A very busy Easter

Lolly and Pops make Easter a super special holiday celebration at their house. One we barely made it to this year...

Friday night, like most weekends lately it seems, Addy threw up in her bed. Multiple times. Like until we ran out of sheets and she just had to lay on top of a blanket and we had a mountain of gross laundry. She stopped getting sick around two am, we all slept for two hours and then I started at four. I called for reinforcements at 5 am (Grammie and Grandad to the rescue!) to come get Charlie because no one here could take care of him. Luckily Nick didn't get really sick until today because he had to entertain a healthy Addy and sanitize the house while I was sick on Saturday. 

The Easter bunny hid eggs with money at our house because we knew there would be so much candy later in the day and Addy got a Dora guitar and Charlie got a musical stacking toy. I tried very hard to put emphasis on what Jesus did for us at Easter and was met with mild success. We still had a hard time working in the message on Sunday but hopefully some little Savior seeds were planted. 

Aubra joined us at Kimon and Shirley's where we ate too much fantastic food, had an egg hunt for the little cousins, had an egg toss and piñata and an overall great time. It is so wonderful to share the day with family and friends. We went to Grammie and Grandad's with my family for another egg hunt just for Addy, our favorite sandwiches on my mom's homemade bread, and playing with new toys. The kids took quick baths over there so we could put them straight to bed when we got home around 8:30.  It was such a fun day it almost made up for the rest of the weekend. 

Also, big news, Charlie rolled over on Sunday from his stomach to his back! I'm so proud of my boy!

Lolly's birthday

Today was Lolly's birthday. We had such a fun time celebrating her. On Monday Addy, Charlie and I drove to a mall in Austin to get Shirley's gift. Addy was really excited about riding the "alligator" and all the pretty beds and pillows in Dillard's. We went to the store and let Addy pick out party things for  Lolly too.  She picked princess tiaras, bubbles, Cinderella rings, and stickers. Clearly she knows how birthday parties should go!

We enjoyed a great dinner at Chili's and some red velvet cupcakes covered with sprinkles also by Addy. At the end, Shirley said Addy should be an event planner. Nick joked " Ya, we could call it ' Events by Addy for Addy'." Everyone loved it and had a great time. Charlie smiled and let everyone hold him before enjoying a bottle and a nap in the middle of the restaurant.

Yesterday we had gymnastics and Nick came to watch for the first time. It is so much fun watching Addy do big girl things on her own and it gives me an uninterrupted hour to snuggle with Charlie. All the other moms love seeing his sweet smile. In the afternoon we went to a play date with Calleigh and went to the drive through car wash. Addy kept asking if it tickles the car. Last night I went to my friend Candice's to help give baths (they recently adopted 4 children bringing their family total to 8). Charlie came with me and got lots of checkups from 5 year old Dr. Michael and Nick and Addy had an "adventure". They put tools in their backpacks and went down to the river to fix things. Addy really enjoyed hammering and taping broken tree limbs. They also did one of their favorite father-daughter activities and got a milk shake together.

This night ended so beautifully as we got home. Addy was coming in slowly and was the last one up the steep hill to our house. She came in with little flowers she picked for me just because. Her sweet heart is so touching to me and I love being her mom and Charlie's mom.

Austin New Church

The Wood family went to SA on Friday for a going away party for Derek and Kelly Brown for the adults and pizza night at Grammie and Grandad's for the kids. Derek and Kelly are moving to South Korea for two years. We were lucky to go to Derek's day's house for a night of hanging out, catching up, and saying "See you later".

I had to go to the county tax assessor and having been there recently to purchase my car I knew I didn't want to take the kids. Sweet Aubra watched both of them at her house so I could go alone. Addy and Aubra played hide and seek, picked flowers a d ate Oreos. Charlie ate some baby food and was snuggled asleep in Aubra's arms when I went to go get them. While in line for an hour, I came up with a list of questions Addy would likely ask if she had come like "Why it smells like a skunk in here?" (Every bad smell is a skunk and there was a lot of BO and smokey smell going on!)"what that guys name is?"   " Why that guy it know how to talk." (About the man behind me speaking Spanish) "I need to go potty!" Alone time is sometimes blissful because I was glad to not have to answer any of those questions out loud.

