Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
early video moments with William and Griggs
2 of my favorite videos from the first few months with our 2 little ones :)
Monday, June 20, 2011
Big Boy Underwear!! WPJ--August 18, 2010
Bye-bye diapers...Hello Big Boy Underwear! Our William was so ready to ditch the diaper and move on to big boy underwear! By the time he turned 2, he'd shown interest in the potty and on occasion would take off his diaper to sit on the potty and pee-pee, so during the second trimester to end of my pregnancy, we slowly worked more on talking about the potty and letting him practice. We didn't push him at all, just simply followed his interest. I didn't have the energy to fully tackle potty training, nor the heart to completely have him "grow up" before the baby came. I also knew he would most likely regress once the baby came, so again, decided to be relaxed about it, but make it fun and exciting to practice. We praised dry diapers and slowly talked more and more about once baby came and he became a big brother, that meant soon, we'd say goodbye to diapers for him...b/c babies used diapers and big brothers had really cool underwear! I never minded changing the "extra set" of diapers once Griggs came. In fact, changing William's diaper meant his was still somewhat a baby, yet, all to fast growing up and ready for the change.
We decided around 6 weeks, once that last package of size 5 diapers dwindled down to the last few remaining diapers, we were ready to take William shopping for his NEW BIG BOY UNDERWEAR!! We loaded up and went shopping! Target was the location. Griggs slept peacefully in his carseat while Philip and I shopped with William in the UNDERWEAR aisle! He was beyond excited!! We let him pick out three packs...CARS, MICKEY MOUSE AND THOMAS! He was absolutely adorable and precious taking time to look through the different packs. He hugged on the package and held tight! We also walked down the (pull-ups) BIG BOY BEDTIME UNDERWEAR aisle and waved bye-bye to the diapers. We let him pick out a small package of pull-ups, explaining they were underwear for night time that were just extra soft. He picked out TOY STORY pull-ups. We made a big deal about them being underwear b/c they had pictures and were blue all over, not white like diapers. (He bought the idea!) We let him tell the cashier what he was buying and why he was buying them. He was so funny and so happy about his big deal!
Once at home, we had him throw the last 3 diapers in the trash can and tell them bye-bye! We had every pair scattered on the couch before he decided on which pair to wear first! How funny! Well, that night, he had determined accidents so that he could wear EVERY SINGLE PAIR! We were firm, yet understanding. We told him that he could not do that and b/c he no longer had a diaper, when he pee-peed, he HAD to go in the potty so he would get GERMS all over him and everything. It took only a few days before the initial excitement of changing pairs wore off. Once he realized all the pairs were truly his and that he could wear any he wanted, he quit having those "accidents".
Over the next few weeks, he seldom had wet accidents and only once had a poo-poo accident. That accident happened at a friend's house because he couldn't find the potty and once he did find it, couldn't get his pants down fast enough. Lesson learned. MAKE SURE he know right away where the bathrooms are!
He was officially potty trained 2.5 months before he turned three! Sometimes, I look back and think, where did my little bay go..., then I remember, he's right here, always, regardless of diaper or big boy underwear! Ha! I think overall our potty training days were well played and a fun chapter.
We decided around 6 weeks, once that last package of size 5 diapers dwindled down to the last few remaining diapers, we were ready to take William shopping for his NEW BIG BOY UNDERWEAR!! We loaded up and went shopping! Target was the location. Griggs slept peacefully in his carseat while Philip and I shopped with William in the UNDERWEAR aisle! He was beyond excited!! We let him pick out three packs...CARS, MICKEY MOUSE AND THOMAS! He was absolutely adorable and precious taking time to look through the different packs. He hugged on the package and held tight! We also walked down the (pull-ups) BIG BOY BEDTIME UNDERWEAR aisle and waved bye-bye to the diapers. We let him pick out a small package of pull-ups, explaining they were underwear for night time that were just extra soft. He picked out TOY STORY pull-ups. We made a big deal about them being underwear b/c they had pictures and were blue all over, not white like diapers. (He bought the idea!) We let him tell the cashier what he was buying and why he was buying them. He was so funny and so happy about his big deal!
Once at home, we had him throw the last 3 diapers in the trash can and tell them bye-bye! We had every pair scattered on the couch before he decided on which pair to wear first! How funny! Well, that night, he had determined accidents so that he could wear EVERY SINGLE PAIR! We were firm, yet understanding. We told him that he could not do that and b/c he no longer had a diaper, when he pee-peed, he HAD to go in the potty so he would get GERMS all over him and everything. It took only a few days before the initial excitement of changing pairs wore off. Once he realized all the pairs were truly his and that he could wear any he wanted, he quit having those "accidents".
