Thursday Thoughts

There is no theme to this post other than me writing my thoughts on a Thursday. Hence the title.

First things first, this morning was amazing. I fed Holden at 10:00 last night and then my mom fed her again at 2:30, which meant I got to sleep all that time. AND, because I couldn't fall asleep, I took one Tylenol PM and slept like I was a hibernating bear. It was amazing. Davis slept till 9:00 too- so we really felt like a million bucks. He is for sure a Bennett, with the way he likes to sleep. I think Holden will be the same way. Davis usually goes to bed around 7:30 and he will sleep till 9:00 on the weekends, but wakes up around 7:30 or 8:00 on the weekdays because he hears us.

He has been saying the cutest things lately. He says "I do" a lot. Which doesn't sound that interesting, but let me put it in context...
ME: Do you like Ritz crackers, Davis?
Davis: I do! :)

ME: Did you have fun at school today, Davis?
Davis: I do!

ME: Did you play with Max today? Is he your best friend at school?
Davis: I do!

He also loves telling me "It's Fwi-dway!" when really it's Monday, Tuesday, or any other day of the week.

He thinks it's funny to say yucky things are poo-poo. (Such a boy) And laughs his brains out when I say "Mekka lekka hi mekka hiney ho!" He says "More hiney ho mommy, more hiney ho!"

He is talking a lot about how daddy went on an airplane to Minneapowis this week. Bennett is at the leadership training thing he was selected for- I am so proud of him. If anyone has a leadership personality- it's that guy.

Holden cannot stop smiling. She is the sweetest thing. This week has been a good one as far as the reflux goes. I am trying not to tell myself that it is fading out...but I really wish it was fading out. They say it can last 3 months to a year. I hope we're on the 3 months side.

Last night I got to catch up with Katie, which is always good for the soul, and about a million laughs. I told her to enjoy her last summer in Ohio because it's already in the mid 80s here and I am DREADING the summer.

I've been thinking about the differences between Holden and Davis lately- and how I wonder what she will be like at Davis' age. Here are a few unique things about each of them, and things they share in common.

Davis was so hot natured when he was little- he still is. He was born in November and even in December and January, when it was cold, he would sweat through his clothes when he was riding in his car seat. Holden isn't really that way.

Holden loves being held. She smiles the second you pick her up or walk up to her- a big old grin. Davis could have cared less- in fact- he preferred it when you laid him down and handed him his bottle. And he certainly acted like I could have been his mom or the mailman for all he cared.

Holden spits up- Davis never did.

I dressed Davis in button down shirts and jeans and man clothes when he was in 0-3 months size clothes. I haven't done that yet with Holden. I think it's because I realize how quickly the newborn phase passes.

They both love/d sleeping in the bouncy chair. I mean seriously. And they both had to be swaddled to sleep. They both love binkies and it seems they both enjoy sleeping.

Okay- other random notes and thoughts. Today Davis woke up SO HAPPY. It was such a treat. He was so excited "his honey" was still here and also thrilled to go to school. We had to wait on the dryer last night so he could both sleep in this specific race car shirt and also wear it to school- so he was really jazzed about that. In the car he kept saying "want to go to school mommy. want to open the door at school. want to play with max mommy. want to show max my shirt."

So when we got there, I was signing him in, and he was looking in the little window at the bottom of the door. I could hear his friends shouting "Davis is here!" And he looked up at me with the biggest grin and said "OPEN THE DOOR MOMMY!" It was so fun. I love his school. Yesterday- they were playing The Beatles "Let it Be" on the playground and tomorrow- they are having a fire truck and fire fighters come see all the classes. Anyway- he walked in and went straight over to Max after washing his hands. Max handed him a truck and Davis looked at me and said "We play together!"

Then Max paused and looked at his shirt and said "You got race cars on your shirt." Then pointed and named them all. I thought Davis might bust with pride. He then looked at me and said "Mommy got to go bye bye..." haha.

It was such a good morning.
See- never underestimate sleep and a smile. :)

We went to the stock show and rodeo Saturday with Nikki and Tony so I have some pictures to post- but my camera is charging. So in the meantime, here are a few photos of Holden I took with my camera...