Saturday we planned to go to the zoo with Lolly and Pops but Addy threw up in the car so that adventure has been postponed. She felt better after a few hours so we went to lunch at Super Gma and Super Gpa's as planned. They always spoil the kids with new clothes and us with great food.

Saturday evening we all hung out by the river and enjoyed a light rain. I will miss the outside of this house forever. The tiny inside probably not.

Sunday we visited Austin New Church for the first time. Nick told me halfway through "I love this church!" That is huge! Just the night before he was saying that church ruins his Sunday and he said today he loved it. I was moved to tears by the worship and the message. I haven't felt God's presence so strongly in a very long time. I feel so blessed to have found this place and I can't wait to go back.

Charlie's Doctor

Today we had Charlie's four month check up. He weighed 19 lbs 12 oz and was 26 in tall. He was in the 95 percentile for weight and 85th for height. I have to say I was surprised. He is already wearing 9-12 month clothes so I was expecting him to be off the charts! Charlie was so sweet smiling and laughing at the doctor and did great until shot time. And if we're being honest, I probably would scream that loud about shots if it was even slightly acceptable.

This afternoon we went out to check the mail and went for a walk around the neighborhood in the stroller. Addy said she would like to get out to walk but doesn't want together hit by a car and die. Oh boy, that deer a few weeks ago really did a number on her! We found some pinecones and decided to make bird feeders. Shockingly I had no bird seed on hand so we lathered them up with peanut butter and added sunflower seeds. Addy really enjoyed eating it and so far we have seen zero birds partake. If the squirrels don't get after it I may be out there tomorrow night removing some seeds after bedtime.

After dinner and a few rounds of Addy hiding Nicks's keys, remote and cell phone Addy and I went to the Y and left the boys at home to bond. Addy and I also got to enjoy the longer daylight hours and cool evening weather for an alone park date after my workout. It was so nice to get that special time with just her. Nick usually does it by taking her exploring or to the river while I feed Charlie an evening bottle. He was actually such a trooper that he took both of them to the river last night!

A few more Addy truths to finish the night:
Never ever touch a snake
Never ever take off your seatbelt
Always flush the potty

Gross Hiccups

It's been awhile since I have made time to blog but we have had a ton going on. We went to SA a couple weekends ago for Super Grandpa's 90th birthday. Alex, Jessica,Lisa and Tyler also came in town. We stayed with Lolly and Pops and went to lunch at the Pearl and had a big dinner at their house. Addy loved helping him blow out candles and singing Happy Birthday.

The next day we came back to Kyle for a birthday party for a sweet boy from Addy's gymnastics class. She loved having me and Nick running around the gym with her and watching her do skills.

Adalynn also recently had her first stomach bug. She woke up throwing up in her bed and called it "the gross hiccups". Poor baby threw up all day and it took her about a week to get back to her normal active, silly self.

Last weekend we enjoyed the Wimberly Chili cook off (it was seriously so much fun!). Both of the kids were getting pushed around in the double stroller and admired by everyone and Addy kept getting out to dance to the live music and eat all the crackers and frites laying around! We then went to the park and saw some friends and spent the afternoon walking around Cabellas. Addy had a list of things she wanted to see (snake, coyote, boats, guns, fish) and the last thing she wanted added to her list and remembered the whole time we were there was "get a snack".

I want to finish with the truth according to Addy. She sat in Nick's lap and told him some rules for life like: Never ever drink in the living room and never ever go outside by yourself.

Lovely Thursday

This morning started off rainy with watching movies and snuggling on the couch and cleared up into a beautiful day. How lucky are we to have 70 degree weather in February? God bless Texas!

