Family

F i v e

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My babies are not babies anymore.  They’re little boys.

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They’ve obviously been headed in this direction for some time now and many might argue they haven’t been babies in a long while.

But before I could still scoop them up, squeeze em and love all over them.  I could still hold them in my arms.  They both gave kisses willingly and snuggles were never enough.  Mommy could always “fix” the problem.  Both always looked to me (or The Hubs) for guidance and assurance.

Now they’re just so darn independent.  An opinionated.  And goofy.  They still love me.  Its just differently.  I know it will change again as they continue to get older, more mature, and “grown up”.

I also realize these are signs that we are doing something right.  Asserting their ability to do things on their own, make their own decisions and learn from it.  It still means they need me less and that’s a hard pill to swallow.

Corbin

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Corbin is 42′ tall and (has thankfully gained a few pounds since the tonsillectomy) weighs in at 36.4 lbs.  He still has his stunning blue eyes and sweet smirk.  Corbin still wakes up first, and entirely too early, but gives the reason that he needs to snuggle.  Sometimes it means he gets up more than once during the night.  He has agreed to “give up” sucking his thumb now that he is a big 5 year old but still loves his blankie fiercely.  He has a very outgoing personality and is always pretending he is something or somewhere but he has to get permission first – Mommy, can I pretend I am ________?

Corbin is not shy.   He will let you know how he feels, who pushed/stepped on his foot/didn’t play with him, who he doesn’t like, all usually within earshot of the other kid’s mom at after school pickup.  Sheesh.  I try to embrace it.  Kids are honest and Corbin is going to deliver you the truth.

 

Since starting at a montessori school Corbin has drifted towards math and enjoys those lessons.  Montessori schools use a lot of hands on objects to learn (i.e. counting beads, stacking blocks) and that is right up his alley.  Corbin is the pickiest eater.  He will like something one day and not the next, he love all typical kid food but he does like more meat options then average.  The only veggie that gets past his lips are corn and carrots – occasionally.

Weston

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Since day one, Weston has always been just a hair bigger than his brother.  Weston weighs in at 38 lbs and is 43.5″ tall.  Occasionally, I think my boys are tall (both are greater than the 75%) but then I see them next to a really tall kid!  Weston has the biggest smile and loves to laugh at Corbin (who loves to make him laugh). Weston has a mixed personality.  He can be very bossy and assertive at home but in social setting, he really needs Corbin to give him confidence.  We were camping a few months back and he was desperate to go play with the kids across the campground but would not go without Corbin.  Once he feels Corbin’s support and gets the courage up to go introduce himself, he’s off.  Sometimes to Corbin’s displeasure because he gets left behind.

Weston likes to please us more than not, especially when I’m on my last bit of patience.  Or when Corbin has made me cry (true story).  Weston is a pretty good eater but is not a fan of most meat choices.  He will eat an occasional meatball or piece of lunch meat and much prefers carbs (like his momma). Weston will still come to to mommy to “fix it”, whatever it is and I hope that doesn’t stop too soon.

Corbin and Weston filled our lives in a way I never knew they could.  The Hubs and I both badly wanted kids but there really is no way to understand how fulfilling children make life until you have them (whether it’s the old fashioned way or adoption or even gaining kids through a marriage).  It’s not always easy but the hard times are totally worth it.

We are an infertility “success” story.  What’s compelling is we were never really diagnosed with anything to make us infertile so it was an “unexplained infertility” which was heart wrenching.  It’s easy for me to look back and say, God planned it this way.  It was impossibly difficult to endure but it did work out perfect, according to His plan.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WESTON AND CORBIN!

XOXO

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A Decade.

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If you don’t know our story, here it is.

 

Let me set the scene:

2005 College Station, Texas: I, along with my best friend Jenn, enter the pool area.  It’s March which means it’s a crap shoot on what the weather will be like but on this day it was quite nice but too cold to swim. Everyone is just lounging around enjoying the sunshine. Jenn proceeds to introduce me to a bunch of dudes and a few other girls and, with the exception of a few, this crowd makes up our entire gang headed to Gulf Shores for one last colligate spring break trip.

