Looking Back...Liam's Maternity Pictures

Liam is turning three in a month.  I know, it's hard to believe.  But I was looking back at his maternity pictures and thought I would post them here for you to enjoy! I love being pregnant.  My pregnancies are pretty difficult on my body, but I still love being pregnant.  I love knowing there is a tiny little person growing inside of me.  I love feeling them kick.  I love feeling their hiccups.  I love imagining what they will look like.  Pregnancy is so incredibly beautiful.  I love these pictures because they help me remember all of those feelings I had while I was pregnant with Liam.
Thank you to Jessica of Simply Serendipity Photography for taking them for me.  

Alanna.Seven.Months

Alanna Colette

Seven Months

15 pounds, 6.4 ounces, 26.75 inches long

Time seems to just slip through my fingers.  I feel like I blinked and this last month came and went.  I love watching you grow, but I want to somehow slow down time.

You have learned so many new things this past month.  You took your first attempt at crawling on the day you turned six months.  From then until now, you have just continued to get closer and closer to crawling.  You are up on your hands and knees, rocking back and forth, moving one knee and then falling onto your face sometimes...other times, you move one hand and make a small amount of progress.  You scoot backwards better than forward right now.  You also move side to side pretty well.  It will only be a matter of weeks and you will be crawling all over the place!

You tried to pull up for the first time.  I had a Rubbermaid container in the living room, sitting next to you.  You saw it, scooted to it, and tried to reach your hands up to the rim of the container to pull up onto it.  You weren't able to figure it out, but soon Baby Girl...very soon you will.

You love Duke.  Every time I put you on the floor, he comes and lays down next to you.  If you can't reach him, you scoot over to him and grab his face, or his feet.  

You like to push your toes down into the floor, or my stomach, and push up very hard...pushing your little bottom way up into the air.  It's pretty cute.  But it does make it difficult to hold you while you are doing that.
 

You are so curious.  You never want to snuggle, or hold still while I am holding you.  You did finally start wanting to nurse longer than five minutes at nap time and night time though.  You nurse for 20-30 minutes now, and fall asleep on me.  I love it. 

You have an upper tooth that is trying to come in.  I think it should break through any day.  I believe this tooth is the cause for you waking up multiple times throughout the night again.  You were sleeping 10-12 hours a night for about 4-8 weeks, but then when we went on vacation, you started waking up 1-3 times a night.  It really isn't that bad though.  You fall right back asleep when I put you in bed with me, and after an hour of being in my bed, you are so sound asleep I just move you back into your bed.

You have become very clingy to me...well more so than usual.  When someone else is holding you, you look all around to find me.  Once you see me, you start whining and reaching for me.  It does not bother me of course.  In such a short time, you will be content playing on your own all the time, and then I will be wishing for these moments back.  I do not want to rush away any stage that you are in.

You have started to make some new sounds.  It is all just babbling...no real sounds like ma-ma or da-da.  But I can tell you are starting to try to communicate more and more.

You make the cutest facial expression now.  You wrinkle up your nose, and breathe out of your nose really fast.  It looks adorable and silly.  Daddy and I are in love with it. 

You love when I sing to you.  You get the biggest grin on your face. You just smile, and smile until I am done singing.

You radiate such joy and happiness. Everywhere we go, I have people telling me "how happy you look", and "how beautiful you are."  And they are right.  You are happy...You are beautiful.
You are my little sunshine.

I love you so much Alanna Girl.
Happy Seven Months

Welcoming My Step-Mother Into My Family

 Last weekend, I traveled to Pennsylvania to welcome my Step-Mother into my family. My Dad got re-married on May 16, and his wife's family had a reception for them on June 7.  It was a beautiful day...filled with family, laughter, happiness, and love... real, true love!!!

My Dad is an incredible man.   I respect him, honor him, and love him so much.  I am so happy that he has found love with Donna.   Welcome to the family Donna!!!  

I love you already!!! 

A Few Words About My Husband For Father's Day

My husband is an amazing man.  I am so blessed to have him as my husband, my best friend, and father to our children.  There are so many things I love about him, but here are just a few things I wanted to brag on him about. 

