Progress!!!

Today was a BIG day in the Morehead house!!! Hayden has pooped on the potty...not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES...TODAY!!! And to top off the excitement, he came and told me that he had to go...and didn't even throw a fit first. He just sat down...and went! YAY Hayden!! Of course, he was rewarded with prizes, but honestly, by the third time, I was out...bad Mommy. Guess a run to Target is in the cards for us tomorrow for more Pooping Prizes.

Ahhh...the excitement never ends around here!!!

From the Mouths of Babes

Hayden and I went out for a shopping trip this afternoon and stopped and had a lunch date at Subway. While we were there, we were discussing what we were going to do tonight. I explained to him (for the 300th time) that Daddy wasn't coming home tonight...that he was on a work trip, but we'd see him tomorrow. Sooo...since it's just going to be the two of us tonight, I thought we'd rent a fun movie and just snuggle. He agreed and sounded really excited about it. I then took it a step further and suggested that we watch the movie in Mommy's bed while we snuggled and he could just sleep with Mommy tonight...I remember doing that on occassion with my own mother and how much fun I thought that was. His reply: "Mommy, we can watch the movie in your room and snuggle, but I have to sleep in my bed because your belly gets in the way and there isn't enough room for me." Wow.

A Baby Update

I can't believe it...on Thursday I will be 36 weeks...and while the majority of this pregnancy has FLOWN by, these past few weeks have stalled a bit, and I'm very, very ready to NOT be pregnant...EVER again!!!
I have been going to see my ob (Dr. Morris) every two weeks now for the past month, and things have been going really well. Heartbeat has been strong, my weight gain has slowed down to a normal pace (thank you very much), and my blood pressure has been normal...(despite my cankles and swollen face). We've also been having our monthly ultrasounds, which are always very exciting for all 3 of us. Hayden loves getting to see his brother on the tv, and of course, Jason and I can't wait to see our little boy's face and are amazed by how much he changes each month. The last time we went (about 3 weeks ago), our little stinker had flipped and gone in to the "head down" position, which made things a bit more difficult on Mommy...just as his brother had done. Stinkers! However, everything looked really good as far as development and size...he was measuring right were he should be...another miracle!
The doctor who preformed the u/s did mention that there was a small pouch of fluid around Baby's kidney, but that it's fairly normal in boys, and it could correct itself after birth. Hopefully he's right, and Baby doesn't have to have anything additional done to correct it. When I asked my ob/pediatrician about it at our last visit, she didn't sound overly concerned either, and basically just told me that we'd wait to see what happens after he's here. Please say a prayer or two for our little guy that everything works itself out.
The biggest news that I have to share is...yesterday we got the phone call we'd been waiting on...my c-section is officially "on the books"...it is scheduled for Thursday, February 19th at 7:30 am. Whew...I can't believe how close that is...it'll be here before we know it!!!

Potty Training Update!

So this potty training thing has been a challenge to say the least...but we knew that it would be and were both pretty prepared for everything that it entailed. Hayden is a very "strong-willed" kiddo, so, while we had given it a shot a few different times, Jason and I could both tell that he just wasn't quite ready and the battle would have outweighed the success. In retrospect, we're both really glad that we followed our gut instead of taking the advice of...well...everyone. :)

We have been at this for 3 weeks now and Hayden is doing great!!! He VERY rarely has an accident, and when he does, he immediately tells us...which is awesome as we know he understands...score! Even better...for the past 4 days or so, he's woken up dry...from both naptime and bedtime. We're still putting him in his pull-up when he goes to bed, as I'm just not confident enough to let him attempt it in his underpants, but if he keeps this up (and I sure hope he does), this will be our last pack of pull-ups!! :) He HAS figured out how to play the system a bit, and gets up at least 3 times after we put him to bed at night at once or twice after he's down for his nap to tell us that he has to go potty...but so far, he goes each time, so we can't ignore it and send him back to bed. While it's a bit of a pain, he's waking up dry, so the positives are outweighing the negatives at this point.