I am in the minority of only knowing two in the group but almost instantly, everyone is a friend.  I specifically remember seeing a six pack of beers floating in the pool.  I laughed out loud and asked who did that (pretty genius since the water was so cold) and it was none other then Josh. This is the trip that ended with The Hubs relentlessly pursuing me, to which he eventually succeeded.

Months and even years later when we run into other people who were on the trip, would say to us, “I still CANNOT believe y’all got married”.

Honestly, spring break isn’t a place where you’d meet someone you can really connect with but this spring break was different.  Well before dawn, we squished too many people into a group of cars and caravanned the ten hours.  We had the coolest baby blue beachfront house with some of the coolest people filling up the rooms. We played endless rounds of beer pong (which no one wanted me on their team), the guys jammed on their guitars, suntanning, SO much time porch sitting talking (and drinking) and making memories of a lifetime.

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On the loooong way home (which included St Patty’s day in New Orleans….best trip ever!), The Hubs flirted unabashedly….and I was not interested.  I wasn’t interested in a long distance boyfriend and he was still in school at A&M and I at UNT.

I’ll try and shorten up this long story: Josh wouldn’t take no for an answer.  He came up to visit and asked me to dinner. I told him I had homework.  When I finally conceded, I made two of my girls come to dinner with us.  The next visit we spent more time without chaperones and the rest is history.  I fell for him.

After both of our graduations, The Hubs had a job lined up in San Antonio and I had just lost mine.  I wasn’t willing to continue the long distance with another two hours (five total) between us.  He promised me that he intended to marry me (with a ring) and convinced me to move to San Antonio a brief nine months after meeting.  When you know, you know.

Another eight months later, we snuck off to the justice of the peace and got hitched.  We wanted to buy a house and being married helped that process and we were already planning on it anyhow.  Josh proposed the night before by borrowing a guitar at an open mic night and sang Who I Am by Wade Bowen.  I was on my lunch break and had to get back to my temp job.  No one knew.  We were saving money for our wedding and we didn’t want people to skip our actual wedding because we were already married.  So it stayed a secret.  For the most part.  Josh slipped up in his excitement to a few people, after one too many but they kept it under wraps for us (as far as we know).

So our wedding day was technically nine years ago today, on October 26, 2007 but we have been married since 2006.  To make things simple, we only celebrate our wedding day as our anniversary but I don’t want to diminish that first year of marriage.

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And I’ve never looked back.  The last ten years have been full of ups and downs but I wouldn’t changed a single moment because all of it combined, has brought us to this point in our lives.  And I’ll say, it’s a damn good place for us.

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I love you babe, with all of my heart; it’s much fuller because of you.

XOXO,

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Three Year Olds

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Our boys turned three years old.  Three years have gone by since those teeny tiny little nuggets entered our world and changed everything.  I could cry.  As ALL parents say, it really does go by fast.  The days of newborns are the longest and the shortest days in the weirdest way possible.  After that, it just picks up pace.  I never wished to “rush” through any phase (even potty training) because I knew once it was over, that was it.

 

 

This just doesn’t seem like that long ago to me.

Weston

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My West.  He is exactly that, a momma’s boy.  The world ends if Daddy attempts to dry Weston off after the bath tub.  I use that to my advantage and he hops out of the bath super fast.  Weston is a ball of emotion on most days and can swing from being the sweetest, loving, giggly boy to incredibly frustrated and upset with anyone and everyone.  He is a lot like me in that sense…every feeling is full of emotion.  He looks out for Corbin and loves to introduce them to other people, first saying his name and then pointing out Corbin.

At their three year check up,  Weston weighed in at 33 lbs and 38.5″ tall.  He is slightly above the fiftieth percentile for weight and right at the seventy fifth percentile for height. Weston still naps on occasion and when he does, he naps hard.  He sleeps through the night like a champ, rarely getting up and on most days I can hardly get him out of bed in the morning (again, similar to mom).