We ventured to the Texas Nature Center at Zilker park in Austin today. We walked around, saw captive local wildlife, and Addy loved the Dino Dig. Kids dig around in giant sand pits with shovels unearthing dinosaur bones. She was really disappointed that there weren't any live dinos around to play with. She said they are nice unless they try to eat baby Charlie.

We came home for lunch and a nap and then spent the evening outside. Nick grilled burgers and Addy played with flour in a pan and we walked to the river. Charlie happily bounced in his exersaucer on the porch. He is getting so big and funny! He loves pushing buttons on his saucer and rolling his rattle toy around to make as much noise as possible. He smiles everyday and makes talking noises.

Nick and I are going to Dallas this weekend for a wedding and the kids are spending the weekend with Grammie and Grandad. We will all appreciate the little vacation I think. Grammie got the kids new swim suits to do some hot tubbing and Addy is already planning a trip to Alamo Cafe for "better queso". Salsa is "hot queso" and regular queso is "better queso".

Valentine's Day 2013- something new

Yesterday was Charlie's first Valentine's day and Addy's first that she was big enough to understand. I was intentional about how we treated Valentine's day this year. After watching my high school girls I taught for years and seeing how sad they are to be single on one silly day, I hope to show Addy that it is a day to appreciate anyone you love and to bless others with your love.

This year we made homemade cards for family and elderly friends from church, baked cookies for our neighbors and the kids' Bible class teachers and took cards to Addy's teachers at the YMCA. She and Charlie got cards and gifts from their grandparents but not from us.

I showed Addy how much I love her by taking her to the children's museum with friends, going on a picnic and going for a walk and playing babies instead of letting her watch tv. Nick took Addy to the Y to hand out cards to her teachers and play.  I love my kids and I want to prepare their hearts to give love and love themselves, not simply wait for a date to make them feel cared for.

Nick and I are looking forward to celebrating time together at a wedding in Dallas alone next weekend while the kids sleep over at Grammie and Grandad's.

Random catch up

I have so many stories I want to write down before they are forgotten so this entry is going to be very random.

First off, Addy loves exploring outside the river house with Nick. She finds the thickest brush and makes him walk through it with her and loves running around outside. One unfortunate day she ran into a cactus. Tacus, as Adalynn calls it hurt her little ankle so now she wears boots every time we go for a walk anytime we pass a cactus she asks "Remember when tacus hurt me?"

Speaking of exploring, I took the kids jogging down a long stretch of road nearby. We passes horses, cows, deer, houses, a cemetery and a rustic wedding venue. The only part Addy remembers though is that we passed a dead deer that had been hit by a car. She proceeded to talk about said deer for the next two and a half miles. "Why him do that?" "Maybe next time him not get hit by a car and died!" "I'll blow him a kiss. That make him feel better ." Let me tell you, those two miles felt like 8!

Charlie is smiling, laughing, cooing and blowing raspberries. That boy is only three months old and weighs a whopping 17 lbs! His nickname around here is The tank or Tank tank.  The first time I had the joy of hearing his laugh he was fussing and I swaddled him up. That made him smile but try to free his arms. I said "You just like this so you can practice escaping" and he looked at me and laughed. I think we have a little trouble maker on our hands!

We went in to SA recently and saw family and friends. We had dinner at Super Gma and Gpa's house and afterword she and Addy played a game about a spider coming to chase them. It was so sweet to see Grandma acting so young and running away from imaginary spiders with Addy. We watched the Super Bowl at Matt and Kayla's beautiful new house and had a great evening spending time with our old friends.  Cason and Addy got into a pit of a wrestling match (Addy was showing off her forward rolls and Cason tackled her) and she got her very first bloody nose. She was not happy about it mainly because her clothes got messy. I love that prissy girl!

Today we had gymnastics and are getting ready for our friends to come for a tea party after nap. Addy helped me make dessert (my attempt at petit fours failed so I picked up the crumpled pieces to make some cake balls) and pink lemonade.

