Noelle 3 months

She was 3 months on the 23rd but I didn't get a chance to get her photo till yesterday.

She has a cold today and it's so sad. Boogers all over her cute face😣 pray she gets better soon.

Lots to see

We took the kids to see houses on Saturday. It was a long day in the car, but we did stop at the park for an hour so Micah could run around. We saw about 5 houses. At the end we decided we needed to up our price range to get in the school district we want to be in.
Everything is still so blurry. I feel like we don't know what will happen in the future so it's really tough to make a decision right now. I love the house we are in but it's not in a good school district. However he won't be going to public school for another 3 years. That's a long time! So much to think about and pray about. I really am giving it to God. I almost don't want to look at houses until Craig finds a new job...but we don't have time. We might be living with my sisters if we get kicked out.
I'm so so so tired. Today I feel drained. Noelle woke up 3 times and it was a rough night. The night before she woke up once and it was awesome. I may just need to be better at a routine with her. I think I'm ready to put her into childcare at church! She's talking so much and cooing it's hard to keep her with us. She's so cute but we can't look at her or she starts talking. It's so hard to not look at her though!!

Birthdays are upon us and it feels like the summer is going to be here in a blink. Micah will be 3!! He's so big. I love this age. I had to buy a child lock door handle so he can't get out of his room. Now I tell him it's quiet/nap time and he had to stay in his room for atleast an hour. It's working pretty well so far. He's napped the last few days.

This week is pretty quiet. Just praying alot. Love that we have a God so big and strong that we don't have to worry about little things.

Love you all

Next move

We were surprised yesterday with a call from our real estate company we rent from. He told us the homeowners have decided to sell this house. At first they told us we could rent for another year...but I guess they changed their mind. So now we either have to buy the townhouse or move out by July 1st. This might be the first time we are being kicked out of a place. It has always been us telling people we are moving and this time it feels a bit different. We prayed about it last night and feel like we will be lead one way or the other. For now we are going to start looking at other houses in the area to see if there's something we like better with higher school ratings. Also, Craig is starting to apply for other jobs within AT&T. Most openings are in Dallas...so there's that option too. So much to think about and to worry about but I'm giving it to the Lord. He knows the plans he has for our family and we are praying that we see clearly what his plans are.

Sometimes you need a push to do something and this might be a good thing for our family. The last thing I want to do is move with a toddler and baby...but it is always worth it. It also makes you realize that things don't matter. All that matters is my babies go with me. I can leave all this behind and take my family with and I will be happy.

Please be praying for us and to know where and what to do next.  Love you all

Milestones

We have some big milestones to talk about this week. Micah pooped on the potty and Noelle is rolling over in  her crib and sleeping on her BELLY!! God knew I needed this little girl to be a roller. She is never on her head. It makes me able to sleep at night knowing she is tossing and turning and never on one spot too long. I love how mobile she is and still a pretty chunky little girl. I can't leave her alone anymore on the cushion in the living room though.

This is her on the extra cushion we had and I put it on the living room floor so she could do tummy time and lay on there. One day I came back and she was rolled onto the middle part of the black table...just chilling She wasn't mad or crying just in a totally different place. Of course my second baby would be mobile at 3 months old!!! haha I love it though. She keeps me on my toes and is such a bundle of happiness. This morning I was trying to get ready fast and get out the door, but she kept looking at me and smiling and cooing and it was so hard to put her down.  She is so much fun to be around and so lovable. I just want to hold her and snuggle her all day. 

  She's outside on a blanket chilling in the shade while brother plays.

As of right now she is sleeping on her belly in her crib. I'm a little nervous about it, but she's so strong and has a great protector.

Micah got out of the tub Sunday night and was naked running around. Next thing I knew he came and told me he pooped on the potty. This was a surprise because I had no idea. Craig and I checked his little potty and sure enough he had laid a huge deuce!! lol I was so happy and proud of him. I understand the naked potty training aspect now. It's just so hard to keep him naked. I am not a  big fan of staying home (surprise) so I feel he's making progress slowly. He was really excited because he got to open one of his presents for pooping. 

