The Second Half of Summer According to My iPhone

I don't know what to say above the picture above except that he is two and pouts. A lot. But is still so cute!

Woody at his friend, Bradley's, birthday party. He had such a good time and even wore the party hat. Who is this child?!

 All my babies! One of our goals this summer was to expose the boys to "big church." The contemporary service is very relaxed as far as children go, so we decided to attend this service and bring the boys. They did as well as expected, and we decided to leave after the music.

The week after Woody's birthday, the boys were supposed to go to Spanish Camp. I was very nervous about this after the longer than expected recovery from his tonsillectomy. It was going to be held at a church we had never been to, the boys didn't know any other kids there, and on the first day, I realized it was full immersion! However, my kids never cease to amaze me! Woody went all five days and walked right in with no tears. Everyday he told me that he had a good time. Gaines went on Tuesday and Thursday and didn't bite anyone or have a meltdown! So proud of my big boys for trying something new.

Gaines enjoying the first day while Woody was at camp and having Momma all to himself.

Day 2

I don't know if a picture could capture their personalities better

 Peepers was pooped!

Matchy Thursday!

And in need of haircuts.

And, again, their faces.

I know I had to look crazy snapping pictures of them walking in, but it was so sweet that they only wanted to hold each others' hand.

Woody fell asleep on the way home

Gaines made this on Thursday. Notice how two fruit loops are missing? Those were his snack on the way home. His teachers told me that he kept eating all the other kids' fruit loops, whether they were glued down or not. They had to hide the box from him!

Funny story- As much fun as they boys were having, I was unsure how much Spanish they were actually learning. However, on the last day, when I went to pick up Woody, Gaines saw his crafts, including a gold medal, and yelled, "La Medella!"

Did I mention how tired the boys were after camp?

Like, really tired

Gaines has been the sweetest thing with his "Baby Mickey." He is (usually) so gentle with it. I can't wait to see him with the real thing (in six weeks! Ah!)

Woody had his follow-up appointment from his tonsillectomy. His doctor's office is at Northside Hospital, which is super close to our house (convenient for that six week deadline I was speaking of!) However, when we got there, they informed me his appointment was at the Alpharetta location. Despite a 9:00 appointment time and Atlanta morning rush hour, we were only twenty minutes late!

These two were most disappointed when we had to leave the waiting room.

Since we were already so far north, we decided to drive a little further north and visit Brooks at his office and have lunch together.

I'm sure they are hired!

Usually after church, we just go to Zoe's, but one Sunday, Brooks was craving Mexican food so we went to El Azteca since it is just up Roswell Road. To our delight, they were having Sunday buffet! It was so good, and the boys got to eat free since they were under 5. Everyone was full and happy!

We went to visit Maridelle and Aunt Melanie. Gaines was showing off his dog walking skills on a patient Baker.

The first weekend in August, my family came to Atlanta because the older grand kids wanted to go back to Stone Mountain. (Sister blogged about it here.) Brooks, the boys, and I met them Saturday morning.

Our normal lazy days. Gaines was giving Mickey a bottle and although it looks like Woody is throwing up a gang sign, he is just showing off the letters K and S.

Even though they each have their own bed, they often fall asleep in the same one.

I am just a little obsessed with stalking them in their sleep.

This summer, the Good Lord has been working in my heart with being content. I did a great bible study at the beginning of the summer called Breathe by Priscilla Shirer. It made me really think about my priorities and all the blessings I have been given.

When we took the house off the market and then found out I was pregnant, we planned on finishing out our basement. It just seemed impossible to live in a three bedroom <2,000 square ft house. As I type that, I realize how silly I sound when so many others pray and plead for what we have! In reality, we hadn't saved for a big basement renovation, so we decided to put that on hold and turn my "Ladies Lounge" into a playroom.

This was great...until the toys started to spill over from this room to the kitchen and the dining room. Again, I kept thinking, "Ugh, we just need more space," but really, we just needed less stuff! They boys actually helped me clean out the playroom and give a lot of their toys to "widdle boys wid no toys." I know this concept his hard for a 4 and 2 year old to process, but I was so proud of them. And here is our new and improved playroom!

