The Circus!

On Sunday, January 22, Jeff and Ford had a date to the circus!  Ford was so exicted when Jeff asked him earlier in the week if he wanted to go and he wasted no time in saying “yes!”  He also wasted no time in asking if he could get cotton candy again like last year.  Sunday afternoon they headed out and had a blast.  Ford got his blue cotton candy that also comes with a top hat.  He told Jeff while there, “the circus is cool, Dad!” He also asked Jeff “How did they get all these ponies here?  They run a lot.  I don’t think they get tired.”  Oh, the mind of a four-year old that is constantly thinking, wondering, and asking.  We love it.  When he got home Ford was full of excitment still.  He showed me his new hat and told me he loved the elephants and tigers.  I had a meeting that evening and when I got home his room had been transformed into circus rings.  I love that Ford enjoyed the circus so much and love that he and his Dada were able to go together again this year.

A Visit from Auntie Sheryl and Uncle Bob!

Friday evening my aunt and uncle from Portland, Oregon, arrived for a short, but wonderful, visit.  They were in Atlanta and Savannah for business meetings and drove to Columbia to spend some time with us.  They were able to meet Crews and see our big four-year old who was especially exicted they were coming.  All day Friday Ford asked me when Uncle Bob and Auntie Sheryl would arrive.  He loved seeing them and playing with them!  Friday evening we spent at home and Jeff and my uncle picked up dinner for us.  Saturday morning my aunt and I spent some time together at a fun store downtown.  When I came back to feed Crews she and my uncle joined us at the house.  We all headed to Barnes and Noble for Ford to play at the train table and read some books for a little bit.  Little did he know that his great aunt and uncle would buy him some awesome books while we were there (he chose ”101 Dalmations” and “Alice in Wonderland” which he calls “Dallas” and was also given “Where the Wild Things Are”).  We came home and played for a bit before they headed back to the hotel for awhile.  Jeff and I met up with them for a nice dinner out at Dianne’s.  It was the first time we have been out since having Crews and it was wonderful!  Our babysitter came and my hope was that Crews would be asleep when she arrived, but instead he was screaming in his bed.  I tried feeding him again, which worked, and the little bear went to sleep and we left (and he stayed asleep while we were out, just like he usually does).  Our dinner was delicious and it was so fun to be able to spend such great time with just my aunt and uncle.  We appreciated them making the trip to see us, and appreciated the amazing meals and goodies they brought us!  Ford was sad to see them go and kept asking if they could come back.  We all look forward to our next visit!

Their New Ride

The boys have a new ride as of two weeks ago.  I finally broke down and purchased a double stroller.  I really didn’t think I needed a double stroller as we have two strollers… the “comfy” big one that holds Crews’ car seat, and the umbrella stroller that Ford can still go in.  We decided that if we ever needed both boys in a stroller we could each push one.  And all along I figured I could take Crews for walks in the mornings while Ford was at school.  Except I ran into a problem.  Crews naps during the time Ford is at school.  And in the afternoons Crews is awake more, but Ford is home from school.  And I knew that Ford couldn’t walk as far as I would like to in order to (finally) get some exercise.  So, I looked on Craigslist and found a Graco stroller, barely used, and I have loved it.  We usually go for a walk at about 4:00 or so after Crews is up from his nap and has eaten and we can all get ready and strapped in.  Ford loves being in the front “driving” and Crews has seemed to be OK with riding like a “big boy” out of his car seat.  It is definitely great exercise pushing 50 pounds worth of boys plus the heavy double stroller.  On the days it has rained (which seem like quite a few lately) Ford will say “Aw, we didn’t get to go on our walk today!”  We have been walking on the street behind us which is the street we first met Grace Kitty four years ago.  We haven’t seen her since May and I really think she has moved, which makes Ford very sad.  He asks about her and even called for her outside the other day.  But, the cute thing is that when we walk on the street he will say “maybe we will find another kitty!”  So far, I have loved this purchase and love that we didn’t have to pay even half of the original price and have loved finally being able to get a little bit of exercise!

January 9th- their first ride!

