October 2010...
Fall weather outside. William turned 3. Griggs turned 3 months. Looking back, where did time go? How has a year and half passed?? I sit here March 2012 recapturing this chapter in our life for my blog, my journal. If I sit alone, still, quiet, all the sweet details of those days, October 2010 replay through my mind. Even the little moments of watching William play with Griggs, as he grew more aware of “life”. Griggs giggled lots and cooed at us. He snuggled and wiggled. He loved his hands and feet and entertained himself by the tiny little fingers and toes attached. William was fascinated by his baby. He loved “helping” dress him and take care of him by bringing blankets, burp cloths, toys, you name it. William would talk to Griggs and ask him questions, while Griggs just sat and soaked up the attention from his big brother. I can remember how observant Griggs seemed to be…how he would watch everything we did with such curiosity in his eyes, then yawn and doze off to sleep. Those early few months just seemed to fly by, moving at such a rapid speed. I remember thinking to myself, “take note, jot down, snap the pictures, grab the video…be still and quiet and soak it up” I do have scribbled notes of memories and “milestones”. I also quickly became a facebook journal status updater because it was right at my fingertips, daily. It proved a quick spot to “update” thoughts and moments. I just enjoy journaling in any form…even if it be a quick note, to go back and add to for my longer journal….life is a running record, a wonderful blessing!
So….what all filled the days for us, October 2010??
The weather was beautiful, so we found ourselves on the beach many afternoons. It was a relaxing way to pass the time. Griggs would either sit in the bjourne on our chest, or relax on his blanket kicking and giggling. William ran all over and built sandcastles. He also loved when we’d walk down with the stroller because he got to help push the stroller down the ramp. He said that’s big brother stuff. He would run and play, then come back and ask Griggs if he wanted to play. I am so thankful we have the beauty of the beach right here. It is a peaceful outlet for fun, a calming place for family.
Some of the best moments were during our days at home, just watching William and Griggs. William always wanted to be with his brother. One night, he said Griggs was spending the night in his big boy bed. William helped get Griggs all tucked in and snuggled, then began singing to him. He told us to go on to sleep, that he’d keep Griggs. I remember his sincere face. How sweet. We all piled in bed to “sleep” for a little while before it was really bedtime. William said he couldn’t wait until Griggs could really spend the night! I love their brotherly love already present. I love how God blessed our family.
A milestone occurred. Well, I call it a milestone….We introduced Griggs to his Bumbo seat at 3 months and he seemed to like it. The sweetest was how William would sit nearby and chat with his brother. He loved to “read” to him on days like this. It was such a fun concept! I loved sitting Griggs in his new chair and watch how William entertained. Just a special memory for me.
To keep William engaged in the seasonal crafts and continue our “preschool” time, we enjoyed some crafts and activities at home. I love watching him as we work on arts and crafts. His excitement about his learning is heartwarming for a mother. He is eager to do activities and crafts together. I love these keepsakes. Sometimes I laugh and know we do more crafts for my sake, to have special handmade keepsakes from their childhood. But, our crafts bring smiles to us, and that’s the best. We made pumpkin faces and 5 little pumpkins sitting on a gate. We painted ghosts with our feet. We even painted a pumpkin! Then, we pulled out the paints and William created beautiful pieces of art to hang in his bedroom! I love it. He was so proud to see his work up on his wall. I treasure these days.
We also made some trips to Dothan to visit my parents. It was fun hanging out and relaxing on our visits. One visit included a dove hunt for the guys. William was so cute sending them off with hugs. I smiled, knowing before long, William and Griggs would be off on these adventures with their daddy, uncles and granddaddy.
I loved how many of our days were filled with just simple playtime. We had lots of fun at home, making memories. We set up the big fish inside play tent and made forts. William loved having indoor picnics in his tent, right in the middle of our den/dining room. Griggs had lots of tummy time and back time. He would reach out for toys dangling on his play-mat and hold his head up during tummy time. I loved capturing his sweet face!! I loved watching William as he created stories in his tent. I loved how William would find my beautiful geraniums planted outside, snap them and proudly hand them over to me.. I’ll take those flowers any day of the week! I never want him to stop snapping flowers for mommy!
A new adventure we discovered with friends was what we called “the bouncy house”. Wilder’s World for Kids! A warehouse of huge jumpy houses and inflatable slides. A great find! It provided great outings and afternoons of fun. Watching William disappear into the slides and come out with smiles was priceless! He was becoming more and more independent. Always smiling. Always up for fun!
We also loved having Holden (my little brother) come down to visit us during his fall break during October. William was so excited his Uncle Holden was coming!! He wanted to stay awake while we drove to pick him up…even to the point of holding his eyes open to stay awake!! William loves being with Holden and I love having my baby brother down. It’s a special time together. Holden really loved helping with baby Griggs. He was fascinated by helping with all the “grown-up” parts of taking care of a baby…changing diapers, dressing baby, rocking baby…it was very tender and sweet to see him so gently interact with my baby and still play and have a blast with William. We spent an afternoon on the beach, went to the bouncy house, ate lots and lots, and even took Holden with us to art class!! William couldn’t get enough of being with his uncle. They even “camped out” on the floor in their sleeping bags. I was so tickled at the glimpse into the future, knowing as my boys grow, both uncles will have fun making these cool memories. I’m thankful to have a fun and loving baby brother that loves my babies and loves hanging out with me. (as does my other brother… so sweet )
More special and fun times in October that I’ll post independently about…so watch for these posts...
