As she lay heavy on my chest tonight, I realized-one week until 5 months...FIVE months! (It's as if I knew that would happen when I wrote 4 posts back-to-back the week before Kennedy was born.) She wiggled slightly to get comfortable and let out a faint squeak. Then, I suddenly remembered, "Oh my gosh, she used to make those adorable squeaking noises all of the time, and I had almost forgotten! Man, I should write that down!" I must admit, there are fleeting moments I feel a pang of guilt, because I didn't write something down-nervous the memory would be lost if I didn't get it down on "paper." Truth is, memories are made in the moment, and I am trying to soak up every aspect of Kennedy's infant-hood: her kissable-squeezable-delicious thighs, her bright eyes, the way she laughs from the depths of her belly when we play peek-a-boo, the pure delight she gets when she spots the men in her life. She tried her first solids last weekend, for heaven's sake! Man, how time flies.
The girl is a saint-seriously. You'd be hard-pressed to find a moment that she isn't cooing in delight at Preston's latest antics and sticking her tongue out at Stuart. Literally the only moments she cries, and I do mean literally, are when she is hungry. Otherwise, you'll find her singing, playing with her feet, rolling over to catch a glance of herself in the mirror, stuffing her entire fist into her mouth, and most often catching herself off-guard by her excited squeals that almost always end in uncontrollable hiccups. The girl. Is. A. Saint.
Now yesterday, the day before Easter, wasn't the easiest. Preston was having one of "those" days, which leaves Stuart and I constantly on the edge. We attended the egg hunt at Lakeway Church with my parents, Chad, Kathy, & their kiddos. Don't get me wrong, there were moments of bliss-a stage full of balloons, a bouncy castle, the egg hunt-clearly. But then Preston reminds us that he's been 2 since around 18 months-oh and by the way- 3 is the new 2, so we've got a lot to look forward to! Luckily, these days are few and far between.
Did I mention the overwhelming warmth I feel when I see Stuart with Kennedy? How special their bond is already. She's got him wrapped around her tiny little finger, and he will be the first to admit it. She is daddy's girl, and I'm okay with that, because I have a mama's boy. On that same token, Preston is just as smitten. Just the other day we had the video monitor out and Kennedy started to fuss. Preston darted to her room, and I watched in wonderment as two not-as-tiny hands grasped the crib rail, and my sweet ginger peeked over the side shushing, "It's alright honey, it's alright." Folks, it doesn't get much better than that.
Meanwhile, my son dropped the F-Bomb in class today-3 times-in context. Parent. Of. The. Year.
Mama said there'd be days like this! When there are, remember this:
Fall definitely tops my favorite season list. My love of anything with pumpkin flavoring, the splashes of my absolute favorite color (orange) everywhere, sleeping with the windows open at night, apple cider in the mornings, the constant scent of camp fire in the air, and the sweet opportunity to bundle up in a soft sweater and snuggle my boys are only a few of the reasons why.
Into the maze we go!
This morning we took our first trip to a pumpkin patch since we dragged sweet 8-week-old Preston to Sweetberry Farms in Marble Falls 2 years ago. At that point, we literally had to use the pumpkins to prop him up into a sitting position-this year, he was using the pumpkins as hurdles. (Slight exaggeration) No clue why we missed the boat last year, but I was sure not going to miss this opportunity to squeeze in some more memory-making as a family of 3 before it's too late!
Oh this isn't too "scawy" after all!
We were the first arrivals, surprise surprise, but that didn't seem to bother Preston. (We are still in the "mine" phase at the moment, you see.) It was just the right size, with a hay-bale maze, and as soon as we made it past the scare crows that were "too scawy," we had some fun! Thank you to my precious husband for humoring his wife and son.
When I think about how much I love you, my heart bursts, and my eyes are likely to well up. I can't possibly imagine life without you, and yet, you've only been in our lives for 2 short years. Stuart and I must be the luckiest parents on earth, and I am thankful for you beyond words. I honestly don't know what I did to deserve you. In fact, I know I don't. That is why I want to give you every opportunity to thrive, explore, learn, love, and even make mistakes, that will shape who you are and who you will become.
Your favorite sayings right now are, "Try again," "Preston do it," and "One more time," which illustrate your growing independence. Almost every single day I get a report from your teachers telling me how much you warm their hearts when you exclaim, "Hey Monica! What's goin' on?" Or how impressed they are when you are laying on the changing table pointing out the letters, correctly, and in order, of the "Artist of the Month" displayed on the bulletin board. This month it is, "L-O-I-S, E-H-L-E-R-T." Or how about when you announce the day of the week before Mr. Shippey even says it on the morning announcements? (Really? you can do that?) I am constantly amazed, and throughout even the "off" days, I can look into your baby blues or glance at your sweet profile and be content.
Lately, you've been much more attentive to my growing belly, your baby sister "Kenneny," and you even want to rub my back when I'm putting you down to sleep. I told your dad that as good as his back rubs are, nothing is as relaxing as your sweet touches on my arm at night or the gentle kisses you give my tummy. You are the best son for us and the best big brother for Kennedy. I can't thank you enough for the joy you have brought into our lives.