Happy Thursday.

Can you guess who gave Holden this camouflage onesie? Complete with lace ruffles on the neck and bootie?? B!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

And a quick shot of Miss Holden at the mall (Nordstrom bathroom, to be exact). She sure looks a lot like her brother in this picture. It's funny- they look a lot alike- but also different and I can't tell what it is exactly that differentiates them. Her eyes? Her nose? We say she has a little WHO nose- like Cindy Lou Who, from whoville. So cute.

The nanny starts Monday. Here's hoping!

11 Weeks

It's been 11 weeks- and in some ways it feels like it's been 11 years and in some ways, 11 minutes. Either way, I feel a little sad today that my maternity leave is almost over. It's certainly been hard and there were days and moments where I would have loved to just go back to work instead of doing the hard work I was doing at home...but I have also loved spending 11 weeks with my sweet Holden Eloise. She is such a doll and I love her so much.

So, looking back at the last 11 weeks, here is what I have learned.

1) Life is broken into seasons. The season you are in now is not going to last forever- good or bad. So find the best in the season you're in- because when it's over, it's over, and chances are you are going to miss some things from it.

2) Your best is good enough. Rest in that fact.

3) The best things in life aren't easy. I don't think I need to elaborate on that.

4) DVR is A.MAZ.ING. I have watched more good television in the wee hours of the morning than I ever would have without it. Sometimes, usually after "It's a Brad, Brad World" or "The Challenge" I have been a little excited to wake up at 2:00 a.m. to feed Holden and watch my shows. Thank you Time Warner Cable.

5) If you know or meet a new or single parent- offer them a smile, a hug, some encouragement, or better yet, some help. Being a new parent is hard and I can't imagine being a single parent. I have all the admiration in the world for single parents- shout out to my mom.

6) It's important to have things for yourself. While being a mom is my favorite and most important role (tied with that of being a wife) I am a better person, wife, mom, etc. because I have things for myself that I enjoy and feel proud of.

7) Aden & Anais swaddle blankets are the best there are. Period. Great gift.

8) You cannot put a price on the value of family and friends that help you through the tough seasons you are in.

9) Don't underestimate the power of the following: a nap, a smile, or a vibrator. (I'm talking about Holden's vibrating bouncy seat, but who am I to suggest it's limited to that?) :)

10) Don't rush. Whether you're enjoying yourself or not- there is a reason things are the way they are- there is something you're supposed to learn. What is it? Chances are if you rush through it- the scenario will keep coming back until you work through it anyway.

11) Working out can keep you sane. It's important, and...

12) Tiny baby acid reflux is the absolute worst. Ugh.

13) Throw your worries into prayer. Amazing things can happen.

14) Behind every good man is a good momma or a good wife- and you can take that to the bank.

And that's about all I've got right now. It's been hard. It's been miserable. It's been amazing. It's been joyful. I'm sad it's almost over, but I'm glad I get to call Holden mine, far beyond my maternity leave. I am so thankful for my little family.

Going to the chapel...

Nikki got engaged Friday night. Right in front of us! I was so excited, I almost died. I am positive I did alarm all of their neighbors with my screaming.

We went to Elizabeth Street Cafe for her birthday that night, and it was so cute, so fun, and the pho was second to none. Toward the end of the meal, Tony said he wanted us to come over for cake and a night cap. My mom said she thought she might go relieve our babysitter...and he abruptly said "No, you have to come..."

I didn't think anything of it though because he really likes an audience even when just giving a regular gift. But when we were pulling into their apartment, I started to get a funny feeling and I said to my mom "you don't think he is proposing, do you?" She didn't, but from that minute on, I did.

We weren't even inside 10 minutes, talking about random stuff, when he said " can you guys give me a minute?" Again, sort of abruptly. So we got quiet and he began to toast Nikki on her birthday. And I could tell he was nervous, and each time he said the word "propose" I just knew what was coming. Finally, after toasting her, he said "you know what, that's not good enough..." then he got on his knee, and I'm sure said some more really lovely things, but I couldn't hear because of the aforementioned screaming!

