30 Days of Thanks - Day 24

I'm thankful for passed down family traditions and also getting to start new ones with Caleb and Owen. How cool is it that Clayton and I get to take all the things that were awesome about the holidays from when we were kids, and share them with our children? Plus we get to add in new fun things in to make them all our own.

We spent last night listening to Christmas music and putting up the Christmas tree together - one of my absolute favorite things about the holidays. Today, we're having Jaime and Aaron over for Thanksgiving dinner and then celebrating Thanksgiving with the Smith family on Sunday. It doesn't get much better than this.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

30 Days of Thanks - Day 20

It's a little more challenging to write these posts on a day like today when I'm not feeling as thankful as I should, but mostly feeling angry and bitter about things beyond my control.

But then, in comes my sweet, amazing, and wonderful little boy with a picture that Daddy helped him draw just to cheer me up.

While we're always going to suffer losses and hurt, and there is nothing that can take that away, I am so thankful for the people in my life that are such wonderful blessings. Those that are constants, that I can count on, and that always make me smile when I need it most.

Weekly Wrap Up

Sunday:


-Owen started officially waving today! He waved at Mommy, Daddy, Aunt Ria, Mawmaw, & Pawpaw.


Monday:

-I asked Caleb if he was ready to exercise with me this morning and he jumped up and said "YES! We're going to be strong and healthy!" haha I think my fitness craze is rubbing off on him! :)
-I had a mom's group meeting tonight and while I was gone, Clayton swears he taught Owen to give kisses. I haven't seen it yet so I'm not calling it official yet. ;)

Tuesday:


-It was absolutely gorgeous out today! I've been so busy with photo editing that I finally got caught up enough to not feel too guilty taking an afternoon break and played outside with the boys. I raked all the leaves in the front yard in a big pile for Caleb and then let him go crazy. It was so funny to watch him (and raking is a pretty good upper body workout too! lol).

Wednesday:

-They say it takes 21 days to make a habit, and today is day 21 of eating healthy. I feel fantastic!! Wednesday is also my "official" weekly weigh-in day and for the week I'm down 1.2 lbs, and down 4.2 lbs over the last 3 weeks. Next week I will be taking all my measurements again - 1 month later. I'm really interested to see the progress! 

Thursday:

-Bathroom updates from Caleb (as he's peeing): "It's not white pee. It's just pee. It's golden pee." bahaha

Friday:

-Random conversation I just had with Caleb:

C: "Mom! I just cleaned the whole house! Daddy will be happy!" (sometimes we do extra cleaning to "suprise Daddy" when he gets home)

Me: "Wow! Really? Thanks so much! What a huge help!"

C: "I picked up ALL the toys and put them where they belong."

Me: "That's awesome! You are so great! What am I going to do with you?"

C: "Ummm... you're going to give me a kiss!"

SMOOCH! 

I was hoping to clean the house today because it desperately needs it but also because I have a client coming over for a shoot tomorrow - but I hadn't mentioned it to Caleb at all. He came up with that all on his own. He's so funny. :) 

30 Days of Thanks - Day 7

I'm thankful for time to play with my boys and hear them laugh. There really is no other sound greater in the world than hearing your children laugh.

Catching up.... again.

I really despise these long catch up posts but I need to document all the cute/happy/funny/embarrassing things that have happened in the last 3-1/2 months. Here we go:

November 3:

-I have been working out again and yesterday I tried a "Mixed Martial Arts" dvd. Caleb really liked it and watching him kick and punch with me was hilarious. But my absolute favorite part was when he was doing the "downward facing dog" yoga poses with me during our warm up.

November 2: 

-Clayton got a MUCH needed raise today (just for being awesome). We took a big risk when I quit my job to stay at home with the boys and go full time with SDP. My business has been doing really well but with the major medical bills we've had this year, things have been extra tight. Praise the Lord for answering our prayers and providing for us!

-Overheard from our living room: Caleb screaming "STOP LAUGHING AT ME, BABY OWEN!!!" bahahaha

October 28:

-Aunt Ria and J.P. got married today. Maria looked absolutely stunning and everything was perfect! 

October 31: 

-Caleb had a wonderful time trick or treating this year. Jaime and Aaron came over and went with us. Owen slept 90% of the time but he was pretty cute sleeping as a chubby monster. After each house we went to, Caleb would shake his pumpkin bucket and say "Hear that?!" Then he would tell us he wanted to fill his bucket to the top! He also told me that he wanted to get enough candy for a Halloween party. haha He was pretty funny!

