Five Months Old!

Crews turned five months old yesterday!  A lot has happened in the last month and he continues to be such a precious, loving, happy sweetie!  He kicked off the month at Disney which isn’t a shabby way to start and ever since it has been a fun and busy month for our Bear.  This month had quite a few “firsts” and our little one is learning so much. 

Crews had his first taste of “food” (rice cereal) on Sunday, February 5 (The first two pictures).  Overall, he did an awesome job for his first time even though at times, especially that first try, he was more interested in chewing on his spoon than getting the cereal in his mouth.  He now gets rice cereal at lunch when Ford is also eating his lunch, usually around 12:30.  The doctor said to start with twice a day, but we aren’t quite there yet.  But, today I actually did get a “breakfast” rice cereal in so maybe soon breakfast and lunch will become our new pattern.  I started out feeding him in his bumbo chair but have since started feeding him while in his bouncy seat.  Although he tolerates the bumbo he doesn’t seem to like being in it that much.  I think it may not feel that great to him.  Lately he is doing a great job eating and doesn’t really spit the cereal out too much.  We are proud of him for already being a good eater!

To see his first rice cereal experience go to:  http://youtu.be/AhLvSsOAGxg

February 16

Crews also played in his exersaucer for the first time on February 13.  He has been playing in it since and seems to enjoy it.  I tried him in it with a pillow a friend let us borrow that helps keep him more upright, but he seems happy with out it so we haven’t really used the pillow much.   

Another first involves grabbing my face and grabbing my nose and mouth which he started on February 20.  I love when I hold him up to burp him and his face is just inches from mine that he looks at me and now reaches and grabs part of my face in his hands.  I especially love when he just rests his hand on my cheek.  Also when I burp him I just love looking at him.   His rosy round cheeks and rosy nose coupled with his gorgeous, big blue eyes melt my heart. 

He is still napping in his swing and takes a nap around 9 (as soon as we get home from taking Ford to school and most days it only takes minutes for him to be sound asleep) and then around 1:00.  He will take a third nap as well if we are home for about thirty minutes and always wakes up crying from the last nap.  Usually he wakes up happy from his first two, longer naps.  Lately when I put him in his swing for his nap he gets excited when the play/toy bar goes on and his legs start kicking and arms start moving.  On the monitor I can watch him playing with the toys for a bit and often while he is sleeping he is holding on to part of the bar.

On February 20 we heard Jeff come home while we were in his room and he was eating.  Crews immediately stopped eating, looked towards the door and then back to me as if to ask “is he coming to see me too?”  When Jeff came in to say hi Crews had a huge smile.  Since then I have noticed the same pattern each night if Jeff comes home once we are already upstairs in his room.  He definitely knows his daddy and loves him a lot.

February 25

Crews will twist himself back around to see something behind him and on February 22 started rolling on his side from his back, trying to roll onto his tummy.  He seems so very close to getting a full roll, but isn’t quite there.  He has even started this twisting turning trick while on his changing table (not the greatest place to practice this skill). 

Another big first was on February 24.  Crews rolled from his tummy to his back three times.  After each roll when I was praising him he had the biggest grin on his face and seemed so proud of himself.  He hasn’t rolled again, but I know the trick will return (I remember Ford doing the same thing, rolling a few times and then not doing it again for quite a while).

To see one of his rolls go to:  http://youtu.be/bRhqFjYV4PY

I love that when Crews gets sweaty the hair above his ears curls up.  I also love that if his hair isn’t “brushed” after his bath it sticks up in places and is quite fuzzy.  I also love that at times he will still hold his thumb between his index and middle fingers or tucked under all of his fingers.  It is happening less and less as he gets older and is “playing more,” but I still love it.  If you look at his hand in the pictures below you will see I caught him doing it (both ways) in a picture finally.

Crews loves his Sophie Giraffe and can hold onto her now, manipulating her to fit in his mouth to chew however he wants (feet in his mouth or her ears etc).  He also likes his  Mortimer Moose, Larry the Lion,  the giraffe and lion on his play mat, and rings to chew on.  He will reach and grab toys he wants and then also drops them.  When I read books to him he studies the pages and then will try to hold the book and often try to put it in his mouth.  I love when he studies something that is close up that his eyes cross a bit.  So cute.  He also still loves his bouncy seat and loves kicking to make the lights and music go.  He also loves reaching for and grabbing the toys that hang down.   Crews is also playing on his tummy now.  Rather than just “putting up” with tummy time, he now actually will play with the toys in front of him.  It still isn’t his favorite position, but he is definitely staying on his tummy for longer periods with out fussing. 

