Happy Birthday & Other Random Things

Happy Birthday to this breakfast making, music loving, God fearing, caffeine drinking, yard mowing, fun loving, TV watching, special daddy!

Life has been a little busy lately and he was gracious enough to forgive us for not doing anything for his birthday. I couldn't even muster up a card. I love birthdays and I probably would have been disappointed, but instead, he went out early this morning to get birthday donuts for all of us and then left us notes on our beds to tell us how much he loved us. He's so good to us. We will do something to celebrate but it will have to be after the fact. At least his team 'decorated' his office. That's glitter...

One of his players got him an edible fruit arrangement. I don't think we've ever had one. It's awesome. The chocolate covered strawberries were the best.

Carson had picture day today. Unlike Miles' picture day, I actually remembered this one. I was a little concerned, b/c most of the mommas around here dress their boys in knee socks and saddle shoes. That's not our thing and I was afraid he would look out of place, although I think he will thank me when he's older. I didn't see the boys in his class but he seemed to fit in with the ones slightly older. It's one of those sorry, not sorry things.

Just chillin' before school drinking his milk. We switched his morning milk to a sippy cup, so now he only has a bottle at night before bed. I think he'd be fine with a sippy cup then too, but I hate make him give it up so soon. His pediatrician said he needed to be off of it by 15 months. Miles let it go at 18 months, so I'm good with either one.

I had Miles' parent/teacher conference last week. I had to have a phone conference b/c there was no way I could get to the school during the conference times. Plus, I figured everything was fine so I didn't want to kill myself just hear what I already knew. He's been bringing home 100s on everything. She said that she is taking away his multiple choice answers to make it more challenging. He will have to write sentences to answer now. When I asked about his behavior she said that he was "perfect, very sweet and helpful". We know he's a good kid, but I think this is the first time that a teacher has 'gotten' him, especially so early in the year. The last two years he's had to really grow on the teachers. It was very nice to hear. I was happy for him that his little personality is being noticed and appreciated. He wants that so badly.

This is life with two little boys and one big boy.

I had to give up on cute pjs for the last several months b/c Carson was just too difficult to dress. Shorts and a short sleeved shirt were about all I could get on him. Anything fitted or long sleeved was out of the question. He's finally calmed down and I am ready to shop for some cute pjs again. There's nothing cuter than a clean baby, with combed hair, in some adorable pjs.

Less Words Wednesday

On the bench, talking, in the middle of a game. I'm thankful for a kind, loving father to my boys.

I Never Thought This Would Happen

Our house is full of early risers. Darrin generally wakes up and hits the ground running. I wake up early but like to lay in bed for a while before actually getting up. Although, working out at 5am, three days a week, has put a stop to my excessive use of the snooze button. Miles has always woken up early. When he was Carson's age, he would wake up between 5-6am on the weekends. It was painful. He's also like Darrin in that as soon as his eyes open, his feet hit the floor. Carson is more like me. Sometimes he will play in his crib for 30-45 minutes before he starts crying. That makes it so much easier on weekdays when Darrin travels and I have to get both kids out the door. I used to have to wake up so early when Miles was little. With Carson, I can usually get completely ready and then get him up.

When I woke up on Saturday, it looked like it was noon in my room. I reached for the phone and discovered that it was 7:30am, which might as well be noon in our house. Everyone was still sleeping! Miles and Carson have been sleeping later and later, and Carson has never been the early riser that Miles was, but he still usually wakes up between 6:30-7am. The boys didn't get out of bed until after 8am.

I'm sure we all needed it. I know Daylight Savings time will wreck us, so we'll just enjoy while it lasts.

Weekend Wrap Up

Our weekend consisted of baseball, volleyball, and a lot of help from Granny & Pa and Marmee. Unfortunately, I only got pictures of baseball and volleyball. Darrin had a home game on Friday night. It was the best crowd we've ever had. He's been working on attendance since he began three years ago. They played well overall, but still came up short.

He had another game on Saturday. I looked down during the game and Miles was sitting on the bench. I figured Darrin was okay with it, but I still went down to tell him not to talk to Darrin under any circumstances.

