Tuesday, August 13, 2013

First time in 9 years..

I've been feeling a little "off" lately.  For the past 9 years I have dreaded and at the same time have had anticipation during this time of year.  All teachers know what I'm talking about...the end of another short summer and start to an exciting school year with new little faces.  Let me start off by saying that I am so grateful and beyond excited to be home with our little girl but at the same time I am missing the "loss" of getting my classroom ready, writing new names on name tags, sorting supplies, meet the teacher night, convocation, bonding with my team, and believe it or not the sleepless nights that lead up to the first day.  I love almost everything about teaching.  I know that I can always go back to the classroom but for now I'm supposed to be here at home. None the less...it's still leaving my heart a little sad. 
But this face makes everything all better...
One of the most special parts of being home with our girl together is that I get to watch the relationship that The Mr. is building with our sweet pea.  They are buddies,  Best buddies.  She lights up every time he talks....oh,  her smile just melts us.   Nothing in the world quite like it.
I'm so blessed to have both of these souls in my life. 
Even though the past few weeks have been ridiculously hot we were able to go to a morning one year old bday party.  We stayed in the shade and had so much fun celebrating.
Here's a few things that we've been doing the past month.
Reading lots of books
 shopping for groceries and practicing sitting in a cart 
Play dates with my friend
 learning how to sit up on my own and playing my piano for Ollie boo
 we made a silly shadow box for fav doctor....never a dull moment when we are there
 sleeping like there's not a worry in the world
In just a few days out sweet pea will be 5 months old.  How is this possible?~?~  I feel like time is playing a mean trick on me and going too quickly that I can't savor each moment.  I guess that's what pictures are for...and Lord knows that I take and post them mercilessly.  Next up,  5 month picts!

Thursday, August 1, 2013

And another month bites the dust.....

Little Miss Sweet Pea has is 4 months old (and two weeks).    We actually spent the morning cleaning out all of her clothes and making piles to "keep forever" or "keep for a while".  The we got out all of her 3-6 month clothes and hung it up while I fought through the tears.  I think I was mumbling something along the lines of...I want another baby....let's have another baby...why is my baby growing so fast...   she was so tiny....   blah blah.   Then the baby woke up from her nap and I was back to reality.  :)
 I am so grateful to have a big ol pool in our backyard,  summer in Texas are pretty much miserable unless you're in the water or in the house.   We try to "swim" a little every other day.
 We might have a little water bug on our hands.  Sweet pea Hattie loves her bath time every more than she loves pool time.  She love the running water and the wash cloths...   I have to say,  it's probably one of my most favorite times of the day. 
 We've had some play dates this summer too.  Mostly with our boyfriend, Luke. 
 The Mr. and I were curious how Hatilynn would look with dark hair.   Think she will be a brunette like her daddy or blond like momma?   From the picture...her stink eye says she wants to be blond!! 
 We turned in all of our paperwork for her MDO program.  She will have the best time getting loved on, learning about Jesus, and spending time with other little ones for a few hours each week.
 Hattie told Nana she's sorry she cried for 5 hours last time they were supposed to have a girls night....  I think Nana accepted the apology..don't you?!
 And then there's the 4 month wakeful period.  O.M.G     happy sad  happy sad.  we were back to waking up every few hours at night.  I could do with out that...but I know there are so many women that would do anything to have a little one and sleep deprivation is just part of the fun.  I haven't every been a great sleeper anyways so it hasn't ruffled my feathers too much.
 The faces you see below are two parents that got to have a movie date.   YES...excitement!!  We felt like crazy high schoolers...  ready to get into trouble!  Ha!     We went and saw World War Z.  Such a great zombie movie.... just the little break we needed.  It was the second time we had been alone since our sweet girl has arrived.  It felt weird and we talked about her even when the movie was playing but it was good to have my man all to myself!
 Sweet Pea had a morning of fun with this amazing family.   Apparently she was a saint and giggled/smiled most of the time.     I guess the "wakeful period" doesn't happen at the Pride house!  I look up to this woman in so many ways....one- I know she is raising some precious respectful kiddos...two- she doesn't stop smiling or passing out helpful advice...three- she just loves on my and my lil family in so many supportive ways.  I am so thankful to have families like this in our life.  Plus, Little Pride was a student in my 2nd grade classroom...I know she will be the best babysitter in a few years!
Let's talk about some firsts...
- trying to sit up on her own
 -daddy's first bday as a "daddy"
 - eating oatmeal at night like a big girl
 - this girl will only roll from her tummy to her back if she's naked  :)
- she belly laughs....    nothing, I mean nothing is better than that noise.
 - skinny dipping baby
We've had some tough days the past month but mostly wonderful days filled with giggles.  When I'm feeling overwhelmed I try not to keep it all bottled up because this chapter will go by so fast and I want to focus on the precious moments that are happening in front of my face.  That's where supportive friends and my hubby come in as well.  I swear,  I ask my friends a zillion questions every day and it's nice to sometimes just figure it out together.  I just need to remember breathe....  don't wish for this time to be over with...even if it is the 4 month wakeful....   before I know it she will be too old to sleep on my chest and nuzzle her cheek on my neck....just enjoy ...and breathe.