Overstaying the Beach

Is it even possible to overstay the beach??? Not in my books. We are working on our second week here. We came down with Hays and his parents for the Fourth of July and decided to stay by ourselves (me and both kids) until my sister, nephews and mom get here tomorrow afternoon. This will make about a 2 week trip altogether. But, I mean really, who gets tired of being at the beach??

This chunk of burning love hasn't minded one bit.

I think this one could probably live at the beach. She loves everything about the beach. She loves the sand (she even likes to eat it) and the ocean (it helps that Nemo and Dory live there).

Of course, he hasn't missed one snooze since being down here even while we're at the pool or beach.

Thank goodness big sister is a little water bug.

Meet Sophie, Ford's best friend. I guess he needed to find a companion while we swam.

We decided to forgo the swimming this afternoon and instead kicked the beach ball around. She kept kissing and hugging the ball and telling it it was sweet. Who would have known a beach ball could be so loved.

This guy has taken over Gigi's leather chair. Just give him a remote control and the T.V. on ESPN and he would have it made (ugh, just like a man).:)

Fourth of July Fun

We decided to make a trip to the beach for the Fourth of July this year. The Beach Club is where Hays' parents condo is and they always have a great fireworks show to celebrate. I guess we were having too much fun to actually take pictures and record the fun we had because these are the only proof of evidence that I have.

This picture is taken right before the fireworks started. Olivia didn't last long out there. We are on the 18th floor of a high rise so you really can't blame the girl.

My two little ducklings...

Hays and his two Mini-Me's.

First Time with Cereal

The doctor reassured us at the 4 month appointment that it was time to start Ford on cereal. I'm not so sure if Ford is in agreement. We have tried giving him cereal several times since in about half a dozen different ways and the consensus is the same each time. He HATES it! Poor Big Boy. He is just so used to an all liquid diet. Don't worry, we'll get there at some point.

 

He is saying "mommy, paleasse don't give me anymore of that stuff!"

He would much rather chew on his hands any day.

4 Months

Since becoming a mother I have heard many other mothers talk about having boys and how special the bond is and how they just do something to a momma's heart. After I had Olivia I thought those people were crazy. I love Olivia with every inch of my body and felt an instant bond with her the moment the doctor layed her on my chest. But, I agree, having a boy is different. I don't love him any more or less, or bigger or smaller, or wider or deeper than I do Olivia. It is just different.

My, oh my Ford is already 4 months old. He is really starting to show his personality and become his own little person. I think he is going to be very layed back and easy going. He has started smiling a ton. He will smile at anything or any face you make at him (which makes it really easy to get a good picture of him). He has also started reaching for his toys, sitting up in his bumbo seat, cooing at the toys on the floor gym and even noticing the dog and his sister more. He nurses every 3 hours during the day and goes anywhere from 8-12 hours at night. He has even started sleeping in a sleep sack instead of being swaddled. He still loves his swing, his ninny, his lovies, and to be rocked before bed time.

We went to the doctor this morning and he weighs 16lb 2 oz which is in the 75% and he is in the 95%  for length. Big sister better watch out, she won't be the bigger of two for long. Ford has 2 pounds to go before he weighs what Olivia weighed at one year. This big boy is such a joy and has made our family feel much more complete. 

Big Boy

If you know our family very well then you would know that Olivia's nickname around our house is Tater. Hays gave her that nickname when she was all of 2 days old and it has just stuck. If you ask her what her name is she will either say Oyiyah (Olivia) or Tater.

Well, we were having a hard time coming up with Ford's nickname. Everything we came up with just didn't seem right for our little guy. So one day at breakfast I was talking to Olivia and telling her "you know how your name is Tater? Well, what do you think Ford's name should be?" With no hesitation at all she blurts out "BIG BOY" with great emphasis on the B's and a very long, drawn out "Y" at the end of boy (also in a very high pitched voice). So...Big Boy it is.

Here are a few pictures of our Big Boy and that he is.:)

Happiness...

Have you ever heard the saying "the days are long but the years are so short"? That is exactly how I am feeling in this season of my life. Some days, I think 5 o"clock (when Hays gets tackled at the door) will NEVER get here but then I take a breathe and look up and Olivia is already 2 1/2 and I think where in the world has time gone. These two really keep me on my toes, test my pateince (the bigger one more than the smaller one...right now), have given me grey hair (I am sure of it) and bags under my eyes, and there is not a clean inch in my house as I type this right now BUT I wouldn't have it any other way.

Do you want to know the best sound in the whole wide world? Children laughing. They really do bring so much love, joy and happiness...

Weekend Visitor

Our Nano came for a long weekend visit and we all couldn't be happier to see her. The initial plan was for her to come stay with the kids so Hays and I could have a one night getaway for our anniversary. Ford is still having some trouble taking a bottle so we all had fun with Nano and Hays and I went out for a nice dinner and massage while she was here.

This is how we all feel when it is time for her to go home.

We had such a great weekend! Hays and I were thankful to get away with just the two of us for a while and Olivia was beside herself to get to spend time with her Nano.

Thanks, Nano! We love you!