Let it snow??

I have Cabin Fever. I have officially been off work for 2 weeks now while the family I work for is out of town for the holidays. Even though I love being at home with my little man and big man who has also basically been home for two weeks as well which I'll get to in a second, I think I am ready to go back to work any time now. You may be wondering well, why hasn't she gone to do anything? Usually our little subtropic, tourist area is great in the Winter. Not too cold, not too hot. But no... it has been really, really cold. Not only has it been cold, but it's also snowed. ALOT. I don't mean our  annual 2.5 inches of snow either. I mean it started snowing Christmas night and did not stop for something like 36 hours. Some places reached up to 16 inches of snow. Which by Monday morning most of our roads look like this...

 This is highly unusual for this area so of course our city is not prepared for weather like this and had no way of plowing the roads or laying salt down. Basically stores and businesses (including military installments, explains why Ken has been home so much) shut down and almost everywhere was closed. So in the house we stayed for almost 4 whole days. Since it was so cold though, and we didn't want to take Kevin outside, my ever adorable husband thought he would bring the fun winter activities into the apartment.

 Kevin's first snow man... made just his size.

 "Wow!!"

 "Can I eat it?" Mom said NO

Very proud of his snow man he made just for Kevin.

Christmas Blessing

Christmas day had my heart filled with so much happiness. I soaked in every bit of Kevin's first Christmas and felt completely blessed, and although I was beaming with joy, still a piece was missing. I miss her. I miss my other Mother Alese. I was able to see her a few times back in October and at that time she was still suffering from some brain damage. She recognized me but had trouble recognizing my sister, she would speak coherently and make sense and then would mumble and say things that didn't make sense. She still has a long way to go and is currently in a nursing facility. I think about her everyday and Kevin and I ALWAYS include her in our nightly prayers. Christmas morning was one of those days where it hit me how much I miss being able to call and talk to her, how I miss telling her everything and asking for her advice. I just plain miss her. On Christmas morning after we opened our gifts and ate breakfast we laid Kevin down for a nap and I decided to take one as well. I dreamed about her, in my dream I was talking to her. I woke up to my phone ringing and it was Dave her husband. I almost feared the worst. I answered it and he said the greatest thing I've heard in a while, "Meshelle would you like to talk to your Mom"? And of course I told him I would absolutely LOVE to! It was an amazing Christmas blessing! We talked for a few minutes. She told me she loved me and missed me, she asked how the baby was and finished by saying Merry Christmas. And you know what? It was!! Very Merry and blessed indeed.

A lot can happen in a month

Oh man... I can not believe it has been over a month since I last posted. We have been crazy busy and I feel horrible because I know my blog is a great way for my family to get to see pictures of our adorable baby and to keep up with what's going on in our lives. So after numerous family members questioning "why haven't you blogged lately?" I guess it's time to ramp up the blogging to turbo. So what's happened in a month? Well, we had our first Thanksgiving dinner which I made myself. It was a lot of food for just the three of us but it was so worth it.

My first Thanksgiving dinner made by me for my little family of three.

My adorable little boy trying out some of Mom's mashed potatoes.

After Thanksgiving dinner we set up the Christmas tree (a tradition in both of our families we want to carry on).  And of course Kevin tried to help decorate and hang up the stockings.

Later this month we took this "little helper" to go see the big man himself... of course we mean Santa. I think he was pretty excited.  The pictures turned our pretty dang cute, he was very intrigued by Santa.

Since this was our first family Christmas we decided to carry on a few things that are traditions in my family. One is the ornaments. Every year since I can remember my Grandma Woods has sent ornaments with her Christmas care packages. And every year when it comes time to decorate the tree my favorite part would be to look at all the ornaments from years past and be reminded of her love with each ornament I hang. Each one has the year and my name on them. One of the most special ornaments are the very first ones we received...the block bears. My. Favorite. Handmade with love and now this year we were able to hang not only mine and Ken's but also Kevin's.

 (Ken's, mine, and Kevin's, all handmade, all super adorable)

My Grandmothers care package this year not only included our presents and ornaments, but some homemade hot chocolate mix (the best by the way). And another Woods' family tradition... the rocking chair. My Grandpa has been making rocking chairs for his grandchildren for a long time, and now he is making them for his Great-grand kids.

