C&L

C&L

Monday, February 29, 2016

Mickey Mouse

I don't know how or why but my son is obsessed with Mickey Mouse. It's on everything- his diapers, his pj's, his hat.... Somehow he is loving everything with Mickey on it. I guess this is how it happens. This is how they get you. I didn't even realize how many things we had with Mickey on it till now. So M and I went to Target on Friday to get a few things and I saw the cutest Mickey shirt for him. Now he's got me sucked into it!!
Here is Micah taking a picture with the Target dog. He is the cutest.
 Here is his mickey shirt!! He saw himself in the mirror and said, "wow"


On Friday night we had a babysitter come around 4 p.m. to watch Micah and I took an uber downtown to meet Craig at his work. It was my first time in an Uber by myself. I was a little nervous, but it was super easy and convenient.  Craig took me to a steak bar close to his work. He had been there once before for a Christmas party and really liked it. We sat at the bar and had a few beers and ordered a steak sliced up for an appetizer. It was amazing!! I felt so free. Eating and drinking and just relaxing. We have been out a few times but this time was different. I didn't feel rushed or anxious. I just knew we were paying for this time and to enjoy every second.  We took the Marta train to the stadium where we saw the Bulls play against the Atlanta Hawks. Most of the Bulls players were injured so we lost. We had a blast though. So much fun laughing and just being us.


Loved every second of it.

The next morning we woke up and had to pack for our trip to Tennessee. Rachel and the boys came to pick us up and we were on our way. After M took a little nap we stopped at McDonalds that had an awesome play place and let them play for an hour or so.



Micah is finally big enough to climb up most of the stairs and go down the slides. This particular play place was outside which was amazing since it was nice out. Also I had to do a bit of climbing to help M on a certain part of the play ground. He didn't eat much but ran around a lot. Micah and Caleb got My Little Ponies in their Happy Meals. We told the cashiers they were boys, and unexpectedly M was really happy with the pony and kept saying "pony." One of the coolest things happened while we were at the play place. Rachel and I were standing watching the boys and all the sudden micah said, "Liam," and it was perfect. We both looked at each other with amazement and couldn't believe what we just heard. M still calls Caleb, "K" but Liam is spot on. Pretty incredible. Over the weekend he just started saying every word in the book. It's all happening so fast.


We go to the hotel around 3:30 p.m. Saturday and I checked into my room. It was such a cute little room. I loved it. We met my parents about an hour later and had dinner in the lobby at their hotel. We all went swimming afterwards and M had the best time ever. He didn't give me a break, but it was so worth it. He wanted to get out of the pool and jump in. It's a little scary since he would have jumped in without anyone to catch him. I definitely have a dare devil on my hands. Never take your eye off him.

We left everyone for the night and headed back to our room (at a hotel few steps away) and M and I got to snuggle in my bed. Since we don't have a TV in our room anymore I haven't been able to do this with him. We watched Monsters Inc. on Tv and laid in bed eating goldfish. It sounds so simple but I was so incredibly happy to be with him. He has become my buddy. Not just my son, but my companion. I loved snuggling with him. So much that I told Craig I want a tv in our room so M and I can have cuddle time. haha Not sure if that will happen.

M and I took a blue steel photo just for daddy. I didn't even tell M to make this face...he just did it. I guess he's mini Craig for sure!!

The next morning Rachel and I got picked up some lunch at Jason's Deli and went to Stone River National Battlefield. It was the only thing close by that I thought the boys would enjoy running around before we sat in the car for 3 hours.




It was nice to talk with Rachel while we drove. It's the only time we can have a conversation while being with our kids. In the car or sleeping.

Last but not least. Today is so gorgeous out. I should be outside right now...but I had so much to tell you all I needed to write it all down before it left my brain. M and I went to the park this morning and  it was perfect out. He made his speciality, wood chip stew.



