Turkey Babies

Anderson's First Thanksgiving 

"Mommy's Little Turkey"

Turkey Bummy

Delicious Fingers & Beautiful Blue Eyes

 {Clearly doesn't discriminate which fingers he sucks; they're all delicious!}

The first turkey baby

turned Big Turkey and big eater!

{Heard many times this season :: 

"What kind of baby was I? Oh yeah, a Fanksgiving baby"} 

Thankful for this brotherly love

Thankful

Thankful today for the many things surrounding me,

but most thankful for the love that surrounds us

on the rare moments when our family is all together.

ATB's Wedding {Romare Bearden Park} :: 10.05.13 

Boys' Dedication {Forest Hill Church} :: 11.16.13

Rainbow Race Car Birthday Party

When you are four and so incredibly loved,

you can ask for just about anything and you will get it.

Birthday Boy asked for a rainbow cake. Then changed it to a race car cake.

Then decided he wanted a rainbow-race car cake.

So of course, we met his demands!

The result :: A healthy pumpkin cake {low fat, dairyfree} 

topped with coconut whip and a rainbow of fruit.

Shiny new "hot tires" looked on from a coconut cloud, ready to race.

While Alekzander tried to lobby for a big party with all his friends, 

much like the dedication celebration,

we kept his real birthday celebration low key :: a playdate in the morning 

{with friends for Alekzander, Mommy, and Anderson!}, 

rest-time birthday movie {Cars2} and snuggles in lieu of nap, 

dinner with his favorite neighborhood buddy and his family at Brixx, 

and then a family 'party' at home with cake and presents. 

{Anderson was only upset because he didn't get to eat the yummy cake!}

Happy Birthday, Alekzander!

Perhaps his favorite present :: A 3-foot Jake puzzle.

Little stinker was with me when I bought this months ago; 

I hid it hoping he would forget about it,

but I think he thought about it or mentioned it every day this month 

leading up to his birthday. 

When I fussed at him about forgetting about his present, 

he teased me and said that he couldn't remember 

what he was getting for his birthday, 

but would hint that all he wanted was a Jake puzzle.

Silly boy!

Four!

...And you are four.

It is hard to believe.

Even though you have a baby brother,

you are my first baby.

My most precious boy.

You are so ridiculously sweet, smart, and silly.

Without prompting, and so matter-of-fact,

you offer up "I love you, Mom" many times a day,

sometimes when you know you were a little naughty.

You talk like you are 10 sometimes.

Not only do you talk from the time you rise until the time you close your eyes,

but your vocabulary is humongous!

We don't know where you pick up the phrases you use,

but it is hilarious.  Daddy and I look at one another

and just smile and shake our heads.

You know just how to make your brother laugh.

From your silly faces, to jumping up and down, and making a lot of noise,

you are adored by Anderson.  And you know it!

You love to be the center of attention when you are comfortable in your surroundings.

You are a natural leader and such a big helper.

In your Life Group at church, your sweet teachers trust 
you to hand out snacks and water 

while the other kids sit patiently waiting.

When I ask you to do something that you want to help with,

you say, "I'd love to!"

Never lose that spirit of servanthood with a smile!

In your third year, you learned so much.

Just recently "fire fruck" became a calculated, clear "fire TR-uck,"

same as train, track, tree, try. {I think I will miss your "fire frucks"!}

You can aim, throw, and now catch!  

You impressed your uncle and aunt with your skills on their recent visit.

You are still fast, fast, fast; and you can stand and hop on one foot!

You like to cut things, trace letters, and draw pictures.

You have memorized four Bible verses in the last 4 months.

You are such a joy in our lives.

I know you will continue to be a blessing to many during your fourth year.

Love you to the moon and back, my little love.

Along for the Ride

At four months, he doesn't have much of a choice,

but this little dude is just along for the ride...and he loves it.

I loved carrying Alekzander in the sling,

but the Ergo baby carrier is amazing...