Over the next few weeks, he seldom had wet accidents and only once had a poo-poo accident. That accident happened at a friend's house because he couldn't find the potty and once he did find it, couldn't get his pants down fast enough. Lesson learned. MAKE SURE he know right away where the bathrooms are!
He was officially potty trained 2.5 months before he turned three! Sometimes, I look back and think, where did my little bay go..., then I remember, he's right here, always, regardless of diaper or big boy underwear! Ha! I think overall our potty training days were well played and a fun chapter.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Road trip...Griggs' 1st Lake Trip (August 2010)
Looking back, boy were we busy and on the go with our 2 little ones. But, we love it. It is fun to stay busy and fun to relax. August was a busy whirlwind a bit, but full of memories and great times. Griggs was just a month old (5 weeks) when I made my second quick trip to Dothan overnight by myself. It's not a big deal for me to pack up and head to Dothan to see my parents for a night or two here and there, so, naturally, I wanted to continue doing so with my new bundle. After Gram, Grumps and Mema's visit, I packed back up and off to Dothan I went for the night. Philip would come up a day later to join me up at our lake house on Lake Eufaula for our first family vacation as a family of 4!! We were so tickled to escape to the lake with both boys!!
When I got to my parents we had a family cookout on the back patio that night. William entertained everyone with his artistic drawings with sidewalk chalk. Maggie and Grandaddy loved on Griggs and giggled with William. I had fun hanging out with my brothers and watching the family enjoy time together. Poppi came by for a few quick snuggles with baby Griggs. The best part to me was sneaking in the bedroom later that night to find my angels sound asleep from all the fun...all tuckered out. You'll see in the pictures :) We also discovered that while it was too hot to be outside, Maggie and Granddaddy's brick floor made the perfect canvas for more sidewalk chalk drawings! William was a happy, happy boy!! I'll never forget his sweet face! He was tickled beyond belief that he could actually draw on the floor, then Maggie could clean it right up!! Thanks to Maggie for her creative thinking on a hot, hot day!!
Once Philip was on the road to the lake, I headed on up to meet him and get us all settled in for the extended weekend visit! I couldn't wait!! I love our lake house. I love how tucked away I feel and removed from all cares. I love how still I become and how relaxed everything becomes. I love watching Philip and William disappear on walks through the woods, down to the water, knowing W will be gathering sticks, leaves and rocks, as all little boys do! I love waking to sunrise over the lake and watching sunset over the pasture. I love to hear the crickets chirp and the boats whizz past. I love to hear the trickle of the lake water. I love the smell of the lake. I love to hear the trees crackle and rustle in the wind. I love to watch William throw rocks in the lake. I love to watch William swim and splash in the lake. I love how he is so natural around the water and nature. I love watching Drake, our yellow lab, run full speed down the hill and go bouncing off into the water to retrieve a stick, and most often watch him lose interest to just splash around. I love watching him wander around the yard. I love rocking on the porch late at night with Philip, just listening to the night. I love the naps on my college couches! I love the sound of the AC as it clicks on b/c it always sounds like a "click" from Philip. I love watching movies during the day and at night. I love sunbathing at the lake! I love fishing. I love walking at the lake. I love knowing that just down the street I can go buy a famous "Wilson's (baker's) hotdog" from my childhood! I love knowing that William and Griggs are getting to experience part of my childhood just as I did by coming to Lake Eufaula! I love my time at the lake with my family. I love how truly away from the world we become and how we do slow down when we are there. I love the lake!!
Okay, after that little cry....yes, I cried thinking of the blessing of the lake and what it means to me....
How excited we were to be spending some time at the lake with our two little ones! Sleeping in and napping always find us at the lake. William loved showing his baby the lake. William loved the outside time he and Philip had while Griggs and I stayed tucked away inside, snuggling and sleeping some. I would wonder out with Griggs and find them down by the water and head down to find them. Sitting on the shore, rocking Griggs while watching my husband and child play was just priceless. The gentle waves rippled at my toes. William had a blast collecting stones and rocks from the lake, not to mention all the sticks!! A little boy is so very happy collecting rocks and stones...asking his mommy to hold them! I pray I will always have open hands to "hold" his collections and that he will have that sweet, innocent spirit about life!
Another favorite from that weekend was getting out with my new double stroller and walking with my boys! I just loved walking up and down our road, pushing my double stroller, full of blessings while my beautiful yellow lab walked nearby. William just loved having Drake-Drake with us! He would call him over, giggle with every sniff from Drake and then squeal with excitement watching him run off. I loved being outside getting back into my walking!
