A Full Weekend with the Crew

My parents, sister and her boys came to town for a long overdo visit and we had a busy weekend planned. It's fun to plan special things while they are here and create special memories. Olivia always looks forward to seeing them and I am sure Ford will too one day.

 

First thing we had planned was camping. Yes, I said camping. We camped Friday night at a park close by so Hays, Pops and Ford could go back to the house for sleeping. We had hot dogs on the grill and s'mores for dessert.  A good time was had by all.

 

Our next adventure was the state fair on Saturday afternoon. We had a great time eating our way through the aisles and ending the night with some fun rides for the kiddos. It's always wise to leave the fair by sundown and that's exactly what we did.

 

This girl loves a good carousel ride. She always looks for the giraffe so we had to do some explaining why this one only had horses. She was thrilled either way and opted to ride once with her daddy and a second time with her Nano.

 

Pops toting around the chunkster. We had to take turns holding the little (or should I say BIG) stinker because he has gotten so darn heavy.

 

The last thing scheduled for their trip was church and celebrating Dalton's second birthday.

 

He seemed to really like his birthday cake or at least the icing, that seemed to be the part he enjoyed the most. Happy Birthday, Dalton!!

 

This is the best picture we got of all four kids. Everybody is looking up, nobody is crying and 3 out of 4 are smiling. These are the days that you are very thankful for the small things.:)

Sibling Love

Olivia and Ford playing in Olivia's room one morning this week.

Olivia has really surprised me in how she has fulfilled her big sister role. Before Ford arrived I was really worried that she might be jealous or not understand why we sometimes can't give her all of our attention. It's funny how kids can surprise you. She has been the exact opposite. She is always so concerned about taking care of him and his whereabouts. This morning she woke up and pitter pattered to our room to my bedside (which she rarely does, she usually calls for one of us to come fetch her) and said "mommy, I awake and hear Ford, go get em". She is always wanting to make sure he has his ninny, lovie, toys and baby food. They also just started interacting more and playing together. One morning this week they were playing first in his room then hers for at least an hour. It absolutely melts my heart to hear them giggling at each other. I just stood outside the room and listened, I think my heart had as big of a smile that my face did. I pray they will always be the best of buds.

Random

 

The two little ducklings in the wagon.

We have been spending lots of time outside these days soaking up the cooler temperatures and some good ole vitamin D.

I just can't get enough of him. This age is just so sweet and full of giggles, smiles and being stationary:). If I had a pause button I would be using it right now.

 

Have y'all ever had Christmas in October?? We have due to mommy not having any laundry done.

I looked in both their drawers the other night searching for pajamas and found nothing. So, we pulled out the Christmas jammies. :) It's just how we roll sometimes....

 

I mean, seriously where is the pause button???

 

Our Saints finally pulled a win the other night. Don't ya think they need this cutie pie on their team???

 

This furry, four legged pup was our first baby. More often than not she gets mistreated around here. Well, not on this particular night. I am pretty sure she was feeling like the queen of the house. It may have only lasted a short amount of time but I'm sure she appreciated it nonetheless.

All Things Fall

I LOVE all things fall. I think when I was younger my favorite season was summer just because of the fact that we were out of school and it was so carefree. As I get older, fall has really become the season that I enjoy the most. I really do love everything that comes with fall. I love the cooler weather, the crisp mornings and all the leaves changing to beautiful shades of orange and red. I love Pumpkin Spice (scent and coffee creamer), to dress the kids up for Halloween and of course, football. 

 

These are some things you can find around our house right now.

Candy corn. Can't go through fall without having candy corn (at least a couple of bags). This is Olivia's treat and she knows exactly where they are and how to talk in that sweet, innocent voice with her head cocked to the side to get some (I'm a softy, sometimes).

 

The dining room table has gourds and pumpkins to celebrate the season change. A little 2 year old tries to steal some of my pumpkins from time to time but they always find their way back to the table.:)

 

I would burn this candle year round if I wouldn't get crazy looks from my husband. I just love it that much.

This is a sneak peak into our Halloween costumes this year. Oh, and yes, Ford will be coordinating with Snow White. Can't wait...

 

And of course, Football. I love going to all the football games. We try to attend at least one Delta State game, a couple of Ole Miss games and go to every Saints games that we can. We'll stand by our Saints, even if it is looking pretty pitiful!

 

If you hear some whistling coming from our household, it's me. Because I am so happy that my favorite season has rolled around once again.

7 Months

Wow!!! Ford is 7 months old. It is really amazing to see how fast time can fly by. I guess you can see how much he has changed in this short month. He is growing into quite the big boy. He is now sitting up completely on his own. He is reaching for all of his toys and putting EVERYthing into his mouth. I guess the 5! teeth he has with more coming explains that behavior. He is starting to giggle at and play with Olivia and Lilly, the dog. His favorite toys are Sophie, the giraffe, the water filled teething ring, his scrunchy book, a set of plastic keys and a plastic water bottle filled with rice. He's not a big fan of his paci's but does love his lovies (all 3), activity gym, the bumbo seat, the fish tank, to be strolled outside and to be rocked and cuddled before bedtime. He also loves his sleep. The boy sleeps like a champ taking 2-3 naps a day and sleeping from 7pm-7am.

Month 6 to 7 was a long, hard month in the nursing department. To my surprise, he has completely stopped nursing and is taking breast milk through bottles. He is one that knows what he wants and he did NOT want to nurse any longer. Broke this mommy's heart but I guess, there are bigger hurdles we will have to climb so I'm not too upset about it. I am proud that I exclusively nursed him for 6 months and donated over 300 ounces of breast milk to premature babies that are very sick. Ford takes 5 six to eight ounce bottles a day and eats one meal in the late evening of baby food. He is not so sure about the baby food all of the sudden so we are having to convince him otherwise.

Ford is such a blessing. I can't believe I have been a mommy to him for 7 months now. Although there have been trials the rewards far outweigh them. I love both my little ducklings and look forward to the next 7 months. Thank you, Lord for my gifts.

BIG News

Matt, Amberly and Wil Franklin are going to welcome a little brother or sister in April. We are sooo excited for them and can't wait for another little baby in the family. God is so good!!!

Lately...

Lately, we have been doing a whole lot of nothing and have enjoyed staying at home. It is such a nice change from being out of town and on the go like we were at the end of the summer.

 

Ford and I have enjoyed some mornings with peace (Olivia is at Mother's Morning Out), cooler weather, sunshine and the nice outdoors. Ahhhh, bliss.

Olivia's Wil :) came over to play the other day. They always have such a good time together.

Popsicles=successful play date and 2 happy kiddos.

 

My little helper. She LOVES for me to throw warm clothes on top of her and then I push her around in the basket. I guess you can call that helping....

 

Olivia's first Little Debbie. Of course, just like a child she ate only the icing on top.

 

She must have really liked them because this is what I found the next day before lunch time. Guess she thought we all needed one.

See, lately we have been up to absolutely nothing and it has been so pleasant! I know I better enjoy these days while they last. Before I know it, Olivia will have to be up at a certain time and out the door for school. We are taking full advantage of these sweet days.