie Robinson).

7. Make sure he has examples of women who are beautiful because of their brains, their determination, and their integrity

The examples of traditionally beautiful women (like Daphne Blake, Princess Jasmine, and Britney Spears) will surround your son from birth. But make sure he knows about women who are beautiful from the inside out because of their brains (Madame Marie Curie), and their pen (Harper Lee), and their words (Eleanor Roosevelt), and their determination (Anne Sullivan), and their ideas (Oprah Winfrey), and their integrity (Miep Gies), and fearlessness (Ameila Earhart), and their ability to open their mouths and take a stand when everyone else is silent (Aung San Suu Kyi).

8. Be an example of a beautiful woman with brains, determination, and integrity.

You already are all of those things. If you ever fear that you are somehow incapable of doing anything - remember this: If you have done any of the following: a) grew life b) impossibly and inconceivably got it out of your body c) taken care of a newborn d) made a pain go away with a kiss e) taught someone to read f) taught a toddler to eat with a utensil g) cleaned up diarrhea without gagging h) loved a child enough to be willing to give your life for them (regardless if they are your own) or i) found a way to be strong when that child is suffering...you are a superhero. do not doubt yourself for one second. Seriously.

9. Teach him to have manners

because its nice. and it will make the world a little better of a place.

10. Give him something to believe in

Because someday he will be afraid, or nervous, or heartbroken, or lost, or just need you, and you won't be able to be there. Give him something to turn to when it feels like he is alone, so that he knows that he will never be alone; never, never, never.

11. Teach him that there are times when you need to be gentle

like with babies, and flowers, and animals, and other people's feelings.

12. Let him ruin his clothes

Resolve to be cool about dirty and ruined clothes. You'll be fighting a losing battle if you get upset every time he ruins another piece of clothing. Don't waste your energy being angry about something inevitable. Boys tend to learn by destroying, jumping, spilling, falling, and making impossible messes. Dirty, ruined clothes are just par for the course.

13. Learn how to throw a football

or how to use a hockey stick, or read music, or draw panda bears (or in my case alpacas), or the names of different train engines, or learn to speak Elvish, or recognize the difference between Gryffindor and Slytherin, or the lyrics to his favorite song. Be in his life, not as an observer but as an active participant.

14. Go outside with him

turn off the television, unplug the video games, put your cellphone on the charger, even put your camera away. Just go outside and follow him around. Watch his face, explore his world, and let him ask questions. It's like magic.

15. Let him lose

Losing sucks. Everybody isn't always a winner. Even if you want to say, "You're a winner because you tried," don't. He doesn't feel like a winner, he feels sad and crappy and disappointed. And that's a good thing, because sometimes life also sucks, no matter how hard (as moms) we try to make it not suck for our kids. This practice will do him good later when he loses again (and again, and again, and again, and again.....) Instead make sure he understands that - sometimes you win - sometimes you lose. But that doesn't mean you ever give up.

16. Give him opportunities to help others

There is a big difference in giving someone the opportunity to help and forcing someone to help. Giving the opportunity lights a flame in the heart and once the help is done the flame shines brighter and asks for more opportunities. Be an example of helping others in your own actions and the way your family helps each other and helps others together.

17. Remind him that practice makes perfect.

This doesn't just apply to performance-based activities (like sports and music) but also applies to everything in life. You become a better writer by writing. You become a better listener by listening. You become better speaker by speaking. Show your son this when he is just young enough to understand (that means from birth, folks - they are making sense of the world as soon as they arrive), practice trick-or-treating at your own front door before the real thing. Practice how you will walk through airport security before a trip. Practice how you order your own food from the fast food cashier. Practice, practice, practice.

18. Answer him when he asks, "Why?"

Answer him, or search for the answer together. Show him the places to look for the answers (like his dad, or grandparents, or his aunts/uncles, or his books, or valid internet searches). Pose the question to him so he can begin thinking about answers himself. Someday, when he needs to ask questions he's too embarrassed to ask you - he'll know where to go to find the right answers.

19. Always carry band-aids and wipes on you.....especially the wipes.

20. Let his dad teach him how to do things

...without interrupting about how to do it the 'right way.' If you let his dad show and teach and discover with your son while he is growing up, some day down the road (after a short period of your son believing his dad knows nothing), he will come to the realization that his dad knows everything. You will always be his mother, but in his grown-up man heart and mind, his dad will know the answers. And this will be how, when your son is too busy with life to call and chat with his mom, you will stay connected to what is happening in his life. Because he will call his dad for answers, and his dad will secretly come and ask you.

21. Give him something to release his energy

drums, a pen, a punching bag, wide open space, water, a dog. Give him something to go crazy with - or he will use your stuff. and then you'll sorry.

22. Build him forts

Forts have the ability to make everyday normal stuff into magic. Throw the couch cushions, a couple blankets, and some clothespins and you can transform your living room into the cave of wonders. For the rest of his life, he'll be grateful to know that everyday normal stuff has the potential to be magical.

23. Take him to new places

Because it will make his brain and his heart open up wider, and the ideas and questions and memories will rush in.

24. Kiss him

Any mother of sons will tell you that little boys are so loving and sweet. They can be harsh and wild and destructive during most of the day. But there are these moments when they are so kind and sensitive and tender. So much so that it can cause you to look around at the inward, reserved grown men in your life and think, 'what happens in between that made you lose that?' Let's try to stop the cycle by kissing them when they're loving and kissing them even more when they're wild. Kissing them when they're 2 months and kissing them when they're 16 years old. You're the mom - you can go ahead and kiss him no matter how big he gets - and make sure he knows it. p.s. (this one is just as important for dad's too).

25. Be home base

You are home to him. When he learns to walk, he will wobble a few feet away from you and then come back, then wobble away a little farther and then come back. When he tries something new, he will look for your proud smile. When he learns to read, he will repeat the same book to you twenty times in a row, because you're the only one who will listen that many times. When he plays his sport, he will search for your face in the stands. When he is sick, he will call you. When he really messes up, he will call you. When he is grown and strong and tough and big and he feels like crying, he will come to you; because a man can cry in front of his mother without feeling self-conscious. Even when he grows up and has a new woman in his life and gets a new home, you are still his mother; home base, the ever constant, like the sun. Know that in your heart and everything else will fall into place.

by : http://studerteam.blogspot.com/

Glow Galaxy!

2012-01-04T08:17:00.002-05:00

For Christmas, we got the girls passes to The Glow Galaxy in Norcross! I saw this deal on Living Social a couple weeks back....4 passes for $16....and thought of my nieces right away! My sister and her family are making preparations to move again...and I didn't want to give her one more thing she would have to pack! So this was perfect!

To tell them we were going to Glow Galaxy on Christmas Day, Zach and I gave them glow-in-the-dark bracelet and necklaces and some fun colorful socks for them to wear to the playground.

I must say...this was pretty awesome! I can't wait to go back when Zoe gets a little bit older. The girls had a blast! There were bounce houses, obstacle courses, large slides, mini golf, basketball goals, soccer goals, and a video interactive dance floor. The girls had a blast doing everything and Zach and I even got to enjoy some time together playing a good ole round of Glow-in-the-Dark H.O.R.S.E.

I would definitely suggest this place to people in the area...so much fun and such a great idea! And I just love doing fun things with my nieces and making memories with them since I don't get to see them often enough...Merry Christmas Julie, Kayley, Ally and Rylee...I hope y'all had as much fun as we did!