February 17

Feb 25

February 27

When I sit down with him in his glider to eat he all of a sudden acts ravenous.  Even though he has not shown any signs of being hungry prior to us sitting down.  As soon as we sit down, he can’t eat soon enough!  And he gets a little frantic and makes “ah, ah, ah!” or “hah hah hah” noises while moving all around until I start feeding him.  He used to look like a little lizard as well as his tongue would dart in and out of his mouth at that time too, but he isn’t doing that part any more. 

Crews is ticklish and so laughs hysterically when I do “thigh muncher buncher” or the “tickle monster.”  Pretty much any type of tickling game gets a giggle or belly laugh from our Peanut.

To see some smiles and laughs with “Thigh muncher” go to:  http://youtu.be/sHk0w7qYRMw

It doesn’t take much to make this baby smile and laugh.  I love that he thinks we are hilarious.  And I love making him grin and giggle.  To see more laughs:  http://youtu.be/VNqOa5k-QMQ

Crews has discovered the curtains that hang by his changing table and loves to grab them.  He has had his first lesson in “hands off” already. 

I love the dimples for knuckles on his pudgy hands and love that he still loves to grab onto our hands/arms.  When I put him in his crib at night and give him his pass he will grab onto my hand and hold it on his face.  He even pulls my hand to his face and would be happy to fall asleep that way if we let him. 

Crews is still wearing size 2 diapers, but can also wear size 3.  I have a feeling our days in size 2 diapers are limited.  He is wearing size 3-6 month clothes.  He eats at 8/8:30, 11:30, 3/3:30, and then 6/6:30 before bed.  During the night he eats two more times that vary.  Up until about a week ago he had added a third nighttime feeding back in and I am thankful that he has seemed to drop that.  Hopeful it is for good this time.  He also still gets up around 5:30 and eventually is either held by Jeff or me until he wakes up for good around 7-7:30 usually.  And he is boycotting bottles.  Just like his big brother in so many ways.  Every Sunday night I have a Chio meeting and Jeff tries to give Crews a pumped bottle.  And lately every Sunday night Crews refuses it and just eats when I get home after his usual “dinner time.”  

Crews is definitely teething.  He drools a lot and continues to want to “chew” on something all the time.  He will pull one of our fingers into his mouth for us to massage his gums while he chomps down.  No teeth have broken through yet though. 

Crews loves his brother.  Whenever he hears Ford or sees him, he smiles from ear to ear.  Ford likes to go get him up from his afternoon nap and will go in Crews’ room first, turn on the lights and go straight to the swing, talking sweetly to Crews the whole time.  Crews sees him and grins and looks right into Ford’s face when Ford gets down at his level.  Ford then gives Crews a hug and kiss and asks “Did you have a great nap Crews Bear?”  Momma then gets Crews out of the swing, but Ford loves to be the one that “gets him up.”  Crews is also reaching for Ford and grabbing on to his hair when they are playing together. 

February 15

Crews is a sweet spirited little one.  He continues to be a happy baby and really only fusses if he is tired or hurting.  He is still on Prevacid for his reflux and on his birthday started getting it twice a day.  The night before (the 27th) was a terrible night with him waking every hour or two and during that day and his birthday he was crying a lot during every feeding.  Last night was much better (although he is still fussing when I feed him) but we are hopeful the second dose will do the trick and help him feel back to himself soon.

  February 26

I also love that Crews turns himself in his crib so that his head is nestled up against the bumper pad (the left side of his head as he goes in the same position each time).  And most times when I put him back in his crib after eating in the middle of the night his arms/hands go up by his head and he often turns his head to the side.  Crews goes to be at about 7:00 each night.  He typically is awake when I put him in there.  Once in awhile if he is extremely exhausted he falls asleep eating and goes in there already asleep.  Although I know it is best for him to be placed in there awake, I do love the nights where he falls asleep on me (like in the pictures below taken 2-22-12).  I love that we can just sit and rock in the chair and I can enjoy the feel of him resting on me and can just listen to him breathe (and it’s not in the middle of the night). 

 

I love his feet and love that with the nicer weather we have had he has been able to go sockless. I love how his feet move one on top of the other and love when he wiggles his toes. 

