Thursday, January 29, 2015

10 Years

Ten years ago I went on a first date with an amazing guy!  He drove all the way from Charlotte in the snow to keep his promise to take me to see "The Phantom of the Opera" movie.  Little did we know that the two theaters we stopped at weren't playing the movie due to the inclement weather.  We finally found a theater that was playing movies, and I let him pick.  He picked "Life Aquatic".  I didn't realize he was a HUGE Bill Murray fan.  I also didn't realize that I WASN'T a Bill Murray fan.  Thus began a decade of not being able to agree on television shows, movies or music.  Somehow we have made it work despite this "small" difference in tastes.  I couldn't imagine sharing this life with anyone else.  He told me he loved me for the first time in August 2005 (and of course I waited for him to say it first!)..... but I knew well before that he was someone that would be around for the rest of my life.  I am including pictures from some of our "firsts" and I look forward to sharing many more "firsts" and all that life has to offer in between.  I thank God daily for blessing me with the man he chose to be my husband. 

Our First Date (January 2005)..... we knew each other from high school so even though we didn't start dating until college, our friendship started many years earlier.
 Zack's first beach trip with the Bakewells
 Going to church together
Zack's first country concert.... and probably his last!  As I mentioned above.... we don't share the same music interests.
The pumpkin carving tradition.....this actually started in 2005 but the picture is from 2006 so it is our second pumpkin... not our first.
Catching/being handed the garter at one of his best friend's weddings... it was a hint.... and it didn't take much longer for him to pop the question!
He picked a beautiful day in November 2007 to go for a hike to the top of Table Rock Mountain..... he had two dozen roses waiting for me.  There were pictures of us and scriptures about marriage with the ring box in the center.  His best friend, Matt, helped set everything up while we were hiking to the top and he made sure no one ran off with the ring! ;)

 My master's degree graduation... we were around for each other's college graduations as well.
Celebrated many birthdays together.... the first few years.... I really liked "Red Lobster".... can you see the seafood over my shoulder?
Our Wedding.... August 2008
 
Our First Trip.... just the two of us.... a cruise to Alaska! 
Our First House... this picture was taken about five years after we bought it.... I couldn't find another picture that didn't have snow.
Our First Pet.... Burke!
My second marathon.... The first one was cancelled due to snow even though my sister and I ran the distance anyway.
Announcing we were going to be parents!
Waiting to meet our little boy!
Our first child, Zander!

Friday, January 23, 2015

A Day in the Life of Mommy

So... I have been thinking lately that this whole full time working mama thing is really hard!  Disclaimer:  If you are reading this and have multiple children, I know that I have no idea what hard is and you are probably laughing at me right now.  Disclaimer #2:  Some of my very best friends are stay at home mamas and I think that is probably the HARDEST job anyone could ever have! I am not brave enough to do it and each of them are my heroes for doing what they do on a daily basis.  I get a taste of being a stay at home mama in the summers and I am just as tired or more tired than I am right now. With all of that being said,  I wanted to try and document what a "typical day" looks like for me.  Any mom can tell you that no day is typical but I will try as best as possible to stick to some of the consistent patterns that occur from the time I wake up until the time I crawl into bed!  I don't want this to be a "complaining" post but I want to document the craziness because I know it will be harder with more than one kid and I know I will look back on this time in my life and miss the time I had with Zander as a toddler.  I don't want to forget these moments...no matter how great, how hectic or how overwhelming some of those moments are...... so here it goes...

