Tuesday, November 26, 2013

November 26. 2013

Well, I survived another birthday day. Those of you who know me well will know that is an accomplishment in itself. I can usually laugh about it a day or two after, but it is rarely funny at the time.

Francis took off last Friday (My birthday) and after frantically trying to get everything ready for pictures the night before, I tried to take it easy and not do much in the morning. What actually happened was Francis took my car in for an oil change and I spent a ridiculous amount of time again preparing for pictures. The oil change took longer than expected so our neighbor Amy came over to watch William while he napped so we could get my car and still get to pictures on time. Well, the weather here decided to turn very cold and rainy Thursday night (as in I almost died driving in the sudden down pour and darkness) and the frigid wetness made us have to alter our location to the Quarries church. Seth and Arlene Jennings met us there, and we took some pictures of the boys inside the building while hoping the rain at least would clear. We finally found a spot under some outside awning, but then quickly realized my dress had not made it into the car with the other clothes and props. I'll admit I cried, but Seth and Arlene were super sweet and offered to reschedule. We decided to call it quits for the day and all headed over to Longhorn steakhouse for my birthday dinner. My steak was delicious but overdone (it got us a free dessert though!) and chatting with the Jennings is always delightful. Not a bad end to the day!

We rescheduled the family pictures for Saturday afternoon and even though the high was only 40, we were determined. We found a place outside the YMCA of Round Rock and got some great shots. It was funny to see us all bundled up, then quickly shed our coats for the shot, and hustle to put them back on. William didn't seem to mind the cold. He must get that from Francis who was wearing a light jacket at best. I'll post the pictures after Christmas cards go out.

Sunday we decorated for Christmas a little. We realized that this was the only weekend we are home until new years, so we made the most of it.William is very excited for all the "new" things especially his little people nativity set. He love Mary and joseph and Baby Jesus, and plays Silent Night repeatedly. It's adorable.

This week I've been packing for Thanksgiving. We will do our usual pilgrimage to Dallas followed by I trip to San Antonio Friday night. It's gonna be fun but exhausting.

Well, I'll see you on the other side! 

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

November 19, 2013

We had an exciting week in Dallas! I will never be able to describe all the fun we had, but I will do my best to hit the highlights.

Last Monday after I posted, my in-laws watched the boys so my parents, sisters, Chad and I could go see Thor 2. It was a great movie, and I enjoyed having a night out! When I went to pick up the boys, they were both (still) awake and having a great time. Always great fun when Nana and Grandad are around!

Tuesday my mom and I went to Stonebriar mall to shop. William got to ride the carousel and the boys had their first picture taken with Santa. I'm not a "make children believe something that isn't true" proponent so we told William that this santa was a representation of a wonderful man who lived long ago. William probably didn't quite get it and he was terribly confused by the man asking him what he wanted for Christmas. But in his good-natured way William answered the man's questions and gave him a high five. Robert sat quietly and had his picture taken. Since everything is so new to him, I don't suppose he thought this interchange strange.

Wednesday we (mom, the boys and I) went to Willowbend mall where they have a remarkable "ice castle" complete with fake falling snow. William got to meet a different Santa and was even more confused than the day before. He waved and smiled, but wouldn't tell the guy what he wanted for Christmas. To be fair, everyone keeps asking him this question, not just  men in red suits, so I think he is getting tired of being asked. Poor kid. I can't wait till Christmas comes and he finally realizes why everyone has been asking him. I also got the boys outfits for Christmas pictures. So cute!! Wedneday night, my mother-in-law took us out for dinner. William gave her a full dose of his two-year-oldnees, but I think she loved it.

Thursday we went to Chick-fil-a for lunch and mostly took it easy. You can only be go go go for so long before you need a break. Friday we went to Collin Creek (the trifecta) and shopped there. No santa at this mall yet, so William only got to play on the playground (tough like, I know). Francis came in late Friday night to Plano.  Saturday we all celebrated my birthday. I opened presents from my family, had steak and delicious red velvet cake. Who could ask for more? Francis took William back ti Austin with him Saturday evening, leaving me with Robert in Plano.