Magical Nights of Lights

2012-01-04T08:09:00.000-05:00

Last week, Our family headed to Lake Lanier for their Magical Night of Lights....it was great and Zoe loved it!

The driving show was quite impressive if you ask me...I can't believe what they can do with lights! I think my favorite part was The Wizard of Oz! They had a whole section of lights that was animal themed, so we talked about all the animals we saw and the noises they make. Zoe just kept saying "Wow!"

After riding around the lights show, there is Santa's Workshop! We went after Christmas, so Santa had returned to the North Pole....so we saw it as a photo op and used his sleigh for our pictures.

Santa's Workshop had some great items for gifts and the ornaments were so cute! I wish I had more time to look around, but it was getting a little late.

Outside of Santa's Shop were two big bonfires and they have everything you need to roast some marshmallows and make smores! Yummy!

We all enjoyed our smores and Zoe just ran and ran around and around! I am so glad we got to do this as a family before my sister and nieces headed home.

A New Year!

2012-01-02T10:42:00.000-05:00

Can you beleive 2011 has come and gone!?!

Why do the years seem to be going faster and faster?

We started 2011 just finding out we would be expecting our 3rd baby and the year just got better and better from there...I remember writing at the beginning of 2010 how crazy life in 2009 was and how I thought maybe life would slow down...it still hasn't!

2011

January Snow Storm ~ Zoe is Walking ~ Trip to Charleston ~ Zach's 26th Birthday ~ Zoe's learning to eat all by herself ~ 40 Days for Life ~ Men's Retreat ~ Women's Retreat ~ Easter ~ Zach is CATHOLIC ~ Game Nights ~ Mommy Book Club ~ Zoe is 18th Months ~ Memorial Day at the Lake ~ Days at the Pool ~ Kindermusik ~ Zoe's Big Girl Room and Bunk Bed ~ My Golden Birthday ~ Monkey Joe's ~ Zoe's Potty ~ Brooke's Baptism ~ It's A Boy ~ Our 3rd Wedding Anniversary ~ Oliver's 1st Birthday ~ Vacation in Orange Beach ~ Zoe's Week at Grandma's ~ Mitcham Farms ~ Gymboree ~ Trick or Treating ~ Savannah Rock n' Roll Half Marathon ~ Zoe's Mickey Mouse 2nd Birthday~ Evan is Baptized ~ Thanksgiving in Berry ~ Christmas!
2011

I am looking forward to 2012 so very much! We already have so much on the calendar...

Our Godson, Benjamin's Baptism in January, Zach's 27th Birthday in February, The Men's Retreat and Publix Half Marathon in March, The Women's Retreat in April, My 27th Birthday in June, Evan's 1st Birthday in August, Oliver's 2nd Birthday, Our 4th Anniversary and Zoe starting Preschool in September, Zoe's 3rd Birthday and (cross our fingers) Trip to Disney World in November and finishing the year out with a Girl's Trip to New York!

It is going to be an AWESOME year!

Pinterest Recipe Challenge

2012-01-02T09:03:00.001-05:00

My sisters and I are moderately obsessed with Pinterst...as I am sure most of you are as well...and if you aren't...well you should be!

Over the holidays, we decided to have a cook off because there were so many yummy recipes we wanted to try from our boards. We originally planned for each of us to do a recipe a day for 5 days...one having breakfast or a dessert, lunch and dinner. Well the craziness of the holidays kicked in and we were not able to follow the schedule exactly, but such is life! We did have some fails and some total successes!

And if I must admit....Kaitlin Won!

Breakfast #1 was Tiramisu Pancakes! I was so excited to make these because I just love tiramisu and the thought of eating these pancakes with my morning coffee just made me happy!

Pancakes equal a success...made a little bit of an error on the cream cheese filling. At the store, I accidentally bought whip cream instead of heavy whipping cream...BIG DIFFERENCE! But I do believe, with the right cream, these pancakes would have been a 10!

Breakfast #2 was Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.....and yes they were as delicious as they sound...if not more! Kaitlin was an expert with this one!

These pancakes were amazing...but you could really only eat one due to the sugar coma you fell in to quickly after.

The kids loved this one!

Lunch #1 was Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with a Lemon Orzo Salad. Total Success once again. I am now obsessed with this sandwich. I have had one every day since Kaitlin first made it. And the Orzo Salad was good...it was refreshing and would be great during the summer!

Lunch #2 was Baked Potato Soup. This recipe turned out okay...but definitely need more seasoning. I am one of those people who follow a recipe to the absolute tee....and unfortunately for this one...I could not find the seasoning she used :( I loved the consistency of it though and it was so nice to have a warm bowl of soup on a cool winter day.

Dinner #1 was Spanish Chicken. This one I feel also needed some extras. It is so funny because I know NOTHING about seasonings, what to add to to a dish...what I would do differently..like I said....I follow the recipes EXACTLY! After this dish, my mom and Chrysti were going back and forth on what they would have done differently. This was supposed to be a Spanish dish because of the Chorizo...well there was no Chorizo at the store...so it turned into more of a Cajun dish with spicy sausage. This dish could go a lot of different ways, so my mom and sister say, with some additions to the original recipe.

Dinner #2 was Balsamic Bruschetta Chicken. I am a HUGE fan of all things bruschetta and this was a success! I would have put a little (or maybe a lot) more cheese on top of the chicken, but it was still delicious....and quite healthy!

Dinner #3 was Dr. Pepper Brisket Tacos. This was probably my favorite dish of the whole week. SOO GOOD! Another success to Kailtin and totally not something that would have caught my eye...but so glad she made it. We made had more of Brisket Quesadillas. The sauce for this one was amazing! And this is a Crock Pot recipe for all you Slow Cooker Lovers!

Our one and only dessert...Peanut Butter Chocolate Eclair Cake. And yes...it was Yummy!

Overall, my favorites were the Brisket Quesadillas and Pesto Grilled Cheese!!!!

What are some of your favorite 'pinned' recipes!?!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

2011-12-30T10:47:00.002-05:00

Christmas Morning came quick...never enough sleep! But it is so fun seeing the girls get so excited to come down the stairs and see what Grammy and Pap got them for Christmas! This year I set my alarm because we slept in the basement and Zoe was upstairs, so I didn't want her waking up screaming for us and us not hear her. While waiting...all the adults got some much needed coffee, started the fire, put breakfast in the oven...and relaxed for just a moment.

And then they were up! Papa bought a new book to read to the grandkids about the true meaning of Christmas!

And then the Family Stair Picture....

Evan got a little tykes airplane and a fun tractor puzzle!

Zoe Jane got all the food for her new kitchen and some duplo building blocks.

Zach's favorite gift Evan received!

My sisters and I all received Kindles from my parents!!! So excited!!!

Isn't the cover so cute!

Zach received a gift card to a local nursery! he has already bought 12 Azaleas and 3 Camellias! Our yard is going to be so gorgeous come spring!

Our Family got my parents the game Bezzerwizzer, a new trivia game, and a new griddle! This game was so much fun! Even though we are not usually fans of trivia games....my Dad is..he loves them...but usually they are difficult for everyone else...This one was so fun!!!!

I was so excited to give my sisters Erin Condren calendars....but of course...I ordered them a little late. Hopefully they will love them...once they arrive! Joe loves him some coffee...so Starbucks was definitely in order for him!

And we got our nieces a trip to Glow Galaxy! Under the tree, we gave them glow in the dark jewlery and fun cozy, socks! More to come on our fun date!

