Twenty Four

Today I turned 24, and I had a wonderful day. Chip woke up with Preston this morning and let me sleep in. Around 8:30 when I woke up I was greeted with hugs, kisses, and breakfast in bed. Chip made me my usual (6 eggs whites, a banana, and large cup of coffee) but it tasted extra good today.

After breakfast we spent the morning playing, laughing, cuddling, and singing. Around 2:30 we met Grandma Mike for a late lunch/ early dinner. It is always so great to spend time with her, and it was so sweet of her to treat us.

This evening we continued to play and had a movie/pallet night. I just put Preston to sleep and Chip and I are about to watch one of our top 5 favorite movies Full Metal Jacket. This day was perfect, and I am so thankful for everyone who helped make it so special. I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for us!

Missing Each Other

Preston and I got back from Dallas today after spending the weekend with my family. Chip works on the weekends so he isn't able to go to Dallas with us usually, but we are planning a trip soon with all 3 of us.

We had a wonderful weekend. We spent hours in Sari and Pappy's pool, played outside on the deck every morning while we had our coffee and breakfast, and I was able to get some incredible sleep. There is nothing like sleeping in your childhood bed. The coziness literally wraps me up and I sleep like a baby every time.

We go to Dallas almost every other weekend. It gives Preston and I some time out of the apartment and gives me a chance to see old friends and have some adult time. I love being in Dallas, but this weekend I was overwhelmed with missing Chip. I said countless times how much I wished he was there with us. When we got back today, Chip left work early to come home and be with us. When he walked in the door my heart burst with emotion. We hugged and kissed and I even shed a few tears. I just love him so much, and am so thankful for him and the love he gives us. We ordered a pizza for dinner and after Preston went to bed we cuddled on the couch and watched Lockup. The show was on mute half the time because neither of us could stop talking to one another.

We missed each other terribly the last 2 days, and there truly is no better place than home <3

You, Sweet Boy, have no idea how happy you make me <3

Quick Update

Well it has been almost a month since I have last blogged, and in a way I look at that as a good thing. Life is good. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened, other than just enjoying each other.

This summer is going by quickly, and it really is true when people say the older you get, the faster time goes by. We have enjoyed going to the pool, grilling out, and the days cuddled up on the couch watching cartoons just trying to stay cool from the heat. We have been going to Dallas every other weekend to spend time with Sari and Pappy and the Walsh's and on the other weekends spending time with the Lee's and Grandma Mike. It really has been great.

Chip is loving his job, and is awesome at it. He has such a fulfillment for what he is doing now, which is a blessing. Preston will be starting a new MDO program at the end of next month, and I am currently looking for a part time job while he is in school. I can't wait for Preston to be able to be around kids again. Anytime we are out and he sees another toddler, his face lights up and all he wants to do is go say hi and play.

Other than that things are calm, and in a sense, perfect. I am so grateful for my little family.

"Where you invest your love, you invest your life" ~Mumford & Sons

I have been in bed since 10 and it's midnight now. For the past two hours I have been reading my Bible, praying, praising, and crying. I am snuggled up next to Preston. His feet are wrapped around my leg and his head is on my chest. I can feel his heartbeat and I'm overwhelmed with love. I am soaking in every second of this sweet angel. He is perfection.

I love the way he loves me. I love that he is a total prankster, and that he makes you work for his affection. It makes the random times during the day when he runs up and kisses me for no reason that much better. He knows he is funny, and I love that. He knows what to do to make people laugh, and his laugh is pure music to my ears.

With every day that passes I am losing my baby, but I am gaining my boy. Before I know it I will be taking him to t-ball practice and helping him with his homework. One day I will be planning his 13th birthday party, and by then I probably won't be quite as cool as he thinks I am now. Someday I will be helping him gets things ready for senior prom and sending out graduation announcements. I definitely know I will have lost all my cool points by then. Then one day I will be watching him exchange vows with his wife and having a child of his own. THAT is almost impossible to comprehend, but I can picture it, and I can imagine having the same feeling I am experiencing now. Pure joy.

