Baylor Jace-6 months

My sweet, precious, tiny little man is 6 months old. Baylor Jace you are an absolute angel.  You melt this momma's heart and I can't even begin to express just how much joy you add to our family. You are just the happiest little guy ever...unless you are hungry or tired, you are constantly smiling. Your entire face just lights up when you smile and your little laugh can brighten anyone's day.

You are still an itty bitty little thing, barely 10 pounds. You eat every 3.5 hours and are taking about 5 ounces at each feeding. I am still pumping and giving bottles which is taking a toll on this mama...I am so tired of my pump. The whole feeding routine is just exhausting.  I don't think I will make it as long as I did with my others...I will take it month by month, but the pump is kicking my butt. I know deep down breast milk is best, but I also know I have to keep my sanity and still be available to my other little ones as well.

 I think you are totally ready for solids, but the doctor wants you to grow a little more and master sitting up before we introduce you to real foods.

We just recently transitioned you into your own room (bye bye bathroom) and into the crib. You spent about 5 months in the rock and play (swaddled) so you were ready for your bed. You sleep on your belly with a pacifier.  You are by no means sleeping through the night. You wake up pretty much every three hours to eat.  I am thankful that you are nursing well at night, so I don't have to pump and do bottles in the middle of the night.

You are in a size 2 diaper and can wear anything from newborn to 6 months. I have yet to put a pair of shoes on you, so I don't even know your foot size!  You are not sitting up yet, and that is a milestone I am hoping you achieve soon.  You love to sit in your bouncy, your sit-me-up lion and your swing. I don't wear you as much as I use to because my back can't handle it.  You do love to be on my hip though.  Honestly, I hold you a ton and we spend a lot of the day snuggling!  You are still just so tiny that I can easily cradle hold you and you are just content to be held.

You take two, sometimes three naps a day.  Usually from about 9:30-11:30 and then again from 2-4 and sometimes you will cat nap from about 6-6:30.  You do a bottle around 8:30 and are down for bed following that feeding.

You love your brother and sister and they can entertain the heck out of you.  Aubrey can get huge smiles from you and you even do some belly laughing when we tickle you.  I know without a doubt that you are adored by your siblings and they are genuinely head over heals for you.

You are such a laid back baby and so sweet. I can take you anywhere and you will just chill.  I love that you are so easy and content...makes things so much easier for this busy mama.

You are just our sunshine, Baylor Jace.  We are so in love with you and are so thankful for how far you have come.  I know it sounds strange, but I feel less stressed as a mama of three than I did with just two.  Something about Baylor makes me just relax and savor these crazy moments. Baylor, you have given our family such joy and peace...it's almost indescribable what you have done to our family...just enhanced our love and happiness so much.   We love you Bay Bay...you are such a blessing sent straight from above.

Weston Hayes- my angel boy

I remember that August day like it was yesterday.  Christian and Aubrey picked me up from Victory (I was teaching at the time) and we rode together to Angel Prints. It was such a huge day for us...finding out what our new baby's gender would be.  I was convinced I was having another girl...already excited for Aubrey to have a sister. As I lay on the table, just our little family in the room, the sonographer says, "hey there little buddy" and I immediately felt my stomach drop.  No way I was having a boy.  I just couldn't wrap my head around the thought of having a little boy.  I shamelessly admit that I wept...just cried because I had so badly wanted another girl.  I will admit that I ruined the entire celebration for Christian and Aubrey and I selfishly pouted for days. I don't know why I was so scared to have a boy...probably just the unknown, but I spent most of my pregnancy disappointed and upset.  However, the minute that baby boy was laid in my arms...all those worries, fears and disappointments instantly disappeared.  Replaced with a new, unimaginable love for that little guy...  my Weston Hayes was perfect in every way.  I see now that God knew exactly what our family needed. He knew we needed an easy going, smart, sensitive, lovable little boy to join our family.  I can't imagine having another girl...I just simply adore my boys.

Weston is the smartest  little guy you will ever meet. When you talk to him, you may as well be talking to a 10 year old.  His wisdom and vocabulary far exceeds his age. Weston is the most laid back, easy going little guy ever. He goes with the flow and flies under the radar for the most part. I have to make extra efforts to pull him aside and love on him because he is so good about just being content and sometimes he can get lost in the chaos of our family.  I love that Weston isn't crazy active or rough...he is the perfect mixture of boy but oh so sweet.  He has such a compassionate heart and he loves and adores his mama like crazy. He always tells me I'm beautiful and that he loves me the most.