Halloween, and how William insisted he be a “Kireman” (fireman) and Griggs was his “Rescue Dog--Spots”
WPJ turns 3 with a Fireman and Firetruck party!!
Disney Live…William’s first live show/concert and Date Night with just Mommy & Daddy
Our first family game to TROY!! My school, my old stomping grounds.
Like I said, I’m capturing all our memories, however long it takes. Life is busy and I’m enjoying every moment of it. I am having fun going back and writing my blog, looking back and remembering. It’s a goal of mine to capture it all for the boys…and makes me smile, knowing all we’ve experienced together! However long it takes, all the fun adventures that happen in between the posts, I do plan to keep the blog in order for memory sake.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
September 2010 (Lots of Memories to capture and cherish)
So, as I continue in my journey of going back and catching up...I find myself daydreaming and remembering every tiny detail of those early days with Griggs and watching William fall more in love with his new baby, his little best friend. Septmeber brought 2 months with Griggs. We made some road trips and had lots of fun family times. I remember many nights snuggled between both of my boys. I loved how we were comfortably settling into life as our family of four...
We started the month with quiet outings to Seaside with our two boys. It's always a pleasant outing to walk down and around Seaside. William just loves running through the big grass and chatting with people. I love his free spirit and excitement. He lifts my spirits and puts a smile right on my face. It felt good to be out with both boys, enjoying the sunshine and watching William so innocently play. Griggs was such an angel baby while we were out and about. William would occasionally come over and tell his baby all about how to play in Seaside. Such a sweet memory!!
Because the weather was still beautiful and we enjoy being outside together, we had several afternoons of fun playing in the water hose with William. He was still wearing his adorable overalls, which just keep that "baby" look on him a little while longer. We would chase each other and spray the hose to "cool off and grow", which brought much, much laughter to William. Sweet Griggs would just chill out in the bjourne, mostly sleeping on my chest. There were lots of icecream afternoons as well.. Somehow, William would convince us that we needed an icecream treat when we played outside! It never bothered me because I knew he was happy! Philip would climb and play without complaint with William on the playset. It makes me laugh a little, watching him climb the little ladder and sit, crouched over in the playhouse, just because William wanted his daddy to climb with him. Those afternoons of outside family time were such a blessing! I looked forward to Philip coming home from work, knowing we'd end up outside to play and laugh...before getting the boys settled for the night!
September afternoons also are wonderful beach sunset days! We did spend several afternoons walking down to the beach for some fun playtime. Griggs just hung out in the bjourne while William would run and play and roll in the sand. I know what a blessing it is to have the beach basically in our back yard. I love watching my child play with such enthusiasm, enjoying one of God's most beautiful creations! It also felt great to get out of the house and enjoy the breeze and salt air, while still adjusting to a newborn! I can remember watching William play while rocking Griggs, knowing it would be not too long before Griggs was chasing his brother. I wanted time to slow down then.. and still do now!! I just cherish the days and savior the moment and capture many moments in pictures....so I can go back and remember...(like I said, being a year behind in my blogging is a blessing! It makes me slow down and go back and relive these sweet early days! I am thankful for my firm memory and endless pictures!)
One of William's recent favorites during this time was firetrucks. Anything related to firetrucks and firemen. He would sit for "hours on end" and entertain himself with his village of firetrucks and dress in his firemen jacket and helmet and play. I loved watching his imagination grow, listening to his conversations with his toys. As I would sit nearby, feeding Griggs or just quietly watching, William would get lost in his little mind, lining up his firetrucks and dragging out all his little people toys and small cars, creating a vast playland. He would make many "rescues" and take many adventures all around and under our dining room table. I loved this age (actually haven't had an age I don't love). Some days, he'd ask me to take care of his toys and trucks while he took his nap. That made me smile. I could see his little mind working...knowing he was truly lost in his little world of play. I love capturing his play in pictures. I would sometimes prop Griggs nearby on his boppy lounger pillow so he would "watch" his big brother. William would always include Griggs. He would take a few toys and place them around his brother, then describe the adventure of the day. I can remember thinking, "soak this up, remember exactly the gentleness William is showing" and can remember telling William before he knew it, Griggs would be playing with him. William would get so excited about this and giggle and tell Griggs "you gonna play with me soon, baby. just keep growing okay. until you get big like me, I'll play for you"........Be still my heart.....
A big deal to Griggs those days was his sweet little hands and tiny toes on those adorable feet. He would watch them move and twist. He'd pull them to his mouth. He'd just watch with wide eyes as he discovered all 10 fingers and 10 toes.. My heart would get all warm and fuzzy, and I'd just have to scoop him up and cover him in kisses and tell him all about those hands and feet and create songs and stories for him. I'd sing to him about what those toes would grow up to do and how those hands would change and grow and create memories...