You, sweet boy, are my world. You are my purpose, and you are my
heart beat <3

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day, and I am already in tears writing the first sentence of this post. Last year at this time we were new parents. Preston was an infant and Chip and I were just trying to figure out this whole parenting gig as well as being newly weds. We loved every second of it, but we were learning. We made some mistakes, but we grew from them, together.

This past year so much has changed. Chip graduated from the Golf Academy and landed a job in Houston that we were both praying for. When times were tough financially, he contemplated re joining the Army. Everything he does is for us. He works crazy long hours and doesn't complain. He sees the importance and supports me staying home and raising Preston. I am so grateful for him and everything he does.

Our marriage is better than it has ever been. Last year was stressful, and instead of taking it out on each other, we joined together as a team. I said in a previous post that this blog is to give Preston a glimpse into what our lives were like, and to hopefully be able to teach him through it. I want him to know that marriage and being a parent is hard work, but also the most rewarding experience in the World.

Chip, we love you more than words can express. Thank you for being you, and for taking care of us so well. Happy Father's Day babe!

Sweet Thing

A couple of days ago Preston and I were hanging out after lunch at the apartment. Preston was on the couch enjoying some milk and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse when I tripped over a block and stubbed my toe. I dropped down and was in serious pain. Preston threw his milk cup on the sofa, got down and came rushing over to me. I told him Mommy hurt her toe, and it hurts. He then gave me an enormous hug and super long kiss and went back and sat on the couch.

This boy is just too sweet for words <3

Naps and Bedtime

For the last year Preston has been taking two long naps a day and going to bed at 7pm with out a fuss. He sleeps 12 hours a night without fail which is wonderful. About a month and a half ago bedtime became more and more difficult for him. It was obvious he just wasn't tired at bedtime so I knew it was time to cut the morning nap. After some advice from other moms and trying a few different techniques he was back on track. He wakes up at 7 and goes down for his one nap around noon. He naps for a couple of hours and when bedtime roles around he is practically begging to get in his crib.

Preston has co slept with us since he was 10 months old, right after he had his first cold and ear infection. I was so worried about him and I just needed to be next to him. After he was well we could have
reestablished him sleeping all night in his crib, but all three of us were hooked. We loved having Preston in between us, and it was obvious Preston loved it also. Preston wakes up a couple hours after he goes to sleep in his crib for the night and we bring him in our bed where he stays until he wakes up for the day.

There are so many wonderful things about having Preston sleep with us. I love his tiny baby snore, and how he hums himself back to sleep if he wakes up. I love that he loves to cuddle. He isn't big of snuggling during the day, way to many other fun things to do, so at night I get my fair share of it. I love that he wakes me up every morning. He taps my arm, sees my eyes open, and starts laughing. I wouldn't change him sleeping with us for the world.

I know one day, sooner rather than later, he is going to want to sleep in his own room. He is going to be able to put himself to bed. He is going to be able to to get up in the mornings, turn on his cartoons, and pour himself a bowl of cereal. One day he isn't going to need me like he does now, so I'm soaking up every second of it I can now.

Puppy Love

Preston has been obsessed with dogs for as long as I can remember. It was actually his first obsession of his life (other than his Mama of course). His first word was dog and anytime he sees a dog he goes nuts. When I was pregnant with Preston, Chip and I decided to get a dog. Her name was Wrigley and she was a black German Shepherd and we loved her so much. Unfortunately she had some major aggression issues towards people she did not know and it was no longer safe for us to have her.

Well a couple of weeks ago Chip and I were sitting on the couch talking after Preston was in bed. We decided we wanted to get Preston a puppy. We went that weekend and picked her out. She was a 4 month old black lab and was absolutely precious. After we paid for her and were all in the car she sat right next to Preston in the back seat. She gave Preston lots of kisses and he was loving it. After about 5 minutes driving home I looked at Preston's face and it had huge welts on it. He is allergic to dog's saliva. We had to turn around and take "Dawson" back :(

Luckily Preston didn't understand that Dawson was his puppy, so he didn't even know that we took her back. Hopefully in a few years he will grow out of this allergy and he will be able to have a dog if he wants one.