Weston goes to bed easier than pie...I literally have always just laid him in his bed and he will not budge...just goes right to sleep.  It is such a breeze when it comes to naps and bedtime with him.

Weston started mother's day out this year and is doing great in his class.  It really helps a lot that he has Aubrey at the same school with him...gives him that security that he needs.  Weston loves movies and could watch TV all day if you would let him.  Nothing makes him happier than snuggling up and watching the IPad for hours.  He loves PJ Masks, Beat Bugs, Spiderman, Batman, Ninja Turtles and anything boyish.  Again, I love that he is all boy, but also the most tenderhearted and gentle little guy ever.

Weston Hayes...you are such a delight to me and no one can make me laugh like you do. My love for you is so deep that I can't even put into words how much you mean to me.   I know God Himself formed you into the most perfect combination of strength and sweetness. You have taught me more in your little life than anyone else. I've learned through you that God knows exactly what He is doing and the gifts God gives us are far greater than anything we can picture for ourselves. I said I didn't want a boy.  I said I didn't want a red head...my oh my was I mistaken.  You are everything and so much more than I could ever have wanted. You are exactly what I needed and exactly what I wanted..it just took holding you in my arms to know what perfection was.  Having a little boy is one of the greatest journeys I've gotten to experience and I am loving every single moment with my little guys.  You make me so proud Weston...I can't wait to see what you accomplish and the amazing things you will do.  Your potential is endless and I know you will surpass every expectation I could possibly dream up for you.

Happy 3rd birthday to my angel boy.

Gobble til you Wobble 2016

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. The kids had a feast at school and it was so fun getting to watch them interact with their teachers and friends. This is Weston's first year at school so it was extra special for me with him.  I also loved seeing him with his friends...he is the runt of the class for sure.  He maybe tiny but he is gonna do mighty things! Nana got to come to the feast as well and Bay Bay was sure glad to be cuddled.

This is Aubrey's best friend, Jackson, they are inseparable. 

Love my turkeys!

Things have settled down since the flood and both are parents are slowly getting back to normal. It was wonderful to be able to get together with both sides of the family and just visit, eat and play games. Both sides of my family absolutely love this game you play on the PlayStation or Apple TV, it is called Jackbox and each player can play on their phones and answer individually.  It is a hoot to play and one of our favorite things to do when we get together.

We are so blessed...I just love my family.

My most favorite turkey of all.  

Weston was not happy. Can't remember why but I'm sure it was because we had to leave good company. 

And just a few random cuteness from our days. Things are so busy but oh so fun.

Can't believe it's almost Christmas time!  Santa will be here before we know it. 

Political Ponderings Take 2

I did a post back in November of 2012 after the presidential election. I remember waking up to feed my sweet Aubrey (who was just one at the time) and realizing that Barack Obama had won the election yet again.  I literally wept. I think I was just so overcome with despair and fear for our nation. I felt like we were walking further and further away from the truth of God's word. I did not feel like what President Obama stood for lined up with Biblical truths or even really just plain good morals. I was fearful of the unknown, not just for myself but mostly my children.

Here we are four years later and we have just completed another election. I will once again say that I do not have much trust or faith in the man we elected, however I am thankful that he does seem to align himself with Godly men and wise counsel.

But here is the kicker...the nugget of truth that I have discovered about our Presidents, both past and future.  It really doesn't matter.  There, I said it.  It really doesn't matter who is in the white house. The only thing that truly matters or makes a difference is Who reigns at our house. Sure government matters.  Sure amendments and regulations matter. But what if every single person could step back and solely focus their efforts and attention on their own house. What if we poured our hearts into our marriages, our own work place, our inner circle of friends and most importantly our children. That my friends, is where we would see huge results. One man or woman will not change our country. One president in power will not alter the moral decay of an entire nation. Congress or the courts will not bring us back to where we need to be. The only way our nation will really see change is if it starts within our homes.

If we are really committed to seeing radical results, which so many are looking for, I firmly believe that we must begin by working diligently in our own families and homes. The change will only come from within our own homes...not from the white house.

So what are we to do?

This is exactly what I wrote 4 years ago.  Not one thing has changed.  We may have a new person in the white house, but the same Ruler and Savior is in control at our house.

I'm going to continue to pray for our president.  Pray that he will have supernatural wisdom and insight for our country. I'm going to pray for him to make decisions that will benefit our country and bring us to a place of prosperity and growth. I'm going to pray that our president will refuse to allow ungodly things to be passed into legislation and that he will instead lead us onto the path of righteousness.