On the changing table with his sweet feet:  http://youtu.be/hbp0gcPHMtc

I also love his chunky thighs and round tummy!  So precious! 

We are so blessed to have Crews in our family.  I love everything about him.  I am so thankful for him and am amazed at how much he is learning and changing.  He is truly a blessing.

February 28…5 months old!!

Game time!

This time of year is full of Gamecock athletic events!  With the end of basketball season comes the start of baseball and softball and tennis matches.  Such fun for our little Gamecock loving four-year old!  Yesterday all four of us went out to watch a little tennis and Ford loved it.  He kept asking who was winning and in between watching the different matches he was running around playing his own game.  Today Ford and Jeff were able to check out a little of the lady Gamecock’s basketball game too! 

Last Saturday, February 18, Ford and Jeff went to see the men’s Gamecock basektball team play.  Isabel and her dad, Stephen, went with them.  They all had a great time.  After the basketball game they all went to the baseball game for a bit too.  Ford was in heaven watching his Gamecocks with his best friend, Isabel!  There is no doubt our Bean is a sports fan!

 

Check ‘em out Sandstormin’ here…http://youtu.be/Cp_5JoGHirI

Meeting Ellie and Sam

On Wednesday Crews and I drove to Newberry to meet one of my dear friends from grad school, Laura.  Laura is a friend that I will always share an incredible, special, and unique bond with.  She lives in Chicago and was in North Carolina visiting her parents with her identical twin girls, Ellie and Sam, who are almost 9 months old.   Laura, the girls, and her parents drove almost two hours to Newberry so we could visit and so that I would only have about a 45-50 minute drive which I really appreciated.  It was so wonderful to see all of them.  I loved meeting the girls and as it always is with Laura, it was so easy to pick right up where we left off last time we visited (which was two years ago!).  It was also great to see her parents whom I hadn’t seen since graduation in 2002! 

We had a great lunch and then went to a park where we let the babies stretch out on a blanket while we chatted.  At almost five months old, Crews was about the same size as the girls!   Sam and Ellie are both sitting up and rolling around.  Crews was definitely checking out their tricks.  In fact, he started rolling on his side and trying to get over to his tummy!  And he kept trying and trying.  When we got home he still was determined to get to his tummy.  He didn’t quite make it, but was and is, so very close!  Ford stayed late at school which worked out perfectly!  It happened to be pizza day which he was also excited about.  When I picked him up he told me he had a great time staying while I had a great time with my dear friend.  It was such a fun treat to be able to see Laura and meet her girls and I am thankful that Laura and her parents were willing to make the drive to come see us!

Crews checking out Sam

Checking out Ellie

Day 4, Epcot and Magic Kingdom

Our last day was spent at both Epcot and Magic Kingdom.  We started our morning at Epcot riding Journey into Imagination and letting Ford play in the imagination area after.  We also met Chip and Dale.  Then we headed over to Test Track.  I fed Crews while everyone rode.  Ford loved it!  It was his first time as he was not tall enough last year.  Once I got back Jeff, Ford and I rode it together while Crews took a nap in Gramma’s arms.  More than any other moment during our trip, I wish I had my camera on me during this ride.  Especially when the car went on the outside track and went 60 miles per hour.  Ford smiled with his entire face he loved it so much!  He definitely loved Test Track.  We decided we had done everything we had wanted at Epcot this trip so took the Monorail over to The Magic Kingdom.  When we got there we decided to ride the train.  We got off at Frontierland and while Crews napped in my arms the rest of the group went on Splash Mountain. It was Ford’s first ride on that ride as well, and he liked it (even though he initially didn’t like that he got wet).  We were also able to watch the afternoon parade on Main Street.  Before heading to Tony’s restaurant for a delicious early dinner we went on Carousel of Progress.  Ford sat through it all and later in the day he told Jeff “it’s going to be beautiful tomorrow.  That is what they said on the Carousel of Progress!”  He was obviously listening and caught on to the song “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow!”  that is played during the “ride.” 

At Tony’s Ford liked that it was decorated with pictures from Lady and the Tramp.  As we finished dinner another little parade started right outside of the restaurant that we watched.  We rode some more rides before my mom, dad, Crews and I headed back to the resort.  Ford and his Dada got to spend a little more time in the park together, just the two of them.  They had a great time and I am glad they had that special time. 