Unlce Tim made a cookie bar for dessert! He did an awesome job. my favorite was the Hot Chocolate Cookies and the Oatmeal Craisin came in a close 2nd!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!!!!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-30T10:27:00.000-05:00

Christmas Mass is one of my absolute favorite masses of the year! It is such a joyful Mass with the special readings and Christmas Music...but this year....for some odd reason....we thought it would be a good idea to take Zoe to Mass with us. Complete Fail!

Not sure what made us think this was a good idea...I think for sentimental reasons I just want her there with us...I need to stop being sentimental!

Mass was exhausting...well the second half. She did okay during the Liturgy of the Word, but it went downhill quickly after that, Since it is such a packed Mass, we are all shoulder to shoulder and it gets pretty heated when you have a child who WILL NOT sit still. Lesson Learned!

Luckily, we did attend the Children's Mass, so Zoe was not the only crazy child present. The Sunday School classes and Children's Choir did a Narrative of the Nativity and it was so cute. They also invited other children to dress as Angels or Sheep and they could be a part of the narrative, too. My nieces all dressed up!

After Mass, we headed to my parents house for the night! We have a Family Tradition of decorating the tree on Christmas Eve. This year we decorated at night and had appetizers and drinks. I just love this tradition!

It never takes much for Papa to make our Little Man smile! I have a feeling these two are going to be great buddies!

And I love our Christmas PJ tradition...Mom did good!

I am so sad because this is the only picture I have of Zoe Jane in her Christmas dress....she wore me out that much!

I love all the traditions during the holiday and all the time we get to have with family. I just treasure these times....and I hope as my kids get older they will, too!

Santa Came to Town!

2011-12-29T09:53:00.001-05:00

Let me start by saying that I absolutely LOVE Christmas...but it was taken to a whole new level this year! Christmas Morning for us was such a blast! Zoe was so unbelievably excited...it just warmed my heart! I loved this time we all got to spend together, just relaxing and enjoying one another.

And Santa Claus did good...Zoe and Evan definitely were on the 'NICE' list!

Santa and his Elves must get on Pinterest...what a great idea to re-purpose an old TV stand into a play kitchen for my Zoe Zoo!

And Evan is going to just love swinging come Spring!

We had a pretty crazy week leading up to Christmas fighting colds and visiting with family...so we waited patiently for Zoe Jane to wake up!

And her she comes!

Zoe Jane just loved her kitchen and cooking set. She played and played...

and played...

and played....

and played!

Christmas Cheers!

Yes....Zoe had M&Ms for breakfast!

Zach and I exchanged gifts this year....

Zach and I are going on a LivingSocial Date night! We are going to a shooting range in Atlanta where we are shooting 5 different types of guns, then to a yummy Mexican Dinner and Drinks!

I got a new pair of boots, my new phone and a gift card to Kohls...yes please!

What an awesome morning we had! I just can't believe how blessed we are...I wouldn't trade my life for anything!

Merry Christmas!

Workin' Hard

2011-12-29T09:01:00.001-05:00

Evan is getting so good at sitting in his Bumbo....it is hard work and boy does it wear him out!

4 Month Check Up

2011-12-29T08:59:00.000-05:00

Due to the Holidays....we are a little behind in getting Evan in for his check-up...but we finally got it in this week!

Evan weighs 14 lbs even! He gained 2 lbs since his 2 month appointment and is in the 19th percentile.

Evan is 24 3/4 inches tall. He had a big growth spurt and is in the 29th percentile.

Evan has a big, flat head! It measures 16.5 around and is in the 29th percentile. More tummy time for Mr. Man is in order.

Evan got 2 shots and 1 oral vaccine at his appointment!

Mommy had some questions answered about this little guy only pooping once a week...it is fine as long as it isn't a solid poop. Also, Evan should be growing out of his reflux...just in time for the DROOL of teething!

And Evan got the go ahead on solids
(even though we started 2 weeks ago)!

35th Anniversary!

2011-12-23T09:15:00.000-05:00

I am so blessed to have such beautiful examples of marriage in my life! And I love getting to celebrate these marriages! Mr. Don and Mrs. Brenda celebrated 35 years on the 21st! Their children held a surprise party for them at one of our favorite local restaurants....they had absolutely no clue!!!

Best Friends for 25 years! I pray that I am blessed to have as awesome relationship as these two have!

Happy 35th Anniversary and blessing to 35 more!!!!

Playtime with New Toys!

2011-12-23T09:04:00.000-05:00

After Breakfast, it was time to play with all the fun things Grandma and Grandaddy got for the kids!

Carly got a new Country Dance game for the Wii! It was so fun! Zoe had a blast dancing, too!

And then came the time for dress up! Zoe got a Rapunzel dress, Minnie Mouse dress and a fun Tutu with accessories! She loves them all! Her favorite part though are the dress up shoes....I think she would wear thing everywhere if I would let her.

I love that Zoe likes playing dress up! I can't wait to have all our girlfriends over and have tea parties!!!!

More with Grandma and Grandaddy!

2011-12-22T09:25:00.000-05:00

It so funny seeing what the older kids get every year...boys...it is always the same...cars, guns, trucks, video games...girls it is EVER changing!

Carly's reactions are always the best!

Tucker was so cute laying on the floor just playing with this flashlight! It is the simple things.

And sometimes I think the Daddies are more excited about the gifts than the kids!

Zoe just loves this hinge puzzle!

After breakfast and opening gifts, we decided to head outside to try out Carson's gift.

The big kids decorated their traditional gingerbread houses!

And Kendall just had to hold the babies...she can't get enough of the babies!

And then there was napping (mainly by Shawn)...

...and playing...

...and singing Christmas Carols...

..and lots of smiles!

Christmas with Grandma and Grandaddy!

2011-12-22T09:06:00.002-05:00

Christmas with Grandma and Grandaddy is always a crazy weekend full of family and yummy food....and presents...lots and lots of presents!

I just love that I am part of such a big family...always growing! Watching all of my nieces and nephews grow over the years and seeing new babies added to the mix every year just warms my heart! I love our family!

And the kids all get along so great!

All the kids were so anxious once they saw all the gifts under the tree! Each one just had to sit next to them...and some continually tried to open them before Saturday morning :)

Time to open presents...YAY!

Saturday Morning, we all were up bright and early! We made breakfast before opening gifts....lots of little helping hands around this house!

The newest editions to the family are getting so big!

This year, since our family has grown so much, we decided to let the kids draw names for their cousins' gifts. I loved this! We drew Carson and Colin...I had so much fun getting something for these two sweet boys! I can't wait until Zoe and Evan understand what is going on and can pick out special gifts for their cousin! Carly picked Zoe and she was just too precious with the whole thing. She called me asking what Zoe would like and kept telling me how excited she was to get something special for Zoe. On Saturday Morning, Carly was just beaming to give Zoe her Tangled dress and jewelry!

We got Carson a Automatic Baseball Pitcher. Although it is something a little bit advanced for him right now...I have no doubts he will be a pro at it soon! This kids LOVES baseball!

A Visit with Our Besties!

2011-12-22T08:43:00.000-05:00

I love that almost everytime we go to Berry...we get to also visit The Hollyhands! Spending time with Crystal and her precious girls is always high on my priority list since the opportunities to see each other are so slim. Friday, Zach helped Shawn and Misty move into their new house (Yay!), so I headed over to Crystal's for a playdate...Miss Kendall got to play with us, too!

Our babies!!!

They already love each other!

I try....I fail! Oh well :)

Time always goes so fast when we are together! I could sit with Crystal for days and it still would not be enough....Love you and your girls, Crystal....Can't wait to play again!

