Pumpkin Patch

Strong boy in physicality and opinion!

He tried picking out all of our friend's pumpkins for her.

My 'pumpkins'

Sweet brothers

 A little pumpkin bit the dust ... literally ...

after big brother forgot to hold him up.

He's wishing I just left him in the Ergo! 

Hall Family Farm Corn Maze

For a kid's corn maze, this was tough!

We were supposed to find 7 stamp stations,

and we probably walked around the maze 20 times.

Hard work paid off and Alekzander got a free slushie!

So grown up!

Three Months

I don't even know where the last three months have gone.  They have flown by.  I think I blinked and my newborn tiny, little love turned into a chunky, handsome, smiley three month old. 

Three months sounds old to me, but Anderson is still a baby baby... relying on Mama for everything.  It's days like today {a really hard one} that make me appreciate the way God equipped me to be a mommy.  Today, there was lots of feeding and lots of comforting, holding, snoozing, and snuggling. Even though I didn't know exactly what was wrong, when all else fails, holding him close against my chest and whispering, "Mommy is here; it is okay. I love you so much" definitely doesn't hurt!  I know he won't remember these days, but I do hope that I always remember the sigh of defeat {from him}, the way his body melts against mine, the smell of his head ... and the fact that a hug can make everything better.  Even though I couldn't put Anderson down without him screaming ... perhaps because of belly problems or possibly because he has me trained... I loved the extra snuggles today. 

At three months old, Anderson loves watching Alekzander. He smiles so big when his brother talks to him ... oh the silly, crazy things he'll learn!  He tracks us with his eyes.  He calms as soon as we pick him up.  His crying subsides as soon as we take the first step to go down the stairs; and then he practically giggles.  Silly {smart} boy. He takes frequent cat naps in his swing and sleeps through the night {for the last week}.  He tolerates short doses of tummy time and is getting so strong.  He loves having his diaper changed and bats happily at his hanging toys when he lays on his play mat.  He still doesn't take a pacifier well/often but started to suck on his hand {and his bunny lovey}.  He coos to us in conversation and loves when we pause to let him 'talk'. 

He is so loved...  three months happened so quickly, but our love for him is so deep.

To the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo

Mama's taking us to the zoo tomorrow, 

zoo tomorrow, zoo tomorrow, 

and we can stay all day! 

So happy to see the meerkat exhibit!

Maybe the best day ever.

 Feeding the birds nectar

Bottle break for the babe

ATB is Married

 

Aunt Tessa Bug is married! 

We were so happy to be part of Tessa and Ryan's special day. 

We can't wait to watch their marriage be blessed and see how they will be a blessing to others. 

{Pictures snagged from #taylortiestheknot}

 

Dear Ryan,

When we were first introduced to you, I could see that you were Tessa's "happily ever after."  Then you introduced us to the music of Simplified, adorable Baby Gap apparel, and dangerous Baby Guinnesses, and you made skulls commonplace and not at all creepy … and our lives have never been the same! Now your life with our Tessa Bug will never be the same as you begin your journey together for the rest of forever.

 

We have shared laughs, cocktails, peanut butter pretzels, and fancy meals … now we will share less glamorous things like family holidays, and believe it or not, even more fun things like {eventual} future "tiger cub" cousins and friends.  

 

Within the first few months of meeting you, during a monumental change in my life, you encouraged me to let loose, laugh, and live life to its fullest.  During this monumental change in your life, I encourage you to lead, in a Godly way, love, in a wholehearted and selfless way, and live, in a purposeful way.

 

We are blessed to now have an Uncle Ryan in the family, and while we can't promise that our boys will be Cubs fans … nor can we allow them to be Bears fans, for sure Alekzander and Anderson will love watching a Knights baseball game from the 11th story Taylor Skybox, and they will always enjoy cheering for the Panthers and "Big Rex" with their Uncle Ryan.

 

Welcome to the family.  Happy Wedding Day … and Happy Forever.

Validation in Wal-Mart

Leaving Wal-Mart one day before school started, a woman and her friends/co-workers were unloading a cart.  Nosy Alekzander asked "Why is that girl buying the little {plastic} wagon?"  I told him it was probably for her classroom at school.  One woman in the group who was wearing her teacher badge and CMS lanyard seemed surprised that I guessed this, but the cart was full of drawers for organizing, Clorox wipes, tissues, and other school supplies :: items that {at one point} made my heart ridiculously excited.  I explained to her that I was a teacher too {by designation not practice currently}.  The conversation could have been finished, but Alekzander said, "Yep, but you are a mommy now." I couldn't help but smile {having survived our first major outing alone with both boys} and said, "Yes, buddy, and this is my favorite job!"

On the way home, we talked about why Daddy worked :: to get money.  Alekzander said "Buyer people {cashiers} could give you money."  I explained that you have to do a job to make money ... people {unfortunately} don't just give it to you.  He thought for a second and said, "I have money in my piggy bank.  I can give you money for your jobs."  Later in the day, he held up his promise and offered me money because I made cookies for him!  And just the other day, I got a sticker because I was "good at feeding Anderson."

We've come back to this conversation a lot lately.  I think he is pretty comfortable with the fact that every day is a "Mommy Day" ... sometimes we don't get out of our PJs until lunchtime and don't leave the house until after nap time.  Other days, we spend the whole day away from home on exciting adventures or boring errands. Some days pass in 15 to 30 minute chunks measured by TV show after TV show while I sit and nurse for hours. But we are together. And I think his almost 4 year old heart appreciates that... and that makes my mommy heart soar.  Being a mommy to these two little boys is by far the best and greatest calling in the world.  And a silly trip to Wal-Mart confirmed that fact ... and a sweet boy with a big heart validates my job every day.

The Apples of our Eyes

{love :: new favorite family photo}