Love Equation

1 Happy Couple

+ 2 Amazing Kids

= Three Wonderful Years!!!

Happy Anniversary to my husband, my best friend, my soul mate, the love of my life...

  I loved you then, I love you now, I'll love you forever!

Discovery Island

Believe it or not, my husband is somewhat of a homebody.  I'm always the one wanting to go places and do things, so when we woke up this morning and he said "Let's go do something fun today," I knew we had to find something good!

We quickly decided to go to Discovery Island!

This water park is not even 10 minutes from our house and we thought it was a perfect day to go play in the water.  Austin had a ball and didn't slow down from the moment we let him go.  He loved wading through the water and climbing on the tower.  He could have stayed there all afternoon!  Owen slept through most of it but we managed to swim around for a little bit before it was time to go.

There are 2 more water parks near here and we have full intentions of taking a tour of the other two before the summer is over!

Can you spot Austin climbing up the ropes?

Owen did a lot of this...

It's not a big place, but it's good, cheap fun!

Austin got so worn out he didn't even want to walk anymore!

Prayers for Papa

UPDATE:  Surgery went even better than we expected!  They were able to do the heart cath (which they didn't think they could) and they found the blockage and put in a stint.  He is doing very well and we all couldn't be happier!!!  The power of prayer truly is amazing!

There is nothing sweeter than the look of a proud grandfather holding his newest grandchild...

There is nothing more heart warming than witnessing the special bond between grandfather and grandson...

There is nothing more treasured than those moments spent together...

There is nothing like the love shared across three generations.

Tomorrow morning my father-in-law is going into surgery.  

He is in his mid 70's.  

He is having problems with his heart.  

He could really use your prayers.

I pray that the photos above document just the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship between Austin, Owen and their Papa.

Look Who's 3 Months!

Three months have flown by since my sweet baby Owen was born.  He's been growing like a weed and we've been loving every minute!  Here's what Owen has been up to in the past month:

-Still sleeping like a rock star.  He goes to bed at 9:30pm and wakes up between 5:30-7am, eats, and then goes right back to sleep for another 2-3 hours.  He takes several cat naps during the day and one more 3 hour nap early afternoon.

-Still eating like a champ.  He nurses every three hours during the day for about 10 minutes at a time.

-Likes sitting up in his Bebe Pod and seeing the world from a different perspective.

-LOVES to smile, laugh and socialize.  He's such a happy little boy!

-Enjoying tummy time, holding his head up and looking around.

-Still has the biggest, most beautiful, blue eyes I've ever seen!

-Has definitely found his hands and loves chewing on them.

-Wearing a size 2 diaper and size 3-6 month clothing.

-Spits up on daddy every time he holds him.

-Thinks his big brother is hilarious!

-Is a total drooling machine.

-Adores his mommy!

Mom...Mama...MOMMY!

Austin likes to be the center of attention, especially when his little brother is in the room.  He usually doesn't mind sharing the limelight as long as he isn't being ignored and can still get a reaction out of us.  It's hard, though, when you've got two sweet boys to divide your attention between, not to ignore one or the other for a little while.

Yesterday, while taking pictures of Owen enjoying tummy time, I admit, my attention strayed from my almost-2-year-old.  Austin didn't like it....and this is what he did to try and regain my attention.  I was so focused on taking pictures of Owen that I didn't even notice Austin lurking in the background.

Don't worry, no babies were harmed!

Then & Now

Then:  Romantic dinner at a nice Italian restaurant

Now:  Family dinner at the Olive Garden

Then:  Saturday night out with friends

Now:  Saturday night play dates with friends

Then:  Day on the beach

Now:  Couple of hours on the beach

Then:  Friday night out at the bar for drinks

Now:  Friday night out at Chick-fil-a for waffle fries and ice cream

Then:  Feeling pretty good about my bikini bod

Now:  Loving the "bump" look

Then:  Self-Portrait

Now:  Portrait of the little guy who's got my eyes

Then:  Bedtime snuggles with my fur baby

Now:  Bedtime snuggles with my first born baby

As mine and Ryan's 3 year anniversary quickly approaches, it's amazing to look back at how much our lives have changed in such a short period of time.

I thought, then, that I couldn't be any happier.  I know, now, that I couldn't have been any more wrong!

I Now Pronounce You...