Our trip was definitely a magical one.  Ford absolutely loves all things Disney.  I loved watching him with the characters and on the rides.  I loved seeing him stretch out his arms towards each character as he walked up to meet and hug them.  I loved that most characters also got a kiss from him as well.  I loved that he truly believes the Mickey he saw is the “real” Mickey and that there is only one.  I loved watching him on the rides whether it was one that he was so excited and happy to be on, or one that he was more cautious about.  The boy truly loved every minute of his Disney trip, even at the resort.  I loved that Crews was a sweet and pretty flexible baby.  I loved that he hardly fussed at all.  I loved spending time with my two little boys, Jeff and my parents.  It was just a great and special time and one that I am very grateful for!  Since getting back Ford has continued to play “Disney.”  From being the jungle cruise driver, to one of the bus drivers for the Magical Express Bus or one of the park buses, to putting on “Dreaming Shows” like we saw in front of the castle, our four-year old has used his great imagination to imagine he is back at one of his favorite places.  And he is already ready to go back…     

During our trip Jeff joked about how we looked like Gypsies.  Half of the time Ford wasn’t in his stroller, and if you look in the back you will see my Dad pushing Crews’s stroller, but Jeff carrying Crews.  However, even if the boys weren’t in their strollers, they came in handy to hold our stuff.

Waiting for our Magical Express Bus back to the airport

Day 3, Hollywood Studios

Day 3 started out with a delicious and extremely fun breakfast at Chef Mickey’s inside the Contemporary Resort.  We rode the monorail after taking a bus to the Magic Kingdom and Ford was happy to finally get to take a ride.  During breakfast Ford loved having his favorite characters come by our table.  He hugged every single one of them and gave many of them kisses as well.  Donald came by first and then Goofy.  Ford said “I love that Donald was so nice and that Goofy was funny!”  Many of the characters also said hello to Crews, who had started out the breakfast sleeping, but then woke up.  Crews was definitely trying to figure the characters out and  I love his facial expression in the picture below with Minnie.  We also were able to see Pluto, Mickey and Minnie during our breakfast.  We also were able to participate in the dance party.  Ford definitely had a blast and it was a great way to start our day. 

After our breakfast we hopped on the monorail to the transportation center and decided to go to Hollywood Studios.  That was the one park that we did not take Ford to last year so it was his first time.  We ran in to Tigger and Eeyore and then Ford was able to meet Jake (from Jake and the Neverland Pirates) and Handy Manny.  Then while I went to feed Crews everyone went to watch the Little Mermaid play/show.  Ford has never watched The Little Mermaid movie so was pretty unfamiliar with the story (although he does know “Ariel”).  He wasn’t a fan of the show as they apparently focussed more on the more frightening parts. 

After Little Mermaid we all watched the Disney Junior Live show which Ford enjoyed.  Then we decided to wait in line for the Toy Story Mania ride.  It was the longest wait we had our entire trip, but worth it.  Ford really wanted to ride it, and we are all glad we waited.  I was able to ride with Ford and Crews and we had so much fun.  The wait was 50 minutes and Ford did a great job in line.  During our four days in the parks we were very lucky with wait times.  It was definitely a great time to visit as the crowds were not bad at all.  Between short lines and using Fast Passes we really didn’t have to wait much at all, except for the Toy Story ride.  After riding Ford met Buzz and Woody before heading out to find Lightening McQueen and Mater.  He met both of the cars and then we decided to get a late lunch.  We lucked out and right as we sat down outside to eat the parade started.  It went right by the restaurant so we had a great view.    Ford was able to wave to some of his favorite movie characters, even seeing Remy from Ratatouille! 

After the parade Ford played on the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground set.  He loved it!  I fed Crews and when I came back, he was still as happy as could be playing.  In fact, he was so happy we let him continue to play while Jeff and I had a roller coaster date to ride Rockin Rollercoaster.  We appreciated my parents watching the boys so we could ride one of our favorite rides together!  After riding we all met back up and decided to head home.  Ford decided he wanted to spend his evening on the playground at the resort rather than in the pool like the night before.  It was another fun day.   