Pooping is still a bit of an issue. The poor kid held it for 4 days the last time, and when he finally went he was hysterical...saying he was scared. I felt terrible for him, BUT...he did eventually go...and ON THE POTTY!!! I'm trying to load him up on pooh-friendly foods this week so that he's not able to hold it for so long and we can continue to have success so that he can see, as he says when he's finished, "it's not so bad". He's still getting his prizes for pooing, and they really do seem to work. He's now also wanting to give prizes to Daddy for going on the potty as well...very thoughtful!

Anyway, again, lots of bathroom info here...but we're just so proud of our little potty-going guy...
Great Job Hayden...Mama and Daddy are very proud of you!!!

Mid-60's in January...A Perfect Day!!!

All week I had been waiting for the predicted mid-60's day, and it finally came!! Hayden and I couldn't wait to get out there and enjoy it, so that's exactly what we did!!! After lunch I stuck him in his coat (which I ended up replacing quickly with a sweatshirt) and out we went. It felt wonderful to get to play and run and yell...and just enjoy the fresh air!!! I could take another dozen of these days or so...but it's not in the cards...the forecast is calling for 30's and snow within the next few days...back to reality we go! Let's at least hope that the groundhog DOESN'T see his shadow this year!!!

34 Weeks...Only 5 to Go!!!

I have been SO bad at documenting this pregnancy...unlike with Hayden...but here are a few pictures of me at 34 1/2 weeks. I can't believe I still have 4 1/2 weeks left...but at the same time...this pregnancy has FLOWN!!! I have been so lucky, and we are so thankful that it's been a healthy pregnancy and I've been able to be as active as I have been. We are all so anxious to meet our new little guy...and can't wait to have him be a part of our family.

Lookin' Cute!

Hayden and Mommy
My two boys...SO handsome!!!

How Precious is THIS???

He LOVES to pose by the fireplace...such a little ham!!!

Getting ready to head out for dinner the other night, Hayden looked so stinkin' cute that we just couldn't resist snapping a few pictures before we headed out the door!! Such a handsome boy!!!

Hayden's 1st Slumber Party!!!

FINALLY cashed out...they were both EXHAUSTED, but were refusing to give in...SO cute!!!
Jason tucking them in...

Our little bookworms...some things never change!!!

Our friends John, Jeannie (also pregnant...) and Michael were in town one night last weekend, and I know that Jeannie rarely gets a break, so I offered to take Michael off their hands for the evening so that they could get some time alone. When they dropped Michael off, the plan was for him to just stay and play for a few hours...but when I walked in to Hayden's room and saw them sitting on his bed reading stories to each other, I immediately called and suggested that Michael be allowed to spend the night. They agreed, and the boys had their very first slumber party!!! They even slept in the same bed, and although it literally took them over an hour to fall asleep with all of the talking and giggling they were doing, it was well worth it getting to listen to them and even getting to snap a few pictures!!! Michael is such a sweet kid, and I love that Hayden loves him so much...they truely are best buddies!!!

Mom's Club Winter Party

Making Mommy a beautiful Fruit Loop bracelet...that is...until Miss Sarah gave him the idea to EAT the Fruit Loops!!! lol!!
CONCENTRATING...

The Bubble Wrap Dance Party!!!

Hayden and I are members of the Mom's Club here in Liberty, and attempt to make it to as many events as possible. We always have a great time, and are so thankful for having this great group of people in our lives!!!

Big Boy Underpants...Potty Training Has Begun!!!

As most of you are painfully aware, we have (finally) begun the potty training journey...and so far it's been going...well??? I really have absolutely NO idea what I'm doing, but I'm just going with my gut with it, and hoping I'm doing everything correctly. Hayden actually does really, really well with peeing on the potty...in fact, on the his first day he only had 1 accident and it was 1 full week late before he had another. Pooping, however, has proven to be a different story. We've had SOME success, but for the most part, he's still going in his pull-up during naptime...and once even in his underpants. (ick) We reward him for going pee by putting stickers on a "chart" each time he goes (along with LOADS of praise), and with the pooing, I've taken it a step further and actually gone to the dollar section of Target and loaded up on some "prizes". This concept seems to work...to a degree...and he's well aware that when he DOES make it to the potty he gets a prize...but apparently, sometimes the incentive just isn't enough. Jay and I are really proud of the progress he's made so far, but are SO anxious to have this phase done and over with!!! 1 in diapers at a time please...and we're quickly running out of time!!! ...oh...and it turns out...patience IS a virtue!