Sunday was Christan's second wedding shower. It was so sweet. The ladies prayed over her, showered her with gifts and showed her so much love! I am glad I was there, but I left directly from the party and headed home. So, there is your brief overview!

Yesterday Robert had his 2 month check up. He is 13 lbs, more than 23 inches (I never like the way the nurse measures), and his head circumference is of the charts! The doctor was extremely impressed with his exceptional head control and that he had no spots on his head. His skin is perfect, coordination above average and no cradle cap. He smiled at the doctor the whole time. She couldn't say enough positive things! When I left though, both boys were crying. Robert because he'd gotten a shot and William because he didn't and wanted one! He tried to tell the nurse to put one in his leg..he's so odd!

Well that's it for now! Gotta take care of the boys since they just woke up!

Monday, November 11, 2013

November 11. 2013

Well, it's been over a week since I blogged, so I will try to just hit the highlights. Last Monday through Thursday we went about our normal routine (Grocery store, The Little Gym, MOPS, and Bible Study). William and his friend Ranger got put in different classes at MOPS and were super sad, asking for each other and moping. Our sweet children's director saw this and placed them in the same class again. It was such a sweet reunion! I love seeing William have real relationships with kids his own age. It warms my heart. William has also demonstrated some great advancement in language. He now consciously and consistently differentiates singular and plural (look mom, one bus! Now look, two buses!). He also is using bigger and more complex sentences. He told me, "Mom, your blow dryer is too loud. I can't hear TV." It was impressive, but I did finish blow drying my hair anyway.

Robert has been holding his head up for longer and longer periods of time. He also makes great eye contact, smiles at people and make a whole range of noises. It's so fun to watch! Robert is as of last week in size 2 diapers and 6 month clothing. Big boy!

Friday, after William threw a couple of fits (wanting to go to Sweetie and Papa's now), and Robert looked like he was going to take a long nap, we packed up the car and William, Robert and I headed to Plano a day earlier than planned. The trip went so smoothly. It was a blessing. My grandparent's (Mom and Pop) as well as my Aunt Camille also came in Friday night, so we all had dinner together along with my parents and Danielle. Pop (aka Robert Noble Jr.) got to meet my Robert for the first time Friday night. It was so sweet the way he held him and just stared. I am sure he did this with William, but seeing it that moment brought tears to my eyes. He spoke baby talk to my little boy and they smiled at one another. It is rare I see my grandfather be so tender and silly. It is a moment I'll never forget.

Saturday, I picked up my friend from college, Erin, from the airport and she got to meet both my boys for the first time. I haven't seen her in three years so this reunion was extra special! Chad's (my soon-to-be brother in law) father and step mom were in town to meet Christian and the 4 of them took William to the Dallas Aquarium while I picked up Erin and subsequently went shopping. It was nice having an afternoon with the girls (and Robert), but I was super glad when William came home. He had a GREAT time!!!

Sunday after church (which we went to after going to the dr to find out William had another ear infection), we all headed to the family wedding shower in Ft. Worth that my Aunt and cousin hosted. In addition to everyone mentioned above, my other set of grandparents (Jamama and Japapa) and a host of other family members came together to celebrate this happy union. Erin and I took pictures and everyone had a wonderful time. I think Chad and Christian had the best time though; they look so sweet together. Being surrounded by beautiful decorations, tons of gift and the love and support of family, they were over the moon. At times though, I could tell that everything faded and it was just them. What a special time in their lives, and they are drinking it in! Jamama and Japapa and the rest of the family got to meet Robert for the first time, and it was Robert's 2 month birthday. Such a big happy day for all! Sunday evening, after returning to the house, Erin, Danielle, Ashley and I had a girls night after my boys went bed. We watched a girly movie, did hair, and I did my nails (no joke). It was so refreshing to be me again and not just a mom. It reminded me of who I am and that sometimes I just need to take it easy and be silly. Thanks ladies!