Ford and Goofy:  http://youtu.be/kfHBRKZcsbU

Dance celebration at Chef Mickey’s:  http://youtu.be/rgvO_W9pyRc

Crews, Ford, and Pluto:  http://youtu.be/QTnkAv_2dZQ

Playing at Hollywood Studios:  http://youtu.be/gFs_3yYpiZY

Day 2, Epcot

On Saturday we headed out to Epcot.  It was a beautiful day, as were all of the other days we were there other than the first day.  We met up with the Everlys when we got there and all went on Spaceship Earth.  This was Ford’s first time to go on that ride as we skipped it last year.  He rode with Papa and ended up on Papa’s lap for the ride.  My dad said that it didn’t take long before he thought it was a good ride and wasn’t scared.  All of us grabbed breakfast together and then Jeff and Joseph rode Soarin while the rest of us went to Norway to ride the log ride.  After that it was time for me to say good-bye to go feed Crews while everyone else said good-bye as well.  Our family headed to the Coral Reef Restaurant for our lunch reservations while the Everlys finished a few things before leaving for the airport. 

Our lunch was awesome.  Ford loved the huge wall that was an aquarium and he even spotted a huge sea turtle.  And the food was incredible!  We rode on the Nemo ride, went into Turtle Talk with Crush, saw a few fish and the manatee and then headed on to Soarin using our fast pass.  Jeff, Ford and I rode first while Gramma and Papa waited with Crews.  After we rode the ride my parents took the infant rider swap card and were able to ride.  Crews was able to go on most of the rides with us, however, the ones that had a height minimum (like Soarin) he waited with one of us and then we were able to get an infant swap card which let the ones waiting back with Crews go on the ride without having to wait in the line.  We thought Ford would really like this ride as he loves to go on airplanes.  During the ride Ford sat between us and held my hand with both of his hands and let Jeff’s hand remain on his thigh.  He didn’t say he was scared, but after the ride he said he didn’t want to ride again even though he could have gone with Gramma and Papa.  We also went to Mexico to ride on the Three Caballeros boat ride which Ford loved.  It has Donald, who Ford loves, so it was a hit.  Before the ride Ford was able to actually see and hug Donald in Mexico which made him so happy.  The Mickey ice cream sandwhich he had as a snack also made him happy.  We then decided to head to the character meet and greet area so Ford could see more of his Mickey friends.  He loved seeing Mickey, (skipped Minney), Donald, Pluto and Goofy.  We then decided to head back to the resort, having an earlier end to our day in the park, so that Ford could go swimming.  There were four pools, two with slides, and even great parks too. So, we headed back “home” and Jeff, Ford and Papa headed to one of the pools with a slide where Ford had a blast going down the water slide.  It didn’t end up being an earlier to bed night for Ford, but definitely a great night for Ford.  Like day one, day two was awesome.  Crews continued to do great, but continued his trend of mainly napping in someone’s arms.  On our trip he did take a few naps in his car seat, but mainly in arms.  Crews also celebrated his four-month birthday on day two, January 28!          

Jeff trying to get Crews to take a nap.  Makes me laugh everytime I look at this picture. 

To see Ford meeting Mickey at Epcot:  http://youtu.be/DEvcOZBcSGQ

Seeing Donald: http://youtu.be/D47Ue6JBROs

Meeting Pluto:  http://youtu.be/uceOQY7Dbmk

Our Magical Trip, Day 1!

The last week in January we were lucky enough to get to go to Ford’s favorite place on earth…Disney World!  We met my parents in the Orlando airport on January 26.  We found really cheap tickets out of Charlotte and opted out of the 8 hour plus drive with a four-year old who doesn’t care for car trips, a Momma who isn’t a big fan of long drives either, and an almost four month old who most likely wouldn’t like it either and who would require frequent stops for feeding and diaper changing.  It was a very good decision as our trip there was very smooth. 

After meeting up with my parents we all boarded one of the “Magical Express” buses that took us to our resort, Saratoga Springs, or “Taradoga” or “Taradoda” Springs as Ford called it.  Ford was so excited to be on the bus and to be watching things about the Disney Parks on the TVs in the bus.  Ford decided rather quickly that he liked our hotel, as did the rest of us, and told Jeff multiple times “I like this place Dad!”  We had a two bedroom suite that had a kitchen, washer/dryer which came in handy a couple of times, and family room.  It was nice to have space for everyone.  The rooms even had pack-n-plays so we didn’t have to lug one for Crews.  My parents brought Ford’s mini blow up bed (that has “rails” of sorts built in) from their house which worked perfectly for him.  Once we checked in we were taken on a very big golf cart to our room.  Our luggage was unloaded and we headed out to Downtown Disney which was literally across the lake from our building.  We decided to go eat at Rainforest Cafe thinking Ford would love it.  Well, he loved the animals, but did not love the “rain storms” that came every thirty minutes, complete with “thunder.”  Oh well.  We had fun none the less and then found Ford a t-shirt to wear to Magic Kingdom the next day.  Ford did a great job picking out a fun Mickey shirt that also looks like a baseball jersey.  We were home for a decent bedtime so that we could get up Friday morning and head to the Magic Kingdom! 

