Time Flies

I can not believe it's been so long since I posted here. Life has been super busy and I just forget to write things down. Let's see...Tyler is 11mos old. I have no idea how he will be 1 in less than a month, but he will be. Conner has been busy playing soccer and Parker is just, well, he's Parker. Tyler isn't walking (that's fine by me), he says a few words, loves food and is overall a happy little dude. Conner is a typical first born older brother. He likes to pick on Parker and boss people around. He can be very sweet at the same time. Speaking of Conner, he started speech Jan 24. He's doing alright with it. Josh has been working...a lot. That's really nothing new. I have been busy. I can't seem to keep up with laundry and really that's more because I just hate laundry. I have been taking much better care of me. I've been drinking shakes and working out. I feel much better and am seeing some positive changes :)

Oh and today is Valentine's Day....so Happy Valentine's day...from mine to yours...

"those" days

You know the days I'm talking about...the days when the kids that went to bed too late get up too early. Those days when all they do is fight...and it starts just because one looks at the other. Those days when the baby refuses real food, for no good reason; maybe he just wants a bottle. Those days when one child ends up with scratches and a busted mouth from fighting...and it's only 8am. Yep, it's one of THOSE days at our house today. These two precious gifts have fought over the air they breathe. They have stolen food from one another and have tried to create a wwf ring on the couch. Meanwhile, the baby (who just wants to be big and can climb stairs. omg), is trying to get in the mix. I can't even think straight and it's 8am. I want a drink...maybe I'll spike my coffee. Did I mention...it's election day so there's no school. Yep, one of those days. BUT during one of these days, I remind myself that they are little, they need to be taught not yelled at. They need love, not for a mommy to yell. They need extra cuddles, because yes they are tired (and woke up coughing so they probably don't feel well). They need their own space, they are little people and all people have rough mornings and crappy days. So, instead of yelling, I show them some grace. I love them, unconditionally. I have tired days too and days when I don't feel well and I express that by telling them that I'm really tired or don't feel well. They are little; they can't (and don't) always express that verbally but by using behavior. It's grace they need and it's grace I'll give. Now, that doesn't mean that I haven't yelled at one or both of them (seriously, leave the baby ALONE) but I just have to remind myself of the grace that I like extended to me and I try to extend that to them.

this post makes no sense and I know that. whatever. It's tuesday one of those days and I'm tired. I'm going to get more coffee. Happy Tuesday :)

We all won

I have had really good intentions when it comes to portraits of my children but they have ended with intentions. Yesterday, I decided why not! I took the baby into the backyard (where the light is always gorgeous in the evening) and attempted a quick session. The big kids were in my space and I finally gave in to them, but I won (I got a photo of all 3 o them).

It's so very hard to believe that this baby is already 6 months old. The babyhood times goes by in the blink of an eye. I miss that teeny tiny baby that I brought home from the hospital but I'm enjoying this sweet, energetic, baby. He wants to keep up with his brothers and doesn't sit still; not even to eat. He weighs 16lbs 9oz and is 26 in long. He's growing very well and is ahead of 6m milestones. The pediatrician was very pleased with him and we are all smitten with this cute baby. I still, 6mo later, can not get over his hair! **yes these are watermarked, they are going on my pro blog too**

Park fun

The kids have been stir crazy and are not always happy staying here to play outside. We decided to go to the park and let them run around and be nuts. I put Tyler in the swing and he didn't really like it. Hilarious. The other 2, they love it.

SIX months

I have no idea how a half year has gone by since we welcomed Tyler into our family but it has. He's a sweet, happy little dude and just wants to GO. He's very entertained by his brothers, babbles a lot and has the 2 cutest teeth you have ever seen. He doesn't really like solid foods but he loves to sit and army crawl all over the place. If he has the choice, he wants to stand. He doesn't sleep more than 3-4 hours at night (he's killing me) but wakes up smiling and squealing. He's a loved little baby and we're so glad he's ours.

brand new...

One Month

Two Months

Three Months

Four Months



Five Months

Six Months

Weekend Fun

This weekend was different from most. Sure, I had photoshoots and that's normal but Josh was home both days. Both.days. It rarely happens. The kids were happy and we stayed fairly busy. Saturday, I just told the boys to go outside w/their dad. I went for a run w/Tyler and Conner tagged along on his bike (so fun!). He got tired (or bored) before I did so I dropped him off at home and kept going. Tyler loved it though and I'm so happy about that.

Sunday after my shoot, we decided we'd go to the Yellow River Game Ranch. On the way there, Tyler decided he was done w/the car seat so we detoured and went to Stone Mountain. It's such a fun place and lots of things around the park are free (unless you want to ride the train, go up the tram, do the 'adventure' thing or go on the duck boats) so we decided we'd climb the mountain.

It's 1.1 miles straight up. Parker rode on my back for almost half of the way up. Best.bootie.workout.ever. It was fun and the view from the top make it worth it. Parker was not happy that I put him down and I loathe this photo of me but I think it's the only one w/all 5 of us in it!

After we (thought) we wore the kids out, we took them to the actual park and (thanks to daddy) hit up the candy store. They got popcorn and candy. Spoiled much?! not my kids ;) We then gave them the option of train ride or play in the creek. They chose the creek. They LOVED it. SO fun.

No one wanted to take a photo on these awesome stairs. Too bad. they win. photo sucks. haha

Mini-Vacation

A few weeks ago, my in-laws decided to take a very last minute trip to Panama City. They wanted to bring the boat and go snorkeling bay side on Shell Island. They invited us and we said YES. I always, always, always have (in my head) the idea that vacation will be SO fun and no work. It's always the opposite of that but at the end of the day we get some together time and the kids enjoy themselves.

Each day, we'd head out of the bay toward Shell Island, find a 'good spot' and beach that boat. Conner learned to snorkel and we found lots of hermit crabs. Tyler LOVES the water. I just wish we would have had one full beach day, instead of bay days but it was still a get away and for that I'm thankful.

We even found some time one night for an amusement park! We got rained on but that's just part of the fun! I have NO idea why Parker was frowning, he was in LOVE with the rides.

Typicality

Most days, we stay home. I mean, let's face it getting 3 kids under 5 out the door is no small feat and they LOVE to be outside anyway and we have outside so...we stay here. Sometimes we have friends come over. Either way, the boys are typically very happy being here and outside in the backyard. They are growing up SO fast and I have got to make time to blog. Who needs candy crush? I'll blog instead, even though candy crush is basically mindless and to blog I have to think. I'll try harder. Anyway, I digress. Some of our outdoor adventures are silly and others we just hang out w/one another.

Sometimes we play in the pool (yes, that's a frog friend that I had to trick them into letting go. I was afraid for his life) or the bounce house. We always have fun. They love each other and (for now) the big two are best friends. Sure they fight but they also play and teach each other new things every day.