Pumpkin Patch Fun

A couple of weeks ago we finally made it to a pumpkin patch!!  Between soccer games, traveling and the hot weather there was no time to go sooner.  We meant to go back to Blessington Farm this year but this mama messed up and realized they were already closed when we were driving there.  Whoops!  Regardless, we had fun!

Getting everyone to look at the camera and smile is always highly challenging, and then keeping Anna Grace off the hay (which she hated) was even harder.  The picture of Anna Grace and me reaching for William cracks me up.  Typical!  

After the hay ride to the pumpkin patch we snapped a few pictures and then headed back to play.  William rode a pony and went on several slides.  His favorite thing was the play area that was free.  LOL.  My kinda kid!  Since William wasn't interested in the activities that cost money we put our extra tokens to use and bought kettle corn, of course!

Our trip to the pumpkin patch was a quick one this year, but full of fun memories and smiles!

Our big boy is FOUR

A lot has changed since this little guy turned 3!  He is the best big brother and such a little boy now.  His trucks can be found scattered in every single room and the day isn't over until we get a game of Hulk and Spiderman in.  He makes our days fun!

Height: Almost 40 inches (up 2 inches in 6 months) 37th %
Weight: 32 pounds (exactly the same as 6 months ago) 13th %
Blood Pressure: 94/50

Eating- Not much has changed in this category.  He has gotten a little more opinionated about what he eats.  If he eats something that's spicy he'll tell you it's "hot on me".  He now knows that eggs and hummus make his lips big and itchy.  He reminds us every weekend when we are cooking eggs. :)  His favorite foods are still the same (mac 'n cheese, cheese pizza, chicken nuggets from Chick Fil A, ham/cheese sandwich on Hawaiian bread and chips and cheese from any Mexican food restaurant).  Luckily, he still really loves vegetables!  I'd say green beans are the current favorite (and of course tomatoes).  His favorite fruits are watermelon and blueberries.  For breakfast he loves getting a sausage and cheese kolache from Shipley's.  On Sundays he loves making pancakes!  A "normal" breakfast is usually oatmeal or toast with peanut butter and honey (which he sometimes calls sauce).  