One year ago today…

One year ago today our lives changed forever.  One year ago today our prayers were answered.  One year ago today the test finally said what we had been hoping for.  One year ago today we found out our family would finally grow.  One year ago today I saw “pregnant” appear.  One year ago today we cancelled our appointment with the fertility specialist.  One year ago today God showed his faithfulness.  One year ago today.   

It is hard to believe that it has been a full year since that morning when we found out we were pregnant with Crews, our “Peanut.”  For a full year I had earnestly hoped for and prayed for another sweet baby to be added to our family.  For a full year there were many, many, pregnancy tests that only squelched the hopeful anticipation that it was “our time.”  It’s been a full year, but the feelings from that early morning are still vivid, and the feelings of those many months when my hopes to be pregnant were “crushed” are still vivid as well. 

The morning of January 19, 2011, we were scheduled to go back to the fertility specialist first thing.  I decided that just in case our miracle had happened that I would take a pregnancy test.  I knew it was early and that most likely it wouldn’t show even if I was pregnant, but thought I would try anyway.  I got up early, took the test and stood in disbelief as the word “pregnant” appeared before me.  I can’t tell you how surprised, amazed, excited, happy, thankful, and even somewhat shocked I was when I read “pregnant” on that plastic stick.  I opened the door to the bedroom and said “Jeff, I think we better cancel the appointment.”  He asked why and I gave the simplest, yet most amazing response that I had been hoping to say all year, “I’m pregnant.”  Jeff hugged me tight and told me “I told you it would happen!”  It was a wonderful moment. 

Now that Peanut is here and a part of our family I wanted to make sure to write a little about our journey in getting to where we are, a family of four.  Why?  Because even though people don’t talk about it much (and we didn’t really either), I know there are a lot of girls and couples that go through what we did.  And I know that even though a year seemed long, that others wait many, many years, and some don’t have the outcome we did.  And I know that it was a hard year for me.  It was tough to come up with a non chalant response to the question “are y’all going to have another baby” or “are you ready for baby #2?”  I can tell you that I will forever think twice about asking someone that question and most likely won’t ask that question, especially if it is not one of my very close friends.  But mainly I want to be able to read this from time to time so I can remember to thank God for answering our prayers, for being faithful, and for his grace in making us parents to another sweet child.   

It started back in the fall of 2009 when we knew we were ready to try to add another little one to our family.  I always knew I wanted more than one child, but once Ford was here I just didn’t feel “ready” yet.  When many friends were having their second baby I was still happily enjoying our Bean.  Finally we decided that Dec/Jan of 2010 would be a great time to try to expand our family.  For some reason I just felt that when we were ready to get pregnant that it would happen in the first few months.  But, month after month nothing happened.  I went to the doctor for the first time that spring to talk about it and that is when I started working with Ashley, my family nurse practitioner.  When summer arrived and still no pregnancy I was put on a low dose of chlomid to try and help my body regulate and ultimately, to help us get pregnant.  There were months I was absolutely certain that it was our time, only to be disappointed a week or two or more later.  The main side effect I experienced was being very emotional.  I found myself tearing up at very little things and very emotional each month that I wasn’t pregnant. 

At the end of December I was scheduled for and had a hysterosalpingogram which is a diagnostic tool to make sure the tubes are open.  A “by- product” of having a hsg is that it “clears” the tubes out, often resulting in pregnancy.  In fact, that is exactly what the doctor told me during the procedure.  I was hopeful that it might help, but really wasn’t thinking it would (but so thankful it did!).  The procedure was a little painful (actually a lot more than I expected), but it didn’t last long and the good news was that everything looked normal on the x-ray.  The next step for us was meeting with a fertility specialist.  I had taken six rounds of chlomid and Ashley agreed it was time to see what else we could do besides the chlomid and hsg procedure.  Jeff and I met with the doctor on January 14 for a consultation and were very encouraged.  Jeff said he wasn’t worried about it happening, but I was.  The doctor reassured us that it would happen and to throw everything I had been doing out the window.  No more temperature charts, ovulation kits, counting days etc.  She wanted us to meet back on the 19th to begin the steps for testing and a more solid plan.  On Wednesday morning, January 19 we called and cancelled that appointment.  The receptionists response was “wow, we are good!  Congrats!”  That morning I also called Ashley and she was so happy for us.  She said if I was still unsure about the test being accurate (which I was of course) that I should take another test, but that the digital ones that I used were pretty accurate, especially for a positive result.  One year to the month of when I had originally really wanted to get pregnant it happened.  Throughout the year I celebrated as friend after friend shared their good news of a pregnancy.  Each time I was so happy for them, but especially towards the end, I found myself having a pang of sadness or disappointment that we still weren’t there and just an intense longing to be able to share that same joyful news with family and friends.  Thankfully, the test was right and thankfully eight plus months later we were blessed with another precious boy. 

