Update on Our Little Man

My heart has ached for our little man lately. He is still going to occupational, speech and physical therapy once a week along with going to Batson Children's Hospital once a week for therapy. I feel like he spends the majority of his time in therapy or a doctor's appointment. BUT this is the plan God has for Ford and we will rejoice in it.

We continue to see Ford progress in each area and that is all we can ask for.

In the last several months he has started to pull up, cruise and is beginning to stand by himself. We pray he builds enough confidence up to take steps on his own in the near future. 

The physical therapist sent this walker home with us a few weeks ago. I think it scared him as bad as it scared me and he refused to use it. 

He had tubes placed a few weeks ago and was also in the ER for the second time with wheezing. Those were some of the scariest times but we have seen an asthma specialist and I feel comfortable with the treatment plan he has given Ford so hopefully, we won't be seeing the ER again. 

When he doesn't feel well or is sleepy or just plain wants to snuggle he will randomly reach for my hand and hold it. And that, that right there makes everything worth while. I hope and pray that he feels comfort and protected when he holds my hand. I hope and pray that he feels my deep love for him. 

This simple gesture also reminds me of my Father's love for me. How I know He longs for me to reach for His hand and feel loved and protected because I am. This simple gesture reminds me of the deep love my Father has for me that is so much deeper than the love I even have for Ford. It also reminds me that in the midst of struggles and hard times that were not in my "plan book", He is right beside me to direct my path and help me to become a stronger person and mother. 

These moments that usually occur in the midst of utter craziness make it all worth while. 

Check off the Bucket List

Two avid baseball fans checking the World Series off their bucket list. They may be cheering for opposite teams but they both find a common ground in the love for the sport of baseball.

Hays was able to find tickets that didn't absolutely break the bank and we were able to surprise dad the night before with the tickets. They had a fantastic time! 

Little Munchkins

The door greeter.

And Chatty Cathy.

Life is never dull.

Zoo Day with Some Best Buds

At least someone in our family has had the stomach bug for the last two weeks so we decided this week to finally escape those little germies and get out of the house! 

Monday was a perfect day for the zoo with some good friends.

Miss Priss has loved the zoo since day one and nothing has changed. She gets so giddy when we turn the corner and see those big giraffes. I hope she will always hold on to this big love for books and animals.

 They both LOVE the carousel and train.

It was Mrs. Wendy and Gavin's first trip to the zoo. 

They were doing some communicating with their brothers. :)

Hoping we get to take many trips to the zoo this fall.

Full Weekend

My mom, Kai, Dalton, Aunt Cindy, Uncle Buzzy, Josh, Laura, Joshua and Eli came from Memphis to visit us on their fall break. We had a full weekend planned with lots of fun activities. We hope they come back to visit soon!

First on the agenda was the fair.

Everybody (including the adults) had a great time riding all the rides and eating our way through.

Second on the agenda was the Children's Museum. Olivia and Ford didn't mind showing them around seeing that this is their favorite place to go.

And last on the agenda was camping at Jellystone park. We visited with Yogi, took a hayride with BooBoo, roasted marshmallows for s'mores, ate a yummy breakfast with Yogi and even went swimming in October!

Uncle Haysie gave in and told some ghost stories to the little campers.

We can't wait for our next adventure!

Well, It's been a while...

It has been quite some time since I sat down and updated the ol' blog. Bare with me as this will be a long one...

Our crazy haired, naked shopper...which is now a part of our nightly routine.

This girl...there are no words. She brightens our everyday.

These two together...there are no words.

Since I blogged last, we transformed our dining room into a playroom. Toys under our chandelier makes more sense than a table to seat six for now. This is only a season and a decade from now I will be wishing I had all these toys under my chandelier. 

Ford has FINALLY gotten rid of all bottles so this is included in our nightly routine.

We had a fun play date with Olivia's BFF, Wil. We went to get ice cream, picked out a book at the book store, had supper and went to see Planes. Everybody (including me) slept well that night.

I can't help but post cuteness.

We have enjoyed our last days of Summer (or really the first days of the HOT Fall) with the water hose.

I ran my first half marathon since having two babies with a time of 1:55. It was hot and I'm glad it's over but I think I got the fever back. Looking forward to my next one.

Annndddd....football has started. Ford is saying "touchdown" while cheering on those undefeated Saints!

I got away for a night with my besties. We stayed at the Alluvian and visited the spa, had a nice kid free dinner with big glasses of wine, slept in and went to a cooking class the next morning. It was such a refreshing weekend with these two. Looking forward to our next getaway. 

Then we had a kids free night in New Orleans. Ahhhhh....talk about needing a night to ourselves. We went to dinner and then went to the Saints game. A big thanks to Gigi and Papa for keeping the two little rug rats.

Ford practicing his Superman pose. I think he's got it.

Berenstain Bears, always apart of the nightly routine.

We also went to Pig Pickin' in Cleveland. It was a great day to be a Statesman and we had fun visiting the campus and seeing everyone.

This was my sleep partner while we there. Other than the kicking and hogging of the whole bed she's a pretty good one.

Daddy took off work Friday after a rough week and we visited the Children's Museum. Pretty sure it's everyone's new favorite spot.

This little guy has had a rough time lately. He is going to speech, physical and occupational therapy. We are hoping he is just around the corner from walking so we'll see. It sure does tucker him out though. Our prayers are that he makes tons of lead way in the next few weeks.

He is also getting tubes this week. Hoping that will solve some of his problems. 

If you can't tell, he has no problems with the sleeping.

While Ford goes to therapy, Olivia stays at school for lunch bunch. This is what she has requested in her lunch box each day. We have a long, long 15 years ahead. Anything for my girl.

Our household has been hit with the stomach bug the last 2 days. Ford was number 3 to get it. Hoping number 4 doesn't get it. I think he appreciated all the special attention.

We have had a long week dealing with an incident that happened with Hays' work. As I drove home on one of those days I saw a double rainbow. The Lord is always reminding me of His simple promises to take care of us, provide for us and to never leave or forsake us. What a mighty God we serve. Makes my heart ache for those that don't know that kind of love.

Until next time...hoping it won't be as long.