October 25:

-Owen turned 9 months old today. He did great at his check up. He was in the 95^th percentile for head circumference, weight, and height. The doctor said he looks perfect!

October 19:

-I started a new healthy eating plan today. I want to get fit and finally lose the rest of this baby weight. I took before pictures… they are pretty frightening. I’ll probably be posting a lot about my progress in future posts. I’ve been a little bit obsessed with health and fitness lately. But I’m feeling GREAT so that’s major motivation!

October 16:

- Since I was out last night, Clayton said to Caleb "Did you tell Mommy you missed her?" And Caleb said "Mom, Daddy said I'm a mister." Haha Kids are so funny!

October 14:

- Caleb had a nightmare about spiders last night. He wouldn't even get back in his bed because he was so scared. However, he was also telling me that there was a tiny girl and a boy pretending to be a dog in his dream. And then he replayed their whole conversation. Something about dreams from a 3-1/2 year old totally fascinates me.

October 13:

- I was holding Owen's feet up while changing his diaper and looked up and he was sucking on his big toe. lol Yuck!

October 11:

- I started going to a mom’s group at our church today. I have always wanted to join something like this but was never home during the day to be able to do so. I love that owning my own business allows me to do things like this now. I’m really hoping to make some new friends and learn from other women who share my values and beliefs.

October 10:

- I love that when I show Owen his little toy mirror and ask him where the baby is, he looks around behind the mirror on both sides! How DOES that baby get inside there!?! :D

October 7:

- Last week Owen started giving hugs. Today he started dancing. He’s so funny.

October 3:

- Caleb was flirting with the sales girl at men's warehouse and introduced himself as Caleb Smith. Then he introduced us as Daddy Smith and Mommy Smith.... Lol He's such a ham!

September 27:

- I'm trying to edit photos but it's really hard to concentrate because my 8 month old baby is GROWLING at me. lol And he thinks he's funny, because when I look at him, he cracks up like he won the game or something. I ♥ him.

September 22:

- Just heard from Caleb in the kitchen by himself: "EVERYONE! I JUST HURT MY BOTTOM! BUT IT'S OK!"

- I feel as though I've lost the upper hand when Caleb thinks the ant he found is cute and tickles and I squirm like a girl when he tries to put it on me. And of course Caleb thinks this is hilarious. Yes, it's just an ant, but I still don't want it crawling on me.

September 20:

- I love when Caleb comes and tells me things like "Mom, Baby Owen said he wants his socks off because he's hot." Hmmm... did he really?

September 15:

-I love that when someone says "excuse me", Caleb says "you're welcome." Lol

September 5:

- Clayton was in the living room playing with the baby and Caleb was sleeping. Caleb just walked out, pointed at Clayton with a really angry face and said "STOP MAKING THAT NOISE!" Then he turned around, slammed his door, and got back in bed. Lol I think he might be an angry sleeper just like his mama. :)

August 31:

-I was editing some wedding photos and Caleb pointed at the screen and said "Wow! Look at the prince and the princess!" I would love to see everything through his eyes for a day! :)

August 30:

- I can't stress enough how awesome it is only have ONE child in diapers. Being the mother of a potty trained kid is totally as awesome as I imagined. :-)

August 29:
- Me: Do you see your shadow? Caleb (with a sad sigh): my shadow doesn't smile.

August 28:
-Our poor baby Owen had his first fever tonight and boy was it a big one. We spent the night in the ER with him before being transferred to Cincinnati Children’s. They couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him. He started breathing weird (like gasping or grunting with every breath), then a high fever, really high heart rate, and abdominal pain (he screamed when you touched his belly). He went through a ton of tests today and everything came back normal. He was a little constipated so they put him on a laxative for that and are hoping that is all the belly pain was, but have no idea the reason for everything else. When the motrin is working, the fever isn't too bad and the breathing is better, but as soon as it starts to wear off, the fever goes crazy and he breathes all weird again. It's strange because he doesn't have a cold, cough, vomiting, etc. Note: Things cleared up in a day or two and everything turned out just fine. It sure was scary though.

August 25:
- We walked into a toy store today as they were moving some displays around and Caleb yells "OH MY GOODNESS! WHAT A MESS!" And, yes all four sales associates were standing right there and heard. He's Clayton's son.

August 22: 
-Caleb has went a day and a half without a diaper and no accidents!!! Maybe he'll be potty trained before college after all!