Looking back I know God had His plan all along.  He allowed our family of three some amazing time together, with some really special trips (like the apple orchard weekend and Disney World before Christmas), that we would not have been able to have if we had gotten pregnant when I originally wanted.  I know that there is a reason, or reasons, why God wanted us to have more time with just Ford or perhaps more years with just Crews at home once Ford is away at college (although when I ask Ford if he will call me when he is away at college he always says “you can come!”).  I can’t tell you specifically ”why,” but I trust His plan, and I celebrate His plan, and I am thankful for His plan and timing.  Having an almost four-year old when our second baby was born was not the age difference I thought we would have, but I am thankful for it.  Ford really seemed to understand from the first time we told him that God was giving us a baby.  Ford has really been a big help too and I find it so helpful that when it’s time to feed Crews Ford can continue to play or watch TV and I can go to Crews’ room and have some quiet time while I feed him, which is exactly what Ford got when he was a baby.  I love that Ford is at an age where he is truly thankful to have a brother.  I am thankful that Ford is old enough to be able to communicate his feelings to us as well.  So far he hasn’t seemed to mind having a baby in the family (and in fact really loves having Crews around), but there have been a couple times where he will say “no one will play with me” if we are busy attending to other things.  It is so helpful that he can tell us these things, rather than just crying or throwing a tantrum.  I also love that with great communication skills come sweet, precious words from our four-year old about his brother.  Things like “I love Crewsie Bear” or “Crews is my best brother!”  I love that Ford is old enough to understand how to be gentle, loving, to make his brother laugh, to kiss and hug him and just be excited about having him in our family.

So, one year later.  One year and a precious, amazing, beautiful, loving, happy 16-week old boy is in our family, our home, our lives and our hearts.  I am so thankful, grateful and humbled that God blessed us with Crews and chose me to be his Momma.  Harrison Crews was so worth the wait!

Ford’s Fourth Birthday!

Well, it’s been two weeks since our Ford Bean turned four years old!  And even though this is late in getting written, I wanted to make sure to include it so we could remember his great day. 

Ford’s birthday was on a Monday this year and Jeff was in Orlando for the bowl game.  Ford, Crews, and I started our morning out by picking up his birthday breakfast of Chick-fil-a.  The last three years we have gone to Lizards’ Thicket (which I should note is the only time we have ever been there) to get some french toast and eggs.  However, this year Ford decided he didn’t want to take the time to go eat somewhere so I gave the option of picking up breakfast which he quickly agreed to.  He wanted to get back so he could start playing basketball in the basement, a current favorite.  I sang ”happy birthday” to our sweet boy, let him blow out a candle on one of his chicken minis.

Then Ford was able to open his first present.  For months and months Ford had been telling us he wanted a “cow Woody” and a “cow Jessie” from Toy Story.  The funny thing is that Ford doesn’t really watch Toy Story, but he decided back in the summer that he wanted those two toys, as well as a Bull’s Eye.  Ford’s reaction when he opened up his first gift, a Toy Story toy pack that had both “Cow Jessie” and “Cow Woody” was priceless.  I caught it on video and was able to email it to Jeff so he could see how happy his boy was.  Ford was able to open a few more presents throughout the day and then a couple on Tuesday when Jeff was back in town. 

Ford opening his first (and probably his favorite) birthday present :  http://youtu.be/hTTAIDtGWUU

The usual decorations of pictures of Ford throughout the last year that I then put in a scrap-book.  This year the “monthly” pictures that were hung around the house were cowboy hats.