Oh, the smiles...the ever-heart-melting smiles of William and Griggs... I can close my eyes and see those innocent, joyful smiles of my boys...William a month away from turning 3 and Griggs only 2 months old. I loved the anticipation of what would follow that sweet smile as it shown on their faces. Griggs cooing and smiling and yawning, eyes watching us, following us...William, full of surprise, full of conversations.. Oh, I could just sit and flip through my pictures of their perfect little smiles..and I do..I find myself flipping through photos or scrolling through files on the computer. And the best smiles..the ones that led to the other one smiling :) I love beyond measure the relationship already present between William and Griggs! Yes, I count my boys' smiles as a true gift from God and I thank him often. For smiles. For sweet, simple smiles!
Another favorite milestone from September with Baby Griggs would be the moments of him tucked in the Baby Bjourne. Having him snug to my chest, sleeping or just hanging out, while still entertaining William and having hands free, those moments are a treasure. I loved having my tiny little baby so snuggly and warm, tucked near me to my chest, where at any moment, I could kiss his sweet little head, while I still ran and played with William, prepared meals, folded clothes, wrote thank-yous... you get the picture. I can remember Philip and I taking turns "wearing" Baby Griggs! I loved how Philip proudly strapped the bjourne on when he came in from work, wanting his turn carrying Griggs and getting those snuggle moments while still having time with William.
One thing I try to constantly do with William is keep him "involved" in a natural curriculum of hands on fun and learning. I love craft time and enjoy his love of learning. Being a stay at home mom provides me the best opportunity to be his "teacher" and enrich his daily life with lessons and believe me, I try to find every teachable moment. We have "school" all the time. It's a known fact that I LOVE BEING A MOMMY and love being my child's first teacher. With that said, I love to involve him in our kitchen, using that as a huge part of our "classroom". With September, brings apples and Johnny Appleseed...not that an almost 3 yr old really understands who Johnny Appleseed is, but nevertheless, I took the moment (as I did last year).. and to get his chubby little hands interested in apples...we spent a few afternoons painting with apples, peeling apples, tasting different types of apples, making applesauce, reading books about apples..I have a sweet spot in my heart for his little excited face when we spend time doing projects and our activities. I just love this chance to make learning fun and exciting for him. I also love the chance to give him one-on-one time doing our little projects and crafts while Griggs sleeps...and at 2 months, we will take it!! I include this part about simple "apple painting" just to capture William's excitement for learning and so I can always remind myself that I do have the beautiful gift of teaching him that learning is fun...and can be messy fun and always around us!! Life is good.
One more sweet memory from these days...I loved watching William "read" to his baby brother. I loved how he would sit with his books and read to himself and entertain himself while I cared for Griggs. He was so wonderful to understand when mommy needed to care for Griggs, whether it was nursing, changing diapers, sleeping, etc.. he would either entertain himself nearby with toys or books, or snuggle up with us, while giving Griggs his space, as to not interrupt or cause distraction. It fascinated me how my almost 3 year old, truly seemed to care for his baby brother and know Mommy still loved him, regardless of my attention being pulled away. I love how he could get lost in his books, knowing his mind was growing and his heart loving us...
More of September 2010...
We made our family vacation to the lake the week of my birthday~~ We packed up the boys and off we went! I did head off to Dothan before hand to see my parents for a few days before meeting up with Philip. I love making trips to my parents' house with my children. I love bringing my boys to see their grandparents and great-grandparents. I love the comfort I have of pulling up into the driveway, and the smells of being "home". I love just being in my old house. I especially love when I put Griggs down to sleep in my old baby crib. I love how I watch my baby sleep in the bed that was mine, wondering if my parents watched me sleep just as I watch him (and watched William!) I am thankful for the moments of spending time with my moma and daddy, with Hunter and Holden and with Grannymart and Poppi in Dothan. And it makes me happy that William recognizes when we are getting near their road, telling me to turn to go to Maggies... it is a great feeling.
So, after a quick visit in Dothan, we went to the lake for our vacation. I've shared before about the love of Lake Eufaula and how fun it is to sneak off and escape the world. During this visit, we hung out and relaxed as a family. We played with William, slept lots and lots. We cooked and cooked and cooked. We had great family time. And, it fell along with my birthday!! And a visit with Papa and Mimi!! They arrived on my birthday and that night, my parents, brothers and grandparents all came up to have a birthday dinner. If you know me, you know I LOVE birthdays. And not just mine, I love anyone's birthdays!! I love celebrating life and making the birthday person feel special. This birthday was wonderful! I was with my family, at the lake, relaxing. I loved eating dinner together, hearing my parents and grandparents and papa and mimi share stories together. We laughed all night and celebrated family. It was a great birthday! My last year in my 20s...yet it made my heart so excited, knowing next year, I would be 30!! I honestly couldn't wait to be 30!! Isn't that crazy?!?! anywho...
