Maybe I should blog this...

I've been feeling a little guilty lately that I've hardly documented my pregnancy at all.  Truth is...we kept it on the DL, telling friends and family as we saw them so the usual social media postings didn't happen.   I also have this crazy fear of telling my Dad I'm pregnant.  I literally loose sleep over how I'm going to tell him.  I'm a HUGE Daddy's girl and I feel like telling him I'm pregnant comes out to him as "I have sex with Adam" and I've done something wrong.  I know, bizarre.  And of course when I finally get around to (forcing my Mom to tell him for me) telling him, he's the happiest and most excited of anyone.  Outside of that ridiculousness, chasing around two boys and working has left little time to really sit for any extended amount of time to write/type anything down.
I'm a little bummed now though because I think - what would have been better than a journal my own mother had kept of her pregnancy with me to look back on when the time came to start having my own babies.  I skipped it for the most part with Aidan because I spent nine months and then some being shocked I was pregnant and then actually gave birth to something I had to keep alive.  Round two, I felt a little more settled, had waited five years to do it again and Aidan was at least in school in the mornings giving me sometime to record things.  But Kellan most likely isn't going to want to look back at what my cravings were and how much weight I gained when I was pregnant with him.  A daughter, might.  This may be the only most that ever sees the light of day on the subject but Hey! It's something and better late than never right?

This picture is from the last week in August (Preggo week 26) but it hasn't been posted anywhere else and I haven't grown much so it works! 

Weeks:  29! This is by far the fastest a pregnancy has ever gone.  I feel as though I say to Adam every week, she's coming so soon.  We only have 14 weeks, 12 weeks, I'll be full term in 8 weeks technically! 

Weight Gain:  I almost can't believe I'm typing this but I've gained ZERO lbs this pregnancy.  Has nothing to do with exercise or luck and everything to do with being over weight and there being plenty of room for baby to grow without me needing the extra L B's.  I would be lying if I said it hasn't freaked me out though. My Dr. says as long as we are measuring OK it's nothing to worry about.  And I'm measuring a week ahead every week! 

Baby's Size:  The good ole' app on my phone says the baby is the size of a small cabbage (17in 2.9lbs).  Have you ever seen a cabbage that size? Maybe I'm shopping in the wrong produce department.  

Sleep:  Surprisingly, I'm sleeping alright.  My biggest issue is catching myself laying on my back and then taking several minutes to roll over to one of my sides. And this babe loves to party at night so I'm often woken up being jabbed in the side.  

Maternity Clothes:  My Mom took me Maternity shopping for my birthday which was so sweet and I bought some super cute pieces that are good for now and can be layered through the fall.  I of course love my staple items from Target.  Liz Lange for life!  But I wear a lot of leggings with tops and dresses.  Some of my non-maternity jeans still fit too!  

Food Cravings:  I've been on a Buffalo Chicken Wrap kick.  I was shocked to Google "best buffalo chicken wrap in Charlotte" and get a list of the top 17 places.  Needless to say, we've been on a buff chic wrap tour around town.  I feel like it's a step up from my craving for the first five months which was Stuffed Jalapeños with four ranch's from Jack in the Box.  I would never feed that crap to my kids but apparently I will feed it to my growing fetus.  Are you wondering how I haven't gained weight? 

Food Aversions: Luckily, none. With the exception of just wanting the food gone from my sight when I am done with it.  I get full so fast and find myself eating several small meals a day. 

Symptoms:  I'm tired. I could sleep all the time and luckily my family is very understanding and don't mind if I grab a few power naps a day.  We've always had a family quiet time in the afternoons so the boys can decompress from school/spend some QT together and I can just enjoy some time with them without feeling like I need to get stuff done and we've been using it for Mommy's nap time.  Put on a movie for the kiddos and snooze before we do dinner.  I have the worlds worst heart burn.  If there is such thing as a baby being born with a Pepcid addiction, this kid will have it.  My boobs ache, I have to pee all the time and I've noticed a few stretch marks on my belly but Adam claims they aren't noticeable.  He's really too kind.  I was so, so sick all the way in to my second trimester (I threw up in the car once-that really happens to people) that I'm really just so happy I'm not throwing up anymore.  It's not morning sickness it's all day sickness and it was awful. 

Doctors Appointment:  I saw Dr. Deane on Friday.  Measuring a week ahead (mentioned that I think).  Tried to skip all my blood work this pregnancy and she busted me-have to do my O'Sullivans diabetes test this week.  I have a needle phobia. I'm getting sweaty talking about them. Not fun. She shares the sentiment that this has been the fastest pregnancy. We joked we both feel like it was just yesterday we were chatting about the thought of us trying for baby #3.  Heartbeat was in the 140s.

