Fall Festivities

Saturday morning we met Gary's brother, wife and their kids out at Applejack Pumpkin Patch. We went with them last year-it's nice for the cousins to be able to run around together, this year more so with the boys being older. I got to be more active with Caden last year, but had to step back and Gary had to step in. There's just something about being 8 months pregnant that doesn't work as well on the bouncy balloon and giant slide. . .odd, I know. I also got asked twice if I was smuggling out a pumpkin. Hardy, har, har. 

 

So we had a rough week last week with this one. Between the typical toddler stage issues and being super busy so not being able to give him the time we'd like and need to, he was acting out much more than normal. We've gotten back on track since Sunday, luckily, for all our sakes. It's hard stuff-but that could be an entirely different post. So..this was us cramming him into his car seat and him fast asleep moments later. We've had to do that before going to the zoo, when we know he'll have fun, but he doesn't get what we're doing, so we just get him in there and going and, as predicted, we have a great time once we are actually there.

 

Once we got there he was a little hesitant and just looking around at everything. Then the cousins got there and it was all fair game. He was off and going and loved it all.  

I mean, so much cuteness.

 

I love seeing Gary and Caden do things together. He is a great dad; very hands on and patient with him. Love that and hope they grow that relationship more and more as he gets older.

The trains stole his heart. He would have ridden those things over, and over, and over if we let him. It was so cute and crazy to see him ride off on the first one. All big and independent in his little cart riding off on the trail. Pretty sure it was yesterday we brought him home from the hospital, not sure how we are already to this point. It breaks my heart and makes me so full of joy all in one!

The second train was an electric train. Cost a whole dollar bill to ride that sucker. We let him ride a couple of times before we had to continue on, he loved sitting up there ringing that bell. He's very verbal, but not always understandable, so I'm very curious as to what was going on in his mind when he rode these, especially the second one. Sometimes I would just love a glimpse at his thought process!

 

Successful trip. Not a successful nap day, unfortunately. It was obvious there wasn't going to be a nap taken, and I already had planned to go to my sisters after the pumpkin patch, so I just took Caden with me to play with cousins so Gary could get some downtime. He had conferences two nights last week and went to the Oklahoma Thunder basketball game the night before--he deserved a little break.

He met Caden and I over there later, but by that point Caden started to crash in multiple was. After refusing the dinner and having fit after fit Gary took him back home to get him ready for bed. I stayed and was determined to at least donate the large, and overly priced, pumpkin seeds and not let it go to waste. After my amazing sister emptied it out for me I carved Caden a little Mickey Mouse and headed home shortly after. He loves little pumpkin Mickey, which makes it worth it.

Side note: my niece tried to tell me I was lazy for not wanting to do any of the clean out work wtih my pumpkin. I told her to hold her horses, look at this belly, 24/7, 40 weeks, non-stop making a baby here, does this look lazy?! (as I'm sitting there eating the yummy desert she made) My sister just inserted 'don't answer that...' She gets it from her momma. Bethany's wit and humor will always crack me up. Love that girl.

We got Caden some more fall clothes the other weekend from Kid to Kid. Love that place. He just looked so old with his new jeans and converses on. It's crazy. We have him in comfier clothes quite often, so it's fun to see him in 'real' clothes. Makes him look more like a little boy.

 

Sunday we had a lazy day. It was much, much, much needed after our busy week nights and Saturday. We needed to get our feet back on the ground and just relax, enjoy our time as a family and not be rushed. Later that evening we had little Caysen and Calvin, and their parents of course, over to paint pumpkins and hang out. Caysen and Caden feed off eachother like none-other. It is so adorbale and troubling all in one! They are little ornery boys--I think we'll have to keep our eyes on them more when they're older, who knows what they'd get into! And Calvin is getting so big-just shy of one years old! He'll be keeping up with them more in no time! It was cute to see all the boys interacting together--love the friendships us girls have and love that our little boys can grow up together. Priceless!