Things I don’t want to forget: Every morning, Weston runs into my arms and tucks his head into my neck so his eyes can get used to the light.  When I go to pick him up from school, he grins and squeezes me so tight and says, “I’m so glad you’re here”.   When he laughs at his brother, its a full belly laugh if Cor does something silly and the way he says big words like, “incredible and amazing” when we go new places.  How Weston always wants to help me with chores.

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Corbin

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Corbin is still more of a Daddy’s boy.  He wakes up early on most days to make sure he sees  Daddy before he leaves for work. Daddy always says goodbye but Corbin will look for him half of the morning, asking where he went.  Corbin is my snuggle bug though and will lay with me for a few minutes before he fully wake up and always wants to play what I call Marco Mommy with me.  If I am in another room he will call, “mommy” and I respond and this continues until he locates me.  Corbin is more independent then his brother though and likes to entertain himself, but he also really loves to aggravate Weston.  He will take a toy he knows Weston wants and then run away and make Weston chase him. It usually ends with Corbin throwing it behind the couch/table/tub and Weston in tears.  I can only image how these “fights” will progress.

Corbin weighed in at 30.2 pounds and 38 inches tall.  His weight falls just below the fiftieth percentile and his hight was at the seventy fifth.  Tall and lean as he has always been.  Corbin sleeps through the night about 60% of the time.  He sometimes wakes up to go potty or needs reassurance after a bad dream.  Sometimes he just comes in to snuggle (to which we send him back to bed).  It’s a small prayer every night that he (we) make it through.

Things I don’t want to forget:  Corbin with his blanket and sucking his thumb (I know).  How he will share with his brother and, if Weston is upset, he tries to fix it.  Corbin will thank you for doing something for him (like Daddy built the playground for them and a month later, he’s still saying thank you). How he has the goofiest grin when someone tells him to smile for a picture.  How much he loves to build parking lots (cars lined up), when he tells me “follow me Mommy” and pulls my hand.  How animated and excited he is when he talks about everything.

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The nuggets are total boys.  They love trains trucks, cars, dirt and messes.  They’re not so much into bugs…yet.  In the love of all trucks, we had a Fire Truck themed birthday party.

I found Fire Truck 2 You with Fireman Scott, that brings a real fire truck right to your party. It was so outstanding, I couldn’t recommend a more fun event.  I actually attended a community event last night and discovered we are kinda infamous in the neighborhood from this party since the mayor’s daughter in law stopped to inquire about it.  Whoa, right?

The boys were in love with every aspect, except honking the horn.  Corbin did that once and scared more than half the party’s attendants, including himself and that was that.  No more honking.  But each child had the opportunity to climb in and out of the truck, turn on the lights, push buttons, etc.  They had fireman outfits to put on and Fireman Scott even talked about firemen and how they are there to help and not to be scared.  It was truly a unique and exciting party for the boys.  My next door neighbor (who brought his grand daughter) was my favorite, as he was as interested in participating as the three year olds.

I couldn’t recommend Fire Truck 2 You and Scott to more people then I have, i.e., everyone.  If you have a kiddo between the ages of three to ten, it is a GREAT party idea.  I mom failed on the pictures and relied on everyone else to capture the day.  Luckily, I have great friends.

Our babies are three but they will always be my babies.  I can’t even read that book

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XOXO

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Summer Months

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So much has happened this summer and I haven’t documented the half of it.

The Nuggets can swim.  Like, really swim.  Put their little faces into the water and swim across the pool to our waiting arms.  Take leaping jumps off the edge and swim.  This is a major improvement from the initial swim lessons we took last year and earlier this summer.  I am absolutely certain that those lessons were important in their success but Suzy’s Swim School in Arlington is in a different league.

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Ms. Suzy is a elementary school teacher full time but in the summers she works her magic in the pool.  In a total of eight, 30 minute lessons the boys became little fish!

In August, we also took a trip to Broken Bow, OK.  I couldn’t live there (this girl doesn’t do country full time) but gosh, I love that place.  It’s so stink’n beautiful and it doesn’t hurt that we stay in these gorgeous luxury cabins.

We had a small family reunion on The Hubs’ dad’s side.  It was the perfect central location for everyone to drive in and the only problem we had was not enough time together.

