Sick Jack

I was sitting in Hayden's room, playing with him...when I realized Roni was missing. I went searching, and this is what I found:




...he was all snuggled into my bed with his "blankie and Lambie" watching Word World.

Moments later he made his first food request in 24 hours (besides fruit snacks)...a "bar"...so of course, I had to oblige.




Sweet (and SUPER grouchy) sick boy!!!

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My Little Color Bug

Skipping nap today to hang with Mommy and get caught up on some coloring with markers. SO MUCH more fun than silly old crayons!!! ...and of course, since it's afternoon, he's shed his pants...which allows his creative juices to flow!





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Movement

Yet another picture-less post, but I couldn't pass this one up. However, this was certainly one of those moment that I wish were caught on video.
We were all finishing up dinner tonight- the boys were polishing off their "sheees" (how Jackson first said snack-and it's stuck), when I felt some pretty big movements from Sister. I have been trying and trying to get Hayden to feel kicks, but it seems as though every time we try she stops. Tonight she was going a bit crazy in there, so I quickly called Hayden over and placed his little hand on my belly. Sure enough, she gave him a good kick almost immediately. His sweet eyes lit up and he yelled, "Mommy! Was that HER?!?!". It was adorable, and a moment I never want to forget!!! We waited a bit longer, but his 4 year old attention span soon kicked in, and he was off chasing his brother. ...as I sat there watching the two of them running and screaming and giggling...with my hand on my belly while she moved and grooved...I couldn't help but think that was her way of saying that she can't wait to be part of the fun. Oh Sweet Girl...if you only knew!!!


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Nicknames

Names have been a HUGE topic of conversation in our house lately. Of course, this is all stemming from trying to find the perfect name for Baby Girl. Hayden has made his suggestion: Rose (not bad for a 4 year old!), and has given his opinions: he likes Madison better than Reagan because because Reagan rhymes with Megan which is his bff's mom's name, and that might get confusing (his words).
Anyway...I have been leaning towards the name Madison because I really like Madi...which is what started the nickname conversation. At first we talked about the shortened versions of our names...how we call Jason Jay and Jackson Jack...and how Hayden and Mommy don't really have shortened versions. Then it turned to our actual nicknames:
Hayden's:
When he was tiny we called him Boog and Boogie. Before he was born we called him Baboo. Now we call him Hay-Hay, Hayd, H-Dogg, H and Buddy.
Jackson's:
Bubba, Jackie, Jack, Roni, Bunny, Jackaboo.
It's funny how these start...and stick...and even FIT!!! It'll be fun to see what nicknames we come up with for Little Princess Leia...but first, an actual LEGAL name would be helpful!!!


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Hayden-isms

We are on our way to have our 3D ultrasound done with Baby Girl...and along with that came the instructions for me to eat something sugar-y in order to get her movin' and groovin'. Before we left, I hit the pantry, and the only sweet thing that sounded decent to me was a tootsie pop.

We were about 1/2 way there when I quietly and covertly (or so I thought) unwrapped it and started to eat. Within seconds Hayden busted me and asked where his was. I explained that Mommy needed it for the baby...and he seemed to understand.
A few minutes later, he chimes in with, "How's that sucker treatin' ya Mom?". Classic Hayden.
Shortly after that I was chewing it...and his response: "I told ya that biting it was the only way to get it done, Mom."

That kiddo cracks me up ALL the time!!!


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Hat ON

After getting Jackson settled into his carseat I handed him his hat and told him to hold it. When I turned around to check on him, this is what I saw...funny boy!!!


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Baby Girl Morehead

Well, does she look like a Madison or a Reagan? This is our sweet baby girl at 27 1/2 weeks. She's our little porker, weighing in at 2 pounds 9 oz. Notice her hand on her head? Dramatic even before birth...Mama's girl for sure!!!


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National Flapjack Week!

A day playing hookie with Mama, a promise of pancakes, and a dozen expired eggs in the fridge all warrant a trip to the golden arches for some Flapjacks!!!