We love the garbage men! They are always so sweet and give fun honks to the boys!

I love letting the boys pick out their clothes and seeing what they come up with!

(Usually Gaines requests "No Clo" and Woody responds with, "I just wear my underwear.")

Best part of the day? When Daddy gets home!

 I found these pajamas on major sale and gave them to Sister to monogram. I was trying to get a picture and this is what I got.

But then they were so sweet!

I am attempting this week to try to potty train Gaines. Today was Day 1. I threw in the towel at lunch. At least Gaines is happy to get to wear "No Clo"

This afternoon, tragedy happened. Woody dropped the iPad. He gets to play in during Gaines's nap, and he was in the process of putting it up. He is so sensitive and burst into tears saying, "Mommy and Daddy are going to be mad at me!" I tried to explain the I am Mommy, and I am not mad. Brooks Facetimed him (as I carefully held onto my iPhone) and told him that he wasn't mad, and we would work together to do chores to fix it. It broke my heart to see him so upset.

The devastated face,

The devastated iPad

And since we started this long post with Gaines pouting...

...I wouldn't let him have Lucky Charms for dinner. 

Mom is a jerk.

(Be back soon with beach pictures!)

Horsetrough Falls

Not many words today. We drove up to Horsetrough Falls two weekends ago for some fresh air. It was really nice and here are a lot of pictures of pretty scenery and my sweet boys.

Gippy

I felt like this little spark plug needed a post of his own. I love him dearly. When most people find out that we are not finding out the gender of Squeak, they usually say, "What if it is another boy?!" followed by, "And what if it is another Gaines?!" I think nothing would be quite as fantastic (but I know Squeak will have a personality all his/her own!) 

Even though Gaines keeps me on my toes and rarely lets me sit down, he is the most lovable little boy. He hates for his brother to be upset and is so tender-hearted. If Woody is crying, he will go rub his back and (somewhat forcefully) kiss him. I adore how compassionate he is. 

That being said, he bit me! Or bit Squeak? It is hard to explain exactly how it happened, but he ran to me and somehow bit my stomach. I didn't think he clamped down, but he left a huge bruise. I can't wait to explain this to my OBGYN tomorrow.

My little sour patch kid. He wanted to help wash dishes...then climbed in the sink when I wasn't looking.

Woody's 4 Year Old Stats and Questions

I realize it is August, and I am just getting around to this. I was waiting for Woody's four year old check-up last week. Unfortunately, thanks to my active guys, a pregnant momma, and a cranky nurse, I didn't get all my information and was just ready to get out of there!

Woody Facts

Height and Weight: He lost a lot of weight after the tonsillectomy, but is back up to 34 lbs! They told me his height, but I forgot... He grew though :)

Clothing Size: He is a 4T in tops and a 3T in shorts (and can honestly still fit in some 2T shorts)

Shoe Size: 10

Sleep: He goes down between 7:30 and 8:00 and goes to sleep very quickly. He usually wakes around 6:30. I have been so proud of how he has transitioned to Gaines moving in with him. Gaines likes to get in Woody's bed, and he is very patient about it. He no longer naps. It is not too big of an issue, since he is very quiet while Gaines naps. However, if he does happen to fall asleep, it rarely messes up bedtime, and he is much more pleasant when Brooks comes home.

Eat: Breakfast is usually some sort or waffle or pancake with a yogurt and a cup of almond milk. (I'm lucky that neither of the boys crave milk.) We still try to do a green smoothie in the morning to get some veggies in him. He does well with most meats and loves PB&J. The only fruit he will eat now is grapes. He likes beans, but that is where the veggies stop. That is why those green smoothies are so important! He does great about drinking water throughout the day...but likes a splash of apple juice on top!

Questions

(His answers are in black...my opinion in blue!)