5:00-6:00:  Wake up and get ALL THE WAY ready!  This is an important detail because Zander is no longer at the age where he will stay in one place while I am getting ready.  He is into everything and it is impossible to "baby proof" every inch of our house.  I feel like Zander sometimes hears the word "no" more than anything else.  Simply, it is just easier to have a little "me" time before trying to juggle multiple activities.  During this hour, I will also do my quiet time, pack up lunches, fold clothes or unload the dishwasher--whatever I started the night before), get Burke's food out, and get Zander's breakfast ready so that when he wakes up and immediately points to go downstairs and says "more-ne"... his new word for "more please", I have everything ready for him. This hour goes by REALLY fast!  I used to pump during this time when I was nursing the first year..... I don't know how I fit that in.... although I was a good multi-tasker with the pump.  Zack usually leaves for work before Zander wakes up.... another reason that everything needs to be done if it involves mommy getting ready. ;)

6:00-7:00:  Wake up Zander..... which these days means Zander lets me know he is up.... he will call "mommy" from his room.... sometimes before I have finished getting ready or finished my morning to do list.... darn it!  He starts with a simple "mommy".... if I don't come soon it turns into a cry for "mommy" with the word mommy being stretched into as many syllables as possible!  He used to never do this!  It is new, and I am trying to train him to stop!  Sometimes he will go back to sleep for a few minutes but most times since it is so close to his normal wake up call, I will just go get him.  We go eat breakfast.  I try to eat at the same time he does..... big mistake!  He is finished and wants to be on my lap and help me eat my food.  This morning he started crying since I wasn't finished eating and didn't pick him up.  After I finished eating, I picked him up but he was already upset.  So... he laid on my shoulder.... best feeling ever.... after he calmed down..... I realize I have snot all over my shirt.... and don't have time or a plan for how to change clothes.... remember... I already took all the time I could to get ready! ;)  We read a couple books, I get Zander changed into his clothes for the day, and we brush teeth (his teeth....not mine.... I had to do that earlier during the "me" time or he would be in all my drawers and under my feet and wanting "up").  Now at this point, I know you are thinking.... just teach him that he can't be held during mealtime and he can't be held when you are brushing your teeth..... but when there are only a few hours you get to see your kid every day.... you hold him every time he asks).

7:00-7:30:  Leave the house, drop Zander off at "school" and arrive at work by 7:30.  A couple days a week I have to be at work early (i.e. 7:00 a.m. so the schedule is pushed back 1/2 hour... that's right.... the alarm goes off at 4:30...and I may hit snooze!)  Zander loves walking into school by himself these days.  That takes a few extra minutes.  I absolutely love our car ride to school and from school.  We listen to K Love and he dances to the songs or tries to have a conversation with me.  He is stationary in his car seat so there isn't the stress of trying to dress a wiggly toddler or get him to clean up his toys.  It seems calm and I love it!  He points to things outside and tries to communicate what he is looking at.  Since he has approximately 12 words in his vocabulary... I have no idea what he is saying but it is still nice.

7:30-4:30:  Work......basically I don't have a fixed schedule each day so you would think that means I get to eat lunch when I want and go the bathroom when I want.... things that don't happen at home.... think again....;)  Sometimes I realize I didn't go to the restroom all day and lunch is typically scarfed down in between meetings, testing, or lessons with students.  At about 2:00, I really start missing Zander.  I wish I could leave early to go get him.... but there is always one more thing that needs to get done before I head that way. 

4:30-5:30:  Leave to go pick up Zander.  My favorite part of the day is when I walk into his room and he runs up to me (yes it is a run at this point) and says "Mommy!"  He gives me a big hug and I forget about the craziness of my day at work.... honestly... its like none of it even happened!  We head home to let Burke out and start making dinner. 

