Back to Work

Originally, I had planned on going back to work after Christmas break but a few weeks ago I decided that I would go ahead and go back for semester tests since it's only two days and then a long break.  I figured it would give me time to get some things done in my room and have things ready for the new semester.  Never in a million years would I have thought I would be going back after such a tragic event that happened the Friday before.  I honestly can't even wrap my head around what happened.... I just don't understand how anyone could take a life of another and several babies at that??  To me they are babies... my 6th graders are still babies... In fact, it doesn't matter if you are in college or married, you will always be someone's baby and that is what I try to think of when I teach these kids every day.  Sure, they might be ornery at times... it's middle school... but that ornery little kid is someone's baby.  When I send my babies off to school one day I want them to feel safe, loved, and respected so that is exactly what I want to provide for my kiddos.  It's sad that we live in a world where we have to wonder if our kids are safe in school or if I'm safe in my classroom while I'm at work.  There are two things that I completely disagree with that people get on soap boxes about when things like this happen - I get really annoyed with the people that say "guns kill people."  People kill people.... CRAZY, psychotic, LOST people kill people.  It has nothing to do with the gun... let's be honest.  If you are that insane, you will find a way and a gun.... it doesn't have to be sold to you.  In fact, you better believe I am getting my concealed weapons permit the first of the year.  I have two babies at home and I will know how to protect us if need be.  The second thing - everyone that keeps saying this happened because God is taken out of schools.  I for one wish more than anything we could have prayer in schools but there is no one taking God out of my work place.  Just because I can't legally pray out loud with my classes does not mean he is taken out.... God is with me every second I am in that school.  God doesn't stop looking after us when we enter the school... He is present with us at all times.  The only people taking God out of anything are the ones that shut him out of their life completely.  I am completely confident in knowing my God is more powerful than the government or any law.  

So, that is my two sense on that.  I pray that the victims families find peace in God and can get through these awful times.  I hate that this also happened right before Christmas.  May God be with each and every one of them.  I find peace in knowing they are in a MUCH greater place than any of us.  

Santa Clause!

I already posted about taking the boys to see Santa so I just wanted to post their pictures.... Love the way they turned out.... Such a perfect Santa!

We also went to Rogers this weekend for a Christmas party at my mother in law's house.  It was a lot of fun... Good food, good company, games, and little cousins playing. =)

Who could not love this happy little face?!

Harrison - 1 month

 

My baby bird is 1 month old... already!

*

People always ask why I call him my bird... I've been calling him that since he was a day old in the hospital.  He would look up at me any time he was hungry and "peck" all over my face with his little mouth open.  It was the sweetest thing in the world and I just started calling him my baby bird.  He still does it and now that nickname has stuck.  He's my baby bird.

 *

You now weigh 9 lb 14 oz and your 21 3/4" long.  You were 7 lb 13 oz and 20 1/2" long when you left the hospital so you are really growing!!

*

You are still wearing newborn clothes in most everything but a few things that are 0-3 months fit you now.  We have had to put a few of your newborn onesies away already because your feet push out the bottom of them... You are long and petite right now like your brother was.  You are in size 1 diapers.

 *

You are still sleeping quite a bit during the day.  You stay awake really well from about 10 am-2 pm and then you nap a lot, then you stay awake for the most part from about 6 pm-10 pm.  I usually feed you around 10 or 11 and you sleep until about 3 am and then you wake up to eat again around 6ish.  So you are really only waking up one time in the middle of the night and you go right back to sleep after you eat.  Your daddy and I joke that you aren't an easy baby because your brother was practically sleeping through the night at this point and was happily content in his swing during the day, but in reality you are such a perfect little baby... We were just beyond blessed with two!  You like to be held a lot... and by your momma in particular.  It's pretty safe to say that you are stuck to your momma like glue and I absolutely love it!!  

*

Breastfeeding is going wonderful and thankfully you don't spit up hardly at all.  Your brother spit up a ton so it is kind of weird having a baby that doesn't.  I had to supplement a tiny bit when I was really upset about the testing because I wasn't producing as much milk and you didn't seem to like formula.  It was the only time you spit up and you made the worst face ever so I guess it's a good thing breastfeeding is working out.  It has created a bond between us that I can't describe.  Your daddy still wakes up with me and helps change your diaper or just to sit up with me most of the time.  He's an amazing husband and daddy and I pray you and your brother turn out a whole lot like him. :)

*

Your brother absolutely adores you.  The first thing he says when he wakes up in the morning is "bubby" and he gives you tons of kisses.  He always makes sure you have your blankie and comes running to me when you cry.  He is very protective over you already... I can't even tell you how lucky you are to have him as a big brother.  Khloe also loves you a whole lot and is already very protective.  She sits up with us during feeding at night and she lays by your rocker when you are asleep in the living room.

