two.

Dear Liam bird,

Happy 2nd Birthday, little man!  We are so so so happy that you were born into our family and cannot begin to imagine the last two years without your precious presence.  We are so thankful for you, my love!  I still cannot believe two entire years have gone by since you were born!  It seems like just the other day, it's all so fresh in our minds!  

This month you have continued in your development into a full-fledged little boy!  You are such a busy little mess, and I love watching how quickly you can run around the yard and house, it's pretty remarkable!  You love to be "on the go" and continually bring us your shoes and ask to go outside!  You love to play with rocks and show us trees and flowers when we are outside.  We make a point to spend some time outside with you everyday, even when it's rainy.  

That's right, you are talking so much lately!  Honestly, most of it is still only distinguishable by mommy and daddy.  But, the point is, you are communicating!  Yay!  You say lots of words and have started stringing together 4-5 word sentences.  Your most frequent phrases are, "go outside," and "want to get down." You've also started to mimic us, which is hilarious.  You will count every now and then and seem to know 1-10, but it's not consistent.   

You are an eating and sleeping machine, as usual!  You and I went on a trip to Arkansas a few weeks ago and shared a room, you were such a good sleeper!  You even asked me to "go nigh, nigh please" one night, such a little sleep lover.  You are still sleeping in your crib, but will hopefully be transitioned out of that in the next month.  

This has definitely been the month of the temper tantrum.  We are slowly navigating the waters of figuring out the best way to discipline your strong-willed little mind and heart.  You are an angel 95% of the time, and screaming/head butting the other 5%.  I guess that's not too bad to deal with!  We are trying to teach you patience, by emulating it in how we parent you.  I have a feeling we will all be learning patience together for the next 16-18 years! 

Darling boy, I hope you never wonder, forget, or question our love for you.  Because, the truth is, your daddy and I are crazy about you!  We think everything you do is the cutest or smartest or sweetest thing that's ever been done.  You are so precious to us and we are truly so very glad that God blessed us with the raising of you.  We don't your hugs or snuggles but, by golly, we sure to revel in them.  I am so excited to get to watch you grow up and can't wait to see what you'll do next!

Love you forever, and ever,

Mommy

Birth Story

for laughs...this is what most of my pictures look like!

Pregnancy Update!

How far along: 27 weeks, hello 3rd trimester!
Size of baby: 15 inches/2 pounds, 2 ounces/cucumber
Weight gained/lost: plus 8
Maternity clothes: yup! I've had to buy all new pants, I guess I'm just smaller than I was with Liam.
Gender: boy!
Movement: "tornado Jude" is constantly kicking, punching, wiggling, and dancing. Seriously, he moves so much I feel seasick sometimes!
Symptoms: achy,tired, and constantly needing to pee...but nothing I can't handle! So thankful to be carrying this little wild man.
Sleep: have to use a pillow between knees for comfort and getting up a lot in the night for potty breaks. I've also had several instances of insomnia that are quickly cured if I get up and eat a snack, I just don't remember this trick until I've been tossing and turning for an hour or so.
Food cravings/aversions: not really any of either.
What I'm looking forward to: getting my glucose test and rhogam shot over with at my next appointment!

six.

Yesterday was our 6th wedding anniversary! I cannot believe how quickly the past six years have gone by, or how richly blessed we have been in this short timeframe.




I can't tell you how happy I am to live life, raise a family, and dream dreams with my sweet husby. He never ceases to love, cherish, and take care of me.




And, I'll tell you what, we didn't do anything special for our anniversary. The starter went out in my car, so we spent the majority of the day trying to line out a game plan for getting that fixed. Ryan wrote me a sweet poem, I made him pizza, we watched "Chopped" on the couch with our ice cream, and I went to bed at 8. That's our life and I wouldn't have it any other way, honestly.

Greek Festival!

Yesterday was such a gorgeous "fall-like" day that we had to get outside! I came home from work, took a quick power nap, and we headed off for the Greek Festival at our local Greek Orthodox church.



(Liam enjoyed some raisins while mom and dad scarfed down dolmodes and tiropita)

This was our first time attending the festival and it was pretty interesting. Lots of "Opa!," loud music, yummy Greek food, and people out soaking in the weather.




I was able to get a brief lecture on the structure and decor of the temple from my church history loving husby. He is so smart. And cute.




We didn't stay long, but we all enjoyed ourselves! Such fun! Next time I will take more pictures, it was just so crowded I couldn't capture the essence!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

23 Months Old!

Dear Liam Davy,


I'm in denial that this is the last month before you turn two years old! You are turning into such a big boy, emphasis on the boy!


I think you've had a pretty big growth spurt this month, I'm excited to find out how tall you are when we go to the doctor next month! You seem to be slimming up a bit, and your legs go on for days!


You've started your first organized socialization (MDO) and seem to be loving it! We are so thankful to have a place for you to play with other kids your age and learn about Jesus!


Not much has changed on the eating or sleeping front, you still greatly enjoy both! You tried Pad Thai for the first time yesterday and devoured it, I hope you always eat so well!


This month, your vocabulary has exploded! You are saying more than 40 words, and made me the proudest mommy in all the land by saying "razorback" tonight! We love to hear your sweet voice saying new words. You've also recently learned the tune to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" which you love to sing with us.


You are obsessed with playing outside, shoes, disciplining Gus, and dancing. You can throw a very good fit, and are stronger than me so your temper tantrums have turned into my cardio workout. We are working on your patience and listening skills!


Love, even when you're in the throws of a vicious meltdown, we couldn't possibly love you more. You are such a joy and a lesson to us. I love it that you can teach me all about my own faults and shortcomings while I try to teach you about life. It's a give and take, buddy. Thanks for being such a sweet teacher.

Love you forever, and ever,
Mama