Yesterday Chip came home with awesome news. A member where he works was talking to him about how they had lost their 8 year old son's black lab puppy. Chip told him our Dawson story and showed her a picture he had taken of him. They lady screamed and said that was their dog! Chip told her he was at the Montgomery Animal Shelter. The lady called the shop 30 minutes later and told him she got him back. She also said Dawson was a very expensive pure bread lab and had had over $3,000.00 worth of training. We both are so happy he is with his original family :)

Mook and Boon

Preston's vocabulary is increasing what seems like everyday. It is so fun hearing new words for the first time come out of his sweet mouth with his precious voice. This week he has added "mook" and "boon", which is his way of saying milk and book.

He started saying please several moths ago, and his way of saying please is "DA!" I'm not sure how he got "da" for please, but it's the cutest thing ever. Chip and I constantly talk about how we hope he says DA for a long time :)

Time Out

A couple of weeks ago Preston was introduced to time out for the first time. 17 months sounds young... But this kid is smart. He knows when he is doing something "bad" and he knows what no means. I talked to his pediatrician and asked her if time out would do any good at this age, and she said ABSOLUTELY.

Our time out routine is very simple. If Preston does something wrong, he gets 2 warnings. Whether the warning is me simply stating NO or me redirecting him to something else. If he continues to go back to doing the same wrong thing, I go and pick him up and just say "it's time out time". I sit him down in front of the stove and set the timer for 1 minute and I don't look or talk to him. If he gets up I will put him back and reset the timer until he sits in that spot for the entire minute.

When I first tried this I thought for sure he wasn't going to corporate. But I was amazed that it only took me two times resetting the timer for him to sit and not move.

He has only been in time out a handful of times, but it seems very effective for him. Preston NEVER sits still, so I know 60 seconds seems like eternity to him. I love my hyper, busy boy!

Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother's Day, and it was a great day! Chip had to work in the morning but was home by noon. We took turns going to the gym before we headed over to Grandma Mike's house for dinner with her and the Lee's. While I was at the gym Chip helped Preston color me a picture on a paper plate :).

Dinner was delicious and so much fun. Preston ran around Grandma Mike's backyard with the boys all afternoon. Cooper, Jackson, and Brady were HUGE helpers! They kept a watchful eye out on Preston to make sure he wasn't getting into anything he shouldn't be, which allowed Chip and I to have some good conversation with the adults.

After dinner Preston got bathed and into his PJs. We were expecting to need to leave before 7, but Preston started playing quietly for over and hour.

Chip and Preston bought me new throw pillows for our couch and bed. It was exactly what I wanted (I picked them out last week ;)). It was such a fun day filled with family!!

I only took two pictures the whole day :/. I meant to take a bunch but it just didn't happen. These pictures are around 8pm. Preston was getting very tired but he was having way to much fun playing with his cousins. He also had a BLAST putting you trains into Uncle Jeff's boot and dumping them out, over and over! I can't emphasize enough how much the Lee boys helped out with Preston. I think they should start a babysitting service and Preston can be their first client :)

Some Thoughts

Some days I feel like I'm lacking, or maybe I'm not giving my all. I'm only human, and as much as I know I am doing a great job being Preston's mother there are times of doubt. Lately though, those thoughts have gone away. Maybe it is the prayers I say each night, asking God to enable me to be the best me, therefore being the mom I can be. I'm not really sure what has changed, but I am thankful for it without a doubt.

As I got into bed last night Preston woke up a little. He opened his extremely tired eyes and saw me. He nestled into my chest, put his little hand on my face, and started humming himself back to sleep.

Maybe it's moments like this that put my fears at rest. Throughout the day he reminds me of how much I need him, but also how much he needs me. Don't get me wrong, I am not writing this post to make myself feel worthy, because honestly, I don't think I will ever feel worthy enough to have been blessed with such a gift. Preston is that ultimate gift from God. He changed me, for forever.

Today Preston and I did some art work. We set up a painting station on our balcony and we were out there for 2 hours. We painted, we laughed, we even had a little snack together. It was perfection. This painting will be with me forever. It is now one of my prized possessions.

Bitter Sweet

The day before we left for Houston, Preston and I met up with Aunt Kelly and Lexi for a fun day at the park.  We met up right after lunch and the kids were ready to play, run, laugh, and enjoy the gorgeous weather. 