August 21:
- Owen's second tooth broke through today! :)

August 19:
- Owen likes to move his one little leg back and forth so much that I've decided he's part cricket, and Clayton has decided he has Restless Leg Syndrome.

August 18:
- I love family movie nights. We watched Mars Needs Moms. It was cute but I thought the idea of losing your mom was a little frightening for kids. Caleb suddenly wanted to cuddle with me. Imagine that.

August 15:
- Caleb is sitting next to Owen on the floor and reading him books. It's so sweet. ♥

August 12:
- My little baby had his first tooth break through the gums today!

August 5:
- ‎6 years ago today, Clayton and I went on our first official date. And tonight, he's taking me on a date to celebrate. ♥

August 4:
- I put Owen to bed while he was still awake 25 minutes ago and he didn't make ONE sound. He is starting to get the hang of it!!!! :D

August 3:
- My wonderful husband forgot and left a big cup of red paint and paintbrush in Caleb's playroom.... And now we have red paint splattered all over the floor and on the recently painted bright blue wall.... I don't know if I'm more annoyed with Caleb or Clayton. >:(

August 2:
- Caleb said he wanted to pee on the potty. He was in the bathroom for a minute or two with the door shut, so I went in to check on him and he was still fully clothed sitting on the toilet. Weird.
- Woes of a work at home mom: I'm on the phone with a client trying to set up a session and Caleb is yelling from the bathroom "LINDS (don't know why he was calling me that), I PEED ON THE POTTY!! I PEED! LINDS, I PEED!" Fantastic.

August 1:
- Night #2 of the Ferber Method sleep training for Owen. On the first night he cried for 20 min. Tonight, it was less than 5. YAY! We're taking back control of bedtime in the Smith house! :D

July 29:
- Caleb: Can we go outside, pleeeaaaaassssse?
Me: Not right now. We're going to go outside later today. After lunch.
Caleb: I'm hungry, can we eat lunch?
Me: It's 9:30 am! No!

July 25:
- Owen is 6 months old! His stats: 28" L (90th percentile), 23 lbs 8 oz (off the charts), and 95th percentile for head circumference. He's a monster!!

30 Days of Thanks - Day 1

I'm thankful for my two beautiful, healthy boys. 

Ugh.

Why am I so terrible at keeping my blog updated? I don't know. It must be my one character flaw. ;) I think my "catch up" posts are becoming more frequent than my regular posts.

So here is what you might have missed:

Today.
 -Oh the awkward moment when your child catches you sneaking a few bites of cake during breakfast time.... and then you have to give him a bite too, even though you would normally never let him have cake before lunch. Lead by example, Lindsey. Lead by example.
 -Owen started crying while I was changing him and Caleb ran in and said "I'm SUPER Caleb! What's the problem?!" :)
 -Caleb is waiting "Ice Age" and the saber tooth tiger is named Diego - so Caleb is calling him as well as the whole movie "San Diego". 

Yesterday.
 -Maybe it's my awful singing, but Owen finds lullabies much more hilarious than soothing. I am talking belly laughing hilarious.

July 12.
 -I walked in the living room a few minutes ago and Caleb was sitting in Owen's walker watching tv. I don't know how he climbed in there himself or even fit, but it was a pretty funny sight. Wish I would have taken a picture!
 -Owen is practically "officially" rolling over. He gets completely turned over onto his belly, but he is still laying on his one arm. It looks so uncomfortable.

July 11.
 -I got Owen's walker out tonight. He really likes it, but even more, CALEB really likes it. He keeps saying "Mom, put baby Owen in there!" To get him off my back at one point (since Owen wasn't in the mood to sit in the walker), I had Caleb put his favorite stuffed animal in there (a T-Rex named Rex, or Rexy and Caleb sometimes calls him). He pushed Rex around in the walker half the night. Then we even brushed Rex's teeth before bedtime and Caleb tucked him into bed. He's so sweet. :)
 -I gave Caleb a piece of paper to start a craft and he said "I'm writing Daddy an email!" Oh children of the digital age...
-I told Caleb "We need to get you dressed" and he replied "No. We need to give me a bath." Annnd he was right, he did need a bath. So I gave him one and he sang Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" while he played.