Sleeping-  This is pretty much the same too.  Unfortunately, we usually don't get him to sleep until 9:00 (due to our long work days).  On school days he's up at 6:00.  On the weekends he will lay in bed with us and sleep until 7 or 8.  He still randomly wakes up in the middle of the night and sneaks down to our room.  Nap time is still 12-2 (the day this ends will be a sad day).  He has started to tell us that his room scares him.  I knew that the "scared stage" was coming soon.  His BIG imagination doesn't help us in this situation.  
Development- William started going to what we call ABC school on Saturdays (about 6 months ago).  They are helping him learn the ABCs (sounds, how to write, read etc).  It also gives us something to work with him on every night.  I've noticed that instead of just playing along side other kids he is more interactive.  Every day he's learning something new!  Little gym ended this month, but we have continued with swim class and will put him in soccer and tee ball this fall.  I was feeling a little defeated about his progress in swim class until we went to the beach in May.  The little guy was a fish in the pool at our rental house.  He did such a good job swimming ALL. ON. HIS. OWN.    
Personality- Luckily, the shock of adding a human to our family has gone away.  William no longer screams, "Never!" at us, and the complete melt downs have decreased significantly!  He is still our little lover that is kind and gentle with his sister.  He loves his friends and really looks forward to school.  He has a love for music that makes my heart smile.  When driving in the car he'll tell us, "I like this song, turn up louder!"  He'll also let you know if he doesn't like a song.  :)  He doesn't like getting in trouble (even though he does daily, like you'd expect a toddler to).  He asks me everyday when I pick him up from school if he got a happy face.  It's important to him to make us and others proud (it's hard to ever stay upset with William for too long because you know he has a huge heart).                   
Clothing size- Shoes size 7 or 8 and 4T    
Things mommy loves- 
He amazes me everyday with his love for Anna Grace.  This kid can make me laugh in the saddest times (and this mama has had some worrisome days recently).  His ever growing imagination makes me smile and sometimes even laugh out loud (if you know us, you know about "Sparky" the cleaner/duster at school and William's crazy stories).  I love that when he takes a picture of me and Anna Grace he tells us to make a funny face.  Pretty much, I love everything about this little guy.      
Mommy stuff- William has continued to show patience when I'm doing "baby stuff" (pumping, changing diapers, making Anna Grace's baby food etc).  He has become such a good helper too!   
Things WJG loves-  William doesn't have a favorite show right now.....but has gotten into Tom and Jerry, Miles From Tomorrow Land and The Lion Guard.  
He still loves his popcorn and "movie" before bedtime.  
He loves playing hide and seek!  It's all fun 'n games when mama, daddy and William play together, but when he goes and hides on his own.....not good.  The kid can hide!  
He still loves superheroes.  Hulk is how we get him to eat all his meat at dinner time.    
He loves it when we order pizza, so he can answer the door and get the pizza box from the delivery driver.  :)
He's recently gotten really into his trucks.  He will drive them around the house for hours.  Play-doh is also a new favorite.  
Things WJG doesn't like-  Going to bed still isn't a favorite activity.  Once you get him in the bed, laying down, reading a book things get easier.  It's just getting him into the bed!  This kid would rather PLAY than sleep.  He does not like anything remotely spicy.  He's starting to tell me if he likes or dislikes a song on the radio (this always makes me LOL).        
Favorite Things To Say-  William loves to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to Anna Grace.  Whenever she cries William immediately starts singing this or the ABCs.  William's version of Twinkle Twinkle is "twinkle, twinkle little star upa upa..."
When you tell William something he doesn't like and/or want to do he'll say, "You not my friend no more, mama!"  (in my head I always think, yes sweetie I am not your friend, I am here to be your loving mama and teach you right from wrong!)  William will also throw in there that he's giving me a "sad face" for my mean actions.  LOL.  
When you pick him up at school he will proudly tell you, "I got a happy face!"  
He recently started saying things were weird.  haha.  I think he heard this at school.....William sees a funny looking vegetable: "That's weird, mama"  William hears thunder when he didn't expect to:  "That's weird, mama"
"No school today?"  (He usually asks this when I pick him up at school in the afternoon.  He is actually asking if he has school the next day, but hasn't gotten the today, tomorrow, yesterday things down yet)
William has recently gotten into dancing to "I Like To Move It" from Madagascar.  So cute and funny.  He will tell me, "Sing move it, mama."
William has continued to prove just how observant he is.  He will now impersonate me and the faces I give him (funniest thing I've ever seen!).  
Favorite Color: Red and Blue
Favorite Shape: Octagon
Favorite Animal: Horse and Cow (he really loves all animals)
When asked what his parents do for work:
Daddy- "When I get big, big, big I go to work with daddy and build a house." (a few weeks ago he also said he wanted to pull weeds with Gordon for work.  lol).
Mama- "Mama gives a shot."  

This little guy makes us laugh every single day.  He is such a sweet little boy, that has my heart forever.  Although ever single bit of baby is gone from William, I am loving watching his fun little personality grow.

Anna Grace's Baptism

Of all my memories, and favorite moments, watching our children be baptized is at the top of my the list.  Being raised going to church and having a love for God is one of the greatest gifts my parents have given me.  It's what keeps me hopeful, what keeps me grounded and, to be honest, it's what keeps me sane in this crazy thing that we call life!  Teaching our children to love God will always be our top priority.  So, celebrating this fabulous day with our friends and family is the BEST. DAY. EVER!

We started the day off at the church where Gordon and I were married in 2010 and where William was baptized in 2012.  Little Anna Grace did a great job.  She wasn't a huge fan of the cold water being poured on her head, but she recovered quickly and thought Father Walsh was pretty interesting.  Father Walsh is also the priest that married us 5 years ago.  It's kinda neat since baby girl was born on our 5th wedding anniversary.

