Lunch of Champions

While he doesn't get them often, Hayden LOVES Kid Cuisine days!!! It doesn't matter how much time I take to prepare a healthy, balanced lunch for him...absolutely nothing beats rubbery "chicken" nuggets, hot chocolate pudding, and gelatinized mac and cheese. Certainly a lunch of champions!!!


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Always Tomorrow...

Ahhh...another fun weekend is coming to a close. I can't believe that this was our last in March 2010!!! It seems like it was just LAST spring...when we were all getting used to the Morehead 4!!! Hayden was just fully potty trained, Jackson was tiny, and Jason and I weren't sure we'd ever get another full-night's rest!!! It's amazing how much has changed in the past year!

One year ago, on a night like tonight, things would have looked much different. I would have spent the majority in our bedroom, snuggled up with Jackson, nursing and dozing while Hayden and Jason would have spent the evening playing race tracks and wrestling. One year later, we spent the evening as a 4-some, playing downstairs...a bit of Mario, while Hayden and I snuggled, Jackson climbed on everything in sight, giggled at everything Jason said and did, and eventually started waving-a sure sign that it was bedtime. Instead of it taking, well, all night to feed him and get him to sleep, it took a little rocking, some milk and a few songs...then down he went, and we won't hear from him again until the morning. Amazing. A year ago, after going thru our bedtime routine with Hayden (teeth brushing, vitamins, reading, prayers, snuggles and talking about our day), he would have gotten up AT LEAST 3 or 4 times, snuck downstairs, and we would have to drag him back up 3 or 4 times and start all over. Now, we go thru our routine, say goodnight...and we're done. Again, amazing.

At the same time, these things...these milestones, that we thought were SO exhausting, SO never ending, SO HARD...are SO temporary. And while those things were all of that...along with those milestones came amazing feelings. Feelings and moments and emotions that are gone now for good with our two boys. They are growing so quickly. Every day I wonder where the time has gone...how it's possible for Hayden to be on the fast track to 4, and for Jackson to be 13 months already. I miss that baby smell from them, I miss them fitting just perfectly in my arms, I miss holding them while they sleep, and those perfect little gummy smiles. I miss the cooing and their little fingers wrapped so sweetly around one of mine.

Don't get me wrong...I love this time with them too. I am thankful each day to be a mommy to a 3 year old and a 1 year old. I love Hayden's humor, and how it sounds when he calls me Mommy. I love Jackson's giggles and his wide-mouthed-tongue-sticking-out-slobbery kisses. I love that they will both still sit so sweetly in our laps and snuggle at night, I love that they both adore books, and that both still think Jason and I are the most amazing people in the world. I love watching Hayden peice things together for himself...and I'm even seeing that in Jackson now!

All I'm saying is that, as a Mommy, it's so important that I remember to take the time...even when I don't think there's any time TO take, step back and take a mental picture of what's happening NOW. Not to take it all for granted and think that the next day (and the next) will bring the same things...because they won't. Each day with these boys is precious. Each is unique and special and amazing. Tomorrow brings new. New memories, new amazing moments, new frustrations....just NEW. Tomorrow my boys will be a bit taller, a bit older, a bit wiser, and a bit closer to being men and our time together being over. Everyone always says it, and I know how cliche it sounds, but time goes so darn fast the moment you give birth to your first child...and I'm just taking a moment to remind myself that before I know it...it'll be tomorrow yet again.

An Afternoon at the Park

We managed to squeeze out a few nice days in March, so of course we spent some time with friends at the park! It was so great just being outside with the boys and our great friends enjoying the fresh air. Jack even got to try out the slide and the swings...but we're still pretty sure his favorite spot was his stroller!!! We also noticed that Hayden was getting a bit more daring...and didn't ask for nearly as much help from us. (a little bittersweet!) Our babies are growing!!!

Our Little Fishy

Jason and I have been trying to find some activities to get Jackson involved it, since it seems like, up to this point, he's just been along for the ride to all of Hayden's activities. So, after a bit of research, we signed our baby up for his very first swimming lessons at the Liberty Community Center. It's been so much fun for me to be doing this with him, and while, he does become easily distracted whenever he sees Daddy and Hayden watching from the side...if I can keep him focused, he does such a great job!!! I am seeing so many differences between my 2 boys already...there doesn't seem to be much fear in our youngest, which I am both thrilled about, and a bit scared. While I completely understand that Jack isn't going to be swimming on his own after a session or two, I have been loving watching him get excited about something that is revolving entirely about him.

This is Jackson's favorite part of his "lessions"...jumping in from the side!!!!

Surfin' on his boogie board

Swimming Partners...doin' the "lazy boy"

St. Pattie's Day

This year, Hayden was on spring break for St. Patrick's Day, so I thought it would be fun to fill our day with lots of green...green craft projects, green food, green clothes...and a bit of green beer later for Mom and Dad!!! The boys and I had such a great day together, and I was so excited to spend the day with my 2 favorite leprechauns!