July 1.
 -Caleb just kissed Owen goodnight and said "Night, night. Sweet dreams, baby." ♥

June 25.
 -Gma & Gpa Sallee came for a visit from Illinois. Caleb was in heaven. Gpa Sallee played in the sandbox with him and pushed him on the swings. When they left, Caleb told me that they great gma and gpa went bye bye, so I asked him if he remembered where they live. He answered "the north pole." Lol

June 23.
 -I'm letting Caleb play with our old point and shoot camera and he's taking pictures of me over and over and over (mostly with my head cut off though). Maybe he's giving me a taste of my own medicine and showing me what it feels like to live with the paparazzi. The flashes are making me feel a little blind... :p

June 17.
 -Gave Owen baby food (other than cereal) for the first time tonight. Up first on the menu: carrots. Verdict: success. He ate the whole thing!

Family Dedication

We participated in the family dedication service at our church this weekend. We dedicated both boys to the Lord and then enjoyed a cookout at our home with family afterwards. We really do love our church and the more I go, the more sure I am that this is the place we should be raising our children - teaching them to love Jesus and to love like Jesus. <3

We were also very thankful to have our family there to support us and celebrate with us. Caleb had a blast playing in his sandbox with his cousins (and required a serious bath afterwards). :) Thank you to everyone who helped make the day special!

I think the photo of Clayton & Owen might be one of my all time favorites. <3

Caleb's New Haircut

Mawmaw gave our big boy a haircut yesterday. Isn't he looking so handsome!? This mini-photoshoot was a spur of the moment thing. If always figures that the unplanned mini-sessions are when I get the best pictures of my kids. I guess there is less pressure that way. :)

Also, isn't the lighting on my porch scrumptious!? It makes for nice lighting even in the midday sun. <3

Sleepy Boys

Last night I was furiously trying to catch up on my photo editing when I happened to turn around and see this:

So obviously I grabbed my camera and immediately started taking pictures of such a sweet moment. Let me also say that this moment is especially adorable because the blanket they are both laying on (the Mario Bros one), was made by Clayton's mom for him when he was a baby. So sweet that you can hardly stand it, huh?

Well I was in the mood to further procrastinate my photo editing catch up, so I immediately uploaded these photos, edited the best one and posted it to Facebook.

Then I thought "I haven't heard from Caleb in a while..." Last I had seen him, he was lying on the couch watching tv and he usually doesn't sit still and quiet for so long. Call it mother's intuition but I grabbed my camera and headed in to see what he was up to. On the couch, I found this:

We had a great day and it made for a very sleepy evening. :)

May... Pt 2

May 18:

He sat in his chair and fed Baby Rex until he fell asleep. :)

Also, Owen is now sleeping in his crib and sharing a room with Caleb. Caleb's thoughts on his new roommate:

Clayton: What do you think of baby Owen sleeping in your room with you?
Caleb: He cries a lot.

I guess he's got a point there... :)

May 21:

We've been really, really busy lately, so since we had a little downtime and it wasn't raining for once, we decided to take the boys to the park today for some family time. It was a beautiful day!!

May 23:

We tried to teach Caleb to wink tonight. After several unsuccessful tries (where he would shut both eyes), he started to put one finger over the eye he wants to close so he can hold the other open. Then he says out loud "WINK" every time he does it. We laughed... a lot. :)

May 25:

Owen is 4 months old today! :) He had to go for a wellness checkup and it went really well. He weighed 18.12 lbs (90th percentile). I don't remember his length and head numbers but he was 60th percentile for length and 75th for head. Doctor said he looks wonderful and we can start him on cereal. We tried the cereal after dinner tonight and most of it got drooled back out but he'll get it. Clayton and I joked that if there is one thing our boys are gifted at, it's definitely eating. ;) I'll try to take some pictures of the cereal eating progress and post them soon. Also, Caleb was convinced the cereal was ice cream and demanded to know why Baby Owen got to eat ice cream for dinner. Luckily for him, he was quickly distracted or I might have let him try it. Ick.

May 26:

Caleb told me he needed to take his shirt off because "it was making him serious." (pretty much everything makes him serious these days). I walked out of the room and came back, and he was sitting there watching tv like this:

Also, I was taking some pics of him this afternoon and I said "Wait, I want to take one more!" and he said "You're done." Completely shut down by a 3 year old. Sigh.

May 27:

I've noticed that Caleb is starting to talk both Owen and the dogs a lot. He told me yesterday that Bella is his best friend. I guess he's getting to the age where he really likes playing with other kids and since he's here with me most of the time.... he's pretending to have conversations with whoever is around (even if they can't talk back). It cracks me up when he asks them questions. Like yesterday, he said "Bella, do you know where Posey is?" and when she didn't answer, he asked Owen. :)

This morning Owen was in his swing jabbering away and I heard Caleb say "I'm tired too, Baby Owen. I'm tired too."

