It's Fall Y'all: Apple picking edition

So, a little 3 month hiatus never hurt anybody, right?! Don't answer that, Mom.  I am going to try my hardest to post some of the big stuff (like their birthday party back in March. Or our FL trip in July??? Geez)! 

Summer flew by and in true Summer fashion, it was awesome. I can't say I was overly thrilled to be saying goodbye to it and hello to Fall, but at only 10 days into October I have fallen back in love with this month. We have had a few more rainy days this week than I ever remember in the past, but if anything that just makes everything look more vibrant on those sunny days. Funny how that works ;) For some reason every single year it is declared Fall, I am immediately decide it's time to go pick apples. There are two things wrong with this picture. 1) Almost all of the apples are gone by then. 2)Even though it is "fall" the temperature is still BLAZING HOT and the boys sweat because I make them wear fall clothes. I am such a mean mom. 

Aren't they cute picking their apples? That is the only one either of them picked because, seriously, they were all gone! 

The second we got there Connor muttered the dreaded 7 word phrase that no mom wants to hear when they are at a public place that has no bathroom. You got it. He said, "Mommy. I need to go to the bathroom." Big fat fail on my end for not making him go before we left. Off we went to the port-a-potty. Not only was it ridiculously hot in there, but flies were swarming and some type of big bug was crawling all around the part where you actually....umm...pee in. I left Cade outside, instructed Connor not to touch  single thing and just held the door open so I could watch him and Cade at the same time. Cade of course had to go too and they both thought it was awesome to pee on the bug. Needless to say, I was sweating buckets afterwards and laughed about it after bathing them in some sanitizer. ;)

The rest of our time there was uneventful, thankfully, and even though it was slim pickins, the boys had a good time. Connor wasn't ready to leave despite the sweat rolling down his nose. Bless him. 

On the way out, I made Cade stop so I could get some pictures of him. He is looking so big to me these days and it's hard to believe that he is our baby. Just as I suspected, he is losing it even more so since he has started talking. 

The child is so full of expressions and personality. You never have to wonder what he thinks about something. It is written all over his face. The snarl above is the one he uses when asking a question. "Where's bubba?", he asked. And that is the face he attaches with it. Love him. 

Excited to see what else this fall will hold for us. I am soaking in all of my lasts with my big boy before he starts kindergarten. It will be here before I know it! 

Exercise and Circus time!

I'm not sure if I have mentioned it or not, but the hubs and I signed up for another half marathon before we had even finished the first one. I agreed to it because it is the Country Music 1/2 Marathon and it is one that I have always wanted to do. I also signed up for a 15k, which is 9 miles that is going to take place in a mere 2 weeks. And the furthest I have gone is 5 miles. Oops. 

 Two things are keeping it that way. 1) Weather. I just can't run on the treadmill. It actually hurts me worse. Not the norm, I know. I would run outside if it were in the 30s and sunny. I have enough thermal goods to keep me warm, but we just haven't had many days that it has been like that. Or if it has, the wind has been blowing so hard that I would be fighting it the whole time. So, in the meantime I am picking up some extra classes to go, in addition to the normal 2 or so classes of bootcamp we already go to, that will strengthen my core. That way, if my shin splints will stay at bay, I am hoping I can still knock out 9 in a couple of weeks without stopping. Definitely not my recommended way of doing things, but that's kind of where I'm at now. 

So, yesterday I decided that instead of even trying to run on the treadmill, I would just try out Pilates. The class starts at 4:30 and in typical fashion these days, we pulled into the gym parking lot at 4:25. Which we all know put me smack dab in the front middle of the class. Awesome. I have never been to Pilates before, so keep in mind I didn't have a clue what I was doing. It is just another testament to how much my self confidence has grown since we started working out. In the past I can honestly say I'm not sure if I would have gone into that class if I wasn't able to grab a spot in the back. I probably would have, but it would have stressed me out a lot more than it did. Three cheers for a stronger sense of self accomplishment! 