I'm going to continue to work hard to support my own family.  We are going to continue to get out of debt, save for the future and grow our nest egg so that we don't have to rely on our government for support.

I'm going to continue to raise our children up in the church and pray with them daily. I'm going to teach them what the bible says so that they can stand firm in the truth when they are older.

I'm going to continue to love people.  I'm not going to allow prejudices or hatred to build in my heart but instead reach out to those who see things differently.  I'm going to love them with all I have because that's all I can do.

I'm going to keep on loving my country. I believe America is a beautiful place and there is still hope for our nation.  I will not give up on standing for truth...even if those standing with me are few.

And lastly I will remember that this is not my home.  The United States is a wonderful place to reside but ultimately it will pass away and these petty things will be long forgotten. My forever home is in heaven with the only true Leader and Ruler. I must remember that He alone is what life is all about and I will do my best to live for Him each day.

Join with me as we pray for our president, love others passionately, raise strong children, stand on Godly principles and most importantly look forward to Christ's return.

Aubrey Lane-5 years old

Every year at birthday times, I tend to get a little emotional about my babies growing up. However, this year seemed to be much easier for me.  My Aubrey Lane is at such a wonderful age right now and she is just a bundle of joy. She has (for the most part) gotten over the horrible bedtimes, fit throwing, obsessive about clothes, just plain stubborn parts and she is pure fun!  I don't think you could pay me enough money to walk through those 2's and 3's and a little bit of the 4's with her again! She is was a tough cookie. She took a huge turn for the better around that 4.5 mark and I cannot even begin to tell you the difference a little bit of age and maturity (and lots of prayers) has made. Aubrey is the sweetest, funniest, most thoughtful little girl and I am just so proud of who she is becoming! She makes Christian and I laugh out loud all the time with the things she says. She is extremely smart and loves to learn.  She has this energy and spark to her, where everything is just a ton of fun...she gets so excited about just about everything!  The other day, I informed her that I had ordered some new vitamins and you would have thought I had just offered her a new pony! 

Aubrey is in Pre-K 4 (older 4's) at Broadmoor Presbyterian and she simply LOVES school. She goes 4 days a week and just the other day her teacher sent me a note saying that Aubrey had told her, she was going to start coming 5 days a week!  News to me! She adores her friends and is a true social butterfly. She can make friends anywhere and she isn't a bit shy.  Her best friends are Jackson, Ciel, Emorie and Zachary. She thinks the boys at her school are just hilarious. 

Aubrey is an absolutely amazing sister. She is adored by her brothers and I can't really stress that enough. Weston tells me all the time Aubrey is his best friend and Baylor smiles bigger for Bre than anyone else. It really makes me proud of how much she loves and protects her brothers. This weekend, she went and got something out of the treehouse for Weston and Weston told her thank you. She then told him, "You don't need to thank me...it was my pleasure!" HAHA I just about died laughing.

Aubrey loves to play and dress up. She is into Jake and the Neverland Pirates, PJ Masks, Beat Bugs, and still a little of Frozen. She is so well rounded and can go from princesses to pirates in a heartbeat. Aubrey loves books, puzzles and her leap pad.  She does great at school, although I know we could never homeschool because the minute I ask her to work on something school related...it's like I'm trying to pull teeth. The other day, we worked on her address and it took almost an hour to have her write it 2 times. Lordy Bee, thank goodness for teachers! 

This year for Aubrey's birthday, we did a special day at the mall with her cousins. We did Build-a-Bear, a trip to Claire's, Raising Canes, Cookie Cake and of course a ride on the carousel.  It was a wonderful day. We also celebrated later in the week with just our family with some cake and ice cream.

Aubrey loves to say really silly things and then pause and loudly proclaim, "JUST KIDDING".  It was funny the first 100 times.  Also, when she means something and is trying to emphasize the truth of what she is saying, she will say "for real life mom".  For instance, she came and told me Baylor smiled and cooed at her 5 times...for real life. HAHA. Anytime you say "butt" or "fart" just know that you will be the funniest person in the world to Bre. She is just such a mess. Right before her birthday, we asked her where she wanted to go out to eat (thinking pizza, something simple) and she quickly replied "Stabs". C and I just died laughing. A.) she has never been there in her life and B.) it's a very expensive restaurant and C.) She probably wouldn't like one thing on their menu! It was just too cute though.

We are so proud of our Bre.  She is just an amazing little girl and I am so excited to see her blossom even more in the years to come. We love you Aubrey Lane and are so thankful you are ours!!