Escape Artist

It looks like I'm going to have to come up with a new plan on where to keep the monkey while I'm getting ready. Just last week, he started sitting up in the seat. I was concerned about him slinging himself forward and bringing the seat over and on top of himself when I wasn't looking, but I didn't think I really needed to be too worried just yet. Boy was I wrong! I turned around yesterday morning to see him in a handstand in his bouncy seat. Yikes!

What's up?

Oh boy! I feel this is just a taste of what it's like to be a mommy of a little boy!

And since I haven't mentioned it in a while, how about a click: Gracias :)

It's the little things...

...like how he sucks on his fingers. He doesn't just stick them in his mouth, but puts them under his tongue, making the loudest smacking noise. It cracks me up.

...like how he rolls his tongue sideways. Especially when he is "concentrating." I don't know where he gets it. Jordan and I can't do it!

...like how he risks whiplash getting his head around to see where his mama is when he hears my voice.

...like the way he erupts with laughter when his daddy blows on his tummy.

...like the way he smells. Even his stinky feet. Yes, my baby has stinky feet!

...like the joy on his face when he sees something he really likes.

...like the wet, open mouth kisses that he gives. And the way he grabs onto both sides of your face, and pulls you close to smother you with them!

...like how he holds his hands out so sweetly and grunts, trying to get the dogs to come to him.

...like how he is so observant and takes everything in. This little guy really wants to learn about the world around him!

...like how absolutely perfect he looks while he sleeps.

Yep, the little things. I don't want to forget 'em.

He's a quick one!!

We're close, friends. We're very close.



Note to self: Baby proof house. Stat!

Blessed

I think about how blessed we are all the time, but this week I was reminded of just how fortunate we are. This weekend, two of my friends from all the way back in middle school had to say goodbye to their dads. One passed away after a long battle with cancer, and one was taken suddenly by a heart attack. Watching my friends grieve was heartbreaking, but after talking with them at each of the funerals, it was comforting to know that they were confident that their daddies were in Heaven.

Of course, attending funerals gets the mind going. I started thinking about how blessed Jordan and I are, but more, how fortunate Hampton is. Not many can say this, but Hampton has all of his great-grandparents and grandparents still alive, none are divorced, and most are in pretty good health. Unfortunately, Hampton has not gotten to visit one set of great-grandparents, but we do hope to get up there soon. This is one of the main reasons I would hate to move from where we are. Jordan's parents and my parents are just minutes away from us, and they get to see Hampton as often as they want. Family is so important to me, and I want my little guy to treasure every second he gets to spend with his family here on earth.

I haven't had to deal with death with someone very close in my family, so I can't say that I understand how my friends feel. I do know my heart is aching for them, and I pray that they find peace and understanding during this very difficult time. Just another reminder to treasure the time you have here, friends.

7 months!!

Yeah, so someone asked me how old my baby was. I told her he had just turned 6 months. That was 2 days ago. Where on earth did the month of April go?? And I have a 7 month old?!?

Chunky Monkey!

Such a happy baby!Mom, why do you take so many pictures??

My little baby is quickly becoming a little boy! This makes me so sad but, of course, so happy at the same time! Lots of fun changes this month:
Solids: He's tried carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, pears and bananas. Carrots & sweet potatoes = best.things.ever. Green beans = eh, he'll eat 'em if that's the only choice. Peas = Gag!! Pears & bananas = more. more. MORE. (picture him beating both fists on his highchair tray)!!
Talking: We have 2 words, I think. He says "bahbahbah," which we take as baba (bottle) and bye bye. What he thinks it means? Who knows?! And I'm pretty sure he's saying "dada." Except, the first time I heard it was through the monitor at 2:30 in the morning. Every time after that, same scenario-he's upset about something, and that's what he cries out. Poor dada ;)
Moving: Yes. Ha! He's quick, and his army crawl is getting much better. He now pulls his knees up underneath him and then lunges forward or he gets his arms completely straight and drags his body behind him. Now, if he could just put the 2 together...we'd be in business! Rolling on the other hand, there is no stopping him! I put him down on his activity mat and within seconds he's off rolling across the room!
Sitting: He's sitting independently now, and really loving this new "view of life." I do still keep pillows or a boppy behind/beside him, though, because when he gets tired of sitting, he doesn't just fall lightly. He kind of flings himself in any random direction! The last thing I want is for him to slam his head against the hard floor! :/
Sleeping: Eh. We've had a setback. Maybe teeth? I don't know, but for the last week he has decided that naps are the worst thing ever invented. He fights and fights, but once he goes to sleep, he usually takes pretty good naps. He's also decided that sleeping through the night is for the birds. He's been waking up every night this week b/w 2:30 and 3:30. No fun. I've been so exhausted, and I just bring him into bed with me. He goes right back to sleep snuggling with his mommy! This isn't a habit I want to get into, though, so I'm going to have to stop! Hopefully this is just a phase, and my good little sleeper will come back soon. Tonight would work...!