Darrin told me after the game that Miles asked him to move at one point b/c he couldn't see the game :)

Rewind back to Thursday night for a minute. We were up by a lot in our game, so Miles got to catch.

He caught for one inning and loved every minute of it.

He had to wear his uniform to Darrin's game on Saturday b/c his game was directly after. Someone asked him what position he played and he quickly answered, "catcher and third base". He hasn't played third base since mid spring. I guess he's not proud of center field, which is actually what he plays. I am though...he does a great job out there and I think it suites him well.

Miles had two games on Saturday night. The first game was supposed to start at 6 but it didn't get started until 7. Thankfully, my mom was home with Carson.

This group is a little Bad News Bears-ish, but they are improving!

Miles made a hard throw from center to home and started complaining about his arm right after the inning. He had the same arm issue in the spring. We pushed him through it, but it didn't get better until he had a few weeks off. We talked to the coach and his dream of being a catcher was realized again. We all thought that might be easier on his arm.

After talking to one of the trainers at Darrin's school, we decided not to let him play today. It was so tough though b/c we knew the team would be short. Miles was crying over it. We often question the legitimacy of his issues/injuries/illnesses....but this definitely felt legit especially since he knew exactly when it happened. The same trainer looked at it today and she thinks it's a tricep strain. He's going to sit out two games this week and next week there are no games due to fall break. Hopefully that will be just what he needs.

We also hope that a byproduct of making him sit out will be less crying wolf in the future. This should help him learn that if he complains too much that he will be sitting out. I can tell you, he did not enjoy that one bit today.

I also went to church tonight b/c the Voices of Lee were there. They were amazing. I have never heard such talent. No Longer Slaves and Beautiful Name were my favorites. Simply amazing that they are acapella. Check them out. They are definitely worth a listen. That's all for me. Good night, all! I hope your weekend was a good one.

Wordless Wednesday

Weekend Wrap Up

I know I say that every weekend is busy, but this one was the busiest we've had in a long time. My mom came in town on Thursday afternoon to lend a hand since Darrin was out of town. I called her on my way to work on Thursday to give her the run down on our schedule over the next couple of days. Between the time she arrived on Thursday and now, we had 4 volleyball games, baseball practice, 5 baseball games, Grandparents day at daycare, a hair appointment, a consignment sale, 1 friend over, church, and a shopping outing. Oh, and my little side gig I like to call my J-O-B. I seriously could not have done it without my mom's help. Thank you, Marmee!

I didn't do a great job of pics at the games, b/c honestly I was able to kick my feet up a little without Carson. He staying with my mom for half the games and Stephanie the other half.

I got to see some of my Martin girls. I'm so glad our boys play baseball so we run into each other. It was blazing hot today.

My mom and I took the boys shopping and out to eat on Saturday. They both did great. A lady even commented on our way out that both boys behaved so well. That is so nice when people take the time to encourage parents when their kids act right.

Mason came over to play today. We were leaving the ballpark and his sister was still playing, so we rescued him from the heat. These two are so close. It's neat to watch. Mason actually has his head on Miles' shoulder.

  
I couldn't resist Carson's face in this one.

I love this picture of Carson and Marmee.

Carson got some quality time with Marmee, but so did Miles. He slept with her 3 nights in a row. He likes for her to tell him stories while they are laying in bed. I think most of them are about her childhood growing up in New York. She had to leave to go home during Miles game today. She told him goodbye through the dug out. He told me later that he cried while he was running out to center field. He loves Marmee!

That's all I've got. I'm about to fall asleep as I'm typing. It's a struggle to keep my eyes open past 9pm these days. Good night all!

Less Words Wednesday

A belly like this takes work...

...and a whole lot of food.

For dinner, this kid ate 4 chicken nuggets, green beans, yogurt, watermelon, and a half of cereal bar. He never stops. You eventually have to decide he's had enough and take him out of the high chair. When you do, he just goes right to playing, so I know that means he's content.

Weekend Wrap Up

Ten pics from our weekend in no particular order...

This is pretty much how our house looks 24/7. There's no stopping Carson. Messes and toys all day, e'ryday.