Anna Grace is a special baby girl.  After having a miscarriage I prayed for peace, prayed that I could trust and not worry, and prayed that God would give us another little blessing.  Everything about her is perfect.  She has given us a lot of scares with her recent health issues, but we wouldn't change a single thing about her.  God made her just for us, and we all adore everything about her.

The Hattenbach Family  |  The Gooding Family  |  Mama and Daddy with baby girl  

Not too sure about this cold holy water  |  Baby girl just taking it all in  |  Papa and Nana 

Sweet baby girl  |  Picture with her Godparents  |  William rather hang out with Uncle G

After the baptism ceremony we headed to Rice Village for lunch at Punk's.  We couldn't have asked for better weather!  It was beautiful outside.  This location is extra special because it's one of Gordon's projects.  The kids loved playing in the open green area, the food was delicious and everyone got a tour of Daddy's recent work.  

Cousin love  |  Sweet face  |  Dressed in her mama's Feltman bubble

Three of the Gooding girls  |  A few of the guys  |  My favorite girls

I call this guy my honey bunny  |  Love some Rachel time  |  Hanging with Grandad  |  Dekkers!

After lunch we headed home for nap time and to get ready to party with our closest friends!  A few months ago, while we were eating at Dekker's, I grabbed the singers card.  I loved that he sang a little bit of everything....country and John Mayer....can't beat that!  Lucky for us, he was available on the night of Anna Grace's baptism celebration.  We had the best time with our friends hanging out outside playing games, watching the kids on the play set and listening to some live music!  After years of throwing parties I got smart and hired 2 babysitters to help us watch the kids.  Best. Decision. Ever.  The parents were able to have more fun, we were able to catch up with each other, and I honestly think the kids had more fun than normal.  :)  

February 27, 2016 is a day we will never forget.  Every part of the day was perfect!  William talked about how much fun he had for days.  He loves having all his friends over to play and eats up all the attention he gets when we have family in town.  Too bad we can't do it all again.  :)

Christmas In Midland

I should be embarrassed that I'm still talking about Christmas, with it being nearly Spring!!!  What can I say, these little cutie pies keep me busy.  To be 100% honest it's not even that.....over the last 6 months I've gotten back into a couple of my favorite TV shows (Grey's Anatomy and The Bachelor).  One day, I decided with all the running around I do (taking care of everyone else) that I deserved some ME time.  So there.  I watch trashy TV.  And. I. Love. It. 

Back to Christmas.....the week before Christmas Gordon's mom came into town to celebrate with us, since they were spending the next week in Chicago.  William had a blast with his mimi, Uncle G and Aunt Em.  His aunt and uncle know him too well.  They got him an awesome soccer goal for the back yard.  I swear they buy him better gifts than we do.  :) 

We got to spend Christmas in Midland this year.  Anna Grace didn't know what was going on but William was so much fun!  He was so excited about Santa bringing him a big truck, a firetruck and bunchums.  On Christmas morning we all gathered around the tree in our comfy PJs, with our coffee, and opened gifts.  William would pick up one and say, "This one says my name?"  If he saw a "W" any where on the package it was claimed his.  :)  After church that day, we were able to play outside and enjoy the nice warm temperatures (nearly 80 degrees!). 

After opening presents we headed to church for my favorite service of the year.  We've made it a point to constantly remind William that Christmas isn't about Santa, but about baby Jesus being born.  Every night when the Christmas lights came on William would proudly say, "It's baby Jesus' birthday!"  Yes sweet boy, HE is the reason for the season. 

Church with my sweet family of four | Playing with his toys after church | Family :)

These two! | Decorating cookies | He is so in love with "Fifi"

Tummy time and play time | This look of concern washes over his face when she cries | Cookies!

We had such a fun Christmas in Midland!  Gordon and I got to get out one night to see some friends.  We took William to a movie.  The cousins got to play together.  We got to see GG and Pop.  It snowed!  Gordon surprised me with an awesome Christmas gift.  Little lady went to her mama's favorite restaurant, Luigi's, for the first time.  It is a Christmas I'll remember forever!  There is nothing better than being "home" for Christmas with your favorite people, family. 