Addy and Charlie spent a fun night in SA with Lolly and Pops and Nick and I got to enjoy a quiet day and a half at home. Friday morning Addy got her first haircut. She was so brave and perfectly behaved. Shirley took the kids to Luby's (Addy's choice), Super Gma and Gpa's, burgers with Bella, Morgan, and Blakeley and the zoo to ride the train. Addy also got a strawberry shortcake bike.

Nick and I had a dinner where we didn't have to feed anyone else, watched a show we wanted to see, slept in until 8, went for a run and missed our kids. It's so nice to have some alone time but I'm glad we were only away from Addy and Charlie for one night.

Addy has discovered a carton called Dora the explorer. It has quickly become a favorite and we are constantly hearing about Swiper the fox. Addy doesn't like Swiper. He is bad. He is not nice. He needs to go away. Oh goodness, Swiper.

TGIF

Who would have known that Fridays are as exciting for a stay at home mom as they are for a working girl? I am so looking forward to family time and Nick being around to help. He has been super busy this week working every night this week so it will be great to relax a bit.

This week we went to SA Monday for a dr appt and spent the night with Grammie and Grandad. We ate dinner with Super GMa and Super Gpa. Grandma made fried chicken for us which is a huge elevation in status!  That is usually a treat made when Jim comes in town only.

Tuesday we went to the mall with Grammie and had a little Alamo Cafe for lunch at Addy's request. Adalynn got to pick one item from Clair's. she wanted the first thing she saw and then we did an exchange game. I asked her " Do you really want that bow or a necklace?" She put the bow back and got a necklace. We did it a few more times until she ended up with some Chapstick. She started asking herself "I want that or Chapstick? Chapstick. " it was so funny!

Wednesday we went to ladies Bible class. We are continuing the Seven study and just finished a week long clothing fast where you are supposed to only wear seven items. I did a lot of laundry last week. Addy loves taking Charlie to his class with me before I drop her off. We also got to enjoy a grocery store adventure with one potty break, 25 minutes of crying Charles, and 4 things left off the list for another day because I couldn't bear to go back through the isles.

Thursday we went to gymnastics and spent time with Emily and Callie at Chick fil A. Addy looks forward to time with her friends so much and talks about it constantly! She is such a little social butterfly.

Finally, Friday we enjoyed some morning park time (why is it 70 outside on Feb 1?) and spent the afternoon playing play dough, practicing letters and working on puzzles. When Nick got home we went down to the river. Addy wanted to go in the little kayak that was out there. Nick, being the good sport that he is, agreed to take her for a ride. They clearly exceeded the boats weight limit and it started swaying and water rushed in. They both ended up wet and I think it will be a while before they go for another boat ride.

Contemplative

I am finally getting used to being in Kyle and feel like I'm finding a grove. We are making some friends, finding new parks and things to do and settling into a routine. Nick and I are constantly debating where we should live next year. We are torn between North Austin (not exactly in our territory but the schools are good) or staying in this area for a few more years. We have moved 3 times in 4 years so we are kinda ready to settle to a more permanent life but Nick still hopes to start a business in the near future so we don't want to tie us all of our money in a home right now. It is hard to think of leaving because we are starting to adjust but I also don't want to put down roots too deep in a place we can't stay. Hopefully God will give us some clear direction in this!

We are doing a study called "Seven" in Women's Bible Class about excess in our lives. It is eye opening and a hard pill. Last week we did a food fast and this week is a clothing fast. We are supposed to wear only 7 things all week. I have two shirts, jeans, a dress, workout shorts, shoes and a nightshirt. I am not loving this one because i love clothes but it is crazy to think about others in the world who would be grateful for that much. This study is really touching my heart and making me want to do so much more for others and especially for people in impoverished countries.

On a much lighter note, Addy picked out her own clothes today and is wearing a Dallas Cowboys thirty, a red tutu and black yoga pants. I love that girl!