Papa and Mimi spent a few days with us at the lake, enjoying their snuggles with Griggs and William. I loved watching them as they played and chatted with William, as they rocked Griggs and as they relaxed with us. It was a great visit. Lots of horseshoe games were played, lots of walks taken, lots of delicious food enjoyed...and an AUBURN GAME!!! It was a great weekend!! My brother came up on that Saturday, and off we went to Auburn for the Auburn/Clemson game. We had 4 tickets. Philip/Lauren/Papa/Hunter! Mimi came along and we spent the day tailgating together before the big game. When it came time to go into the game, I had to make the hand off..as I did a few years back with William...and yes, I cried again. Mimi just hugged me and tucked the boys in the stroller and off she went, strolling them back to the car to head back to the condo we would be staying in that night. She babysat the boys during the game, while the 4 of us headed into the game. It was so hard. It was the first time I'd been away from Griggs for any length of time (other than maybe an hour)..But as we walked into the stadium..my heart jumped!! I just love being in Auburn for football games!! WAR EAGLE!!! And what a game! It was so fun to celebrate such a victorious win over Clemson with Philip, my brother, Hunter and my father-in-law, Papa! It was a great first time away from Griggs...apparently Auburn got my memo to "make it worth being away from my babies!!!" hahaha!!
Oh, boy, do I cherish those moments...I'm sitting here January 2012 still trying to catch up with this blog. Still journaling those moments. I sometimes fear I won't catch up. Then as I sit down to type away, the moments come flooding back and it seems only like yesterday. I love what I call a gift of procrastination with this blog. Why, you ask?? Because, now, William is 4 and Griggs is 18 months.. and I am reliving their first few months together, just like it was yesterday. My heart is full as the words come pouring out. My prayer is this blog will be a window for William and Griggs...a look into my life as their mommy and a glimpse of how they blessed me...
We started the month with quiet outings to Seaside with our two boys. It's always a pleasant outing to walk down and around Seaside. William just loves running through the big grass and chatting with people. I love his free spirit and excitement. He lifts my spirits and puts a smile right on my face. It felt good to be out with both boys, enjoying the sunshine and watching William so innocently play. Griggs was such an angel baby while we were out and about. William would occasionally come over and tell his baby all about how to play in Seaside. Such a sweet memory!!
Because the weather was still beautiful and we enjoy being outside together, we had several afternoons of fun playing in the water hose with William. He was still wearing his adorable overalls, which just keep that "baby" look on him a little while longer. We would chase each other and spray the hose to "cool off and grow", which brought much, much laughter to William. Sweet Griggs would just chill out in the bjourne, mostly sleeping on my chest. There were lots of icecream afternoons as well.. Somehow, William would convince us that we needed an icecream treat when we played outside! It never bothered me because I knew he was happy! Philip would climb and play without complaint with William on the playset. It makes me laugh a little, watching him climb the little ladder and sit, crouched over in the playhouse, just because William wanted his daddy to climb with him. Those afternoons of outside family time were such a blessing! I looked forward to Philip coming home from work, knowing we'd end up outside to play and laugh...before getting the boys settled for the night!
September afternoons also are wonderful beach sunset days! We did spend several afternoons walking down to the beach for some fun playtime. Griggs just hung out in the bjourne while William would run and play and roll in the sand. I know what a blessing it is to have the beach basically in our back yard. I love watching my child play with such enthusiasm, enjoying one of God's most beautiful creations! It also felt great to get out of the house and enjoy the breeze and salt air, while still adjusting to a newborn! I can remember watching William play while rocking Griggs, knowing it would be not too long before Griggs was chasing his brother. I wanted time to slow down then.. and still do now!! I just cherish the days and savior the moment and capture many moments in pictures....so I can go back and remember...(like I said, being a year behind in my blogging is a blessing! It makes me slow down and go back and relive these sweet early days! I am thankful for my firm memory and endless pictures!)
One of William's recent favorites during this time was firetrucks. Anything related to firetrucks and firemen. He would sit for "hours on end" and entertain himself with his village of firetrucks and dress in his firemen jacket and helmet and play. I loved watching his imagination grow, listening to his conversations with his toys. As I would sit nearby, feeding Griggs or just quietly watching, William would get lost in his little mind, lining up his firetrucks and dragging out all his little people toys and small cars, creating a vast playland. He would make many "rescues" and take many adventures all around and under our dining room table. I loved this age (actually haven't had an age I don't love). Some days, he'd ask me to take care of his toys and trucks while he took his nap. That made me smile. I could see his little mind working...knowing he was truly lost in his little world of play. I love capturing his play in pictures. I would sometimes prop Griggs nearby on his boppy lounger pillow so he would "watch" his big brother. William would always include Griggs. He would take a few toys and place them around his brother, then describe the adventure of the day. I can remember thinking, "soak this up, remember exactly the gentleness William is showing" and can remember telling William before he knew it, Griggs would be playing with him. William would get so excited about this and giggle and tell Griggs "you gonna play with me soon, baby. just keep growing okay. until you get big like me, I'll play for you"........Be still my heart.....