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The Hubs and I were also honored when our favorite friends asked us to be their daughter’s godparents.  Its a big responsibility for the two of us to ensure we lead her in faith by example.

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Wrapping up our “last” summer weekend, we felt all kinds of popular because we had three parties to attend on Saturday.

  • Miss Harper turned four years old!
  • The McDaniel/Wilcox Couple’s Shower
  • Autumn’s (good college friend) baby shower

Of course all three parties were in vastly different parts of the metroplex but we made it.  Thirty minutes late to each party but we attended nevertheless.

I assisted in hosting the baby shower and I’m gonna just say it, we’re getting pretty good at this whole hosting-showers-thing.

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Jenn graciously opened up her always clean, (kid free) beautifully decorated home so we had the best setting.  I really enjoy hosting and attending baby showers as I  L O V E how our group of friends keeps growing.  Life is so good.

The boys started pre-school today but I’ll save that for my next post.  What, might you ask, did I do with my time while I was free…?  Nothing fancy.  Just a work out and a little lunch across town with a bestie and furniture shopping.  Shopping where I didn’t chase toddlers around begging (and praying) that they don’t break anything.  It was heaven.

XOXO

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December 2015

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December was a busy and exciting month this year and when it came to a close I was kinda sad.  I’ll get to that later.  Quick recap….just a couple of weeks late.

This year we bought tickets for the North Pole Express in Grapevine and it was magical.  In all actuality, we could have waited another year for the boys to fully understand the whole concept.  As an adult though, it was so sweet to see all the other children who were SO excited.  Gramma Dee and Scott joined us on the adventure.

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The North Pole Express starts at the Vintage Grapevine Railroad.  There were concessions (corn dogs, hot chocolate, steak on a stake (har-har)) to snack on before loading as you need to be there 45-50 minutes prior to your boarding time.  You can also pop into the Vetro Glass Blowing studio and watch them make really gorgeous pieces.  They’ll even allow you to make your own glass ornament.  Maybe we will do that in future years when the $30 ornament won’t be broken by one of the Nuggets about 4 seconds after hanging it on the tree.

We waited in line for about 15 minutes before they loaded us onto the train.  The boys were interested in the actual “choo-choo” but once we were on the train, it wasn’t quite as interesting.  This is why I think it’ll have more of a statement next year.  The train moves east at a pretty slow pace for about 10-12 minutes and everyone is encouraged to sing Christmas carols with the friendly elves.

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Mrs. Clause makes and appearance and hands out the silver bells for Christmas spirit.

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After the train ride we walked through a beautiful forrest of Christmas trees while SNOW was pumped though the area.  I didn’t get a picture because, although we were supposed to be walking, everyone else was stopping to get pictures and the bottleneck was throwing my anxiety into overdrive.  We proceeded into a large tent with colorful lights and patiently waited for Santa.  We were entertained with singing and dancing elves and finally Santa arrived.  The overall excitement level rose 100% with all of the children (except mine) and it was very sweet.  Afterwards everyone was given chocolate milk from Santa.

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Although the boys weren’t totally understanding it all, it was worth it.  I enjoyed myself (and the much needed margarita afterwards) and as usual, look forward to how the boys will grow each year.

Christmas Eve service was crowded (as always) but luckily The Hubs got us great seats and the boys could see the entire re-enactment that the children put on of Christmas night and the birth of Jesus.  I teared up thinking of the Nuggets participating in the future.

Somehow, I managed to not take a single picture of us, or the boys in our Christmas best… #momfail.  Afterwards, we joined good friends, who were in from out of town, for a tradition of making egg rolls.  We went two years ago with the boys and they were only a couple of months old and everyone was just in awe as to much they’ve grown.

Christmas morning was abundant with blessings and waaaay too many toys (thanks Hubs).

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Once we had all the present opening completed and cleaned up, we had a quick breakfast and loaded up to go to Gramma’s house.  Again, minimal pictures (some photographer I am). A day filled with lots of family, more presents and tons of food was outstanding.