 

 Little Calvin didn't get to paint--Katie said that they tried it the day before and he put his hands in the paint and went straight to his face!! ha--little stinker. He got to play around with the yard toys while the other two painted their pumpkins, and eventually a good portion of themselves as well! They played, played, played, ate, and played some more!

 

 

Thus far, we are loving the fall weather and all the fall festivities that come with it. Soon it'll be Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then baby time!! Hellllooo fall 2015! 

In Our World

Last Sunday my friend Katie ran her first half marathon. She set a goal, stuck with it despite life getting busy, and kicked it in the rear! As much as I can't imagine myself running that many miles, I do think the challenge would be very fun to accomplish. You know, as long as you alter my normal definition of fun...

Who doesn't go cheer on their friends who are running ample amount of miles while eating healthy McDonalds on the sidelines? Hey, it's a tough job, but someones got to do it!

 

Obviously supporting all that running wore Gary and Max out. I love the fall weather that is setting in. Being able to layer up just a little and have the blankets out, windows open--love it. Now, I will not welcome the real cold once it sets in, but for now, I'll take it. Especially this personal little heater attached to me for another 8 weeks.

The day before we spent the morning at the zoo. It was cool out, just right though, and barely anyone there. I can't remember the last time I've been when it was like that--it was also just shortly after they opened and of course starting getting busier around the time we left, but it was really fun to feel like we had to place to ourselves. We didn't, of course, but still pretty dang fun. It's a really good and easy past time for sure--love being able to go to the zoo as a family!

 

Later Saturday we dropped Caden off with my parents and we went to a friends wedding. My parents also had my sister's youngest, and Caden just loves his cousins, so it was fun for him to be able to get that time with my parents and Shepherd. The two are so funny together and, I think, at a fun age as well. I can't wait for them to grow up together and am so glad we get to be close to most our family so we can have that--so Caden and baby can have those relationships. Love it.

 

Gary and I also had a good time at the wedding. I'm bummed and can't believe we 1. Didn't get a picture with the bride and groom and 2. Didn't get a big group picture. I mean, it's not mandatory, but I do love me some good group pictures and darn it-we were all finally together! Life has been so busy, and about to get busier, so it was nice to be able to catch up with everyone that we don't normally keep in touch with or get to see.

 

Gary and his buddy, Drew; and me and my hot date. (That dress certainly has gotten it's use. Thank you Target maternity section. Two weddings and one gala. And I also am thinking it may be one I can wear after...depends. Sometimes when you wear something at this point in pregnancy it just doesn't seem to look the same otherwise, so we'll see...)

Just throwing a little cuteness in there. He's been intrigued with our wallets recently-which is fine, but we have to keep an eye on him. I'm nervous that I won't notice him playing with it and go somewhere to find a necessary card missing. Highly possible. And sharing oreos can be hard, but with this cute thing, it comes pretty easy.

 

Last, but not least, Monday. A coworker and I were able to grab lunch together on Monday and decided to go out to Whole Foods. We wanted to try Doo Dah, actually, I recently tried it for the first time (which was the best lunch date ever with my dad, by the way.) but she hasn't and unfortunately they aren't open on Mondays. So, she suggested checking out the new Whole Foods-and that we did. It was awesome. First of all they had samples, and I just love samples, but especially melt-in-your-mouth truffle samples. oh emm gee. I wanted to buy them all. So good.

 

 

We ventured over to their food area and looked around a bit before deciding out trying out their salad bar. It was the best I have ever had. I was hesitant and new to a lot of it, but it all came together and was so good. You can even see my little tofu piece there I tried. Has fresh veggies, hummus, feta, a avocado balsamic dressing...I was in love. We need one on the west side, my bank account may differ-it is a little bit more than the normal, but personally, I think it's worth it and you can definitely tell. Much more options when it comes to fresh and natural.

One day...one day I'll win the lottery and after all my ducks are in a row I will shop Whole Foods and eat their salad bar every day. I will also be perfect. Yeah, that sounds about right and totally realistic...