1. What is your name? Woody

2. How old are you? Four Somewhat funny, somewhat strange, he told the pediatrician he was probably about 60

3. What is your favorite color? Blue

4. What is your favorite animal? Dog

5. What is your favorite book? Paw Patrol Book. The Big Book of Paw Patrol is equivalent to a lovie or blanket. He insists on taking it with him everywhere (but we leave it in the car.) Wherever he is playing in the house, it is next to him. Yes, he sleeps and eats with it. The original one finally fell to pieces. I promised him the next morning we would go buy a new one. It was bedtime, and he was so upset, so I drove to Barnes and Noble at 8:00pm to buy a new one. The look on his face was totally worth it too :)

6. What do you like to watch on T.V.? Super Why, The Letter Show (Wheel of Fortune), I like all of them!

7. What is your favorite thing to eat? Pizza

8. What is your favorite thing to drink? Juice in my cup

9. What do you like for a snack? Grapes But only purple grapes. Green grapes are apparently disgusting.

10. What game do you like to play? I just like to play with my toys. He really likes to play Phonics Fair on the iPad and when Brooks gets home, they often play Hide and Seek. (Momma is fantastic at hiding.)

11. What is your favorite toy? Edgar Edward....It is a train from Thomas and Friends. That is what he chose as his birthday present. It is a close second to the Paw Patrol Book. He is still really into trains.

12. Who is your best friend? Gainsie (Melt my little black heart)

13. Where is your favorite place to go? Church Did you hear that, God?! Honestly, I am not sure if it truly is his favorite place, or just where we are a lot of the time! 

14. What do you want to be when you grow up? A kid. I spent a good time trying to explain that he was a kid, but what did he want to do when he became a grown-up. He kept responding that he was a kid. Finally to get me off his back he replied- A fireman. Which is really just what Gaines wants to be. 

Funny Woody Story

Sunday at church they were studing Abraham and his many sons. Woody was supposed to make a family tree. On his tree were: Woody, Lindsey (not momma), Father Abraham, and Stuart. Brooks and Gaines were quite offended. We don't know who Stuart is, but Brooks keeps questioning Woody if Stuart is a man who visits Momma. 

Happy 4th Birthday Woody!

So, my precious first-born turned four a week and two days ago...and I am just getting around to blogging about it! I don't have a great excuse. I usually blog after the boys go to bed, and lately, I have been going to bed as soon as they do!

The night before his birthday he was still pretty pathetic from the tonsillectomy. He climbed up in my lap a little after 6:00pm and quickly feel asleep. I rocked and rocked him. Brooks kept asking if I wanted him to carry to bed, but I didn't want to let him go. I knew the next time he woke up he would be four, which just seems so much older than three! (Sweet moment spoiler: He had a night terror at 11:00, so I still got to hold him again before his big day!)

Woody is just such a neat kid. He has a sweet, sensitive heart, and yet is very independent. He likes what he likes, and doesn't seem to care what is cool. It is truly Woody's World, and we are just living in it! It is such a precious age, and I dread the day he tries to fit in with the crowd. I pray he always stays his wonderful, unique self. 

He kept insisting that he was only three, and it wasn't his birthday

But he cheered up when I told him he could pick out some toys!

On his actual birthday, we actually didn't do too much. Since he still wasn't feeling great, we just went to his favorite toy store and Target. 

Despite the fact that it was his brother's birthday, this one somehow went home with that "tiny" firetruck 

The next day he was supposed to have his party. I was nervous, because right before his party, he fell asleep. I was nervous that he just wasn't going to be up to going to his party. He struggled getting out the door, but once we got there, he was so excited!

One hour before his party

I had his party at Catch Air again. When he said he wanted to have it there, I didn't fight him. I don't mind hosting at our house, but in the summer, our house gets so hot with a lot of people. I figured I would just get to make something cute and crafty for the party room at Catch Air. Well, between playing nurse and little sleep the weeks before, I made NOTHING (except assembling goody bags.) And guess what, Woody didn't care! That is what I love about him. We could have just had cake as a family, and he would have thought it was the best thing ever!

 This little party animal! He enjoyed singing Happy Birthday to his brother and trying to go home with every momma there!

 Sweet Birthday Boy!

 The party guests we could convince to take a picture. The "Buzz" was a little scary. Lucky for us, Gaines was ready to attach at any moment.

