my cure for cabin fever.

Over the past 2 weeks, I came down with cabin fever. You see, the water park closed down, school started back up along with many of our friends involved in Pre-school/MDO and for whatever reason I just stayed put at home. For 2 weeks. By last Friday I was feeling a little blue and decided to make this week different. So I started making phone calls and make some plans for myself.

Today we made our first visit to the FW Children's Museum. I went ahead and bought a 5-person pass so we can go for free for the next year. And since Pax is under 2, he is already free. So we can bring up to 3 friends each time we go! Tell me when you want to go as we welcome guests. In fact, today I was thinking, it would be more fun for Holden if he had some little friends along to play with. And it will be tons more fun for Pax when he is walking! And with the efforts we're seeing, walking is in the very near future. But today it was just the 3 of us.

Holden had fun at the doctor station. You could diaper the baby dolls, weigh them, give them shots and even drive an ambulance. He did all of the above. Pax found a shaker that he loved.
Holden played a round of Supermarket Sweep! Not exactly, but it kind of looks that way in my action shot.
Holden still loves anything with wheels that he can push. So he was glued to this grocery cart for quite some time!He did a little grocery shopping and we were able to talk about all the foods he placed in the basket.We ended our fun at the museum with a little bit of water fun. Holden loved these water guns!
By this point, Pax was more than ready to blow this joint. So then we enjoyed our picnic lunch outside under an umbrella and headed home for long naps (I hope!). Those are taking place now.
I have a packed week planned. A play date with our buddy Max, a productive MDO Day and possibly another morning at the museum with friends! No more cabin fever for me!

life is a comedy.

It is for us, anyway. And it has been very comedic recently. At times to the point of tears. Sometimes happy tears. And sometimes not so happy tears.

On Friday, I had just put Pax down for a morning nap. I told Holden that we would take some toys in my bathroom so he could play while I got ready for the day. Normally, I either get ready before the boys wake (rarely) or when they are both down for their afternoon nap (which is oftentimes after 2pm!). But I figured Holden could play for a quick 15 minutes while I slapped on some makeup, threw on some clothes that didn't look like PJs and did a little fixing of my bed-head-styled-hair. I asked Holden to grab some toys, but he just ran straight to my bathroom. I turned around and grabbed a toy in each hand, when I heard the noise. A loud slamming of my bedroom door followed by the much quieter sound of the lock. As soon as the door slammed, I took off running towards it. I was only 10 feet away. I was hopeful that I could make it. But even with my sprint, he was quicker. And so he was locked in my bedroom. I tried to pick the lock with several screwdrivers. The last and only other time he has done this, I was able to pick the lock in .7 seconds with a tiny screwdriver. That particular tiny screwdriver was in the master bathroom, which obviously I couldn't get to now. I tried to bribe him to unlock it for me. Cookies, a juice box, ANYTHING. A few minutes pass and then he was crying and asking me to hold him. I looked under the door and he was lying close by on his back, crying, hands over his face. WHAT IN THE WORLD! I think he was scared, for whatever reason, I'm not sure. And apparently, when faced with fear, he acts just like his momma. He becomes paralyzed. No adrenaline kicks in for Holden and I. We just lay down and play dead. Really, this is what I do when my crazy nightmare wakes me and tells me a crazy man is in my house. I don't run and check on my kids. I don't grab some sort of "weapon" and search the house. I just lay there, paralyzed, heart racing and normally wake my husband who is sleeping soundly. And each time he is completely annoyed with this scenario that happens way too often and has for years. Anyways, Jeremy had to come home Friday around lunchtime to pick the lock. Holden was disciplined. But he was also so traumatized by the events of the morning that he couldn't eat lunch. He just asked me, through tears, to put him to bed. This little event wasn't funny on Friday. 2 days later, kind of funny. And yes, we will be removing the lock from our bedroom door. It's happened twice now, so if the lock remains, it's bound to happen again.