Gender: Our sweet baby GIRL.  We are having our first daughter and we are thrilled.  We didn't care if it was a boy or a girl (truly) but we are all very excited to be getting the experience of having a baby girl around here.  We certainly know better than to have been trying for a girl even though every person who we shared our news with assumed that's what we were hoping for to the point I was feeling the pressure of leaving a lot of people disappointed had it been a boy.  We were trying for a third baby because we have felt there is a missing piece to our little family and we are trusting God is placing the perfect baby for us in our home and it happens to be a baby girl.  A baby boy would have been just as amazing.  We love, love, love our two boys and they are going to make the most amazing big brothers.  

Movement:  My placenta is in the front this pregnancy which is a real mind game  for me.  I feel her a lot around "the edges" as the nurses like to say.  Her kicks are stronger now but it took until almost 24 weeks to feel anything significant and that was tough.  Adam loves to lay in bed and feel her go wild.  Aidan has felt her a few times but Kellan always looses interest before we can get her to do any tricks.   But tonight, he laid his head on my stomach while we watched a movie as a family and she kicked me so hard he sat up and pointed at my belly and laughed.  We tell him his baby sister is in Mommy's belly but I'm sure he doesn't fully understand.  

Favorite Moment of the Week:  Even though Kellan doesn't fully understand what's going on with the new baby coming...whenever we bring it up to him he gets the biggest smile and says "princess Tessa".  We've never called her a princess (to him) or talk about princesses on a regular basis...that's just something he came up with on his own and when he says it it's the cutest thing you've ever heard.  Adam and I just melted.  Runner Up: Aidan got in the car after school one day this week and exclaimed : "Bryce told me the baby is  gonna come out of your BAGINA! But don't worry, I told him that's not true, it comes out of your butt.  Have you seen the size of Kellan? He couldn't have come out of there! (Lovely) And Lucas said, lots of things come out of your butt (lovely again) and it all made me think I really don't want to be there anymore when the baby comes (he was never invited but don't tell him)."  I literally turned bright red.  I was so mortified.  But it made for a good laugh when I told Adam and my mother and a mental note that we should probably fill Aidan in on the truth about where babies come from.  

What am I Looking Forward to This Week:  I'm hoping Adam will get the nursery painted this week.  The weeks are flying by and we have a lot of work to do to get the nursery completed.  If he paints, I can set up the crib and start to feel a little bit more prepared.  

What I Miss: Crazy as it sounds, I'm already missing our time as a family of four.  There is no way you can prepare yourself fully when it comes to adding a new member to the family, but I know a little how it will feel like from when we had Kellan.  I'm a sucker for soaking up every "season" of our lives and this "season" becoming a family of four was amazing for us.  We watched Aidan become a big brother!  We soaked up so much baby time with Kellan!  Although there have been bad times right along with the good ones, it's been so much fun growing together and as excited as I am about the new baby, I know how it feels to never be able to go back in time with these little people.  Soon enough I won't even be able to remember what life was like when it was just the four of us! 

Well, that's the latest on the baby front.  Longest baby post of all time but I did have some making up to do! 

Aidan Turned 9!

Gosh it's been so long since I've even been to this blog. Just typing that out makes me realize how much I miss writing.  But life happens and some things take a back seat.  I'm recording less but feel like I'm present for more.  I'm less concerned about great photos for the blog and more concerned with engraving memories in my mind.  I'm glad I have this place to always come if I want.  

I used to write letters to Aidan here on his birthday or for big milestones but I was laying in bed tonight thinking that his ninth birthday had come and gone and although I have probably spoken plenty of words of love to him, I love the sentiment of something being in stone for him to read if he ever wants to.  So here it goes...

To My First Born (around the time of ) on his 9th Birthday,

Aidan...I really am in awe of you most of the time.  You spent the first 5 1/2 years of your life an only child and I don't know if there has ever been a child that transitioned in to big brother more gracefully than you.  Daddy and I have always known you were an amazing boy but it's through your relationship with Kellan we really get to see the depths of your heart.  It's bottomless and we are all blessed to get to be loved by you.  You always think of others before yourself and you are constantly wanting to do for others.  It's inspiring. 

You are so smart. A sponge.  You find something you are interested in and dive in and you can recite information for hours on end.  Sometimes we act bored with it, but truthfully we just can't keep up with you.  You far outsmart us.

You are creative.  I think you get that from me.  But maybe Daddy too. Ha. You love your Legos and I live to pass by your room to see you creating something out of your own imagination.  It's amazes me the places your mind goes and the things you think up.  It doesn't stop with Legos...anything you put your mind to...you find a way to create and we love it. 

