Good-bye to the Three’s…

Wednesday May 16 was Ford’s last day of school.  His last day in Mrs. Frannie’s 3′s class.  The last day with his current class of Isabel, Hayes, Harris, Marett, Rebecca Ann, Charlie W., Jay, Bo and Ella.  This year has been a fabulous one.  Ford has grown up in Mrs. Frannie’s class.  There is no “baby” ot “toddler” left.  He is all little boy.  He has learned so very, very much.  He has learned things like knowing his rights verses his left, counting beyond ten, being able to count actual objects, knowing the days of the week and the order of the days, identifying letters, learning some letter sounds, recognizing printed numbers, rhyming, cutting, and much more.  I am so thankful for this year at Kilbourne Park.  We continue to be so pleased with the school and are so thankful to be a part of it.  We are very thankful for Mrs. Frannie and not only what she has taught Ford, but how she has loved and enouraged him as well.  She is a special lady and we are so blessed Ford was placed in her class.  This time of year is hard.  On one hand I am so proud of and thankful for how much our Bean has grown and learned, how much he has changed and matured.  But on the other hand, I am sad.  Our four-year old is growing up and so fast.  We are one school year away from kindergarten.  And as I already said, there is no “baby” or “toddler” left in him.  Our days of “preschool” are more than half over.  So, as last year, I did shed a few tears.  Even though they are sad tears, they are also thankful ones too.  KPS has provided such a loving environment for Ford and has taught him so much in the last two and a half years.  I am extremely grateful.  And I am so very proud of Ford.  He is a smart boy who listens and obeys his teacher and truly enjoys being at school learning and playing.  I have loved seeing what he has learned and how his friendships have grown this year.  It has truly amazed me.  I know next year will hold wonderful things as well.  So, good-bye to the sweet, amazing three’s class, and hello to summer!

Monday

Back:  Mrs. Frannie, Harris, Ella, Ford, Rebecca Ann, Jay, Isabel                                                      Front:  Marett, Hayes, Charlie, Bo

Tuesday before the school picnic

Henry, Ford and Bo

Rebecca Ann, Ford, Bo, Ella

Last day!

One day…

One day I know I will miss having toys in the family room. 

One day I know I will miss cars and airplanes and trains on the floor, on the couch, in the kitchen etc. 

One day I know I will miss all the baby gear that is decorating our house.

One day I know I will miss the “tree houses,” “locker rooms,” and “show curtains” that are often in our house.

One day I know I will miss having stuffed animals all over the bed and perhaps all on the floor as well.

One day I know I will miss getting to clean up little people’s toys at the end of the day.

One day I know I will miss the pile of children’s books in our room.

One day I know I will miss doing loads of laundry.

One day I know I will miss washing burp cloths and bibs and having burp cloths in every room of the house.

One day I know I will miss the basketball goal that is in our hallway, or down in the basement. 

One day I know I will miss the crumbs on the couch and food under the table.

One day I am going to miss all of this that is our current stage in life.

A few weeks ago Jeff asked why I was taking pictures of our family room when it was quite a wreck.   I told him that one day when our family room is spotless, “grown up” with nice furniture and there are no more toys, we are going to miss it being “cluttered” and filled with reminders that we have precious little ones who play there.  Having a neat, clean house will mean that our boys are grown and perhaps out of our house.  One day I know I will miss the beautiful “mess” that is created by our beautiful little ones.  Some days it is frustrating to have this mess and the work that is associated with little ones and the feeling I often get of not being able to “keep up.”  But I know that I love this time and “job” and it makes me sad to know that all too soon we will be out of this phase of our lives and we will look back and wish we hadn’t worried so much about keeping things clean or “put away,” but rather just enjoyed it and embraced it.  So I am trying to embrace it and not worry if things aren’t put away each day, or if things aren’t in the exact spot we usually have them.  And I am trying to enjoy the “mess” that makes our house beautiful.

  

Our first week home

The first day at home, Sunday October 2, Jeff and Ford had a lot of time together. They played and went to Jeff’s office for a bit and Crews went on his first outing with Momma and Gramma to Target to grab a few things.  Overall, the day went great.  Come night time Crews had a little more trouble.  He was still in his bed, but was not as peaceful while sleeping and ate more often than the night before. 

Jeff took Monday off and stayed home with us.  While Ford was at school that morning we took Crews to the lactation consultant with our pediatricians group.  She did another heel prick to check his jaundice and then also weighed him.  He was back to 8 lbs, 4.5 oz.  She had me feed him for a bit and then weighed him again and he had gained 2 oz during the feeding.  She was very pleased with how much weight he had gained and said he was a “well fed baby.”  Unfortunately his bilirubin count was up from 11 to 15, so we had to schedule an appointment for the next morning with our pediatrician to check the count again.  Monday afternoon after playing at home Jeff took Ford to play tennis and then to soccer practice.  That night Crews had major trouble sleeping.  I was feeding every hour and a half to two hours and he was just uncomfortable.  I would feed him and lay him down and then he would be up with hiccups or just squirming and squeaking/groaning like he had tummy problems or more gas or burps.  A lot of times he would burp when I picked him up thirty minutes after laying him down.  My mom got him early in the morning and took him downstairs so I could sleep a few hours.  It was a rough night and I was disappointed to think our little boy might have some of the same sleep and reflux issues that his big brother had.