I am so grateful for the past 16 months living in Dallas.  I have formed such a close bond with Aunt Kelly, and our children have been able to form a love and bond that is unbreakable.  Preston and myself have also been able to form such a closeness with Sari, Pappy, and Janie.  I have always been very close to them, but this past year and a half it has grown tremendously. 

We are sad that the play dates, girls night outs, and going over to my parents house every afternoon will be less, but the time we will get to spend together will not be taken for granite.

In the sadness there is also joy.  We are lucky enough to have had to move to Chip's hometown.  We will now be able to form bonds and memories with the Lee's and with Grandma Mike.  At the end of the day family is always there and for me, family is who I turn to when I am in need or just need someone to talk to.  I am so lucky to have such an amazing family, and equally as amazing in laws.

 

 

Finally!!

We are FINALLY settled in Conroe!!!  Thank goodness!  Moving weekend was insanely busy... but I feel like the week following that weekend was even crazier!  Its amazing how much stuff 2 adults and 1 toddler can accumulate in a little over a year.  We completely purged through the junk, and donated the stuff we no longer needed.  I still have 2 boxes left to unpack... and they have been starring at me over the last couple of days... maybe today I will get around to them :)

We all absolutely love our new "house".  We moved into a 1200 sq. ft., 2 bed/2 bath apartment at The Retreat at Conroe.  They were just built so we were able to be the first ones in our unit and everything is new which is really nice.  Preston loves it here.  He loves that there is now not a use for baby gates or being sectioned off into one side of the house.  At the new apartment, he has free reign.  He runs into his room, around the room, comes back out and runs into our room, runs around there a few time, into the kitchen, around the island, and then climbs up on the couch to catch his breath.  I will have to get a video of him doing it because it is priceless!

We went to visit a private preschool called Primrose School of Conroe yesterday.  It is a mile down the road from us and it is a wonderful school.  Preston will start attending at the beginning of June, 3 days a week. 

Chip and I will also be starting back school this summer.  Chip is loving his new job and is doing an incredible job.  Big things are going to start happening for him, and I couldn't think of anyone that deserved them more.

Preston has started insisting on sitting on pillows anytime he watches a TV show.  Silly kid!

Preston fell asleep on the floor way before bedtime the first day he was here.  He was worn out from helping me unpack.

 

This was our first night together in the apartment.  I woke up randomly around 3am and I looked over and saw this.  Preston sleeps like this every night, and I am just the lucky one who doesn't get the feet!

Bath Time

Last weekend when Chip was in Houston, it was just me and P. His allergies were acting up pretty badly so we stayed inside all day. Preston was running around the house and kept insisting on going into the bathroom and would point to the tub over and over, so we decided it was bath time. Bath time has become so much fun. He splashes like crazy and would play in there all day if I let him. I can't wait for warmer weather when we can make tons if trips to the pool!

Quick Update

I am so upset with myself for being so far behind in blogging, but that's life. Life has been pretty hectic as usual, and so many changes are happening soon. We are still preparing for our move to Houston in 5 short weeks. We are so excited and anxious to be there and start this next chapter in our lives. I decided to pack 1 box a day to try and keep things simple and organized and have been pretty successful with that. We are purging through the massive amount of junk we have acquired in a year and helping my parents get the house ready to sell once we move.

Chip has been going to Houston every weekend to work at Lake Windcrest and he is loving it. He says at least once a day how much he can't wait to be there full time doing what he loves, teaching. There was a time where he thought about calling it quits with the golf business, and I'm so happy and proud of him that he stuck with it. Timing is everything, but more importantly God's timing is everything.

We are working on finding Preston the perfect child care for when we relocate. He has had such a good experience at MDO at Lakeside that it is hard to find a place that compares, but I know we will find the perfect fit for him. I am excited to go back to work, but I will miss spending every second of the day with him.

Preston is walking all over the place, and now trying to master running. His balance gets better everyday and he loves walking, even if it is in circles around the island over and over :)

He has mastered the words Mama, Daddy, duck, dog, cat, no, and yay. He says ruff, moo, and quack when we say the coordinating animals. He is eating all table food except for green veggies (he is still extremely picky and will only eat those in baby food form). He finally started holding his own sippy cup and is starting to hold his forks and spoons and feed himself.