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Finally...a veggie!!!

After spending a week with Aunt Jeannie, Hayden came home loving "crunchy carrots"! SCORE!!!!

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The Boys: March 2011

Thought it would be fun to do an updated post about the boys and where they're both at right now. They change so frequently, that I miss a lot, so doing these will help me remember the little men they were in 2011.

Hayden:

• Hayden is 4 3/4...I know this sounds funny, but I literally got an email about him yesterday that said this, and it struck me...it's true too...4 3/4. Wow.


• He is weighing in at a whopping 34 pounds these days-we never thought he'd break thru the 30 pound mark-but his eating is improving and he's growing, growing, growing. Of course, he's still on the small side-but Jason is confident that he'll catch up. I think he'll just always be Mommy's peanut.


• H's favorites these days: Transformers (the 80's version)...the three boys watch an episode every night before bed, and it truely is the highlight of their day. He's also still a Scooby fanatic, and he also enjoys any "super heros". He loves to watch tv and movies, and would do it all day long if we'd let him. He also loves to play video games (angry birds, mario, sonic...). He's still a mac and cheese boy, he loves donuts and pancakes, fruit snacks and ice cream too.


• Hayden is a book junkie-lately he loves going to the library and picking out "looking at books" (books about animals, space, weather, geography...). We've also recently started reading some chapter books, and he's following right along and is excited each night to read a few chapters.


• Hayden is in Preschool at Shoal Creek with Melissa Gann as his teacher. He really loves his school, his classmates and his teachers. His best buddies in his class this year are: Sawyer Lewis, Girl Sawyer (lol), Gavin, Dylan and Alex. This is his 2nd year in preschool, but this year we've been focusing a lot more on the social aspect of it all. He's been helping Mrs. Gann out a lot in the classroom, making friends and leading a lot better, and he's doing great with all of the aspects that he struggled a bit with last year. Mrs. Gann spoke with us during his conferences this year and said that she was a bit concerned that he wasn't being challenged-so she's been sending home some homework, and we work on that nightly with him. He enjoys doing it, and we're seeing some improvement in his writing and other skills.


• Pre-K is up next, and sadly we will be leaving Shoal Creek and Hayden will start attending Second Friends Preschool. The class that he's in is a trasitional class-specifically designed for the kiddos with the later birthdays who are being "held back". We visited the school this past week, and Jason and I are super excited to have him enrolled here. We will miss Mrs. Gann, and I hate the thought of leaving, but we both think this is a great "next step" for Hayden.


• Friends: Hayden has become a pretty social kid, but he has his bff's for sure! He just got to spend a week playing with his oldest friend Michael while Jason and I were in Mexico. They don't get to see each other often, but always seem to be able to pick up right where they left off and have fun together. He also loves to get to play with Oliver and Milo, he really enjoys playing with Owen when we get too...which doesn't happen too often, Alex and Max are favorites, and the rest are just icing on the cake!!


• Hayden has become a pretty awesome big brother! He's great with Jack and they play together really well. He can always figure out what Jack is trying to say-before Jason and I most times, and he's great about helping out when I ask him! It took Hayden a little while to come around to the idea of having a baby sister, but now that he's had time to get used to it, I think he's really excited, and I know he'll be great with her! He's filled his role as the oldest with flying colors!!!


• Hayden just finished with basketball and did great with that. Daddy and I just signed him up for tball and he'll also be starting soccer. We've finally graduated from the "bitty" sports and are now moving into the real deal. He'll have practices and games-this is all very exciting for all of us!!!

Jackson:

• Jackson just turned 2 on February 19th, and he wasted no time embracing the 2's!


• He's weighing in at 28 pounds, and is extremely tall for his age. He's lost most of his "baby fat", and my guess is that he's going to be my tall lanky boy.


• Jack still has a "goopy" eye now and then. It's his left, and while it drives me insane, it really doesn't seem to bother him much.