The Reason for the Season

2011-12-15T10:28:00.000-05:00

In the beginning was the Word: the Word was with God and the Word was God.

He was with God in the beginning.

Through Him all things came into being, not one thing came into being except through Him.

What has come into being in Him was life, life that was the LIGHT of men;

and LIGHT shines in darkness, and darkness could not overpower it.

A man came, sent by God. His name was John.

He came as a witness, to bear witness to the LIGHT, so that everyone might believe through him.

He was not the LIGHT, he was to bear witness to the LIGHT.

The Word was the real LIGHT that gives LIGHT to everyone; He was coming into the world.

He was in the world that had come into being through Him, and the world did not recognize Him.

He came to His own and His own people did not accept Him.

But to those who did accept Him, He gave power to become children of God, to those who believed in his name

who were born not from human stock or human desire or human will but from God, Himself.

The Word became flesh, he lived among us, and we saw His glory, the glory that He has from the Father as only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John witnesses to Him. He proclaims: 'This is the one of whom I said: He who comes after me has passed ahead of me because He existed before me.'

Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received -- one gift replacing another,

for the Law was given through Moses, grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ.

No one has ever seen God; it is the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made Him known.

John 1: 1-18

Play and Read

2011-12-14T11:34:00.002-05:00

Zoe Jane has been really, really interested in her books lately. She sits in her big, comfy chair, grabs every book, one by one off her shelf, and looks at all the pictures. You hear her talking sometimes about what she is looking at...or she is talking to the pictures. So I thought it would be fun to go play at the park and then head into the library to check out some new books!

We have not been to the park in awhile....Zoe has grown so much and can play on almost all the equipment now!

And my little stud enjoyed the fresh air....all bundled up!

Then we were off to the library to warm up! Zoe was so excited and kept screaming, "BOOKS"!

She would grab a book and come running to the table...look at in...show it to Mommy and then right back to the shelf to get another.

She even found some to bring home....

and read to her brother!

4 Months Old

2011-12-12T12:45:00.001-05:00

Time....Please slow down!

Evan is growing so fast. He is wearing 3 month clothes and quickly growing out of 0-3 and into 3-6 months clothes. He is wearing size 1-2 diapers...but only because I have a few left...size 2...here we come!
Evan eats every 3 hours...on the dot! He is still exclusively breastfed but has expressed milk when Mommy has to work or go out with Daddy :) When he eats a bottle, he has 5 ounces, but I believe we need to step it up.

Evan is still sleeping through the night. He sleeps from 8:00pm until 7:00am, waking to feed before Mommy and Daddy go to bed. We have missed this feeding once or twice this month...and he still slept :)
Evan naps great...and it seems like he takes a small catnap after his 1st morning feeding, a long nap between his 2nd and 3rd feeding and then one or two small naps later in the day.
Evan still has horrible reflux. We go through at least 10 bibs a day and 3-4 outfits. Blah! No pain though...thankfully!
Evan has grown so much. I would say he weighs around 13-14 pounds. We will see at this checkup.

Evan talks like crazy! And has such a deep, boy voice!
Evan smiles all the time and has the sweetest chuckle.
Evan loves to be tickled along his tummy and around his neck.
Evan still has blue eyes...but I swear they are going to turn more of a hazel green like his Daddy's.
Evan's hair is growing and is brown...you can already see his little cowlick in the back.

Evan has crazy eyebrows just like Daddy and I just love his sweet nose.
Evan has mastered grabbing things. He loves the chew rings and Mommy's necklace.
Evan loves getting his diaper changed and laying on the changing table. He just loves being naked.
Evan loves to be held and really hates to be left alone. The minute you walk up to him if he is fussy...he starts smiling.

Evan is still swaddled every night and during some naps. It just calms him right away.
Evan has much better control of his arms and hands. And he has discovered his thumb...on purpose!
Evan still does well with his pacie.
Evan still has his own little look...I can't pin point who he looks like!
Evan is such a man...he has started to poop more regularly and his farts could clear rooms!

Evan is in the initial stages of teething...which adds more drool = more bibs. He has a small rash on his chin and under his chin from the acidity in his drool. We have started to use oragel and this seems to help him.
Evan is doing great during tummy time and really lifting his head up!
Evan is such a cuddlier! I just love taking naps with him and holding him close!
Evan loves taking baths!
Evan can sit in the Bubmo but isn't really a fan of it yet. He does love his floor gym though!
Evan is a good traveler.
Evan doesn't seem to be affected by what I eat anymore. YAY!
Evan has the most pathetic little cry...he doesn't cry often but when he does, it just breaks my heart!
Evan loves his swing...so much that I can't buy D Batteries fast enough.

Evan just loves his big sister! She is so sweet with him and talks to him all the time...and he just smiles the minute he sees her!

Hasn't he grown so much?!?!

My Little Man makes every day that much more blessed and I just love him so very much!

Shall We Compare...

Christ Centered

2011-12-10T07:56:00.000-05:00

There is something truly, truly special about having a relationship with someone and Christ being at the center of it! Would you not agree? I know most of us would strive for this in our Marriages, a constant tug of war if you ask me...but an absolute must! But do we strive for the same in ALL our relationships?

The devil is well and good these days...but having the mindset that Christ runs our relationships and has our backs...well this just kicks evil in the bottom.

I am so blessed to not only have a husband whose heart is for Christ, but also family and friends! I feel like the women I am friends with build me up, encourage me, support me, make me laugh and cry....and I value them for who they are....all in Christ! God has revealed himself to me countless times through my friends and this is something I am so very grateful for.

I remember after college, around the time Zach and I met, I started to have a strong longing for more...the Holy Spirit was hard at work in my heart. And this really confused me because I didn't know who to talk to about it. I was living in Gulf Shores and I had no friends there, no communitu\y. I searched for a Church I liked...but it was quite a search. I couldn't really talk to Zach because we were not really on the same page at the time. But, I was able to find comfort in a friend. My friends from college...well we all had never really talked about faith...until now. My friend Crystal and I one day and I can't remember how, but Faith just became a topic of conversation and it warmed my heart. We would ask each other to pray for loved ones or different intentions. For me, our relationship went to a different level then all the others I had. I could trust her, really trust and confide in her. I could be completely honest and open and expect the same in return. Ever since college, Crystal and I have always lived long distance...but you would never know it. I feel so connected with her, even now. Over the years, she has been a constant in my friendships, which is such a beautiful thing and I believe it is because Christ is a part of our friendship. Going through one of the hardest times of my life, My time with My Oliver, Crystal was love...I longed to talk to her and I found a lot of comfort in her....all because of Jesus living in our friendship!

And now, I have friendships I could never imagine being so blessed by....and I do believe it is all because of God's love for me. He wants me to be protected and He surrounds me with His love in relationship. I have an amazing, LONG time friend in Jenny....she is like a Big Sister to me and so much more. We have known each other since I was 5! She is now my daughter's Godmommy and I am going to be her son, Benjamin's Godmommy....I am so excited and blessed with such an honor. I have been blessed to be two other sweet girls Godmommy and I love Ella Kate and Brooke dearly! Being a Godmother is a big deal for me. I have been asked to help bring God into these children's lives....HUGE! To help teach them of Jesus and His love and teach them to have Christ at the center of their lives.....and the beauty of it all is that I get to help these children along side their amazing parents. The relationships I have made with The Fisher's and Femiano's because of our children makes me so happy! And I know God is smiling down on them too...continually blessing them! Having Evan, we got to invite another Family into ours and we couldn't be more blessed by The Koerner's! Alyshia and I have known each other quite awhile too but have just really gotten to know each other....I just love her! She totally gets me and is going to be an absolutely amazing Godmommy to my son!