I can relate, boys. :)

It's catch up time... May Pt. 1

I had a few posts in progress that I never got around to finishing and publishing... sigh. I'm starting to think I'm never going to be awesome at this blogging thing. Anyway, this should get you up to speed:
May 1:

My mother-in-law and I took Caleb and my nephew, Austin to see Sesame Street Live last night. The boys absolutely loved it. They clapped, cheered and danced their little hearts out. At the end of the show, they each picked out a souvenir. Austin got a stuffed Elmo and Caleb got a stuffed Big Bird. When we got back home, Caleb started telling a new joke:

Caleb: Knock Knock
Me: Who's there?
Caleb: Elmo & Big Bird
Me: Elmo & Big Bird, Who?
Caleb: They're best friends.

<3 He's so sweet.

May 2:

FAITH is different from proof; the latter is human, the former is a Gift from God.
- Blaise Pascal

Whenever I fold baby clothes fresh out of the dryer, I can't help but feel incredibly blessed. These tiny little clothes are for my precious, healthy baby. Washing his clothes reminds me that he's mine and I get to see his face every single day and care for him and be his mom. My boys are two of God's greatest gifts to me.

Caleb: Mom, baby Owen is talking!
Me: He is? What's he saying?
Caleb: Ummm... 'scooby scooby doo!'
Me: You're silly.
Caleb: You're silly too!

Later in the day...

Owen: gooo gaaa oooh
Caleb: Mom, baby Owen is silly!
Me: He is, isn't he. What's he saying now?
Caleb: Johnny Cash.

And just when I thought my heart was about to burst with all of his silly sweetness...

His handle came off his sand bucket and I told him bring it to me and I would fix it. He said "No, Daddy have to fix it." And then he went back into his room and yelled at me "It's too hard for you! Daddy have to fix it!" Ha! Gee thanks, son. I'll remember that...

May 12:

Clayton got a haircut tonight. He sat on the couch and Caleb looked at him and said "You look beautiful!"

 

Clayton was putting the clean dishes away out of the dishwasher. Caleb was watching him and said "Thank you for cleaning that!" Aside from it being cute that our 3 year old appreciates clean dishes, I love this because it shows me that he sees and takes note of Clayton and I telling each other thank you for doing things around the house. We try not to take each other or the things we contribute for granted (even if they are as mundane and necessary as unloading the dishwasher) and that is one thing I hope my children learn: Always contribute and always be thankful and appreciative for what others contribute.

 

 

Baby Voice?

Every time I talk in my sweet, soothing, happy voice to Owen, I get a dose of just how ridiculous I sound as Caleb repeats and imitates exactly what I say, exactly the way I say it.

I need to remember not to talk this way in public. :-o

Seen enough?

Too bad. :)

Ok... Just a Couple More...

Owen is 3 months old!

Calebisms & Other Misc Happy Stuff

Calebisms:

• This morning, I told Caleb I love him and he said "I'm proud of you!" I'm not sure what that was all about. lol
• The other night, Caleb wanted more ice in his drink. He was trying to ask for more "icicles" but instead he asked Clayton for more "ice pickles". :)
• Clayton and Caleb were having a conversation about Mawmaw and Pawpaw the other day. I'm not sure how the conversation went, but Caleb said "I love Mawmaw & Pawpaw. They're my best huggers." <3

Also, Clayton brought me an Easter Lily yesterday to cheer me up from all the stress. He's such an amazing man. I am so blessed. :)

Annnnd, Owen turned 12 weeks old on Tuesday. He's grown 3 inches in the last 3 weeks and has officially moved into the 6-9 month clothing. He's HUGE! lol He's such a happy little guy though. I can't get enough of him. :)

OH and on Friday, April 15, our niece Madison Grace Smith finally made her arrival. She makes #10 for the Smith grandkids. :) Something tells me #11 won't be far behind (but NOT from me)... :) :) :)

He's allowed, he's very special.

Last night, Clayton yelled at Caleb for messing with something he's not supposed to and Caleb said very calmly "Dad, I'm a very special kid."

I think he might be getting too much praise. lol

And despite Caleb and Owen both being crabby and less than cooperative today, I was able to snap a couple of pictures of them. Owen is 11 weeks old today. I know I say it in nearly every post, but time is going so fast! :(