On Saturday we celebrated LIam's birthday part at Kid's UP. It was a ton of fun and Micah got to sleep over their house after. It wasn't even planned, but now he loves it. I love it too. It's such a sweet time to have with his cousins. Who knows how long we will be this close. You never know with out family when it's time to pick up and leave. 

Here are a few picks from the party.

Oh and the best part is dancing with Buzz!!

Thankful for these two little people in my life!!

God bless you all this week!

Pee on the potty

Friday we met a friend at Chickfila and Micah told me he wanted to wear his underwear. I was really nervous about this. I didn't want to say no, so I just decided to bring extra pants and pull ups and be prepared. When we got to CFA I told Micah we needed to go potty right away. He told me he was really hungry for chicken. So we decided to order first and starting eating. I told Micah I needed to go potty and he said he did too. At this time my friend was there too so she could watch the baby. I put Micah on the big potty and he peed!! I was so happy and excited. It was no big deal. He acted like he had done this all the time. So after about 30 minutes of playing at the play place I started getting so nervous. I was scared to be the mom with a kid peeing on the slide and ruining it for everyone.  My friend saw Micah kind of clenching his legs together and I ran in and scooped him up and said...let's go potty. He peed AGAIN!!! It was a successful trip. No accidents and I was so proud. When we got home I had to put his pull up on for nap...which kind of stinks since he was doing so well.  When he got up we went to meet our lifegroup friends at a St. Patty's festival in downtown Smyrna. It was actually a ton of fun. We got to drink some beers and all the kids were playing together and it almost felt like we were out partying..but with kids. Probably the best time we've had going out with two kids. It helps that out friends have 4 kids ranging from 3 to 10 and are all obsessed with Micah. So someone always has him or is playing with him.

Today we have Liam's birthday party at 3 p.m. and hopefully Micah doesn't have a meltdown since it's right when he usually takes a nap. I'm sure he will push himself and then when we get in the car it will be H*LL!! so fun.

Wanted to share something M said the other day while we were at the table. We were eating and he said we should do this as a family. And I asked him if he wanted to have a family one day. He said Yes. I told him he could marry a girl one day and have kids of his own. Then he said, "I want to marry you one day," and my heart melted. I guess he does love me!! haha 

We are looking forward to getting some warmer weather next week. I need to start putting this little girl in dresses!!! I'm done with this long sleeve business. I have a cute easter dress for her that I bought before she was born. Hopefully it fits good. 

Good news. Grandpare and Grandmare are coming to visit for Micah's birthday!!! We are so excited to see them. Also found out that all his cousins will be gone for his birthday this year, so it all works out! 

Love you all

Callie's Story

This morning I was updated on a story I've been following. I haven't had a chance to sit down and cry, so I wanted to write about it. I mentioned before about a girl from Texas who took Micah's newborn photos being in the ICU because of a complication from pregnancy. Her story is heartbreaking and so emotional. I can't even start to imagine her pain. Some days you think being a "mom" is hard and then ... you read this. A mom who selflessly would have given her life for her unborn baby. Now she is still in the ICU with two amputated legs and a thumb because she wanted to give her baby a chance to live. I don't know how to fight off the tears. The tragic loss of her baby boy at 16 weeks old and then losing her legs. She also has an almost two year old little girl. I will never forget her. She was so sweet and kind to Craig and I. Craig worked with her in Plano and we became friends. We helped her and her husband move (when I was pregnant). We went to their baby shower when they found out they were having a baby girl. I know she already had some hip issues and it was hard for her to have her first baby.