Sometimes I can move a sleeping Anderson

from his carseat to the Ergo against my chest

and he will continue to sleep for over an hour 

no matter what is going on around him.

One of the first weeks I was feeling up to walking after my c-section,

I loaded him up since he wouldn't sleep in his crib,

and we went for a 3 mile walk in 90 degree weather.

Cold weather cuddling is much more comfortable for both of us,

and he loves to snooze next to my heart.

When he wakes up upset, 

I always tell him where we are, 

that he's okay, he's with Mommy, and he is loved.

So, so loved.

On his four month birthday {11/15/13}

at the Panthers' Stadium

"Atend" Birthday Celebration

ALEKZANDER,

Today we are going to celebrate you turning FOUR

by taking a very special TOUR.

First we have to go UPTOWN

to a place where players score TOUCHDOWNS.

Then we will be sure to TAKE a yummy chocolate CAKE

to Tessa's wedding PARK before it is even DARK.  

It will be a great DAY!

Are you ready to PLAY?

Love, Mommy and Daddy

11.15.13

Part One :: Panthers' Stadium

Uptown Charlotte

Happy Happy Happy

3 Generations of Swistaks on Alekzanders "atend" {pretend} birthday 

Uncle Jeremy was the BEST playmate!

 Watching the grounds' crew paint the lines for MNF vs. the Patriots

 View from a Senator's suite

 All 4 of us :: Anderson is always along for the ride,

but usually sleeping!

{Alekzander :: 10 days away from being 4;

Anderson :: 4 months}

 Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Tiffani

 Grandma & Alekzander on the field

 Panthers' Tattoo!

Four Months

So far, four months may have the makings of my favorite sound track.

Sweet, raspy baby coos first thing in the morning.

Content to babble in peace

after a long night's sleep.

I have to stop myself from going to get Anderson

so that we can all enjoy his sweet sounds before starting the day.

Fast forward a few hours after a short nap and more food

and you will hear bigger than life baby belly laughs.

Such a sweet sound often layered with hiccups.

Pointy noses poking soft, round bellies, 

tickling his collar bone,

or silly big brother shenanigans 

evoke these infectious giggles.

Love these noises.

Love this baby.

Bobcats Suite Life

The Bobcats introduced the future color scheme 

tonight in preparation of the switch to the Hornets,

and Alekzander fully embraced the new look

with his purple and white scarf.

We love to cheer for the home team,

so whatever color or team name

Charlotte ends up with, 

we will be loyal fans.

Uncle Ryan knows how to spoil us.

We got invited to his company's suite

for the Bobcats vs. Knicks game.

Complete with food, drinks, great seats,

and a personal visit from Rufus.

it was a big {loud} night for us!

The Bobcats did not win, 

but with an almost 4 month old 

and an almost 4 year old,

there were better {cuter} things to watch than basketball.

Alekzander was overwhelmed but entertained, and

Anderson was indifferent except when it came to ATB.

He loves her already for sure!

And we love any time that we get to spend with her and Uncle Ryan.

Screeching Halt

Almost like out of a cheesy movie, my morning came to a temporary screeching halt.

Carefree fun sucked out of the room; my breath and words caught in my throat.

Nothing serious - just some mommy emotions evoked by a simple song.

:: From Facebook yesterday ::  

Monday morning dance party with the littles fueled by 

fresh-out-of-the-oven dairy-free banana oat bran muffins 

to the tune of "Cowgirl Chocolate Pool Party" mix :: 

brought to a momentary screeching, teary halt 

at track 10 while sitting on the 'dance floor'

... if Alekzander wasn't as goofy as he is, 

I would have completely sobbed. 

I was holding Anderson in my lap

and washed his balding head with big fat tear drops...

Track 10 = Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift

Listen to it. I dare you.

I often complain {or just too willingly accept}

that I have no time to clean the house.

I hardly have time to change out of my PJs

let alone shower by myself or dry my hair.

