The purpose of this blog is to help keep our family and friends updated with the happenings of our life. We hope this will help everyone feel more connected, as well as closer to us, despite distance.
The zoo held an event, Wake up with the animals, this morning. I signed up for 1 adult, not sure if Jason was going to have to work or not. He told me late Thursday night that he thinks it would be fun for us to all go together. Friday morning, I called and the event had already closed. I was too sad, thinking this might be one of the last times as a family of 3 we get to do something fun. I left messages asking if I could join, without eating-which is what the charge was for-but never heard back. I finally called back and they said that I could go! Soo fun! I knew Phoenix was going to love it, since it is the zoo and animals and Jason had only been 1 time with us before-like a year ago.
We didn't tell Phoenix where we were going, just that Mama and Dada were taking him for a surprise. Of course, half way there he figured it out-apparently he knows how to get to the zoo :).
We got there at 7:45 and registered. Then there was a show featuring some of the animals. Afterwards was an elephant encounter and the breakfast. It was a beautiful morning and very nice to walk around the zoo without people everywhere. Even ride the carousel all by ourselves :)
Luna will be here before we know it (inducing the week of Sept. 9). Seriously, where did the time go???? Poor girl doesn't get much blog time at this point in her life but no doubts that'll change once she arrives!
Besides being TOTALLY unprepared for her arrival, I am looking forward to a few things in the upcoming weeks. Before my life becomes a complete mess. Right now its at just 90%. Ha!
The mere thought of her "arriving any day" is way beyond comprehension at this point. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING is ready. Her room is a mess, her carseat is who knows where, she doesn't have a "coming home" outfit, and I might not be able to have an epidural. Those are just a few reasons I'm in total denial about this kid coming. But, it is what it is, right????!!!!
Like I said earlier-there are a few things I am actually looking forward to. One being-tomorrow night. I am getting my hair cut and colored. I cannot express my excitement. I haven't had as much as a trim in over 2 years, so this is a real treat for me. My dr. gave the approval for me to color it-now that everything is fully developed. I am looking soo forward to this-rather its for the actual cut (losing like 10lbs)/color or just the 2 hours to myself just relaxing-who knows. Either way, my hair definitely needs it, maybe more so than my mind!
I am also very excited about my brother coming in town. He is coming the week before Luna is scheduled to show up, but Phoenix LOVES him. He spends soo much time with Phoenix and plays with him constantly. He even spends the night. Such a change from always having to go to everyone else. Good thing we got Phoenix bunk beds :). Such a great Uncle! I love watching the two of them together. Just wish he'd stay an extra week so he can meet his newest niece, Luna.
The thing I am the absolute most excited about-ready for this.....I have convinced Jason to go with me and have a mani/pedi the week prior to induction. Just me and him. No friends, no family, no Phoenix. Just me and him. I HATE having my toes done-i HATE feet. Any and all, however, I know how much he will love it. I mean, I can totally see him going back every month to have a pedicure. Those of you that know him, totally get this I'm sure. I'm not going to make him get a mani, but I know he'll be sold on the pedi in no time!!!!! I can't wait to see how much he enjoys this time and relaxes and gets spoiled a bit for a change. I am also super excited about the fact that it'll be like the 2nd or 3rd (thats probably an exaggeration seeing I can think of only 1) time we've gone on a "date" together since Phoenix. Long overdue for some Jason and Juliet time before Luna gets here. Seriously, the time for this to happen is taking waaaaay longer than the time for Luna to get here. How sad is that!
But overall, we are doing well and hanging in there. We are excited for our newest member and for the time before hand to prepare both mentally and physically.
I am really over this whole "growing up" thing kids must do. I mean seriously, who in the world even invented such a ludicrous concept anyways.
In the past month, since turning 2, Phoenix has decided to: speak in sentences, voice his opinions, dress himself & give opinion on what to wear, wear panties in public and now sleep in a big boy bed.
Sunday, August 4, 2013 first attempt (successful) in big boy bed. Slept from 8:30-7:00 roughly. Monday, August 5, 2013 first attempted nap (success in that you fell asleep) in big boy bed. Slept from 1:30-sleeping now-so we'll see!
Here is how he spent the beginning of his nap. Excuse the fan, the mirror against the wall and the unhung monitor. We are making the transition still :).