I recently saw another Facebook post from a friend (who just had her baby by the way), proclaiming, "The nursery's ready! You can come now baby!" Well, it seemed to work for her....;-)
I must say, it was both fun and strange to re-imagine this room as a little girl's nursery!
Loving the custom bedding I ordered from Etsy
Thanks to mom for the new custom ottoman slipcover! I am impressed!
And thanks to Stuart for painstakingly painting around the tree!
The one and only picture of the night-hope others got more! (34 1/2 weeks)
See, there I go again-another post title with a question mark at the end. I can't hardly believe it's been 10 years since nervously walking across that stage at the Erwin Center, accepting that diploma, and tossing my cap in the air. Time has literally flown by, and I was excited to get that first Facebook notice about our impending high school reunion.
Some people would give anything to go back to their college days-freedom from mom & dad, living-it-up in the sorority house, and classes 2 days a week. But for me? High school was where it was at. Those were definitely my glory days. I can still smell the scent of the Westlake Commons-stained after years of senior pranks. The scratchy polyester of my cheerleading uniform is forever engrained in my memory, and just thinking about the roaring crowds at the sporting events makes my heart pump. Despite the awkward teenage insecurities, I was on top of the world, and alongside my lifelong friends, we were pretty much invincible. Nevertheless, don't confuse my WHS affinity for a yearning to go back. I wouldn't change my life at the moment for anything. However, as a native Austinite, life as a "Westlake High-Schooler" was what we all looked forward to growing up-and it didn't disappoint.
It's funny the fantasies I always had about what my 10 year reunion would be like: months of dieting and exercise, mixed with nervous anticipation and anxiety, culminating in a day of prepping and pampering (possibly a few cocktails) with my girlfriends, and finally, entering into a "streamered" and "disco-balled" gym, DJ in the background. The reality? I have pretty much been doing the complete opposite of dieting and prepping for our reunion for the passed 8 months, and yesterday was spent chasing after my toddler, taking him to get his haircut, and deciding on an outfit 10 minutes before Mimi came over the babysit. I have to say, it was perfect.
Stuart and I arrived at Abel's on the Lake greeted by close to 100 of my former friends and classmates (not including their spouses). Yes, there were a couple of awkward should-we-shake-hands-or-hug-or-even-acknowledge-each-other moments, but aside from that, it was 3 hours of catching up and a LOT of belly rubbing. The funny part was, everyone looked the same-aside from a few pregnant bellies. I thoroughly enjoyed sipping on my Shirley Temples, seeing some of my oldest and best friends, especially my cheerleading girls: Tracy, Mel, Lindsey, Kristyn :), watching the boys go crazy over the UT vs. OSU game on the big screen (Joey & Robbie-I'm talking to you), and just getting the chance to get out of the house with my sweet husband (he was a trooper). In the end, numb toes and all (heels are my nemesis), I was so glad we went, and I look forward to rekindling friendships, striking up new ones, and "prepping" for our 20 year reunion!
As I -gasp- near the end of my second (and highly likely) my last pregnancy, I can't help but be excited and anxious to meet my sweet baby girl. Not to mention, two of my good friends and co-workers just delivered their baby girls within this last week! I'm at that point of pregnancy where it practically takes a fork-lift to roll over in bed, I'm popping Tums like it's an addiction, and my walk has transformed into a full-blown waddle. Did I mention I chase after 45, 9 and 10 year-olds all day in addition to my 2 year old?? So, to say I'm "sad" to be nearing the end of this pregnancy has not yet entered my vocabulary. Check back with me, though.
At my appointment last week, Kennedy's heart-rate was in the 150's as it has been practically my entire pregnancy, and my belly is measuring almost to-the-centimeter of what it "should" be. Only doctor's order? Make sure I am gaining my pound-a-week from here on out...not a problem! There are currently 3 types of ice cream in our freezer-Peaches & Cream, Cookies & Cream, and Dulce de Leche. Yummy.
I look forward to my appointment next week where we finally get to see Kennedy again to officially determine how she is measuring and if she's still breech.
This past weekend our family attended my cousin's wedding in Kyle at a beautiful ranch, and Stuart got some precious pictures of both Preston & Kennedy. Enjoy!
We finally captured a belly kiss on camera-my favorite!
This little guy cleans up nice, and his expressions are priceless!
Yes, it's true. Being a teacher, I get an incredible schedule, and I am blessed to have a lot of precious time at home with my family. I have never known what it's like to not have a summer break, and I don't intend to! For Preston, his summer has been book-ended (word?) with a wasp sting and stitches. What can I say, he's a rough and tumble boy, and that won't change! Oddly enough, the sting took over a month to heal. Luckily, there was no allergic reaction; our insanely fair skin just takes an obscene amount of time to heal. The stitches on the other hand were in and out within a week, and I doubt there will be a scar to show for it. You know what they say, no more monkeys jumping on the bed!
(Since this incident his new coined phrase is, "Doctor, all bebber.")
Here he is playing in my car-one of his favorite pastimes!