It's been another fun and fast month! The little monkey is just loving life, and he loves going to different places and smile and babble at everyone around. He's quite the character! Looking forward to month 7!!

Springtime!

It's here! It's here! Okay, it's been here for a little while now, but this past weekend, we were actually able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. It was perfection, I tell you. Just perfection!

Friday, Hampton and I went all around town running some errands. I didn't have much to do, but we did need formula, so I figured we'd head to BRU. The formula is all the way in the back of the store, so of course I got distracted on my way to it. I gathered up lots of fun stuff and headed out the door with a new crib sheet, a couple of outfits, some sunscreen, and some wipes. Yep, NO FORMULA! So, after spending about $75 there, what do you think I did? Why, I headed to Target, of course! And there, I headed straight to the baby section, and grabbed some formula. Good job, right? It would have been, except that Hampton was so happy to be riding around in the stroller that I decided to take a leisurely stroll around the whole store. Yeah... My name is Rebekah, and I'm a shopaholic. ;)

Saturday we started off the day with a nice walk. Hampton loved it! He almost gave himself whiplash moving his head from side to side-taking it all in-neighbors cutting the grass, people riding bikes by, and insects buzzing by. Such fun! Then, after cleaning the house, we headed over to mom and dad's to lay by the pool. I was so excited to put the little monkey in his sunglasses and hat. He hung out in the shade in his excersaucer while I laid out for a bit (in a bikini that I actually felt pretty good in...what, what!). It was great!

Seriously, he wouldn't take these off! He wore his hat and sunglasses the whole time, and he looked super cute while doing it!

Sunday we made our way down to South Georgia to visit my grandparents (and Hampton was excited to see his Aunt Ashley and Adam, too!). Hampton is so sweet on road trips. He spent the time babbling to his Mimi, and they were both happy as could be. We played and we ate and we hung out and then we headed home. My Pawpaw sent back some tomatoes and peppers for me to plant, and Jordan is very excited to start a garden!

Such a nice weekend, and I look forward to many more as the warmer weather continues!

It's a hairy situation

My hair is a hot mess! I was told that I would lose some hair after Hampton was born, but I had no idea what I was in for. I literally have to swiffer vac my bathroom every single day, and there is still hair on the floor! It comes out in chunks in the shower. Seriously, I don't know how I'm not BALD. What I wasn't expecting was how I would look when the hair decided it wanted to grow back. Yeah, it does that. And it frames my face in a very porcupine-ish way. All across my forehead, spiky little baby hairs. And they refuse to sit down no matter what you try to do to them. Awesome. Hampton's hair, on the other hand, is filling in quite nicely!

Hampton was born with a head full of black hair. He lost a little, but at 4 months, it was still all pretty much there. Between that time and 6 months, what a change! He lost so much hair, it lightened a lot, and he was sporting quite the bald spot where his head would rub against things when laying down. Now his hair is growing like crazy! His "big boy" hair is coming and filling in, and it is precious! It's still brown but lighter than it started out. The hair on his left side is longer than the right, and Jordan and Taylor keep wanting me to cut it. My answer is no, and I tuck it behind his ear. :) Can you see where his bald spot is going away?

What a Week!!