Tuesday morning Ford headed off to school and my mom and I headed to the pediatrician’s office with Crews to see Dr. Greenhouse.  The nurse did another heel prick to check Crew’s bilirubin and Dr. Greenhouse checked our little sweet from head to toe.  He weighed 8 lbs, 8 oz.  Only one ounce off of his birth weight and not even one week old!  She said he looked great and told us the only thing to do to manage reflux at this stage is positioning and to sleep him in whatever we needed to (I asked about placing him in his car seat or swing).  His bilirubin count had gone down to 11 so thankfully we did not have to take him back another time.  Overall I felt great about seeing the doctor and was thankful his jaundice was going down.  Tuesday early evening Jeff picked up my Dad from the airport.  Ford was so excited Papa had arrived and Papa was excited to see Ford and hold little Crews.  That night after each feeding I buckled Crews into his car seat which we had placed in his crib.  He slept great and didn’t seem to have the problems he had the night before.  Thankfully I felt like I got some sleep and had a little hope that our nights might not all end up the way they had the night before.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday my dad took Ford to school.  My parents and Crews and I then ran an errand both Wednesday and Thursday, and spent time at home for my dad  (and mom too) to snuggle Crews.  Wednesday we all picked Ford up from school and went to Zoe’s for lunch and to introduce Crews to Gran and Meme.  Each day after Ford’s rest time he and my dad headed out to play soccer.  Every day.  Ford was in heaven and loved it!  They also spent time playing “airplane” which Ford loves to do. 

October 5- one week old

Ford playing “peek a boo” with Crews

October 6

October 7

Wednesday night I slept Crews in his car seat again, just like I had Tuesday night.  However, he decided it wasn’t as great as it was the night before and it was another difficult night.

Thursday night I decided to try Crews sleeping in my friend Holley’s “nap nanny.”  It is a sleep positioner that looks somewhat like a car seat shape (sitting them more upright than flat on their back), but is softer like a mattress, and has a belt you buckle them into.  Crews seemed to do great in it and it was another good night with a couple three hours stretches between feedings.

Friday night was another tricky night, but Saturday was good.  Notice the pattern?  Good night, bad night, good night, hard night.  However, come Sunday night we had another decent night!  I was expecting the pattern to continue, but thankful that it didn’t.  I of course am hoping tonight is a night like the last two, not only for me, but for our Peanut too.  It is really hard to see and hear him so uncomfortable.  However, at the moment he is upstairs with my mom and is pretty uncomfortable and has been all afternoon/evening. 

On Saturday Ford had a soccer game so all six of us headed out to the soccer fields.  Ford had a blast at his game and ran really hard.  I loved being able to see him in action again.  He even helped his teammate out by kicking the ball in the goal once his friend had it in front of the goal.  After soccer Jeff headed to the stadium for the 12:20 game against Kentucky.  The rest of us raced home to get Ford ready to go with Papa to cheer on the Gamecocks.  The two made it in time to see the “smoke” when the team entered (something Ford really wanted to see and kept talking about).  Ford lasted the entire first half and enjoyed eating lunch there and seeing his Dada for a bit in the stands too!  When Ford and Papa got home Bean was a chatterbox telling us all about their fun adventure at the game. 

Sunday mid morning all of us headed to the zoo.  It was Crews’s first visit, and just like his big brother did his first visit, he slept through the entire thing.  It felt so nice out and we all enjoyed getting out for a bit.  I sat quite a bit and met everyone else at different points and it worked out well.  After the zoo we headed to Carrabas for a yummy lunch and then to a shoe store to get Ford some fall/winter shoes.  He picked a pair of tennishoes that he says make him run really fast!  It was the longest outing I have had so far.   

Crews at the zoo

Early this morning my dad left.  The time with him was great and went way too fast.  He of course fell in love with the little Peanut and Crews sure enjoyed sleeping in his arms. My mom is still here helping and working away.  She is cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing, running errands and going to the store, holding Crews, getting Ford up in the morning, and just helping in any way she can.  It has been so nice to have her here and we are all very grateful. 

Some thoughts for me to remember later on… 

It is taking me longer than it did with Ford to feed Crews.  I feed him some and try to burp him, then change his diaper (the peanut poops a ton! and either we don’t remember Ford doing this as much, or Crews is just a frequent pooper at this stage).  Then I turn off the little light and feed him again until he falls asleep.  Then more burping and finally, 30-45 minutes later (sometimes a little longer) I put him down.  Then he usually makes noises for a bit so I lay in bed waiting to see if he settles down or cranks back up.  So when Crews goes 3 hours between feedings in the middle of the night, I might get two hours tops sleeping. This also means when Crews is up more often, I get even less than two hours of sleep in between.  I will say the last two nights I have started changing his diaper as soon as I get him up.  I then turn off the light and feed him in the dark.  Then I cross my fingers he doesn’t have a huge poop.  It has made things go a little faster, but still not “fast” by any means. 