It was a great weekend. I go to spend time with my husband, my son, my sister, my nephews and even my parents. All in the matter of two and a half days....I need a nap.

Love you all

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

How old is he?

So by now I decided to stop counting months. It's kind of annoying. I just keep saying one and a half or he'll be 2 in May. Also, because I can't keep up with it anymore. I feel like a bad mom, but the brain just doesn't want to do it. Micah can now say, "two" when I ask him how old he is going to be. He wakes up every morning saying new things. Today he woke up saying, "phone" and "muffin" and one of his favorite words right now is "pillow." He wants to do everything like ma and daddy. So he wants a pillow in his crib now. I'm not sure if he is even using it, but it makes him happy.   He is so happy to be going to church again this week. Seems like it's been awhile since we have been.

Yesterday at bible study a mom had mentioned her two year old was potty trained. So I asked her about it and she said many times you can start at 18 months. She said if you pass the right window it only gets harder. Yikes. I'm kind of freaking out about it. Micah tells me when he goes poo and I think he could be ready, but I'm not sure I am. I tried to sit him on the pot today but I need to get a smaller seat for him. I think it's a little scary and obviously too big of a hole. So that's going to be exciting. Potty training. I just read a few tips from another mom, but I'm thinking I may need to read a bigger book on this one. I have absolutely no experience or have even payed much attention to it. Micah is such a fast learner right now. He wants to do everything I say, and I'm sure that is why it's a good time to teach him before he becomes all independent and does his own thing.

When I picked M up from childcare yesterday his teacher told me he is an independent player right now. She said he just sits by himself and plays. This is surprising to me since I see him as a very social little boy. I need to ask his other teach on Wednesday about it. I am curious to find out if he feels more comfortable at one place over the other.

This Friday Craig and I are going to the Bulls game downtown. We are getting a babysitter for the first time! I'm pretty nervous about it since no one else has put M down to bed... unless we are home visiting. I think he will do fine, and I pray I can let loose and not worry about him all night. He's a good boy and I'm sure will love playing with someone new. We found this girl from our neighbor.

Then on Saturday my sister and I are taking the boys on a trip to Tennessee. We are meeting my parents there and staying overnight in a hotel. They are taking Liam back home for a couple weeks to be with him. I decided to tag along and ride with my sister. It takes about 3-4 hours to get there. Not bad at all. We will leave around nap time so hopefully the boys will sleep for most of the trip.

Last night I wanted to take a little video of M playing in the bath. He is so cute and talks to all his bath toys. Once he saw I was taking a video he didn't want any part of it. Looks like someone may be naked camera shy! haha


Sending lots of love to you all!!

Monday, February 22, 2016

Boys...and more boys

What a great weekend. We had Liam, Caleb and Micah and were able to still keep a normal lifestyle. I know some people have more than three kids, but for us this was a big jump. Liam is practically 4 (in March) Caleb is almost 3 (in June) and Micah is 1 and a half. So technically a 3,2, and one year old. On Friday I had them all by myself. It went really good. We even took the double stroller to the park close to me and got to be outside in the nice weather. We got home and all took naps. I was surprised how good they all did with nap time. Liam and Caleb were awesome at taking naps. May have took them a bit to fall asleep. But they did and slept longer than Micah most days. After their nap on Friday it was still so beautiful outside so I took them out on the deck. We were going in and out and one time I left my phone on the table inside while I went on the deck with the kids. As I was sitting there Liam asked for some milk so I headed back inside to find the door locked. Ok so my deck is pretty high off the ground and has a little fence around it. You can still lock the door from the inside (to feel safe) but I doubt anyone could ever climb up there to even try to rob us. Anyways, at first I though I'll find something to unlock it with (thinking it may have been like the doors on the rooms) and quickly realized this door needs a key. All three boys and me stuck on my deck. I didn't know what to do. I had NO phone, no way of communicating with anyone. The only thing I knew is that it was around 4 p.m. when we were out there and Craig gets home anywhere from 5-6:30p.m. I found out it was Caleb who locked the door and then decided to shut it. I guess he's into that right now. The joys of a toddler. As I was sitting there and the kids were asking to go inside and wanting milk and then Micah pooped I wanted to cry...but instead laughed. I just kept telling the kids to ask Caleb. Don't ask me. Thank goodness Craig got home around 5:30p.m. He saved us. I had a small feeling while I was stuck outside that maybe this was God trying to tell me I shouldn't have anymore kids. Not sure what I would have done if we would have gotten stuck out there earlier in the day. I definitely learned my lesson.