Fast forward to today. Sunday lunch. Chipotle. One of our favorite and most frequent Sunday lunch spots. We are happily eating our burrito bowls while the boys eat their $1 cheese quesadillas. We are laughing as Pax dances like Bill Cosby to the music playing in the restaurant. It's a perfect little Sunday lunch for our family. Everyone is behaving (minus Pax screaming for more bites instead of signing). All was going smoothly until Pax shoved 1 too many pieces of quesadilla into his mouth and began coughing. As I reach to pat his back, he vomits all over the table, himself, the floor and my foot. It stinks. Like vomit, obviously. We wipe down the table, strip Pax's clothes off, throw away our trash and remainder of our food, because Jeremy and I don't really feel like eating at this point. I ask Jeremy to tell an employee, so they can mop up and sanitize before someone else has to see and smell sweet Pax's mess. And we leave for home. We get in the car and I crack up laughing. A good, hard, sincere laugh. Jeremy can't help but join in. I distinctly remember one of the last times we ate out, Holden somehow dumped a margarita over 5 seconds before we left the place. Every couple of weeks something like this just happens to us. So today I told Jeremy that we were leaving our mark all over the restaurants in the area. At some point, they are going to stop letting our family in. :) Well, at least we can laugh about it. Even if it's a few days later . . .

Pax's weigh in for 1 year!

Pax went to the doctor this morning for his 12 month appointment. He had to get those awful shots! To which he cried. Very loudly. And then Holden cried with him. Even louder. And Holden cried far longer than Pax did. It was kind of hysterical. But my heart was pretty happy by Holden's compassion for his little brother. Now, to set the story straight, Holden had shots also today. And being the brave big brother, he went before Pax. Now really I did this because I knew there would be no way Holden would lay still once he watched Pax get poked. So Holden went first. That was my call. And se screamed, cried and tried to wiggle away at the first moment of pain. And his feelings were completely hurt by the entire process of the nice nurse and his loving mommy holding him down to stick needles in his legs. But with a reminder that he earned a sucker and a sticker, he calmed down and climbed into the seat of the stroller. And then it was Pax's turn. And when little bubba let out that first cry, Holden just couldn't help himself but join in. I laughed. Probably a little too much. Wish I would have video taped it. :)

But at just over 1 year, our little Pax is definitely not little. Today he measured 31 inches long (75-90%) and 23lbs and 5oz (50-75%). Oddly enough this was almost Holden's exact size at 1 year! The only difference? 5 ounces. And Holden was actually the heavier.

As for Holden, since they measured and weighed today, then I might as well share. He was 32.5lbs (75-90%) and 38.5inches tall (97+%). He's gained 2lbs and grown 1.5inches in 3 months. Craziness! Which might explain why his 3T pants are almost close to looking like high waters.

some pictures . . .

For whatever reason, life has felt a little busy the past few weeks. But almost daily, I keep snapping pictures. So here's what we've got on the camera.Falling in love with his first juice box. These were left over from the Pax-Man party. We never have juice in this house. We rarely offer to our kids. But since Pax's switch to whole milk, their have been some digestive issues that you would probably rather I not get into right now. Juice may become a must for this little guy, unless you have some healthier suggestions.
The boys watching Baby Signing Times. Pax is completely mesmerized by it. Though I haven't been consistent, so he has only watched it a handful of times. But he has now caught onto "more" and "all done". If only he could be consistent with "more" instead of squealing into that decibal range that you never want your ears to be exposed to. Just believe me when I can say he can be loud and get your attention. Don't let this next sweet face fool you. :)
Just because the slightly cooler weather made me pull out some cooler weather clothes. Oh how I love these hand-me-down camo pants.
Watching the rain.
Working on his letter "C" caterpillar and obviously trying to color with 3 crayons at once.
And having a little fun with a glue stick, so that we could make this . . .