Spring is here and I feel as though it is the perfect time for all these changes to happen. It's like a breath is fresh air, and we are looking forward to the fun that comes with that.

Mommy Club

The Mommy Club is a self established organization that I made up. Basically, every big (and small) new event that happens with Preston I feel initiates me more into the Mommy Club.

Well last night I really feel like I took a huge step moving up the ladder. I had my first real scare with Preston. I talked about his current ear infection a few days ago. His Dr decided to try out a new antibiotic and unfortunately it had a reverse effect on him. Yesterday was not a good day. Preston felt terrible and had fevers on and off. He got horrible cold symptoms and a pretty bad cough. He didn't want to be rocked or loved on but he didn't want to sit alone. He didn't want to eat or really drink either. I finally was able to calm him down around 8 pm in bed with me. He fell asleep with a 100.2 fever. About 30 minutes later his body started quivering and he was moaning in pain. I checked his temp and it had sky rocketed to 103.5. I honestly had never been more scared in my life. I immediately decided he needs to see a Dr and fast. My first thought was the ER. I scrolled through my phone to find my moms number and saw the PrimaCare number and called them. We made it there 10 minutes before they closed. The Dr checked his ears and throat and both were horribly infected. I told her he had been on Omnicef for 4 days now and she told us to stop taking that. She prescribed our go to drug for ear infections, the beloved Zpack. We got home around 10 last night and Preston drank a cup of water and went straight to sleep. This morning he woke up back to his fun, rambunctious self which was such a good sight to see.

The Mommy Club has so many awesome initiations and some scary ones. I have zero reservations about tubes, especially now.

Houston Bond

On Tuesday night Chip, Preston, and I loaded up in the car for a late night drive to Houston. Chip had an interview for an Assistant Golf Pro job at Lake Windcrest Country Club. Preston did awesome on the drive down there and slept the whole way. The next day we all got up and Chip started to get ready for his big interview. I could tell he was excited, anxious, and nervous all wrapped up in one. This job is a huge deal for him and our family.

When Chip and I met in Korea he was in the process of deciding if he was going to re-up for another contract in the Army or get out. I remember him telling me that all he wants to do is teach golf, and that is what he knows he is meant to do.

After Chip left for the interview I started praying over and over. Asking God for His will to be done, and if this is where our family is suppose to be, to allow it to happen. I had mixed feeling at the time about the idea of relocating to Houston.

Chip called me a couple hours later and told me he got the job. I could hear in his voice that a huge boulder was lifted off his shoulders and I knew through the phone that he had a smile on his face.

I started crying.

Not tears of sadness, but absolute joy. I was so proud of him. I knew that all his hard work and determination now had purpose. All of my recent fears of moving were gone, and I was 100% on board with starting a new chapter of our lives in Houston.

We still have to figure out all the details. We know that while Chip is finishing his last couple months at school, he will be driving to Houston each weekend to work and driving back to be at school on Mondays. After school is finished he will need to immediately move so he can start working full time.

We have a lot to do to get ready to move, but we are so excited about the process. Our Dallas family has formed a bond with Preston that could never be broken, and I'm excited for our Houston family to get to do the same.

Sick Days

Preston has been sick only a handful of times, and didn't start getting sick until about 10 months old which was such a blessing. His main sickness has been colds/ear infections. I hate these nasty little ear infections. They make P feel horrible, and there is nothing to do to prevent them. Earlier this week Preston was showing signs of not feeling his best so I decided to take him to the Dr to get checked out. His pediatrician told me what I expected to hear, he had another double ear infection. Poor little guy. A couple months ago I met with his Dr to discuss getting tubes in his ears. She said that if he had another ear infection we would go ahead and make arrangements to get the procedure done. When we were there this week she said that he needs to be infection free for 3 weeks before the surgery can happen so we are praying that after he finishes his meds for this one, another one wont pop up.

I realize that the procedure takes a total of 10 minutes from start to finish, but it is still so scary. I know this is what he needs to get rid of the problem, and that is what I have to remind myself every time I start getting anxious about the whole thing.

There is nothing worse than seeing your child suffer, but I am so grateful with the cards that we have been dealt so far.