Crews makes a ton of noise.  I love his little squeaks and love his facial expressions.  His involuntary smile melts my heart and I can’t wait for him to start actually smiling at us.  He is going to have a great smile.   I also love that when I put him tummy side down on my chest to burp that his legs bend up in front of his tummy with his feet curled up under him like they did inside and he is all squished in a ball and in a “froggy” position.  I love holding my one arm under his little bottom/curled up legs.  I also will look down at him and marvel that he was actually inside me less than two weeks ago!  It really is amazing, especially when I think about his size (even though he really does seem little otherwise).  Crews’s umbilical cord fell off early morning Saturday.  On Sunday afternoon I noticed some dried blood around it and have today as well.  When it fell off I could tell it wasn’t quite ready, but the doctor’s office nurse told me on the phone today it is normal.  She told me what to look for that would indicate an infection.  The good news is we go to Crews’s two week well visit on Wednesday.  Although our little Peanut still has darker hair, he is losing it/it’s thinning and seems lighter than the original dark hair.  He still has some though and you can see it in the picture above taken facing his back.  Not sure what color hair he will end up with.    

I am so much more comfortable sleeping now.  It is awesome.  I can turn from one side to the next and have even been on my back some!  It seems like such a long time since I felt good lying down.  For some reason I am still having trouble with my hands.  Especially my right hand.  My right index, middle and ring finger tips are all numb/tingly and they have been since having Crews almost two weeks ago.  Most of the time it is just the fingertips, but occasionally it goes down more into my fingers.  I go to my doctor tomorrow for a two week incision check and will ask if he has any suggestions for me.  I also get sore in my finger joints in both hands still (it is so odd).  My wedding rings still don’t fit, but I am definitely getting down to a smaller “pregnancy” belly.  I still think I look pregnant, but not as huge of a belly as I had coming home a week ago. It is encouraging though to know it is shrinking some.  In fact, last Wednesday Ford said to me when we were in line at Zoe’s “Momma, your tummy is small!”  Made my day!  It really isn’t “small,” but it is definitely smaller than the huge tummy it was prior to September 28.    I should get the clearance to start walking more as well and look forward to taking Crews on walks in the neighborhood, especially with the cooler fall-like weather we have been having.  I should also get to drive soon too. 

Ford continues to love his baby brother.  He asks to hold him and also likes to give him kisses.  Today Crews and I went with my mom to pick Ford up from school.  When I got to his classroom Ms. Frannie let all the kids get in line to see the baby.  Ford stood next to the stroller and put his hand on Crews’s tummy while they looked at him.  It was very sweet.  Today after Ford’s quiet time he brought his new books in from the book fair that he got today.  I read them to him and Crews slept next to us.  Ford looked at him and said, “his hands are so tiny.” And he also leaned down a few times to kiss him and rub his head.  Tonight as we all read books in our bed Crews was wide awake.  Ford laid next to him and talked to him and held his hand while Crews looked back.  I am so thankful that our Bean has transitioned so smoothly.

All in all we are doing great and time is flying by.  I lose track of what day it is and what I have done or need to do (and most of the time am finding I am not getting the things done that are on the list).  Most of the things gettings done are being done by my mom which is wonderful, but of course makes me wonder what will happen come next week when she is no longer here.  And I am being reminded how long it takes to do anything, or go anywhere, when a newborn is involved.  I am so thankful though to have a second sweet miracle in our family!

Dada on Crews duty…

Crews in his “froggy” position

Crews helping Dad get some work done

Happy belated Father’s Day!

Yes, four days late, but happy father’s day to Ford’s Dada, Jeff!  We are both so thankful for him and love him very much!  We spent Father’s Day 2010 at Surfside Beach with some of our very best friends from TCU who all still currently live in Texas: the Everlys, the Vorels, and the Stuntz family (more on that fun trip later).  The moms made brunch for the dads before we hit the water for some fun.  Jeff will tell you that his father’s day gift was going to Omaha for the College World Series.    He left Sunday afternoon during Ford’s nap, flying out of the Myrtle Beach airport, and will stay until the Gamecocks return home.  He has been able to see both TCU and South Carolina play and I am glad he was able to have the chance to go and see his two favorite teams play. 

Ford continues to adore his Daddy and rightly so.  Jeff is such an amazing father and I have loved seeing him in this role the last two plus years.  He is definitely a “natural.”  Ford continues to get super excited, animated, and loud when Jeff comes home each day.  Ford loves wrestling and rumbling with his Dada.  Almost every night when Jeff comes home I hear Jeff say, “let’s get ready to. . .”  and Ford completes the sentence, “RUMBLE!”  This is followed by laughter of course.  Ford also loves to “tackle” Jeff.  Jeff and Ford say, “Ready position, one, two, three, go!” and off Ford goes running into Jeff who is seated on the floor and who then gets knocked down on his back with Ford on top of him when Ford “tackles” him.  Ford loves asking Jeff about Cocky.  Almost every time Ford talks to Jeff on the phone he asks “Where’s Cocky?” and then says “Where’s the real Cocky?”  Every. Day.  And if he doesn’t ask him on the phone, chances are he asks him when Jeff gets home.  Our boy loves sports.  His Daddy loves sports.  A great combination now and in the future.  As he continues to get older I know he will love going to all the games with Jeff even more than he does now (and believe me, he loves it now!).  Most people say that Ford looks like Jeff.  I love that he resembles Jeff (and I think a hint of my dad too) and think it is great to hear when someone says “Ford looked just like Jeff then” or “Ford’s mannerisms reminded me of Jeff just now” or “Ford looks just like his Dad.”  Ford had so much fun with Jeff at the beach.  They went in the waves together, had fun digging in the sand, and even flew a kite together.  They make a great team and I love watching them together.  Jeff, thanks for being such a loving and fun Dad to Ford.  He is blessed to be able to call you his Dada and I am blessed to be able to call you my husband and best friend.  We love you!