Last Friday Gammie and Pappie bought the boys and I tickets to the circus. At first I didn't think Cade and I were going to be able to go because he had a fever. So, Pam met me at the doctors office (I took Cade to get checked for the flu since the fever came out of nowhere. I'm not messing around with that stuff) and took Connor with her. Y'all. Cade wailed (and I mean waaaaailed) for almost 30 minutes. Screaming "bubba" the whole time. The nurses kept saying, "Poor little guy just doesn't feel good". He finally settled down and got a "just viral" report. Side note: I hate that report. Not this day, though. So scared of the flu!! After getting dressed the dr came back in to give us our checkout papers and Cade started handing me my keys and his jacket saying, "Ome, Ome". Brother was saying take me home and get me away from this man who keeps checking me out! 

As soon as we got in the car the bubba wailing started again, so I decided to go ahead and go to the circus. As soon as I told him we were going to go get Bubba, the crying stopped. One day this kid will understand the value of one on one time with his mommy. Today is not that day! The circus was great. We missed the first few minutes, so Cade was a little unsure of everything at first, but he quickly got into it. The whole time he kept saying, "Bubba" all while patting Connor on the arm, and then pointing to whatever was on the stage. He would clap. He would pump his fist up in the air and say "YEAH!". He would throw both arms up in the air and say "WOO". Make the appropriate animal noises. Danced at the music while saying "Bo Bubba, Bo Bubba" (for go bubba, go bubba). It actually surprised me as to how much fun he had. 

Connor, in typical Connor fashion, just soaked everything in, but has been talking about it non stop. So, while you might not get the high excitement during the show, it is because he is only processing and, Lord knows, memorizing the whole thing! He has talked about it a lot since then, which means he had a great time, too! They just show it in different ways. Love my two different boys!!

Over it

SO. It's cold. Like cut your face cold. This momma doesn't do cold and I am over it! Not only was it cold yesterday, but it was snowing on and off and apparently the wind was blowing pretty hard. We got home from running errands and the cushion on my chaise lounge was blown away, which I'm almost positive was TIED ON, and the boys' Little Tikes playhouse was over by our house which is a good 50 to 100 yards away from where it had previously been sitting. Which is also strange because there was a ton of other stuff in it's path that it had to go around? Or over? Either way, crazy strong wind. 

I knew when I got up yesterday morning I had to go to the grocery store. Let's be honest. Going to the grocery store on a non wintery day with two kids is the opposite of fun, so I knew this was going to be a blast ;). Connor told me he just wanted to stay at home and play "temping run" (which, 1) he really does believe if he says that, that it is going to happen. Bless. 2) Brother is awesome at temple run. And obsessed. And not even 4. I fear the day he finds out about Wii and all of that other fun male stuff). So, what is a girl to do when you want to add some fun into a rather boring grocery run? Promise a trip to Target first. He got right up and got dressed. My boy loves Target. My job here is done, don't ya think??

First stop within Target was to Starbucks. I've heard some talk going around that we are going to be getting our own Starbucks in town (the closest one to me is about 22 miles away), which makes me excited and nervous. Excited, because, duh. Nervous, because I would have to start practicing some serious self control. Anyway, I need some help. What is your favorite drink? Mine is the Caramel Brulee Latte and it is only during the holidays. The Caramel Flan Latte is ok, but not as good as the Caramel Brulee to me. So, what should I try? 

After Target we ran to Old Navy (literally as it was, I'm not sure I mentioned it, COLD. The boys thought it was hilarious) to try and find me some distressed jeans. Why, oh why, can't I find them anywhere? In a skinny cut, that is. The boyfriend jeans just don't look good on me. I love the look on everyone else, but I feel like a total slouch in them. So, for help #2, if you know of some skinny distressed jeans that don't cost $200, help a girl out! If not, my next step is to make a trip to Goodwill and work on distressing some myself, which I'm about 90% sure won't turn out very well. 