Woody wouldn't dance with Buzz. He preferred the bubble machine and watching Buzz from a distance.

 Happy Birthday Woodfin James! Even though you may be four, you will always be my (big boy) baby!

Eight is Great

Brooks and I are celebrating eight years of marriage today. Eight years seems so long! Especially when my mind still thinks I am 21 (my body and 2.5 children remind me that I am indeed pushing 30.)

Last year on our anniversary, we were driving back from an out-of-town wedding, and I was so sick! Brooks stopped at every gas station for water and a bathroom break without complaining. This year, we are dealing with an almost four year old suffering from night terrors. Brooks has dealt with Woody while letting me sleep...and never complains. I can't help but think about our honeymoon. Day 2 I had a sinus infection, and Brooks paid the crazy cruise ship prices for some Sudafed without blinking an eye.

Notice a pattern? I am really high maintence. Where would I be without him? I am so lucky to get to say that for eight years he has put up with me and made me feel like a treasure. I feel guilty that I am not near the wife that he is husband! Eight years has gone by in the blink of an eye, yet it is hard to remember me before him. 

I love you so much, Brooks. I hope we make it to the concert tonight (and race home before Woody has his first night terror of the night... #reallife)

Surviving the Tonsillectomy

Where have I been? Confined to Patches with a little guy with smelly breath and a painful throat.... This post is going to be long, and probably boring unless you have a child who is about to have a tonsillectomy.

On Friday, July 1, Woody was scheduled to get his tonsils and adenoids out. I was so happy to finally get this done to correct his snoring and breathing trouble at night. We talked a little about how we would meet a doctor who would help him feel better. I didn't want to say too much because I didn't want to freak him out. I kept thinking it was no big deal, so why worry him?

Thank goodness I decided to google some other mothers' accounts of this procedure. My opinions on it were based on when my niece, Maddox, had it and had little to no problems. (I even thought I could use this weekend at home to potty train Gaines. Ha...hahahahahaha.) However, I read that the recovery can be difficult and longer than I imagined. And it was is.

July 1: Surgery Day. It was scheduled for 9:15, and we had to be there by 7:15. Senior Harvards got to our house a little before 6:30 to stay with Gaines. Check in went well, and we got Woody set up in a pre-op room. He didn't seem to mind waiting in there or the fact that he didn't have anything to eat or drink. His main complaint was over having to wear the gown. 

One parent was allowed to carry Woody back to where they would put him under anesthesia. I had planned on that parent being me, but because I am pregnant, I couldn't go. This ended up being a blessing in disguise because I think I would have started crying (Brooks said it was uneasy to watch.) I went to the post-op room where Woody would go after surgery, and Brooks quickly joined me. The surgery was very quick (20-30 minutes), and the doctor let me know that Woody did great and he would be joining us when he started to wake up. 

A sweet nurse carried him in, and he quickly fell back asleep in my arms. When he woke up, he cried out and said his mouth hurt. We let him watch some cartoons, and he drank the entire juice box. When his IV fluid was up, they let us go home. I remember thinking that this would be no problem at all!

At home, he was a little whiny, but seemed not to be too bad...

Then all those great hospital pain killers wore off. When it was time from the Hydrocodone (which has Tylenol in it too for the fever), Woody spit it out and screamed. I later found out that the alcohol in medicine hurts...a lot. I didn't want to force the pain medicine if he didn't want to drink it.

MISTAKE 1: Yes, it hurts their throat. However, they will scream without it. Try to calm your child, remind him that it is going to help their throat, and offer juice to "wash it down."

For bed, we put him in his room with Gaines.

MISTAKE 2: I should have sent Gaines home with the grandparents. He is the most adorable thing ever, and truly cares about Woody, but he gets on Woody's nerves...especially when he doesn't feel good. 

I had read that I needed to set an alarm to go off and give Woody medicine. That seemed silly. Why would I wake him up if he was sleeping?

MISTAKE 3: Woody woke up in pain and couldn't calm down, he was so hysterical, that I couldn't get him to take the medicine. And his screaming woke Gaines up (see MISTAKE 2.) 

