Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Mattie Claire ~ 4 Months

Dear Mattie,

Happy 4 month birthday, baby girl!  As you celebrate your 4th month in heaven, we just want you to know that you have not been forgotten, and you never will be.  You will continue to live on in our hearts.  We've had a busy month filled with good times and sad times missing you.  We've accomplished a lot of the fun fall traditions we have come to love doing with your brothers, and you were always with us in our hearts during each and every memory.  No, it isn't the same to us, but it is the best we can do under the circumstances.  We know you are enjoying every day in your heavenly home as you watch over us all.  We just love you so much, and in our weakness, we do long to have you here with us.  We are very thankful to have one another to help us through our saddest moments, and we know God is helping us too.

So if you were here today, you may look like:

 photo Evan4month.jpg
Big Brother Evan ~ Yes, you may even be sucking your thumb like Evan!

 photo Week16.jpg
Big Brother Brody ~ And if you were like this chunky monkey, you would weigh close to 16 lbs. already!  
This month, we were very honored to remember you on October 15th for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day (the entire month is actually recognized but October 15th is a special day).

 photo Mattie4_zps9e71a1d5.jpg
Daddy had candles lit for you when Mommy got home from work.  He's such a wonderful daddy! 

 photo Mattie5_zpsb71e0c6d.jpg
Evan says the 3 candles represent him, Brody, and Mattie. 
 photo Mattie8_zpse20f701a.jpg
My sweet blog friend, Lauren, honored Mattie and other lost babies with a special balloon release.  Hopefully, we can plan to do something next year to help honor all of our lost babies!
 photo Mattie1jpg_zps84e1e097.jpg
I got to finish my birthday, Mattie, anniversary present with charms for Evan (the little boy), Brody (the little teddy bear), and Mattie (with her name and birth year on it).  

And as tradition, if you were with us this month, you may have worn the following little outfits on our special outings:

 photo Mattie2_zps0367a93c.jpg
This is actually a very special outfit.  As soon as I found out you were a girl, I had to buy something pink for you to wear.  I had my eye on this little pink sweater since I first saw it at Janie and Jack.  I had prayed it wouldn't be sold out before I could get my hands on it for you.  Janie and Jack puts out several lines of clothes every season, and once they sell out, you can't purchase them anymore.  This little sweater was sold out in the store by the time we found out you were a girl, but your sweet daddy ordered it for you online. 

 photo Mattie3_zpsdb0c6e55.jpg
I just loved how soft and snuggly it was, and these adorable little bunnies sealed the deal! 
 photo Mattie6_zps426bafe1.jpg
This little pumpkin dress would definitely have been the perfect option for our trip to the pumpkin patch! 

 photo Mattie7_zpsfbeec395.jpg
And this little pumpkin shirt would have been great with your first pair of blue jeans! 
 photo Mattie9_zpsfd4e3157.jpg
Of course, we would have enjoyed dressing you up for Halloween with your brothers.  Since they have insisted on being a cop and escaped convict, we think you would have been an adorable little bunny rabbit.  

We love you to the moon and back, little princess!  May you have a wonderful 4 month birthday in heaven!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, and big brothers

 photo nametab_zps32a557cc.jpg

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Miscellaneous Fall Fun

Fall is a fun season, but it is also a busy one.  We have so many traditions that we like to squeeze into our already hectic schedules.  We try to experience the fun of the outdoors during this cooler season.  We haven't had a chance to have any fun playing in fallen leaves yet as ours have barely even started turning colors.  I do hope we get to enjoy a little fall color before the leaves fall off. Along with our big trips to the apple orchard and farm/corn maze, we visited a local pumpkin stand down the road to pick out pumpkins and mums to display on our front porch and to carve for Halloween.  I just hope we can get enough energy together to perform our carving ritual this week. It is going to be a very busy week!  Thankfully, Evan is out of school on Friday (the day after Halloween) so he can get some much needed rest after a late night of trick or treating.  Well played, Charlotte schools, well played!  Evan and I also participated in our neighborhood's pumpkin painting while Brody was taking his afternoon siesta.  Yes, I did want to join Brody's activity, but I couldn't miss the pumpkin painting festivities again.