Just thankful

I wanted to take a few minutes to share the overwhelming joy and thankfulness I have had in my heart today.  Today was just a normal, or somewhat normal, day for us.  But it is days like this that I just have to stop and thank God multiple, multiple times for even just the littlest thing that He places in my life that bring such joy (although I need to be thankful even when I am not having this sort of day, but that is for another post).  I wish I could take the time to write the thoughts I have like this down more often because I feel them often, but I can at least be thankful that I am taking the time tonight so that I can look back and get a glimpse of some of the things going on in our life right now that cause a thankful heart.  I am so thankful for so many things.  . .

I am thankful for a sweet little (almost) 29 month old boy who lately has become such a love bug.  I am thankful that along with the incredible squeezes that he gives both in response to our hugs and initiating on his own (the great kind with both arms wrapped around my neck holding on tight), we are now hearing throughout the day, “I love you Mommy” or “Dada, I love you.”  And it is said so sweetly that I think sometimes my heart just may melt and never fully recover.

I am thankful for how grown up Ford is becoming.  How brave I am finding him to be at times.  Today he went in to two brand new situations and did beautifully.  This morning he went to a new ”school” for the summer that is drop in school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at a church nearby from 9-12:30 and you pay hourly, dropping off and picking up as needed.  He and Isabel went for the first time today, arriving at the same time, but I wasn’t sure how he would do.  I was so proud of him.  He walked right in and when I picked him up he was happy as could be.  The teachers said he was “so patient” and said that while playing on the playground he really wanted to swing, but another little boy was on it, so Ford just patiently waited until the boy was done, but didn’t fuss about it one bit.  So proud.  Another teacher said as we were leaving “he did such a great job for his first day here!”  Again, so proud, and so thankful for a boy who was extremely flexible in a new situation.  Today was also our first day to go to Gold’s Gym.  I told Ford we were going and that he would get to go play while I exercised.  Again, he walked right on in and was great.  When I picked him up it took the ladies calling him over and over and going to get him before he left his play spot to come to me.  But, when he did, I got a huge smile from a happy boy.  When we got to the car I asked if he had fun.  He excitedly and honestly answered “Yeah!”  Then he told me “they have kitchen but not a hoop.”  My sweet boy. 

But I am also thankful for the sometimes shy and reserved little personality that comes out at times.  For the fingers that often go in his mouth when he is nervous (or at least we think this is when/why he does it).  I am thankful that although he can be brave, he can also be timid and not fully trusting of a situation.  I am so thankful that our boy experiences different emotions. 

Speaking of my sweet boy.  I am so thankful for his ability to communicate.  His sentence length is growing so quickly and it amazes me the things he says.  And how almost everything he says is more like a sentence and not just usually one sentence but a string of them together at once, rather than key words or a phrase.  Amazing.

I am thankful for silliness.  I am thankful for Ford’s new “face” he makes with his nose scrunched up, eyes almost closed, while “laughing.”  I am thankful for “zerberts.”  I love that today after lunch he climbed in my lap and started giving me “zerberts” on my arms, laughing in between each zerbert. 

Side view of his “that’s hilarious” face or the “I’m hilarious” face.  Still haven’t been able to catch it from the front. 

I am thankful for rain.  I love that when we left the gym it had started raining and Ford and I slowly walked to the car in the pouring rain just so we could feel the drops coming down.  And I love that when I prayed out loud and thanked God for the rain and for watering all the plants and flowers, that Ford loudly and enthusiastically said “Amen!”  I love that when we came home we searched for puddles (while rain still came down) so he could jump in them.  No rain jacket.  No rain boots.   

I love that when I came home from a camera class that one of my bible study friends is hosting that my sweet husband had thought to turn on the outside driveway lights to help me get in. 

I am thankful that I have a husband who loves being a Dad, and who works extremely hard so that I can stay home and work my dream job of being a mom. 

I love that I have such a beautiful and welcoming home to come back to each day and night.  And even though there are parts of it that I may wish were different or that had different furniture at times, I really am just glad we even have furniture to put in a house- and have a house period!  Take for example the white shelves we use as our “entertainment center” in the family room.  Have had those Container Store shelves since college and would love to find something else.  But you know what?  They still work- and I am thankful my parents bought them for me 14 years ago!  They may not be what I want forever, but until I find something else I like and want to spend our money on, I am so thankful we have them!