Your other family and friends and teachers all love you as we do.  They see what we see and we feel so lucky you are ours.   Your biggest fan is your baby brother Kellan though.  He opens his eyes every morning and I am sure before he even realizes where he is, he calls out to you.  My hope is that you two will always be as close as you are now.  I know you will always lead him in the right direction and love him unconditionally. 

You are getting ready to become a big brother for the second time.  As a matter of fact as I type this, your new sister is kicking away in my belly and I can't wait for you to meet each other.  As crazy as it may sound,  a big part of the decision to have another baby was because we know how amazing of a big brother you are and will continue to be.  Daddy and I feel like we have such a strong teammate in you when bringing another sibling in to the world.  We know we can count on you to love them and care for them like you do for Kellan and we will always be so grateful to you for making these experiences that much more enjoyable for all of us.  We know you will guide Kellan lovingly through the process of not being the baby any longer but being someone worth looking up to.  

You are one of a kind Aidan.  Grandpa sometimes calls me and says "Hap, is just such a truly great kid" and if you don't know by now, that means a lot.  But it doesn't surprise me because I see it first hand, everyday.  If there was anything in my life I had to pinpoint that makes me proud, it would be you.   

I believe that before we even knew you were going to be our son, you chose us to be your parents.  Thank you so much for choosing us, Aidan.  We have cherished every moment since we knew you would be ours.  I won't ever take you for granted.  I know you are a gift.  My hope before anything else in your life, is that you know how loved you are.  You made us parents and you started this family with us.  You will always be our first born and the one that opened our hearts to more love than we ever knew was possible.  Every year on your Birthday I'm brought back to the moment you were first placed in my arms (you know, before Daddy took you for himself) and no matter how much I try, words will never do it justice.  I can only hope these letters scratch the surface.  Happy 9th Birthday sweet boy...we love you so much. 

Love always,

Mommy 

A post! Who Knew!

Life has settled down recently and I miss this place! With that being said...I'm working with a graphic designer to give this blog a little make over and hopefully it will be done soon!  I'll continue to blog until that happens because I miss it THAT MUCH but I can't wait for a much cleaner slim lined look for this space.  And we may just have a new blog coming to a computer screen near you.  And thanks to the few of you that actually still come here to check in! Welcome back!

Team Harvey

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me/us how the transition went from one kid to two and how we parent differently I'd be able to buy myself something super cute.  But seriously, I asked other Moms and Moms ask me.  So since I haven't blogged in an eternity I thought "whyyyy not".  And if this blog is nothing else, it's a journal of this time in our lives and if not a single person reads it, when this time is long gone...it will be the place I come back to, to remember what was.

Adam and I were babies when we had Aidan.  Well it felt like we were anyways.  We were the first to have kids in our group of immediate friends and family.  We spent a lot of time feeling like we were truly figuring it out for ourselves.   With the exception of my parents to bounce things off of, who hadn't had a child in OH 25 years...we didn't know if we were doing things right or wrong because there was nothing to compare it to.  But it was way back then that we became a TEAM. 

Aidan was the easiest baby.  Thank GOD.  But we learned everything, together.   It was almost five years of complete bliss.  Then we thought "this kid is pretty cool, lets have another".  So we added  maternity coverage to our insurance plan and 3.5 weeks later I was pregnant.  Yup, that fast. 

We all know there is no way to prepare for another person being in your life until they are here.  Well there is no way to shake up a household like adding another baby to the mix.  Kellan came and shit got real.  Someone is going to hate me for saying this but I have to be completely honest.   Having one child compared to two felt like a hobby.  We had some trying months.  Trying is putting it lightly.  To be even more honest, it wasn't just the new baby but life and work and marriage and a big ole' hot mess here in the Harvey house until about four months in.  Then the waves start to turn in to ripples and eventually we were all good again. 

And good again turned in to us being in the best place we've ever been as a couple, as parents...as this well oiled machine we have going here now.   And so these are the things that work for us...

-I am absolutely writing about this first because I think it is the single post important thing to keeping a family thriving.  Every single night we put the kids to bed at the same time together and we have TIME TO OURSELVES.  Our friends hear Aidan call it "adult time" and he knows if anything comes between Mommy and Daddy and "adult time"...things are going to get shady.  We spend time watching our TV shows, a movie, talking about our days, online shopping away our savings, occasionally tip toeing in to the kids rooms to kiss them one more time but we do it together and that time is essential.  We go to bed together.  No one stays up with out the other.  It has been that way our entire relationship. 