Hiding his little car in the cookware. Smart, little cookie that boy is! He loves to put things into containers. Maybe he will be organized.
Giving daddy morning snuggles before work. You see that bear hug? This boy can be such a cuddle bug!

I love, love, love-love-love, love my boys!

my hero.

This morning I spotted the lizard. In the carpet. Bleh. I know they can get trapped in the carpet and die. Carpet can basically be suicide for a little lizard. I noticed this lizard for the first time yesterday. Not sure what the technical name for this creature is, so I'm just going with lizard. I'm somewhat familiar with these things from my Houston living days. And I find them disgusting. Since we have had some extra rain in these parts recently, this lizard had made himself at home. At my house. And he is NOT welcome here. So I ran from it yesterday. I actually called Jeremy immediately after the sighting. He had just left for work and I knew that he could barely be out of the neighborhood. I asked if he could turn around and remove the lizard from the house. He told me that he wasn't turning around for a lizard. But it wasn't FOR the lizard, it was for his wife. Oh well. So yes, I let it run free yesterday because I was disgusted by it and wanted no part in the capture. Then I saw it again this morning. In the carpet. I screamed and Holden laughed. I tried to sic the dog on it. I think she got part of it's tail, but then had no interest. That dog is good for nothing! Here he is with half a tail. Not a great picture because I was standing on the couch, kind of far away, zooming in with my small camera. But you can still see it's beady, little eye. Gross!So I asked Holden if he would pick up the lizard and throw it outside in the backyard. I knew this might turn into a nightmare because it might wiggle away from him and freak us all out. But he agreed. Then I watched him pick up the lizard AND THROW IT TOWARDS MY BEDROOM! (With a huge grin on his face, I might add. But I've convinced myself, that move was NOT intentional.)But it was surely not the direction I was wanting that little sucker to go. Holden was enjoying our little activity. Me, not so much. So I quickly devised a new plan. I got a plastic cup and asked Holden to put it over the lizard. You know, to trap it. That is normally what I do with insects or any other living thing that shouldn't be in my house. I do not squish, touch or even come close to these things. You think I'm exaggerating. I promise. I'm not. Ask my dad. Ask Jeremy. I promise they'll have stories. Or read this one from my past.But Holden went along with my request and thought we were playing a little game. So he trapped the lizzard.
And when Jeremy got home, he had not suffocated. So for all of you creature lovers, the lizard is now running free through our neighborhood. And Holden is now a hero in my book.

Back to school for the big brother.