Christmas (actually the entire holiday season of 2015) seemed to fly by this year, faster than years in the past.  I wasn’t ready to take down the decor (maybe because it took almost the whole month to get my house decorated in the first place). I wasn’t ready to pack up the Christmas attire or get rid of the tree.  Alas, time keeps moving even if I’m not ready for it.

We enjoyed The Hubs being home from work for a solid week and we rang in the new year with great friends in their gorgeous new home.

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2015 was a bit sad for me because I was hoping to get another Nugget in the oven and it didn’t happen.  Infertility stands strong in this family and although we were hopeful that the first IVF process would “get things moving”, as Dr. Le put it, no such luck for us.  God has a plan.  God has a plan.  God has a plan.  It’s my manta.  2015 was an incredible year.  We’ve slowly started to complete home improvement projects that we’ve been dreaming about for 2.5 years.  I get to stay home with my Nuggets as a stay at home mama bear, something I never thought we would be able to do and our whole family is healthy.  God is good.

XOXO

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November

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Brace yourself. This past month has been out. Of. Control.

And now it’s over and were headed into the home stretch of 2015. WTH…where does time go?

My mom had two spinal surgery procedures at the beginning of November. Her doctor did what many doctors do and told her that she would be up and running in about two weeks. Momo had surgery on a Tuesday, released on Wednesday (crazy right?) and began her recovery. By Saturday she was feeling “pretty good”. I called to check in with my moms several times. On Monday morning the Nugs and I Facetime-d Mo to check up. We were pleasantly surprised to also get to FT Pop-pop…? Pop-pop was supposed to be at work.  Turns out, Momo wasn’t recovering quite as quickly as anticipated and was suffering from “angry” nerve shocks. Mom was on several (like 12) different Rx’s and wasn’t okay to be home alone. Once I hung up, I thought, maybe I could help…?

My daddy is an auto-mechanic and like many “blue collar” careers, they do not get paid a salary and don’t get paid at all when not working. Regardless of how awesome and relevant they are to their field.  So I called up The Hubs and we discussed me and the boys driving down (to Katy, TX) to help out.

And that’s what we did. The week before Thanksgiving.

I’m very grateful that we were even able to offer this level of help to my parents. When I got there, I realized that it was super important that someone be there with my mom and I’m very glad that I went. She was out of it.  Mom’s bff made a ton of food and a nice spreadsheet sorting out all the prescriptions and the times they needed to be taken, which gave me a great head start.  But mom needed more help.

So that’s what I did. Changed bandages, doled out pills, picked up Rx’s, and cooked. Assisted wherever I could.  The Nugs did their best to be good boys and they surpassed any expectation I could have conceived. They were stuck in a house for four days and they were S O good.  

AND they are both teething.  All four incisors are coming in for both of them.  How they were so well behaved is beyond me.  They knew their help was needed too.  

We did sneak out to the park one day that the weather was nice and Momo was napping. #eyelashes.

On Friday, I was set to go home and an unexpected doctor’s visit was needed. My brother helped out by meeting us downtown and drove mom home so I could start the trek back to DFW. Again, the Nuggets schmoozed and flirted with everyone in the doctor’s office with all their cuteness and then promptly passed out for two hours on the way home. Total Angels.

A short stint at home for the weekend, with a trip to our other Gramma’s house for quick visit. 

Little boys and big tractors! All the heart eyes…

  
By Tuesday we were back on the road headed south, as originally planned.

Mom was slowly improving which was very frustrating for her but progress nonetheless. Turkey day went off without a hitch….well one hiccup with the deep fryer but nothing Dad couldn’t fix (with a run to the store to buy a new one).

Pies from scratch, all hands on deck. Don’t mind the zero-make up and devilish smile…I was tired.  My SIL couldn’t keep her eyes open 🙂

Battling mosquitos in 80° weather for Thanksgiving. Its Houston people.

  

Dinner was delish and we were a super thankful family.  Health (for the most part), love, and a new baby on the way…what’s not to be thankful for? Cowboys game was horrendous but let’s not think about that. By the time we were thinking of getting back on the road (AGAIN) my mom was doing much better. Her spunky and dorky personality had begun to shine through.  Again, very grateful for the abundant blessings.