• He has the funniest little personality. He's never been a huge fan of people outside of the 3 of us...but I'm slowly seeing some changes there. He has a deep little voice and always sounds (and looks) super grumpy-which adds to his personality and totally cracks us up.


• Jack is talking, talking, talking now. And along with all of the talking has come the demanding. He's a boy who knows what he wants (and doesn't want) and isn't shy about asking for it.


• He's our eater-when he feels like it. He'll try just about anything-especially if he can dip it in ketchup. One of his favorites: pancakes with syrup and ketchup. Mmmm!!!


• Jack loves books-he likes to sit and "read" to himself and he loves to be read to. It's rare if there aren't piles of books scattered thru the house in all different rooms. Several times per day he goes into his room, grabs a stack, and comes out saying "heaby" (heavy) and then plops down and starts reading.


• Jackson's Favorites: Jackson is a big Curious George fan-it was the theme for his 2nd birthday, and it's always the first thing he asks for when he wakes from his naps. He also loves the Transformers, blocks, coloring, and cars. Jack is a pizza fanatic, he loves juice, grapes, cheese, pancakes and donuts. Jack usually prefers to play with whatever Hayden is playing with-no matter what it is.


• Jackson is still getting his lala's at night and during naptime. I just haven't had the heart to take them away, altho, I'm well aware that it's time.


• He's a very independent little boy-very different from his big brother. He doesn't ask for help much, and if you offer, his response is typically, "Jackie try" or "me do it". I love this about him-except when I'm in a hurry or trying to keep the messes under control.


• Jack just finished with his first session of tumbling. We don't think it was his favorite thing, so we're going to try to find something different to get him involved with. Swimming lessons are on the agenda for sure...which will happen for both boys. I think we're going to need more days in the week!

Baby Girl:

Thought I should include her as well! :)

• Names: Jason and I have it narrowed down to Madison or Reagan. We love both names, and I have no idea how we're going to choose. Other names we considered: Addison, Eden, Emerson (me) and Camryn (me).


• We are now getting ultrasounds every month and so far everything is looking awesome! Baby Girl is weighing in at 2 pounds 9 ounces at her 27 1/2 week check. This is actually big-which surprised us all.


• She's not much of a mover-nothing like her brothers. I do feel kicks and flutters throughout the day, but just not nearly as often as I did with the boys.


• Her due date is May 25th, but we're thinking the c-section will be scheduled for May 18th (she will share a birthday with my cousin's daughter Chloe).

Too Long

It has absolutely, 100% been too long since I've utilized our family blog to post about...well, family stuff. Things have been different for me, personally, lately...and I'm going to make an attempt to once again post regularly here instead of on the social sites. I regret not keeping up with this during the past year, but hopefully I'll get back into the habit...and all will not be lost. Happy Reading!

A Day Fille with Nothing!

Our family just got home from spending a crazy busy weekend in Iowa-filled with lots of football and lots of fun-but also with lots of driving, lots of late nights, and lots of unhealthy food. Usually when we get back from our trips, I immediately unpack and get things back to normal...but last night I was just too tired, and this morning when we all finally woke-up, I decided to change things up a bit! My boys both got loads of sleep last night and woke up happy and snuggly and sweet...soooo...instead of rushing around like crazy trying to get things done, I decided that today would be a great day to spend just being with my kids. Hayden has been accusing me of cleaning too much lately, and not "just playing", so that's what today is all about: playing, snuggling, reading, and simply having a fun day together.





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Mommy-Hayden Date

So, for the past few weeks, we've noticed that Hayden has really been NEEDING some Mommy time!!! On this day, we had planned on going to see a movie...but at the last minute, Hayden decided that instead he'd just like to go out for lunch and chat! And that's exactly what we did!!!! It was so great to just hang out and talk like we used to do...it was good for both of us, and seemed like a great way to start our week together. Both of my boys are total Daddy's Boys, which I truely do love, but it's also nice to know that Mama still ranks up there too!!!

(below: Hayden and I splurged and enjoyed a Freckled Lemonade)

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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