Through out the morning Ford and I played lots of basketball.  We also watched some of the Rose Bowl parade and during it Ford marched around the basement.  Later in the afternoon when the Gamecocks came on Ford decided it was time to change sports and (clothes) so we could play football in the basement.  The best part was tackling which meant tickling my Bean.  Ford is still extremely ticklish and howls with laughter when tickled.  I love it.  When Crews woke up we cleaned up a little, changed clothes again, and then the waiting began.  All day Ford kept asking me when his friends were coming over.  Isabel and Tripp both joined us for a little playing, pizza and cupcakes.  Their dads were away that day too so it worked perfectly to ask them over.  Ford viewed this as his “party” and was happy as can be, and still is when we ask about it.  Ford opened the front door so he could see out the glass door and literally sat down and watched to see if his friends were coming. 

When Isabel arrived he was thrilled and the playing immediately started.  After the three ate their pizza we sang “happy birthday” to Ford and he was able to blow out his four star candles.  Then I decided they should all be able to blow out a candle so all three friends sang “happy birthday” to each other and each blew out a candle.  Then more playing.  They all had a great time, especially the birthday boy. 

“Happy Birthday to you, Ford!”:  http://youtu.be/_GaSmdx_hTY

“happy birthday” to all the friends:  http://youtu.be/OH48at5ki90

I think this picture is hilarious so wanted to include it.  You might not think it would be hard to get a picture of two or three 3 and 4 yr olds, but it is. 

When it was time for bed Crews was already asleep and I was able to climb into bed with Ford to cuddle and talk about his day.  He loved it and told me he had a lot of fun.  Throughout the day we talked to Jeff and Ford was happy the Gamecocks pulled out a great win for his birthday.  He also loved a “happy birthday” video that Jeff sent from the cheerleaders and the big Cocky.  All in all our special boy had a fabulous day.  Ford is a blessing to us and we are so thankful to have had him in our family four years now!  We look forward to what this coming year has in store for him and our family.

A Big Day

This morning was a big day.  It was the first time that Crews was “dropped off” in his own classroom at BSF.  The last two weeks of Bible study Crews has only cat-napped in my arms and has been awake (and at times fussy) the rest of the time.  I ended up having to leave the group lecture both weeks and was in and out depending on whether he was being quiet or not.  So, last week I asked if there was room for him to transition from being with me, to being in his own “class.”  I got a call Monday that there was room.  I was happy overall that Crews would be able to go to the children’s program since it would allow me to better participate and learn.  However, I was also a little sad, nervous, etc. about it.  But, this morning we did it and I knew it was the right thing (especially because I had been told right after having him that they may not have room for him).  Crews had been up for almost two hours by the time I handed him over to the sweet ladies in the infant room so I knew there was a very good chance he would immediately start crying.  It was immediate, but as I was filling out his emergency information card I heard his cry and I have to admit I had a bit of a pit in my stomach.  I knew it was the right thing and that he was in very loving, capable hands, but I also felt a tad guilty.  But, I stuck with the decision and headed up to my group.  It was wonderful to be able to fully concentrate on our discussion and to not be worried about whether Crews was asleep, or awake, about to fuss, or “bothering” anyone (although the sweet ladies in my group tell me every week how wonderful he is and how his noises do not bother them at all).  I did say lots of prayers throughout our discussion time though that he was doing OK.  After our discussion time I headed in to the large group lecture and it was so nice to be able to listen, focus, and take notes.  Before the lecture/teaching was over though, I was called to go get Crews.  All the ladies were so encouraging and were saying what a great job he did, making it almost to the end.  He had fallen asleep in one of the ladies’ arms and they then put him in his car seat to sleep some.  But, once he woke up and started crying and wouldn’t calm down they decided I should be the one to try to calm him down.  And they were right, as soon as I got him in my arms he quieted down.  Now, he did still cry off and on once I had him for a bit, but he did flash some of his darling smiles and once he was more settled he started happily “talking” to me.  I know that his crying was mainly due to being exhausted and waking up before he should have.  Hopefully in time he will get used to being in his class and I know down the line he will come to enjoy being spoiled by so many loving ladies. 