*

Your eyes are still really blue and they seem to be the very same color as mine right now.  Your hair is starting to get lighter and around the edges is super blonde but I still can't tell what color it is going to all come in.  Your eyelashes and eyebrows are extremely blonde, almost white.  You still have the most beautiful complexion. 

*

 You rolled over during tummy time about a week ago but you haven't done that since.  I think it was a rare occurrence.  You do hold your head up so good though and you have been doing that before we even came home from the hospital.  You have started holding it up a lot more during tummy time lately.  You are already a strong little man.  The lady that did your testing said she could not believe how strong you were when you were pulling your arm away from her.  It looked like you were doing curls. 

*

One of my favorite times with you is bath time and getting you all lotioned up and smelling so good and then cuddling.  However, you are not a fan of the actual bath.  You are getting better now that you are more used to it and putting your whale on you makes it a lot better.  The whale is like a very large rag that covers your body and it keeps you warm - I love it.  

*

*

You love looking at the Christmas lights on the tree.  I sit and rock you right beside it every night and you would stare at those lights for hours.  You also like to sit by the tree in your bouncer and look at them.  I think you will be sad when we have to take the tree down.  We can't wait to spend our first Christmas with you and as a family of four!!  You met Santa for the first time a few nights ago... everyone kept saying you were such a beautiful little boy and that we could put a bow on you and you would be a pretty girl... your dad didn't like that too much! hehe

*

*

You have blessed our lives more than I could have ever imagined and you have changed me so much in just the last 4 weeks for the better.  You are a very special little boy and we could not thank God enough for you.  We can't wait to watch you grow and see all of your little "firsts" like we did your brother. 

4 weeks old

Whew! What a week this has been, little boy!!  This week was partly consumed with the health scare and the rest was spent in pure BLISS that it's all behind us and we have a healthy baby boy.  I will never again take my kids health for granted and things that seemed so important to me before seem so silly now.  It's weird how God can change your heart in an instant.  I am also a little in shock that Harrison is already 4 weeks old and two days away from being 1 month old.  Time doesn't ever slow down, unless you are waiting at children's hospital, unfortunately.  I am going to wait and post his little stats on his 1 month post but I have to add some of my favorite pictures of the week and from last week since I missed his 3 week post (the weekly posts stop here btw if any of you were concerned with my sanity)... He is just so darn beautiful and I love him DEARLY!!!!!!

*

 

 after bath time

 

 

I thought I found a paci that he would take - wrong.

 Loving his auto bouncer.. so cozy!

 beautiful boy <3

melts my heart

He has to lay on me pretty much all the time - rotten!

Family of Four Fun-ness

I realize "fun-ness" is not even close to being a word but I like it and it works.  So, tonight was by far the most fun I have had with my sweet family... it was just a perfect night!  We got the boys dressed in their cute little sorta matchy outfits... by matchy I mean they both wore red and white and had reindeer on them.  I think I made another word up, matchy, but that is fine.  Anyhow, we got them all dressed and looking super cute and went to see Santa at Virgila Dale's studio.  She has a really awesome set up with Santa and all the proceeds go to Autism Speaks which is a great cause.  They got a picture with the elf and one with Santa.  Christian was all about going to see Santa... in fact, he said Santa approximately one million times on our way there.  He seemed fine being around Santa and was really excited UNTIL the moment Corey placed him on his knee.  That was all she wrote, folks!  He grabbed on to Corey with a death grip all while Harrison was snoozing away in Santa's arms! haha  We settled for a picture with Santa holding Harrison and Christian setting in front of the fireplace looking up at him.  I'm sure it will be super cute!  When the picture was over, Christian took his candy cane from Santa, thanked him, and got the heck out of there! lol  That boy cracks me up.  Then, we headed to Creekmore park to see the lights and ride the train.  Holy cow the line was RIDICulous!!  Apparently the train broke down for a bit so it made the line even more insane than usual for a Saturday night... let me add THE Saturday night that all the Christmas parades were also going on.  We sure picked the best night to take the fam out!! LOL  We ended up having a great time without the train and we are going back on Tuesday to ride it.  We strolled around the park and looked at the lights.  It was our first time to take the double stroller out... That thing is large and in charge. =)  Christian loved the lights and didn't make a peep because he was in awe of them.  I got teary eyed as we strolled around there just thinking about all the blessings God has given me.  I am so undeserving of this life but I am very thankful.  After the park we went to Sweetbay and had dinner... I forgot how much I love their sandwiches.  They are great!  When we got home, it was time to get everyone ready for bed and now we are just relaxing... Nights like these are the best and absolutely priceless!!!