She was faced with a decision when she found out her cervix was not closed. To give her new little baby boy a chance to survive by bed rest until 22 weeks. The doctors told her there was a big risk she could get an infection.  On December 27th she went into septic shock from an infection that began shutting down all her organs and then unfortunately took her baby boy's life. Since then she has been in the ICU on a ventilator. Her latest update this morning is that she is conscious and able to speak a little. However she has woke up to no legs and no baby. This is unfathomable. As a mom and not being able to run after my kids ...I just can't imagine.

So today, I'm taking time out. Trying to understand why this happened to such a wonderful woman. She has so much faith in Jesus and that he will take care of her, but this is a test of her faith now. I pray she can hold strong and be comforted by him in this time. Hug your little ones and remember how lucky we are to be alive right now. These hard days can't compare to hers. I'm praying for her right now and for her little one who is in the hands of God at this very moment.

If you want to read the story and even donate to her fund here is the link. Please just pray for her family and her little girl. Give her strength to keep going for her daughter and for God to give her peace that only he can provide.

Here is the link where you can donate to her family.
Callie's stand for life

She wrote a little bit in her blog before her ICU admittance.
Here is her blog:
http://www.callie.co/blog/



I love you all!

Rolling

Have you ever heard of a 2 month old rolling around? Well, that's what I have. How different can she be? I mean she looks a lot like her brother, but is already on the move. I don't think Micah even picked up his head very well at 5 months old. LOL She is moving so much and when I get her in the middle of the night she is somewhere completely different then where I left her. Wow...I don't know if I'm ready for this but I guess it's happening. She is still sleeping really well. Pretty much gets up and eats and plays for 20-30 mins and then sleeps for an hour or more. She's an easy baby so far. Makes me think about having one more..but I'm happy with just 2. 

We had the boys over this weekend so Rachel could run out and get Liam a present with Caleb. Micah loves his cousins so much. I'm so glad they get to see each other more. We are trying to make a better effort to get to each other's houses. This weekend we have Liam's birthday party. It's always fun to celebrate with cake and Micah loves birthdays. Who doesn't? 

We ran to the dollar store before they came over and grabbed some dino hats...but we called them dragons since the boys are into those right now. They ran around and were crazy all night and Micah slept great. Didn't even wake up till 8:20 for Daylight Savings time. 

Here is a little video of them:

And this is what we did before they left. Ran around to get all the energy out. I don't know why my sound doesn't work.

It's really cold this week so we are trying to plan things to do inside. Today we met a few friends at Champion kids and it was really nice. Micah was being so sweet and easy. I can't say everyday is like this..but it's usually good on Monday's because we've had the weekend to take a break from each other. We even went to the store around 1 p.m. and he stayed by me and helped me get the groceries. Even unloaded them onto the belt. I praised him as much as I could. I love when he's a fun helper. 

I will hopefully get a video of NJ rolling...but she likes to turn on her side. So I took a video and waited. I'm sure she will never do it while I'm recording.

She is such a happy baby. I really lucked out. She is so sweet and smiles at her brother all the time. He loves kissing her still and getting real close to her face. He really has been an awesome big brother. He had never once tried to hurt her or be mean to her. I'm still praying that doesn't happen until she can fend for herself. hah

Hope you all had a great weekend!!

Happy 5th birthday to Liam today!! We love you. He has become the sweetest little man. I'm so happy Micah has him as a role model.

Weekend sleepover

Micah had his first sleepover at his cousins house. We weren't sure if it was going to happen since he's been sick. He still has a cough but otherwise feeling much better. Saturday we went over Rachel's house and stayed all day. Micah didn't take a nap till I left at 4ish. He then proceeded to fall asleep sitting up. Rachel had to lay him down...he is so stubborn sometimes. He really needs his naps still. I hope he stops fighting me on them soon and goes back to his routine. So I got a whole night just with noelle. I snuggled her and watched a movie. Craig and I got dinner out and he headed to a poker game. We didn't really know we would be toddler free until last minute.

Sunday we got to the early service and saw my announcements. It went well!! I thought I did pretty good for my first time back.