When we got home I immediately fed him and he fell fast asleep.  We still had almost thirty minutes before going to get Ford so I just let him sleep in my arms.  I rested my eyes in between gazing down at our little miracle and checking the clock to make sure I was watching when we needed to leave to go get our other sweet miracle, Ford.  I loved being in the glider, the feel of Crews in my arms, listening to him breathe and at times the sound of him sucking on his tongue, his hand resting on my chest, and having the house quiet for me to just rest and pray for our boys.

Our little one is growing fast, although at times I feel this time of exhaustion might never end.  Since Friday Crews has been waking up a lot in the night, not to eat but with gas, or just needing his pass or being comforted.  Last night he was up at least six times (that I remember specifically that is).  But, I know this phase will (eventually) end, and am trying as much as I can to enjoy the days of having a newly four-year old and a sweet fifteen week old.  I do marvel at how quickly they change and how they learn things.  It is awesome to see.  Just this week Crews started deliberately reaching and grabbing for and holding onto the animal toys hanging down on his play mat.  He seems so excited now that he knows this trick.  He really enjoys being on his play mat and loves it even more now that he can grab and hold onto his animals over him.  He also is really anticipating his bath time now.  Just last night he was very tired and a little fussy, but as soon as we went in the bathroom and I put him on the rug to get his clothes off, he started smiling and kicking his legs and vocalizing.  The boy loves to be in the water (just like big brother!).  And I love that when I take his bib off and his clothes off that he laughs because it tickles.  Even when I put on a new bib he often giggles from the ticklish feeling of me being at the back of his neck.   

January 10

His vocalizations continue to expand and get even more animated and he just loves to “talk.”  The last few days he has been very talkative while he is eating.  Makes it a little difficult to feed him, but it is also a sweet time.  He will eat, then stop and look up at me with his beautiful big blue eyes and talk away.  We have had some wonderful “conversations” lately while he is supposed to be eating.  Guess he already understands the concept of table conversation.  And if Ford comes in his room while he is eating you can bet Crews is not eating but lifting his head to listen to his big brother and/or see him.  I love how social this little one is, it is definitely a trait I have prayed that both of our boys would have, and one that I feel God has blessed both boys with. 

Yesterday I felt a tiny prickly area on his bottom left gum and am wondering if it could be the tip of a tooth.  It might just be a rough spot he has gotten.  I have no idea, but he’s “too little” to have a tooth already (in my mind at least as I know he actually could have a tooth at his age).  I do know that Crews loves to have his fingers in his mouth, all the time.  He will stuff at least two fingers in to chew on, sometimes three and other times he even has his thumb plus three fingers in at once.  And somehow the little guy figures out a way to smile with all of those fingers in his mouth.

It really is amazing to watch little ones grow and I feel so blessed that we have the opportunity to help and watch Crews grow, as well as Ford.  As you can see from the picture below, Crews’ happy disposition returned after he ate and slept a little.  Both of our boys are such blessings and I truly thank God daily that He chose me to be their Momma. 

Fun in the Snow!

Some more pictures of the fun that Ford had playing in the Colorado snow!

Look in the upper left hand corner of this picture to see the deer that was very close to us while we were playing in the front one day

To see Ford eating snow:    http://youtu.be/-59cQIeya6U

To watch Ford making his first snow angel go to:  http://youtu.be/e_dDJUEj9hA

Our White Christmas

We had a wonderful and white Christmas this year. Both Ford and Jeff were really hoping for snow prior to our trip to Colorado.  Ford kept talking about the snow he was going to play in at Gramma and Papa’s house.  I kept reminding him that there was a good chance we would not have snow, but hopefully we would get lucky and have some.  A few days before we left Colorado got a ton of snow so we knew that even if more snow didn’t fall while we were there we would still see (and play) in some.