Friday morning we headed out and got on a bus to the Magic Kingdom.  The first thing Ford wanted to do when we were inside the gates was to go see Mickey and Minnie.  So that is just what we did.  We spotted Mary Poppins, but Ford decided he didn’t want to wait in the line to meet her.  A few days before we left for our trip we checked out the movie “Mary Poppins” from the libaray.  Ford absolutely loved it and watched it twice in the two days before we left and was excited when he recognized her!  He wanted to know if the children, Jane and Michael were also there.  Then we ran into Pinocchio (who had a short line) so decided to meet him, before finding Pluto under the train station.  Ford was so happy to have not only started the day with Mickey, but also with his pal, Pluto. 

We headed down Main Street into Fantasy Land to start riding some rides.  Going to Disney when we did was great.  It was not very crowded at all and we didn’t have to wait long for rides.  The only down side was that quite a few things were closed for refurbishment, including Dumbo and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad which Ford would have been tall enough for this year.  However, the lack of people was well worth missing out on a few rides!  Once in Fantasy Land we all rode on the Carousel and then Peter Pan, even Crews.  He rode most of the rides that day, sometimes sleeping in my arms, other times awake.  When we got off of Peter Pan we met up with the Everlys!  Yep, our friends the Everlys from Texas were also at Disney that week and we were able to overlap all day Friday, and then Saturday morning as well.  It was so fun to see them and especially fun for Ford to see Charlotte.  The two have always had a special friendship and it didn’t take long before they were holding hands, running around, laughing and just having a blast together as always.  We all went on It’s a Small World, the Tea Cups, and Winnie the Pooh.  It did end up raining that day as the weather had said and our ponchos came in handy not only to keep us dry, but the strollers as well.  Ford and Charlotte loved playing in the tree house that was in front of the Pooh Bear ride and were content there for quite awhile.  I left to go feed Crews in the Baby Care Center while everyone else went on the race car Speedway ride.  Ford rode with Papa and was so excited to get a “driver’s license” as he got off.  Each of the four parks has a baby care center, complete with a private room for moms who need to nurse their little ones, a room with lots of soft (and clean) changing tables, a place to buy baby items if needed etc.  They were so wonderful and made the times I had to feed Crews in the parks each day (two to three times depending on the day) much easier and relaxing. 

Next we headed to Adventure Land where they rode Aladdin’s Magic Carpets and then went on the Jungle Cruise.  Both Crews and Juliet were asleep in their Momma’s arms so Amanda and I were able to chat on a bench.  Ford and Charlotte continued to have a blast and were dancing their way through the park.   Literally.  If they weren’t holding hands walking, they were running and dancing after each other.  To catch a glimpse of what I am talking about go to:  http://youtu.be/L6CMiI8Onag and http://youtu.be/UlSL9JRtErY.

Over in Tomorrow Land they also went on the People Movers which they both liked, and then Buzz Lightyear.  We were able to see a “Dream Show” in front of the castle that had all of Ford’s favorite characters in it.  Since seeing that show Ford now puts on his own “Dreaming Show” at home and apparently at school as well.  We had dinner reservations for all ten of us at The Crystal Palace restaurant where Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore came by our table to say hello.  After quickly eating their meal Ford and Charlotte played around our table, continuing to have a fabulous time.  At one point Ford was playing ice cream parlor and taking our orders for what kind of ice cream we wanted.  Ford is notorious for asking what we want and then telling us they are all “out.” While playing ice cream Ford came up to my mom, put his hand on her forearm, looked at her and said “be sweet. be careful… for goodness sakes!”  We all burst out laughing as he was so serious when he said it to her and weren’t sure where he was pulling that from.   