 photo fall31_zpsb3c28521.jpg
Evan and Brody at the local pumpkin patch. 

 photo fall26_zpsebb10c7c.jpg
Our littlest pumpkin in the patch 

 photo fall27_zpsee61c1d0.jpg
Brody searching for the perfect pumpkin. 

 photo fall28_zpsa37fde40.jpg
Brody was like "This is crazy!  They all look the same!"  

 photo fall29_zpsc2cfab25.jpg
"I'll just take this one.  Now how do I get out of here?"

 photo fall30_zps6d43ab31.jpg
"Yep, this one will do." 

 photo fall32_zps3308c8a5.jpg
Brothers at the pumpkin patch after church. 

 photo fall34_zps0b3e7c04.jpg
Mommy and her little pumpkins

 photo fall35_zpsfb889676.jpg
"Here, Edah!  Mommy is always calling you her pumpkin head!" 

 photo fall36_zpsdc88aa37.jpg
One mischievous and one sweet.

 photo fall37_zps19b0705c.jpg
Sweet boys. 

 photo fall38_zps7b5a0355.jpg
Last year's pumpkin mountain was a lot bigger, but this one was still impressive. 

 photo fall40_zps32275e6c.jpg


 photo fall39_zps8781aac6.jpg

 photo fall42_zpsaccab13d.jpg
Daddy and his pumpkins

 photo fall46_zps348fb9ca.jpg
I wanted mums that weren't all open yet so they would hopefully last a while. 

 photo fall43_zps967cf677.jpg
The sweetest kisses from my boys!

 photo fall44_zps5bc473fe.jpg
We needed a fall family picture and didn't get one at either pumpkin patch so this will have to do.  

 photo fall45_zps3e3a1288.jpg
One with Brody's best cheese smile
Pumpkin Painting!

 photo fall18_zps8136c3dc.jpg
Evan creating his masterpiece.  He decided he wanted a Panthers pumpkin painted Carolina Panthers blue.  Unfortunately, the child safe washable paint did not dry quickly on slick pumpkin surfaces and the paints ran together quickly.  

 photo fall19_zpsbfae3ddf.jpg
He still painted like a pro. 

 photo fall20_zps34cb8ccb.jpg
The color he chose was a pretty good match to Panther blue. 

 photo fall21_zps67f87ded.jpg
He attempted to write Panther on his pumpkin and did a decent job considering the difficulty of the slick surface and runny paint.  

 photo fall25_zps784618a1.jpg
I attempted an R pumpkin for us and had to sit and hold my pumpkin for a while until it dried. 

 photo fall22_zpsed01b3fd.jpg
Evan ran off to play while I waited for them to dry. 

 photo fall23_zps080f861e.jpg
Evan and his neighborhood and school friends enjoyed a little game of tag. 

 photo fall24_zpsc86035c6.jpg
And then I turned around, and Evan had sneaked the Kindle out of my purse, and I caught this.  *Sigh*  He just can't help himself!  

 photo nametab_zps32a557cc.jpg

Friday, October 25, 2013

What I Love About Brody Lately

I know I have been pretty slack on doing regular posts about what the boys are up to these days.  Life is pretty busy with this little first grader and preschooler, and I especially want to remember some of the little things Brody is doing lately.  It seems like he is changing daily as he is developing his own little character and personality.  He is so active, and he can really tire us out some days, but we wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world.  Here are a few “stories” that I need to document about Brody:

