Things I didn't know...5 years ago

5 years ago I was just a 24 year old naive girl...following her heart. I didn't really understand the hugeness of my commitment. I really only knew one thing that day...I knew I loved that boy. There were so many other things I didn't know at that point. So many things I wouldn't find out til later on this journey we would walk together.

I had no idea he would eat so much or have such expensive taste.

I had no idea he would use so much toilet paper or spend so much time in the restroom.

I had no idea he would be glued to the TV every Saturday night in the fall and be oblivious to even a house fire if the Tigers were playing.

I had no idea golfing, play station, or tools cost so much money.

I had no idea how hard it would be to drive somewhere in the passenger seat with that boy. I had no idea keeping my "driving advice" to a minimum would take an act of congress.

I had no idea my dirty dishes, laundry and toilet cleanings would double...no triple in quantity.

I had no idea that I would have to re-adjust my seat/mirror everytime I got in my car.

I had no idea buffalo wings were priceless and able to smooth over any misdoings.

I had no idea bodily functions were so hilarious for men to talk about.

I had no idea I'd never get my side of the bed to myself again, let alone a decent amount of the covers.

I had no idea men only required 5 minutes to get ready compared to my hour and a half.

5 years ago I was so clueless as to what I was walking into...

I also had no idea I'd have a built in carpenter, plumber, electrician and overall handman at my fingertips.

I had no idea I'd never go to bed scared after reading a suspenseful novel...my hero was right next to me.

I had no idea I'd have a best friend willing to go to 5 different stores to get me the perfect Diet Coke in a styrofoam cup. Or search all of Baton Rouge for a place that sells Otis Spunkmeyer cookies

I had no idea we would walk through a terrible misscarriage and come out stronger on the other side of the darkness and pain.

I had no idea that the young boy at the alter would cradle and kiss our newborn babies in his arms and love them so passionately from the first day they entered our lives.

I had no idea how awesome of a diaper changer, bath giver, baby wrangler he would be.

I had no idea how patient and understanding he would be when I give him a hard time for no reason or get emotional over silly things.

I had no idea how quickly he would apologize or how easy he would forgive me when I mess up.

I had no idea I would melt everytime he smiled or how much his laugh would bring me joy!

I had no idea how often we would laugh uncontrollably or giggle at our inside jokes.

I had no idea how many mornings he would get up with the kids and let me sleep in...no matter how late he worked the day before.

I had no idea he would tell me I'm beautiful even in sweat pants and a tshirt.

I had no idea he would be the best father in the world to my children. I had no idea how great of a disciplinarian, leader and teacher he would be to our little ones.

I had no idea he would love me so unconditionally and with a Christ like love...year after year.

I had no idea our love would change, grow and mature over the years...like wine getting better with time.

There were so many things I didn't know that day five years ago. I was so naive, so unaware, so clueless as to what I was walking into...

But here is one thing I know today...5 years later...

I love that man more today than ever before. I know now just how perfect he is for me and how much I cherish the fact that we know, without a doubt, we are soul mates and best friends.

I may not have known much that day...but sure do know a lot more today...and I know I am one blessed chick to have my man by my side.

Happy 5 years babe!

Cute but Mute

My sweet girl started back to school last week and I have been an emotional wreck. I'm sure that is very normal for mamas...but it is just so hard watching my baby grow up!

 

 

 

Aubrey is going to school two days a week from 9-2. She is in what they call Toddler III. She is still two, but will be three in October so she missed the cutoff for Pre-K3. Since her birthday is later, she will have to do Pre-K4 for two years. They have a "young 4's" and an "older 4's" so it won't be the same class.

 

Aubrey is such a stinker when it comes to school. My girl is a chatterbox and doesn't usually meet a stranger; however, when it comes to school...she will not say a WORD. She is mute. She went the entire year last year without speaking to her teachers. I just don't understand it. She will talk to strangers, family, friends...anyone, but when she enters school...it is zip zip for her. We have tried everything from bribery to punishment. Nothing works. We have also had some potty training issues at school because she won't tell her teachers when she needs to use the restroom!  Any of my teacher/mommy friends have any suggestions of what I can do to encourage her to speak...please let me know!

 

 

 

 

Her teachers are wonderful and her class is mostly made up of girls. I think it is like 12 girls and 2 boys. She loves that she gets to go on the big playground this year and she also loves center time!

 

Another struggle is she doesn't nap at school...she basically just looks around the entire time, so when I get her at 2:00, she is exhausted and extremely grumpy. She is not exactly "little miss sunshine" when I pick her up. I'm hoping and praying all these kinks get figured out and the year starts getting a little smoother.

 

She sure is cute...mute...but cute. LOL!

 

I love this little girl even if she is a handful!  Here's to a great school year.  Come on baby girl...get to talking!

 

 

And of course...this little cutie just loves having some one on one time with mommy. Waiting for sis in the carpool line is always a blast. (and no...Weston was not eating Doritoes!)

 

 

I'm proclaiming this verse over Aubrey Lane for the school year...

 

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

2 Timothy 1:7

7 months...Weston Hayes

My little ham-bone you are now 7 months old! You are just the happiest, most laid back dude on the block and I couldn't love you anymore if I tried. You are a charmer and you love your mommy. 99% of the time you can be found on mommy's hip...with your two fingers upside down in your mouth. If you are situated like that...you won't make a peep for hours.

 

 

 You are still nursing every three to four hours during the day. At night, you wake up at least one time, sometimes two to eat. You are napping two times a day, usually from 9:00-11:00 and then again from 2:00-3:30. You go to sleep around 8:00 at night and are up for the day around 7:00.

 

You started solid foods last month and are really getting the hang of eating big boy food. You love sweet potatoes and apples. You tolerate peas and carrots and bananas. I only give you one meal a day, but will soon add in another.

 

 You have stopped taking your noonie and have become addicted to your two first fingers...upside down. Your fingers are ALWAYS in your mouth. Even to sleep. I know we will have dental issues in the future!

 

You weigh 15 pounds and wear a size 6 month in clothes and a size 3 diaper.
You are chunky little guy!

 

You have two teeth on the bottom and have just the cutest little smile. Nothing makes you laugh like your sissy. You get the biggest kick out of her and she just eats it up.

 

You are sitting up unassisted and love to play on the floor with toys and balls. You are not exactly Mr. Independent, but will let me put you down for about 10 minutes or so at a time.

 

You are such a chill baby and you go with the flow no matter what we do. You can miss a nap and still be just as content as if you slept three hours. I just love that you are so laid back and calm. You do have a tiny bit of a temper but only when your sister takes your toys!

 

We love you so much, Weston Hayes. Nothing in this life could have prepared me for the love I feel for you. You are my sunshine and I cherish every moment spent with you.