Nursery Escape Plan

Tears in the church nursery

immediately turned to smiles when he saw us.

Seemingly a premeditated escape plan ...

rewarded with fresh air and silliness with Mommy and Daddy.

We missed the second half of the sermon,

but the three of us were exactly where we needed to be in that moment ::

at God's house enjoying His beautiful world together.

Tears for Steelers

The faces of a Steelers fan this season ...

Maybe next year, Steelers!

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

Sunshine and Snuggles

Crisp air, crunchy leaves, bright sun.

Cute baby.

It doesn't get much better!

Matching hoodies

Photo by Alekzander!

The Apples of our Eyes

{love :: new favorite family photo} 

 

Secrets and Kisses

My sweet boy doesn't have much of a choice right now,

but I'd say he's going to be another mama's boy. 

It absolutely melts my heart when he smiles and coos at me 

and calms, almost instantly, when I pick him up.

 

We share some secrets - and kisses -

and laugh together when his big brother gets in trouble

and is sent to time out for some silly shenanigan. 

The other day we were sitting together

after Alekzander was sent to his room,

and in a rare quiet moment,

Anderson looked right at me, smiled his big gummy grin 

and stuck out his tongue as if to say, "Haha big bro just got in trouble!" 

 

What he really meant to say was,

"I will never act like that.  I will always listen to my mommy the first time."

 

And of course,

"I will love you forever, Mommy."

 

You know ... if 10 week olds could talk ... that is surely what he would say. 

 

3 of us at 33

Family Photos in Fort Mill, SC

by Laura of Photo374

June 12, 2013

32 weeks + 5 days

Dance Like Nobody's Watching

Surely no one was watching an adorable 3-year old dance with his prego mama right?!

Alekzander stretches me to get out of my comfort zone.

Tonight's efforts led to birthday dances in the middle of Ballantyne.

Love this sweet boy of mine.

And he loves me just a little too!

Embracing Cowboy Fashion

Two-year old party fun

Per the birthday boy's request, 

Alekzander and I embraced the party theme 

and proudly wore our cowboy hats!

Sadly, my {everyday, favorite} cowboy boots stayed home

due to the rain, but practical, patriotic rainboots matched perfectly

with my red-rimmed cowboy hat that Oliver picked out for me!

Tuesday Gifts

Tuesday gifts:

Family time

Empty schedules

Sunshine & sun flares

Team spirit

Healthy running feet

Appreciation of running/cross country

Ducks flocking to Alekzander's stroller

Moments captured on camera

Laughter & awe

8 Stories

Uptown "poowal" fun normally happens on the 7th floor of the TM building.  

On this lucky day, Alekzander got to embrace some summer fun 

8 stories high, thanks to Daddy.  

Oh, these boys :: I can't help smiling as I watch them together.

Take a Hike

 Alekzander's view of Dada on a pinnacle along the AT

 Mama and her hiking buddy

::embracing the camera::

Flip flops and a 24-lb. passenger made for an interesting hike,

but Alekzander has a tough Mama!

 'Hiking is so much fun when you are just along for the ride!'

Mama in Love

 Trying {unsuccessfully} to redeem myself from the mustache photos.

While I am not be the most fun Mama around,
I am most comfortable with my favorite little boy.
I sing {poorly}, dance {awkwardly},
and love {unconditionally}
without inhibitions.

Silly Mommy and Sweet Boy

:: embracing the camera ::

at the SCMS Boys' Track EOY Picnic

5.15.11

Purposeful Play

 When you're after a sweet picture of a little boy pulling on his mama's dress

and you get this ...

  

{Scrunched nose + pitiful whine}

You can 't help, but love him just a little more.  

Up, Mama!  Stop taking pictures.

When you're one year old and stuck inside on a rainy morning,

what should you do?

 Create a path of destruction, knock over block towers, 
and scoop up lions and baby dolls 

{over half your size} in .6 seconds flat.

Seems pretty logical.  And well planned.

And what if its too cold and rainy to "exercise" with your new cow toy outside?

Bring the cow lawnmower inside.  
And laugh when it moos as you run over Mama's toes.

------

What happens when you're given the gift of an assembly schedule 

and miss a few kiddos' sessions because they're participating in the assembly?

Play with your baby.  On the floor in your work clothes.

Embrace the moment & take a few pictures.
And enjoy a fun morning.

Despite the thunder and lightening.

A New Season

With the coming of spring, a fast season is upon us.

New faces {with last names}, raw talent, fresh uniforms, 

a few nerves, and a lot of heart.

Welcome back SCMS Track & Field!

We've missed you!

Coach Swistak

 Pre-race Encouragement

Track & Field Fans {embracing the camera}

Future star :: Former sprinter/vaulter

Studying the competition

{and admiring Dada's winning team}