A big deal to Griggs those days was his sweet little hands and tiny toes on those adorable feet. He would watch them move and twist. He'd pull them to his mouth. He'd just watch with wide eyes as he discovered all 10 fingers and 10 toes.. My heart would get all warm and fuzzy, and I'd just have to scoop him up and cover him in kisses and tell him all about those hands and feet and create songs and stories for him. I'd sing to him about what those toes would grow up to do and how those hands would change and grow and create memories...
Oh, the smiles...the ever-heart-melting smiles of William and Griggs... I can close my eyes and see those innocent, joyful smiles of my boys...William a month away from turning 3 and Griggs only 2 months old. I loved the anticipation of what would follow that sweet smile as it shown on their faces. Griggs cooing and smiling and yawning, eyes watching us, following us...William, full of surprise, full of conversations.. Oh, I could just sit and flip through my pictures of their perfect little smiles..and I do..I find myself flipping through photos or scrolling through files on the computer. And the best smiles..the ones that led to the other one smiling :) I love beyond measure the relationship already present between William and Griggs! Yes, I count my boys' smiles as a true gift from God and I thank him often. For smiles. For sweet, simple smiles!
Another favorite milestone from September with Baby Griggs would be the moments of him tucked in the Baby Bjourne. Having him snug to my chest, sleeping or just hanging out, while still entertaining William and having hands free, those moments are a treasure. I loved having my tiny little baby so snuggly and warm, tucked near me to my chest, where at any moment, I could kiss his sweet little head, while I still ran and played with William, prepared meals, folded clothes, wrote thank-yous... you get the picture. I can remember Philip and I taking turns "wearing" Baby Griggs! I loved how Philip proudly strapped the bjourne on when he came in from work, wanting his turn carrying Griggs and getting those snuggle moments while still having time with William.
One thing I try to constantly do with William is keep him "involved" in a natural curriculum of hands on fun and learning. I love craft time and enjoy his love of learning. Being a stay at home mom provides me the best opportunity to be his "teacher" and enrich his daily life with lessons and believe me, I try to find every teachable moment. We have "school" all the time. It's a known fact that I LOVE BEING A MOMMY and love being my child's first teacher. With that said, I love to involve him in our kitchen, using that as a huge part of our "classroom". With September, brings apples and Johnny Appleseed...not that an almost 3 yr old really understands who Johnny Appleseed is, but nevertheless, I took the moment (as I did last year).. and to get his chubby little hands interested in apples...we spent a few afternoons painting with apples, peeling apples, tasting different types of apples, making applesauce, reading books about apples..I have a sweet spot in my heart for his little excited face when we spend time doing projects and our activities. I just love this chance to make learning fun and exciting for him. I also love the chance to give him one-on-one time doing our little projects and crafts while Griggs sleeps...and at 2 months, we will take it!! I include this part about simple "apple painting" just to capture William's excitement for learning and so I can always remind myself that I do have the beautiful gift of teaching him that learning is fun...and can be messy fun and always around us!! Life is good.
One more sweet memory from these days...I loved watching William "read" to his baby brother. I loved how he would sit with his books and read to himself and entertain himself while I cared for Griggs. He was so wonderful to understand when mommy needed to care for Griggs, whether it was nursing, changing diapers, sleeping, etc.. he would either entertain himself nearby with toys or books, or snuggle up with us, while giving Griggs his space, as to not interrupt or cause distraction. It fascinated me how my almost 3 year old, truly seemed to care for his baby brother and know Mommy still loved him, regardless of my attention being pulled away. I love how he could get lost in his books, knowing his mind was growing and his heart loving us...
More of September 2010...
We made our family vacation to the lake the week of my birthday~~ We packed up the boys and off we went! I did head off to Dothan before hand to see my parents for a few days before meeting up with Philip. I love making trips to my parents' house with my children. I love bringing my boys to see their grandparents and great-grandparents. I love the comfort I have of pulling up into the driveway, and the smells of being "home". I love just being in my old house. I especially love when I put Griggs down to sleep in my old baby crib. I love how I watch my baby sleep in the bed that was mine, wondering if my parents watched me sleep just as I watch him (and watched William!) I am thankful for the moments of spending time with my moma and daddy, with Hunter and Holden and with Grannymart and Poppi in Dothan. And it makes me happy that William recognizes when we are getting near their road, telling me to turn to go to Maggies... it is a great feeling.
So, after a quick visit in Dothan, we went to the lake for our vacation. I've shared before about the love of Lake Eufaula and how fun it is to sneak off and escape the world. During this visit, we hung out and relaxed as a family. We played with William, slept lots and lots. We cooked and cooked and cooked. We had great family time. And, it fell along with my birthday!! And a visit with Papa and Mimi!! They arrived on my birthday and that night, my parents, brothers and grandparents all came up to have a birthday dinner. If you know me, you know I LOVE birthdays. And not just mine, I love anyone's birthdays!! I love celebrating life and making the birthday person feel special. This birthday was wonderful! I was with my family, at the lake, relaxing. I loved eating dinner together, hearing my parents and grandparents and papa and mimi share stories together. We laughed all night and celebrated family. It was a great birthday! My last year in my 20s...yet it made my heart so excited, knowing next year, I would be 30!! I honestly couldn't wait to be 30!! Isn't that crazy?!?! anywho...
