Continue reading »]]> As we gear up for summer, I decided to purchase a membership to our (top rated) local zoo. We are so lucky to be in an area of the state that has amazing things for kids to do. Our zoo is open daily, all year round, so I plan to go as much as possible.

Our day started with “THE ZOO!!!,” as we waited patiently for the gates to open.

After that, it was a bunch of the back of Bits head as she peered at the animals.

She loved calling out to the animals, “Hey (fla)Mingo, I’m over here,” and counting the big animals. She got tired of walking pretty quickly, so I’m ramping up my search for a double jogger.

We even had a surprise visit by some friends. Once she had the big kids to chase around, she forgot all about being tired.

Boy just st back and enjoyed the ride. I’m eager to watch his understanding grow with each visit. I’m so glad we have this opportunity for a whole year. At the very least, we will go monthly. This will be the perfect morning activity when the Texas heat is upon us.

Who wants to be sweaty zoo buddies with us?

*bonus- your membership is considered a donation. Woo hop. Entertaining tax write off!

Continue reading »]]> Boy has been taking big boy baths for a few weeks now, and I’m not sure who loves it more. Both Bit and Boy will sit and giggle until the water goes cold.

His face totally says “omg mom, what is she doing now?!?!”

Continue reading »]]> Thanks to Gdads (outdoor) line of work, if it rains over night, I wake up to a text inviting us to breakfast.

I’m thankful for surprise moments like this, but mostly that my kids can see their family so much. My Papa was there too, so the kids had double the grands to play with today.

Continue reading »]]> Because we support each other at life’s every turn.

Because she loves life.

Because she didn’t get mad when we had dueling baby bumps.

Because she loves my kids like they are her own.

Because she brings the silly like no one can.

Because of this.

And this.

And this *don’t ask*

Happy birthday, Sister!

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Today’s (Optional) Writing Prompt: Are you a people person? Do you feel energized or drained around people? What are some of your favorite types of encounters or tell me a story of one!

Here we go…

As I read this prompt, the therapist in me went immediately to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, of course.

I probably have not taken a type indicator test of any sort since grad school and a lot has changed about me and my life since then, so I took a quick test online to start this post. I thought for sure that my type had altered a little. I have to admit I had mixed emotions about getting the exact same results that showed up in my first psych class freshman year of college and my last semester of grad school. I think I view the world a little differently, but I guess I still process it the same as I always have. I guess some things never change.

Even though a few of my scores moved a little more to one side of the scale or the other, where I have traditionally been toward the middle, one did not change, and that is that I’m an introvert at heart.

Now, this doesn’t mean that I secretly desire to be the cat lady, holed up at home with my cable TV, hot chocolate and bath robe. No, introvert simply gives an explanation of where I derive my energy from. Being in a crowd drains me, if i have to be involved. If i can stay on the outer edge or chase Bit around a party, I’m all for it. It simply means that these Sunday mornings alone and away with my ipad and coffee are exactly what I need to recover from a long weekend and prepare for the week ahead. Neither preference (introvert/extrovert) is better, its more about knowing what you are and what you need to be successful.

My Type is : ISFJ- The Nurturer
Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging

I invite you to take you own test here

Take a few minutes to google your type and get lost in a worm hole about yourself. Or check out this site. It seems to be very informative.

A little about me (from searching my type) that is spot on:

ISFJs have two basic traits which help define their best career direction: 1) they are extremely interested and in-tune with how other people are feeling, and 2) they enjoy creating structure and order, and are extremely good at it.
True and True. This shows up in my life because I am a counselor by trade and my first baby was a serious schedule baby, still is, although we are all getting a little better.

ISFJs live in a world that is concrete and kind. They are truly warm and kind-hearted, and want to believe the best of people. They value harmony and cooperation, and are likely to be very sensitive to other people’s feelings. People value the ISFJ for their consideration and awareness, and their ability to bring out the best in others by their firm desire to believe the best.

The ISFJ is warm, generous, and dependable. They have many special gifts to offer, in their sensitivity to others, and their strong ability to keep things running smoothly. They need to remember to not be overly critical of themselves, and to give themselves some of the warmth and love which they freely dispense to others.

My time is up! Go forth and be knowledgable about yourself! Come back here and let me know if you discovered anything about yourself or if the test was completely off base for you.

This was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post. It’s five minutes of your time and a brain dump. Want to try it? Here are the rules…

Set a timer and write for 5 minutes.
Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. The back door to your blog if you want. But make it accessible.
Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post.
Link up your post here.
Visit your fellow bloggers and show some love.
Now…

Continue reading »]]> Bits little school put on a spring concert last week. Since Bit doesn’t attend on the day her class has music, I was a little hesitant to send her up on stage. I thought for sure she would’ve been the one to cry, because you know there is always one. When 2-5 year olds are in front of crowds, anything can happen.