This morning I dropped Erin back off at the airport (I threatened in vain to not let her go) and then watched Jamama and Japapa leave (they spent the night here too). My mom, William, Robert and I had chick-fil-a for lunch and now everyone but me is napping.

Tonight, my in-laws are babysitting so I can see Thor with my family. Can I just say how thankful I am to have a family who loves me and my children enough to watch them so I can have a break once in a while. They've been awesome, all of them! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you help!

Francis stayed in Austin while we are in Plano this week because he had to work. He spent much of Saturday helping to clean up from the flood in south Austin with a group from our church. I am so proud of him for taking his relaxation time and using it to help others. He is also playing a lot of video games, catching up on movies and getting actual sleep. I'm hoping this week will really refresh his introverted spirit.

That's all for now!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

November 2, 2013

November already? I can't believe my birthday is almost here yet again. I have a hard time believing another year has past until I realize that Robert didn't even exist last November. How time flies!

Last Saturday was crazy! We went to an event outside the soon-to-be opening Austin Aquarium. William got to see some of the animals they will be showcasing. He's excited! He also got to go down a bouncy slide. That was fun. We went straight from there to Lakeline mall where they were having their kids event filled with food, crafts, a balloon man (William got a balloon rocket), and a bounce house. William never wanted to loeave, especially since his best bud Ranger showed up to join in the fun! From there William fell asleep in  the car (Robert slept on and off throughout the day) and so I got to go shopping at Bed bath and Beyond for my sister's upcoming wedding showers. From there we went to the Quarries church for there Fall Fest complete with a petting zoo, games, a cake walk, and, you guessed it, more inflatables to jump on. Since inflatables are William's favorite things, he did not complain a bit. It was a great but exhausting day!

Sunday after church we skipped out on an event at The Little Gym and took it easy. We had lunch with some awesome friends and then I got to talk on the phone with a friend from college while the boys napped. We needed some down time, for sure.

Monday we grocery shopped as usual. It still wasn't too bad. Tuesday we had Little Gym and in the afternoon we went out to Kiddie Acres for William to play with his new friend Gracie. I'm working on getting to meet/know new people so when Annette (Gracie's mom) invited us, I jumped at the chance. The kid's had a great time on all the old timey rides and the day was beautiful.

Wednesday was the low point in our week. Both boys woke up sick in the night. We went to the doctor to find they both had conjunctivitis in both eyes and  William had an ear infection and a sore throat (they ran a strep test but it was negative). After waiting an hour and a half for meds (where I cried multiple times because I wasn't feeling well either an no one could figure out why the prescriptions were repeatedly not getting fro the dr to the pharmacy), we came home. A sweet lady from church, after hearing my plight, bought us dinner, which was such a blessing. In my sickness I was trying to thaw a brick of meatloaf and it just wouldn't thaw, when she offered, I cried with relief. Sometimes one little thing can make a day brighter, and I thank God for this woman.

Thursday, the boys were already feeling much better and so was I. After quarantining ourselves all day just to be safe, Francis came home from work and we ventured out in the evening to our own Church's fall fest. They had food, games, face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, and at least a dozen different inflatables. Can you guess what we spent the bulk of our time doing? yeah... William and Robert were both dressed as Astronauts. It was soooooo adorable! They came home with tons of candy. But when we got home, our neighbors asked us (William and I) to go to a couple of houses with them. So for the first time in my life, I went trick or treating. We only went to neighbors we knew that were sitting on their lawn, so we didn't knock on any doors, but it was  still a firs for me.

Friday William, Robert and I went up to the state capitol to have lunch with my friend Becky on the lawn. It was a beautiful day. I got a picture of Robert's first trip to the capitol, and it was a delightful time.

Today Francis and William are currently at Home Depot doing a craft and then they will be shooting off rockets at a nearby park while I clean house. I'm glad they get some daddy-William time. As for me and Robert, we will be whistling while we work!

Tata!