I love that if I am hot, I can turn on the air conditioning or fans and cool off.   But love that if I get cold I can turn on the heater, layer on clothes, or snuggle under blankets.

I love that I have the best bed and most wonderful pillow to sleep on each night!  I love when I am on my side that I can wrap my pillow around the back of my neck so that one ear is on the pillow on the bed but the other ear can be covered with the pillow too and it is so soft and cozy around me. 

I love that my two-year old gave us a “Ford original” today with a Sharpie- because that means I have a child who is creative and inquisitive.

I love that we live where we do.  That the summers may mean really hot and humid weather, but it also often means lots of rain.  And when it rains, it really rains.  And I love the sound the rain makes in our house.  And I love that today Ford was telling someone about the thunder that was loud that he heard this weekend.  I love that he knows the word “thunder” and can even bring it up in his memory to talk about it to someone else.

I love that we got to see some of our friends today who we hadn’t seen in almost two weeks and Ford was just as excited as I was.  I am thankful we have friends here that help Columbia really seem like home.  I am thankful we get to live in Columbia and experience a different part of the country and meet new people and explore the beautiful area we live in.  I am thankful Jeff is in a job that is broadening not only our “horizons” and experiences, but also Ford’s. 

I am thankful for Apple Os candy.  Haven’t been able to find them in quite a while, but lucked out at Wal-mart a few weeks back and found some.  Am thankful I was able to treat myself to a few today. 

So, see?  Things big and small, but each thing by itself is something to give thanks for.  And put them all together and today has just been one of those days.  Where my heart is full and I am thankful, thankful, thankful.  I am just plain thankful.  For the big things, and for the little things and for all things in between.

Lovin’ our boy

We have been loving the stage that our Bean is in right now.  He is so much fun and makes our hearts burst with joy!  He is so talkative and the things he says amaze us, make us smile, and crack us up quite often.  His sentences are growing in length and complexity and his “story-telling” is really growing as well.  It is so fun to hear him tell us things that he is thinking up on his own. 

Ford loves, loves, loves sports right now.  He loves hoops as you know, but has also gone through a football stage and soccer.  We went to the park yesterday and some bigger boys let Ford play with their soccer ball for a bit.  He was so happy and was actually kicking it around (he used to just throw a ball while saying “play soccer”).  He and his buddy Charlie actually kicked it back and forth a few times, and then he played a few rounds with me as well.  As we were leaving he kept asking for a big soccer ball.  He told me he was going to tell Jeff and sure enough, when he saw Jeff he said “buy soccer ball Dada!”  Smart boy.  He also was so excited when we got out Jeff’s basketball for him to play with.  It is too big to go through the hoop of his indoor basketball goal, but that doesn’t stop him from trying, and getting it stuck.  He wanted the big basketball to go in his crib during his nap today too (and was not happy when I wouldn’t go along with his wish). 

It has been great seeing his friendships with others develop and to watch him play more and more with other kids.  Today we ate lunch at the park with our friends Miss Cheryl and her twins Hampton and Laura Evelyn.  Ford and Hampton were swinging and Laura Evelyn was at the other end of the park.  Ford started calling her and was really using his voice to make sure she heard him.  He called her name a few times and then I suggested he ask her to come over to swing.  Next thing we hear is “Laura Evelyn, come here swing!”  Except “Laura Evelyn” sounds more like “uh-e-ven. “  Ford had the biggest smile as she toddled on over to the boys.  

It is also so fun for us to have him give us big hugs and squeezes and sometimes even kisses.  He is so precious when he kisses his Giraffey or Kitty, and sometimes Momma and Dada are lucky enough to receive a sweet kiss too.  The sound he makes as he kisses is so funny and we love it.  His loving nature goes beyond us as well.  As I have said before he loves animals.  Most times when we see an animal Ford will request “pet him.”    We also love that he will “pet” a character in a book.  The other day he was on his tummy reading “Swim Little Wombat, Swim” and he leaned down and gave the picture of the wombat a kiss and said “pet him” while he touched the picture.  Ford also wants to include Kitty in lots of things.  He will often read to her, show her his toys, and just go over to her to talk to her.  He has a gentle heart (for the most part) when it comes to animals.

Giving Kitty a kiss on a cold day earlier this month.  Ford had been reading and watching a show on the couch while waking up from his nap and wanted Kitty right next to him. 

Our little boy is just that, a little boy.  It is awesome to see.  Sometimes I just look at him and my heart swells.  Actually that happens quite often.  I adore his personality (even the part that at times gets very upset when he can’t have something, or when he wakes up from a nap grouchy and crying and doesn’t quite know what he wants) and I even love the part that has lately emerged when he gets frustrated/mad/angry that makes him say “I throw __.”  For example, “I throw train” or “I throw cup” or “I throw Giraffey.”  He is definitely frustrated when he says it and most times it is just a “threat” of sorts, but inside it does make us laugh some when he does it.  But, I am thankful that he is able to “feel” so many different emotions, just like we do.