Valentines day

So today is Valentines Day, and even though we are all persuaded to buy (literally) into the whole thing, Chip and I choose not to. Don't get me wrong, I love flowers, chocolates, and a sweet card that makes me swoon; but luckily we give each other these things many times throughout the year, "just because". About a month ago Chip came home with a gorgeous purse and matching wallet that I had been eying for some time now. He told me to turn around and "don't peek". He turned me around with my eyes closed, kissed me, and said this is just because I love you so much. Last week Preston and I went to the mall while Chip was at work. We went and picked out a new pair of jeans, a Texans t-shirt, and Chip's favorite cookies for him. We also got a just because card and told Chip just how much I appreciate and love him. He loved it.

We don't believe that one day out the year is the day you are suppose to appreciate each other, we try to do that everyday. Of corse that does not always happen, but we do try.

But seeing as how today IS Valentines Day, I want to make this post about us, in our own way. So I compiled a short list of things Chip and I 100% agree on and some that we don't so much.

Pillow/Bed Sharing
If we are in bed and Chip asks me where his pillow is and it is not given to him in a very short amount of time he will take mine. (Not while I'm using it of corse). I think this is awful. No ones head should be laying on YOUR pillow other than your own. I also have a very firm belief that bed laying should only be done in clean pjs on clean bodies.

"Lockup"
This is our favorite show, ever. When we tell people about this show Chip and I begin talking way to fast, using hand gestures, and using words like "oh my gosh" and "seriously! It's the best!"

Interior Decorating
I don't think we will ever agree on this topic. If it was up to Chip the only thing in a house would be leather furniture, obnoxiously large TVs, and TV dinner trays.

Traveling
We both have an extremely large desire to travel all over. Although we are hindered currently with a small child and lack of funds, our huge dreams suffice our wants.

Mexican Food
Lets just say it might have been a deal breaker for us if either of us was not a fan. Mexican food is where it's at.

Video Games
No explanation needed.

Love Language
This is my favorite. I love that we both agree on talking to one another in a loving way. We try to give each other affirmations everyday, and to remind each other just how lucky we both feel.

All in all, I wouldn't change us for anything. What we have just works. We have our fair share of arguments, but we always come out of it with a new understanding of one another.

Happy Valentines Day Babe, I love you.

Lazy Swing

I picked up Preston a few minutes early from MDO today. When I got to his classroom his teacher waved for me to come in. I walked in and started to look for P. The last place I ever expected to see him was in the "baby" swings, and that's where he was. I started laughing and asking him what he was doing in the baby swings. His teacher told me that he spends at least 30 minutes/day in them and loves just relaxing. The funniest thing about the whole thing is that he weighs too much for the swing to actually swing, so he just sits in it and watches everyone.

I love him so much :)

"Healthy Hearts"

I stole this phrase from Kelly because I absolutely love what it stands for. In today's culture it is so easy to get caught up in how we look physically, and even more how we think others see us physically. I have always been one of those people for as long as I can remember, but something has shifted in me. I realize that I really could care less what size pants I wear or if I ever wear a bikini again, all I want it to feel my best. I mentioned in my 2013 resolution post that I wanted to get back on the health wagon so I can enjoy life to the fullest and be around for a long long time, and that's exactly what I am doing. I have cut out the majority of meats and dairy in my diet, mainly because of my gallbladder issues I have had since giving birth to Preston. I have been able to tell a pretty considerable difference in the way I feel, but there is so much more I could do also.

Today I cleaned out our pantry of all processed foods and junk. Tomorrow I am going to go grocery shopping and stock up on all things clean. We are not going to eat out unless its date night or a special occasion, so I will be cooking clean, healthy meals each night. I also am going to give up caffeine for a while. The other day I did not have any coffee or diet coke, and by the end of the day I had the worst caffeine headache, and I knew then I needed to cut it out of my diet also.

We bought a jogging stroller today and I can already tell it is going to get a lot of use. Preston and I went on a hour long walk today and had so much fun looking at all the trees and cars (and he even saw a "dawww!"). I am going to start jogging him to MDO every Monday and Wednesday. Brooke and I are going to take the boys around the lake on Tuesdays and Thursdays which is 9 miles, so that should take care of my "healthy heart" activities.

The hardest thing that is going to have to take place is quitting the disgusting habit of smoking. (Preston, never pick up a cigarette, it is not worth it). I am starting patches tomorrow and I'm sure a tough road, but it will be worth it.

