Memorial Day 2013

We spent Memorial Day with Toby's parents in Ft. Walton Beach. Its quite a log journey to get there but always worth every minute. The kids were great in the car, and the whole weekend for that matter. We spent the weekend eating, drinking, boating, kayaking, and just relaxing. It was a quick trip as we headed down on Saturday and came back Tuesday. Jackson had a blast especially fishing off the dock with his Toy Story fishing rod. Emily enjoyed spending a lot of time outside, laying on a blanket in the beautiful weather.

Happy Memorial Day!

 

 

Big girl loves it when we stand her up

Relaxing with grandma

These three spent practicially the whole weekend in the water

Relaxing in the back yard

All the activity and fresh air wore her out!

First time on the boat although, we ended up not going out on the water that day due to mechanical issues

Dont worry, the kids got this

She wasnt loving the life vest at first but then she got used to it

First dip in the salt water

Jackson loved riding on the kayak, and trying to paddle too

Preschool fun and friends

We wrapped up Jacksons first year of preschool (well 5 months really because he didnt start until we moved back to NC in January) this past Friday. We absolutely loved Jackson's teachers, Niza and Michelle. They made us feel right at home from day one. Jack's classmates and their parents are great as well! It seems as if Jack has fit right in with the other kids. We have been getting together with several of them outside of school. Us parents are concerned about how we will keep the kids busy over the summer so we set up a play date schedule. Jackson is also signed up for a few summer camp sessions which run Tues-Thurs at his school. Each week has a different theme!


First day at Sardis Weekday School back in January
 

The last day

 

With Mrs. Niza at the end of year picnic

With Mrs. Micelle. Not sure why he looks so unhappy here because he just adores her.

Recently we met up with some of Jackson's school friends at Lazy 5 Ranch. Its really cool because you get to ride through the ranch on a wagon while the animals walk right up to you.

Ready to roll

Feeding the animals...

We feel very fortunate to have found such a great school for Jack that not only he loves but we do too! We look forward to his next two years at Sardis Weekday School.

Mothers Day 2013

What a wonderful day I had celebrating with my TWO loves this year, and of course, Toby too! We spent the day at a nearby park flying kites, playing on the playground, watching Jack ride his bike, and just relaxing on the blanket, listening to music with Emily. The weather was absolutely beautiful. It was the kind of day that makes me so happy to live here in Carolina. On our way home from the park that afternoon we stopped for an early dinner at one of my favorite pizza places.

Just relaxing in the park

Getting ready to fly his kite

Daddy doing double duty on Mothers Day

The Wednesday before Mothers Day, I got to have breakfast with Jack at his preschool. The tables in the classroom were complete with place settings for each mom. We ate breakfast and then watched the children sing a couple of songs. After that we made sunglasses together. I left the school that morning feeling so loved and so proud to be Jack's mommy!

My place setting

My handsome boy

Modeling our new sunglasses

Motherhood is definitely not easy. The sacrifices made are endless. It can be extremely frustrating and exhausting, but days like these make it all worth it!

4 month check up

On Monday Emily had her 4 month check up. Due to insurance changes with Toby's new job we had to select a new pediatrician at a different practice. So, now Emily has had 3 different doctors in her 4 months of life! The appointment went well. She weighed in at 12 lb 8 oz and was 24 inches long. She falls in about the 20% for both height and weight. She got 3 immunizations-one oral and two shots. She did great with them once again. She still has her goopy eyes from the clogged tear ducts but her new doctor also asssured us that the issue will probably resolve itself before she turns a year of age. Lets hope so!! We were given the ok to start rice cereal soon. The doctor told us that by the time she comes back for her 6 month visit she would like to see her on rice and one fruit or veggie. At this point, I will probably wait until she is 5 months to start rice.

New developments: Emily is now rolling from stomach to back, reaching for and grabbing objects, and sleeping in her crib in her own room. That last one was a tough one for momma. I held on for a  long time. Jackson was in his crib by 3 months of age. She was starting to look a bit uncomfortable in the pack n play and I had given her a nap in the crib which she seemed to enjoy. It has now been 3 nights and she has done great-still sleeping from about 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. without interruption! Another thing Emily does is laugh uncontrollably at the dogs, Sugar and T.J., when she sees them running around and playing. I've been trying to catch it on video without success. Story of my life! I have yet to get her rolling over also.

Arm pit shot on the exam table

Just some random photos from the past month...

Dimple!

Clean little lady bug after her bath

 

Jackson found this Spider man costume in his closet. He wore it for about a week straight.

 

Jackson wanted Emily to wear the mask

 

Enjoying the Bumbo seat

All smiles with daddy

They are both so peaceful looking when they sleep, so is the house!

Jackson loves to help mommy with baby Emily

 

Emilys baptism

On Saturday April 6th, Emily was baptized into the Catholic Church. The ceremony was held at St. Gabriel's which is the parish we belong to here in Charlotte. Jackson was also baptized at this church a few years ago. We chose, Todd, Toby's brother to be Emily's god father. He proudly accepted.All of our guests arrived the Thursday evening before to start the celebration. Todd drove up from Tampa with Great Grandma Timmons, and Grandma and Papa drove in from Ft. Walton. We were so thankful that everyone was willing to make the long journey to get here. We had such a nice weekend with family. Bobby and Pa spent some of the weekend with us all as well. We had lots of good meals and drinks while hanging out on the back deck listening to music. We also played some cornhole. The weather was perfect! The weekend concluded on Monday morning when everyone headed back home.

Great grandma loved holding Emily

Uncle Todd feeding Emily

Emily was 4 months old on April 5th

Pretty girl all ready for the ceremony in her baptism gown

The kids posed like little angels and allowed me to take a ton of photos before we left the house...

Neither one of them look too happy about it though

Emily was not too happy about having water poured on her head

With Deacon Mark Diener after the ceremony

Still crying...

We had to give in and let her have the pacifier, even though we try to avoid it for photos

The whole group, minus Stephanie(she is taking the photo), outside the church

Flying Jack!

Emily took a two hour nap on our bed after we arrived home

The guest of honor finally woke up

With her cake. Its hard to see but it says "Congrats" at the top

Proud grandparents

Jackson's favorite way to ride on the Cozy Coupe

 

Even great grandma played cornhole. She was good too!

Cheers! It wouldnt be a celebration without a good martini

Emily with Stephanie, Todd's childhood friend that happens to live in Charlotte

Driving the Woody car

 

Helping Uncle Todd with the fire