It just so happened that my Poppi's side of the family the "GRIGGS" side, was having our annual "Griggs Family Reunion" that weekend! I was beyond excited to attend b/c of having a son and naming him Griggs! We drove down on Saturday to Oak Grove Baptist in Shorterville to join the reunion. It was great! We even were able to get a picture of the youngest (Griggs-5 weeks) and the oldest member! The food was great...endless vegetables, which everyone knows are my favorite!!! I was thrilled to show off Griggs and see some of my family that we hadn't seen in a few years. Poppi was very proud to have all 4 of his kids there! We did miss having his sister, Sara, with us though. She and her children and grandchildren had to miss due to her son Lyn's passing away. It was bittersweet to be together, knowing one of our family was hurting so. We lifted special prayers for her to carry her and the rest through the hurt. So, after all the eating and visiting and catching up with everyone, we headed on back to the lake. My mom called and said she wanted to drive some of my aunts/uncles and cousins who I've always called "aunts" up. They came on up to get extra hugs on baby Griggs before heading back on the road. William so sweetly shared his homemade chocolate chip cookies with them :) He is such a sweet little host and loves to "welcome" everyone! It is a moment I love to cherish as I watch his little manners mature and his little heart continue to grow with hospitality!
We wrapped up our time at the lake quietly spending time together as our little family of 4. We cooked together and watched some movies, just soaking up our time away from home. William had fun drawing all over the front porch with his sidewalk chalk. It's always fun to watch his imagination develop when he's drawing. Another favorite of his lately has been making puppets! He loves to create puppets with me and we create the most exciting stories to go along with our new puppets. I included a few pictures of him enjoying his puppet time! As we left that afternoon, we decided I would stay the night in Dothan so I wouldn't be driving home at night. Well, the next morning, when I woke up in Dothan, my head was spinning beyond belief! I couldn't walk straight, couldn't even sit up and hold my head straight. I was very dizzy and spinning. My mom quickly called the ENT for me and then she sent me right back to bed...but that made me spin even more. I pretty much spent that morning curled in her arms as much as I could. Poppi came over to drive me to my appointment so she could stay home with William and Griggs. I felt so silly and ridiculous, but I could not walk straight! Dr. Tim Gannon was able to squeeze me in that afternoon. I was so relieved when I began describing my symptoms and he knew right away what I had and how I felt! He shared that he had recently had the same thing and that it does come out of the blue and knock you down! He prescribed me some medicine and said to just take it easy. That meant I should rest :) Well, I tried to rest some. Later, my parents drove me home, moma driving my car with me and the boys while daddy followed in their car. I slept most of that drive home and was so happy to crawl in my bed. I was so thankful for my parents and for their help while I was feeling so awful after such a wonderful mini-vacation!
Now, I can look back at the pictures from our weekend vacation with Griggs for his first trip to the lake and smile, knowing we had a blessed weekend!
Oh, I just love life! I just love being a mommy!! God is so good.
When I got to my parents we had a family cookout on the back patio that night. William entertained everyone with his artistic drawings with sidewalk chalk. Maggie and Grandaddy loved on Griggs and giggled with William. I had fun hanging out with my brothers and watching the family enjoy time together. Poppi came by for a few quick snuggles with baby Griggs. The best part to me was sneaking in the bedroom later that night to find my angels sound asleep from all the fun...all tuckered out. You'll see in the pictures :) We also discovered that while it was too hot to be outside, Maggie and Granddaddy's brick floor made the perfect canvas for more sidewalk chalk drawings! William was a happy, happy boy!! I'll never forget his sweet face! He was tickled beyond belief that he could actually draw on the floor, then Maggie could clean it right up!! Thanks to Maggie for her creative thinking on a hot, hot day!!