He loves God.  There are many people who claim to "know" Jesus but really have no clue what this really means.  I am so thankful for a husband who loves God, and strives to be more like Him constantly.  I am thankful for a husband that wants to lead our children to love Jesus.  His desire is not just for them to "know" there is a someone named Jesus, but to actually believe in Him, to trust their life with Him, and have a personal relationship with Him. 

  He loves our children.  There are so many children who have never known the love of a father, and I am so thankful that Nathan loves our children...truly deeply loves them.  

  He is hard working.  My husband is the least lazy man I have ever known.  He completely pours himself into everything he does.  He works two jobs. He works full time as a fire fighter, and part time as a transport for a hospital.  He just graduated from college in May, but before he graduated, he was doing school full time and working two jobs since we have been married.  I am so thankful for all he does to provide for our family.  

  He is involved with our children.  My husband doesn't just sit around and make me do all the work with the kids.  He bathes them, brushes their teeth, takes them on walks, coaches them, plays outside with them, plays board games with them, changes their diapers, cleans up their messes, reads to them, wrestles with them, hugs them, kisses them, trains them, teaches them, prays with them.  He loves being with them and is not "bothered" by them.  I am so blessed to be married to a man that feels that children are a gift from God, and not a burden. 

 He read this verse to me the other night...

Psalm 127:3

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.

Happy Father's Day 

We Love You More Than You Will Ever Know

Photo Credit: Simply Serendipity Photography 

Photo Credit: Simply Serendipity Photography

Photo Credit: Heart Love Photography

My Bad Attitude

 I think every mother has had a bad moment,day,week,month!
Yesterday was one of those days for me.  It all started when I decided to take the kids to meet up with my sister Selina, and her kids at the campground they were staying at while they were in town the past few days.  The campground has an awesome, small water park, and we decided to take the kids there.  It was supposed to rain off and on the whole day, and then storm around 4:30PM.  We figured the kids could probably get a an hour or two of swimming in before we would have to leave.

Right before I left to meet up with Selina, Liam fell off our front porch, head first onto the sidewalk.  Blood was running down his face!  Of course I got upset because I hate blood, and I hate seeing any of my kids hurt.  Thankfully Nathan was home, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  He put about an inch long cut in his forehead, but it didn't need stitches.  We put some antibiotic ointment on it, and a band-aid.  After a few minutes of watching Curious George, I was able to get Liam calmed down, and get the van loaded up.  We left about 20 minutes late, but we were on our way.  

We got there around 12:30PM and it was very nice until 3PM....thunder!  Everyone had to get out of the water for 15 minutes to see if the thunder would go away.  We waited about 5 minutes, and then it started drizzling.  Another 5 minutes passed and then more thunder.  I kept thinking "I should just pack up and go."  But the kids so wanted to swim more, I figured I'd wait a few more minutes and see if it would pass.  

As we were waiting, I smelled something not so wonderful.  I called Liam over to me and checked him, and sure enough...he had gone #2 in his swimmie diaper!  GROSS GROSS GROSS!!!  Poop is bad enough normally, but wet, soggy, runny, poop is so disgusting!  I went to change him under the shelter we were at when Selina suggested I take him into the shower rooms and clean him off there.  I agreed that was a better idea.  It was still just drizzling when I took him into the shower room.  I was not looking forward to cleaning him up.  I knew it was going to be gross.  Well, when I took his diaper off, poop ran all down my hands, and all over the floor!!!  By this point I was more than frustrated but was trying to stay calm.  I put Liam under one of the showers and turned it on.  Instead of the water going down like it looked like it should have... it shot out all over the place and got one half of me soaking wet!  I quickly shut it off and found that the handicap shower head had a hose attached to it.  I picked Liam up, ran him over to that shower, and cleaned him off.  Of course the water wouldn't get warm so he was not really happy about the whole experience.  Meanwhile, my hands are still covered in poop.  