Ryan was talking in the shower this afternoon and I was on our bed playing with the boys.  He didn't realize I was in the room and could hear him because I was supposed to be running around getting ready for a cook-out we were already running late for.  I couldn't help but smile as I overheard him say the following:

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to join together Owen Patrick Harris and Bailey Beth Johnson in holy matrimony.  If anyone objects to this union, let them speak now or forever hold their peace...."

It just so happened that Miss Bailey Beth was going to be at the same cook-out and the two future love birds had a little cuddle time on the couch.  We made them leave the door open and keep both hands within sight at all times.

Owen couldn't take his eyes off her...

...but all the staring made Bailey a little uncomfortable.

Arms linked, they're ready to walk down the aisle!

Don't these two make a good lookin' couple!

WashPOD Winner!

I know I'm posting a little later than I had intended, but the video I had to upload took forever to...well...upload, and it took me awhile to make as well.

I had Austin help me out which was a bit tougher than I thought it would be, but we managed to pick a winner nonetheless!

To make it fair, I tore up 35 pieces of paper and wrote down numbers on each which corresponded to the position in which each person commented.  Number 1 was the first person to comment, number 2 was the second person to comment, and so on and so on.  The people who commented twice were still only counted once.

Watch the video below to find out if you're the winner!



And for those of you who don't watch the video, congratulations to lucky #4, Brooke from The Bridges!!  Send me your mailing address girl and your washPOD will be on its way!

Double H-O-T

Not only is the heat index in the 100's here in the upstate of SC, but as it turns out, our AC units just aren't big enough or powerful enough to keep our house below 80.  We spent $400 to have someone come and tell us that.  Gosh, don't you just love throwing away $400?!  That would have gotten me that double stroller I've been wanting AND an entire new wardrobe at Kohl's with my 30% off coupon.  Putting it that way kind of makes me want to cry...

Anyway, you just don't know how miserable it is to run around after kids, take showers, get ready, do laundry, cook and clean with a constant flow of sweat dripping off your forehead.  It wouldn't be that bad if I could just sit back in shorts and a tank top all day, but I've got two little portable heaters (aka Austin & Owen) hanging out on me at all times in addition to running around taking care of the household chores.

I had been complaining about the heat for weeks, but my dear husband just didn't seem to understand.....until he woke up from a Sunday afternoon nap completely drenched.  Funny how it takes a man to experience something for himself before he will believe that his wife hasn't just been nagging and complaining for fun.

So, I was on the phone when Ryan got up from his nap in the sauna better known as our bedroom, and the next thing I know, I'm watching as he's running around getting himself and Austin dressed to go to Costco and try and find a solution to our AC woes.  I looked up from my phone call to say goodbye to my boys and this is what I saw:

Not only are they wearing matching novelty shirts, but Austin's shirt is about 2 sizes too small and it's paired with his nice Vive La Fete seersucker shorts that he wore to church that morning.  The whole ensemble is topped off with Austin's bright orange Crocs, because apparently Crocs go with everything...  

I let the outfit slide since I wasn't accompanying them on this trip and wouldn't have to endure the odd looks.  Not to mention, it wasn't even close to topping this unforgettable fashion faux pas:

It all worked out pretty good though, because an hour later they brought home this little goodie:

Hey, were not above having a portable AC unit on the floor of our bedroom!  Especially if it means for a sweat-free night's sleep!

Wordless Wednesday - Bebe Pod Time!

The (Not)Eating Cycle

Eating...not eating...eating...not eating...

Austin is constantly rotating through this cycle and it's beyond frustrating.  Once I think he's finally in a good place for a few days, trying new things, eating things I know he likes, acting interested in food...he reverts back to the not eating part of the cycle and I just don't understand it and I get scared he's not getting the proper nutrition an active, growing toddler needs!!

When he was in one of his good eating spells a few weeks ago I went to the grocery store and bought stuff to make a bunch of yummy and healthy new meals.  I was so excited to let him try pita pizzas, corn on the cob, veggie burgers, hummus...and then, snap, he decided it was going to be nothing but PB&J, oatmeal, applesauce and yogurt.  I don't think he touched a vegetable for weeks!

A month ago he couldn't get enough of peas and corn and now he won't even put them in his mouth.  He used to love a grilled cheese and this week he won't take a single bite.  Pasta was his new favorite meal and now he just wants to stab it with his fork and put it in my mouth.  Chicken nuggets were always a winner and now he feeds them to the dog.

The past few weeks have been especially difficult because that dreaded teething started up again.  There seemed to be more food on my floor at any given time than in his belly. Austin was in so much pain that he would just randomly start crying in the middle of playing and couldn't even nap for long without waking in a puddle of tears and drool.  Those molars were a doozie!