Thanksgiving 2015

Well, Anna Grace's first Thanksgiving is in the books!  I took approximately 1,000 pictures of William on his first Thanksgiving....not so much with baby girl.  All of these pictures were taken with my trusty iPhone.  There's a few reasons not many pictures were taken.  #1 baby girl wasn't in a photogenic stage.  She really just wanted to be held, swaddled or have a paci in her mouth (if it was up to her she'd have all three at once).  #2 It rained the last two days we were in town.  #3 watching two kids in someone else's house comes with challenges.  I was doing good to pump, feed, change diapers and get everyone bathed and dressed everyday (not to mention keeping up with myself).  :)  Regardless, I caught some pretty sweet moments!
The boys hunted a lot while we hung around the house.  William, Anna Grace and I got some good walks in and one day we even made it to a park with their baby cousin, Katherine.  Gordon and I did sneak away for lunch one day and had dinner with some friends one night (Anna Grace tagged along for this trip out of the house).  I'll admit, I have a hard time leaving my tiny babies with other people. :)  It was a relaxing weekend spent with some of our favorite people!

This is what Anna Grace thinks of Thanksgiving | William and Daddy heading to the movies | Love this silly boy | My little turkeys | Feeding baby sister | Playing with Aunt Em | Boy time! | Fun at the park | Family of Four | Lazy mornings | Kids were both sleeping during Thanksgiving lunch! | Sweet baby smiles

I'm sure next Thanksgiving will be even crazier!  3 walking and talking toddlers and 8 adults under one roof.....that's how memories are made, folks!!

More First Month Pictures

Week 3 and 4 as a family of 4 were just as fun and busy as the first two weeks!  William has continued going to school 3 days a week.  Those are the days I get lots done!  Anna Grace and I had a lunch date with a good friend in town (eating "in town", at my old favorites, is always a treat) and we had some pumpkin filled days (Dewberry Farm and pumpkin carving).  Saturday soccer games were still a challenge at this point.  Luckily, he's doing a ton better now.  At 23 days old Anna Grace went to her first birthday party.  We had a blast celebrating Perry's 2nd birthday at Little Gym.  Baby girl slept the entire time while William enjoyed all of his friends.  
When Anna Grace was 4 weeks old she went on her first roadtrip to Texarkana.  Other than that we just did lots of cuddling....along with our normal stuff like swim class etc.  
Our mornings are lazy and evenings busy.  Every minute in between I'm just trying to soak in.  I know that these will be some of the sweetest days of my life.
 

Photo Dump

Here are a few more of my favorite pictures from our first few weeks as a family of four!

Dewberry Farm

On baby girl's 3 week birthday Gordon took the day off so we could go to Dewberry Farm with the kids.  It was nice to go on a Friday when it was less crowded.  We had a great time picking out pumpkins, going on a hayride, sliding over and over again, going to the petting zoo, and playing in the sand.  William was still in his "frequent meltdown" stage....which was no fun.  Luckily, he snapped out of it (after a 15 minute breakdown) so we could stay and enjoy everything a little longer.

Watching Gordon and William go down the slide was pretty hilarious.  I even tried it out, and was surprised by how fast you getting going on those things!  I think picking out pumpkins was William's favorite part (close tie with the huge sand box which caused the meltdown).  Daddy wasn't too happy with how many pumpkins we left with.  haha.  

It was really hot and humid that day but it was well worth it!  William kept running around saying, "This is fun!"  :)  

Oh how I love these people!!!  

Bringing Baby Girl Home

The older I get the faster the time flies by.  I wish it would slow down!  Since I have no control over that.....I'll just take a million pictures so I can remember all of these precious moments.