And I think Nikki was in shock. After he proposed, I could see he was still holding a ring, so I asked about it. He said it was a ring he designed for her, but not her engagement ring, because he really thought they should look and design that together. So its kind of like a placeholder, and a ring to wear here and there for fun. Won't that be so fun to design a ring?

Anyway, I am so excited. I couldnt be happier for Nikki, she is the best friend and sister a girl could ask for and she deserves all the happiness in the world.

Let the vicarious wedding planning begin!

Pee Pee Dance

It should be noted that Davis pee peed in his new froggy potty today. We cheered, we clapped, and we talked about it all night.

Big weekend, and urine isn't even the half of it...
More soon.

Happy Birthday to Nanny

So, just trying to catch up. Monday we went to Fredericksburg to surprise my grandmother for her birthday. Davis was very excited to see everyone. On the way there he said "I going to Honey's house!" over and over and then he would say "I see Honey. And Mikki. And Nanny. And Gampa. And Andy. And Kirsten." We also practiced singing happy birthday so he could sing it to nanny when he saw her. He also liked to sing happy birthday to himself- so we did that too.

We played with Nanny and grandpa, met up with Kirsten and Andy at Sweet Marley's, and then had dinner for Nanny's birthday. I debated driving home before dinner because Davis doesn't usually sleep so well at my mom's- but I was having fun and wanted to stay and it was also supposed to storm- so I stuck around and hoped for the best.

Davis went to bed around 8:30 after dinner and slept in a pack n play in my mom's room with Nikki. My mom slept in my sister's old room- near Holden- and they tried to let me get some sleep by letting me sleep upstairs in my old bedroom. It was so nice listening to the rain fall on the tin roof. Until I heard my mom say that Davis was crying for me. He was so nervous because of the storm...so he and I both climbed in bed with Nikki. After calming down, he surprised me and fell asleep. For a while. And then he woke up and realized how much fun it was that he was sleeping in a big bed with mommy- and especially Mikki.

Imagine us- trying so hard to sleep- and Davis waking up at 1:00 a.m. saying things like:

"HI MIKKI! HI MOMMY! I in Mikki's bed. I so cozy cozy. I got my doggie. And my blanket. And my binky. HI MOMMY! HI MIKKI!" And he inched closer to our faces the longer we ignored him or tried to get him to lay down. This went on for at least an hour. He would lay down, be still and quiet for a moment, then roll over close to my face, rub it and say "be nice to mommy. mommy tired," which sounds nice until he got tired of being the only one awake and then gave me a little pinch on the face to get my attention.

This was how the night went:
Me to Davis: Davis, it's time to lay down. If you're going to sleep in the big bed you have to lay down and be quiet.
Davis to me: I cozy mommy...
Me: I'm so glad Davis, now be quiet.
Davis to me: HI MOMMY!
Me: Davis, Nikki has to work in the morning, so you need to let her go to sleep. She's very tired.
Davis to me: Nikki working hard. Nikki berry tired. Go nigh nigh Nikki.
Me: (silence)
Davis: I need Honey. I need gampa on the couch more.
ME: Be quiet Davis.
Davis: It's raining mommy.

30 minutes of silence and we fall asleep and wake up to:
"FWINKLE FWINKLE WITTLE STAR! HOW I WONDER WHAT YOU ARE. UP ABOVE THE..."
Me: Davis- okay. It's time to get in your bed."

So he gets in his bed and lays there quietly for 15 minutes.

Davis: Mommy, I need some mulk.
Me: Okay, I'll get you some milk.
Davis: I need some appa-juice (after getting his milk)
Me: We don't have apple juice honey, now go nigh nigh.
Davis: Mommy this milk is stinky. It's stinky.

At this point, Nikki and I are exhausted, delirious and we are shaking, trying not to laugh out loud. This went on for the better part of the night. It was nuts. It will be funny, AFTER I catch up on my sleep, I'm sure. He made Holden look easy.

Girl Things

So, following a "Boy Things" post, it's only fair to do a "Girl Things" post. My little sweetheart. Geez. I am falling more in love with Holden every day. She is so sweet and calm. And she smiles all the time when I talk to her. I mean, I might have to do the high pitch baby-talk voice for the smile, but it's worth it.