I want Preston to know that this isn't a diet or a quick fix, it's a total lifestyle change that is going to happen. Not because I want to be "skinny" but because I want to be healthy. I am going to post updates and even some of the new recipes I will be trying out. I am super excited about the Hodges' healthy heart journey!!

This morning when we were waiting to go into MDO we were sitting in the atrium. You were completely content sitting on my lap for over 5 minutes. The front door opened and your little friend Daniel came in with his sweet mom. The second y'all saw each other you both wanted to be put down and crawled toward each other and started playing.

Just another way of you showing me you have turned into a little boy!

I read my post from last night today (I re-read my posts all the time, it makes me happy). I realized that I started out talking about Preston, and unknowingly ended it by talking to him.

And that my sweet boy, is what this blog is all about.

This blog is 100% for you. Of corse a few other people read it because they like to know what's going on with you as well, but ultimately, it's yours. Every time I write a post it is a letter to you. I hope one day you will read through this blog and reminisce, laugh, and learn from it.

Going Through the Motions

It's true, some days I just go through the motions. We wake up, we go about our everyday routine that we have mastered, and when it's time for Preston to go to bed I can't believe the day is over. How did it go by so fast? It's another day I will never be able to get back, and that makes me sad. I don't want to be that mom. I want to remember every single thing about Preston, at every age. I want to always remember his goofy closed mouthed smile he gives us when he is up to no good. Or his open mouthed toothy smile he has when he is laughing. I want to remember how he spreads his toes every time I put his socks on him or how he wraps himself around me like a money when I hold him. I want to remember his fake cry he has when he doesn't get his way or how he gets so excited when he sees the Puff container. I guess I am at a cross road, between holding on and letting go. I am trying so desperately to hold onto everything "baby" about him, but I know he is not a baby anymore.

Tonight we cuddled again in my bed. We went in about 30 minutes before it was time for him to go to bed. We read books, went over our animals, and gave tons of hugs and kisses. It was almost time for you to go in your room for bed. You were laying next to me snuggled up with your paci in. You took your paci out and held it in the air. I looked at you and it was as if you were telling me to laugh. I smiled at you, and you smiled at me. You curled up even closer to me and put your paci back in you mouth and started laughing. I said out loud it was time to go to bed, but that didn't matter. You are sleeping, but you are still curled up nestled into me 3 hours later.

I don't want it to end, but I have to remind myself this is just the beginning. I don't want my "baby" to grow up, but I have to remember that you will always be my baby.

Experiencing Mommyhood

Preston wakes up every morning between 7-7:30, almost without fail. But this morning he decided he wanted to sleep in, which gave Chip and I a perfect excuse to sleep in. We use Preston as our alarm clock, which did not pay off today. Preston woke us up at 8:30, and we have to leave the house at 9 to get him to school on time. I immediately jumped up and started getting myself and Preston ready to go. The funny thing is, that it was not stressful at all. I knew exactly what needed to get done, and the perfect order to get it done the fastest. I put him in his highchair and gave him his milk and breakfast. I got ready while he was eating. I grabbed his outfit for the day and a clean diapers and got him ready. I put him back in his highchair and he snacked on some puffs while I got his lunch ready for school (turkey, banana, yogurt, and some Annie's crackers). Everything just flowed. I can't believe that this has become a normalcy around here. For the next 17 years our mornings will be filled with packing lunches and rushing to get out the door for school. I always feel like a mom, but today was different. I felt like I had the mom thing down, and I felt my first taste of being an experienced mom.

A couple who has been friends with Chip and I since Korea called me yesterday in tears. They have a 1 month old daughter and she was completely exhausted and you could tell in her voice. She was calling to see if I had any tips or tricks on a sleeping schedule. I remembered this feeling perfectly. I remember begging Kelly to help get Preston established with Babywise. And I remember thinking what an awesome example of a mother she was. I went back in my emails and found the email of the schedule Kelly sent me for Preston and I forwarded it to my friend. She called me this morning again in tears, but this time they were happy tears. She was so thankful that she had a mommy friend she could trust. This is another example of how I feel I have become an experienced mom. It is such a great feeling, and I can't wait to learn more and more each day.

