Happy Thanksgiving!!

Let me start off by saying that Zander (and now Maddox too) have a knack for catching some sort of sickness around any major holiday.  This Thanksgiving was no exception!  Zander caught something at "school" on Tuesday.... started with a cough, added a runny nose, then a 102 fever and limited appetite and we were up with him and his fussy self from Wednesday through today (and his cries for mommy were not planned around M's nursing schedule so this mama is quite tired!)  He has started to feel better and hasn't had a fever since yesterday.  We have kept things "low key" to help him recover quicker and I have watched more "kid television" than I would care to! haha  Maddox has started showing the same symptoms today with major head congestion.... cough, stuffy nose and sneezing.  It is so tough seeing your kids sick especially when you can't do anything to fix it!  Maddox is having a hard time nursing because of the congestion as well.  We have taken both boys to the doctor within the last couple days.  Zander was told to use his nebulizer more frequently and Maddox has saline drops every two hours until this clears up!  Please pray the Houston boys (and their parents) can stay healthy through the next few months of winter and upcoming holiday festivities!  

cuddles with a sick kid... day one of sickness so not too bad yet!

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit for Thanksgiving! Grandma got extra cuddles with both boys!

Watching the Thanksgiving Day parade!

Grandma helping Zander with a snack

Starting to feel better

Took both boys to Target to get M a humidifier since we knew he was going to catch this cold eventually.... daddy was at home prepping for our family Thanksgiving meal.

We opted not to travel on Thursday to visit family this year (prior to either boy being sick this was planned).  So, we invited our family to our house on Saturday to celebrate...... it was so wonderful having all of  my relatives and Zack's in one place!  It was also perfect for everyone to meet Maddox and spend time with both our boys!

Zack made two turkeys.... purchased at Harris Teeter so not as much prep work!

Great Grandpa Bobby

Smiles with Great Grandma Nancy

Appetizers

Maddox meeting Aunt A and Uncle Jay

Aunt Lindsey

GranDan

Uncle Jay

Granny V

Some of the family!  (Somehow I didn't get individual pictures of Maddox meeting Uncle Grant and PawPaw) :(

The feast! (forgot to take pictures of the desserts!)

Grannie, Aunt A and Maddox

Three Generations

Grammy

Sisters!

Tired parents! haha

Aunt A, Uncle Jay and Zander

Uncle Boomer, Aunt Lindsey and Maddox

Family Picture

What a cute couple!  Hoping they move here soon!!

Grammy

Grandparents and their favorite grandkids (Hint:  We're their only grandkids!;))

Grammy, Papa and Maddox

Happy 1 Month, Maddox!

How appropriate that our little turkey would turn a month old on Thanksgiving Day?!! He has given the Houstons one more huge blessing to be thankful for.  We have loved each moment we have had so far with our little one.  Maddox is currently wearing 3 month clothes, in size 1 diapers, wakes up about every three hours to eat during the night, and has started to make the cutest cooing sound!  We love his little smiles and just last week he rolled over from his belly to his back twice!  He does great holding up his head but prefers to do tummy time for a very limited amount of time.  He loves movement so you will find one of us bouncing him, rocking him or putting him in one of his "machines" that does just that!  We love you, Maddox Robert!

Brotherly Love

Zander is doing great as a big brother, and I think Maddox thinks his big bro is pretty awesome as well!  If I am busy making dinner, I will see Zander walk over to the bouncer or "monkey chair" and start to rock it or sing to Maddox or read him a book or point out the animals that hang above the bouncer.  It is like Zander was born to be a big brother..... he handles the job so well!  He will get me a burp cloth if I need it or throw a diaper in the trash (after he says "poopy in the diaper" of course!)  Since Zander is potty-trained, we make a big deal to say it is yucky and only babies poop in a diaper.. big boys go in the potty! ;)  If Maddox is crying, Zander quickly states, "Mommy, he needs milk!"  It is crazy how fast he is catching on to the needs of a newborn!  We are loving the time we can spend together!

Ready for the Panthers' Game

Put up the Christmas tree this past weekend!

Burke is a good big brother too!  He likes to protect his new brother!

Just too cute not to include!

Every once in awhile we need to get a frozen yogurt treat for the big brother (and mommy too!)

Maddox had his 2 week check up (which was closer to his three week mark).... he was up 20% from his birth weight.... weighing 9 lbs 10 oz.  He also gained an inch in length and is now 21 inches. Our little guy is growing so fast!! He actually rolled over for the first time on November 18th!  At just 3 weeks old, he has rolled from his belly to back twice!! I believe Zander was closer to three months when this happened!  Hoping time slows down just a bit! ;)