Sunday Morning

I'm sure I've posted something about Ginger Sue's in the past, but we always have such a great experience there, that I feel I have to mention it again!!!
We found this fun little breakfast/lunch place shortly after moving here, and I have to say that it's high on the list of our favorite eateries in the KC area. Always really great food (the pancakes are amazing, as is the Cobb wrap), and the service is great too!!!
And the best thing about it is that we always have a great time there as a family!!! Some of our best conversations of the entire week happen in this quaint little place, while the boys are coloring, and we're sipping our coffee.











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Lady Killer

Jackie's Godfather Andrew got him THE MOST adorable shirts for his first birthday...and this one says it all!!!! (I'm certain Jason thinks he needs one in his size too)



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The Boys

Taking a cue from a friend's blog, I thought it might be fun to jot a few "fun facts" about each of the boys! Starting from youngest to oldest:

Jackson:
•just turned 13 months old
•is cruising like a little speed racer...and actually took his first two steps today...from Hayden's chair to his bed
•prefers to only eat bananas...although I can sometimes sneak in peas, cheese, hot dogs and manderine oranges (where did my good eater go?!?!?)
•he has been taking swimming lessons with Mama, which has been fun! he gets very excited when we're putting on his trunks
•still only working with 4 teeth...keep thinking more are coming...but nada!
•he LOVES his big brother, and follows him around constantly...
•his absolute FAVORITE place to be is the bathtub...when he hears the water running he starts trying to pull his shirt off
•he says dada, hay, mama, ni ni, nana (for banana, sorry Mom), mmmm (milk)...he also barks when asked what a puppy says, and says vroooom while playing cars.
•he's a BIG pointer...which is how we know what he wants
•he's a total climber...and is always getting in and out if their short chairs and on and off the fireplace

Hayden:
•is 3 years and 9 months old
• has a chore chart, and is now earning a small allowance
•goes to school 2 days per week, for 3 hours...and loves it!
• he has made some great connections with friends and some parents, which is amazing for me to see.
• he absolutely adores scooby doo, and honestly believes that "the gang" is coming for a sleepover soon! he even has the sleeping arrangements planned out
•he has learned how to write his name, and is perfecting the other letters as well
•his favorite thing to do with Daddy is play Mario
•he has been searching for signs of spring, and is thrilled when he sees robins green grass, and flowers
•he has been great about playing with his brother, and is always looking out for him
•he's still a snuggler, and daddy and i love it!
•his favorite food is chicken nuggets or mac and cheese...but he'd still rather do just about ANYTHING rather than eat.
•daddy and Hayden have been going out for donuts and to lowes for a building workshop twice a month. they love it, and he's very proud of his accomplishments.






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First Cookie

Yesterday, after a full weekend at home, we loaded up the boys and took them out for lunch. We chose Red Robin, as it's Hayden's favorite...(as long as the "big red bird" isn't there). We all enjoyed our meals...but I'm absolutely certain that Jackson's favorite course was dessert!!! He's his Mama's boy for sure!!!



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Movie Night

So, we've started a new tradition at our house...twice a month we're spending Saturday evenings watching a fun kiddie/family movie and popping some popcorn. As everyone knows, we're a bit of a tv family, so we thought this would be a fun way to spend some time together...while doing something we ALL enjoy.

Aware

Okay, so I am well aware that it's now been 2 weeks since my last blog update, and trust me, I have loads to share!!! It's just that finding the time to sit down and do it hasn't been available lately. But please don't give up on me...I WILL get in here SOON and promise to get some fun pictures and stories posted.

...it just won't be tonight...because, while I'm aware of the fact that I need to do this, I'm also aware of how late I was out last night, how extremely exhausted I am today, and I am aware that Idol is on tonight. Holla!

Fantastic Day!

While I plan on coming back with a bunch of detailed posts recapping our day and our past weekend, I just had to post about the most fantasic day I've had with BOTH of my boys in a long time. For all of you who have or have had a three year old little man in your life, I'm sure you know all too well about the trials and tribulations that are faced in our household on a daily basis. I don't mean to sound negative here...98% of the time, Hayden is an absolute pleasure to be around. I truely love every day that we get to spend together, and I'm fully aware of how lucky I am to get to spend ALL of his moments with him...even the...not-so-fun-ones.

The reason I'm writing about today specifically is that today was one of those amazingly fun days...one of those days that is chock full of moments that make me fully aware of WHY I always wanted to be a mommy. Hayden was so sweet today...he was full of kisses, I love you's, and snuggles. He was helpful, he listened, he thanked me for things, and was a wonderful big brother.
There was a moment, while we were at Target this morning, where we were holding hands, skipping thru the store, and Jack was sitting in the cart giggling. It was such a perfect moment!
I love my boys with my whole heart every single day...but today I might have found just a little extra space to love them even more!

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