We had to leave our house extremely early for our 7:00 flight.  I went in to Ford’s room at 5:00 to wake him up.  Before I even turned on the light he shot up and yelled “good morning!”   The boy was so excited to get up since it meant he was going on the airplanes and would get to see Gramma, Papa, and Bailey. Both boys were so great on the flights.  It was Crews’ first time to fly at twelve weeks old.  Just like his brother Ford, who flew for the first time at ten weeks, he did great.  It was also Ford’s first time to be in charge of a bag.  He loved being able to roll his Mickey suitcase.  It was also wonderful and very helpful to have Jeff with us.  It was the first time we have flown together for our trip out there at Christmas and I was so thankful he was with us this time.

When we landed in Colorado everything was covered in white, including parts of the runway.  Ford was so excited.  It was really beautiful and made it seem like Christmas time.  As we were walking out of the secure area in the airport Ford spotted Gramma and Papa waiting for us.  He was so excited he dropped his Mickey suitcase that he was rolling and ran straight to them.  It was precious and I wish we had it on video.  The other people in the airport all loved seeing it too.  On our way home more snow actually came down.  So Ford and Jeff got what they had hoped for…snow, snow, snow!  In fact, it had snowed so much even just that day that my dad’s car couldn’t make it up the hills to their house so my mom drove her car back down to pick up my dad and Jeff (yes, it took two cars for all of our stuff since we had the big stroller).  My dad picked his car up the next day after the streets had been plowed.

Ford didn’t play in the snow the first day, but did the next few days.  We brought his rain boots to use as snow boots and Gramma had a snowsuit and gloves for him to use so he was set.  He loved making snowballs and having snowball fights with his Dada.  He also liked eating snow and one day we had a hard time stopping him from putting the snow in his mouth.  Ford also made snow angels and a snowman.  All in all he loved the snow.  He also loved seeing all of the deer we spotted each day. 

To see Ford throwing snowballs go to:  http://youtu.be/txl3tSLJf0E

Ford also really enjoyed playing in “his basement.”  He played a ton of basketball and football, and also rode his bike.  He loved wearing his new puppy dog slippers that were waiting for him as they make the same sounds as the basketball players shoes do when they play on the court.  He also played ball with Bailey.  Bailey loved having his buddy back and loved having Ford play with him.  Bailey also loved Crews.  It didn’t take Bailey long to decide that Crews was his baby and his responsibility, which is exactly what he did the first time he met Ford as a baby.  Bailey would lay next to Crews when we put him on the floor, or go sit by whoever had Crews in their arms.  Crews really liked Bailey too and smiled a lot when Bailey was around him.

On Christmas Eve Ford, Jeff and Papa went to the mall for Ford to play on the indoor playground that he loves and to get Chick fil a for lunch. On their way home they picked up Rudy’s barbecue for our dinner.  It was such a treat to have “Texas” brisket!  We all headed to the 3:00 children’s service at church before coming home to our yummy dinner.  The service was a Christmas pageant with the children as they read the true Christmas story from both Matthew and Luke.  In between the scripture readings we sang Christmas carols.  It was a really neat service and it captivated Ford’s attention. Christmas Eve night we said good-bye to Ford’s elf, Sprinkles, who had traveled to Gramma and Papa’s to continue watching Ford.

On Christmas eve night we also all watched the video email that Santa sent Ford.  He intently watched and smiled when Santa said that Ford had been nice this year.  We watched it a couple of times before putting cookies out for Santa and heading to bed.  As Jeff put our very excited boy in his bed, Ford said to him ” I’m so glad I was nice, I’m gonna be nice every day!”

Christmas morning Ford was up by six! I had just taken Crews from Jeff who had been holding him for a bit (the little guy’s gas problems continue in the early mornings) when Ford came to our room.  He and Jeff watched tv for a bit and at seven (when neither of our boys had fallen back asleep) we all went downstairs.  Ford was so excited to see his drum, with a strap for around his neck, sitting on top of his stocking from Santa!  He loved going through his stocking and finding a Curious George DVD, the Ratatouille DVD, Cars undies, skittles, and the car Francesco (from the Cars movie).  Crews was awake for a bit of the morning before falling asleep in his Dada’s arms for the rest of the present opening.  He was awake for his stocking and got some books, and a couple of new toys.