Once Philip was on the road to the lake, I headed on up to meet him and get us all settled in for the extended weekend visit! I couldn't wait!! I love our lake house. I love how tucked away I feel and removed from all cares. I love how still I become and how relaxed everything becomes. I love watching Philip and William disappear on walks through the woods, down to the water, knowing W will be gathering sticks, leaves and rocks, as all little boys do! I love waking to sunrise over the lake and watching sunset over the pasture. I love to hear the crickets chirp and the boats whizz past. I love to hear the trickle of the lake water. I love the smell of the lake. I love to hear the trees crackle and rustle in the wind. I love to watch William throw rocks in the lake. I love to watch William swim and splash in the lake. I love how he is so natural around the water and nature. I love watching Drake, our yellow lab, run full speed down the hill and go bouncing off into the water to retrieve a stick, and most often watch him lose interest to just splash around. I love watching him wander around the yard. I love rocking on the porch late at night with Philip, just listening to the night. I love the naps on my college couches! I love the sound of the AC as it clicks on b/c it always sounds like a "click" from Philip. I love watching movies during the day and at night. I love sunbathing at the lake! I love fishing. I love walking at the lake. I love knowing that just down the street I can go buy a famous "Wilson's (baker's) hotdog" from my childhood! I love knowing that William and Griggs are getting to experience part of my childhood just as I did by coming to Lake Eufaula! I love my time at the lake with my family. I love how truly away from the world we become and how we do slow down when we are there. I love the lake!!
Okay, after that little cry....yes, I cried thinking of the blessing of the lake and what it means to me....
How excited we were to be spending some time at the lake with our two little ones! Sleeping in and napping always find us at the lake. William loved showing his baby the lake. William loved the outside time he and Philip had while Griggs and I stayed tucked away inside, snuggling and sleeping some. I would wonder out with Griggs and find them down by the water and head down to find them. Sitting on the shore, rocking Griggs while watching my husband and child play was just priceless. The gentle waves rippled at my toes. William had a blast collecting stones and rocks from the lake, not to mention all the sticks!! A little boy is so very happy collecting rocks and stones...asking his mommy to hold them! I pray I will always have open hands to "hold" his collections and that he will have that sweet, innocent spirit about life!
Another favorite from that weekend was getting out with my new double stroller and walking with my boys! I just loved walking up and down our road, pushing my double stroller, full of blessings while my beautiful yellow lab walked nearby. William just loved having Drake-Drake with us! He would call him over, giggle with every sniff from Drake and then squeal with excitement watching him run off. I loved being outside getting back into my walking!
It just so happened that my Poppi's side of the family the "GRIGGS" side, was having our annual "Griggs Family Reunion" that weekend! I was beyond excited to attend b/c of having a son and naming him Griggs! We drove down on Saturday to Oak Grove Baptist in Shorterville to join the reunion. It was great! We even were able to get a picture of the youngest (Griggs-5 weeks) and the oldest member! The food was great...endless vegetables, which everyone knows are my favorite!!! I was thrilled to show off Griggs and see some of my family that we hadn't seen in a few years. Poppi was very proud to have all 4 of his kids there! We did miss having his sister, Sara, with us though. She and her children and grandchildren had to miss due to her son Lyn's passing away. It was bittersweet to be together, knowing one of our family was hurting so. We lifted special prayers for her to carry her and the rest through the hurt. So, after all the eating and visiting and catching up with everyone, we headed on back to the lake. My mom called and said she wanted to drive some of my aunts/uncles and cousins who I've always called "aunts" up. They came on up to get extra hugs on baby Griggs before heading back on the road. William so sweetly shared his homemade chocolate chip cookies with them :) He is such a sweet little host and loves to "welcome" everyone! It is a moment I love to cherish as I watch his little manners mature and his little heart continue to grow with hospitality!
We wrapped up our time at the lake quietly spending time together as our little family of 4. We cooked together and watched some movies, just soaking up our time away from home. William had fun drawing all over the front porch with his sidewalk chalk. It's always fun to watch his imagination develop when he's drawing. Another favorite of his lately has been making puppets! He loves to create puppets with me and we create the most exciting stories to go along with our new puppets. I included a few pictures of him enjoying his puppet time! As we left that afternoon, we decided I would stay the night in Dothan so I wouldn't be driving home at night. Well, the next morning, when I woke up in Dothan, my head was spinning beyond belief! I couldn't walk straight, couldn't even sit up and hold my head straight. I was very dizzy and spinning. My mom quickly called the ENT for me and then she sent me right back to bed...but that made me spin even more. I pretty much spent that morning curled in her arms as much as I could. Poppi came over to drive me to my appointment so she could stay home with William and Griggs. I felt so silly and ridiculous, but I could not walk straight! Dr. Tim Gannon was able to squeeze me in that afternoon. I was so relieved when I began describing my symptoms and he knew right away what I had and how I felt! He shared that he had recently had the same thing and that it does come out of the blue and knock you down! He prescribed me some medicine and said to just take it easy. That meant I should rest :) Well, I tried to rest some. Later, my parents drove me home, moma driving my car with me and the boys while daddy followed in their car. I slept most of that drive home and was so happy to crawl in my bed. I was so thankful for my parents and for their help while I was feeling so awful after such a wonderful mini-vacation!
