Fall is in the air!

This weekend I had a great time with my family and my husband's family. My mom-in-law came to stay with us on Thursday-Saturday and we had a great time, we went shopping with Emery Jack and walked around The Landing, the sounds of the water fountains reminded us of the Caribbean when the waves crashed back and forth on shore. *I long for the Caribbean, but I digress...

Friday Colby and I got to go on our first date since Butter Bean was born and we had a great evening even if we were only gone for 2 1/2 hours. While we were gone, Emery Jack decided he would start getting up on his knees, it won't be long now and we'll be chasing him everywhere.

Now that he has learned the trick of rolling over from tummy to back and getting up on his knees, he would rather do that in bed than sleep....Oy!

Yesterday the three of us got out on the nice fall day and went to the mall for Starbucks, and to get a few things, it was so nice being able to stroll around and Emery got to wear his first sock cap, I wish I had pictures, but we both left our phones at home :)

This morning I turned on the heat, and this afternoon I'm changing all the bedding out so we'll have our warm blankets, we all huddled together last night, we were freezing!

Melt Down

Yesterday I had a meltdown, I started the day off with my two nieces and son and by the time 5:00 rolled around I was absolutely exhausted. Hats off to all the mothers that stay home with more than one kiddo at a time, I don't know how you do it.

I realize that all babies are different and Emery Jack is an amazing little boy, I just never realized how truly hard this is. By the time I picked Colby up from work yesterday evening and started back home Emery was SCREAMING in the backseat and I was trying to work on counting to 10 and taking deep breaths, while I was asking Colby how his day was, and what he got accomplished. All I could think of was I didn't pull any hair out today and so far I haven't cried.

Once home I realized we had nothing planned for dinner and everything was frozen... That's when the waterworks started, I tried keeping it pulled together, but sometimes there needs to be a release valve. Colby suggested I go to wal-mart and get something and he would stay with Emery so I could have a "breather".

Once in the parking lot of Wal-mart I went into a full blown ugly cry. We all have one. I had to sit in the car until I could compose myself enough to walk in to get what I needed and at one point I noticed a little kid starting at me and talking to her younger sister.

OK, I KNOW it looks like I've been crying, but I assure you I was attacked by a swarm of bees in the parking lot, don't go out there, it's ugly!

Every day gets better it really really does, but sometimes I need the 10 minutes to cry in a parking lot, even if I do get stares from 7 year olds.

Once home I made dinner, rolled around on the floor with Emery Jack....I can't stay away for very long, I absolutely love the two men in my life.

5 Months

Dear Emery Jack,

You are quickly approaching 5 months old *3 days away* so instead of waiting to write this on that day, I'm taking my opportunity now, while you're sleeping in your pack in play (which you've grown to tolerate during nap time.)

You are getting so big, it seems like just yesterday I was cradling you in my arms at the hospital, not really knowing what I was going to do with you once I got you home and there wasn't a nurse to say, "No, that's not how you do it." The first few days home with you were the best, and worst. Not worst because I didn't love you, let me be clear, there was an abundance of love, but something happens when you're no longer protecting a baby in the womb. You were now experiencing all the things outside in the world and I didn't think I could keep you safe like before- tons of emotions flowing those first few days. I cried for 2 weeks straight.

Now, we're back home with our family and you have changed tremendously! You've started smiling and laughing at the crazy sounds and faces your mom and dad make, you are enjoying car rides, where before I didn't know if we were going to make it out the door when I put you in your carseat- the SCREAMS! You babble now, which sounds more like growling and a few times I've caught myself laughing out loud at the hilarious faces you make when you're concentrating on something. You have a fantastic personality, you are a good combination of your mom and dad. Strong willed, High spirited, You wake up smiling every morning (I think you got that from your daddy). You're not that little ball of flesh that just laid there staring off anymore, you're a real live KID! Your dad and I joke about you being "all boy" you love boobs and fart noises, and not particularly in that order.

In the past month alone you've learned how to roll from your belly to back and you are getting REALLY good at it! I turn around for a second and you've rolled all over the living room floor. Sometimes you get stuck and show your disgust by giving a sharp yell, "HEY, OVER HEEEEERE!". You've also started reaching for us when you need help, which melts my heart.

A couple of days ago I caught you really getting into an episode of Sesame Street, you were leaned over your jumper with your eyes fixed on the screen and every once in a while you would let out a squeal and pull your feet up and let yourself bounce. I am in awe of you...

You're still sleeping with us and take up most of the bed, but we don't mind. In the middle of the night, or morning 3a.m-ish you've started reaching for your daddy and grabbing hold of his arm or fingers. Sometimes you lift your head up and get really close to my face and stare at me, I know this because I'm staring at you with one eye squinted so you don't really know I'm awake because it's 3 a.m and momma isn't a morning person.

There is absolutely so much to write about because you're learning something new every single day, and as tired as I am, I wouldn't change this for the world. I am so lucky to be able to spend these first months with you, and I know I'm going to be sad when it's back to work. I cannot wait to see what is in store these next few months.

I love you big as the world.

Love,

Mama

Let The Festivities Begin!

It is time for all the fall festivals and I AM SO EXCITED! Colby, Emery Jack, and I decided to go to Apple Fest today and had a great time. I used to love going to these for the rides, games, and was SO bored when my mom marched me through the crafts. I now have a new appreciation for the craft booths and the food! Today walking around was so nostalgic for me, the smells, the sounds...I have missed home!

My calendar has been marked up with all the festivals in the next few weeks and you can bet that I will be at every one of them... I'll be the one pushing the stroller, eating funnel cake at the same time, yes, I am that talented.

The BIG Debate

To co-sleep or not to co-sleep, that is the question....

Since Emery was 1week old he hasn't left my side, literally. I'm getting better at our sleeping situation, but it can be trying at times. I came into parenthood with all these things that I wouldn't do... co-sleeping one of these things. After being exhausted, the kid just wore me down, and I caved and there we were all three of us. So, do we get a bigger bed, or do we put him in his crib, knowing that he is going to scream....ALL night long. The thought makes me so anxious...bleh.