People keep asking me how the reflux is- and honestly- I guess it's better? I mean, she is not in pain, really, but she spits up A LOT. Some days are worse than others. Some days are like waterfalls of milk (like today). Some days- no spit up at all. Most days are somewhere in between. And it isn't really a big deal- but it is a lot of trying to keep her full, clean and dry. Not to mention, A LOT of laundry. So today, on my way to Walgreens to pick up another refill of her medicine, I had tucked a little dish rag in her carrier to act as a burp cloth. The rest were in the wash, which happens a lot. So imagine my excitement when I stopped to get the mail and got a package from my best blog friend, Meagan, and inside were TWO MONOGRAMMED burp cloths.

So fun- for many reasons. 1) total surprise 2) they are my first monogrammed things- ever (I know that's hard to believe for all you native Texans) and 3) they are adorable. I almost don't want to use them- to think of her spitting up on them is just upsetting. Ha. I opened the package and thought to myself "That Meagan. She's a class act." When you and your little girl are covered in spit up most of the day- it's really nice to have some girly things like this. My mom also ordered me some more cute bibs since that is mainly what she wears each day. :) Making the best of it!

Aren't they cute?

And isn't she cute rocking a hoodie and wearing a little bow?

Davis loves Holden. He loves her enough to share his most prized posession- his trucks! What a lucky girl.

Boy Things

Saturday night we had the Ryans over to grill and hang out. Davis was so excited...but usually when they get together, they kind of do their own thing. This time- they were really playing together- and it was SO fun to watch. Carrie and I decided early on that we would just let them stay up as late as they were nice- so we could hang out. I figured Davis wouldn't last much past 7:30. He needs his sleep and you can tell the instant he is missing it. But those boys played happily and played hard until about 9:30.

They had hot dogs. They ate oreos and pop-stickles. They jumped (Davis mainly fell) off the porch. They took turns playing with the same 3 toys- because clearly toys look way more fun when someone else is playing with it. But then the big hit was when Porter showed Davis how fun it was to play with a giant stick- hitting everything he could see in the yard. They were so amped up- I was just waiting for one of them to hit the other- but amazingly, there were no injuries.

After it got dark- we took the boys in and gave them a bath. At one point Davis said "Mary Mae in the tub" so Carrie put her in for a minute and he thought that was really great. Three kiddos in the tub, two moms monitoring the crazy amount of splashing, and smiles all around. Being a mom is fun. Even from the beginning. But as it becomes more apparent that your baby is growing up, becoming a person and actually enjoying things and people, being a mom becomes even more fun.

Here are some pics of those crazy boys.

Best buddies.

Prom pose? We kept telling them to put their arms around each other- not expecting this. Ha. We were dying laughing. Can't wait till they are college roommates and they are mortified by this photo.

The amount of dirt was equal to the amount of fun.

The next day, Sunday, Davis finally had the courage to go out on the porch and play by himself. Now- he won't go beyond the view of the door...but it's progress.

Having a little trail mix with Pico. Pico ends up eating half of it, so he loves it when Davis has a snack.

Also- Davis is talking so much these days. I am constantly surprised by the things he knows and can articulate. Here are a few:
"What's going on in here?" while Porter was playing loudly with his vacuum.
"Mommy not happy with you..." after he ripped my mom's vintage lace curtain.
"Where nanny and gampa? Nanny and gampa at gocee (grocery) store".
"I'm fus-tated" while banging a table.
"I ride motorcycle at Tony's. Soon mommy."
"It's a triceecle biceecle" (this is what it sounds like!)
"Lara not berry nice. Lara noisy." about a little friend at school.
"I do" in response to me saying "Did you play on the playground today?"

Today on the way home from Fredericksburg, out of the blue, he just said "Sam Bennett." I almost had a heart attack. I've never talked to him about my name. And I don't know who he would have heard calling me "Sam Bennett" enough to remember. So then I explained that he is Davis Bennett and Holden is Holden Bennett and daddy even has the same name as Davis- Davis Bennett. He paused and thought for a minute and said "Mikki Bennett."
Ha.