The boys woke up with stuffy heads on Saturday, so we decided to get home. We had a few days to ourselves before it was time for The Hubs to return to work and we used them clean and try to get organized.  Annnd a little bit of fun.

The Sea Life Aquarium in Grapevine surpassed my expectations.  I knew I wanted to take the boys but I wanted to go at at time The Hubs could experience it with us.  B U T   I also wanted to avoid the major crowds.  Which meant we needed to try it out on a week day, while school was in session.  This worked out perfectly.  There were maybe 6-8 other kiddos similar in age to the Nugs and I didn’t have a heart attack trying to keep track of two boys and a stroller all moving in different directions.  It was perfect.  The boys ooo-ed and ahhh-ed at each new exhibit.

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Not being rushed or crowded we moved through in about an hour.  It was perfect.

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We followed up that adventure with one that didn’t go quite as well.  Since the aquarium is located in Grapevine Mills Mall we scooted over to Rain Forest Cafe for lunch.  The put us at a table next to the lion display, which most kids would have thought was super cool. Corbin was terrified.  Josh juggled him and his hamburger before finally asking for the check.  Weston was okay but a little weary.  Maybe next year?

December is loaded with Christmas parties and fun events that we look forward to but I didn’t want to stop to remember what a special and adventurous November for 2015 brought to us.  With trips to Broken Bow, LOTS of yummy food and time with family, I’m beginning to think it might be my favorite month of the year.  We’ll see what December has to say about that.

XOXO

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2.1

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I just realized that I’m quite behind. Shocking.

Halloween was SO much fun!  Totally different then years in the past because the boys were so much more interactive.

Every year I say we’re going to be one of those cool families that has a group coordinated costume and every year (for the past two) I’ve failed on a grand scheme.  NEXT YEAR!  Anyways, soak up this cuteness.    

I didn’t take great pictures but it was mostly because we waited too long to get them ready to go. Tots are supposed to be out first and all of a sudden, we had trick or treaters at our door and we weren’t ready to go yet.  Enter me running around like a nut.  And I tried to throw together a “costume” at the last second. So it was kind of a rush to get out the door.

The Nuggets really liked going to each door and knocking. That was their favorite. Weston would walk up the path to the door saying, “knack knack“. Soooooo cute!  Several of our neighbors made the mistake of offering the bowl to the boys to pick which candy they wanted…they might be young but the desire for sweets must be ingrained at birth because the boys tried to take twenty pieces of candy off each person.

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Someone once told me that after their child turned two, everything (developmentally) seems to really speed up. I’m not sure that is correct because SO much changes every day when they are in the “infant” category but I think I now understand what they meant.

The boys have been two years of age for a month. In that month, they’re blossoming.  They are saying so much more than before. Echoing everything we say, even though their version is not comprehensible. Corbin is always copying our mannerisms (time to start watching ourselves). Also trying to help me with everything; laundry, cleaning (which ends up the opposite of cleaning), emptying the dishwasher, anything really.

Weston is getting closer to saying both of their names. He calls Corbin, Cor-cor…which is a nickname I call him on occasion. He also says Weston as Waa-waa. Pretty much anything with a W is pronounced like that, but he’s really trying.  

Corbin William has the flirting down. When he wants something, he nods his head and makes this little smirk and then says “pleeeeeeease”. Annnnd then you melt and give him exactly what he wants.  

We also went to Broken Bow, OK last weekend with some dear friends. The Hubs’ family grew up going to Beavers Bend S.P. and told me about it, often. When we lived in San Antonio, traveling to OK would have taken almost nine hours, so it was out of the question. When we moved to Houston, it was still about a seven hour journey, which wasn’t something we wanted to do for just a weekend. Now that we finally moved back to the Dallas area, we went for the first time about four years ago. And now I get it.

We initially stayed in the state park but shortly thereafter, we discovered these beautiful log cabins in the direct vicinity. The following year we got a group of friends together and rented one of the cabins, I prefer the luxury glamping to the state park cabins. What girl wouldn’t?

