Sunday, January 31, 2016

What We've Been Up To

Jac and Leah learned to ride their bicycles without training wheels! Zac looked up a few videos on YouTube and patiently taught them how to do it. Jac learned first and is so proud of himself. Next was Leah's turn. She was determined, just like when she was ready to get out of diapers. We've been riding around the neighborhood, getting used to riding as a family. The kiddos are learning how to stay to the right side of the street or keep steady on sidewalks. I'm glad we can use the bike trailer a little longer. Elias prefers riding in it more than the stroller.


I've started painting again. This time, I've been using acrylics as watercolor and testing out some techniques. I've missed this. I don't think I've painted anything since we moved from Louisiana. Honestly, I'd rather paint than draw.


Elias is trying to crawl. He pushes up to his knees and gets so mad when he can't get to the next step. He's proud of himself, though. And he's got red hair! I swore it would stay dark like Zac's, but the dark has fallen out and red is peeking through. I started him on some homemade baby food. Applesauce is his favorite, but he likes mashed bananas. He sometimes gets a tummy ache after eating, but I know his digestion is working to process something that isn't milk or formula. I can't get the food to his mouth fast enough without him throwing a fit, ha!


I've been trying to crochet a blanket for myself. I found a beautiful pattern called Blue Star Afghan, though I've changed the colors. It's hard finding the time to sit and work on it without interruption. Elias used to lay still when breastfeeding so I could crochet at the same time. Now, he'll grab my yarn or turn his head to see what I'm doing and it's hard to keep a rhythm when I have to keep readjusting his latch. I get some time before bed, so it's a slow progress. He isn't taking very good naps right now, probably from growing or teething or both. I've been teaching Leah how to crochet. She's getting the hang of it, but her frustrations can be a bit dramatic.

Rainbow chain scarf for Saoirse the Irish Frog

We used up the last of our sparklers and enjoyed the chilly weather that I'll probably (most definitely) complain about later on.


Lastly, Zac took us to Madison to go to the park and do some shopping at the Rennaisance.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Kiddos

These three were accidentally color-coordinated, so I took a few pictures. These are basically the only ones where everyone was in focus.

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Elias Five Months


So far, this little dude laughs, smiles, and squeals if I make a goofy face at him. He can recognize the family members and almost reaches his arms up. He's knows what his pacifier is, what his bottle is, and what laying down in the Pack 'N Play is. He doesn't mind getting his diaper changed and usually smiles at me the whole time. He doesn't cry so much anymore, thankfully. He can roll from his tummy to his back and almost from his back to his tummy. He gets about halfway before getting frustrated. Jessie gave him Orrin's musical seahorse and it's his new favorite thing. He can't quite sit up for long, but he's getting the hang of it.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

2016, micro post

You ever feel like Robin Williams in Jumanji when he's back from the jungle and asks, "What year is it?" because you've been away from a blog for so long? I do.

It's 2016. Incredible, a new year. I started writing and saving drafts, but just decided to backspace the whole thing, have an alcoholic beverage, and just wing it.

I bought a pair of beautiful boots from Target. When we left for Sean's, I was wearing some comfy slippers Zac bought me for Christmas. I completely forgot to pack my damn shoes. Target had a pair of boots on sale from about $50 to $25.


We hung out in New Orleans and went to the mall, then ate lunch at Reginelli's to see Joey and hang out with Jessie.


At Sean's, to bring in the New Year, we lit sparklers, ate king cake (baby wasn't included, despite the label), and watched Ant Man. I'm a little surprised my kiddos were ready for bed before midnight arrived.


We were able to visit Mawmaw and Marie, but I forgot to give Mawmaw her gift. I'm hoping we can visit again soon. We just had too much fun this time.

Friday, January 1, 2016

2016 - A year in review: 2015

A year in review: 2015

1. What did you do in 2015 that you'd never done before?
Natural childbirth.

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more?
Sure, why not.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Daina had Daxton, Keara had Luna, I had Elias, Amanda D had Connor, Hilda had Danny, Kaleena had Colton.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.

5. What countries did you visit?
None.

6. What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?
A house.

7. What events from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory?
Having my sweet third baby.

8. What was  your biggest achievement of the year?
Giving birth the way I wanted with support from my OB.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Living with my parents.

10. Did you suffer an illness or injury?
Not really. We did get ticks on us earlier in the year. That was awful. Also, fleas in the apartment after we left.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A swing set for the kids. And a pool.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Jac has been the best helper with Elias.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Mom's been making us crazy. We haven't been able to do anything right.

14. Where did most of your money go?
We traveled a bit.

15. What did you get really excited about?
The beach, parade, seeing our friends, Christmas.

16. What song will always remind you of 2015?
I've been on Pandora. No new music for me.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
-Happier or sadder? Happier.
-Thinner or fatter? Fatter, ha.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Waiting to find a house with the parents.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Being too passive.

20. How did you spent Christmas?
We stayed home for Christmas day, but visited with Aunt Mavis and some cousins. I had to drive while both parents smashed me in the front row of the Buick. I'll never ever do that again.

21. Did you fall in love in 2015?
With my little Elias, heck yes.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
We started watching The Walking Dead, still like New Girl and Bones. I've also been watching a lot of Netflix.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nah.

24. What was the best book you read?
I haven't read much, but I've been crocheting.

25. What was your favorite musical discovery?
Pandora is my current favorite.

26. What did you want and get?
A healthy baby.

27. What did you want and not get?
To not live with my parents.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Mockingjay pt. 2

29. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I taught the school lesson, took a nice, uninterrupted shower, and hung out with Emily. I turned 32.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If we didn't have to live with my parents.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2015?
Jeans and shirts.

32. What kept you sane?
Emily. Zac. Internet.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Same.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I avoided most politics this year.

35. Who do you miss?
Louisiana friends.

36. Who was the best new person you met?
My baby boy.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2015.
Don't be pregnant in the summer.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Nothing comes to mind.