Miles tried to spend the night with a friend Friday night, but ending up coming home at midnight. He said he missed me too much :) I told his mom that might happen and she said it would be no problem to bring him home since Darrin was out of town. I didn't hear her text about bringing him home and woke up to Miles standing in front of me on the couch. Apparently I passed out pretty early. I don't think I mentioned it on here, but I did the same thing the last time he tried to spend the night with a friend. Slightly embarrassing when your 8 year old has to let himself in with the garage code b/c you didn't hear the phone :) I told him we are finished with sleepovers for a while. He seemed ok with that.

A crazy meal that I eat when Darrin travels is cheese tortellini plain. It's really random, but I've been doing this as long as Darrin has been in coaching and now I associate it with volleyball season. Miles doesn't like it, but of course Carson does, b/c "Mikey likes it" always applies to him. He was stuffing it in as fast as he could.

He also double fisted a whole donut this morning. We eventually had to take it away b/c the concept of biting some off was lost on him. He just kept stuffing it in.

The friend that Miles attempted to spend the night with invited him back over on Saturday, which was incredibly nice. While he was gone, Carson and I went to the park. I rarely get time with just him. It reminded me of when Miles was his age. He loved it. He talked and pointed as we walked the track.

He did not love anything this afternoon. He pretty much whined and cried all afternoon. When all else failed, I gave him a big snack and that seemed to do the trick. You think I would learn to start with that.

Darrin likes to put Carson in odd places. He just sat up there and kicked his little feet.

Miles had two late nights in a row. He paid the price today. Lots of yawning, whining, and complaining. He was asleep by 8:45pm tonight, so hopefully he'll be good as new in the morning. He has baseball games or practice four nights this week unless something gets cancelled or rained out. I'm going to have to be on my A game to get him asleep as quickly as possible each night or it will be a rough week for everyone.

Miles is missing his buddy, Mason, this year. They aren't in the same class and don't have the same recess time. They both go to afterschool but it's not enough quality time for Miles' liking. I think Miles enjoys having a couple best friends rather than a bunch of acquaintances. I hear the concern in his voice that Mason is going to find other friends. These boys are close though, and I think their friendship will last a while. They ran into each other at the ballpark on Friday and were all smiles. Currently, they are missing the same teeth and are getting a new tooth in the same spot.

Carson has found his 'business' and regularly checks to make sure it's still there. As I say, he's always taking inventory while taking a bath :)

Darrin was out of town Thursday through early this morning. He played 4 games and won 3 of them! They are off to a good start this year. Preseason is always busy, but winning makes it easier to deal. Off to bed so I can wake up early to work out. Good night, all!

Less Words Wednesday

Miles lost his fourth baby tooth tonight. So, now he is missing his two front teeth.

He was very upset b/c he lost it. His teacher was kind enough to write us a note and confirm his story for the tooth fairy.

He wrote a note and left it on his night stand for the tooth fairy.

He told me that two of his friends got two hundred dollar bills from the tooth fairy and he's really hoping for the same thing. I asked him if he thought his friends were telling the truth to which he replied no. He's a master manipulator and I'm pretty sure that he's just trying to work an angle. #notbuyingit

Weekend Wrap Up

Three highlights from our weekend. Carson started walking. He's been close for a while, but he took off starting Friday. He chooses to walk over crawl most of the time now.

Marmee came to visit. She brought Miles' birthday present, a suitcase and a Minecraft Lego. He loved both and started on the Lego right away. It was very nice to have her help on Darrin's first road trip of the season. She watched Carson on Friday, made dinner, and did all the laundry. Talk about helpful! Because of her help, I pretty much did nothing all day yesterday.

In other BIG news, Darrin celebrated his 100th win of his career.

We couldn't be there b/c they played in Virginia, but the players and their wonderful parents made it special for him.

We made a sign in the garage, so when he pulled in a 3:30 this morning he saw it. "High fives for Daddy" with traces of all three of our hands.

Miles wrote a personal note that said, "You are the best. I knew you could do it. Miles" He sure loves his Daddy and is so proud of him.

It's been a good weekend and it's not over yet! Three day weekends are the best!