We finally made it to Kroger and we started in the produce section, which is Cade's favorite. Only because out of the handful of words he has, apple and banana are in his top 5 favorites to use. So, after about 5 minutes of him yelling "APPLE" incessantly, Connor looks at me and says, "Mommy. We have got to teach Cade the word carrot, right?" I just died laughing. I love his logic. To get him through the rest of the trip, I stopped by the bakery to get him his free cookie... and lest you think I just was neglecting Connor of the processed junk, I had already given him a sucker. The joke these days are to ask Cade for a bite of his food. And how I feel about the season of winter is how he feels about sharing his food....

He is over it! 

In the blink of an eye

The moment the general public realizes you are pregnant, you get an onslaught of unsolicited advice. It can be annoying, but in general I think people mean the best. For the most part ;)

I try not to give any because I do know how it bothers others more than it does me, but at the same time I feel myself always thinking of something that I wish someone had told me. 

The one thing that was told to me the most often, though, was that time would go by in the blink of an eye. And, goodness, that is true. I find myself always getting a little emotional about it around birthday time. And having birthdays that are making me the mom of a 4 year old and a 2 year old isn't just going over my head. That just sounds....old. And honestly, impossible. 

I can take myself back to having a 2 year old and being 9 months pregnant almost instantly. Because it truly feels like just yesterday. As I curled Cade up in my lap to rock him last night (which he never does by the way.. he was exhausted), I was taken back to when Connor was his age wanting me to rock him every night. I would curl him around my big huge belly and rock him until he fell asleep. So asleep, that I was able to get up and carry him to his bed (in another room...we had already moved the glider into the nursery) with him asleep. Matt and I would always laugh and talk about how big he was.

Thankfully, even though he is too big to curl up like that anymore, he still will. Nothing like having a little love bug (and a certified momma's boy). 

Rocking Cade also took me back to all of my sweet time with him while nursing. Man, I miss it. I didn't think I would seeing how I was so ready to be done at the time we quit. But, it granted me that special one on one time with him that couldn't be interrupted. Time that doesn't come as easily now. Mainly because he pretty much loses it if "bubba" isn't around. We aren't at the stage yet where he appreciates some alone time with us. We will get it one day, I'm sure! 

I haven't  thought much about 2014 and what kind of goals I have for the year, but something about yesterday just made me realize I need to focus on the now. Take each day at a time, because I will never get this day back. Tomorrow we will all be a day older (myself included, although I'm pretty sure that is going to stop in the next few years. HA!) and I want to know that I was present. Not only for them, but for me. Because, just like everybody tells you, it goes by in the blink of an eye. 

Halloween 2013

So, this Halloween didn't exactly goes as planned. In fact, Connor isn't quite convinced that Halloween is over. Maybe the appearance of Santa will help that???

He isn't convinced because he didn't get to trick or treat. You see, once you tell him something you better believe he is going to remember every detail and for weeks we had been talking about how it was ok to go up to people's door and say trick or treat. That he didn't have to be scared because we were going to be with him. And ALL. THE. CANDY! 

Poor little guy was pretty sick the week of, and while he had been fever free long enough to go, he just didn't feel like it. He opted for pizza and a movie instead. He still had a great night, just doesn't understand that it is over! 

Thankfully, the Sunday before Halloween we went to my brother and sister in law's church to trunk or treat. Our church wasn't having one this year, plus we knew Connor would love being with Rowen. They are the cutest together! 

My little Toy Story boys. Why, oh, WHY does Connor look so old?? 

I love my little family! 

Their trunk or treat was awesome! Almost every single car had a game set up for them to play before they got some candy. You didn't have to play, of course, but what kid doesn't want to play a game??? And not only was their candy prizes, but some cars had actual prizes! 

At this car, you stuck your fishing pole over the sheet and "caught" a piece of candy! GENIUS!