{Am I doing something wrong?!}

Life is quite demanding these days ...

especially with a hungry infant who likes to sleep on mommy

and a curious, snuggly almost 4 year old who also likes

be wherever mommy happens to be.

But I wouldn't have it any other way.

I know I will miss these days.

I know Alekzander will not always be as talkative

or share his imaginative thoughts or wake up early ready to play.

He will not always freely say, "I love you, Mommy,"

just because.

He will not always hold my hand when walking in the parking lot.

I will miss the messes he makes when he bakes with me.

The cold feet snuggles in the too early mornings.

The milk mustaches and sticky fingers that touch everything.

I know Anderson will not always need me every minute of the day; 

he will not always fit in the crook of my arm and sleep soundly.

He will not always smile at me with squinty eyes and his wide gummy mouth.

I will miss holding him for hours upon hours.

Rocking him to sleep.

Watching him doze off and give one final grin.

Rubbing his hand as he grasps my finger tight.

I will miss these crazy days.

I don't want to say, "Never grow up."

But I will say, "Slow down, time."

And I hope to often remind myself,

"Enjoy this moment."

Milk mustache :: Collecting acorns :: Not-Listening-the-First-Time :: Shaggy hair :: 

Mismatched clothing :: All-purpose Toms

21 Days from 4 years old

11.4.13

Drool-Face :: Blue eyed babe :: Chunky Cheeks :: Rolly Thighs :: Gummy Smiles ::

Nap Refuser :: All Night Sleeper

16 weeks old

Your little hand's wrapped around my finger
And it's so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyelids flutter cause you're dreaming
So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light
To you everything's funny, you got nothing to regret
I'd give all I have, honey
If you could stay like that

Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple
I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart
And no one will desert you
Just try to never grow up, never grow up

Never Grow Up

by Taylor Swift

Spinning Slingshot

 Love this joy-filled face!

Spinning and spinning and spinning.

Again mommy, again!

The spinning luckily occurred after playing with the slingshot.  

I was hyper-focused on safety

and would not have allowed a dizzy slinger anywhere near Anderson!

I am ill-prepared for this part of parenting ... 

the dangerous, you might accidentally shoot your brother's eye out with an acorn part.  

But somehow Alekzander got his hands on this gem at Mia's house 

and somehow it made its way into our car ... 

because I guess every little boy needs a slingshot.

  

Despite the implied danger coupled with my cautiousness,

and multiple warnings of 

"Please watch where you are aiming; 

make sure you aim at the tree only..."

I was pretty darn proud. 

Step 1 :: Collect Acorns

Step 2 :: Load Slingshot

Step 3 :: Aim Carefully

Step 4 :: Stretch

Step 5 :: Release

Step 6 :: Repeat!

Sunshine and Snuggles

Crisp air, crunchy leaves, bright sun.

Cute baby.

It doesn't get much better!

Matching hoodies

Photo by Alekzander!

Small Window, Sweet Hands

This mama didn't quite have it together quickly enough to get out of the house before nap time today.  There is always a small window of time where I might make it out of the house before 11 a.m. {before the first nap and second feeding of the day}, but that rarely happens. Today, I changed Anderson and left him on the changing tier of his Pack&Play all bundled him up for a walk, packed up some treats to deliver to neighbors, and was headed outside to get the stroller out of the car when I realized that Anderson was too quiet.  He had fallen asleep after his normal protesting while I was busy getting the other 2/3 of us ready to go.  I couldn't stand to wake him, so we changed plans, and Alekzander and I played outside while Anderson slept sweetly with his hands clasped.  This is one of our favorite mannerisms of his right now.  He sits patiently with his hands clasped in his lap, brings his clasped hands up to his face to hide a gummy, excited smile, and apparently sleeps this way too.  I love this little guy ... and love that he enjoyed a little tiger snooze as well.

 {Not focused, but so sweet!}