We ran to Aldi after and then I headed to meet Rachel at the park. It turned out to be a beautiful day outside. I was so happy for the sunshine.

When we got in the car to go home Micah had a serious meltdown.  He was so tired and sad to leave them. He just loves being with Liam and Caleb. Rachel said he wasn't even that much harder bc they all wanted to do the same thing and Micah just followed them.

I'm so glad Micah got time with his auntie. It's something we need to do more while we live by each other.

Craig was volunteering for my mops consignment sale at church and when he got home I went to drop off some stuff I'm selling. I hope I sell everything. I only had about 45 items. Mostly maternity stuff.

I don't know how the weekend flies by so fast. There really needs to be one more day!!

Good news. Noelle slept in her bed all night !!! She's also a magician because she escaped from her swaddle. I mean the whole thing was off of her. I was tired but very confused. I know 4 month sleep regression is around the corner but I am so grateful she loves her sleep!! She is such a happy baby and loved all the attention from her aunties this weekend.

Love you all

Sickness, sickness go away!!!

I can't take it anymore. Poor Micah can't get over this bug and it's making us both crazy. Whatever he got it was a nasty bug. I'm still praying none of us get it. Noellle has been a little more sneezy with snot, but I could just be seeing something that's not there. Yesterday Micah put his blanket on his sister. This is a big deal. This blankie is everything to him and I knew him sharing it means he really loves his sister. He shows her daily that he loves her. He is so gentle and always wants to love on her. It's been a hard week with him being sick. It just makes me realize how much he loves her because it's so hard for him to stay away.

On Tuesday Micah decided he didn't want to take a nap. I was so disappointed. It was a hard day and then I told him he would be going to bed at 7:30p.m. Well... he didn't even make it to 7pm before he passed out on me. It was a funny picture. He was sleeping on my lap and Noelle was nursing on the other side. If I could have taken a picture it would be one for the books!!

Poor guy. He then had to be put to bed right when Dad got home because he was so crabby. So Wednesday I made him take a nap. I was a little snippy with him and I felt bad, but I knew how important it was for him. Also I had to leave to do announcements when Craig got home so I couldn't leave him with two crazy kids. I had to punish him a few times before he finally went to sleep. When he woke up I tried my hardest to praise him and be so happy that he slept. I want him to associate sleeping with happiness. LOL I can't lose my naps yet!! They are the only way I can make it. Even if Noelle doesn't sleep the same time. I can at least hold her in my bed and rest. 

We have an appliance guy coming today to look at our fridge. I had a freak out moment yesterday because all of my breast milk started thawing in the freezer. I called my neighbor and she got her husband to come home and put my milk in their deep freezer. So thankful for awesome neighbors!!! I almost lost my whole stash. I would have cried!! Everything is ok and hopefully they can fix our fridge fast!

I hope the announcements I recorded went well. I haven't been in front of a camera in a long time, but it felt really good. I just don't like that I couldn't view it. I wanted to see what I looked like and if my hair was in the right place. HAHA. She said I will be on the rotation. Hopefully record announcements once a month. It's nice because it took about 25 minutes to record and I was back home within an hour.  I'm excited to get involved again. Next up.. I need to start singing. It's such a big commitment. I'm not sure how I could do it with breastfeeding, but I need to jump in before it's too late. 

I just want to say that having two is hard work, but I am loving every minute. I am so happy when Noelle coos at me. I just can't even tell you how much joy these two kids bring me. Some days I'm tired and I feel a little depressed, but most days I am happy to stay home and love on these babies. Soon it will be summer and we will be outside swimming!! I'm really excited to go to the pool again this year. Maybe even teach M how to swim. Looking forward to hopefully planning some vacations. We are looking to drive somewhere close. I want to go to the beach and play in the sand with these kids. 

Here is the video I took yesterday of us playing outside while Noelle slept in the van.

Love you all