"Building" Rexie

Picking out Rexie's Heart...
Getting to help stuff Rexie

Rexie is getting brushed out...

Hayden's favorite part of the T-Rex Cafe was getting to build his dino Rexie. Jason and I have been talking about taking him to Build-a-Bear for awhile now, but just haven't gotten around to doing it...lucky for us (!?!?) they had a Build-a-Dinosaur at the restaurant, so we took advantage, and Rexie was born. Hayden got to pick out Rexie's heart and help stuff him. Then he was able to brush him out and give him a "bath". After all of that they get to print out a birth certificate and actually name their dinos...Hayden picked the name Rexie, and he's become a new best friend!!! Rexie is dragged all over the house and he sleeps with him nightly!!! Welcome to the family Rexie!!!

Enjoying (?) T-Rex Cafe

He was having fun here...was finally used to all of the sights and noise...
Here...not so much...although he was laughing while I took this, I was a bit worried we'd have to bail.

Taking it all in...I couldn't even get him to look at the camera!

...absolutely amazed...

Thanks to a friend of mine, we heard about this restaurant called the T-Rex Cafe, and since Hayden is starting to have an interest in dinosaurs, we thought it would be a fun place to spend an afternoon. We were right...although things started out a bit rough...but once we got past the entrance where a HUGE and mobile t-rex stands and Hayden got used to all of the noise, we had a great time, and I know we'll be back!!! It was a very cool place, and one I highly recommend for a fun afternoon with the kiddos!!!

GO HAWKEYES!!!!

I call them Dip and Dap...but admitedly, they look pretty cute in their bowl shirts!!! The shirts must have been good luck too, as the Hawks won!!! It was a good day in the Morehead house!!!

Mommy's Birthday Events

Hayden using chopsticks to eat his PB&J at PF Changs...and no...they're not on the menu...
Daddy and Hayden getting ready to tackle the "BIG SWIDE!!!"

They did it!!! Hayden is ready to go again!!!

Happy 30th to Mommy!!!

Blowing out the candles on my traditional Angel Food cake that Hayden and Jason made!!!
Birthday kisses from my favorite boy!

A gift from Jason...the newest Nicholas Sparks book!!

My fancy itouch...gotta love tech toys!!!

Being pregnant on my 30th birthday (which also happened to be my Golden Birthday) wasn't in the plans...but it became my reality, so Daddy and Hayden made it as exciting as they could considering my many restrictions!!! I had a great day just getting to spend time with my boys...we started the day out at Ginger Sue's for breakfast, then spent a few hours at Fun Run playing with Hayden and watching the boys enjoy the giant slides and inflatables. We all came home for a much needed nap and relaxation and ended the evening with dinner at my favorite place-PF Changs!!!

Maybe when I turn 31 I'll get my trip to Vegas, but if I end up with a repeat of this year, I won't complain...it was a great day...and getting to celebrate with my family made it all the more special!! Thanks boys!!!

Christmas with the Family

Nana, Papa and Uncle Brandyn were able to come down to celebrate Christmas with us on the 26th for a few days...it was nice to have them here and for them to get to spend some time with Hayden during the holidays. Nana and Hayden spent some time making bark covered pretzels (their first "project"), we all played The Office game (a HUGE hit), and Trivial Pursuit...well...maybe not ALL of us...Mom decided it was a good time for a nap...and of course...lots of laughs (and arguments...it wouldn't be a good ol' fashioned family Christmas without a few of those...) were shared by all!!! 'Tis the Season!!!

...Until Next Year!

Back!

Okay, so I took a bit of a blogging break while I figured out how to get things laid out how I wanted them...and I've finally figured it out!! YAY me!! (I'm SO not tech savy). Sooo...I'll be on soon with new pictures and stories!!! Check back as we've had some exciting things going on lately...fun playdates, a new member of our family, and just lots of Hayden stories!

Milk & Cookies...AND...Dora and Brown Teddy

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Just like last year, we put out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer...this year it was much more fun though, as Hayden actually understood what we were doing and why. While putting Hayden to bed, he insisted that we also put Brown Bear out and Big Dora for Santa to see...along with his leftover water just in case he got extra thirsty. Such a thoughtful little guy!!! I was surprised that on Christmas morning he remembered and he ran right to the plate to check to see if Santa had eaten what Hayden had left out for him...