-There is no such thing as my job/your job.   We both can do everything therefore we do.  Adam probably changes more diapers but I do more homework with Aidan.  No one feels like the other person is doing more. 

-Schedules.  Real life is incredibly mundane.  Mon-Fri our days all look a lot alike.  We combat the witching hour with a family walk or a trip to get ice cream/iced coffees (we honestly eat a ton of ice cream right before dinner) or an early bath time. 

-We spend time with each child individually.  On the weekdays I put Kellan down for a nap when Aidan gets home from school so that he can have some down time and we can get homework done and just spend some time together.  We also let him stay up a little later on the weekends to watch a movie with us or do things we did when it was just the three amigos.  When Aidan is at school Kellan gets extra attention. We go to story time or meet friends with kids his age for a play date.  Aidan thrives well on individual attention from Adam (every one's fave around here) so we make sure he gets that in during the week too.  At the same time we are really aware that its OK that Aidan had a sibling and things were a little shaken up.  That's life.  He isn't the first or the last kid to get a brother. Everyone is going to turn out just fine.

That's it. 

And you know what is the best about the whole thing?  We don't feel like we need to get away from our kids.  Do we have days? Of course.  But in general.  And that was something that was important to us.  When we sat down and talked out what we really wanted life to look like with two kids (and more kids someday, hopefully) we both said we wanted to truly enjoy them. Because otherwise what's the point?  In the beginning of life with one more there was a lot of Adam not wanting to come home because it was a mess.  And I got it.  I totally got it because when he got home I wanted to leave.  But he showed up and I stayed because we committed to these children together and we're a team.  High five emoji. 


Most random photo ever of the Brothers Harvey. Their own little tag team. 

Pumpkin Patch 2014

I truly look forward to Fall because it's the start of a season full of our family traditions.  

As much time as Adam spends rolling his eyes at me while lugging pumpkins in the seventy degree heat, uphill...he looks forward to it every year as well.  

We've been taking Aidan to pick pumpkins at the same farm in Mooresville for 8 years and I feel like we have it down to a science now.  

I can remember walking through the patch in years past and wondering if the next year we would have a new baby with us.  And now it's been two years since Kellan has joined us and my heart still wants to jump out of my chest when I see the two of them picking pumpkins together.  Adam doesn't mind one bit he has more to carry.  

Aidan has been really under the weather this weekend but after being rained out last weekend, he had been dying to go this weekend.  So when he rolled out of bed with a slight fever and a bit of a cough, I just figured we could always turn the car around if we got there and he wasn't up for it.  A little fresh air is just what he needed. 

Pictures! 

Aidan-yrs 0-7

Kellan-yrs 0-1

Happy Fall Y'all! from The Harvey's! 

First Grade-Dear Aidan

Dear Aidan,

It's your first full week of First Grade!  

I was always so nervous starting a new school year.  Afraid I had forgotten a school supply, wouldn't be able to find my classroom, that I wouldn't have any friends.  

Being a kid is scary sometimes.  To venture out away from Mom and Dad and figure it all out on your own. I remember those days.  

It's might be just as scary being a parent.  Watching your baby walk through the front doors of school and praying you'll find that classroom and that you'll make tons of friends.

I hope learning comes easy and you pay attention.  

I had set myself up for a rocky start to the school year because you were so unsure when you started Kindergarten.  But you rolled out of bed, rushed to get dressed and out the door and when I pulled up to school, you didn't want me to park and walk you in.  You said to get in the carpool line.  I barely got a kiss as you jumped out of the car. 

I'm so proud of you Aidan.  So proud that you have a big heart.   Proud that you put yourself out there.   Proud that you are already braver most days than I have ever been.  I'm proud I get to be your Mom.

I can't say this enough.  Your journey in this world is so important to me.  For Daddy and I to get to see you grow is the biggest gift we've ever been given.  Thank you for letting us love you through it all. 

You are so special to us. 

Cheers to First Grade!

Love, Mom and Dad

Kindergarten Letter
This is sweet too...

Aidan is Turning 7!

In 5 short days my first baby is going to be 7 on the 7th!  I've been a Mom for 7 years!  That's bonkers to me! These years have FLOWN by! We've had so much fun. 

We are celebrating his birthday by having a big bash at Bank of American Stadium.  Home of the Carolina Panthers.

Adam and I sat down and thought out loud about our 7 Favorite Things We Love About Aidan...  

 

(In no particular order)

 

1.  He's laid back.  Go with the flow is a good mantra for him.  He can and will do whatever. 

 

2.  He wants to be everything when he grows up. And he reminds me daily there is nothing I can do about it.

 

3.  He's incredibly artistic.  He has dozens of journals, notebooks, index cards that he draws on daily.  He draws pictures for everyone.  