Although not shown in the video, he did get in bed and cover himself. That only lasted a minute. He then proceeded to go stand at the door and cry. My hormonal self gave in and went and laid with him. I left him as he was closing his eyes for nap. My sweet boy!
1st real outing in big boy panties.
Playing his "compooter" in his new room.
Insisted on dressing himself for bed.
No more rocking, but we'll ALWAYS have story time.
Yes, its true. I refuse-I mean seriously refuse to tee-tee in public and I always knew it'd become an issue once we reached that point with Phoenix. Up until now, I've been able to keep him in panties at home (with no accidents), but in diapers whenever we go out. Quick trips to the bank and grocery store I'd let him wear panties to, but if we were to be out longer than 30 minutes or so, I'd throw his teezo in a diaper just to avoid the public bathroom. I totally blame myself for the fact that he isn't potty trained because I know he is ready-its ME thats not!
Jason called last night to tell me he was on the way home and to get dressed and have Phoenix ready as well. As I was changing him, he refused to take his panties off. I mean refused. So, instead of fighting him, I went with the flow. Knowing Jason was there in case the bathroom was needed, helped me a bit but I was still totally grossed out by the idea of my son using a public bathroom.
Anyways, we went to dinner. He never had to go. I told Jason to take him in to try just in case before we left but leave it to a man to say, "We're going to the park. He can just go in the grass." I was a bit relieved but also a bit perturbed. I don't need him thinking he can go outside anywhere and everywhere, but knowing this was a private park we were going to (so we'd be the only ones there), I let it go.
We arrived at the park and played for a while. He finally went off in the grass (sorry mr. acton) to pee-pee. I was soo proud of him for not having an accident! After the park, we went and had ice cream. Again, no accidents. We were gone probably 2-3 hours with not one issue. August 2, 2013 the FIRST time out in panties for more than 30 minutes or so and we had NO accidents!
I was super proud of him, but that means just one thing-Pee-Peeing in public is about to start so I guess its time to face my fear. Please pray for me.
In an attempt to catch up, i'm doing a hodgepodge of lately. Hopefully i'll regain my motivation soon.
-Update from 2 year doctor visit: weighs 29 pounds (now a bit over 30) and is 35 1/2 inches. Roughly 75% in both. He checked out great in all areas!
-Can count to 10 in Spanish, much to my surprise. Also uses agua, gracias and de nada. Can also throw in some random Arabic words as well!
-Speaking in sentences more and more every day.
-Is definitely having his "2" moments but can usually be sidetracked by a change of subject.
-Loves his sister, Moona but doesn't like the doctor messing with mama.
-Swimming, play dates, cousins and story times fill most of our summer days. Oh-and Barnes and Noble since I can't do the zoo very often anymore :).
-Cousins Isaiah and Andrew came for a visit. We had a blast with them.
They kept us busy but we wouldn't have it any other way. Phoenix hasn't seen them since he was a few weeks old, so A LOT has changed ;). And although he kept telling me, "I no like Chele-Chele," he asked for her every morning!
-I braved the Gardendale splash pad alone with Phoenix and 4 of my 5 nieces. Marie brought Suki after therapy. It was fun but boy was I tired. Love being able to take the girls with us though! They are such a fun spirited group!
-We took a family day out to Leeds. We tried going to BassPro Shop, the Pants Store and the outlets, but our plans kept getting messed up. The one good thing from all of it though was the outlet had a mini petting zoo. There is nothing Phoenix loves more than his music and his animals, so this was definitely a welcomed treat!
-We have purchased bunk beds. They are still sitting in the garage, but hopefully this weekend we can have them up and ready for our big boy. It makes me sad to move him to another room, but I'm excited about why we are doing it. We are slowly getting ready for Luna's arrival-thankfully, I'm leaving her room exactly the same. She is getting a wardrobe-or somewhat at least. I think she has a laundry basket full that will last her winter and summer as of now. I even bought her and Phoenix "matching" outfits. Soo cute!!!! Still shopping though. She will make her grand entrance into our family in 5 weeks-at the most. Depending on some things, it might be sooner. Who knows :)! Either way, we are excited and looking forward to it. We are definitely Blessed.
-In the meantime, I am trying to soak up every minute with this kiddo. Mama's best friend for sure!
I'm sure I'm leaving out a ton of great information but at least this will make me feel better about my recent hiatus.