My Mikki

Davis was a little whiny today after school. He wanted to go to Chik a Way- but I didn't really want to go there today- so he was bummed about that. And I think he has a cold which just makes him a little cranky. So he was sitting in the back seat sobbing a little, feeling sad for himself, letting me know that "I sad mommy. I sad." I asked him why and I talked to him about all the fun things we were going to do when we got home...and out of the blue he said: "I want Mikki. I want Mikki hug at the house."

It was so sweet and so sincere. Like he just knew that she would make him feel better. So I explained to him how Nikki works- she is a hard worker just like Davis- and how she will come over again soon and he smiled a little and said "My Mikki..."

He adores her in a way that is different from me, from Davis, even from Honey. She is for sure his sweetheart.

We did have fun tonight though- we played on the back porch and Davis got to have an orange pop-stickle which he was very excited about. He hasn't quite realized the urgency with which one needs to eat a popsicle- so it gets very melty. And sometimes he sets it down, only to come back for it and see that it has leaves stuck to it, or it's melted a bit.

He is so sweet. The stuff he says and does just kills me. He pulls his little adirondack chair up so close to mine that I have to sit indian style on my chair because there is no room for my legs. I asked Bennett tonight, how long he thought I had until Davis would stop adoring me the way he does. I wish it would last forever...

Granola Bars

As you know, Davis had a very serious infatuation with granola bars for a while. And Bennett and I have had a very serious obsession with how he says "granola bar". It started out sounding something like the country, Mumbai. Seriously. Then it evolved to Mo-bye-ay. We don't know why. It doesn't really sound like "granola bar" but to him- that's what it was. Then he went a little more French and it became Mo-bye-ay-ay. Yes, with breaks between the first and second "ay".

This week, I got granola bars again. It's been a while because he sort of got over them for a bit. When he saw me eating one he said "Want a mota buyer." Ha. So now we all call it a mota buyer. Because it's too cute not to. It's been a funny evolution to watch/hear occur. Kids are so funny.

This morning, the first thing he did, was grab my face with his two little hands, pull it close, and pretend to eat my cheek. We've been practicing the fake bite. I pretend to eat his tummy or his nose all the time and he wants to do it back- but it's just so exciting- sometimes I get a real bite from him- so we've had to work on it. He perfected it this morning.

Also, today he wore his new "Cars" shirt to school and he seriously could not have been more proud. He kept telling me on the way to school "Take jacket off at school. I got my cars shirt..." So when we walked in, he immediately put his hand to his zipper and looked around to see who was ready for the big reveal. His teacher made such a big deal of it and said "Wait till Max gets here- he is going to LOVE your cars shirt." Davis grinned and toddled over to have his snack- the best part of the day.

And this morning, Holden has been smiling so much. I love it. Here is my best effort in trying to capture her little grin.

And how cute are these little socks from Nikki? She has them in many colors- so I am constantly changing them to match. So fun. Let the girly fun begin.

Weekend Adventures

Sometimes weekends are surprising. And you think you're just going to pick up Chik-Fil-A for yourself and some friends and next thing you know, you end up stuck in the middle of the median of a highway. So, Saturday, Courtney and B came over for lunch to see us and the kiddos, and Court and I decided to go pick up lunch. We thought we'd be gone 10 minutes, so I didn't bring a phone or my wallet or anything- just my debit card.

On the way there we saw the stopped traffic on the other side of the highway and were like "OH my gosh- we can't get stuck in that on the way back..." So we picked up lunch, got to chatting and next thing you know, I realize that I've missed the previous exit and we are now stuck. in. that. horrible. traffic. Ugh.

We lament for about five minutes and then I see several cars in front of me cut across the median. I know it's illegal. I know that you probably need to have an SUV. So I say to Court "should i just cut across?" We end up laughing, talking about how we'd probably get stuck and how funny would that be? We wait. And we wait. And then I say "it looks pretty flat there- I think i could just cut right across. should i do it?" Courtney agrees and we go for it.

Two seconds later, my wheels are spinning and we are stuck. in. a. super. muddy. median. in front of a million cars. In my little car. So humiliating.