·         Talking – As you know, Brody wasn’t my early talker.  His big brother was the talker who was always at least a year ahead of his age group in this development.  He was talking in sentences by 18 months.  Brody is more of my physically active child.  He just loves to always be doing something.  He doesn’t like to sit down for very long at a time to read or watch television.  However, in the last few weeks, he has been making big changes.  He has definitely started to take an interest in using his words to express his self, and he does a great job at it. He is very articulate so the words he does say are very easy to understand.  Some of his favorite words end in “p” like “up” and “help.”  He likes to really stress the “p” sound, and giggles when he spits on you.  Ha!  He tends to like action words like saying “up” and “down” while raising his arms up in the air and then touching his feet or the floor.  He likes to say “on” and “off” while playing with the light switches.  This morning, he was yelling “Help!” when Daddy’s fire pager went off a couple of times while Daddy was taking Evan to school.  He uses “help” a lot to ask for our assistance in doing stuff he can’t do like opening up packages (yes, sometimes he ask us to open stuff we don’t want him to get into).  He says some phrases like “I eat” and “I want to get down” and "I poop" and "I want that."  He still signs while saying the word “more” when he wants more to eat or drink.  He says “yes” and “no” while nodding or shaking his head correctly in answering our questions, and I am thankful he actually likes saying “yes” more than “no.” He is also learning his colors and seems to like saying "green" the best.  I'm not sure if that is going to be his favorite color or not.  Evan's first color he learned to say and recognize was orange but green is his second favorite color so they both seem to have an appreciation for green. 

Brody got some cute little choo-choo trains for doing such a great job talking and using the potty the last couple of weeks.  He has gone number 2 on the potty several times!  No, these aren't Chuggington trains.  Target doesn't seem to carry them so we just bought him some cute little Target brand wooden trains to tide him over until Christmas. 

·         New Likes – Brody has developed a very intense love of trains lately, and he has found his first real favorite television show.  No, it is not that well-known blue train either.  Neither of my boys ever really got into Thomas.  I think they didn’t like the slower pace of that show with the narrated voice telling the story and doing the voices.  Brody has been loving the Disney Junior show Chuggington so that is going to make Christmas shopping a little easier.  As soon as he gets up in the morning, he comes in our room and wants us to turn the TV on so he can watch it while we get ready for the day.  As soon as the music starts, he starts moving his arms and doing the “chug-a-chug-a” train motion and then says “toot toot” instead of “choo-choo” at the appropriate part of the song.  Chuggington is just a faster paced cartoon with brightly colored trains but still has a similar plot revolving around talking trains living in a train depot town.  We have stored up several episodes on the DVR for him which are so much cheaper than going out and buying the DVDs for him.  I really am glad he has found something that really sparks his interest because I think that is especially good for little boys. 

The characters from Chuggington.  The theme song is really catchy too. 

·         New Games – Brody’s newest favorite game is “rock, paper, scissors” although for him, I call it “rock, rock, rock” because he only does rock as he repeatedly pounds his little clenched fist onto his palm begging you to join him.  His big brother is responsible for this one.  Big brother started doing “rock, paper, scissors” with him, and big brother has even added “shoes” as another option to the game.  So big brother will either slam his fist down, put one open palm down for paper, make finger scissors, or hold up his shoe clad foot.  Shoe really only beats paper because scissors could mutilate a shoe and a rock can get into your shoe and really be a pain.  Ha! 

·         Picture Posing – Brody loves to have his picture taken although he does still like to take pictures too.  He loves to cheese anytime he sees a camera.  This week, he decided he wanted to start a new tradition of posing for a picture every day before he goes to school.  This started on Monday when I wanted a quick picture of him dressed up for his school pictures.  Then, he proceeded to run to the same spot on Wednesday and Friday and pose for me.  He is such a stinker! 

Monday's Picture

Wednesday's Picture

Friday's Picture

And an especially cute picture of Brody's cheese face when Mommy was trying to take a picture of big brother wearing his new Ghost Buster's shirt.  