Liam found Micah's new tool set and loved building things. So cute.
 they all loved sitting together and eating.


Friday night we took the kids to our new church and dropped them at childcare while we did a marriage question and answer seminar. It was great for us to be together while the kids were playing and having fun. I'm glad I got a little break. When we got home everyone went to bed pretty easily.

The next day we met my girlfriend/roommate from college at Chick-fil-a. She was in town seeing another friend and I got to meet her new boyfriend. It was so great to see her. I wish we could have had more time. Thank goodness for play places at Chick-fil-a. The boys loved it. Ran around and then took bites of food here and there. They actually ate better than normal.

Goldy and I. I can't believe it's been 8 years since college. That's craziness!!!



Sunday we took all the boys to church again. This time just for church. They seemed to have a good time. Liam is used to being in school, Caleb has a hard time leaving us. He cries for a little bit, but usually does good after we leave. Micah just walks right in and is like.. HEY GUYS! haha


So with all these boys around I'm really praying one day God will send me a little girl!! Not sure it's that's his plan for me, but would be nice to not have another little weenie around here. LOL

Aldi got me again!! They had this little coloring desk for 20 bucks and I couldn't resist. Of course M loves it.





On Thursday I got to hang out with a new friend, Meg and her little boy Shep. We climbed the mountain together with the boys. It was a ton of work....but felt so good! We had a picnic afterwards and it was the most perfect day outside. I'm looking forward to getting to know her more in the next weeks. She is such a Godly woman and our boys are very close in age. She probably already knows too much about my life...but that's just me. Super open and I will tell you anything if you will listen.





I hope you all have a fabulous week!! Happy Monday

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Content

Recently, I have been struggling with being content. Content with my life. How it is right now at this moment. I think it may be the hardest thing. Being content in the now. I feel like every stage of life you look forward to something else. Right now I have been really struggling with losing a baby. My due date is coming up in March. It's so crazy to think that I could have a newborn in a few weeks. I wonder if I would want it as much if I never would have gotten pregnant. I try so hard not to think about it. Somehow I do ...every single day.

Today Micah and I went to the zoo together. ((Thanks to Grandma KIM MOM for our zoo membership!! )) Just him and I. Sometimes I forget that we can just be together. I am so consumed with being with other moms I forget to just "be" with Micah. I have to admit I had so much fun today. I mean, I never knew I could have so much fun with a 20 month old. I am understanding the meaning of being content. Even though I struggle with it everyday...today I was perfectly content with Micah. I didn't want anything else. I was so glad I wasn't 8 months pregnant or I would have never been able to do the things I did with him today.  God is showing me everyday why I need to let go of what I want and let him do the work. It's not up to me. I have so much to be thankful for and right now I need to enjoy my son who loves me (maybe his dad a little bit more than me..j/k) It's not something I can just say and be done. Every day I ask God for patience and endurance to keep my faith in what HIS plans are. With so many of my friends pregnant, it gets hard not to be selfish. I want the same. God is really teaching me everyday. This is my time to serve others. Put them before myself. Also, this little guys smile and his belly laugh today made me ever so content. I was holding him on the carousel and he giggled so hard and held onto my neck. I wanted to cry because he was the cutest thing I had ever seen. So much joy and life. He made me realize to be content just like him. To look at the world with wonder and never stop loving.  Take every day like a new adventure.