I'm interested to see how old they are before we get a decent picture. I'm guessing middle school??? Although Rowen was not Toy Story, I said he could be considered Wheezy on Toy Story 2!!! Isn't that penguin costume adorable?!

Throwing a ball in the basket! At this car, you actually got prizes instead of candy. He picked out a little mini green stuffed beanie baby bear. Perfect for him because not only is green his favorite color, but he loves sleeping with miniature animals that fit perfectly into his hand. He was so excited about that green bear!!!

He was so cute saying "trick or treat" in his soft, shy voice. I was just so proud of him for doing it, though. What's hilarious is that he picked out Butterfinger's almost every time! Cade could have cared less! HA!

The bean bag toss was a hit, of course. He is going to be a corn hole champ just like his dad ;)

Getting a picture in the Duck Dynasty limo :)

I thought this was the coolest thing!!! Hitting the jackpot got you 5 pieces of candy! 

I realize that he is mine, but I could just eat him up!  I'm pretty sure he was watching the man dressed up as batman walk around. HA! 

Minion bowling

Cade LOVED this game. Those boys were so sweet to him, too. 

Real life. Threw himself down because we wouldn't let him bowl anymore. This child throws a fit with the best of them! Connor has NEVER done anything like this. It's so funny just how different they are!

Killing some ducks! 

A little cousin love! LOVE THESE THREE!!! Cannot wait to add Isla to the group. She is going to be so loved and taken care of by these 3!

So even though Connor didn't get to go from house to house, it's pretty obvious that he had a great time!

Pumpkin Patch 2013

A few weeks ago my friend, Jaime, and her precious baby Dallas, jumped in the car with us to head to our yearly pumpkin patch visit.  We went to a local patch and while it wasn't anything near as big or good as some around us, it was FREE. Which totally equals awesome in my book!  :)

We headed out on the 30 minute drive and y'all. Cade growled the entire way. Hand motions with it and all. I'm sure Jaime thought he was wacko and Dallas was just wondering where the animal was that we had stashed in the car. I think he was just making sure we didn't forget about him sitting in the back! 

Aren't those boys precious?! We sure do have some pretty boys if I do say so myself.  

Connor wanted a picture by himself with the scarecrow. Cade wasn't as convinced it was a good idea, but he was fine with me holding him. 

They had a little hay maze set up and basically threw an assortment of outdoor toys in there. 

Some had all the wheels.. others didn't. Jaime and I just laughed, but the boys didn't seem to mind! 

Connor loved the make shift slides! 

They also had a little barn with corn and shovels/dump trucks in it to play. As you can see, the front end had fallen off of one of the toys! 

Whats a pumpkin patch without milking the cow??? I LOVE Dallas' little face in the background! 

I tried to get a picture of the boys looking into the camera to showcase their big blue eyes. Cade DID NOT want to stop playing and let me take his picture. A-TI-TUDE! 

This is the best I was able to get of him. He is such a mess. Sometimes he will stop what he is doing and say "CHEEE" and other times he can't be bothered. The great thing is Connor will usually notice he is not be a very good subject and will say, "I'll take a picture for you, Mommy." So, at least that positive comes out of it!

Mesmerized with the roosters and chickens in their supposed pens. Those things were nasty. The water was green that they were drinking.  It was sad, really! 

Thanks Jaime and Dallas for going with us to the pumpkin patch!

Brothers

Before we even started trying for baby #2, I secretly (or maybe not so secretly, I'm not sure) already hoped our next one would be another boy. I wanted Connor to have a little brother close in age so badly. A built in best friend. Someone who he could be real with and know that, no matter what, they would always be there for each other. One of my greatest joys this summer was watching their relationship become stronger. Some days it is stronger in the sense that I'm already expecting punches, but stronger nonetheless! 