And then to think I could be more blessed is just amazing! God has always reached me through music! And I am pretty sure He touches my friend Lauren in the same way! Lauren invited me to Story Tour this week...Have y'all heard of it? I hadn't! But I am so grateful that she invited me! it was the exact thing I needed to truly get me in the spirit of Christmas! Me, Lauren, Danielle and Kristina had a wonderful time at the concert and I was just moved by the Holy Spirit the whole time....amazing music, sung by some amazing artists! I literally had goose bumps the entire show and many times tears running down my face. It is really awesome to have friends who like the same things you do and can appreciate the way God moves through these things. Oh..did I mention I got to see Selah!

I don't think this blog was meant to be so long....but I was feeling really grateful this morning and I wanted to share! Isn't that what the Christmas Season is all about anyway :)

Thank you Lord for all you bless me with....especially my friends!

Practicing!

2011-12-09T09:29:00.001-05:00

We have been hard at work in The Phillips' House towards our next milestones. Evan has been having lots of tummy time! And Zoe has been showing more signs of being interested in the potty...

How Are You Getting Ready for Jesus' Birthday?!?

2011-12-08T14:16:00.001-05:00

I have so many awesome memories growing up from the Advent Season....and, of course, Christmas!

The first thing I think about with Advent is a wreath. Well...we don't have a wreath nor do we have the 3 purple candles and one pink...I am sure one day I will buy all of this...but for this year, I thought it would be fun to make our wreath...and it would be a whole lot safer not having fire with the little one!

Here is our Advent Wreath...made from mine and Zoe's hands. Isn't it cute!?! Every week we add another flame and talk about the meaning and say a prayer. Does Zoe get it....no...but will she remember one day and cherish those memories....YES!

There are also so many great Feast Days to celebrate during the Advent season! December 6th is the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas...did any of you grow up putting your shoes outside for Saint Nick to leave a small gift? I loved this! Even at school, we celebrated Saint Nick by putting our shoes into the hallway and receiving a candy cane every year...I missed this in college :) Today is The Feast of the Immaculate Conception....a very important day to celebrate...without Mary...where would we all be :) On December 12th is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe....a fun day for a Mexican Fiesta to celebrate! December 13 is the Feast Day of Saint Lucy...the Saint I chose on my Confirmation Day....so a very special Feast Day for me :) AND the 25th...Christ's Birth!

Next year, I have so many fun things I want to do with Zoe and Evan to prepare their minds and hearts for Jesus' Birthday....yes, they are young...but I am all about the Traditions!

Even though I know that this season is a time to reflect and prepare for Jesus' Birth...I love many of the secular traditions surrounding this time of year!

What is Christmas without a Tree! My Family has a long time tradition of putting up the Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve and decorating it all together, listening to Christmas music, eating goodies....great memories! But I want to put the tree up sooner than Christmas Eve...so here it is! But we still listen to music and eat :)

Zoe had to give each ornament a hug...she loved them all and pointed to where she wanted us to place each one.

Evan had a blast....as always.

Zoe's 1st Christmas Ornament

And Mommy and Daddy's 1st Ornament...We haven't gotten Evan's yet...but it will be bought and on the tree soon!

One idea I read that I absolutely love is making a gift box for Jesus and placing it under the tree. You cut a slit in the top and place kind words about your family members or talk about kind actions you have seen them do...and on Christmas Eve you read them all together. What better gift to give Jesus then loving one another and it is a great way for the kids (and parents) to be aware of their actions during this time...no one wants to be on the naughty list!

What fun traditions do you do during the Advent Season!?!

It's Beginning to look...

2011-12-06T19:18:00.002-05:00

A Lot Like Christmas!!!

Technology Bust!

2011-12-02T14:45:00.000-05:00

I feel so helpless! I have a phone that is just about dead...my goal was to run into the ground and I am pretty sure that happened yesterday! And I have a dying computer! I have had my laptop for 5 years and it is just tired. To back up my pictures...it took 6 full DVDs...it has worked so hard for me and is just done!

So due to my technology busts....I feel so disconnected! We have been pretty low key these last couple days, but I am having withdrawals! This may song crazy and a little ridiculous...but because I blog, I feel like I keep more active because I want to document fun things in my kids lives...so we do lots of fun things! I love the fact that I blog and that I can print this lovely little outlet of mine. I love that my kids will literally get to see their past because I blog about every little thing. And not being able to do that lately...well it stinks.

I am hoping to be back and running soon!

Gobble, Gobble

2011-11-28T17:17:00.000-05:00

What an awesome Thanksgiving we had this year....full of yummy, yummy food, lots of giggling kids and some great new memories! I am just so thankful for family, mine and Zach's. Watching all our kids play just warms my heart. They all get along so good...this year at least :)

Zelda outdid herself with the food this year. There were 3 turkeys, one ham, lots of casseroles, dressing, cranberry sauce, mac n cheese, caramel pies, 4 layer delight....it is making my mouth water now!

My parents celebrated Thanksgiving in Arizona with Ponchito, so there was no Byrne Family Thanksgiving this year :( But we will just have to make up for lost time at Christmas!

Random Pictures...That Make Me Smile

2011-11-28T17:10:00.000-05:00

Being without a computer is putting me so far behind on my posts...so here are some pictures from the last week or so! Gosh, I love these two so very much!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T20:45:00.001-05:00

Well, today was just another day in the life....but I still wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all had a wonderful day, full of yummy food, extra long naps and much gratitude to the Lord for all He has blessed you with! I sure am grateful for my amazing hubby and these two...yep...that's my girl!

Where Did My Baby Girl Go?

2011-11-20T10:13:00.000-05:00

Zoe Jane is officially all Toddler....sigh...

Zoe's Special Day

2011-11-19T09:18:00.045-05:00

We had so much fun taking Zoe out for a special day to celebrate her actual birthday on the 14th. Zach had to work a half day, so we got to do everything as a family, which makes it that much more special! We started the day with her favorites of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Little Einsteins....and naptime!

Then off to lunch at Chick-fil-a!

Once we were done with lunch, it was off to Toys-R-Us! Zoe got a fun birthday balloon and a crown that she absolutely loved! Zoe got birthday money from Ponchito, so we let her pick out a present!

Let the searching begin for the perfect little present!

....and we got lots of "Happy Birthdays"!

An all time favorite of talking Elmo....but Mommy and Daddy's sanity is much more important!

And we decided on this Leaptop! Thanks Ponchito!

After Toys-R-Us, it was time to go to Zoe's 24 Month Checkup. Our girl is looking great! Zoe weighs 26.6 lbs (50%). Zoe is 34.25 inches tall (63%). Her BMI is 36%. Dr. Evans is very pleased with our little girl's growth, considering at 6 months she was in the 3rd percentile for weight!

With our checkup complete, we wasted no time and went straight to Catch Air! Boy did she have a blast! Catch Air might be one of our new favorite places. It has bouncies and SO much more! Zoe had a great time playing in the obstacle courses, sliding down the slides, climbing and climbing, playing in the ball pit, jumping on the floor piano and the light up floor....Mommy and Daddy had a lot of fun playing, too!

It just blows my mind away how fast the last 2 years have gone. Zoe has grown into such a fun, silly, adventurous, precious little girl! Every morning, I just look at her and want to pinch myself!