Exciting News!!! (This is all about the potty...might be too much info)

I'm going to interrupt the Christmas photos with some very, very exciting news in the Morehead household!!!!
Jason and I have decided that it is time to potty train. We've gotten endless advice on when/how/why...but mostly WHEN...to do it, but stuck to our guns, and although we've given it a few tries, the time was never right, and as Hayden's mommy and daddy, we could tell that he just wasn't ready. However, the other day while we were at Target, Hayden saw some Cars underpants and got really excited. I made a deal with him: if he started going on the big boy potty, then I'd get him those big boy Car underpants. He agreed...and Jason and I decided to start the next day.
On day 1, Hayden and I spent the entire thing completely focused on going potty. I literally set a timer for 20 minutes, and took him in to at least TRY that often. We were very successful...only had 1 accident all day...and he earned 8 stickers on his "potty chart". On day 2, we had some errands that we couldn't avoid, so while we were home he wore his big boy underpants, and while we were out and about, he wore a pull-up. He did awesome...I took along a potty adapter seat, and made sure to take him in to try about every 30 minutes (and I admit, I limited his liquid intake). He managed to stay dry while we were out, although he was starting to work on a poo, and did have a bit of an accident with that...but (TOO MUCH INFO)...it wasn't much, and it was VERY obvious that he stopped himself. So, while I was super proud that he didn't go in his pants, we spent the rest of the day/night heading to the potty about every 10 minutes trying to poo. Again though, he had NO accidents...and he was the one telling me that he had to poop and that he wanted to go on the potty. I was really at a loss yesterday, and didn't have any idea how to approach this aspect of it...he was getting frustrated...as was I...and by the time Jason got home from work last night, we had both had enough.
This morning we had success again with the peeing part of it all, but he was still very uncomfortable and spent a HUGE amount of time on the potty trying to poop. I talked to some friends of mine today with kids the same age as Hayden, and they all said that it took their boys some time to understand pooping on the potty and would have accidents...but I knew that Hayden was understanding what was going on, and didn't want to poop in his pants...it was just a matter of him relaxing enough to go on the potty.
WELL...HE FINALLY DID IT THIS AFTERNOON!!! After lunch, Hayden told me he had to go again, so we went in and I gave him some privacy. When I came back in the room he was in the middle of the act and announced that he was "doing it"!!! I can't even tell you how proud of him I was!!! Phone calls were made and prizes were given!!!
One more step towards being potty trained!! GO HAYDEN!!! (literally!!!)

The Traditional Book...Little Drummer Boy

Last year we went with 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and while he was too young to enjoy it, this year it was one of his favorites. This year we chose Little Drummer Boy, and it was another success. He sat thru both on Christmas Eve night while the three of us snuggled in Mommy and Daddy's bed and Daddy read them to us. I'm so happy that we do this...and I know it will be even more special next year when we get to share it with BOTH of our boys!!

Mommy and Daddy got to Open One Too!!!

Hayden helping Daddy...

Wow!! What is it?!?!?

Jason's Traditional Hawkeye Ornament for his Hawkeye Tree...

The Hayden Herkey...To Daddy From Hayden!!

Mommy got A Christmas Story from Daddy...I finally have it on DVD!!! We had intended to watch it once Hayden went to bed, but after being Santa's helpers with the toys, we were exhausted and it waited until Christmas night.

Doctor Kit...Thanks Heibees!

Oops...these got a little out of order...but you get the idea. :) This happened to be the 2nd gift he chose to open on Christmas Eve...although, had we known what a hit it was going to be, we might have held off until last!!! Great Uncle Blake and Great Aunt Leslee got Hayden what turned out to be his FAVORITE gift...a doctor kit!!! NO JOKE...he refused to even OPEN anything else...EVEN THE NEXT MORNING!!! Of course, eventually he gave in and humored us...but we are still getting our daily check-ups. Hmm...maybe this will be his chosen career (after professional football, baseball and basketball of course).

The 1st Check-up Given by Dr. Hayden

Sounds like Daddy has a "strong heart"