  (This is a drawing of me from Mother's Day)

4.  He's crazy about his baby brother.  We do not force Aidan and Kellan's relationship at all.  Even at 5.5 years apart they play together and get along far better than we could have even hoped.  He's very vocal about how happy he is he has a brother.   

 

5.  He's comfortable in his own skin.  Aidan is what he is and he never apologizes for it. 

 

6.  He's a lover.  He responds well to hugs and kisses and lots of snuggles from anyone.  But especially his parents and brother and my parents.  You can find him curled up in his Daddy's arms most days and he loves to climb up on the sofa with his Grandpa and watch movie trailers on the iPad.

 

7.  He gets attached.  Aidan unconditionally loves everything.  Even our sectional sofa that we sold on Craigslist.  He balled like a baby when the buyers came to get it.

 

 

There are so many more things we love about our first born.  He made us parents.  He brought us closer.  He's brought so much joy in to our lives it's immeasurable.  We are grateful for Aidan every day.  

Happy Almost 7th Birthday Baby! 

Kellan vs Aidan

Everyone in the world tells you when you are having your second (third, fourth, fifth....) child that you cannot compare one to the other.   That's always an obvious piece of unsolicited advice people give you but it is so true.  Especially in the case of my boys.

When Aidan was born I am convinced God had mercy on me.  I was a new, young Mom and that baby was an angel.  Sure we ran in to our fair share of issues.  He didn't like to sleep in his crib at first, he had a terrible latch ( I honestly can't think of anything else) but there were quick solutions.  He slept in his swing in our room for three months and I bought a nipple shield.  Those were our biggest worries with Aidan as a baby.  And each year it got better.  He loved the car, we never had to baby proof, he liked to travel, he was a typical boy but a good listener, I can't think of a time he threw a tantrum.  He was/is an absolute joy.  We have our days but overall he made me think I could keep having kids until the end of time if they were all like him.   He's the best snuggler too.  The best!

Then Kellan came along.  And don't get me wrong.  He's a joy too.  He makes more people smile in a day than you could ever imagine.  My heart explodes every morning when I get him up and I miss him so much when I put him to bed at night that I actually wake him up most nights to hold him longer.  BUT...the child should be the picture under the definition of boy in the dictionary.  In the South we like to say "he's a HOT MESS". 

Kellan's day in a nutshell looks like this: 

WAKE UP

Roll back and forth on the changing table while Mom and/or Dad try to change his diaper/get him dressed, fights his way to the floor to take off to look for Aidan. 

Resembles a tornado while standing in Aidan's room. 

Every object that Aidan owns goes out of the bins, baskets, buckets over his shoulder and on to the ground.  He laughs while Aidan sighs.

Accepts his breakfast only in a standing up position.  Will not sit in a high chair.  Periodically eats if you are willing to chase him around with food on a fork. 

Continues in to the Master Bedroom where he clears off the nightstands and pulls all the blankets to the floor.

Next up, Living Room. 

All toys out of the basket, over the shoulder on to the floor.  Climbs sofa removes everything on console table in to the back of the sofa cushions. 

Off the sofa out to the Laundry Room.  Eats cat and or dog food, opens washer and dryer and tries (sometimes succeeds) to get in one or the other. 

Two hours have finally passed and he can take a nap.  Talks himself to sleep while untying all of the bumpers on his crib, Sleeps 2-4 hours and wakes Happy as a Clam. 

Same routine as the morning.  Wrestles us on the changing table.  Once his diaper is on he all but jumps to the floor. 

Aidan, Aidan, Aidan.  WHERE IS HE???  Looks in every room.  Found um!

Repeats entire routine of trashing every room in the house except this time he's going to play with every electrical outlet he can get near and pull a lamp or two off of a table.  That's a NEW hobby.  

Sees Daddy watering the grass.  Stands at front door and SCREAMS BLOODY MURDER until his father sees him.  * A laugh would do the trick too but noooo....must scream.* 

Daddy opens the front door, he rolls out.  Screaming again, now from injury due to not wanting to wait for anyone to help him down the front steps.

On a mission to run right over to the neighbors house and right up their wheelchair ramp.  Every time.  We go get him, he goes right back. 

Adam and I stupidly think it sounds like a brilliant idea to take the brothers for a milkshake.  Aidan skips to the car with a smile on his face, Kellan wants to wrestle to the ground. 

Screaming in car seat.  Calms down but don't make eye contact.  That makes him scream. 

Get milkshakes.  Wants to hold the 5lb chocolate milkshake by himself.  Not happening.  SCREAMING. 