Ford started taking vitamins when he turned two.  He has “My First Flintstones Vitamins” and he loves them.  Each morning he looks forward to eating his vitamin, and almost every day will ask for more than one.  Gone are the oatmeal with fruit for breakfast and now he typically wants Frosted Mini-Wheats or Quaker Oatmeal Squares.  Each morning he will tell us what he wants, “I want Mini-Wheats, milk” or “I want oatmeal squares milk.”  Sometimes he uses the spoon but a lot of his cereal is eaten using his fingers.  He is also now in to chocolate milk.  Awhile back Jeff brought some home and that was all it took for Ford to decide he loves it.  I have since bought Carnation Instant Breakfast chocolate milk mix that has some nutritional value to it and mix a small bit with his milk which he loves.  He also still loves lemonade anddoesn’t notice that the amount of lemonade or even juice that goes in his cup is miniscule compared to the amount of water that I place in his cup with it. 

Our little boy still loves the bath and loves to get on his tummy and “swim” around the tub.  Our boy still tries to drink the bath water at times, and laughs when we ask him not to.  Our boy who loves to play with his bath tub toys- his bath trains, fish, and new fishing pole, is a boy we adore. 

It is so fun to be able to “do” more things together that he not only understands, but also really enjoys too.  Like the Atlanta trip, or our trip to Baskin Robbins for ice cream on Friday night.  We all got a scoop and sat outside on a picnic table and enjoyed a fun treat together. 

Jeff and I continue to be so incredibly thankful for the boy that God created and blessed us with.  He is such a joy and I love being able to spend my days with him.

   

First day of school. . .

But not for me!  Today would be the first day back for student’s if I was still working at Oak Pointe.  I am extremely thankful that I have the opportunity to stay home with Ford and that he is my job right now!  I love our days together, love watching him experience new things, and love being with him.  We have been keeping very busy together with classes at Gymboree (music class, play class, and sometimes art class), walking and playing in the park with friends, play dates, going to the library, running errands, and just hanging out at home.

Ford continues to amaze both me and Jeff.  He will say something or do something that gives us a reminder of just how smart he is, and how amazing it is that he is learning what he is.  An awesome process to witness.  Today we drove by the church we have been going to (but have only been to maybe once in the last month) and he said “church.”  We pass by the grocery store and he says “Bye Pu- kicks” and “milk” (we go to Publix for their milk and usually to Wal-Mart for our big grocery shopping).  It doesn’t take him but once or twice to know the name of someone, or something, or to make an association.  We pass by The Little Gym where he went to classes from January through May and he says “Emily” (his friend who was in his class).  We pass by the restaurant Zoe’s and he says “Emily” or “Gran” or “Mimi” (Emily his friend who we go to Zoe’s with after Little Gym and Gran and Mimi the grandparents of the man who owns it, who help out in the restaurant and adore our kids).  We pass by The Happy Cafe where we have eaten maybe 3 times since the beginning of the year and he says “Bibif” (Elizabeth) and “Paka” (Monika), two friends that work with Jeff who we have met there to eat.  We start driving towards Jeff’s office and as we get closer he says “Office, cocky!”  It really does amaze me.  He remembers people’s names and will bring them up in conversation without hearing them mentioned prior.  He will start “talking” about his friend “Charlie” or “Hampton” or “Isabel” who he just met last Saturday, but has seen a couple times and really likes.  He is really starting to enjoy seeing his friends.  Still mostly parallel play, but he enjoys being around them and will sometimes give them hugs, both on demand and spontaneously.  He is such a sweet boy.  He says bye to each friend at Gymboree and usually will say their name (sometimes needs prompts on this one).  He still loves greeting people when we are out.  He has just started saying “thanks” and “thank you” in addition to signing “thank you.”  He can now say “Ford” and also says “Jeff” and “Allison.”  If he  hears me or Jeff calling for the other, Ford will join in and call the name as well.  He holds his hands to say prayers before he eats and before bedtime and says “God” (“Gog”), and “Amen.”  When we say “thank you” in his prayers he usually signs it.  He loves his polar bear stuffed animal and likes to hug him and carry him around.  He will go over to the chair where Duffy usually sits and say “Hug” or “Duffy” and give him a big long hug.  He loves reading books and now has books he gets to keep in his bed for when he wakes up.  A lot of mornings he will call us and once we go to get him he just wants to keep reading and have us in his room, but not take him out of his crib.  Last week he walked up the stairs by himself, reaching almost on his tip toes to use the railing to help him balance!  He also walked down the stairs by himself, using the wall as his help.  More and more signs of him growing up!  We are really proud of him!

I can’t believe 19 plus months have gone by.  I want to slow down time or just freeze it for awhile.  I love this stage with him and am already sad that in four years he will be going to school and won’t be with me all day.  Another reason to be thankful that we have the opportunity for me to “work” at home with Ford right now rather than somewhere else.  I am so thankful and happy for how I get to spend my days.  I appreciate Jeff’s work and provision for our family so that Ford and I can benefit greatly in the many ways we do!  Four years from now I will be a mess, bringing my “baby” to school for the first time for someone else to take care of and teach for the bulk of the day.  Until then, I will love on him and teach him and enjoy him as much as I can.  I know it will go by way to fast.