We spent most of the month getting adjusted to my new job watching an adorable 4 month old. Which can sometimes be a little hectic but I am loving it. Kevin had quite a few accomplishments this month, the first major one would have to be being able to pull himself up and stand, which he LOVES to do!! He also finally mastered crawling, giving kisses, and officially has all of his front teeth as of Dec 24th. He is now getting to the point where he is starting to cruise along the long couch we have and he LOVES to hold your hands and walk with you. He is getting so big! We also started signing with him which by the huge smile he gets when we sign food and bath (his favorite things!) I think he is starting to comprehend them a little bit. 

   Which brings us to Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve was also filled with a lot of traditions from both of our families, we spent the day baking cookies just like Ken's mom would (chocolate crinkles are amazing!!). Then at night before bed we read the scriptures, sang Christmas songs from my Grandma's hymn book and started a new tradition of reading a story called The three little trees. Which is an amazing book that absolutely makes me cry every time. Then we went to bed and woke up Christmas morning to witness the magic that Santa left.

What we woke up to Christmas morning.

 Kevin investigating his loot.

 Trying to get the hang of it.

 Watching Kevin trying to open presents was such a fun experience.

 Crawl along snail: $16

Busy ball popper: $ 25.99

Watching your baby boy having more fun playing with the $ 2 wrapping paper: Priceless

 He was absolutely having a ball with the paper most of all. And I didn't care one bit.

 Ken and I also had an amazing Christmas filled with great gifts, memories and so much more but as I look back on the pictures the greatest gift I received all year was not one found under the tree, or in my stocking... it was the gift that keeps giving back to me in every smile, kiss and snuggle.... 

This amazing beautiful baby boy.

Thank you God. I. Am. Blessed.

Catching up

We have been a little bit busy in this household lately. Kevin is moving more and more all the time. Still not quite crawling but he is now doing the worm... You know that movement that drunk college kids and teenagers do at parties. Sometime he gets so much momentum in the downward movement and his legs go up so high I swear he's going to do a flip. Surprisingly the worm is a fast way to get around and he could probably out worm the drunkest frat boy. Besides trying to keep up with Kevin we have been trying to accomplish our Thanksgiving day menu and shopping (complete). We have also been trying to finish our Christmas Shopping (the gifts we have to ship are all bought and about half are wrapped). Kevin has had a Doctors appointment every week this month. He had his 6 month check up and immunizations earlier this month. He weighs 17 lbs, he's 28 1/4 inches long. AND this month he decided to pop out two teeth!! The first appeared on the 1st of this month. The 2nd popped up on the 13th. So he officially has his two bottom teeth. He also had his Eye checkup to see how his blocked tear duct is doing and unfortunately it's still blocked. The Dr thinks it's in Kevin's best interest to have surgery to unclog it and after doing some research Ken and I agree. His surgery is scheduled for January 7th. He has a pre-op appointment on January 3rd to double check that it's still blocked. Unblocking it will help reduce the chances of eye infections and sinus related infections. The sooner we perform the surgery the greater the chances it will be a success. Another thing we have been trying to accomplish is baby proofing. Baby proofing is tricky, just when you think you have all your bases covered your baby finds more things to get into. I also start a new job at the end of the month. I love the family I have been working for and their 5 year old triplets have been amazing with Kevin. I felt it was important to find something closer to home and something that was more baby friendly. I start working for a very nice lady who lives just down the street (a great change since depending on traffic it could take up to an hour to get to work). This new family has a 3 month old (great fix to my current baby fever) which will be great for Kevin. So that has been this month in a nutshell. And now some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

 Ken was laying on the floor and Kevin wormed over to him and rolled up right against him... So precious.

 Playing in his toy land.

 I love his smile.

Rolled right into the ottoman.

 "Helping" mom with the laundry

So thankful I have this adorable boy!!

Because of the Brave!!

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." - Elmer Davis

These are a few of the brave men in my life who I would like to thank today. 

 Kevin Woods

My Dad 

Served in the United States Army 1986-1994

Veteran of Operation Desert Storm

 Howard David Ferrin

My maternal Grandfather

United States Navy U.S.S Kittyhawk

 1962-1966

Kenneth Puckett

My amazing husband

United States Navy

My Father in law (United States Navy 1977-1999) and Step-father (United States Army 1977-81) are also veterans. I'm so proud to be related to so many brave men. 

