Happy 3rd Birthday!

I can't believe my baby turned 3 years old today. It seems just like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital.  He is all boy and so full of energy.  We had his birthday at the fire station and he loved it. 

A few of Kyle's favorite things:  Mac and Cheese, Orange Juice--he always get a large when we are out and ordering for him, Pluto, Spiderman shoes, french fries, Special Agent Oso, Mickey Mouse, his trucks and cars.

Favorite sayings:  "Well" in the most southern accent you have ever heard.  It's a few syllables.  "Actually" when he's ready to change his mind.  "Mommy, don't say that!"  "I'm not your friend" when he doesn't get his way.

Kyle,

You are a ball full of energy and bring so much excitement to our family.  You are a sweet little boy and I love cuddle time when you wake up from your nap.  That's about the only time you are still anymore, otherwise you are off running, riding your bike, or playing with "Sissy".  You are a Daddy's boy and love helping him "fix" things or work on your bike.  I can't wait to see where the years ahead take us.  You are learning so much at school and love your teachers Ms Nae and Ms Chelle (Ms Renee and Ms Michelle).  You best friend is Will and you seem to be the ringleader in your class.  I hope you always keep your determination and fire as you get older.  There's nothing you can't do.  Hope you had the "funnest" day ever as we celebrated today.

Look how far you've come!

A few days old

First Birthday



Second Birthday

Zoo Trip 2010

We went to the zoo a couple of weeks ago. Caroline and Kyle are old pros at the zoo with this being their second trip. Their first was on the hottest day in June last year so needless to say this was a much better trip although still hot.

Caroline was a trooper and walked much of the whole day while Kyle rode in the stroller. They both enjoyed seeing all the animals. We were lucky and most of the animals were napping, but visible. I think her favorite was seeing the monkeys. She also loved riding the "horseysell" as she calls it. Everytime we go to Concord Mills we have to ride that one too. We started our day out with a picnic before going in and enjoyed some ice cream and cotton candy while there. That night we ate a Rock Ola Cafe in Asheboro. Bryan and I hadn't ate at one in years and it was so good. We both got burgers and they were delicious. Kyle enjoyed entertaining the other patrons. He is such a ladies man and likes to have all of their attention. We had a great day and were worn out for bed.

What a Difference a Year Makes

Well, it's almost been a year since my last post and I promise to do better with this blogging thing. HA! We have been so busy, but there have been plenty of times I stop and think...I should blog this.

This picture is on Kyle's first birthday party which was held at the same park we had Caroline's first birthday party. It was just a small family affair and he seemed to have a good time although by cake time he was worn out and wasn't interested in tearing it up. Caroline was such a good helper with opening all of his presents.

Caroline and Kyle are getting along great and I think she is starting to understand a little more of how fun he is going to be in the future when he gets old enough to play. She better watch out because he will start hitting back too.

A few things about them: Kyle is ALL boy and is in to everything. He is not walking yet, but he is pulling to a stand and will walk around a table, so it shouldn't be long. He is a little more destructive than Caroline was with pulling things off the table etc. He is growing a lot and loves to eat. He especially loves crackers (Ritz, saltines). He is starting to use a sippy cup with more regularity. He is still waking up in the middle of the night or early am for a bottle. Although, we are still sleep deprived I just try to remember this is our last baby, so I will miss that one day. We just love him to pieces.

Caroline is definitely turning into a big girl and always wants to help. She loves playing with Kyle. She is currently in swim classes and doing well. She likes to practice with her toys in the bathtub. She is starting to write (copy) letters and loves everything to do with Princesses. She is such a joy to watch grow each day.

We have a busy summer planned so I hope to post more soon.

Smiley!

Today I caught Kyle smiling. I have caught him several other times but this one is my favorite. He was relaxing and we were "talking" and he just started smiling. He is starting to notice things more now. In the bouncy seat he appears to reach out to the animals that hang down in front of him. He never likes to be in one place too long. All day long we go from back to stomach, swing to bouncy seat etc. He especially likes to be held. I think he is already a Mama's boy.

I can't believe that I go back to work next week. This leave has flown by. Caroline is excited that Kyle will be going to "school" with her next week. He will have the same teacher that Caroline had in the infant room--Ms Bridget.

Will post soon about the beach.

Happy 1 month Kyle!

Today Kyle turns one month old. I can hardly believe it! This month has passed so fast and reminds me how much your babies change before your eyes. It's bittersweet because with all the sleepless nights you just want to get to the point where they are sleeping through the night and then when it comes you miss the times you would sit up feeding them in the middle of the night.

Some highlights at 1 month...

You are still wearing newborn sleepers. You are growing I can tell but you seem to be getting longer rather than fatter (is that a word?). You are eating around 3 1/2 ounces every 2 1/2 hours and occasionally at night will go 3 hours. You are very easygoing and have a sweet personality already. You are working very hard at holding your head up and I try to put you on your stomach a lot during the day and it is paying off.

You and Caroline are becoming fast friends. She loves you so much. Sometimes when you cry she tells me that you need your bottle and she loves to give you your paci. I'm not sure you are going to be a paci baby but that's not a bad thing. That would be just one more thing to get rid of later. Caroline loves to hold you and kiss you. You have had a lot of grape/strawberry chapstick on your little head. Don't worry I will watch over you and make sure you don't get your nails painted.

We love you so much.

My Funny Caroline!

The other day we are driving past the airport and Caroline looks out and says "it's snowy"! She really meant it's cloudy. So cute!

Coming Home!

Today was homecoming for baby Kyle! We brought him home today around lunch time. He is such a good baby and Caroline is a great big sister. She doesn't seem jealous at all and seems very interested in him and wants to help us feed and burp him. She loves to gently touch his face and kiss him.

We had a great experience in the hospital and everything has gone better than I would have expected...not that I anticipated bad things but I feel more rested this time and felt things went smoothly. In a few weeks the rested part might not be true but we'll see. Our little guy weighed 8lbs 1.3 ozs and was 20 3/4 long and was born at 8:44 am. He cried right away and was very active. For someone who said they were going to send him to the nursery every night so I could rest I am proud to say that I kept him every night but one and I stayed 3 nights. The last night there he let us go for a 3 hour stretch. I hope he keeps that up. He is a big eater all ready. As I write this he is swaddled up and sleeping beside me. Here are a few pics...more updates to come soon.