After dinner I fed Crews while the rest of the group went on the People Movers and Buzz Lightyear again.  We met up in front of the castle to watch fireworks, but Ford decided he was OK to skip them and go home.  This didn’t surprise me as he is not a huge fireworks fan.  Although he likes to make loud noises himself, he doesn’t like hearing loud noises.  So we headed down Main Street and Ford was able to go pick out his new stuffed animal.  Since planning this trip back in October Ford said he wanted Pluto, and he stuck to his guns.  He walked in, found the Plutos on the shelf, grabbed one and was all set.  He was so happy to show his new Pluto to his Mickey back at the hotel.  I heard Ford introducing Pluto and telling Pluto that he would love all of the other friends back at home.  All in all, it was a great first day.  Ford told us “I love this place!”  And he really does.  Watching him there is so wonderful and it was fun to be able to go back. 

Magical Express!

Crews was excited about heading into The Magic Kingdom!

To see Ford and Charlotte on the Tea Cups go to:  http://youtu.be/QqmhG2_I6lY

Valentine’s Day

Ford brought home lots of wonderful Valentine art from school the first two weeks of February.  They have been practicing their cutting skills quite a bit and we are so proud of how Ford is improving!  Almost every heart in his art he had to cut.  Ford has also been cutting some at home.  In fact, he cut out two hearts after painting them to give to his Dad for Valentine’s day.  Ford and I also made robins at home one day too.  Maybe not exactly a Valentine’s activity, but he enjoyed it and I love seeing his robin hanging on our door. 

On Valentine’s day Ford and his class got to decorate cookies for a special snack.  They each had a bag and it was filled with cards and sweets from his class.  Ford picked Cars Valentines to give to his friends.  He went through and chose which Cars valentine was for each friend.  He then signed his name on the back of each one.  He also gave them heart-shaped rice krispie treats that we made.  When we got home from school he loved going through his bag to see what he got.  Lots of treats and a few doughnut coupons too.  His expressions trying to figure out which card was from who were hilarious at times, and I loved his excitement when he saw that Mrs. Frannie gave him Skittles!  He was thrilled!  For Valentine’s Day from us Ford got a small thing of M&Ms, ABC flash cards (which he has loved and is doing a great job with!!), and his own notebook and crayon ”pens” to use.  He was so excited and throughout the day kept telling me thanks for his Valentine’s goodies.  We didn’t do anything on Valentine’s night as I had a meeting, but we had a family Valentine’s dinner the night before.  I made breakfast for dinner with quiche that had a heart made out of bacon on top, pancakes with a couple of heart shaped ones, fruit, and for dessert we had heart-shaped rice krispie treats.  All in all Ford had a great time preparing for and celebrating Valentine’s day.     

The hug he made us

A valentine for the birds…bird seed included which Ford loved putting out for our birds.

Ford’s footprint Robin we made at home.  He ended up painting the tummy rather than using marker like he started to in the picture below. 

The hearts Ford painted and cut out for Jeff

Going through his valentine bag to see all of the cards and sweets from his friends at school!

“Yes!  Skittles!”…from Mrs. Frannie

Crews enjoying his Valentine treat…rice cereal

Kelly’s Visit

The weekend of February 3-6 Kelly came to visit and meet Crews!  Todd stayed back in Lincoln with their three kids while Kel came to be with us!  It was so wonderful to see her and to spend time together.  We were mostly at home, but did get out Saturday and Sunday to grab lunch and run a few errands while Jeff stayed home with the boys.  Ford loved having her here and showing her his “tricks” and basketball skills.  Crews loved Kel instantly as well.  As always, it didn’t matter if we were “doing” anythying as Kel and I have a great time together no matter what.  It was a very wonderful and refreshing weekend and I am so thankful Kel made the trip to come see us! 

   

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!  This Valentine’s Day I am so thankful to have three amazing “boys” as my valentines!  I am also thankful for the amazing and already strong love between our two sweet boys.  Ford and Crews have a mutual adoration for each other that is incredibly beautiful to see.  The other night I was feeding Crews and he was falling asleep.  Ford came in the bedroom to tell me something and Crews woke up, looked over at Ford and gave him the biggest smile before closing his eyes again.  The boys make each other smile and laugh and I love seeing them together.  I am so proud of how Ford treats his little brother.  The other day Ford said to me “I worry about Crews and I worry about me. I don’t need to worry about anyone else.”  I loved it.  Sometimes when he tells me something about a friend (usually kind of a tattle-telling) I will say “the only one you have to worry about is you.”  But Ford came up with “worrying about Crews” on his own.  As I am every day, I am extremely grateful for the love God gives me through the family He has provided me with.  I am one blessed girl.

Our family’s Valentine’s Day card for 2012

Taken February 4

February 5