On another note...Micah knows all his animals now. I don't know if it's because of me or all the PBS shows he watches. The zoo was extra fun since he knew the animals and could say them and tell me what sound they made. Even though it was only 50 degrees (which felt chillier than it sounds) we made the best of it. I think his favorite part was the reptiles. He loved all the turtles. I was impressed by all the snakes. Some of them were up and moving around...it was pretty scary. haha

We have started to sing every night to Micah. One night after we sang a couple songs he started to sing his own. He stood up starting singing (in another language) and sat back down. We clapped for him and he would stand up and do it again. He is starting to sing the songs with us. One day he is going to wake up and say, "Hey MA, What's up?" and I'm going to faint. haha I feel like he learns so much in just one day. It amazes me how fast he is picking up on stuff. I think he has his daddy's brain. As a third child I didn't really care to learn.. just play. He is definitely the opposite. He is hungry to learn and speak. It's great for me.

Anyways, so here is a little clip of him singing.



I hope you all are having a wonderful week. 

Monday, February 15, 2016

Winter break

IIt's Cobb County School District winter break. That means no classes for me this week since they don't have childcare. I still have Bible study on Tuesday. I am really hoping for some nice weather. I want to climb the mountain this week. I invited some girls to go with me. We'll see if it happens. Need to keep up my workouts.

I have to prepare for the boys this week. They are coming Thursday night and staying until Sunday. My first time watching all of them by myself. Should be interesting. Gotta put my smack down face on. Make sure they respect me. I know that They will respect Craig..I don't have to worry about that.  


We signed up to go to a study on Friday night at our new church we've been trying. Hope to take all three kids there. Its nice to have them do something so we are not stuck inside all day.

Craig and I had a nice time on Saturday. We went to a movie and saw Zoolander 2! It was only for die hard fans for sure!! We got out around the time everyone was coming. It was insane out there. Glad we got to get out. Betsy and I have decided this switcharoo is a must every month or so. I'm so happy we can get out more together.


I also got to watch a 5 month old and get my snuggles on for a little bit!! That was nice.

I may try to go to the zoo this week!! I can't wait to use my membership!! So excited. I just need some nice weather:)

Happy Monday

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Recovery

What a stressful weekend it started out to be. I am so thankful that my nephew is recovering this morning. We were so worried about Zeke. He had a ruptured appendix and went a few days without going in to get it checked. I couldn't believe it when I got the call Thursday night. Kim Mom called me and said she had some bad news. I think I almost threw up when she said that. I get so scared it could be the worst thing ever. She told me that Zeke went to the ER and they found out he had a ruptured appendix and was rushed to Christ hospital for further treatment. We all thought he was going to have surgery right away, but then found out the bacteria had spread so badly they thought it would be too risky. They decided to wait it out and put him on strong anti-biotics and see how he reacted. Well.. a few hours later Tammi texted everyone saying Zeke was not responding well to the medicine and still throwing up. They decided to do the procedure and take it out. I was so scared and texted my immediate family. I told everyone to stop what they were doing and please pray for Zeke and the doctors. I was feeling so bad for Zeke and everything he was going through, but also Tammi was so heavy on my heart. I know how much it hurts to know as a Mom, you should have done this..or maybe it's your fault for waiting. So many times we take our babies to the doctor when they are young and they look at us like we are crazy. As they get older you realize sickness comes and goes A LOT. There's usually nothing you can do. This... this was so rare. Usually ages 10-19 are most susceptible to a ruptured appendix. All the symptoms are flu- like. I know anyone who has been throwing up around here or anywhere for the last two months know it's the stomach bug. This time was different and so humbling to remember sometimes it's worth it to take them to the doctor.