The time in between, however, has been as rich and sweet as the inside of the chocolate croissants in which I have a torrid love affair. Must. have. chocolate. This summer, in comparison with last, has been a world apart. Whereas last summer I was hovering around Preston's every move as he was learning to walk (stressful and exhausting!), this summer we have enjoyed outings to every park around Austin, play-dates with actual friends, lunch dates, splash pad fun, story time at the library, first swim lessons, spoiled time with the grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins, discovering the mecca that is Barnes & Noble, plenty of trips to the grocery store (this is fun for him, I assure you, as long as he can drive the "ret car"), and riding his new bicycle. It has been a whirlwind, for sure, but so incredible to watch him grow. In many ways, it's been easier as he's grown, because we are able to do so many more things together. On the other hand, his independence and stubbornness are starting to shine through, with which I have a love/hate relationship. Nevertheless, I'm so proud to call him my boy.
Here he is riding his bike-He's gotten so good he can run and then glide while balancing.
What's more fun than playing chase with Brew through the sprinklers?
We got this water table especially for his birthday party-but we couldn't wait to try it out!
Mimi and Papa's back yard is a lot more shaded than ours! Great for the Texas heat and my fair-skinned boy.
A few more of Preston's "latests:"
Running up to me with no prompts, throwing his arms around me and proclaiming, "I love you mommy!"
Showing his affection with an exaggerated kiss to pretty much every animate and inanimate object in our house-our animals, his stuffed animals, books, water bottles, and every once and a while, Stuart and I-the kid is incredibly affectionate and I love that about him. "Mmmmmaaaaaa"
(Today he saw a baby across the restaurant and said, "Hi baby!" Then proceeded to give her multiple air kisses. You could hear "Mmmmmmaaaa's" from across the room!)
He can now not only recite the entire ABC's but also recognize the letters when you put them in front of him.
He is still counting to 11, but has also added 16 and 18 to his repertoire. 16, because we happened to see that number on his "Thomas the Train" number flash cards, and 18 because it's the number on the flag of his golf set. It goes a little something like this, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 8, 16, 9." Haha, works for me!
Every time I turn around he has a new song memorized. Preston is incredibly music-minded (does that term exist?) which really excites me. For instance, he loves "Knick Knack Paddy-Wack," "Little Einstein's Theme Song"-add in enthusiastic YEA! at the very end, and "Pop! Goes the Weasel."
Apparently everyone is playing a game of hide-and-seek with him because he'll often wake up going "Mommy Daddy, areeee youuu???" or while watching "Super Why?" he'll say "Supe Why, arreeee youuu???" And when he appears he'll say, "Oh, there is!"
He has started to string together complex sentences that impresses me every time. Of course, it's a combination of what we have said in the past, but he can rearrange the phrases and put them in an appropriate order. For instance, "Garage door is loud. It's okay, mommy. Don't worry."
He's learned how to string together a list using "and." "Who's at the zoo, Preston?" "Giraffe and lion and zebra and elephant and monkey and Elmo." Perhaps I should bring him into my class when we are discussing Author's Craft? hmmm
Speaking of loud noises-he's not a fan. Particularly the garage door opening and closing and the obnoxious BEEEPPPP our dryer sounds when it's finished. (His room is right next to the garage and laundry area-poor guy.)
He continues to adore our three animals. Brew (9, Jack Russell Terrier), Stella (5, Lab), and Thames (4, American Short-Hair Cat). He would smother those animals with tight hugs and a million kisses at all hours of the day if they'd let him-and he tries, believe me. To him, their names are lovingly, "Boo, Stuguh, and Nims."
Lessons we are learning and reinforcing constantly are using gentle touches (he's rowdy-especially with the animals), using our words (After all, why are you whining if you know exactly what you want and how to ask for it?), and saying "please" and "thank you." If nothing else, my boy will be respectful!
I have a feeling I'll have to stop posting about his newest and favorite phrases pretty soon. The boy is a talking machine and picks up on everything we say virtually the first time we say it. There is no way I'll be able to keep track!
Stuart and I have also had an amazing summer together. We got to celebrate our 5 year anniversary (time flew!). We finally got to attend the "Foster the People" show at the new Backyard with the tickets I gave him for Valentine's Day. I am testing his patience again, because I got him tickets for his birthday to see "Awolnation"....in October! Sorry, Stuart! And we got to celebrate each other and our newest bundle, Kennedy, in gorgeous Lake Tahoe, California.
Work has been picking up for Stuart which has kept him very busy. He's currently working on a beautiful home in Spanish Oaks that he designed for a sweet couple-she is an OB/GYN at the new hospital in our area. I'm pretty sure she saw his first spec home in The Hills and said, "I want you to build me that one." He's got an amazing eye for design and efficiency-I am so proud of him! Construction has also begun on his latest spec home in Lakeway Proper (another designed by him.) And, there are several other prospects on the horizon we are both looking forward to. Life, as they say, is good for the Alkires. Check out Stuart's incredible work on his website. Alkire Construction, LLC
I am a proud wife and mommy. Life is sometimes rough around the edges, but when I step back and reflect: we have our health, we have our home, and we have each other. Can't get much better than that :)
He loves his cars and trucks. Here he is at his friend Jackson's first birthday party.