Sunday fun day

Yay! It's working! I recently updated the iPad and haven't been able to update the blog in forever. We had two wonderful Christmas celebrations with our families. Addy got a cozy coupe car and pez from Santa and Charlie got a suitcase and some pacis. We spent a few days at the lake with the Campbells and a few days in SA with the Bantons.

We have been busy with Tuesday gymnastics for Addy (she is doing so great in the 3-4 class even though she is only 2), Wednesday ladies Bible class at church, and play dates usually on Thursday or Friday. Charlie is smiling and cooing now. He loves when his sister talks to him, standing up, and swinging. He is a great sleeper and usually gets  me up just once a week. Addy and Charlie both love being outside and we have been going for lots of runs in the stroller together. Addy is currently really enjoying going to the YMCA to swim and play wither friends, eating as many meals as possible at Chick fil A and dancing all day. She also loves lining up all of the chairs in the house and putting her babies and little people in them and calling it a school bus. We all have to ride.

We had the best day today. We have been attending Hays Hills Baptist Church in Buda and have really been happy there. Addy loves her teachers Mrs. Carol and Ms. Krystal, I'm meeting nice girls in Ladies class, the song leader is fantastic, and the people are so kind, sincere, and amazing. The Kimbro family has been so welcoming and friendly to us. Today they invited our family over for lunch after Bible class. It was wonderful being with such a loving and happy family. Their children and grandchildren were over for lunch also and all of the kids ran around playing after we enjoyed a delicious roast and biscuits. I love living back in Texas!

Favorite Addy Phrases

I have been meaning to do this post for a while and I'm grateful to have two sleeping kids so I have a chance to write it. Having a two year old is hilarious! Addy has a bunch of super cute phrases she throws out there every day and I want to record them before she outgrows them.
 1)Sometimes happens
this one comes out when Addy drops something, gets something dirty, breaks something etc. She just shrugs her shoulders and declares "Sometimes happens". It is so funny and I love how laid back she is about things.
 2)That is my park (part)!
 This little gem comes most frequently when getting into the carseat. Addy can and thinks she must buckle her chest strap. Heaven help the unsuspecting friend or grandparent who does not know that that is Addy's part. Other things that can trigger this phrase are feeding the dog a scoop of food, turning on the light in the bathroom, and pushing play on the Blueray player.
 3)My have trouble with things
 Nick and I suspect that this one started when he was trying to hook up the dryer and was having a hard time. Addy remembers EVERYTHING and picked up this saying. I love that she says "my" instead of I and this saying comes out while putting on shoes, pulling up pants, cleaning up toys and actually lots of other times. I will be sad when she stops having trouble with things that are so easy to remedy and I can't fix all of her troubles.
 4) My do it own self
 Strong willed and independent, Adalynn likes to do a lot of things 'own self'. She can climb into the Tahoe, go potty, put on shoes, put away toys, feed the dog, pick out pjs and put away her plates and cups. Don't even thing about helping her unless you hear her say phrase three.
 5) Both of us match
 I remember in middle school not wanting my mom to even have the same eye shadow as me so I love right now that, just for a short while, Addy loves to match with me. I don't mean matching outfits, I wouldn't subject either of us to that. Anything can qualify you as matching in Addy's eyes. Oh, we are both wearing shoes? Both of us match! Toenail polish in different colors? Still matching! Are we both eating pizza? Yay, both of us match! I love this precious little girl!

Time flies

Time flies when you are having fun. Time also apparently flies when you are sleep deprived and your children do not nap at the same time. This week has been busy in the best of ways. On Wednesday we went to Ladies Bible Class at church for the first time. It was so refreshing to spend the morning child free with ladies studying Jonah and talking about life. I have a feeling this is a part of the week I am really going to look forward to each week. Addy's "teacher" is also her regular Sunday school teacher so she is really loving that. They played inside, heard a Bible story and then played on an outdoor playground. I got a happy, tired two year old at the end and who could complain about that!