The summer time was gorgeous as Broken Bow Lake is like nothing you can get in Texas, but it’s R E A L L Y hard to beat the fall leaves and cool temperatures.  With the boys being born in the fall, and then being pretty little still the following year, this is the first time we’ve been back. They loved it! 

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Just a bonus that the cabin had a playground!  And several of the Beavers Bend Adventures cabin rentals are pet friendly.

  

    

  
  
I look forward to making the same memories with our boys, that The Hubs made with his family.   I know that trips in the future will include more family and more friends!!

XOXO,

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Halloween Part I

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I’m slumping on the blog posts again.

It’s almost Halloween!! We have a full day planned for tomorrow and this year is going to be so much fun! As the boys get older these traditions for the holidays become more relevant.  Last year they wore their Chicken Nugget costumes for as long as it took me to get a couple of pictures. They were in bed by 6 PM and The Hubs and I just passed out candy on the porch. #dontringthedoorbell

chicken nuggets 3w

This year, we’ve been practicing our trick or treating. I put one or two yogurt covered raisins or M&M’s when they bring their bucket and say, “tree tree” 

We are working on holding on to the bucket and not setting it down. We also rocked our jammies alllll day, the Nugs call the bones on the jams, “boes”.  Awwwwwe.

As obsessed as I am with all the Insta-small shops I couldn’t justify spending $25 (x2) for holiday shirts.  Not when I can go to Walmart and get these shirts for all of $5.99.  With that said, I did pre-order Christmas shirts from River Babe Threads.


We did a trial run with our costumes. They both enjoyed looking at themselves in the mirror but the costumes only lasted about 5 minutes. Hopefully with a birthday party and trick or treating they will be distracted enough to leave them on.

This mommy giggled for the whole five minutes that they were wearing the costumes so I know I’ll be grinning from ear to ear all day tomorrow.

As I mentioned, it’s sweet Nolan’s first birthday party tomorrow at 11 and then back home for a late nap so they are ready as soon as that sun sets!  You’ll have to wait to see what they’re dressed up as! 🙂

Happy FriYAY! Let the fun begin!!

XOXO5E1F90B120FB20C197CC10E4FF74EF96

Birthdays and Football

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When the boys were approaching their first birthday, a lot of people told me it wasn’t necessary to throw a big birthday bash since they wouldn’t remember any of it anyhow.  The party is more for the parents than the kiddo.  Well we had a big party anyways.

This year we didn’t throw the boys a big birthday party. Their birthday fell on a Friday and that following Saturday, we had planned to attend the University of North Texas (my alma mater) Homecoming festivities. Ever since we moved back to the DFW area, I’ve been going to Denton for the Homecoming.  I missed the year we had the boys, obviously.  Last year, we gave a whole new meaning to tailgating with babies in high chairs, literally on the tailgate.


This year, we wrangled in a few more family members and had a pretty nice tailgate set up.  Unfortunately, UNT’s football team isn’t doing so hot 0-4 and lost the homecoming game 66-7 (OUCH).

Corbin 2.2

Family 1

The Nuggets’ grandparents spoiled them to the max.  It’s a good thing Gamma brought all the gifts she did because it entertained the boys for hours, while the rest of us ate ourselves silly.  Next year we’ll do it bigger and better!  Extra special thanks to both sets of grandparents for driving up.

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Weston 2.2

The boys had their two year check up this week too.  I actually scheduled it on time! 

Weston is 28.5 lbs and 35 inches tall.  His weight is in the 95th percentile, height in the 55th and his head is B I G.  The doctor said, it’s big and always has been.  He has come a long way from his 5 lbs. 4 oz preemie status.  In some brands of clothing he even wears a 3T.  What?!?

Weston 2

Corbin is still a pound less than his brother at 27.5 pounds.  That bumps him into the 55th percentile for weight but they are the same height at 35 inches.  Corbin is tall and lean.  B I G surprise there.

Corbin 2

Corbin has started to become frightened by things and he’s also been having bad dreams.  Or so I think that’s what is wrong.  He’ll wake in the middle of the night sobbing and calms down as soon as one of us goes in to reassure him. A few weeks back, I brought them to the Rainforest Cafe and the electronic alligator terrified him.  He hung on to me so tightly until we were far away from the display.   He is also afraid of the Halloween aisle at the stores.