Now, I can look back at the pictures from our weekend vacation with Griggs for his first trip to the lake and smile, knowing we had a blessed weekend!
Oh, I just love life! I just love being a mommy!! God is so good.
Monday, June 6, 2011
When Mema met Griggs...and Gram and Grumps to visit us!
Here I am, still trying to find time to go back and capture all the special moments throughout the past year. I try to find time to spend devoted to this blog, journaling our family time to have as a keepsake one day...I am doing my best! I am determined to get. caught. up!! It's been almost 11 months...where has time gone...
Anyway, to go back...
Our August started with a trip to Dothan (which I blogged about last post). Next on our agenda, was a visit from Gram, Grumps...and Mema! It had been just over a month since Gram and Grumps were up with us and Mema had not yet met Griggs :) They came up to spend a weekend with us. Mema was just tickled to get to hold Griggs and snuggle with him. Gram and Grumps were too. We just spent the weekend quietly around the house. One afternoon we decided to head down to Seaside to get some frozen yogurt together, which is a favorite of William's! He loves it and thinks everyone should love it just as much. Griggs was so sweet and tiny and went along for the ride. William and Mema were the cutest eating their frozen yogurt. We let William run around in the grass for a while (another favorite of his) and show off his tricks for them. I strolled around Seaside for a short walk with Griggs while they all watched William. I love days like this! We enjoyed some time at the house, visiting and chatting and letting Mema, Gram and Grumps get caught up on snuggles.
We did decide to have another date night for the two (3) of us while they were up. It was a nice treat to get dressed up and dress Griggs in his fancy date outfit (well, what I call his fancy, soft pajama set). Gram, Grumps and Mema babysat William for us. They had a great time playing and entertaining each other while Philip and I took Griggs on a date. We went to one of our favorite spots here on 30A (Basmati's) and while we enjoyed the date, we were a bit let down with the service and feel of the place that night. Griggs slept the entire time, yet we felt they were upset we had a baby with us. Needless to say, it's been a while since we have been back. It's a simple thing like attitude in some people that can cause such a bad taste. BUT, they couldn't cause us to regret taking our baby with us!! He was so very adorable and precious and we were thankful for our date night and alone time with just Griggs.
We enjoyed our visit with Gram, Grumps and Mema, although it was short and sweet. Spending time with family is always a favorite. It is so valuable to spend time with family and build memories. Thanks, Gram, Grumps and Mema for making the trip up to visit us and give a date night too!
Anyway, to go back...
Our August started with a trip to Dothan (which I blogged about last post). Next on our agenda, was a visit from Gram, Grumps...and Mema! It had been just over a month since Gram and Grumps were up with us and Mema had not yet met Griggs :) They came up to spend a weekend with us. Mema was just tickled to get to hold Griggs and snuggle with him. Gram and Grumps were too. We just spent the weekend quietly around the house. One afternoon we decided to head down to Seaside to get some frozen yogurt together, which is a favorite of William's! He loves it and thinks everyone should love it just as much. Griggs was so sweet and tiny and went along for the ride. William and Mema were the cutest eating their frozen yogurt. We let William run around in the grass for a while (another favorite of his) and show off his tricks for them. I strolled around Seaside for a short walk with Griggs while they all watched William. I love days like this! We enjoyed some time at the house, visiting and chatting and letting Mema, Gram and Grumps get caught up on snuggles.
We did decide to have another date night for the two (3) of us while they were up. It was a nice treat to get dressed up and dress Griggs in his fancy date outfit (well, what I call his fancy, soft pajama set). Gram, Grumps and Mema babysat William for us. They had a great time playing and entertaining each other while Philip and I took Griggs on a date. We went to one of our favorite spots here on 30A (Basmati's) and while we enjoyed the date, we were a bit let down with the service and feel of the place that night. Griggs slept the entire time, yet we felt they were upset we had a baby with us. Needless to say, it's been a while since we have been back. It's a simple thing like attitude in some people that can cause such a bad taste. BUT, they couldn't cause us to regret taking our baby with us!! He was so very adorable and precious and we were thankful for our date night and alone time with just Griggs.
We enjoyed our visit with Gram, Grumps and Mema, although it was short and sweet. Spending time with family is always a favorite. It is so valuable to spend time with family and build memories. Thanks, Gram, Grumps and Mema for making the trip up to visit us and give a date night too!
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William 2 years old
William 2 years old
William loves swinging on our front porch. 15 months old
I love this picture...he's looking up at his daddy