I wrapped Liam up in a towel, and was washing my hands when I realized..."it's not drizzling anymore...it's POURING!"  Now this would not have been such a big deal if the covers over the shelters at the pool didn't have holes in them.  But they did.  I rushed out of the shower room and looked over to the shelter where I had left Selina,her kids, and my other two kids.  They were getting soaked, and Alanna was screaming her head off!  I left Liam standing by the shower room and started running as fast as I could over to them.  I grabbed all my stuff, threw it onto the stroller, told Ruy to come on, and ran off pushing the stroller while Alanna continued to scream.  

I was pretty much soaked by the time I got back over to where Liam was standing.  He was still all naked wrapped up in his towel.  I sat him down in his seat in the stroller.  I then went and apologized to the people that worked there about our big mess in the shower room.  They said it was no big deal and that they would clean it up, but seriously... no one wants to deal with that!  I felt terrible.  And my hands still stunk horribly of poop, even after washing them.  Gross!  

We all walked as fast as possible to our vans.  Selina helped me get my stuff into my van, and tried keeping an umbrella over me as I loaded them to keep me dry, but it was pointless.  I was dripping wet and extremely stressed out.  Alanna was still screaming because she was wet and hungry, which made my stress worse.  Selina kept saying "It's ok.  We will laugh about this later.  It's just rain!"  To which I then responded not so nicely..."It's not just rain!  And NO it's not ok!  This kind of thing stresses me out SO BAD!"  And then I slammed Ruy's door shut.  Oh, and somewhere in the middle of all of this, I snapped at Ruy about his seat belt, and I snapped at Liam about not trying to help me put his shirt on.  I knew I was not acting right, but at that moment I was so frustrated, I couldn't get myself calm.  I then went and shut the door at the back of the van, and as I closed it, all the water that had piled up on it while it was open, came splashing down on top of me!!!  Yep, that did it.  I was SO done.  I got into the van, not really saying much of a goodbye to my sister.  Alanna was still screaming because she needed to nurse.  I got back out of the van, got her out, and put her in the front with me so I could feed her.  Selina left for her RV, and I sat there nursing Alanna.  

It's amazing what a few moments of quiet can do for you.  As I sat there nursing Alanna, I was able to collect myself, and gain control of my thoughts and feelings.  I knew I had been wrong.  I had panicked.  I had yelled at the kids.  I had been ugly to my sister who was just trying to help.  I had been a bad example to my children.  I had shown a terrible bad attitude.  

Once Alanna finished nursing, I put her back into her seat, and drove over to my sister's RV.  I got out of the van, opened the boys' door and said "Mommy is very sorry.  I acted so wrong a few minutes ago.  I should not have gotten upset with you boys, or stressed out so much about the poop, and the rain.  I did not act like Jesus.  I am so sorry.  Can you forgive me?"  It's kind of difficult sometimes to humble yourself like that to your children, but they need to know that we realize we are not perfect.  And that we need forgiveness sometimes just like they do.  My sweet, little Liam looks up at me and says "Yes Mummy (he says Mommy like he is British for some reason) I forgive you!"  It was the sweetest thing.  It made me feel even worse for my behavior then I already did.  Ruy forgave me too, and we all started to feel much better about everything.  

I went over to my sister's RV and went in and apologized to her as well.  We both laughed, and decided it would most definitely be a day we would never forget!  I invited them over for dinner, and we ended the night at my house...eating tacos, and ice cream, and debating over what my newest little nephews name should be! 

I am thankful for my sister.  She is a constant reminder of what patience and self-control look like.  I strive to be more like her in those areas.  I am thankful for my kids, and their willingness to forgive me when I make mistakes.  I am thankful for God bringing that moment into my life, so that I could grow and learn from it.  

And because I never leave a post without a picture...

 

Our Beach Vacation

Things have been so busy at our house the past few weeks.  It's hard to believe we have already been home from our beach vacation for almost two weeks now!  We had such a good time this year.  There were some challenges to the week, but all in all, it was great.

We go to Emerald Isle, NC every year with Nathan's family.  We love it there!  It's not too crowded, the water is always pretty warm, the sand is clean, and the ocean is just beautiful.  I always feel so at peace when I am near the water.  I love the smell of salt water, and the sound of the waves breaking against the beach.  It makes me feel closer to God somehow.