To see Ford on Christmas morning: http://youtu.be/JL2tf2UVoXM

Crews and his stocking: http://youtu.be/-jO6P4NOWBk

Ford’s two favorite gifts were Candyland from Momma and Dada and his harmonica and United Airlines set from Gramma and Papa.  During the rest of our visit there was a lot of playing “band,” “airport,” and Candyland.  Ford also loved helping open Crews’ gifts since he was asleep most of the time.  Crews got his very own “Sammie” the singing seahorse, just like big brother had when he was a baby.  We have started playing it for him as he goes to sleep.  Ford really enjoyed Christmas this year and it was fun to see him open his gifts and then play with all of them as well.     

 

 

During our visit we were also able to go see my Grandma (who is now 97 years old).  It was special getting to introduce her to her second great-grandson, Crews.  She really loved holding him.  Each time she held him she seemed very happy and commented on how much he moved his legs.  Ford enjoyed showing G.G. some of his new things, and liked seeing the Christmas tree that was in the common area of where she lives.  Every time we were there she was happy to see all of us and I am thankful she was able to meet Crews.   

One night after Christmas we also went to The Broadmoor to see the beautiful Christmas decorations and giant gingerbread creation.  Ford remembered going last year and was excited to see what they had this year.  He was not disappointed, and neither were we.  As always, it was gorgeous and we enjoyed our evening walking around.

Visit to The Broadmoor

And a trip to Colorado just wouldn’t seem complete without a visit to the zoo.  We bundled ourselves as well as our little snowman, Crews Bear, and headed to see the animals.  Ford loved feeding the giraffes who were inside their house due to the cold weather.  Ford especially liked feeding one of the baby giraffes who was right at Ford’s level when Ford wasn’t in Papa’s arms.  Another favorite, as always, was Tahoma the moose.  He was sitting happily in the snow which Ford loved.  We also saw all the female lions cuddled up together on a big rock keeping warm.  As always, the peacocks all seemed to find us .  Ford didn’t see a couple of them, but a few of them were right in our path.  As much as he talks about “liking” the peacocks now, when he is in the moment, he still is so nervous and scared.  Poor guy.  Ford and Papa rode the fast carousel and were the only riders.  Ford liked that it was playing Christmas music this time.  It was another very successful and fun trip to the zoo.  Crews ended up sleeping through most of it.  

The Zoo Trip

To see Ford feeding the giraffes go to:  http://youtu.be/v0fllASQii4

One early evening after Christmas all six of us, plus Bailey, sat in the cozy front room/study/den and watched Ford’s new Ratatouille.  Even Crews was with us (although he slept for some of it).  Ford loved having a “family movie night.”    While we were in Colorado Crews continued to do great sleeping in the crib at night.  My mom borrowed a swing from a friend, but Crews decided he did not care for it.  So, all but a few naps were taken in someone’s arms.  He dropped a feeding the night after Christmas.  I had been feeding him around 9:30 for a “dream feed” (meaning he wasn’t waking up to eat) hoping it would help him go longer between the next feeding.  However, that night I fell asleep and didn’t wake up at 9:30 to go feed him and he did not wake me up.  He didn’t wake up until 2 which was the time he had been waking up with me feeding him at 9:30.  I decided to see what would happen the next night if I didn’t go in to feed him at 9:30 and he slept till 2 again and has continued to do so ever since.  I was a little nervous prior to our trip about how Peanut would do on the airplane, with the time change, a different crib, the altitude, etc., but overall he did wonderfully!

It was a lot different having an almost three-month old with us this Christmas.  I headed to bed not long after the boys did to try to get some rest, so the usual evening relaxing that we do I skipped out on.  I also felt like a lot of my time was spent with just Crews, rather than all of us being together for most of the day, but it was still a special Christmas.  It is crazy to think how different (and fun) it will be next year with an almost 15 month old, rather than an infant.  We worked around feeding times and Crews’ early bedtime, and did manage to get out some, as well as have fun at home.  Ford had a blast during our visit and it was great to see him enjoying himself so much.  It was also sweet to see Ford showing Crews his new things and continuing to watch as Ford loved on his brother.  We are thankful that this year we had two amazing and precious boys in our family at Christmas.  Christmas 2011 was definitely a special one.