Last week was a complete blur. During Master's week, if you don't work in a restaurant, bar, golf course or in the hotel business, you are bound to have a very boring week here. So I like to take on an extra job each year-just for the week-to make some extra money. And believe me, there is money to be made. I worked for the same company for several years, and it was a piece of cake--early morning for an hour or so, and then a few hours at night for hors d'oeuvres and dinner. Easy work for about a $1500 paycheck. Not too shabby, friends. Well, this year, I worked as a server for a different company, and, holy cow, I thought I may not survive the week! I went in at 5:30 every morning and got off around 8:30 or 9 at night. It was sheer craziness! And the word "exhaustion" doesn't even cut it! Oh, and my feet. My poor swollen, tender, blistered feet!! But it's done, and I look forward to getting my check in the mail! I'm rewarding myself with a jogging stroller (and maybe a new outfit or two!), and then putting it towards baby bills. It feels good to see these numbers getting smaller and smaller. Maybe we can try for #2 sooner than expected... ;)

Since I was not home, Jordan was playing mom for the week. He did an amazing job! He had Hampton all day by himself on Monday and Tuesday, and he had to take him to several different places throughout the week on his way to work. It was pretty much a total shock to him how long it can take to get a baby up, fed, dressed, and ready to get out the door, especially when it's for a large chunk of time! But he succeeded and Hampton survived. (insert sigh of relief here.)

It was hard, though. VERY hard. I have left my little monkey before but for only a few hours. And I always see him first thing in the morning and before he goes to bed. This week, that didn't happen everyday. I didn't get to see him at all before leaving for the day, and he was already down for the night several times when I got home. I just counted down the days and prayed for it to go by quickly.

Best thing ever-walking in the door Sunday night, and Hampton (who was in the jumparoo) spit out his pacifier, gave me the biggest gummy grin and bounced up and down with his arms reaching towards me. I scooped him up and soaked in those wet kisses!! Bliss :)

He won!

Thank you to everyone who voted!!! Hampton won the contest!

Be back on Monday...need sleep :)

LAST night to vote!!

The contest is over at noon tomorrow, and Amber has been tweeting about how close it is. So, Hampton needs one more vote from as many of you willing to!! Thank you so much!

Click here to vote for #7! :)

If you're feeling extra ambitious, you can become a fan of Amber on facebook, and vote there too! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlotte-NC/Amber-Herlocker-Photography/93112169021?v=wall

My readers are the BEST!!

I'm working an extra job this week, so I don't have much time to blog, but I'll be back for real on Monday! We may have a word by then...he's trying so hard!!

He is not here! He has risen!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Easter. We had a great day--wonderful church service, family lunch at P.F. Changs, a little time relaxing in the sun on this beautiful day, and then inside to chill out and watch a movie before dinner. Everyone was in town, so it was just fun to sit around and chat and catch up! Such a great day! Happy Easter, everyone!

And don't forget-If you have a second to vote, please click here to vote for #7!! Thanks :)

Mind Your Own Beeswax!

(as Bethenny Frankel would say!)

I was walking through Target yesterday, looking through the toys for things to put in Hampton's Easter basket, and he was having a great time in his stroller. He was "reading" his book, pulling his elephant to make it sing, and just a squealing! So, yes, he was a little loud, but he was HAPPY! Then, this old lady walks by and the convo went a little something like this:

Old Lady: Sounds like somebody is trying to tell you something.
Me: Aw, he's okay. Just playing.
Hampton: SQUEEEEEEEEAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!
Old Lady: Well, it sound like he's trying to tell you something.
Me: Yes. That he's happy to be here and having a good time!
Old Lady: Well, he sure is adorable. (Turns to walk away.)
Me: Thank you :)

I mean, seriously? I had fed him right before walking in the store after he woke up from his nap, so I knew he was fine. And, we were both looking at his face, and you can tell he wasn't upset! Some people just have to say something though, I guess... Oh well. What can you do?! ;)

Here's something YOU can do...vote for Hampton!! (You like that segue, don't you??)
Click here to vote for #7! Thank you!! :)

Please Vote for Hampton!

Hampton is in a contest w/ a photographer friend of mine, and the prize is a package worth ~$1200!!! After all the IF treatments, NICU bill, and DH losing his job last year, we've had to put professional pics on the backburner in order to catch up on other things. :( Please click and vote for #7 to help us out! It takes 1 second, and you don't have to register or anything!!

Click here to vote for #7! You can vote once a day for the next week, so I'll be posting a friendly reminder for you! :)

Thank You!