Back home. Probably tries to break the house key off in the lock. 

Put him in his crib (door open) for some quiet time while we make dinner. 

Unsuccessfully tries to climb out of the crib or up the wall.   We are watching from the kitchen. 

However! he does squeeze his chubby little wrist through his crib slat and reaches as far as he can to stick his fingers in the outlet behind his crib.  OF COURSE. 

Dinner is ready and we're chasing him.

Bath time.  Tries to take his life several times by drowning.  Gives Aidan and his parents a heart attack. 

Laughs while we are still crying and empties bath tub on to the bath mat with shampoo cup. 

Wrestling again on changing table. 

Pumps half the bottle of lotion on to the area rug while I turn to look for PJ's in drawer. 

Put him to bed.

Talks, unties bumpers, bangs his bottle on wall then throws it, squeezes chubby wrist through slats to try to electrocute himself real quick and then finally passes out. 

There is no other way to say this.  He wears our asses out.  But he's soooooo  CUTE!!!!
And we really are having the best time with him!   He couldn't be more different than Aidan but we love them both the way they are.  Kellan is busy, busy, busy. 

Happy 15 Months Kellan

There is so much less pressure doing 3 month posts instead of monthly. 

I don't care what anyone says...15 months old still makes you my BABY!

 

You are the happiest baby.

 

You have 8 teeth now.  4 on top right in the front and then your two front teeth and two molars!  You have the best time trying out new foods. 

 

You have had a few ear infections the past couple of months but you never make a peep!  I only knew you had them because when you woke up in the morning you had gunk on your eye. 

 

You are walking like crazy!  Daddy took you to the park with some other Dad's and babies this evening and when I stopped by to say "hi" I was so surprised at how well you were getting around.   You almost hate to be held now because you want to be on the move 24/7. 

 

You are still crazy about Aidan.  He is so patient with you and loves to share his toys.  You two go in to his room and play quietly for hours.  I have to check on you to make sure something hasn't happened.  But there you guys are, waist deep in a bin of Lego's.  Aidan creating ships and robots and whatever else he makes with those things and you taking fist fulls and tossing them on the floor.  It keeps you happy.

 

You said "Mama" and "Dada" pretty clearly but you actually look at Daddy and say "Dada".   It's basically the cutest thing ever.  He is your favorite.  If I'm holding you and Daddy walks by, you all buy leap out of my arms. 

 

I tried to teach you baby sign language like I did with Aidan but you basically said you didn't have time for that and just whined until I gave you what you wanted.  You are pretty vocal so it all works out. 

 

You are getting better about your sippy cup.  It's not your favorite but you will take it.  You also don't ever want to drink anything but milk.  We've tried just about everything but there is no sign of you giving that up several times a day.

Your little personality is coming out so much.  If Grandpa hadn't already gifted Aidan with the nickname "Hap" (short for Happy), you would definitely get it.  You love to talk to people but you are shy at the same time.  If someone new comes up to see you,  you rest your head on my shoulder with the biggest smile.  It's perfect.
 

You play Peek A Boo with us all the time now.  You pull your blanket up over your head, wait a few seconds and the pull the blanket down with the biggest toothy smile.

You had your first hair cut!  You were so good.  Aidan sat in the chair next to you and had his hair cut at the same time.  I think you were so excited to be doing the same thing as him.  

You love your uncles.  Uncle Bobby came by one day last week and I let him wake you up and get your out of your crib.  You looked at him funny for a second and then went CRAZY.   You were so excited to see him.  You are the same way with Jordan. 

You are crazy about Nana and Grandpa too.  Anytime we are at their house, you whine until I put you down and then you walk right over to Grandpa and put your hands up for him to hold you.  He kisses you on the side of your neck under your chin and you giggle so hard.  If he sits down, Aidan crawls right up next to him and you sit on his lap. When you see Nana you get the biggest smile.  She feeds you and feeds you and feeds you so she is one of your favorites.  I think she's one of the only people you actually kiss.  Daddy and I always comment on how lucky you and Aidan are to have such wonderful Grandparents in them.  They love you so much!

We are still so smitten with you every day.  Daddy, Aidan and I comment about how perfect you have been for our little family.  God knew what he was doing.   You tear apart everything in this house and we just laugh at how cute you are.  Throwing toys over your shoulder and destroying everything in your path and it just makes us love you more and more everyday. 

Happy 15 Months baby boy!


Reuniting with Aidan after you two had been apart for the day.

 

 

Mommy smooching you.  This was followed by tears because I like to smother you.

 

A rare moment where you sat still.