One of the funniest things, to me, about having them so close in age is seeing just how different they are. Connor can't stand to get dirty, but Cade could care less (as evidenced above!!). Connor starts sweating the second he steps outside, but it takes a lot to make Cade sweat. Connor is a little more hesitant and shy, while Cade will go to just about anybody and actually loves being in the limelight. Connor loves to cuddle, whereas the only way Cade will cuddle with you is if you have something he wants (re: food). 

I am still soaking in watching Connor be a big brother. I love when I hear him say, "Hey, buddy. Wanna play cars wif me?" or when he says, "Good job, Cade. That was a good job, buddy!"

And I don't ever have to worry about Cade when Connor is around. I joke and say that Cade actually has 3 parents. If he ever remembers anything that I have told Cade not to do, you better believe that he will get on to him if he sees him doing it.  This might look like a loving moment, but it is actually Connor standing in front of the cabinet doors telling Cade, "No, no. Mommy said you can not open these doors" and Cade responding by trying to bite him. 

I think the thing that makes it so special watching the big brother is that it is something they had to learn how to do. He has had to learn how to include Cade. Learn how to be gentle. Learn that there might be times that he has to wait. And honestly? He has rocked it out. 

Whether it be sharing his toys with him or "teaching" him new things (as seen below. He was pointing out all the things in the parking lot), he really is good at making him feel included. Which is probably why Cade worships and adores him. 

I can already see the beginnings of their friendship. If Cade wakes up before Connor does, I have to completely distract him from Connor's door the whole time. If I don't, you better believe he is standing at it banging away. And when I am successful? You should see the smile that comes across his face when he hears that door open. 

Of course, I get so much joy out of seeing Cade interact with him more, too. My big boy is affectionate and I wasn't sure I would ever have another one as loving as him. Cade might have him beat and he loves to love on Connor the most. My favorite is seeing those hugs. And don't even THINK about not letting him kiss his bubba goodnight. Brother won't have it! 

Let me say it again. Yes, we have those moments where Connor has pushed Cade down and Cade retaliates by biting him or pulling his hair. Or those moments where Cade will walk up to Connor for no good reason and pull on his shirt and scream at him. IT'S NORMAL! But, I can honestly say there are more sweet moments and we all know those hold more weight anyway. 

Back to school!

We are now in our second week of school! This is Connor's third year and he LOVES it. This is my 2nd full year to teach, which I also love. Cade was in the nursery last year, but it is an actual classroom this year. 

All summer when we would drive by school Connor would ask, "Mommy? Why are you not going to be my teacher? I am going to missed you!" I wasn't too worried about it, though, because I knew once we got started he would be having too much fun to worry about it. 

The day before school started we all had to be there for "Meet the Teacher".  If you look closely in the picture, Ring Bear had to make an appearance with him. He refused to believe me when I told him we weren't taking a nap there and insisted on bringing him. 

I was determined that I was going to be early for the first day. I had everything lined up and as ready as I could get it. I was so nervous the night before about taking their "first day" pics and it turned out to be the easiest pictures I have ever taken of them. Cade just loves to have his picture made and Connor was just so excited! 

Despite that fake smile, that is! 

Connor was so excited to put his back pack on. 

Cade, on the other hand, was not a fan. This kid has to be one of the most expressive babies I know. 

Love it!!

So far school has been great! I have had to talk to Connor about actually doing his work and not just scribbling all over the paper (in fact, when I asked him what he did yesterday after school, he said "I didn't scribble, Mommy!") I know a lot of that is my fault for not doing any sort of work over the summer! He just needs to get back into the routine of it and I'm sure he'll be fine. 

One of the aides said that on the first day a couple of kids in Cade's class were crying and he was just sitting there in his seat looking around like "give me my food already".  I didn't expect anything else from mr. go with the flow. That and he doesn't realize he is still a baby!

And, of course, I couldn't go without adding some comparison shots. My goodness, a year makes a HUGE difference! 

Love those two so much!