As for talking, both boys are still trying to repeat everything you say to them.  They both are quite impressive with their colors, now identifying yellow and red, in addition to green and blue.  They are doing great with saying please but still struggling with sharing.

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When I ask them to repeat a word I said to them, Corbin always speaks up first, so I usually ask Weston separately if he can say whatever word we are working on at that moment.  Both Nuggets get really frustrated if you aren’t paying attention when they are trying to say something to you.  You MUST acknowledge and repeat whatever word they are trying to say.  Even if you have no idea what their gibberish means.  Let me tell ya, it makes for great conversation.  The cutest thing is “cool”.  Since they are always showing me a car, truck, book, etc., my response is usually, “cool”.  So now they say cool all the time.

They’re still picky eaters.  Corbin more so then Weston.  Corbin just requires more patience.  I’m sort of coming to terms with it and it doesn’t stress me out as much as it did before.  Veggie are still blended and/or snuck into smoothies or other foods that can “hide” them.  They do love carrots.  I will continue to offer foods and hope that one day they’ll like them.

We are still ages away from potty training.  They do tell me, “uh oh” and point to their butts when they’ve pooped but show absolutely no interest in using a potty.  The pediatrician said it’ll probably be closer to three.  Ugh, doesn’t she knew diapers are expensive?

They still love outside more than inside and since the weather is slowly changing to cooler temps, and by cooler I mean less than 100º, it’s more enjoyable outside.  They are playing more independently and together, without me playing with them.  I once read that boredom is a good thing for children because it forces them to be creative.  I can see them becoming more creative and playing without the TV on or me entertaining them.  Lots of cars and trucks.  Total boys.

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Sometimes, October of 2013 feels like two years ago and sometimes it feels like a week ago.  It is truly shocking how fast time is passing.  The Hubs is loving this age, as they continue to have more independence and interact and play more.  Although, I am so happy they are healthy and thriving, I’m missing my teeny, tiny Nuggets.

XOXO

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Shared Birthday

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My two tots are two.

My post is late – it should have been up last week but my best friend had an emergency C-section.

On October 9th.

So my new niece, will share her birthday with The Nuggets. What are the odds?!

In the aftermath, it’s humorous. But at 11:55am, I received a text from my forever friend, informing me she needed prayers as she was going in for an emergency C-section. I kind of freaked out. I knew she’d been having nausea and her ribs were hurting the past few days but she contributed it to heartburn and normal pregnancy woes (baby in the ribs). Other than that, her pregnancy was perfectly perfect. Uneventful and totally normal.

I immediately responded with a request to call her, which was denied as she was being prepped for the C-section at that very moment. I waited anxiously for an answer from either her or her husband with reassurance of both their safety.

When I finally got to talk to her, I was already on my way to the hospital, with or without permission to visit. When I saw her, I cried. I felt stupid, I shouldn’t be crying, she should be crying. She is the one that just had a baby five weeks early and had absolutely no idea this was coming.  I was worried.  It was good to assuage my concerns, tears of relief.

When it was all over, The Hubs actually teased me, he thought I was being an overly dramatic woman. He didn’t realize that Erin had no leading symptoms of preeclampsia.  And she might not have gone to the doctor, if it wasn’t for her regularly scheduled OB appointment that morning. She later told me that her labs showed her liver and kidneys were operating well below normal.  Maybe I am overly dramatic sometimes but Erin is part of my family and there is no way I want to grow old without her.

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Even though preeclampsia is a “common” worry for preggo ladies, it is a real reason to worry.  The Mayo Clinic has a great information page on it.  It is most common in first pregnancies when women think it’s just part of pregnancy.  Educate yourself.

Thankfully, I don’t have to worry because Erin is well and so is her new daughter, Vivienne Cate.

So The Nuggets will share their birthday with the sweetest little peat, my best friend’s daughter. What are the odds?!

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Welcome to the world baby girl – you are so loved.

XOXO

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