It reminds us that none of us are perfect. Even doctors sometimes don't catch something like this. There's really no way to find out without a CAT Scan. Kids that young don't understand where the pain is coming from they can't figure it out like adults can. They only know they don't feel good and their stomach hurts.
I'm so thankful that the surgery went well and Zeke is on his way to recovery. I don't know how long it will take, but I'm so thankful his family will be right by his side for the long haul.

I'm also thinking about my other nephew Caleb. He starting relapsing again and peeing out protein.  We are praying his body can fight it off and his kidneys will start working again. He's only 2 and he is already going through so much change. I just want to take all the pain away from these kids.

Suffering is so hard to understand. It's because there is sin in the world and there is nothing we can do about it. It says in the bible that if we suffer then we are followers of Christ. Those that give up their life for Christ will find it and those who are selfish will lose their life. Our suffering here on earth will only last a short while. The rest of eternity is waiting and there are only tears of joy waiting for us.

ok..Now to go and enjoy a night out. Craig and I are going to a movie tonight while our neighbors watch Micah. We watched both their kids last night (3 year old and a 5 month old). It went really great. Micah loves playing with older boys. He also wanted to act like a baby for a little  bit. Yikes. haha

We are going to see Zoolander 2. I know we are crazy. The first zoolander we watched back when we were dating. Craig always used to pose with the blue steal look. It's part of our history of dating so it seems appropriate for V-day celebrations for us.

I hope you all know you are loved by me and the one true Creator!






Thursday, February 11, 2016

The Mission

Our latest chapter in our book, "You and Me Forever" talked about the "mission" each one of us has here on earth. It's the most important part of our lives, but can get lost in the shuffle. Francis Chan touches on "happy marriages" and how we focus so much on being happy that we forget to be on the mission. The mission to disciple others and serve. When a couple is on the mission together and serving as a couple a happy marriage comes along with it. This week our challenge was to figure out your mission. What is God calling you to do. I think we get caught up on "mission trips" and going to Africa. Yes, I would love to do that, but at the time of my life it's just not possible. There are so many other ways to live out the mission. What if we all just invited our neighbor over for dinner. An act of kindness to someone who may or may not deserve it. Giving up your time and resources that you would spend on yourself on someone or something else. That can be a big part of the mission. We all want to help those in other countries..but there are so many a few feet away that we are missing.

I was on Facebook this morning (like usual) and someone had posted that for Lent they were giving up Facebook for 40 days. This convicted me. How do I spend a lot of my time? Looking at other peoples lives. Don't get me wrong. I don't think there is anything wrong with Facebook. It's just how you use it. I realized I need to be focused on my mission with my son rather than trying to catch up on gossip and what everyone is talking about online. I have deleted the app from my phone and decided that I will only look on FB when he is taking a nap or bedtime. On my own time on the computer. This was hard for me to do. As a mom you can feel so alone and the pictures or videos can make you feel human again. For me right now I feel liberated. Sometimes you need to focus on things that matter. Instead of checking it 10 times a day...I want to pray for someone, read, talk to my son, think about eternity, relish in the toddler stage (wink wink) connect with people face to face, learn something new. I don't know how long I will last, but I'm excited to see how it may change the way I think.



I haven't taken many photos this week. It seems hard when you are on the go constantly. I wish I would have snapped one today though. We went to our music class and then lunch afterwards. The chick-fil-a near church has an outside playground and today it was just warm enough that we could all sit outside and let our kids play and we could have adult conversations. As a mom ...you live for this stuff!! I wish I could let you seem M's face as he climbed up the slide (the wrong way) and slid down. His face was so content and happy. It was the sweetest. He also likes to share leaves with all the adults sitting outside. He is the most social little boy I know.


I wanted to attach a few more pictures from Superbowl Sunday. When we were playing outside.





We got a package recently from my dad with some hand me down clothes. The best part was the box!! 





One last thing...Micah is calling me "Ma." I don't know what to think about it. He calls Craig, "daddy" and I'm MA. haha it's really funny.

Love you all

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Blizzard

It's snowing here!!