Troubles

2011-11-18T08:17:00.000-05:00

Oh how I have missed blogging....I feel like it has been an eternity...yet it has only been 3 days! Withdrawls...I think so. But I am not big on posts without pictures and my precious 2007 Gateway is going through a tough time right now keeping its battery charged. Once the problem is resolved....I will be back in the game to tell you all about the happenings of our life! Until then......

Happy Baptismal Day to Evan!

2011-11-15T16:48:00.001-05:00

What an absolutely blessed day we had on Saturday! My Baby boy is now Baptized!

Zach and I thought and prayed a lot about who we wanted to be Evan's Godparents. In the Catholic faith, we choose Godparents to help us in the raising of our children in their faith....it is a big deal and not a decision to take lightly...well not in this family :) And Zach and I were in complete agreement that Alyshia and Greg would be the perfect people to be Evan's Godparents!

Evan and 3 other little girls were baptized...so it was quite packed....which is just beautiful because this day is a celebration!

Evan is one popular guy....look at all the people who came to share in this day with us...so blessed!!!

Zach's side of the Family!

Our Beautiful Godbabies and their families!

And my side of the family!

After the Baptism, we had a small reception at my parent's house! And ate more cake...yummy!

I just love days like these that we are reminded how blessed we are to have such an Amazing God! A God who gave us the gift of His Son, the gift of our family and our friends!

Welcome to The Catholic Church and your Christian Life, Evan!

Zoe's 2nd Birthday Party ~ Part 1

2011-11-12T08:01:00.003-05:00

What an amazing couple days we had this past weekend! I just love having our family and friends all together to celebrate. Friday, we had Zoe's 2nd birthday party at our home. It was a Mickey Mouse theme! I was busy all week getting the final touches for her special day. I waited until Zoe took her nap on Friday to get the balloons because I knew she would flip....she loves balloons!

When I got home, Zoe was up and boy was she surprised by all the balloons..especially this Airwalk Mickey! Immediately she grabbed him and took him to the couch with her to watch Nemo before the party.

We got all the food prepared, table set, cake in place and then got Zoe Jane all dressed! I loved everything about her little outfit for the day. She looked so precious!

I downloaded a "Mickey" font for her birthday sign and hung some pictures from the past year :) Every one brought back so many memories and it was fun seeing how much she has grown!

For the food, we had "Hot Dogs" (pigs in a blanket), mickey mouse shaped chicken nuggets (so good!), chocolate covered pretzels, chips, cheese and crackers, pasta salad and, of course, CAKE (from The Dessert Box)!

Big Kisses for Mickey!

I had so much fun with the party favors. We have some amazing friends and family with some adorable kids...and I really wanted to do something that the kids would love! The little buckets included Disney pez dispensers, a box of crayons, a coloring pad, mickey stickers and candy :)

The star of the show....all the kids loved this guy! He was wrestled and kissed many times throughout the night!

Holly and Zelda outdid themselves once again! The cake was perfect and absolutely delicious! We decided on chocolate cake this year and I am so glad we did....it was amazing! The top layer was a marbled dark chocolate and red velvet and the bottom was just dark chocolate...yummy!

Let the party begin!

During the party, we had Mickey Mouse tattoos for the kids. This was a big hit and all the kids were so cute while waiting for them to stick and dry!

Zoe's 2nd Birthday Party ~ Part 2

2011-11-12T08:00:00.002-05:00

Time for cake and singing "Happy Birthday"! We practiced this with Zoe throughout the week so when everyone started to sing, she got so excited! And she blew the candles out like a pro!

Loved this one of some of the kids....CAKE!

Next, we opened presents! Zoe is so blessed to have such wonderful people in her life...especially ones that spoil her with such fun things that she absolutely loves!

Zoe got some cute clothes, lots of minnie mouse things, some dress up clothes, magnetic dolls, books....

....an Anywhere Chair from Pottery Barn...

...and a Tricycle from Mommy and Daddy!

Zoe just loves her chair! And she always wants Evan to sit in it with her....melts my heart!

Doesn't she look so big!?!? Where did my baby go!?!

All the kids got their favors and the party started to wind down....

Zoe's Birthday Party went so well! I can't believe it has come and gone....

Zoe is just such a gift and I am so humbled that God found me worthy to be her Mommy! Every morning, I thank Him for her and I love her more and more than I ever thought possible!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Zoe Jane! We love you!

3 Months Old

2011-11-11T09:10:00.002-05:00

What a month we have had! So what is Evan up to....

Evan is about 12lbs.
Evan is in size 1 diapers and 0-3 or 3 months clothes.
Evan eats every 3-4 hours and when he has a bottles drinks 4oz with rice cereal.
Evan has his own little look...but favors Mommy :)

Evan is a great sleeper. He sleeps from 8pm-7am, waking at 10ish to have his last feeding of the day and he takes lots of short naps during the day.
Evan LOVES to be swaddled, it calms him right down.
Evan is sleeping great in his room and crib!

Evan loves his swing and bouncy seat.
Evan is a very noisy eater.
Evan has really started to smile a lot. And he usually cooes a ton while smiling!

Evan is paying attention to his surroundings much more now.
Evan loves his floor gyms and smiles right when he gets put down on it.
Evan loves his big sister. He seriously just stares at her and smiles.

Evan still has reflux and goes through at least 4 bibs a day and sometimes 2 or 3 outfits.
Evan is taking to his pacie really well...but I know it is just a matter of time before he gets his thumb.
Evan has the stinkiest toots and only poops every 3-4 days.
Evan loves getting his diaper changed and nakey time!

Evan is still really sensitive to tomatoe based foods.
Evan has gorgeous blue eyes and is starting to get more hair...brown.
Evan has had a cold some of this month....his poor cough breaks your heart.
Evan loves to be cuddled and have his bottom patted when he is sleepy.
Evan is really ticklish around his neck and on his back.

Evan likes his bath, but isn't crazy about it.
Evan is able to grasp items and really hold on.
Evan does really well in his car seat.
Evan loves to sit up and be bounced on your knee.

Evan is a really easy baby and just makes our world that much more complete!!!! Love him so much!

What I Am Loving!

2011-11-09T10:17:00.005-05:00

Click on over to This Kind of Love to tell us what you are loving today!

Party Planning

I am LOVING planning my Zoe Zoo's 2nd Birthday party! I LOVE a party! And Zoe Jane LOVES Mickey Mouse....so what better way to celebrate her birthday than by going crazy with all things Mickey. Here is a sneak peak....

Daddy's Little Girl

I LOVE seeing my husband play with our babies. There is something really special about seeing your husband become a father! Well, I LOVE that my hubby made a fort in our room for Zoe the other day...

And then hopped right in to play with her...

and elephant and bear!

Sleepy Baby

I just LOVE everything about this precious gift from God!

Miscellany Monday

2011-11-07T20:45:00.011-05:00

~FALL~

We have been spending lots of time outside these days...and I can't help but try to capture all the beautiful colors as my Baby Girl explores!

Zoe loves all the leaves...and we have a TON around our house!

~Best Thing Ever~

I am still pretty new at this whole Mommy thing...but this nasal aspirator is the most amazing thing ever!!! Mommies everywhere....this is a MUST HAVE! Made by Graco..can be found at Walmart and Babys-r-Us.

~Zoe's 2nd Birthday Party~
We have Zoe's 2nd Birthday this Friday. I am so beyond excited to celebrate this little one. She is just awesome...minus the fact that she has discovered her attitude and likes to flaunt it! She is so full of energy and is constantly saying something that makes us laugh! We are having a Mickey Mouse Party and I have everything for the big day....just have to put it all together! She is going to flip out!