Papa and Mimi spent a few days with us at the lake, enjoying their snuggles with Griggs and William. I loved watching them as they played and chatted with William, as they rocked Griggs and as they relaxed with us. It was a great visit. Lots of horseshoe games were played, lots of walks taken, lots of delicious food enjoyed...and an AUBURN GAME!!! It was a great weekend!! My brother came up on that Saturday, and off we went to Auburn for the Auburn/Clemson game. We had 4 tickets. Philip/Lauren/Papa/Hunter! Mimi came along and we spent the day tailgating together before the big game. When it came time to go into the game, I had to make the hand off..as I did a few years back with William...and yes, I cried again. Mimi just hugged me and tucked the boys in the stroller and off she went, strolling them back to the car to head back to the condo we would be staying in that night. She babysat the boys during the game, while the 4 of us headed into the game. It was so hard. It was the first time I'd been away from Griggs for any length of time (other than maybe an hour)..But as we walked into the stadium..my heart jumped!! I just love being in Auburn for football games!! WAR EAGLE!!! And what a game! It was so fun to celebrate such a victorious win over Clemson with Philip, my brother, Hunter and my father-in-law, Papa! It was a great first time away from Griggs...apparently Auburn got my memo to "make it worth being away from my babies!!!" hahaha!!
Oh, boy, do I cherish those moments...I'm sitting here January 2012 still trying to catch up with this blog. Still journaling those moments. I sometimes fear I won't catch up. Then as I sit down to type away, the moments come flooding back and it seems only like yesterday. I love what I call a gift of procrastination with this blog. Why, you ask?? Because, now, William is 4 and Griggs is 18 months.. and I am reliving their first few months together, just like it was yesterday. My heart is full as the words come pouring out. My prayer is this blog will be a window for William and Griggs...a look into my life as their mommy and a glimpse of how they blessed me...
Saturday, October 1, 2011
August 2010: Days at home with William and Griggs...
Going back and catching up...gives me time. Time to reflect back and thumb through my pictures from a year ago. Time to remember all the tiny moments and sweet memories. I can't believe I am sitting here 15 months late in my blogging, wondering where time has gone. Yet, I push ahead, still blogging when I can to create my blog (journal story) for my boys for a keepsake one day.
Last August, Griggs turned one month and we made the big transition to big boy underwear with William. We spent lots of time just hanging around the house, snuggling and giggling together. Some of my favorite moments...all the smiles from my two boys and watching William love and cuddle with his baby brother. William and I made lots of pallets on the floor for extra snuggle time. He loved to pile up pillows and make "soft beds" he could crawl in while Griggs slept nearby on his baby boppy lounger pillow. I loved watching this little love grow. We also started letting Griggs hang out in his bouncy seat and swing a bit. He seemed to enjoy both. William always wanted Griggs nearby and would sing sweet songs to his baby.
I loved doing mini photo sessions with Griggs, capturing hischubby, chubby cheeks and those tiny feet and hands in pictures. I loved snapping pictures of him while he slept. I loved taking silly pictures of William while he and I played during Griggs' naptimes. William seemed to be adjusting quite well to being a big brother. It was such a fun and special time. We also would occassionaly go down to the beach together to let William play in the sand while we cuddled on Griggs and enjoyed sunset. There were several nights both boys would end up in our bed and I'd sleep so soundly right between the two. I could go on and on describing the simple life. I could talk endlessly about how much I love my children and love spending my days being just that...a mommy! I love watching my husband as a daddy to two boys. I love my family and cherish moments together. In a way, it is a blessing that I am this far behind in my blogging...I have a reason to spend time reminiscing and drifting back through my thoughts of Griggs as an infant and my William becoming a big brother. I am loving that as I thumb through pictures and play slideshows here on my computer remembering these moments, William sits beside me or plays nearby and will come over and ask me to tell him stories from the pictures, smiling so proudly! And, how sweet his little voice sounds when he asks me to please pull out his baby pictures and tell him his stories. Music to my heart!!
Here's a recap of August 2010 in pictures...there's lots! and they all capture my heart in motion!
Last August, Griggs turned one month and we made the big transition to big boy underwear with William. We spent lots of time just hanging around the house, snuggling and giggling together. Some of my favorite moments...all the smiles from my two boys and watching William love and cuddle with his baby brother. William and I made lots of pallets on the floor for extra snuggle time. He loved to pile up pillows and make "soft beds" he could crawl in while Griggs slept nearby on his baby boppy lounger pillow. I loved watching this little love grow. We also started letting Griggs hang out in his bouncy seat and swing a bit. He seemed to enjoy both. William always wanted Griggs nearby and would sing sweet songs to his baby.