Today he ate 2 chicken nuggets at lunch and a piece of zucchini at dinner.  I have high hopes that we're getting back into the "eating" part of the cycle, for at least a little while.  In the meantime, however, in dealing with his nutrition, Austin still loves his milk, gummy vitamins and will eat a cup of this at least twice a day:

Oh, how I love you, Yo Baby.

You sneaky little devils, you!

H-O-T!

What do you do when the temperature outside reads this?

You pack up the kids and the wagon...

...and head to the pool, which feels more like bath water right now...

...which is just another reason these guys like it so much!

WashPOD Review & GIVEAWAY!

I've posted several pictures of Owen in the WashPOD recently and many people have commented, e-mailed and asked me questions about it.  Since there seemed to be so much interest, I contacted the company who sells them, Prince Lionheart, and asked if they would be willing to help me host a giveaway so that one of you could win WashPOD of your own.  They quickly responded and happily agreed to provide a free WashPOD to one of my lucky readers!!

For those of you not familiar with this product, here is the manufacturer's description:

Introducing the ultimate warm and secure space for bathtime. The WashPOD provides a better way to bathe your little one in an environment that emulates that of a mother's womb. The baby in the WashPOD will naturally convert into the fetal position. Because this is such a familiar feeling it will quickly soothe, calm, and relax the baby and allow them to bathe without feeling out of their element. Recommended by physicians and midwives as one of the best ways to bathe your newborn baby. Age: 0-6 months.


My Review:
I personally decided to purchase the WashPOD shortly after Austin was born.  He was born in the winter and while he always enjoyed his baths, I felt the constant need to cover him with warm washcloths or pour water over him to keep him warm since the sling in his baby tub kept him in a lying down position, causing the front of his body to be mostly out of the water.  As a new mother I was always so concerned about my baby's temperature and whether or not he was comfortable since he couldn't exactly say, "Mom, I'm cold, get me outta here!"  I just knew there had to be a better way.

I came across the WashPOD after it was recommended by a friend and we were big fans right from the beginning!  It not only kept him much warmer since his most of his body was in the water now, but it also let him bathe in a sitting position which he seemed to enjoy a lot more.  I really enjoyed bathing Austin in the WashPOD and was sad when he grew out of it around 6 months.  I was excited to bring the WashPOD back out once Owen was born and was thrilled when he seemed to enjoy it just as much as his big brother had!

The WashPOD is probably best used once your baby has pretty good head control but they don't need to be able to sit up on their own.  You just fill the pod up with a couple inches of warm water and sit baby down in it on the cushy white foam piece.  They naturally sit up on their own in a comfortable fetal-like position and you're free to wash away all while staring into your sweet baby's happy little face!

Ok...on to the GIVEAWAY...

The people at Prince Lionheart only asked that I give my readers the following single guideline when entering to win the free WashPOD:

-Reader must sign-up for monthly newsletter by completing form here: https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:71950/acctId:18589

We do not spam, nor disclose any information to other businesses. We also conform to a 1 email per month rule so as not to inundate our consumers. On certain occasions, though rare, we may send out 2 emails per month if there is a baby model search, or huge event for example.

So, once you sign up for the newsletter, just come back here and leave a comment letting me know that you did and you will be entered to win!!

The giveaway will end next Friday at noon and I'll announce the winner by that afternoon.  I'm thinking of a really fun way to announce the winner as well which will probably involve Austin and the video camera.  We'll see...

Good luck to everyone!!  I know you'll enjoy the WashPOD just as much as I have!

Double Baby Bath Time

Last night was one of those rare nights when neither kid was on their regular schedule and Ryan wouldn't be home until late.  So, it was just me, a wild and wide awake toddler and his sleepy (and getting cranky) little brother.

I decided to give Owen a bath to settle him down, but when that bath water started running, so did Austin, straight for the tub!  I couldn't keep that bath lovin' baby away so I just decided to give it a shot and have our first double baby bath time.

Little did I know both boys would enjoy bathing together so much and it would turn out to be the highlight of my day as well!  Also, who knew the ice cream container from the Greenville Drive games would make such a fun and interesting bath toy!

I dare you not to smile while looking at the following pictures.  :)

"Mommy, what is he doing in my bath?"

"This hat is a little too small for me..."

"...but, just maybe..."

"I think it fits!"

"One little adjustment..."

"There!  Perfect!"

"Ok, my turn!"