5:30-6:00:  Finish preparing dinner and eat dinner.  Zack usually gets home around this time.... when the food is already prepared, and we are sitting down to eat.  The preparation part is tricky because Zander doesn't want to play with ANY of the toys he has.  He would rather be in the kitchen with our pots and pans, etc.  We have started putting childproof locks on things and it is amazing how he still finds the drawers that have not been childproofed!  I am constantly stepping over Zander, Burke or items that Zander or Burke have brought into the kitchen.  When we are ready to eat, I sit down..... so excited that most of the "work" of the day is over.  Zander doesn't like what we are eating that night... he is fussy.... I try to eat through the commotion..... its hard not to take it personal after I have just worked hard to fix a balanced meal for my family.  Zander eats a couple bites, and he is done.  He would rather play than eat.  Dinner is over. 
6:00-7:30:  Play time before bedtime.  We get out the toys from the toy box.  We put together puzzles, we stack blocks, and throw a ball.  This time is the most fun but I find myself thinking about the kitchen that needs cleaned up, sandwiches that need to be made for tomorrow, a couple things I forgot to do at work, etc.  Some nights we have a dance party in the living room.  We turn on some music and the four of us (Daddy, mommy, Zander and Burke) just dance for awhile.  I usually have Zander in my arms and Zack picks up Burke.  It is one of my absolute favorite things to do!  We forget about everything and just dance!  Sometimes we cuddle on the couch for a few minutes.  Then, daddy will take Zander to get a bath, and I will start tackling the kitchen.  When bath time is almost over, I come upstairs and help with bedtime.  We get on pajamas, read a couple books, say bedtime prayers and sing a couple songs.  Zander loves holding both our hands when we pray before bed.  He also likes for both of us to read books. He will hand a book to whoever is supposed to read that particular story.
 
7:30:  Finish the evening "chores" and get ready for bed.  I am usually asleep by nine! I love getting my sleep!  Zack and I watch a little t.v. and usually drift off to sleep in the 9:00 o'clock hour. 

This was an extremely long post...its more for my memory than a "rant" of what happens in a given day.  I have wanted to be a mom for many years, and I don't second guess the decision we made to be parents.  I love our family and the moments we have together.  Its just hard work.  I hope that anyone reading this who is a parent will be encouraged that you are not alone!  I appreciate any mother or father that has gone through the early years with their child (I don't have a clue what happens past 21 months!).  I appreciate our parents and grandparents for having the patience and desire to have children themselves..... that is how we are here today!  And now if you will excuse me... it is past my bedtime! ;)

P.S.  There are times when I "treat" myself and we go out to eat so I don't have to face the "failure" of cooking another meal Zander doesn't like.  We meet friends or family for dinner, and I always order Zander food that I know he loves.  Tonight, it was mac-n-cheese.  He ate it all and even tried to lick the bowl clean since he wanted "more-ne" (more please) and there was no more to offer..... he could have had some of my dinner..... but I got a big "no" on that one! ;)

Monday, January 19, 2015

Three Day Weekend

I have enjoyed spending a little extra time with my boys this weekend.  We played outside, had friends over for dinner one night, met friends for dinner out another night, watched football (while Zander fed daddy blueberries), took Burke for his yearly checkup (Burke lounged around after the eventful morning), and anxiously waited for daddy to get home from work since he didn't have the day off today.  Back to the routine tomorrow.... 


 




Saturday, January 10, 2015

I would like to hibernate.....

at least until the temperature gets above freezing and I don't have to put on multiple layers just to go to and from work!  Every night this week I have wanted to rush home, put on my sweats and simply cuddle with Zack, Zander and Burke.  It has been in my mind that we could just live off the food in our pantry and see how many days we could last without leaving the house.  Of course, reality calls.... I have to go to work each day and we have to get off the couch, but for a few minutes in the evening.... it just feels perfect!  Before those moments.... there is rushing to get dinner prepared and after those moments there is bath time and bedtime.  Its just that in those moments of relaxing I feel so completing calm and at peace (and warm!).  I forget about my to-do lists and other responsibilities and just want to focus on two of my jobs I feel are most important... wife and mom. Why are these moments so short while the time I spend at work is so long?  I have been struggling this week with balancing the various responsibilities I have.  I know my job helps provide for our family but I feel that because of my job I am not able to be with my family as much.  If you are reading this blog post.... say a little prayer for me.  Pray that I leave work a little earlier each day next week and find a little more time to cuddle with the boys in my life.  Here are a few pictures from our week.....