I loved doing mini photo sessions with Griggs, capturing hischubby, chubby cheeks and those tiny feet and hands in pictures. I loved snapping pictures of him while he slept. I loved taking silly pictures of William while he and I played during Griggs' naptimes. William seemed to be adjusting quite well to being a big brother. It was such a fun and special time. We also would occassionaly go down to the beach together to let William play in the sand while we cuddled on Griggs and enjoyed sunset. There were several nights both boys would end up in our bed and I'd sleep so soundly right between the two. I could go on and on describing the simple life. I could talk endlessly about how much I love my children and love spending my days being just that...a mommy! I love watching my husband as a daddy to two boys. I love my family and cherish moments together. In a way, it is a blessing that I am this far behind in my blogging...I have a reason to spend time reminiscing and drifting back through my thoughts of Griggs as an infant and my William becoming a big brother. I am loving that as I thumb through pictures and play slideshows here on my computer remembering these moments, William sits beside me or plays nearby and will come over and ask me to tell him stories from the pictures, smiling so proudly! And, how sweet his little voice sounds when he asks me to please pull out his baby pictures and tell him his stories. Music to my heart!!
Here's a recap of August 2010 in pictures...there's lots! and they all capture my heart in motion!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
A glimpse back to tiny, tiny toes...
One of my favorite pages in the baby book...
The "little hands and little feet"!
I can remember this day so vividly in my mind. Late August, 2010...only 6 weeks old! We put William down for his nap so we could have one-on-one time with Griggs to do his special keepsake page together. I often look back to this page in his baby book, reflecting back to how tiny his little hands and feet were. It makes my heart skip a beat every time, knowing how fast time goes and how so very blessed we are to have our wonderful bundle from above...
Hope you like the pictures :)
The "little hands and little feet"!
I can remember this day so vividly in my mind. Late August, 2010...only 6 weeks old! We put William down for his nap so we could have one-on-one time with Griggs to do his special keepsake page together. I often look back to this page in his baby book, reflecting back to how tiny his little hands and feet were. It makes my heart skip a beat every time, knowing how fast time goes and how so very blessed we are to have our wonderful bundle from above...
Hope you like the pictures :)
Saturday, August 20, 2011
August 2010...Griggs Meets Aunt Babs! A day trip to Navarre
Looking back, still catching up...it's an excuse to trail down memory lane, to flip through pictures from last year and have those moments where I can sit and just remember. Just relive some special moments and cherish them in my heart. A chance to count my blessings...
This post is a brief glimpse back to a special day trip with my moma and 2 sweet babies of mine...a reflection to one of my favorites... to My Aunt Babs! Aunt Babs is my great-aunt on my dad's side. She is Grannymart's sister. I love her dearly. She's always been so loving and such a bright joy to me. I can remember so many memories of my childhood that included trips to see Aunt Babs with either my parents or my grandparents. She is one special lady and I am blessed to have a wonderful relationship with her. She lived in Navarre Beach most of my life. Around my college years, she moved off the beach and up the road to Holly (but it still was Navarre to me!) I can remember childhood trips to visit her at the beach as well as high school and college trips. In fact, that's where I went right after high school graduation! My parents and I and a few friends went down to spend the weekend with her at her beach house :) Now, when Philip and I started dating, I loved that she was only about an hour and 15 minutes from Seagrove!! When I moved to Florida, the year we were engaged, I got to see her more often! I can remember those first few years of mine, living in Florida, when I would call her up and we'd plan a date for me to come over and visit, and most times spend the night. It was a good feeling to know that while I was missing my parents and my grandparents, she was right there for me. We'd spend afternoon visits just chatting and talking about life and catching up. When Philip proposed, after our parents and grandparents had been told, I made my family promise not to call her b/c I wanted to tell her in person! He proposed on my birthday, the same year Hurricane Ivan hit. We called her and said we were bringing her some dinner since her power had been knocked out and to check on things for her due to the storm. After a little chatting, I finally said "We have some news...!" She was tickled and said "it's about time!"
Anyway, through the years, I knew she wanted to move back to Shreveport to live nearby her daughter, Aimee and her family, and I supported that dream. I knew there would be an answer to prayer for her and that she'd sell her beautiful home and make the big move. I just wanted to enjoy as much time with her nearby as I could, so quite often, either Philip and I would go over with William or just William and I would go over to visit. We'd most always have lunch at our favorite spot "Sailor's Grill"! William loved playing in her kitchen with her little baskets of kitchen gadgets while we chatted. A few of my favorite memories included the night she babysat William when he was 4 months old so we could have a date! She said they rolled on the floor and sang and bounced the night away. Another fun memory was a weekend visit when Grannymart was down to see her. We drove over to have dinner with them at "Gator's"...a well known local hole in the wall. We even taught them a domino game that night! I know I sound extra sentimental, but I can't help it! This post is about the last visit to her home in Navarre that I made with my boys. Griggs was only 5 weeks old. My mom had come down to see me and I asked her if she would ride over with me to see Aunt Babs so she could Griggs.
I couldn't wait to see my Aunt holding my new baby!! We had a splendid day together! Even had lunch at Sailor's Grill! It was wonderful to spend the afternoon, soaking up family time. I loved the pictures from this visit! It was a short visit, but a perfect visit, nonetheless! This was August. Only 2 months later we heard the WONDERFUL news that she'd had an offer on her house and would be moving to Shreveport soon!! She was tickled! We were so happy for her! She'd be moving to be near her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren!! I knew a piece of my heart was leaving my "area", but would always be a phone call, text or email away. I was extra happy when she said she'd be up in Dothan for Thanksgiving! That meant I'd get to see her and she'd get to see my boys again! After Thanksgiving, time moved so quickly and before I knew it, she had moved...