We put Woody in bed with us after he finally took some medicine. He was very restless and wanted to sleep fully embracing me. (This is not super comfortable for a pregnant lady in case you were wondering.) However, when I calmed him down, I didn't mind. Seeing him so upset was hard.

Day 2-3: Medicine was still very much a challenge to give to Woody. He would spit most of it out and scream. About halfway through the morning, I realized he wasn't drinking much, but I didn't want to push it and make him cry anymore.

MISTAKE 4: Keep them hydrated!!!! My kids are actually great about a cup of milk in the morning and mostly water throughout the day. But now is not the time to get on your high horse about sugar. Let them have all the full strength apple juice they want! It helps with the consipation. (Funny story...Gaines is loving the full strength apple juice. We have had the plessure of cleaning some messy diapers because of it!)

Woody was resistant to it because his throat hurt so much, but I realized he wasn't drinking the recommended number of ounces, and I was scared he wasn't peeing as much as he should, so I tried a new tactic...

SUCCESS 1: "Woody if you don't drink your juice, you will have to go back to the doctor and get a shot." (I would like to thank Ken Hollon for this parenting strategy.) Woody started to proudly show me the number of juice boxes he downed!

As far as food went, he didn't ask for much. He successfully ate some ice cream and yogurt. (He doesn't like Popsicles, but don't worry, Gaines does! He and his momma gladly ate the entire package.) 

Day 4-6: I completely thought by now Woody would be feeling much better. Eh, not the case. He was doing better about medicine during the day, but he was hungry and was disappointed when what he was craving hurt his throat. He spent most of the time lying in our bed with Thomas on the TV and train demonstrations on the iPad (no judgment.) On night 4, we tried him back in his bed. However, a little after midnight, he would wake with night terrors. We learned to quickly get him out of the room to try not to wake Gaines, but Woody would be hysterical. Even when in bed with us, he sits straight up from his sleep and starts screaming. It is terrifying. Luckily, he usually calms after 5-10 minutes (as long as he can sleep in that full body embrace I mentioned earlier.) Oh...and the breath. It is the worst, and no toothpaste can cure it. It is like he knows that his breath smells like a dying hyena and surely Momma wants to smell it all night.

As I said, I thought he would be much better by then, so I didn't cancel his trip to stay with Senior Harvards for a long weekend. Mimi is a great nurturer, and I knew Gaines would love playing with Papa. I asked Woody if he wanted to stay with them over and over, and the answer was always yes.

MISTAKE 5: I hope they forgive me for this past weekend...He just wasn't ready. He was still having night terrors. If they are scary for Woody and me, they have to be really scary for a grandparent. He quit eating and struggled to drink enough or take his medicine. Senior Harvards were so sweet and patient, but I think it was a little too soon to send him with them.

SUCCESS 2: I got Squeak's nursery painted while the boys were away!

SUCCESS 3: I got two nights of interrupted sleep!

The boys went down on day 7, and the morning of day 8, I realized I had made a mistake. Senior Harvard kept reassuring me that he was okay, but we decided to go ahead and pick them up the next day (Day 9.)

Day 10: So here we are today. TEN DAYS PEOPLE! I still have to force Woody to drink and medicine is a challenge. And all of his favorite foods are still painful. I read that somewhere between days 7-10, the scabs in their throats fall off (cue Momma vomit), which is super painful. I pray that he starts to feel better this week. His birthday in Thursday and party on Friday! So please say a prayer for his recovery. I know that he will eventually feel better, and this surgery is nothing compared to what some kids have to go through. However, I hate seeing him in so much pain. And maybe send out some positive vibes for better breath...

Not happy with the gown...

Day 1: Enjoying ice cream

And so is Gaines

Gaines finishing his brother's ice cream

He is also awesome at picking out his clothes...

As pitiful as he and his breath have been, it has been sweet rocking him to sleep. How is he almost four!?

Resting in Mom and Dad's room

 Happy to be with Mimi!

When we picked them up yesterday. Milkshakes make things better...

...for everyone.