·         Other Things to Love – Although Brody still has a pretty big temper with a short fuse and can be pretty physically aggressive when he doesn't get his way, he is also a really sweet and lovable little man.  He loves to cuddle, give “tisses,” blow “tisses,” and give big hugs.  I get extra special love from Brody on days when I wear something that is “silky” so you can imagine I like to do that.  As soon as I get dressed in the morning, he’ll be stuck to my side like glue just rubbing the fabric with his little fingers.  Yes, it is pretty funny too.  He also enjoys giving the biggest hugs to his big brother.  Just this morning, when big brother came to tell us bye before he left for school, Brody was still lying in our bed because big brother has to leave for school early.  Brody reached out with his arms spread wide open wanting a hug and then he wrapped his little arms around Evan and just squeezed like he didn't want to let go.  Later, when I am heading out the door and Daddy is preparing to take Brody to school, Brody will make kissing noises and want bye bye kisses and will then stand in the doorway and wave and tell me bye bye and blow me kisses repeatedly until I pull out of the garage.  It is going to break my heart if he ever stops doing this!

 photo nametab_zps32a557cc.jpg

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Last Saturday after another soccer game in the morning, we decided it would be a good day for a trip to the pumpkin patch/corn maze/farm.  Most of the ones in our area all offer pretty similar stuff so we have enjoyed trying out different ones every year for the past few years.  This year, Eddie suggested we try Rural Hill's Amazing Maize Maze which is just a little north of us in Huntersville, NC.  The road back to the farm was very curvy, and I thought for a second I was in the mountains.  I was also riding in the back of our minivan because we had Grandma and Aunt Naomi and baby Grady riding with us.  I am happy to say I survived the ride.  This particular corn maze is actually on property owned by our county, but a private business handles the activities.  The corn maze was apparently sponsored by a local law firm this year.  This was probably the biggest maze we've ever attempted, and we had a large group with all our children (and two strollers).  We were warned that the maze would take approximately two to two and a half hours to complete although some people have taken much longer if they get lost.  This maze involves finding mailboxes with pieces of a puzzle you have to complete to create a map to help find your way out.  The corn maze was laid out in a farm scene with a windmill, a barn, a fence, etc.  It was pretty neat, and we got out in a decent time and claimed all of our puzzle pieces to create our picture of the maze scene.  We also enjoyed the other activities the farm had to offer and enjoyed getting some fall pictures of the kids too.

 photo Pumpkincollage_zps02e5aaf0.jpg


 photo maze2_zpsb261370a.jpg
First, Brody heads off into the little hay bale maze.  I am proud to say I finally made it out of this maze while making only right turns.  Haha!  

 photo maze1_zpsc090df20.jpg
Yes, Brody made quite a few left turns. 

 photo maze3_zps98cb4364.jpg
Big brother tried to help him. 

 photo maze4_zpsd45cd736.jpg


 photo maze5_zps48312f4d.jpg
Big brother found a little red tractor.  As you can see, Brody was on his way to check it out. 

 photo maze6_zps0c85bb6a.jpg
Evan showing little brother how to drive the tractor. 

 photo maze7_zps3bdf528c.jpg
Brody's turn.  Nope, he hasn't got the hang of pedaling yet. 

 photo maze8_zps101aff39.jpg
Lookin' like a cute little farmer!

 photo maze9_zps09fb28e9.jpg
Sweet boy

 photo maze10_zps5ca12398.jpg
He was like "we have got to get one of these!"

 photo maze11_zps09731730.jpg
Toddler problems - he can only go backwards. 

 photo maze12_zps21a68931.jpg
Little farmer

 photo maze13_zps867f40cf.jpg


 photo maze14_zps35f139fe.jpg
And this is the method of driving that he prefers. 

 photo maze15_zps4c4e9b2f.jpg
Cate took advantage of Brody's willingness to push. 

 photo maze16_zpsbdf996ac.jpg
"Faster Brody!"

 photo maze17_zpsf802957c.jpg
Cousins playing together. 

 photo maze18_zps2e33895a.jpg
Sweet little farmer girl driving a tractor. 

 photo maze26_zps819a5c08.jpg

 photo maze19_zpsc10ee182.jpg
The kids lead the way.  Yep, it was sort of like the blind leading the blind here. 

 photo maze20_zpsbef5ae04.jpg
Brody was not loving his seat. 

 photo maze21_zps95a3174c.jpg
"Wahhhhh, I don't want to do the corn maze!" Haha!

 photo maze22_zpsbf291a3a.jpg
Evan enjoyed the important job of bearing our rescue flag in case we got lost.  We found our first mailbox. 