I miss her being just down the road. I miss my impromptu drives over to Navarre to spend the day with her. But, I am so thankful for the years I had to have her nearby and I am so very happy for her to be with her daughter. God is wonderful and as you can tell, has blessed me with family beyond measure. Having such a wonderful great-aunt that could tell me stories about my grannymart and my daddy as a child and just to share her life with me, well...I am blessed. I'll always consider her a best friend of mine. I can't wait to see her soon...
I wonder what Philip would say if I said I was thinking of making the drive to Shreveport...hmmmm :)
This post is a brief glimpse back to a special day trip with my moma and 2 sweet babies of mine...a reflection to one of my favorites... to My Aunt Babs! Aunt Babs is my great-aunt on my dad's side. She is Grannymart's sister. I love her dearly. She's always been so loving and such a bright joy to me. I can remember so many memories of my childhood that included trips to see Aunt Babs with either my parents or my grandparents. She is one special lady and I am blessed to have a wonderful relationship with her. She lived in Navarre Beach most of my life. Around my college years, she moved off the beach and up the road to Holly (but it still was Navarre to me!) I can remember childhood trips to visit her at the beach as well as high school and college trips. In fact, that's where I went right after high school graduation! My parents and I and a few friends went down to spend the weekend with her at her beach house :) Now, when Philip and I started dating, I loved that she was only about an hour and 15 minutes from Seagrove!! When I moved to Florida, the year we were engaged, I got to see her more often! I can remember those first few years of mine, living in Florida, when I would call her up and we'd plan a date for me to come over and visit, and most times spend the night. It was a good feeling to know that while I was missing my parents and my grandparents, she was right there for me. We'd spend afternoon visits just chatting and talking about life and catching up. When Philip proposed, after our parents and grandparents had been told, I made my family promise not to call her b/c I wanted to tell her in person! He proposed on my birthday, the same year Hurricane Ivan hit. We called her and said we were bringing her some dinner since her power had been knocked out and to check on things for her due to the storm. After a little chatting, I finally said "We have some news...!" She was tickled and said "it's about time!"
Anyway, through the years, I knew she wanted to move back to Shreveport to live nearby her daughter, Aimee and her family, and I supported that dream. I knew there would be an answer to prayer for her and that she'd sell her beautiful home and make the big move. I just wanted to enjoy as much time with her nearby as I could, so quite often, either Philip and I would go over with William or just William and I would go over to visit. We'd most always have lunch at our favorite spot "Sailor's Grill"! William loved playing in her kitchen with her little baskets of kitchen gadgets while we chatted. A few of my favorite memories included the night she babysat William when he was 4 months old so we could have a date! She said they rolled on the floor and sang and bounced the night away. Another fun memory was a weekend visit when Grannymart was down to see her. We drove over to have dinner with them at "Gator's"...a well known local hole in the wall. We even taught them a domino game that night! I know I sound extra sentimental, but I can't help it! This post is about the last visit to her home in Navarre that I made with my boys. Griggs was only 5 weeks old. My mom had come down to see me and I asked her if she would ride over with me to see Aunt Babs so she could Griggs.
I couldn't wait to see my Aunt holding my new baby!! We had a splendid day together! Even had lunch at Sailor's Grill! It was wonderful to spend the afternoon, soaking up family time. I loved the pictures from this visit! It was a short visit, but a perfect visit, nonetheless! This was August. Only 2 months later we heard the WONDERFUL news that she'd had an offer on her house and would be moving to Shreveport soon!! She was tickled! We were so happy for her! She'd be moving to be near her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren!! I knew a piece of my heart was leaving my "area", but would always be a phone call, text or email away. I was extra happy when she said she'd be up in Dothan for Thanksgiving! That meant I'd get to see her and she'd get to see my boys again! After Thanksgiving, time moved so quickly and before I knew it, she had moved...
I miss her being just down the road. I miss my impromptu drives over to Navarre to spend the day with her. But, I am so thankful for the years I had to have her nearby and I am so very happy for her to be with her daughter. God is wonderful and as you can tell, has blessed me with family beyond measure. Having such a wonderful great-aunt that could tell me stories about my grannymart and my daddy as a child and just to share her life with me, well...I am blessed. I'll always consider her a best friend of mine. I can't wait to see her soon...
I wonder what Philip would say if I said I was thinking of making the drive to Shreveport...hmmmm :)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
July 2010 (videos)...sweet words about a fun cake
Yes, these are from A YEAR AGO!! I am steadily working on getting caught up on my blog for my family. I felt it was perfect timing that as I've been trying to get caught up, here I sit a year later, and come across these videos of William last year decorating his Flag Cake! I can remember how sweet my 2 year old baby was as he sat up on the counter, enjoying most of the fruit decorations on his cake :)
Happy 4th! Always!
Lauren
Friday, June 24, 2011
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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