Thursday we had a special play date for Adalynn. Cari and Lilly Coburn came up from San Antonio and the girls played kitchen while Cari and I chatted and then we all made cinnamon dough ornaments. They had to bake to dry s my house smelled amazing all day. We all walked down to the river (the girls needed walking sticks and rocks to tops of course) and then we had lunch at Chick fil A so Addy and Lilly could run around the play place. They had a blast and it was so nice to see our good friends.

Thursday night we had the Kimbros over for dinner. Nick grilled a delicious tri tip and I made broccoli and rolls. I hope we are just like them in our golden years, they are such good people and we loved getting to talk about everything fromthe old days at A&M to politics to kids. Mrs. K,as Addy affectionately calls her, plays dolls with Addy and admired all of her puzzle skills. Charlie, when you read this I am sure you will think "Where was I. All of your days are about Addy.". You, my handsome little friend were asleep... For everything. You rest up all day so you can stay up all night. I do love our time alone together though. Our 3 am dates on the couch with a blanket and a bottle are exhausting but your snuggly little self makes it worth my while to get up every time.

On Friday we went to a Christmas movie popcorn party with the Kyle moms group. Addy loved watching Frosty, making crafts and playing at the park and i met a girl that I want to be friends with so overall, very successful morning. Friday afternoon when Nick finished working we went down to the river. Addy brought her little blue bucket full of rocks to throw in. Nick likes to skip rocks on the water and is actually very good at it. Addy likes to throw rocks in and see how big of a splash she can make. They are very sweet together. Charlie, you sit in my lap and sleep. Being 3 weeks old is a tough gig.

Nick and I are making most of our Christmas gifts this year. We are making an infused vodka for our families. We went to IKEA last weekend to get the bottles for it and we spent tonight poking tiny holes in hundreds of cranberries, cutting 15 limes, and pouring liters of vodka into our bottles. We got almost 12 of 14 gifts made and they are looking great. It was actually really fun to work on it together and have some quiet time after both kids were in bed.

Last night Nick generously took some of the night feeding over so i could sleep in our bed some instead of being on the couch most of the night. Charlie woke up to eat for the first time about 15 minutes after Nick fell asleep. Two hours later he was up again. We were up from around 1:45-3 and finally got him to sleep. 3:30 came and Nick had to come back to calm him down again. Charlie got up for the day(ya right) at 6:30 and Addywas up at 6:45. I took the kids so Nick could stay in bed until 9 but he paid me back with an afternoon nap from 2-4 so we are all somewhat functioning.

Today we had to return Nick's rental car to Austin so we decided to also visit Zilker park. They have a great big playground and a train that you can ride around the park. It was great and I definitely want to go back when I can jog again and visit some of the many trails with the kids in the stroller.

We are not in MN anymore

So in Minnesota we lived in a lovely little town where everything was a quick walk away. HyVee, the grocery store was .9 miles, the farmers market downtown was 1.2 miles and Blast, our favorite ice-cream shop was 1.5 miles away. Yesterday I decided to put both kids in the double stroller and walk to the closest park. I figured it would be a mile or so walk each way. I used my gps to track how far we walked and it was about 2.5 miles each way! Luckily Nick picked us up or we never would have made it home before dark.

After our park time we went to the grocery store and Adalynn finally got the cart that looks like a yellow car. This is a very big deal right now and yellow is the most desirable car to ride in. After picking up some groceries we stopped at Whataburger so Nick and Addy could get a milkshake to split. Adalynn definitely has her dad wrapped around her little finger Because she took more than her share any way you look at it.

Yesterday we also went to open gym at the gymnastics center. One of Adalynn's spiritual gifts that I can already see developing is that she is such an encourager. She was trying to play with some bigger kids and even though she coul d do the same things they were doing (balance beam, swing from bars) she would clap for them and say "Yay, you do that by your own self,". She is so precious and sweet and it makes me really proud to see her encourage those around her.