Love Glasses

I'm in love with this little hamster and it's love glasses. Makes me laugh every time I see this and sometimes that's just what we all need!

Now, to be clear, luckily there haven't been haters in our life recently. I mean, if you don't count Caden's mood sometimes. In his defense he's two and it doesn't last but a few minutes...usually. I just think know opinions are everywhere, which can lead to haterism, and I think in all different areas of life we can say at one point or another we've experienced this. As a parent sharing the stories of parenthood, the good and bad; at work, learning how to handle a variety of situations and keep common ground; as a family member, or friend, trying to be supportive yet not being on the same page...etc., etc., etc.

Caden and baby-and maybe future babies-you will get opinions about what you have done or are doing from all different angles of life.

 

You also won't just be a victim of this, but a perpetrator as well. I would be lying if I said otherwise. It's so easy to judge what's outside your bubble of normal. It's so easy to say what we would or wouldn't do in a situation. It's so easy, until we are the ones in those shoes. Until we are the ones that are between a rock and a hard place. You have no idea, and probably can't imagine, the reality of what some people have been through or are going through. So before judging, throwing out your opinion, and being a hater, either think of all the what-if's and humble yourself, or just get a big glass of shut the heck up and realize you are no better. Whatever someone is going through, however they may be reacting to a situation, that could be you one day. Be thankful that it isn't you and be there for them because you just never know.

 

If I'm going to be honest, I'll tell you it's usually easy to wear those love glasses and brush off what people think/say. Sometimes the real challenge comes with the opposite; the reminding yourself to not be the hater. Unfortunately, it's easier to sit, judge, and complain. This is something I'm trying to be better about as a mom; it's easier to see the way other moms parent and judge when you think that isn't how you would handle the situation, or not the decision you would make. I see it as a married woman; it's easier to judge, or even at times envy, other marital situations. Even currently being pregnant; each woman handles pregnancy differently, each pregnancy is different, each doctor gives different advice, and Lord knows each pregnant lady has their different opinions on what you should or shouldn't do during each trimester, during birth, with your new baby, etc.

 

All selfish thoughts, selfish actions.

 

I hate feeling like I've let my selfishness get in the way throughout the day. Be it at work towards my co-workers, towards my family, towards my friends...I hate that when let my selfishness leak through, and some days-let's be honest-it just pours on out. When that happens I take any and all good credit away from God. No one can see God, His love, His mercy, through the fog of my selfishness. My haterism. Only Satan shines through during those moments, and one thing I feel strongly about is not letting that devil get the best of me. Darn it, he wins some daily moments, but I'll be sure I at least continue to make an effort to constantly fight. Asking for forgiveness, moving on, and trying to make a difference no matter how big or small the steps may be at times.

 

We are born haters, despite our best efforts, we are destined to fail. Luckily for us, God forgives us as quickly as my little toddler son does when I over-react towards a fit he's thrown...at six in the morning...after flipping over the lego table we made for him for his birthday for no.dang.reason.

 

Forgiveness is a blessing.

So, my sweet babies, my wish for you is that you stand strong in what you know and believe. Stand strong in God's promise. Don't be a hater. Put on those awesome heart glasses and be happy, be yourself, show others God's love and do your thing!

Stop.Collaborate.and.Listen

Anymore I just scroll through my phone, see what recent things we've done, what we've captured a picture of and plug it on into the blog and type away. Not very deep, but I have the plan to do the blog-to-book deal to have all our happenings documented so in the same breath of wanting to be more real with my blog I also think really...there is no time or energy in this baby-making-keeping-up-with-a-toddler-'house-cleaning'-wife body of mine to go that extra mile. Well, not today at least...so, pictures and re-caps it is! Enjoy! and, in my defense, I've written and re-written some good thought provoking posts...so it's not like they aren't totally there, just haven't put pen to paper just yet.

