Life Lately

I'm way behind on posting about some of the things we've done lately - trips, parties, etc.  In an effort to save time, I'm just gonna do a picture post to share what we've been up to for the past few months...enjoy!

Spring Break 2014

Perdido Key, Florida

Hot Springs Bunco

Oaklawn

Easter 2014

Mother's Day 2014

 30th Birthday

Surprise Party

M's 20 Month Update

My sweet little Matthew will be 2 in less than 4 months - where has the time gone???  The past 2 months have gone by so quickly and he is learning so much.  It seems like in the last 2 weeks, he has just started learning at least one new thing every day.  Especially new words.  He is to the point where he will not stop talking - it's adorable and hilarious!  He has done so very well with this new transition since Samuel was born.  He spends his days at daycare, which he loves.  On the weekends, we go as a family to see Samuel and Matthew gets to play on the playground.  He already loves his brother and will go to his pictures around the house and say "Bro" - melts my heart!  Here are a few highlights for my 20 month old:

~ You are still wearing size 3 diapers.  They still fit and it's an easy way save money!

~ You are wearing 18-24 month clothes.  Most of the 18-24 month pants are a little long still, but you'll grow into them.  It'll be a while before you can wear 24 month or 2T clothing.

~ You still love books!  You'll look through and pick out your favorites for us to read.  You've even started "reading" more on your own.

~ You're talking up a storm.  If your not squealing and laughing, you're talking to mommy and daddy about important things.  Some new words for you are eat "ea ea", milk "mi-eh", Bella, goggles, Bro "beau", book "boop", bump, bridge, wheel, big rig "bb", bus, Elmo, bowl.  I'm sure there's more, but that's all I can think of right now.  We are working so hard on building your vocabulary.

~ You started 2 adorable games while we're in the car.  The first one is whenever we go over a bump, we raise our hands and say "BUMP"!  The second one is whenever we drive under a bridge, we have to duck.  It's hilarious watching you duck in your carseat as we get closer and closer to the bridge.

~ Your favorite toy right now is any kind of ball.  You love throwing, bouncing, kicking, rolling, anything you can think of.  

~ You're almost done with teething!  You're getting your last canine tooth and then all that's left is your 2 year molars.

~ You love to help mommy and daddy around the house.  You can help with the laundry, picking up clothes, using daddy's tools, vacuuming, mopping, dusting, etc.  I know this won't last, so we are enjoying this now.

1 Month

My sweet Samuel is now 1 month old - how is that possible???  There are days that it seems like he was born months ago, and other days that seem like he was born yesterday.  This has been not only a roller coaster, but an extreme roller coaster.  Instead of focusing on all of the downs of this ride, I want to share the ups from Samuel's first month.

Yes, I had to do the tie stickers just like big bro Matthew :-)

~ You opened your eyes for the first time on Easter Sunday.  What a great day to see the world for the first time.  This was an exciting milestone because this is one that is missed since their little eyes aren't fuzed at birth.  

~ I got to hold you for the first time when you were 2 weeks old.  It was the best 30ish minutes!!!  Since you were constantly covered up, I rarely got to see how truly small you were.  When the nurse took you out of your bed to lay on my chest, I was amazed at how small you really were.  They placed you with your little face looking at mine.  You opened your eyes and watched me for the first several minutes, and then relaxed and fell asleep in your mommy's arms.  Such a precious moment!

~ Your daddy got to hold you later that week.  He was so excited because he was jealous when I held you.  I sat and watched the two of you relax and rest for 45 minutes.  It made my heart so very happy.  It made me look forward to seeing all 3 of my boys relaxing at home :-)

~ I was able to change your diaper and take your temperature for the first time when you were a week old.  After that, I became a champ at both!  You cracked me up each time I'd wipe your little bottom because you were able to clinch your little buns together.  Most precious thing ever!

~ You grabbed my finger and your daddy's finger for the first time on May 6th.  This made me cry because of how much I long to be able to hold and snuggle with you away from all of your tubes, ivs, and giraffe bed.

~ You are a feisty and strong little guy!  The doctors and nurses were able to see this very soon.  You are proving that you are such a fighter.  Any time you surprise us, I simply smile and think, "That's Samuel".  I already love your personality!

~ You are a miracle!  After being transported to ACH this week, things went down hill.  Your daddy and I thought we were going to lose you on Wednesday.  Come Thursday morning, you showed us just what a fighter you are.  In a matter of 6 hours, you were a completely different baby.  I am still brought to tears when I think of the strength that God has given you.  

I am beyond thankful for you, Samuel.  You have taught me more than anyone else and have brought me closer to God than I have been in a while.  You are changing lives while you're fighting for your own.  I absolutely can't wait to see what God has planned for you.  You are my little miracle and I love you with all of my heart!