The little boy who has captured our hearts with his Moose

Happy 1 Year Birthday Ford!!

I can’t believe it, but one year ago today at 8:59 am, Jeff and I received the most amazing gift, the arrival of our Ford.  With a due date of December 28th and no sign of him coming on his own, to say we were more than ready to meet “Baby Crane” on January 2, 2008, is an understatement.  I remember how huge I was and uncomfortable, and with every day that I didn’t go into labor, the disappointment I felt.  I was ready to meet the little one inside who on his due date was estimated to already weigh 8 lbs, 8 oz (larger than both me and the doctor thought the baby would be).  When we checked into the hospital on the night of January 1 to begin the inducing process I had no idea just how much joy and love this little miracle would bring to us, nor the “birth story” that would unfold.  I am writing this more for Ford (and me to remember) so that one day if he is curious, the details will have been written down.  Jeff and I left our house for Palmetto Baptist Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, at about 8:15pm on January 1.  We had had a wonderful and huge dinner at home with my mom and then got all of our things and headed downtown. 

When we checked in they took us to our room and started the paperwork and had monitors hooked up.  Jeff turned on a football bowl game for us to watch while we waited for the next step (my IV and meds).  It seemed like we waited and waited, and in fact we did, until about 11:00.  Finally my nurse came back in to try and get my IV going.  Sounds easy right?  Well, for some reason she had a heck of a time so I was poked numerous times by her, then another nurse, and then a third nurse before they finally got my IV in around 11:30pm.  Once  the IV was in I ate a quick pop-tart since I couldn’t eat after midnight and was afraid if the baby didn’t arrive until late the next day, I would be starving.  So, my tummy was full, the IV was in, and they gave me the cervadil.  At about 1:30 or so we called the nurse in to see if she was going to give me the sleeping medication she had told me I was going to get, but never did.  I know I must have slept some, but know that at some point the nurse came in to place me on my left side and then remove the cervadil early (rather than in the morning) as Ford’ s heart rate was dropping with every mild contraction.  Not too long after 7 am my doctor, Dr. C. Johnson, came in to check on my progress.  Unfortunately I had only dilated to 1 cm, she broke my water anyway to try and give me another chance at labor rather than a c-section.  Once she broke my water she gave me the smallest amount of pitossin and she stood by the fetal monitor and watched.  With the first contraction Ford’s heart rate dropped again.  She looked at me and the nurse and said, we’re going to have to do a c-section.  She and the nurse talked about possible open times, but then decided we had priority and she would take me back as soon as she rounded up the team.  Jeff called my mom and she was on her way.  Jeff suited up in his scrubs and booties and right as they were putting me in a wheelchair to take me to the OR my mom arrived (at which point I started crying for some reason).  I was able to talk to my dad on the phone and give my mom a hug and off we went.  After the epidural was in, Jeff came into the room and sat by my head.  I don’t know what we talked about, but it made the time go by and kept my mind and ears off of what the doctor and team were doing.  At 8:59 I heard Dr. Johnson say to Jeff, “You want to see the head?” and Jeff stood up right as Ford was born and then I heard the exciting news from the doctor “It’s a boy!”  What music to my ears.  Jeff was able to go over while the nurses cleaned him up, stamped his little feet, and bundled him up.  While they were cleaning Ford decided he needed to pee on them, which made them all laugh.  The nurse brought him over to me so I could see him and give him a kiss, before she and Jeff took him to the nursery for his bath etc. while I went to recovery.  Jeff saw my mom and told her the good news that the baby was a boy and she watched through the nursery glass window as the nurse and Jeff cleaned Ford up even more.  Meanwhile I was back in recovery and feeling awful.  I am not sure which medication it was, or the combo, but I was pretty sick.  Eventually I guess they took me to my room (which was a different one than our original one, and much better).  I don’t remember that part at all, but do remember when Ford was placed in my arms.  I had a hard time realizing that the precious, sweet, little boy in my arms was the one we had so eagerly waited to meet for so long.  I also felt pretty nauseous and remember thinking that I could not get sick while holding my little boy. Jeff and my mom each held Ford while I rested in bed and with time, I started feeling better.  We stayed in the hospital from Tuesday night, January 1, until Saturday afternoon, January 5.  Those days went quickly with lots of visitors and trying to get the ”hang of” Ford, while enjoying holding our sweet bundle as much as we could, and trying to rest when we could as well.  It was an amazing time for us, and neither of us had any clue just how much we could love Ford, nor the joy he would provide.   

So, here we are a year later.  Ford has added so much to our family and I can’t imagine our family without him.  It has been such a special year being with him and watching him grow and change and experience so many “firsts.”  I have loved watching his great personality develop and seeing him slowly change from a small newborn, to infant, to little boy.  Just as I think he couldn’t get any cuter or sweeter, he somehow does.  He truly is such an amazing creation.  I thank God each day for creating His son, Robert Langford, and for blessing me with the awesome responsibility of being his mother.  God continually amazes me as he continues to “grow” Ford in such great ways.  He is God’s first, and then ours, and we are thankful for that. 