At this point we are laughing SO hard. And keep trying to strategize about how we can get out. Go forward- go backward! hit the gas fast. hit the gas slow. And then we have to call B and Davis to tell them what we've ridiculously done. And it's raining. And then a cop stops and says "now, you weren't trying to cut across the median were you?" "who me? in a volvo? that would be ridiculous..."

Long story short- courtney and i were stuck in the median for almost two hours. the only good things were: 1) like i said to courtney- if i were going to get stuck with someone, i'd choose her anyway. (ha! we always have a good time) and 2) we had already picked up the Chik Fil A. YESSSS! So we ate our lunch and talked about her wedding and laughed until the tow truck man came and pulled us out.

Such a funny day.
Following that- we went home, watched Old School and drank some rum punch. We're very mature and responsible.

Holden and Sweet Louise

About 4 weeks ago, Carrie took photos of Holden, and of course, they are GORGEOUS. Here are a few. I'm working on announcement cards and cannot wait to send them out. Holden is eight weeks old today- yahoo! Of course we're celebrating by going to the place we go most- the doctor. Trying to figure out why every once in a while she goes through a really bad spell and can't hold anything down. Ugh. Misery. Can't wait till she outgrows the reflux. Anyway- here are a few of the bee-yoo-ti-ful photos!

And I left the best ones off in case I use them on the announcement! Isn't it nice to have talented friends? Have a good weekend.

I'm Working Hard

Honey met us for dinner at Chik-Fil-A yesterday and surprised Davis with a "mawnmower". Then surprised me by letting him bring it inside for dinner. He was so pleased. I guess that is what Honeys are for. This morning- we didn't even have time to change out of our jammies before we had to go mow the yard. He will only go halfway across the yard because he is afraid of the little dog on the other side of the fence. Sometimes he is fearless. Sometimes a tiny poodle scares the pants off him. Ha.

Every once in a while, after pushing the mawnmower a bit, Davis would turn around with a very serious face and say "I'm working hard."

Holden has also been busy making new friends. She will stare at that blue dog for so long. And she is smiling so much more. If you tickle her cheeks or her tummy, she grins!

Davis has been holding her a lot more lately. He loves it. He will say "hold her on the couch," and then when he is done, he will say "baby, lay down..."

So tonight is my first workout back with Ahmad. I've been working out on my own, in fact, I invested in a "Biggest Loser" cardio workout dvd that I did on Tuesday and holy cow I was sore. I am nervous about working out tonight- but I guess I gotta get back in the groove. It will just be so frustrating to feel like I'm basically starting over. Ugh.

Separately- just got some great news from work. We won a great piece of business- the last pitch I worked on before going on maternity leave. :)

Happy Thursday.

Weekend Fun

The highlight was certainly going to the kite festival- I mean, Nikki got Davis a Lightning McQueen kite, so there you go. We also played outside a lot at home, and Davis seemed to really start understanding that he is Holden's big brother. He walks up to her and talks to her a lot, wants to hold her, and seems concerned with her wellbeing. It melts my heart.

Also last night after the kite festival, we went with the Ryans to Phil's for dinner. Davis and Porter had so much fun laughing as loudly as possible. It was pretty fun to watch. They're going to be good buds.

Also funny- Davis has been telling me who is nice and "notberrynice" at school, which is funny to hear. Anyway, enough talk, more pictures.

We took Holden down on the farm, but she might not be as excited about farming as Davis was. She watched the cow and pig dangle over her- but started to squawk after a few minutes. Davis loved to lay under there for hours.

But it was exhausting, nonetheless.

First pair of skinny jeans!

Bennett "working" on Friday. I think he likes having that bed in his office.

Like I said, Davis is really into Holden lately. He loves her toes and talks to her in the tiniest little baby voice which is so cute. He knows her name is Holden, but for the most part, he calls her "baby". Yesterday he said "that's my baby sister."

At the kite festival. I have never seen so many people at Zilker. It was insane. Lots of kites and kids and hoola hoopers.

Flying his first kite!

Davis talked about seeing his buddy, Porter, all day. (Also, how awesome is that lady's hair?)

And then the people on the picnic blanket next to us had a "lello booldozer" (yellow bulldozer) they were so kind to share with Davis. He was drawn to it like a moth to a flame.

It was a very fun, and TIRING weekend. :)