We drove to bible study this morning and the flakes were coming at me like I was traveling through space...star wars style! So beautiful. Reminds me of being home in Chicago. Now it looks like a blizzard outside ..windy and snowing!! Crazy out.

I made a peach/blueberry oatmeal bake while M was sleeping! It tastes yummy and warm.

Micah is saying so many words now. Today when we were walking into church he said "snow" and I was taken back. I keep being surprised by how smart he is. He saw a kite on his plate and he said kite!! Craig and I are loving how easily he picks up things we say and repeats it.

Love you all

Monday, February 8, 2016

A Father's love

Before the super bowl yesterday we all took a walk on a beautiful sunny day. I took some pictures of Micah and Craig playing, but it was so sunny I couldn't see the image. Later after M went to bed I found this pic. As I starred at it I started to tear up. I'm so emotional these days! I saw a little boy looking towards his father and wanting so much for his love in return. I couldn't help but start to pray that one day he will love his eternal father as much as his earthly one. I know how much he seeks his father's approval and love. One day I hope he knows he has another father with so much love for him He cannot even fathom. I prayed last night that my little man will follow Jesus and I will be with him one day in heaven.

I am reminded that I need to look to Jesus more in my daily life. To remember he is the ultimate friend and savior. Its great to see love through a child's eyes. You can pretty much be the worst parents and they still love you and want your acceptance. Isn't that weird? All our lives we want our parents love and God loves us more than any parent. It's not an earthly hug (which is definitely needed sometimes) but a peaceful one.

As I start my week I want to reflect on this photo and how the Sun takes over ...reminding me of God's glory should shine brightest in our lives.

Happy Monday!

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Music class


I knew Micah would love the music class, but he really blew me away today. He was dancing in the middle of the group and having a ball. Really taking it all in. He was having so much fun, while most kids stayed glued to their moms...Micah was way too independent. I love that he is so secure in himself and wants to get to know everyone else. He's only one and a half but acts so much older. I am already excited for next week's class.

We found out there is a Chick-fil-a super close to church and now it's our go to place. We went yesterday with a friend after work out and again today. I guess I will be getting lots of chicken these next few weeks. 




Here'a a video from when Nana was here and I took her to Moxie Burger. She loved it and so did Micah!!





Here is a little video of Micah walking on a treadmill with his dad at work. I can't believe they actually have these things. I wonder if anyone uses them. I would. pretty neat. 





Love you all

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Loving nana

It was sad to drop Nana off at the airport today. It was such a beautiful day of sunshine and warm weather. The whole week she was with me it was freezing and even snowed!! What a drastic change of weather just in a week.

I can't say everything went perfect during moms stay since all the kids at Hannah's got the stomach flu when she was there. Right now hopefully everyone can focus on the things that did go right! Our time on Sunday all together was wonderful. We each had some special moments.

Micah seemed really happy when I brought mom back to our house Sunday. He remembered her and was excited to see her.

Craig and I had a fun weekend. I got to go to a neighbors wine night on Saturday and we all went to the park and out to dinner ...it was so beautiful out. Every kid in Atlanta was at the park. Micah interacts with the others kids and they think he's weird. He likes to talk to them and touch them. Most kids just look at him funny. He is really a social butterfly.   Wonder where he gets it?

Mom and I got to watch Grease Live on Sunday night. That was awesome and totally made me want to be in another musical. They were having way too much fun not to want to be involved!! Loved it!!! They pretty much blew away all the other live musicals so far on TV.

Also, Micah is repeating everything I or anyone else says now. It's so cute. He even knows a lot of his colors already ...he is learning so fast I can't even wrap my head around it. He is still getting pretty upset when he can't communicate with us. He seems to cry or have a tantrum. I think I'm doing better at staying calm now.

Being able to get out and do all these things while Micah is in childcare has given me more patience. This week I'm excited for our music class!! Can't wAit to be able to learn with him!

Love you all