Big Brother Day

This past weekend, we had one of those "few sunny days" so we decided to take the big brother to the zoo. Josh had taken him one time before and he loved it! I was so glad that I was able to experience it with him this time (even though being 39 weeks pregnant and walking approximately 2 miles wasn't the best idea...but I made it!). Before hand we went to eat lunch and he got to eat a few of his favorite foods, some of which he doesn't get to eat a lot because they aren't the healthiest...cheese dip and french fries. Afterwards, we headed to the zoo. It was the perfect day and so pretty outside. I would say his favorite animals were the "monk monk" and "'nake". We had a great day!

 

Gobbling down lunch



 

First stop...the monkeys or like he calls them "monk monks".

 

The baby was so sweet and wondered around with a bottle in it's mouth.

 

This little guy must have been a little chilly. I love monkeys and their fun personalities.

 

 

 

Okay...onto the reptiles. We have one book at home that has a snake in it. I'll point to it and say snake but Shaw has never ID'd it. Well, we walk into the snake house and he screams,yes screams, "NAKKEEEE!". So, obviously he knows exactly what they are and he LOVES them. I guess you have to teach a kid to be scared of the nasty critters?!

 

The "quack quacks". One way to know if your child is catching on to animals is to take them to the zoo. I would say he is catching on quite nicely. :)

 

My favorite animal. The giraffe.

 

 

He thought this was a "neigh" but he loved it anyways when he told him it was a rhino.

 

When we walked up to the big cats, the first thing he said was "meow". Thought that was too cute, and appropriately fitting!

 

Catching a ride from Daddy.

 

This otter and him played together for a few seconds. It was the otter's feeding time and Shaw's nap time so they were in similiar moods.

 

We ended the zoo trip with a train ride, that almost put him to sleep!

 

Shaw Michael, you are going to be the best big brother to sweet Sutton. I hope you teach him your good sleeping and eating habits, along with your hilarious and smart personality!

A Few Sunny Days

Overall, our weather has been pretty crummy over the last few weeks. Cold, rain, sleet, snow, clouds...crumminess! I guess it is still considered winter here in The South but after we (us Southerners) have gotten a good, light snow and cold weather for about a month we are ready for warm temperatures again. There have been a few sunny days and we have taken full advantage. We all love being outside, soaking up the vitamin D. Shaw actually has a fit if he doesn't get to spend at least a few minutes outside everyday. Luckily, with the small amount of sun shine we have had, there have been some afternoons where we have gotten to spend an hour or more outside. Those afternoons have been good for the soul...and running off energy!

 



 

In those few afternoons he has mastered the rock wall on his play set. He loves it, and I am getting to where I love it...and not have a small panic attack with each step he makes!

 



 

These precious pups also love the sun! This is them in the middle of their "crazy run". Also known as running as fast as they can around the back yard without stopping for 2-3 minutes! It's pretty entertaining to watch, especially when Shaw tries to join in!

 



 

 

Chilling in his chair soaking it all in.

 



 

 

The puppies enjoying the play set.

 



 

 

This particular afternoon Daddy got home in enough time to even do a little swinging. :)

 



 

Come on spring! We are ready to bask in your warmness and tan making rays!

Celebrating Sutton

We were extremely blessed with a few baby showers for our sweet Sutton. Even though I refused them all at the beginning since our babies are going to be so close, friends and family finally talked me into it. After all, all babies deserve to be celebrated, right? My sister-in-law threw me a super cute cowboy themed shower that family and friends came to, and both schools I work for celebrated his arrival with parties. All of them were so nice and we got some much needed items!!

 

Super cute cowboy shower.

 

 

My mom got the boys matching outfits for the hospital.

I can't wait to see how cute they are on them in two days or less!

 

The nieces were great help!

 

My aunt is a preschool teacher and always gives the best books as gifts. She gave this gift to Shaw. It couldn't be more appropriate and we love the "Llama Llama" books. I feel that he is going to have the most trouble with sharing his Mommy.

 

The shower that all the teachers and staff put on for me at one of the schools I work at. It was so nice and I was blown away by their generosity. So blessed to work with such a giving group of women!

 

 

CUTE bag filled with lots of goodies from all the kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade teachers!

 

Little boys can never have too many Polos! :)

 

Yes, they talked me into a belly picture by the gift table!

 

The last celebration was a complete surprise so I only have these two pictures from my phone. All of the therapists I work with at another school surprised me with yummy food and lots of gifts! Love those ladies!

 

I have craved cheesecake this entire pregnancy. So, what did they order? The best turtle cheesecake I have ever eaten! It was so delicious, I could have eaten the whole thing by myself!

 

Thank you so much to everyone who celebrated Sutton's arrival. Beyond blessed to have such loving family, friends, and coworkers!

"Prepared"

When we found out that I was pregnant again, we promised each other we would be "prepared" this time. Ha! How you really prepare to bring another human being into the world is beyond me but we were determined. Most of you know Shaw's birth story and how we were very unprepared. Unprepared in the fact that I got to the hospital with my ID, the clothes on my back, and the flip flops on my feet...and that was IT. No bag packed and no nursery ready. Luckily, my OCD personality had typed up a hospital list the weeks before so Josh and my sister were able to go home and get everything on it. About day 8 or 9 in the NICU, Josh told me he had some things to take care of at home so he left for a few hours. Little did I know he had been tracking the bedding shipment and knew it was supposed to arrive that day. He literally went and found our mail man and got it off of his truck, and had it put on the crib when we got home from the hospital that day to surprise me. Even though we didn't have a baby to bring home to that crib yet he knew that was one of the things I wanted done before he were to arrive. All of that unpreparedness really added stress to an already stressful time. So, this time I feel like I am about as "prepared" as I can be. All clothes and linens are washed, hospital bag in mainly packed, nursery is ready, and besides a couple of random things left to do we are now waiting on a baby. One thing I will honestly say I am not prepared for is having two babies at home. I know the more grace we require, the more grace God will give us and He will see us through being parents to two young boys! What an amazing feeling!

 

Organized, ready closet!

 Hospital necessities packed!

 

A nursery that is about 80% complete!

 

 

A couple of things I have left to do. I need to put the newly cleaned car seat and swing together! I am also still waiting on a few crib sheets and a changing pad cover that are being made.

 

And just for my memory's sake (yes, I am awkwardly squatting) Shaw kissing his bubba! Too sweet!