~Groupon~
We signed up for a Groupon to Picture People to get some Christmas Pictures taken. This is totally not my style...I like outdoor pics with Photographers...not the cliche pics with the fake presents and tree....but I have high hopes that we are going to have great success!!!! You can't beat 8 sheets of prints and a 10x13 for $16! So in my excitement, I went to Zoe's closet to have her try on the 24 mth smocked Christmas dress I bought for her right after she was born and it was HUGE! Total Bummer! I guess I will have to go shopping....

~Evan's Baptism~
Saturday is Evan's Big Day! I cannot wait to celebrate this Little Man's rebirth into the Church with our friends and family! As his Godmommy, Alyshia, would say...He will be a pagan no more! Such an exciting weekend ahead!!!

Finishing = Winning

2011-11-06T21:07:00.007-05:00

I am so excited to say that I have finished another 1/2 Marathon....3 months after delivering my Baby Boy!

Friday Morning, we packed up and headed to Savannah for the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon! Once we got into town, we headed straight to the EXPO. I love the Expos at races because there are so many fun things to look at...all the latest and greatest in the running world! This race I wanted to get a fun shirt to run in. The one I decided on was "This IS my race pace". HA. I love running....but I am the first to admit that I don't run fast, nor is it important to me to run fast...so I loved this shirt because my race pace is quite possibly someone else walking....but it is mine :)

After the Expo, we checked into our adorable cottage on Tybee Island, had a yummy pasta dinner and went straight to bed. 3am was going to come quick!

Race Day was finally here! We had to get up extra early to drive to The Savannah Mall to ride the shuttle into the city. Parking would have been pretty much impossible in the city since 23,000 other people wanted the same parking spot!

We got to Bay Street around 5:30am and we had about 2 hours before the race started....and it was FREEZING!!!! But, I am really glad we got there so early. We were able to check our gear, find our corrals, stand in the LONG line to use the bathroom and loosen up before Go Time! Oh and take lots of pictures!

The race started at 7:30 and it was so exciting! Too bad I had to wait another 35 minutes to actually cross the Start Line. But my time came and I was off and running!

It is amazing how fast the first couple miles go when you are surrounded by so many others. Before I knew it, I was at the 5K mark....32:26. I felt great! Right before the race started, I looked at my IPod to get it ready and the battery was on red! Seriously...I charged it on the way to the race and it was already dead....I think I forgot to turn it off...such bad luck! So, I decided not to turn on my pump up music until I really needed it. Come 4...I needed something so IPod came to my rescue! And once again...before I knew it...I had run a 10K....1:07:09. And then I HAD to go to the bathroom....I hate this during a race, but stopping is better than the alternative! And there was a line...so a couple minutes later...back to running! Mile 8-12 was along gorgeous Savannah Residential streets covered by mossy oaks and lined with gorgeous architecture...right up my alley! Right before the 10 mile mark, I had to walk. I could not feel my second toe on both feet...so weird, but I have had this problem every time I have run training this time. I regained feeling right at the 10 mile marker...1:57:58. My IPod died at 10 and Miles 10-11 seemed like FOREVER!!! I kept telling myself at 11 I would walk some...and right before Marker 11, I heard someone say "Only 2 Miles left...you can do it!" And I thought about how easy 2 miles is and I pushed along! I was sooo close! And then at the end....something comes over you and you just feel like you have to run as fast as you can..so I sprinted (which was probably no more than a nice jog but in my mind felt really fast) and crossed that finish line smiling....2:38:15 (but if you subtract the bathroom break, I would say 2:36ish!).

I am so excited because, other than my toes, my body felt AMAZING! And I finished 4 minutes faster than my Country Music 1/2 time! Yay for improvement! Overall, I had a 12:04 minute pace!

Now let's talk about my Hubby...he is just awesome!!! Zach had a 28:02 5K, 55:56 10K, 1:30:08 10 Mile and....Drum Roll.....finished the 1/2 Marathon in 1:58:47...He finished in under 2 hours!!!!! So very proud!

And this girl kicked some major butt! My friend, Katie, ran her first Marathon and finished around 3:50hr...absolutely unbelievable!

And of course our Kiddos were so proud of Mommy and Daddy!

After the race, we got ready for the big UA v LSU game....which was quite a disappointment but how could someone let that ruin such a great day!

Sunday, we were up bright and early because kids don't get Daylight Savings!!!
This is our cute cottage!

Check out was at 10...so we left a little early to make 10am Mass at this bad boy....

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist! This was Zach's 1st Mass in a Cathedral!

and then we ate lunch here! We ARE Irish!

And sadly our weekend away came to a close...way too fast!

And on our way home...we started to think of where we were going to run our next 1/2 marathon!

Trick-or-Treat!

2011-11-02T10:25:00.000-04:00

We had so much fun this Halloween! Zoe has loved dressing up lately...so getting to wear a Princess dress all day was right up her alley! We got to spend the day with The Fisher girls. We went to Chick-fil-a for lunch and to play....in costume of course!

We headed up to Cumming to go Trick-or-Treating with Carson and Colin. The kids were so cute in their costumes!

Trick-or-Treating was an absolute blast! Zoe and Carson totally understood what to do and were so cute going to each door and saying "Trick-or-Treat" in their own little way! Everytime Zoe left a door, she would look in her bucket and say "I did it!" I love making these memories!

I mean seriously...this melts my heart!

"Can we be done already....I am ready to eat this candy!"

Oh the joys of having kids! They just make life so darn great!

Race Time!

2011-11-01T11:55:00.000-04:00

The week has come for our big race!!!!

So how has training been going....GREAT!!!! I ran 8 glorious miles last Friday and I do believe I am ready for the wonderful 13.1 I will conquer on Saturday.

I have been running in Suwanee for my long runs and it has been quite challenging...which is awesome! Suwanee is very hilly and it has really built my endurance! And Savannah is FLAT...I look forward to that!

I got new shoes last week too that I love....I think my favorite part are the bright periwinkle laces...hahah. They feel great though and it was a good move before the race.

This week I am going to try to run some every day to stay loose and because it is just gorgeous outside and it calls my name! I am finally at the point, after 8 weeks, that I WANT to run rather than I HAVE to run...which is a really, really good feeling!

Friday morning, Zach, Kaitlin, the Kids, my Mom and I are packing up and heading South! I am so very excited to run around such a gorgeous city and to accomplish another goal I have set for myself! I wasn't sure if it would be possible to run this soon after delivery of my Little Man...but I am proof that ANYTHING is possible!

Savannah here we come!

A Big Day!

2011-11-01T11:41:00.000-04:00

This morning Zoe pee-peed in the potty for the 1st time!!!! She got undressed and took her diaper off and I asked her if she wanted to go potty....she smiled real big!!! So we went and put her little potty on the big potty and sat her right down. To my surprise, I hear a trickle and then....PEE! She wiped and flushed and then washed her hands...her absolute favorite thing to do right now!

I am so excited right now! So is Zoe...probably because she got an M&M for it! Yay for my big girl!

Hamilton Mill Halloween Party

2011-10-28T14:44:00.059-04:00

I loved dressing Zoe and Evan up and heading over to Zach's work for a fun kid's party. This year we had a Pretty Princess and Mickey Mouse! We had such a great time at the party!

Zoe loved that there was tons of candy on every table...this kind of spoiled dinner....but oh well!