She was very confused about going to school on the wrong day, dressed up, and at night. On our way out of the house, she was very concerned that i had not packed her lunch or brought her nap mat. Nothing slips by this kid.

Of course, she surpassed all of my expectations and did phenomenal. She even knew the words to the songs, which surprised her teachers. Before the show, I tried to tell them that she “gets” music. It doesn’t take her long to learn words, and she can find the beat pretty quick. I honestly thought that if she didn’t cry, and would dance.

She seemed to have a great time. During her march out of the auditorium with her class, she spotted our entire family, which confused her again.

This was yet another time I was thankful that our family is “different.” A little overwhelming at times, but always there when we need each other, even if it’s for a simple first like this. I love that my sister got there first and knew to commandeer an entire church pew. Yes, we are that family, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

I’m so proud of my little Bit. Every day she shows us how big she really is getting.

Continue reading »]]> A few major things made us fall in love with this house at first sight, like the bright windows, beautiful hard wood and size of the yard. I could immediately see my kids grow up in the quiet neighborhood.

Another small thing I saw was potentia to build the photo wall of my dreams. My parents have a small one of vacation photos, but it has always been my Grandmas house that I wanted to recreate. She had family photos on every inch of her hallway, from old wedding shots to all of us (adult) cousins as babies. Its a a fun trip down memory lane every time I visit my Granpa.

This house has the perfect wall, and I have started slowly. For my birthday, I had the chance to get 11 new frames, and my vision is starting to take shape. The rules are simple, black frames of any size. The goal is to keep adding photos here and there, of anyone and everyone we love. I want to keep building and rearranging the space until its solid. My kids will be able to go to their rooms and see everyone that is important to us.

Do you have a special place in your home like this?

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Boy,

You are growing and changing so much lately that I’ve actually had to keep a list, so these posts get every drop of information that they deserve.

This month you perfected rolling both ways, usually while holding onto your feet. It’s like being in a ball gives you speed. Your sitting is so stable that your are taking baths in the big tub with Bit. You love jumping in your exersaucer and sitting to watch the world go by. You are starting to go after toys that are just out of reach. At the end of the month, you started to push yourself backwards, but it made you mad, since you were trying to move forward. I’m sure your 8 month update, there will be huge changes in the movement department.

You are still weaning from the Alimentum formula. After a month of it, you are up to 1/3 soy in each bottle, sometimes 2/3 in a bottle or 2 a day. We started this too fast and upset your tummy, but it’s going better now. In TMI news, the soy is helping you to poop on the regular. Before, you were a once weekly kind of kid, but now you are up to every other day. This is a huge accomplishment for your belly. I attribute this to your food intake. You worked your way up to 1 oatmeal and 2 baby foods each day. You also continue to love rivers crackers, and anything else you can steal. You love any crackers, and tried pasta and real green beans this month. The real table food is really just something to play with, but you are learning to pick it up and suck on whatever you grabbed.

This was a super busy month, as usual. We checked out Art in the park, took your first bluebonnet pictures, and celebrated your first Easter. We visited the Butterfly exhibit at the Botanic Gardens. You slept through it in my arms. We attended your cousin Gabriels 4th birthday party, Adams 4th, had lunch with one of my friends and lots of breakfasts with Nana and Aunt K. You had fun at Main Street Art Fest. We went early, before it got hot. You are such a people watcher.

We stuck to our schedule of parks and story time. You love to watch the kids from the baby swing. We visited some friends for a play date at their house. You and Baby Hayes will be good buddies soon enough.

You still think you are too big for naps, but I’m still forcing the issue. When you don’t take a morning nap, I can usually get a long afternoon nap out of you. You have given up completely on an early evening nap, which doesn’t always make for the most peaceful evenings. Sleep, baby!

Speaking of sleep, we took away your 10pm bottle. That means you sleep 7-7 most nights, with no more interruption to eat. You weren’t finishing your bottles, so we took one away, and you are doing better about eating again. I think you are just too worried about what you might miss if you stop to eat. Who needs to eat when there is a crazy sister to keep up with.

You had another healthy month. Our only trip to the doctor this month was for a flu shot. You didn’t wince or cry. You mainly just looked at me like I was crazy. Um mom, what’s going on? Can we go visit Gigi yet? Such a brave kid already. I’m sure this will equate to you being a fearless toddler. Yikes.

Once again, another busy month has flown by. I love that you are flexible and easy. Aside from not napping, you don’t argue about much. We can keep you out a little late and you are happy to be along for the ride. You are getting better about other people holding you. Separation anxiety ran high this month, but it’s already starting to taper off. I guess you are learning that I will come back.

I will alway come back, little boy. Always.

I love you,
Mommy