The rest of our hospital stay was semi-uneventful.  Since I seem to keep everything "complicated and interesting" baby girl decided to follow in my foot steps.  Our first night with baby girl went pretty well.  We didn't get to sleep until after 1am, but luckily she was a good baby and we all got some sleep.  I learned early on that baby girl loves to be touched.  When she's upset you can just lay your hand on her chest or touch her forehead and she calms down.  #sosweet  Poor little baby did keep spitting up/gagging on clear fluid that the nurse said was amniotic fluid.  Being the nurse I am, I of course worried about her choking/aspirating.  Luckily, I would hear her making funny noises in time to get it suctioned out of her mouth.  {I say we got sleep....haha....I should say Gordon got some sleep and I closed my eyes.  Life of a mommy.}

The first thing I did Saturday morning was order breakfast!!!  I hadn't eaten since Thursday night, and this mama was hungry!  Around 9am the nurse came in to do Anna Grace's 24 hour bili check, her hearing test was done around this time and I finally got to take a shower.  She failed the hearing test in her right ear but the next day eventually passed.  Unfortunately, her bili level came back critically high.  They came in and told us the bad news around noon.  Soon after she was placed under the bili lights and on a bili blanket.  We weren't able to have the in hospital pictures done since she had to stay under the lights as much as possible.  :(  I had put so much thought into the outfits I picked for her hospital stay....instead baby girl could only wear a diaper while she was under the lights.  *Again, that's what I get for planning.*  I could still hold Anna Grace to feed her as long as I kept the blanket under her.  

As you can imagine, no newborn wants to be uncovered, unswaddled and not held.  This made the next 20 hours hard.  William had to be under the bili light as well.  The difference is, he was hooked to monitors that told us his heart rate etc so he could be placed on his belly.  Whatever made him happy we did (and he was negative two months old).  This was obviously not the case with Anna Grace.  I was able to keep baby girl calm most of the day but the night time was a different story.  Her stylish sunglasses were bugging her and her little arms were just flailing all around.  There wasn't much sleeping going on in our room that night.  Gordon and I did have a nice evening watching the Texas Tech game and eating our "celebratory dinner" from the hospital.  After some tears that night and lots of prayers that her bili level would be low enough to stop the lights, my prayers were answered.  At 48 hours old her bili level was actually the same but since she was older it wasn't in the critically high range {more on why Anna Grace's bilirubin was high in my next post}.  She also passed the oxygen test that they now do (to test for possible heart problems).  Once Anna Grace and I were each seen by our doctors we were given the okay to go home!!!!
 
William and I had a hard time saying goodbye to each other on Anna Grace's birthday.  So, we decided to not have him visit on Saturday.  Instead, he had a super fun day with my mom!  As soon as we got the okay to go home my mom and William headed to the hospital.  Seeing my little William made a great day even happier!
      

{A bili blanket is better than the NICU} {Our sweet baby girl} {Getting some sun}

{Baby girl in her first dress} {Proud big brother is ready to bring her home.} {Day 1: meeting sister}

{Packing up to head home} {My little helper pushing us to the car}

The drive home went great.  I think Gordon and I were in shock to be driving her home only 50 hours after having her!  Such a blessing.  My mom picked some lunch up for us and then we all laid down for a much needed nap.  It was one of the happiest Sundays I've ever had.  

On our drive home Blake Shelton's song Mine Would Be You came on the radio.  I love, love, love this song.

Baby, if I had to choose

My best day ever

My finest hour, my wildest dream come true

Mine would be you

What's the greatest chapter in your book?

I asked Gordon what his greatest chapter was....as we drove down the road with our two little lovies he told me he was living it right now.  I couldn't agree more!  I know it's weird that I refer to songs so often....for whatever reason they help me remember special moments, and this day folks will always be one close to my heart.  

You forget how tiny they are | My whole world in one car | Nothing sweeter than this!

Holding baby sister | Can you tell he's happy?!? | Night #1, night night angel 

To say that William loves this little girl is a drastic understatement.  I knew he'd like her but I had no idea just how much.  He was instantly in love with her.  It gives the saying love at first sight a whole new meaning.  Nothing has ever made my heart happier than seeing him kiss her and whisper, "I love you, Anna Grace."  Life is good.  God has been good to us.  The stressful pregnancy and scary delivery were so worth this precious little gift!!!