Guys, relax

Tonight Nick was grilling outside and we were all sitting on the porch. The outside Christmas lights were on, Charlie was sleeping in my arms and Addy lined up all of our chairs to "make a choo choo train" and continuously yelled "hey guys, it's time to sit down and just relax!". If it isn't relaxing to be yelled at for 20 minutes, I don't know what is. But then she said "It's time to be quiet and relax and talk about Jesus". At a time when there is so much uncertainty in the world, I love knowing that she is growing to know Jesus.

Today is the third Sunday we have visited Hays Hills Baptist Church. Addy loves going to her class and looks forward to it all weekend. It has been the warmest congregation we have ever been visited and I am looking forward to getting our family really involved there.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in San Antonio this year. We drove in Wednesday afternoon and spent some time with Lolly and Pops. They always know how to keep Addy entertained. She marched to the park playing her drum and got a wagon ride home. We slept there, tried to take Christmas card photos in the morning, an proceeded to Randy and Vicki's for Thanksgiving lunch. Addy was super excited to see Blakeley, Bella and Morgan and everyone was thrilled to meet Charlie for the first time.

After lunch we went to Grammie and Grandad's for dinner. Everyone wanted to sit at Addy's table and then we all got in the hot tub after the meal. Addy was so tired at the end of the night that she asked to go to bed and went to sleep within minutes (that NEVER happens). Charlie slept all afternoon so he wanted to be held all night. Grammie and Aunt Rita didn't mind snuggling with him for a bit so Nick and I could get some sleep.

We came home and decorated for Christmas. Our regular tree wouldnt fit in the tiny river house so we bought a very small real tree. It is shorter than Adalynn but she seems very happy with it. This is my first time having a real tree, I never would have but Nick really wanted it. Lets hope it lives until Christmas! Addy loved decorating the tiny tree and wants the lights on all the time. We are going to make some more ornaments this week for it since we didnt want to hang glass ones where they culd be so easily broken. The river house is starting to feel like home and we are loving being all together here after such a strange transition from Minnesota.

The holidays are starting!

It's the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and I could not be more excited for our first holiday season as a family of four. My mom and Addy are baking gingerbread so the house smells delicious, The Grinch is on in the background and we are headed to San Antonio tomorrow to celebrate with family. Nick flys in tomorrow evening and we are staying a night with Lolly and Pops and having lunch with the Wood clan on Thanksgiving then moving to my parents house for dinner and another night. I can't wait to introduce Charlie to everyone in Nick's family and mine! I have lists of Christmas activities I want to do with the kids, Christmas gifts to buy and make, and Christmas cards to send out. We are doing a very homemade Christmas this year since we have more time than money thanks to two kids and two moves. Adalynn is jumping right into the spirit of things though and I know this will be our happiest Christmas yet! Nick and I are making a cranberry infused vodka for our families and the kids are making handprint trees on canvas wraps for the grandparents. I love being in this house, out in the country feeling but still close to Super Target and Chick fil A. It's seriously perfect for me and Nick and Addy loves going for long walks, picking up rocks and sticks, and running along the truck trails. Charlie seems pretty ok with things too but at two weeks old there is not a whole lot to complain about. He had his first real bath today and didn't hate it but cried about being cold getting out I'm sure in a few months it will be hard to get him out of the tub because he will be so busy playing. God has surely blessed me with a very happy season in life.