Preston goes to bed in his own room 9 times out of 10, but not last night. After dinner and his bath, it was obvious it was bed time, but I just wasn't ready to say goodnight to him. I scooped him up and headed to our bed, and snuggled him like crazy. It took about 30 seconds for him to fall asleep, but I spent 6 hours loving on him. I never want to forget these moments. I wish I could bottle up the way he smells when he just gets out of the bath, and his super soft skin after I put his lotion on. I want to remember the sound of his baby snore, and when he babbles in his sleep. I just can't get enough of this kid.

Park Fun

Today was Chip's first day of his last semester at the Golf Academy. Preston and I both loved having him home during his break but its back to him being away the majority of the day. I decided to take P to the park for the first time today. He has never really played in the grass before, but he absolutely loved it. We started off swinging, but anytime he gets in a swing he immediately becomes tired. The first picture below is Preston when he was about 8 months and literally fell asleep while being pushed at Sari and Pappy's.

We then moved to a huge open field and he was in heaven. He examined everything. The grass, dirt, twigs, and rocks. He played while I snapped some shots of him with my new camera. When it was time to go I was putting him in the car seat and he was crying because he didn't want to leave. He is definitely all boy. He is my world.

New Years

Happy 2013!!

so.hard.to.believe.

This year Chip and I spent New Year's Eve with some close friends while Preston was busy having fun at Sari and Pappy's house.

I have one goal for this next year. I want to be a better wife, in all aspects of the word. I want to be as healthy as I can, so I can be around for a long time. I want to work on my organizational skills (or lack there of). I want to strive to be more understanding and patient, and to be a better listener. I want to be less judge mental, and more compassionate.

Chips goal this year is to further his career in golf, and to get healthier.

I am so excited about what God has in store for our family this year, and I can't wait to experience with my two boys.

Santa

Chip, Aunt Kelly, and I took Preston to see Santa on his birthday.... The picture explains it all.

Christmas 2012

Christmas this year was a total world wind. I busted out the Christmas decor at the end of November (it would have been sooner but Chip wasn't having it). Last year we had a mini tree in our apartment and I was so excited to get our first big tree this year. I was extremely surprised with myself when I can came home with a modest, 6 1/2 ft smaller tree. It was perfect though. It fit perfectly in the corner in between our kitchen and living room and I can't wait to put it back up next year. Preston was absolutely infatuated with the lights on the tree. I also put up a ridiculous amount of garlands with lights strung through all over the house. We had our old mini tree in the dining room and on several occasions Chip and I would see the lights twinkling from the living room and just look at each other and smile. Remembering last Christmas and the most incredible gift we recieved. I never thought that last Christmas could be beat, but it was. It makes me wonder if this is how it will be forever. Each year gets better? I can't imagine. I am so beyond excited.

Christmas Eve was spent with my side of the family. We ate a fabulous meal and spent hours opening up presents. Preston did incredible, especially considering we had been to the Dr that morning and we found out he had the beginning of a double ear infection. He fell asleep in my arms while we opened gifts and was very excited to get in his crib around 10 that night.

On Christmas morning Chip, P, and myself had our little family Christmas. Chip and I exchanged gifts for the first time since we have known each other and it was so much fun. After all the gifts were opened he told me to turn around. He went and got something out of my stocking and when he told me to turn back around he was on one knee with a gorgeous new wedding ring for me. My dad has had a deep yellow diamond in a safe for years. I always wanted it, and I found out he had always wanted to give it to me. Chip took the diamond and got it mounted for my "big" gift. It is so beautiful, and so incredibly special to me.

Later that morning we loaded up the car with presents, food, and blankets to head to McKinney to spend the day with Chips side of the family. We knew the weather was going to be bad (we had what seemed to us to be a blizzard) so we planned on spending the night at Aunt Kelly and Uncle Jason's. We ate great food, opened presents, and soaked in every second that we got to all be together.

I have successfully taken down all the Christmas decorations and got the house back to "normal". I was sad to see it all go, but a huge part of me is excited to ring in the new year with a clutter free home. This Christmas as so great, and I'm sure next year I will be questioning how it could be beat, but like I said, every year seems to get better and better :)