Finding Christmas

Yesterday afternoon, when E woke up from his nap, he asked me immediately to put on his shoes. When I inquired as to why, he told me that we needed to leave. I then asked him why he wanted to leave and he  told me, "Mama, I want to find Christmas!". Wow. So do I, right?! I became the most excited parent! I hauled some boxes of decorations out of the basement and we put up some decorations, listening and talking all about Christmas the whole time. So, today we had a day FULL of Christmas. We went to the train garden and celebrated Nate's 3rd birthday with a pizza lunch and cupcakes! We even got a peek of Santa. Then, when Brian came home, we all made a family outing to the inner harbor to see the fat man himself. E was excited to talk to him, but not so sure of sitting on his lap. So E sat on my lap, and Santa stood next to us. Santa even let E touch his beard! He told Santa what he wanted for Christmas, and then we were on our way. We walked over to see the "It's A Waterfront Life" laser, light, and firework spectacular. It was pretty amazing! We then grabbed some dinner, had a little play session in Pierce's Park, and then we went home singing some "Jingle Bells" and "Little Drummer Boy" on the way. It makes me very excited that E is so in the holiday spirit! It is going to be a great Christmas :). Enjoy some pics from the day! xoxo

Amazement!

The railroad crossing was a fave

Lunch with buddies

Santa, Mama, & E

Silly boys

So amazing!

The boys playing in the moonlight

Thankful

Thanksgiving week is upon us and I am getting ready for us to host our "urban family" for the occasion. Our dear friends are also coming to stay with us for the holiday, all the way from Houston!  Amid the cleaning and prepping service for 16; I have really found myself reflecting about our lives and what I am thankful for.  I even have E in on the thinking about what he is thankful for. His thanks are pretty stinking hilarious. E was saying he was thanksgiving for his buddy sharing his goldfish crackers with him. I told him friends and family that share and care about you are the best, and we certainly do have some amazing friends and family that have gone above and beyond for us. Especially when they share goldfish.  Then as he was getting dressed, he looked down at my belly, gave it a big smooch (something he loves to do these days) and said, "I am thanksgiving for (the) baby in your belly." I told him I was very thankful for our healthy little baby, that is kicking away and growing big and strong. Tears fell from my face, it doesn't get any sweeter, y'all. Darn preggo hormones! So much to be thankful for but I am most thankful for my sweet little family and our amazing family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving! xoxo

A Day Pumpkin Picking!

This weekend, we made a trip out to the country to Larriland Farm to go pumpkin picking. It was quite the occasion, being as E was super pumped to actually be going to a pumpkin patch. It was a beautiful fall day, complete with the fall foliage in full glory. E picked out his very own pumpkin and lugged it back to his cart. We picked out another one to make sure we had two for the entry to the house. We even had a chance to enjoy some fresh apple fritters and some apple cider. E and Daddy also got to feed the goats. It was a fabulous day, enjoy the pics!

Vacation Hangover

We are in the throws of vacation hangover. Sigh. We just got back from a fantastic beach week! Complete with sandcastles, lounging, and the most stressful part of the day being what toys to pack for the beach. I even got some retail therapy in during nap time a few days. The weather was nice, brisk in the early morning and sunset but nice and sunny during the day. We had one day where a storm was coming and it was too windy to be on the beach, but we walked around the downtown area to make up for it! Tons of pictures to share, but here are some of my favs! xoxo

Handsome boys!

 

<3

sunset stroll

Chasing Seagulls

Flying kites with Auntie Dennis

 Chasing the kites

Beach Bliss

Smash the sandcastle

After dinner ice cream on the boardwalk

First Day of Preschool

E started preschool, like all by himself, real school. We have read a ton of books, talked about what is going to happen, and the school even had a week of half-day sessions. He loves his teachers, has some good buddies in class, and even asks me to go to school all the time. So I was not tremendously worried about the transition, until this weekend. We have a carpool lane, so the teachers come and get him out of the car and take him in. So, I was terrified as to what was going to transpire. What if he screams bloody murder, or worse what if he has a melt down - which is SUPER rare. We arrived at school and he was so excited, then Mrs. G came and got him. He kept asking if I was coming with him. My heartstrings tugged hard. I told him no, that he was going to school with Mrs. G and all of his friends. He whimpered, she took him into class. I pulled to the stop sign, tears filled my eyes. Being preggo and doing this whole school thing makes for one emotional mama! I decided he would be fine, and decided to go set forth and enjoy my two and a half hours of me time. I called in just to make sure he was fine, the director kept assuring me he was great and he was fine the second he got into the classroom. Relieved, but somewhat embarrassed that I was the loser parent that called! I went shopping, found a fun new purse, and some other goodies. I went to the little shops right by school, and went to school around 15 minutes before dismissal. The parents at this school are fantastic, so friendly and its very easy to sit and chat. I was pleased to know that I was not the only parent who called! They started bringing the kids out, and E came out with the most adorable smile. In his hand he was holding his first craft project. I picked him up and gave him a kiss, and he exclaimed "You found me! I knew you'd be back!" How do you not love that! Enjoy some pictures! xoxo

 

 

 

Some news!

Pretty stinking excited! I was a nervous wreck for the entirety of the first trimester. A special thanks to some amazing friends, an extremely patient and understanding hubby, and sweet faced boy. Without them, I would have lost my mind! Everything looks great, a healthy little bean that bounces around every time we get a peek. Strong heartbeat and super cute profile, that looks so different from E's! Here's to hoping we have an uneventful, happy, and healthy pregnancy!  xoxo

State Fair

On Wednesday, we met up with all of our besties for a day at the state fair. A day of animals, petting a few, watching some chicks hatch, eating some fair food, and of course riding some tractors. All in all we all had a blast! Enjoy some pics! xoxo

Turkeys

Cuties

Max the calf

Hay Maze Hijinx

Tractor Rally

Ooh, sooo pretty

Ice Cream to cool off!