Holden started back to Mother's Day Out today. He is now in the 2 year old class which makes him a cute, little Honey Bee. He will only go 1 day per week. That is just enough time to do some housework and grocery shopping plus get some extra one on one time with Pax. I have also decided that we will be having some "school" time at home this year. We'll do our school stuff as Paxton naps in the mornings and on days that it's convenient for us. Nothing too rigid. But I have been researching and printing out some fun little age appropriate (I hope!) worksheets for him. Holden LOVES school! He really does. We have been talking about his return to school since last Friday at Meet the Teachers. But when I would mention the word "school" he would firmly say "no". Mind you this is also what he does when he can view our church from the car window. But once we get there, he always runs in happily to play. So I wasn't too alarmed by his reaction to our discussions on school. So today, as soon as we walked into the familiar building, he stopped in his tracks and suddenly wanted me to hold him. I had Pax in a stroller, while carrying Holden's nap mat. Carrying him was impossible. So he held onto my pants pocket as we made our way to his room. He hesitated, until I reminded him that there were toy cars in that room. At that point, he walked in, made his way to the cars and started playing. I spoke with the teachers and headed out the door to take advantage of every spare moment. That MDO day sure does fly by fast! I came straight home and put Pax down for a nap. Then I changed and washed bed linens. I mopped the tile floor. I moved Paxton's new birthday toys upstairs to the playroom.(Yes, I haven't been in a huge hurry to reorganize since the party.) I folded some laundry. I returned a few emails. I found this recipe that I am about to get started on for breakfast this week. I finished up my grocery list. I wrote several thank you cards. And then he woke. I fed Pax some lunch and off to the grocery store we went. Back home, I unloaded groceries while Paxton played. We played together for about 15 minutes and then it was time to go and get Holden from school. See, these days just FLY BY! Holden was still sleeping once I got to his room. They told me he had been full of smiles all day. One teacher described him as "such a happy kid". Warms my heart. :) They told me how he got the giggles at naptime (which I know from experience is him being overly tired and going into delirious mode.) But when the teacher sat next to him and rubbed his back, he was asleep within 2 seconds. On his report, he was described as happy, cooperative and friendly. Sounds like an angel, huh? Well, I know he's not. But I'm so glad he pretends when mommy and daddy are not around. :) It makes leaving him and not worrying about him, super simple. And I do have to admit, he is pure sweetness much of the time. Glad he shows off this side at school.
And here is one of the masterpieces that Holden made today. I love to see the little crafts and projects that he brings home. And he loves to show Jeremy his work at the end of the day. It's going to be a great year for Holden. And Wednesdays are going to be extra special!
And this picture is for my friend that recently said "Look how well Holden is doing with the spoon!" Yeah, not so well. Too bad they won't be working on this little skill at MDO. I'm pretty sure he LOVES to be messy. And I'm pretty sure the yogurt all over the face was completely intentional. :) Boys!

Pax-Man Party!

Well, Saturday was our day of celebration. What I thought would be a small party turned big. Well, sort of big and kind of chaotic at times. But I think that's just what happens when 1 invitation invites a family of 4. But I wouldn't have had it any other way! About 6 weeks ago a petty part in me desired for Pax to have at least 1 new friend to invite to his party. I just wanted Paxton's 1st birthday to be everything that Holden's had been. And Holden's included friends. So that petty part of me asked God for this. I realize God has much bigger fish to fry so maybe I should be ashamed. But I did it. I asked God For 1 new friend for Paxton's birthday. And look what happened . . .

See all of those little boys? They are some new friends. What a blessing! And that's not even all of the friends that were there. I wish I would have lined them all up and gotten a picture. And also a picture of the cake! What was I thinking. I have no pictures of Paxton's first birthday cake! Wondering if anyone else snagged one for me?? Remember, I said it was a bit chaotic.
So I will post the pictures that I do have thanks to my sis-in-law, Brandy and a few that I stole from my dad.

What a blessing that M and her family joined us for the birthday party. It really was special to have them celebrating with us. Here is the beautiful girl that loving gave us our Pax. With her permission, I'm posting her picture for the first time here! I realize that open adoption is probably strange and unfamiliar to most of the world. But what a beautiful experience it has been for us. And I believe it will be for Paxton as he grows and understands more. We feel like our relationship with M and her family couldn't be more perfect if we had written it out on paper ourselves. It really is ideal and we love this family and always enjoy time shared with them.

Daddy and mommy with the birthday boy!

And a good view of his little Pax-Man shirt. We went with a little Pac-Man theme to go with his cute name.

Opening some presents.
He is loving his rocking horse from Nana and Papa J. It is the perfect size! A new little riding toy from M. It is by far, a favorite now! The little Pac-Man cake! He just wasn't too interested in this part.
Not so sure about it.
Not liking it on the fingers.

Sweet, happy boy!
And the loot! Whoa! We have got to do some serious toy room re-org to make room for all of this stuff.

After some extremely long naps for Holden and Pax, we spent the evening relaxing at home. Just the 4 of us. Doesn't he look like a little linebacker in his cute new tee?
And this was Paxton's birthday gift from us. It was a steal on Craigslist and the perfect size for my toddlers.
Sweet love, I can't believe you are already 1! We look forward to many more sweet moments with you, that another year will bring.