Here are some of the things Ford is doing lately.  In the last month he has said his first five words:  hi, Dada (or daddy occasionally), doggy, kitty, and Bailey.  The last three were learned while we were at my parents’ house and he was around the dog and cats (all of which he absolutely loved).  His hair keeps getting longer and longer and in the back middle seems like it might have a tiny bit of curl at times.  He enjoys finger feeding himself with things like peas, corn, cheddar cheese, Ritz crackers, Cheerios, Puffs, avocado, meat sticks, noodles, waffles, etc.  He now has 4 teeth!  The bottom two which are very visible, and the top two which have just broken through the skin within the last week.  His smile continues to be ear to ear, and he continues to bring joy to people wherever we go with his magnetic personality.  He pulls himself to a stand with such ease, and is solid as a rock, even holding on with just one hand, or a few fingers.  He enjoys cruising around furniture, and of course, still loves any set of stairs he can climb.  Ford loves books, turning the pages of board books, and jabbering away.  He also enjoys taking things out of toy baskets and putting (or throwing) them on the floor.  He loves to bee-bop to music and still thinks it’s funny to grab my hair, or have my hair swish in his face.  He still laughs hysterically when you kiss his tummy, or just gently rest your head on his tummy.  He is very ticklish, but seems to love getting tickled.  When he is being tickled, and laughing, he always puts his hands up by his face.  He is now taking just one nap, usually an hour and a half (maybe a little shorter some days), and still goes to bed at 7 pm.  His wake-up time is usually within the 7 am hour, but sometimes is even later.  He gets up once a night on most nights.  Ford continues to love people and enjoys being out and about.  I just adore his personality and love his determination, curiosity, independence, and humor.  All in all, I just love my “Bean” to pieces and have loved experiencing life with him this past year.

Happy 1st Birthday Ford!  I am so proud and thankful to be your Momma!

So, how did we spend this wonderful day celebrating?  We started by waking Ford up at just about the time when he was born one year ago by singing “Happy Birthday” (he and I just got back last night, very late, from Colorado so are not quite adjusted back).  After we all got dressed Ford opened one gift and then we all went to breakfast.  Ford enjoyed some of my very yummy French Toast, but was not a fan of the grits I tried to offer. 

Enjoying a good read before eating his breakfast

When we got back home Ford opened the rest of his gifts and then played with all of his new toys and books.  He was especially happy once Jeff put together his new push toy we gave him. 

The rest of the day we just spent at home together having fun.  Jeff said he thought that Ford knew it was his birthday because of the incredibly happy mood he was in all day.  Whether Ford really realized it was the special day that it was or not, I think he had an amazing first birthday, as did Jeff and I celebrating him!

If you are reading this, we would love for you to leave Ford a quick Happy Birthday comment!

Ford’s 12 month/1 year picture in the usual spot

Trying to get the picture above was not an easy task.  In fact, it was just about the only decent one we got of him, especially just sitting rather than squirming around.  But, I think this is pretty realistic in terms of what life is like now. 

 Here’s Ford in his birthday onesie a couple weeks ago, trying it on

What an amazing year we have had.  We all look forward to seeing what God has in store for our family this coming year! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year I find myself even more thankful than I thought I could be.  God has blessed us with such an incredible gift that has continued to keep on giving each day, our Ford.  Each day I see God’s incredible love through His child, Robert Langford.  What a privilege it is to be his Momma and to have been given the honor of loving him, teaching him, guiding him, while we are here on earth.  I am thankful for his social personality,  his contagious laugh and huge smile.  I am thankful for his curiosity and determination.  I am thankful for his hugs and squeezes and for the feeling of him in my arms.  I am thankful for the joy that I see him bring others, even complete strangers.  I am thankful that our family of two became a family of three.  I am thankful that Jeff is my husband and Ford’s wonderful Dad.  I am thankful that I get to see the love and great relationship that they have and to be a part of their family.  Most of all, I am thankful that our Heavenly Father continues to provide more than we need in every way.  We are so blessed in all aspects of life.  We have so much more than the majority of the world.  How amazing that at times we feel we “need” this or “need” that, but in reality, we have it all.  I hope that on this day, we can realize we have so much and should be thankful, thankful, thankful.  And thankful to the one who provides it all, our Heavenly Father above.  And to be thankful not only on this day, but each and every day.  Happy Thanksgiving!

My big (little) boy

Somehow it has happened.  Ford has lost his “baby” look and now looks more like a little boy.  My mom noticed it when she was here at the beginning of the month, but I wasn’t quite there yet.  Then not too long after they left I caught a glimpse in a long mirror of me carrying Ford and it hit me all of a sudden and I saw it.  Ford was such a big boy and not that little baby that I tend to think he is. Since then it has hit me quite often as I watch him climb anything he can, pull himself to a stand anywhere he can, cruise around his crib or the coffee table, listen to him talk away with his ever increasing repertoire of sounds, inflections and loudness levels, watch him turn pages of his books, or watch him eat “real people” food vs the jarred baby food, preferring to feed himself these days.  It continues to be such a joy and privilege to watch him grow though.  And although I do miss the “baby” at times, I am so thankful for the little boy that is blossoming in front of our eyes!