 photo maze23_zps10280ddb.jpg
And after a couple of hours wondering through corn, we arrived at the finish line!

 photo maze24_zps7c71b963.jpg
Even cousin Reade was present in this picture despite his spending over half the maze with his nose buried in an electronic device riding in comfort in his sister's stroller.  Yes, he's an addict!

 photo maze25_zpsab2ad69d.jpg
The maze from the finish line bridge. 

 photo maze27_zpscbcd02bf.jpg
Of course, we had to take some pumpkin pictures. 

 photo maze28_zps1a9ce406.jpg
Sweet boys. 

 photo maze30_zps883e5204.jpg
And one with cousin Grady. 

 photo maze29_zps1871d251.jpg
Sweet cousins

 photo maze31_zps7bccddf5.jpg
Pictures for Grandma

 photo maze32_zps1fdd158e.jpg
Love the way Grady is gazing up at Evan.  Cousin love!

 photo maze35_zps6e6f9336.jpg
Grady's 1st pumpkin patch visit

 photo maze40_zpsa7f7703c.jpg
Evan enjoying a cool sweet treat after working up a sweat in the maze. 

 photo maze41_zps9fe68778.jpg
Lanny too. 

 photo maze42_zpsa25063d4.jpg
And Emma. 

 photo maze43_zps8497fdf0.jpg
And Reade even put down the electronics for some sweets. 

 photo maze44_zps269751f9.jpg
Big brother shares some with little brother. 

 photo maze45_zps210b2911.jpg
So sweet!

 photo maze46_zpsb1abdd13.jpg
Uncle Paul thought it would be a good idea to buy this girl a red snow cone.  Haha!

 photo maze47_zps6b713d27.jpg
Clown face!

 photo maze48_zpsd5114589.jpg
Brody driving the big tractor.  This one calls for a comparison. 
 photo IMG_5382.jpg
Evan driving a tractor at the pumpkin patch in 2009. 

 photo maze49_zps5b3bd16c.jpg
Driving a tractor down on the farm. 

 photo maze50_zps3751837b.jpg
Waving like a country boy. 

 photo maze51_zps2202daf0.jpg
Quite possibly my favorite picture of Brody ever. 

 photo maze52_zps84466cda.jpg
Sweet country boy. 

 photo maze53_zpsf63d0b6a.jpg
We "heart" tractors!
 photo IMG_5388.jpg
I don't know why Evan was sticking his tongue out. 
 photo maze54_zps1cb03405.jpg


 photo maze55_zps1fc5cd8b.jpg
Brody found a scarecrow. 

 photo maze56_zps35e671eb.jpg
We got lots of pictures of Brody while Evan ran off to play with his cousins. 

 photo maze57_zpsb593eb20.jpg
Evan did help his little brother through the little inflatable maze. 

 photo maze58_zpsb50ebe2e.jpg
Out comes Brody. 

 photo maze59_zpsbf42af39.jpg
And down the slide. 

 photo maze60_zpse2963890.jpg
Happy to see big brother waiting for him. 

 photo maze61_zps976ec372.jpg
Evan wanted to "catch" him. 

 photo maze62_zps61ad8cdf.jpg
Then, Evan and his big cousins did the obstacle course. 

 photo maze63_zps46fac056.jpg
And Brody and cousin Cate enjoyed jumping together. 

 photo maze64_zpse36fc4e2.jpg
Love this picture of my pretty little man. 

 photo maze65_zpsb25b4ea1.jpg
So photogenic

 photo maze66_zps11fa7612.jpg
Brothers

 photo maze67_zpse8f27fc4.jpg
Big brother is his hero!

 photo maze68_zps2435a0b0.jpg
Evan trying to get Brody to cooperate for pictures. 

 photo maze69_zpsa50c56cd.jpg
Cuties

 photo maze70_zps2fda36d5.jpg
Sweet memories. 

 photo maze71_zpseb443b9a.jpg


 photo maze73_zps1211db99.jpg


 photo maze74_zps1424f5d9.jpg

It was a great day!

 photo nametab_zps32a557cc.jpg