Zach was in charge of the hay ride around the course. The kids LOVED this!

And of course there was dancing! Zoe had an absolute blast on the dance floor. She tried to do everything the big kids did during the cha-cha slide....just 5 seconds behind :)

And we have a little artist on our hands. Zoe did not want to leave this table....she painted and painted that little pumpkin til it could be painted no more. Thank goodness the paint was washable because she also painted her little costume....I had to tell myself to relax and enjoy the fact that she was having a good time. We were much better after this ;)

Zoe also got tattooed...she sat so still for the girl doing it and was so excited when she got done and saw all the glitter.

As it got later, Zoe got a little tired....well really tired. She started to throw one of her wonderful tantrums (in front of everyone!!!) and I have learned I just have to ignore them. Well, the photographer Hamilton Mill hired thought this we so funny so she fueled the fire! Zoe thought it was hilarious to lay on the ground and then look around to see who was watching.

It actually helped her mood quite a bit and we were able to enjoy the rest of the party until Zach got done with the rides.

And we attempted a family shot....I have a feeling this is how our family pictures will look until I can bribe Zoe to smile....I really look forward to when this happens!

Happy Halloween!!!

Play Time

2011-10-28T14:03:00.020-04:00

I love that we have family that lives close!!!

Kimberly, Carson and Colin headed over this week to play...

I love these kids so much and I am so excited they will get to grow up together and see each other often! Poor Zoe will be outnumbered, but she will just learn to hang!

Roll Tide Roll

2011-10-26T08:39:00.054-04:00

This past weekend, we headed down to Tuscaloosa to tailgate for the UT game! I could not wait to see my Zoe Zoo in her little cheerleading outfit! We met The Hollyhand's out on the quad to play and grab a bite to eat.

Walking through the streets, you could hear gasps and "awws" and "oh my gosh, there are two!" It made me and Zach laugh so much.

Zoe Jane and Anna Riley had a blast on the bouncy and Evan and Ava Kate took great naps!!!

For lunch, we got BBQ nachos from Big Bad Wolves....only the best BBQ ever!!! They only set up on the strip during football season...I would drive from Atlanta just for this...not kidding! But I have the added bonus of getting to spend time with great friends when we come into town...so it is hitting two birds with one stone :)

After leaving the quad, we headed to The Hollyhand's for the night to watch the games. The girls had so much fun playing outside....Anna Riley was helping Zoe steer....good thing it is a big yard.

And then they took turns swinging and pushing.....so cute!

Anna Riley was quite the flirt with Mr. Zach. She would come right next to him and bat her eyes and giggle and run away. She liked giving him big hugs.....

and of course....a fist bump!

I loved snuggling these two little ones. This trip I got to meet Miss Ava Kate. Such a beautiful little girl!!! She made Evan look so big!

The next morning, the girls looked so cute in their pjs! I can't wait for them to really get to have slumber parties!

We had so much fun while visiting...wish we could do it more often!

You Did What!?!

2011-10-24T08:44:00.000-04:00

Rickey and Zelda always joke saying that they will take our kids back home anytime, for weeks or as long as we will let them. I never thought I would be ready for Zoe to go to Grandma's this soon, but when we were leaving the beach, something told me it was a good time. So Zach and I discussed Zoe spending the rest of the week at Grandma and Grandaddy's house and we both thought it was a good idea.

So we brought it up to Grandma at breakfast and I thought she was going to fall out of her chair with excitement. Right then, she was ready to go so we wouldn't change our minds. We didn't. Packing Zoe into their car was really hard...I definitely cried once we got back to our car. Zoe ended up staying in Alabama from Monday to Saturday morning.....way too long!!! We missed her so much, but it was really good for all of us!

I was so surprised whenever I told anyone where Zoe was, every person said, "You did what!" I think my mom was the most surprised of all...haha.

Zoe had an absolute blast! She would not even stop to talk to us on the phone...we tried like 10 times a day. While Zoe was at Grandma's, she got to spend an afternoon with her Aunt Holly, Uncle Jared, Ian and Tucker. She also got to go to her Aunt Misty's office and meet all her coworkers. She got to then spend the afternoon with her Uncle Shawn and Kendall, playing dress up. She rode the barbie four wheeler by herself and played her little heart out. From what Grandma said, she slept great and ate okay...but I am pretty sure Zelda wouldn't tell me if anything went wrong ;)

At home, I got to relax and sleep in with my little man. Man was it quiet! I painted Evan's nursery and dresser. I ran lots of errands and tried to check some things off my list that are harder to do with 2. We attended an amazing XLT at our Church and had game night at our house. Our week was full and busy, but 5 days was just too long.

Saturday morning finally arrived and I couldn't wait to get my baby girl back. Zach and I fought over who would hold her first...I beat him to her!!! Nothing felt better than hearing her say Mommy and get a big hug! I wish Grandma and Grandaddy lived closer because I think we could do this again maybe for a weekend...but 5 days was just way too long!

One of the main reasons why I let Zoe go is because I didn't get anything like this growing up. My grandparents all lived plane rides away and my aunts and uncles were not really present either. The fact that Zoe got to spend time with so many important people in her life while away made the trip so worth it. I loved hearing that she was visiting with someone new every day and making memories with them! I love that my kids have such amazing Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles...they are truly blessed!

More Fun in the Sun!

2011-10-20T13:00:00.001-04:00

Our last day on vacation came way too fast! The beach was a little too much work for all of us...so we decided to spend the last day at the pool. The wind was much calmer Sunday and we were able to actually enjoy the pools and slides without freezing!

Zoe loved the slides!!! Zach got quite a work out walking up the stairs!

And while Daddy and Zoe played on the slides, Mommy laid out and drank a yummy Margarita. Ahhhh!

Zoe wore herself out and took an awesome nap at the pool! So did Daddy!

We ate dinner at DeSoto's this night and it was DELICIOUS!!!

And we had to play putt-putt before we left!

We had an absolute blast on our family vacation! I can't wait to do it again!

Toes in the Sand

2011-10-20T10:19:00.002-04:00

After a fun day at the beach, we headed back to the room for naps before dinner at Sea~N~Suds!

I believe Zoe was singing her favorite song from Tangled here.

A girl's trip to the outlets was a must! We had a great time shopping and spending time together without little hands pulling on us or "Mommy, I wants". And boy did the outlets have some great sales going on! Always a plus!

Once we got home....a friendly game of spoons was in order.
...Ya Right...there is no such thing as a friendly game of spoons!

2 Month Check Up

2011-10-18T19:31:00.003-04:00

Today, Evan and I headed to GPAM for his 2 Month Check Up with Dr. Evans.
This baby boy is doing great!

Weight: 10lbs 7.4oz and 19 %

Height: 22" and 15%

Head Circumference: 15 1/2" and 30%

We have a little guy, but one who continues to grow consistantly. I had some questions for the doctor about his reflux and she and I agree that he does not need medication for the issue. I love that I have a doctor who doesn't jump straight to medicating! Yes, Evan continues to spit up often, but there is no pain and that is what the medicine helps...not the actual act of spitting up. So that is that. And he continues to gain weight...so that is a positive. We will be adding rice cereal to his bottles when he gets a bottle to thinken them up some and hopefully keep him from spitting up, if possible.

Evan got two shots and one oral vaccine today. He did so well and only cried for a second and has been sleeping ever since.

The best news.....Evan is sleeping for 7-8 hours at night.....IN HIS ROOM!!!! Yep...I finished the nursery and he is comfy in his crib and Mommy and Daddy have their room back....YAY!