The Dog They Love

While we were in Colorado for Christmas both of our boys loved being with Bailey.  Ford played with Bailey for hours, kicking and throwing his ball to him, and also helped take him to the dog park as well.  Bailey loved Crews from the moment he met him (just like he did with Ford) and Crews loved Bailey.  Bailey made Crews smile quite a bit during our trip and when Bailey wasn’t playing with Ford, he was next to Crews (or whoever had Crews in their arms).  It is always so fun to see the fun, smiles, and laughter that Bailey brings to Ford, and now to Crews as well.

Tidbits and Treasures #9

10/1 This was the day we brought Crews home.  It was so sweet to hear all of the things I listed below.  Ford was so excited that we were all home. 

He told me:  “I’m a good big brother.  I’m a good volleyball player.”  Not sure how the two are related, but he seemed to think they were. 

Going over to the bassinet where Crews was sleeping Ford peered over and said “Hi Buddy!” and then excitedly said “The baby looked at me!” 

Later that same day he went over to Crews and said “Hi brother!”

10/3  Ford said to me “I like our baby.” Later he was kissing Crews’ face and mittens that had been in his mouth and had been spit up on and Ford said “Why does he smell bad?”

10/5 Ford looked at me and said “Momma your tummy is small!”  (Made my day!)

10/17 Ford said to me “Momma, I am proud that you can drive.”  He thought it was so wonderful once I was finally able to start driving again after my c-section.

10/18  Ford said “I love you Momma.”  I said back to Ford “I love you Ford Bean.  I’m thankful for you,” and Ford replied “I’m thankful for you too.”  Moments like that I hope I will always remember.

10/16 When Ford was with Jeff he said: “You know what Dad?  I love you so much!”

10/23  Ford said “Crews is my best baby, Dada.” 

11/6 Ford said to Jeff  “Dad, you’re a mess.  You’re a piece of paper!”  He meant “You’re a piece of work.” 

Later that day when Ford and Jeff were at the volleyball game Ford asked Jeff why the Gamecocks were wearing “underwear.”  Have to give it to the kid, the volleyball “shorts” they wear do look a tad like underwear. 

11/7  While we were playing “zoo” in Ford’s room he told me: “When I grow up I’m gonna be a zookeeper.  To help the animals.  All the animals.  But not the gorilla or the crocodile.”

11/9 Ford told me “Dada didn’t detal my floss last night!”  Which means Jeff forget to floss his teeth. 

12/6 While we were driving he said to me “These are some beautiful houses!”

12/8 While Ford and I were reading a Christmas book he told me “Jesus is the reason for the season!”

12/20 As we were leaving a friends house he said “These are nice houses on this street.”  Later in the car I asked him what he had told me about the houses and he said “They’re beautiful.”

12/23 While playing in Gramma and Papa’s basement  “all we need is a refrigerator and then we will be all set.”

12/28  While playing in the basement with Jeff Ford asked:  “Can we live here? All we need is a refrigerator.”

12/29   Ford on car ride to airport asked: “Gramma, are you wearing your nightgown?”

-Ford seeing an iron fence around an apartment complex asked:  “why do they have a gate? I bet it’s to keep the wolves out.”  I think he meant “coyotes” as we saw a coyote on a dirt pile on the way to my Grandmother’s the day before. 

1/4 After playing with his new submarine in the bathtub that he got from Isabel Ford said:  “My friends gave me special things for my birthday.”  It was said in the most sincere, sweetest way.

He then said to Jeff:  “This weekend do you want to play marching band?  I will play the drum and you have the ramonica (aka “harmonica”) and mom can be the major!”  The boy loves to pretend he is in the marching band during half-time of us playing football or basketball.

A couple of different times lately Ford has said that he wanted a boy and God gave him a boy, Crews!  It is so cute when he says it and I really feel he is so thankful to have a brother.  Here are quite a few pictures that I have not yet had a chance to post of the two brothers together.

October 1 First day Crews was home

October 9 at the zoo

October 16 Hanging out in Crews’ crib together

October 30

December 13

January 4