To all Veteran heroes and she-roes I am eternally grateful for you. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice
and your courage.

Thank You!!

Wordless Wednesday

Adventures in Big Boy land

My baby boy turned 7 months old yesterday. I can not believe it. I fully realize that every day is a blessing, every milestone a miracle, but a part of me wishes I could just stop time. Stop him from growing bigger, keep him my little baby boy forever. Two days before we went on our trip we received the go ahead to start Kevin on solids (rice cereal, baby food, etc.) However, I was nervous with his tummy issues (which on a side note he has an appointment with a pediatric gastroenterologist on the 26th of this month to further look into his GERD)  about starting something two days before we were set to travel in case he had a reaction. I also didn't want Ken to miss out on Kevin's first time trying big boy baby food so we waited until we came back. Then Kevin got sick so we are just barely getting around to it. Wow, I am so good at getting distracted from the main point it's horrible anyway here are some pictures of his first food experiences.

 In his bumbo chair trying rice cereal and squash.

 I think he likes it. 

(Please excuse my hideous "Hoarders Corner" we cleaned out our storage and I'm still in the process of putting stuff away...or finding room for it.)

 "OH thank you Jesus it's real food"!!!

 The best part is the cute mess they make right?

 Tonight in his brand new highchair trying carrots..yum!!

 I think he has the "open up" part down.

Such a beautiful boy he absolutely melts my heart!!

Along with his new big boy eating habits he is now sleeping in his own room in his crib. Lately he has been getting up when Ken does at 5:30, eating and going back to sleep until 8. We decided that he might be ready for his own room. We have tried to take as many naps in his crib as possible so that when we did this transition it wouldn't be a complete surprise and I am happy to report that last night was his first night and he slept in this morning until 7:30. Tonight is his second night in his big boy crib and he put himself to sleep when we laid him down. I'm hoping that the transition continues on a smooth note. 

Happy November Everyone!!

You know you're in Idaho when....

(lawn mower rides with Great-Grandpa...priceless)

 Kevin and I spent some time with my Grandparents while in Idaho. I have absolutely no clue why I didn't snap any pictures last time we were there of the three of us but I made sure to get one this time. My Grandparents are amazing and I honestly don't know where I would be without them in my life. They have been a constant support system in my life, and an amazing example of what true love and acceptance is. I appreciate and love everything they have done for me.

BTW My Grandparents have been married for 54 years and they are still absolutely head over heels in love!!

 

Our fall trip to Washington

 On our 7th plane ride!! Yep he is pretty much this happy the entire time.

On September 25th Kevin and I set out for another trip back home. We landed in Portland that night and stayed with my sister in Vancouver, Washington for the next 2 1/2 weeks. It was a really special trip back because I was surprising my dad for his birthday and he loved it. We hid in his bedroom closet and Kevin cooperated very well, making sure he didn't make a peep. Then my dad's girlfriend asked if they could talk and brought him in. We waited a couple of minutes and opened the door and yelled "surprise". The look on his face was priceless!

 Spending time with "Bampa". Ken refers to this as Kevin squared. 

 Blowing out the birthday candles on the pies.

 My Dad with all of his Grandchildren.

 Our three generation photo.

While on vacation Kevin learned to share. (seen here snuggling with Uncle Kaleb)

 He learned how to match. (My dad and I found these super cute Carter outfits at Costco and had to get them for our boys)

Mommy learned how to multitask.( While I was feeding Kevin, Kaleb came up and insisted on having a story read to him.)

After all of the playing, visiting, sharing and traveling he was so exhausted.

 

 And again we were able to take a picture of my sisters and I with our babies. 

(10-11-2010)

And last time we took one.

(5-31-2010)

My baby is getting so big!!

It is so amazing to be able to go back home and spend time with everyone. Ken and I have decided to stay home for the holidays this year but are planning a HUGE trip in the spring so we can celebrate Kevin's first birthday with everyone. After our 2 1/2 weeks in Washington we spent 9 days in Idaho and I will post about that later.