Zander will not eat an apple that is cut up and/or peeled! He prefers to be a "big boy" and eat it off the core..... he, of course, makes his mama nervous that he is going to choke!...Fortunately, he has been doing really well with eating apples so far.
He has learned how to take overalls off his shoulders (by the snaps).... he thinks it is fun to walk around the house with his pants around his ankles (since he still had his shoes on at this point)! Fortunately he has not figured out how to unbutton his pants yet. 
We had a little static electricity due to the weather.....I am also asking him to show me where his teeth are in this picture.
Linds and I went for our first run together since our last half marathon.  With the holidays, we weren't able to meet up the last few weeks.  Of course we picked the coldest Saturday so far to go for a seven mile run.  You can see a "before" and "after" shot as well as proof that the temperature was below freezing! 
 
 
 
One other thing that I want to "document" (since I use this blog to help me remember what we do from week to week) is that Zander has been doing the cutest thing this week.  On our way to work (almost every day this week), he would say "mommy" pretty loud.  I would respond "Zander".  He would repeat "mommy" and we would go back and forth almost the entire trip to "school".  Now... Zander doesn't have many words at this point but it feels like we are having a conversation as we go back and forth!  He continues to surprise me with this actions and what he learns on a daily basis.  He can point to most body parts when asked about each one.  He remembers objects in books when I ask him to point to them (even if we haven't read that book for days).  He is growing so fast.... I hope to soak up some more time with him this upcoming week....as for now.... I am heading back to the couch!

Friday, January 2, 2015

A Week with My Boys

I had a wonderful time visiting family and friends last week!! It was great to get hugs from people we don't see often enough and to watch Zander play with friends whose mommies I used to play with at a young age.  :)  It was hard to leave to head back home, but the Houstons were needing some R&R before starting back to the normal routine.  Zander was worn out from all our adventures and from fighting a cold so it took a few days of being home to get our sweet lil Z back! He slept the whole way back to our house.  
Once we were settled in, Zack and I tried to plan out our week.... knowing we had time off from work to enjoy our little family of four (including Burke!)  We have been able to balance a lot of productivity and a great deal of relaxation.  We started heavy on the work side of things..... putting together Zander's new toy box from Grammy and Grandpa, cleaning out closets to make a couple runs to the Goodwill, putting away new things we were blessed to receive, taking down all the Christmas decorations, cleaning the house, and working on some landscaping projects (that was mostly Zack while I did the indoor tasks during Zander's naps). 
When Zander was awake and ready to take on the world, we took him to get a haircut (which I took pictures of while we were grocery shopping.... such a multi-tasker!)  We went to a local park and allowed the boys to explore and run a bit.  We fit in a little hike on a small nature trail.  Zack and I were able to have a date night including dinner and a movie thanks to Grammy and Grandpa.  We even fit in a little workout..... our first time working out together since Zander was born!  We had to stay inside some due to the rainy weather.... so we entertained ourselves with mommy's rain boots, met up with my best friend, Lindsey, and her two kids at a local children's museum (I don't know how she does it every day with two kids...I'm amazed at how positive she always is!), and went to get frozen yogurt whenever we could (yes... we went multiple times this week!) I was also able to snuggle two newborns this week, and we celebrated New Year's Eve (until about 9:00 p.m.) with friends and family.  Today, I was able to meet up with my office mate and her three kids for a lunch date at ChickFila.  She is one of the best moms and friends in the world, and it is so great catching up with her.... two weeks was too long to not see her!  Then, Zander and I went to visit another co-worker that retired last year..... she is always one of my favorite people to talk to!  Tonight, Zack's best friend, Kerith, and his wife, Krystal, are coming over for dinner.  Tomorrow, we are going to a co-worker's house to watch the Florida-ECU game and hope to relax some on Sunday after church before we start back into a normal routine.






 


Zander was so happy to have some time with mommy, daddy and Burke.  It felt so great to appreciate the little things.... like reading a book and when he said "more please" being able to read another and another! We built things with blocks, put together puzzles, and enjoyed bath time.  It was fun to simply enjoy the aspects of our day that we usually rush through because we are tired from work and know we have to start again early the next morning.  It was such a blessing for us to have this time together.  We are so blessed by the family and friends we have in our lives.... we are excited to welcome 2015!