 

Walking in the park. 

 

This was when you walked right up to Aidan and threw yourself in his arms. You love your brother.

 

 

Testing our your new Freshly Picked moccasins. 

 

Goldfish crackers for a snack in the car.  It would be too much to ask you to just eat the fish.  You have to play with all your food. 

 

So curious.

 

Swing! You aren't a huge fan. 

 

 

Checking on your big brother when he wasn't feeling well.  It was crazy how in tune you were to him not feeling well and how concerned you were.  You wouldn't leave him alone.



 

Playing on Aidan's floor before he gets home from school. 

 

Same.  Just an even cuter picture. 

 

 

French fry eating.

 

Car seat snuggles.  Everything you do is just so sweet, I take pictures of the most mundane things!

 

Ok, So not always happy...



 



 

Another very rare moment sitting still watching cartoons with your big brother.  This never happens.  We didn't think you even knew about the TV. 



Last picture...we watch you sleep at night.  We can't help it.

Playing Catch Up

If I had a dollar for every time I've apologized for neglecting this blog...I would literally be a few dollars richer than I am now. I apologize here, I tell people in person when they ask me why I'm not keeping up and I say it to myself over and over in my head.  

The truth is, I made a New Years resolution this year.  I never do that.  But I needed some time away from my computer and phone.  My kids and my husband needed more face time.  And they deserve it.  So I've been taking a break.  It's been good.  I'm nervous I'm not documenting our time enough here but the real time memories we are making have been some of the very best.

But I want to catch up.  

So try not to be bored to tears when you are reading posts from life events that happened months ago.  

I've got to start somewhere.  

Xo

Halloween 2013

I'm literally laughing that I am so far behind on blogging that I'm posting about Halloween!  It's January! 

I have been dying for the day I could dress Aidan and Kellan up as a "tag team" for Halloween.  Adam and I went back and forth for weeks on what we would dress them as.  Full disclosure: I was way more in to this project than Adam.  He said "yes" to everything!

Maverick and Goose

Batman and Robin

The old man and the boy scout from the Movie "Up"

Fish and Chips

We (I) decided on a pirate and his parrot. 

I knew I wanted to make their costumes.  That's my new thing.  Making my children's costumes.  I was so pumped about it.  I was thinking about it day and night.  Ha!

I bought a rainbow boa and hot glued it to a bright blue long sleeve onesie for Kellan's parrot costume.  I had a hat that was Aidan's when he was a baby and so I just took some of the leftover boa and glued it to that.  I had planned on putting some yellow tights on him but as my luck would have it,  it was a pretty mild night when we Trick or Treated so we were able to let him show off his legs.

For Aidan, we (he and I) brainstormed big time.  We ended up using a white polo shirt and an old pair of his jeans.  I cut the jeans below the knee and we covered them in black and brown shoe polish to make them look "dirty".  I had a wide black leather belt from probably eighth grade that I wrapped around him twice and we stuck a pirate gun in his waist.  I gave him a smokey eye and threw on his Pirates of the Carribean hat from Disney.  Added a couple of gold chains and voila! He was my little pirate! 

Adam was sad to have to work on Kellan's first Halloween but my brother "Uncle Bobby" stepped in and came with us.  Trick or treating is not easy with children.  You have sore feet, costume malfunction, wanting to stop at every house to eat all your candy, the stroller/wagon to push and a baby to juggle.  But even with all of that nonsense, it's still so much fun.  And my brother was such a big help.  We got a few good laughs out of how many people thought Kellan was a chicken.  

I'm already thinking about next year! 

Aidan's Indian Vest

Aidan had to have an Indian vest made for a pre-Thanksgiving pow wow at school.  His teachers were pretty vague about what they wanted us to do.  They suggested we use a brown paper grocery bag and sent home a sheet of paper with some Indian "signs" on it.

I had creative freedom over this one.  I honestly started to get crazy.  I was thinking about buying a piece of leather and sewing it in to a vest.  Ordering real bird feathers.  

Then I came back down to Earth at Harris Teeter one morning and picked up the paper bag.  I wanted Aidan to actually get to do it.   

Between this vest and our Thanksgiving placemat, I was loving all of our craft projects. 

Finished project...

And a snapshot from his Thanksgiving "play"...

Aidan's Asthma

Let's start at the beginning. 

{Literally} 4 years ago, when Aidan started getting seasonal colds he would wheeze for month's afterwards. 

I mentioned it to our pediatrician every time we saw her for years.  She would always brush it off and

tell me that in a few years we would test him for allergies.   I would leave feeling defeated.

Then as he got older, he was wheezing all the time and he started having a constant cough. 