We left for the beach the Saturday before Memorial Day.  We got there around 4:30PM, unpacked, and went to dinner.  I went grocery shopping after dinner with Nathan's Mom and Alanna.  Nathan took the boys back to the beach house and got them in bed.  I knew I would be out late, and I didn't want to be grocery shopping at 10PM with two tired boys.  Alanna slept in the Ergo a little while I shopped, but she had a hard time falling asleep.  I got back to the beach house at 11:30PM.  Nathan and his Dad unloaded the groceries while I put Alanna to bed.  And then I crashed around 12PM. 

I knew my boys would be waking up early Sunday morning.  The window in their room didn't have dark curtains, and even with hanging a blanket over the curtains, I didn't think it would be dark enough to block the sun out.  I was right.  Liam came running into my room at 6AM!  They normally sleep till 7 to 7:30AM.  I was hoping since they were up late, and Liam hadn't had a nap Saturday, that they would sleep till 8AM..."wishful thinking!"  They got up at 6AM every.single.day we were there!  Sometimes when you have young kids...vacation is not as much of a vacation as you would like it to be! :)

We went to church at Nathan's grandmother's church Sunday morning, and then went to lunch with the family.  After lunch we went home and changed into our swim suits so we could FINALLY get down to the beach!!!  The boys were as anxious as Nathan and I were.  Liam didn't remember the beach from last year, so it was cute to see his excitement.  And Ruy surprised as all!!!  He has NEVER liked the ocean...he is terrified of going in deep.  Well, we got down to the beach and he took off into the water like he had never been afraid!  I was so proud of him!  This was Alanna's first time to the beach.  She was so tired by the time we got down to the beach though, because she had missed her afternoon nap while we were at lunch.  So I put her in the Ergo, and she feel asleep within minutes.  I actually spent most of the week holding her in the Ergo, especially when we were down at the water.  She can't sit up yet, and she is just now starting to scoot, so she couldn't be put down while we were down at the beach.  She was also tired most of the time while we were at the beach.  She still naps three times a day, so it was a little difficult trying to work around her schedule.  Like I said...there were some challenges. 

 

Monday morning the boys enjoyed a yummy breakfast of bananas, strawberries, and muffins.  I love the way Liam is looking at Ruy in this picture!!!   Ruy was acting like his banana was a gun or something, and Liam thought it was funny.  They both loved sitting on the stools at the counter. 

Monday when we went down to the beach, we got Alanna's feet wet.  She did not like the water at all!  But she looked super cute it her bathing suit and hat, so it didn't really matter.  :)

The boys had a great time at the beach on Monday, playing in the sand, running in and out of the water, and finding shells.

After the beach we headed down to the pool.  Liam LOVED the pool.  He was a little nervous about it, but he loved it.  He put on some "floaties" and had a blast.  Ruy has loved the pool since he was Liam's age too.  He learned how to swim two summers ago, but this summer Nathan started working with him more, and his swimming really improved. 

Tuesday we went to the beach in the morning but we didn't stay long.  The wind was terrible that day, and everyone started getting tired of it.  The wind was good for something though...the boys discovered that the wind would blow their dump trucks without them having to push them!  It was pretty awesome!   We went back in at lunchtime and then took the boys down to the pool for a little before nap time. 

After naps I had Nathan's mom take a few pictures of the kids and me.  And then we spent a long time blowing bubbles.  Actually, we didn't really have to do anything other than hold the wand up...the wind did all the work!  It was pretty awesome!  It always amazes me how much bubbles can entertain a child.  It's the simple things in life that really matter!

Wednesday morning I made the boys smoothies for breakfast.  They love smoothies!  Ruy had no interest in me taking his picture with his smoothie, so I just took a few of Liam :)

We decided to go to the pool before we went down to the beach that day.  We thought the water might be warm enough for Alanna to want to be in it... we were wrong.  She cried the cutest, girliest, little cry ever!  So she didn't like the ocean water or the pool water.  But she did like having Daddy hold her! :)

The beach was beautiful Wednesday.  We only stayed about 1.5 hours because a storm rolled in, but we needed to get dinner anyways so it all worked out.