Grammie stays to Play

Nick headed off to Minnesota for work yesterday. I know he will miss the kids but I am jealous of the sleep he will be getting! Grammie came in to stay and help me and play with the kids. She got in Sunday evening and we went to Chili's for dinner and stayed up late watching Frosty the snowman for the 87th time. This morning I took Addy to the open gym in Buda for the first time. She has loved gymnastics since we started it in Owatonna and I am so glad to have found a good gym nearby. It was so much fun! Today was our first experience with a foam pit and Addy loved it. There were a bunch of kids and it was so much fun watching Addy have fun. Grammie and I took turns playing with Addy and holding Charlie. All of the little girls were very interested in seeing him! This afternoon, Aubra and Ryan came up for a visit. Ryan was such a good sport playing kitchen with Addy and pretending to drive her and all of her babies on the couch for hours. Charles snuggled into Aubra's arms and slept away most of the afternoon. We are so lucky to have friends like Aubra and Ryan that feel more like family. They are so sweet to our kids and I can't wait to meet their kids someday and try to show them the same love and attention. We all miss Nick but it sure is fun having Grammie stay the night. She and Adalynn have been doing all kinds of crafty and baking projects while I alternate snuggling with my sweet boy and running around cleaning like a crazy person. I am amazed by how much more energy I have even with next to no sleep than I did at 9 months pregnant. Nick being in Owatonna is making me very nostalgic for our home of just 8 months. I wish I had thought to do this there, write about our daily life. I loved walking to the grocery store, park and dry cleaner with Addy in the stroller and playing with the neighbors in the communal backyard. We made wonderful friends during our short time in Minnesota and learned so much about contentment, making the best with what you had available and living within our means. I loved finding new activities and experiences for Adalynn like the Steele County Fair with it's exotic petting zoo and cheese curds, the Mall of America in Minnapolis, gymnastics with Miss Bree, the Lake Kohlmer beach with Aria, Lillie, Miles, Jareth and Laney and endless park visits with all of our neighbors. Addy loved watching Nick and his friends play company softball and stopping for an ice-cream cone at Blast whenever we had time. Although money was tight, it was such a fun, memorable time for our family and we were blessed to live there.

Branching Out

One of Nick's only problems with living at the river house is the lack of neighbors, specifically neighbors with children so Addy and I could make friends. I am kinda shy and already have friends an hour away so I am ok without tons of neighbors but Nick insisted I try. He has a way of being right about a lot of things and the more I fight it, the more embarrassed I am when he turns out to be right again. So I have been looking for activities online without much luck for over a week now hoping to find something that would be a good fit for a toddler and a newborn.

Well today after the dry cleaner I stumbled upon (read: God led me to) a park when I was kinda lost looking for a different park where a moms group was meeting. I was really excited that Addy got to play with other kids close to her age and I was able to talk to some moms about things to do around town. I have been looking up their suggestions while Addy and Charlie nap and I am excited to join this group.

In other news, both kids slept most of the night last night and I no longer feel like a zombie. Charlie only woke up to eat once and Addy stayed in her own bed until 6 am. We all needed that. Nick is working in Fredericksburg today and I can't wait for him to get home so we can enjoy more family time! Sweet Addy has been wanting to do everything he does lately including wearing his shoes and a tie and typing on her learning laptop saying she has to do work. She has heard so many work phone calls with Nick working from home that she now answers her play phone "Hello, Nicholas Wood". I love my precious little family.

First Alone outing with two

This morning Charlie had his newborn screen at 9am. One would imagine it would be no problem to get out the door by 8:30 when you get up at 5:30 but we barely made it. Charlie fell asleep after his middle of the night feeding at 4, Addy woke up and wanted to sleep with me at 4:45, and Charlie woke up to eat again at 5:30. As you can guess things were tiring and a tad hectic around here this morning.

We made it to the doctor and almost missed being called to the appointment because Addy had to go potty and Charlie proceeded to pee on everything while he was being weighed. It was like a waterfall in there.

Charlie had to get a heel stick to take a blood sample and Addy was a big helper with calming him down. I told her she could get a treat for being such a good helper and she wanted ice cream. I sadly discovered that neither frozen yogurt place in town is open at 9:51 am so I took her to Whataburger to get an ice cream she could drink. Yes, I fed my two year old a milkshake in the car. Sigh, so much for the plans I had of always having healthy snacks around and not being that mom. Raisins just wont cut it sometimes.

Grammie, Aunt Shirley and Uncle Daniel came out to the River house for a visit today. Daniel spent the morning fishing while the rest of us stayed in and Addy entertained everyone with her ballet moves that she learned from watching Angelina Ballerina and Charlie sweetly snuggled with Aunt Shirley. I just got the kids down for a nap and am hoping to catch a quick sleep myself.