Every night he would wake up with coughing fits.  It peaked in the Fall/Winter  Spring/Summer change of seasons. 

He coughs until he gets sick to his stomach.  EVERY. NIGHT.

Since starting Kindergarten in August, he has probably missed 5 days of school because he wakes up coughing, gets sick and cannot get back to sleep. 

There are a lot of things I am tough about as a mother but I cannot stand to see my child suffering and then push him out the door to school a zombie. 

Our pediatrician was not seeing a problem with that.  "Kids sometimes cough until they get sick" was all she ever said. 

So first things first, we switched pediatricians. 

And after one appointment and listening to Aidan breathe, they immediately referred us to an asthma/allergy specialist in town. 
(About twenty five minutes in the opposite direction of our house but whatever)

We were able to get in to see him 2 days later.  They knew Aidan had been suffering for years and it was time to get him some relief.

The second we met the Dr. I knew we were in the right place.  I loved that he spoke to Aidan. 

He asked Aidan to tell him how it feels when he runs/plays and when he wakes up at night coughing. 

He asked me what I observed on a daily basis and then checked with Aidan to make sure we were all on the same page.   He was attentive when I pulled out the list of questions Adam wanted me to ask him. 

He showed Aidan diagrams of his lungs and explained to him what Asthma was and why he thought he had it.

Then he laid out a dozen options we could choose from to treat Aidan.

Our Dr. looked at me and said "I want to tell you, I see so many mothers that don't have the backbone to stand up for their children and push forward to find an answer to a problem because they are afraid of a diagnosis.  Aidan's asthma is going to be a constant battle and it's a lot of work to stay on top of.  I really commend you for being brave enough to keep asking questions and getting this done.  I promise you I will get this kid healthier for you." 

And then he hugged me and I cried.   

I felt such a weight lifted off my shoulders that Aidan is going to start feeling better.  And I don't have to walk around with the guilt that he is missing school.

He prescribed us SIX prescriptions,  wrote letters to the school nurse,  drew out diagrams for treatment plans,  had the nurse schedule us a follow up for the week before Christmas and sent us on our way. 

Aidan is excited.  He knows he's going to feel better. 

That night when Adam got home from work, I cried again.  It's heartbreaking to think that Aidan may have something that limits him to certain activities or allow him to keep up with his friends during his childhood.  But more than anything, I think I finally let myself be a little bit emotional after YEARS of being tough and watching Aidan hurt without having an answer for him.  I have felt so much guilt over it all.  When he would get up in the middle of the night and cry from getting sick over and over I felt helpless that I couldn't help him.  We knew every night when he went to bed he was going to wake up at some point coughing and long after Adam and I would fall back asleep, he would be up hurting, alone.  It was so unsettling.  I'm glad I stayed on top of it.  It's going to be a battle and some work to keep up with but it's always worth it when it comes to your kids.  I'm so glad we finally have an answer!

Update: Aidan has been on his twice daily inhaler for about 6 weeks now.  His coughing almost stopped completely after just a week!  The circles under his eyes are getting better and overall I think he feels so much better! 

My handsome, sweet boy. 

 

Just a small addition to our medicine cabinet. 

Pumpkin Patch 2013

I'm laughing at how many posts I have sitting in my drafts that I have yet to publish.   Yes, the blog has been neglected.  Better late than never, right?  If I had a dollar for every time I've said that...I could pay someone else to keep our memories!

We made our annual pilgrimage to Mooresville, NC to our favorite pumpkin patch at Carrigan Farms.  I love it up there because the family that owns the farm is so nice and we know the routine there. 

I remember last year being pregnant and annoying Adam and Aidan by saying no less than 100 times..."Next year we will have the baby with us".  And this year he was.

 

Kellan slept on the ride there so he was a little bit sleepy when we first arrived.  Adam popped him in the Ergo and bundled him up until he woke up. 

 

 

 I'm constantly reminding Aidan that he is my "first baby".  I love this kid so much.  He never turns me down when I ask for a hug or a kiss. 

 

 

 Hay ride out to the patch!

 

They have a small fenced in area with all kinds of farm animals when you get up to the pumpkin patch near the pond and I'm always such a sucker for the piglets!

 

The search begins...

 

Those look good!

 And I tried to get the perfect picture of the boys on the pumpkin pile...



We let Aidan jump in the bounce houses for a half an hour or so.  It left plenty of time for Kellan to crawl around in the grass. 

 

And for more selfies.  Obviously.

 

 

 

I had to post this collage I made and posted on my Instagram.  It's 6 years of Aidan at the pumpkin patch.  Too cute! I can't wait to do one for Kellan!