Liam loves his sunglasses.  He wears them all the time.  Right after I took this picture he ran into the water and a wave hit him.  He grabbed my hand and said "Mommy, that wave hit my bum-bum!"

Ruy spent the entire time at the beach Wednesday playing in the sand.

Liam ran around in the water with his truck.
 

I somehow managed to get a picture of both the boys looking at me and smiling!

Unfortunately, Alanna was was not so thrilled about taking pictures with her brothers, but I still love the picture!

Thursday morning I took Alanna down to the beach and took a few pictures of her.  The sun came out full force as soon as I got down there of course, but I worked with what I had and got a few that I liked.

Thursday afternoon we went to Nathan's Grandpa's house.  Nathan and the boys had a blast playing football while we were there.  It was a lot of fun watching them play.  Liam doesn't totally get the whole "tackling & loose the ball" thing.  He had a few melt downs while they were playing, but he did have a good time.  Ruy enjoys tackling him.  Having a big brother has made Liam pretty tough.  Ruy is a wonderful big brother!

Thursday evening I once again was able to convince Nathan to do our annual "beach family picture."  He is so good.  He puts up with my picture taking so well!  He is an amazing husband!  The only thing I forgot this year, other than the life-vests (I know...what kind of Mother forgets the life-vests!) was my tri-pod!  Thankfully Andrea, my sister in-law, was kind enough to come down to the beach and take a few pictures for us.  Our "session" lasted all of about six minutes...literally.  Alanna would not stop grabbing the boys' hair, which is why I am holding her arms down in the picture, and Nathan and the boys were all worn out after a busy day.  But it turned out pretty good even with no one in the mood for family pictures :)

 (Taken by Andrea: Settings & Editing by me)

 

Friday morning Ruy woke up and decided he wanted me to take some pictures of him with his army gear on.  This is basically what he wears every.single.day.  It's hard to convince him to let me wash his army pants!

Then later that day we went down to the beach for the last time.  It was overcast the whole day which was actually perfect.  It wasn't too hot, and we all really enjoyed our time at the beach!!!

 Nathan and the boys dug a huge hole in the sand like they always do.  It entertained Liam the whole time we were at the beach that day.

Ruy made several sand castles.

Liam tried to build a sand castle but it pretty much ended in him just trying to destroy Ruy's sand castle. 

He eventually gave up on the whole sand castle thing, and went back to playing in the hole. :) 

Alanna hung out in the Ergo the whole time, except for this brief moment when I laid her in the chair to check her diaper.  

Ruy decided it would be fun to try to bury Liam.  Liam didn't really understand what was happening, and kept breaking out of the sand just as Ruy would get his legs covered.  Ruy gave up trying to bury him pretty quickly. 

I get this face most of the time when I try to take a picture of Ruy. 

I love this picture...it is exactly how I will remember the boys this summer.  

{Ruy leading...Liam following}

Liam looks up to Ruy so much and wants to do everything he does.  Every time Ruy would get up and go do something, Liam was up and running right behind him.  Being a big brother is a big responsibility.  But Ruy is such a wonderful brother.  I believe he will lead Liam to great things! 

After the beach we headed in to get the two littles a nap.  I had to make sure they got a good nap that day because Friday is always Golphin Dolphin Day!  We eat pizza and then go play Putt Putt every year on Friday night.  It's a family tradition.  I have yet to beat Nathan.  I tried so hard this year to beat him but failed again.  Maybe next year.  Liam loved putt putt this year.  He finally decided it was best to put his ball right beside the hole and then hit the ball in!  Genius idea Liam!!!  Why did I never think of that??? :)  After he hit the ball into the hole he would turn around and say "Two Daddy!"  I think he made PAR on every hole. :) I guess it pays to be two and stinkin adorable.  Ruy spent the whole time with his two little cousins, playing about two holes ahead of our group.  He had so much fun with his cousins.  

 Saturday morning we packed up, went to lunch with the family, and then headed home.  We had a wonderful time at the beach.  It's hard to believe another family vacation has already come and gone.  

Until next year Emerald Isle!!!