Caden had been having a runny nose and allergies for a few days. He woke up twice early last week around four crying, only to find the poor guy having snot all down his face. So, we got him some childrens allergy medicine, but after a day of starting that we found that the allergies quickly turned into a cold by that Thursday night. Poor guy was miserable. He was running a fever around 100-101.5 the next day, so I stayed home with him. Wasted a little copay to hear that it was a cold that had to run it's coarse, which is what we thought, but wanted to make sure. He and I had a pretty simple day after that-he couldn't sleep well but was so tired so I propped him up more to try to help with his breathing in our bed and after some Advil and cuddles he...we...got in a good little nap.

 

Luckily enough he seemed to bounce back pretty well. We're still fighting all the good ol' snot and some congestion, but no more temp after Friday and the rest of the weekend he did well. On the other side of the spectrum was Gary and I. I woke up Friday night/Sat morning multiple times with a sore throat and it just continued from there. Gary has been fighting congestion, I've had the sore throat to go with it all, but all in all we're all more on the mend and this cold is slowly parting ways with us.

 

It's that time of year, people. Unfortunately--I won't assume this will be the last cold we'll catch but I sure can hope it is! Colds stink...being pregnant with a cold and limited to the medicine you can take doesn't really help much either...

 

 Moving on now. . .

 

This picture of Caden and I on a walk is so deceiving. It makes me have longer legs and smaller bump...totally not what's happening right now.

 

Cuteness. Caden loves his cousins. We stopped by Sheps soccer game for a short while and they all held hands on the way out. Just too cute. And then he let me hold his hand for a short while the other day while we relaxed and watched some cartoons. Caden really has such a sweet heart. He's your typical boy and toddler in many, many ways, but at the same time Gary and I have both noticed how caring and gentle he can be towards situations and people---just adorable and a trait I hope he keeps.

For the most part-Caden's been a great eater. He is all independent, which is fine, but that also leads to a little more laundry sometimes especially when it comes to yogurt.

We made Caden a little lego table for his birthday and he's loved it. He will build random creations here and there, but at this stage it's main use has been making towers. Big, big towers.

Look at these yummies. Yesterday at work I heated up my lunch early, nothing new there, that's been the trend these days..my lunch is set for one and that just doesn't usually work with this pregnancy so I usually eat early at my desk and rest during lunch. It's a win/win. Anyways-heated up my lunch early but conveniently dropped in out on the mezzanine just outside our office doors. The heavy traffic, dirty ol' mezzanine. I was honestly contemplating doing a little washing and re-heating of the potato and sausage and keeping the cabbage that didn't fall out-saving the lunch-my coworkers were NOT on board with this. I could have, and would have gone and grabbed something else, the more I thought about it the more I got grossed out, but man it sounded good.

 

One of them stopped by a food truck when she was out for her lunch and split her findings with me. Funky Monkey Munchies to the rescue! It was super sweet-she didnt' have to, but she did and it was good, yummy, and fun. Something about food trucks just make the meals more fun, I think...

Now, we are at humpday. No big plans the rest of the week besides hosting our small group tomorrow. This weekend we have a wedding majority of Saturday, so hoping to get some good, simple family time in for Sunday before we re-play the daily grind all over again.

 

Next Thursday we have another baby appointment. We had one last Thursday, which was the glucose test and no news was good news so I passed! I ate Jimmy Johns, salty chips to go with and all, shortly before taking the first one for Caden so failed...I didn't make that mistake again. Newbie mistake...and also not sure how I didn't get the message to fast a bit beforehand, but oh well. So all is done in that area--we are now to bi-weekly appointments. Two more bi-weekly and then BAM weekly appointments here we come!

 

I have a crazy way of counting down in my head-it's still a week out until our next appointment, but I tend to skip through what we have planned and coming up and then before you know it I'm at November 13th, starting our weekly baby appointments. Because that makes sense, right?!

 

Lesson of the day: If it makes sense to the pregnant, tired woman then no questions needed, people.

 

Onto the remainder of the day, and to continue my odd countdowns. Until next time. . .