It's A Wonderful Life!

'Tis the season for so many things, but the sweet boy in this picture sums it up best -- sometimes there's too much Christmas.  The hustle and bustle, the quality moments, the eating and visiting can really take their toll on you, especially when you're only a year and a half and none of it makes any sense to you!

Our holiday always seems a bit different. There's different versions every year and now that we have Cameron the vision has done a flip.  Now with Cameron, we learn and we adapt, we make decisions on how we want him to see Christmas in our family, through the right colored glasses. The glasses that soak in the people and the laughter, not the ones that count gifts or doesn't even stop to look at what was actually given.  The gifts are the people. The gift is believing.  The gift is the magic of the holiday and how we spend it together.

Next year we've got some tweaking to do. There will be another munchkin in our brood and our family will have to mold and shape our vision again. The magic that I want to float to the top of that vision is within us, within our family.  The family that makes the best of every situation, no matter how tired and worn out we are.  The family that sees the best in people, supports each other and loves unconditionally.  The best gift I receive every year is not found in my stocking or under a tree - it's in my heart, in the twinkle of my eye and in my spirit every time I look at my family.

Here's a poor wrap up of our holiday week in just a few pictures. Sadly, I've become really bad at taking pictures lately. There's far too much going on and very little stopping to grab a photo.  Meanwhile, I'm capturing it all inside of my heart.

Cameron's first visit with the horses - he really likes it when they run!

One of our only recent family photo's that Cameron isn't crying - I wish we had all been feeling better at the time!

Twas the night before Christmas and all of a sudden Mr. & Mrs. Claus started to battle. Apparently the gifts thought this was a competition for who's gift was cooler. Can you guess which one was from Mrs. Claus? By the way, she didn't win the battle, sadly the potty hasn't even been looked at twice.

(Also the above picture is a good view of the pretty holiday cheer before the chaos.)

Merry Christmas from our Benton World!  What a difference a year makes!

This Time Around: Volume 3

Size of baby:  hothouse cucumber - I don't understand why they use this vegetable.

Baby's size & weight:  14", 1.75lbs

Baby's development:
Nugget can likely detect light and dark and can also hear more than just my stomach making noises...things like Cameron crying! :)

Maternity Clothes: Yes! Nothing fits correctly, but we manage.

Gender:  Sorry, this will forever be unknown. We can't wait for this surprise!

Movement: and lots of it! If anything, this baby either gets really bored in there and entertains itself, or it's voicing it's opinion as many times as possible.

Sleep: So sleepy! The minute I stop doing and moving, I crash.  I find myself waking up in the wee small hours of the morning with my mind spinning.  Then by the time Tim wakes up I have a zillion things to tell him that I thought of. He loves it, I promise!

What I miss: still wine. my clothes. my body.

Food cravings: these haven't really changed much. I've been sick the last few days so things have tasted a little off anyway.  Pickles and snacky stuff have definitely been my vice.

Symptoms:  hormones, emotions, dry skin (Nugget is sucking all of the moisture out of me), pregnancy brain, tired and SO READY TO GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD!

Cameron is:  saying "nugget" as he touches my belly but still has no idea that there's a baby inside of me. I try to point out babies a lot as we're out and about. I keep waiting for him to realize that he's feeling the baby move, but he just continues to keep his head on my belly. He has no clue.

Tim is: Tim.  Whenever we're doing anything or going anywhere, he brings up the topic of "what will this be like with two kids". We both respond with: we'll adjust, we'll manage, we'll do what we have to do. It's funny to see our wheels turning though and thinking about it in a realistic manner though.

What I'm looking forward to: As much as I love the holidays and how much it's pushing December along, I'm sort of ready for the New Year's Eve celebration and for things to settle down. It all happens so fast that it makes it seem that much more chaotic. Fingers are crossed that our visit with Santa on Saturday goes well. :)

Best moments:  My family around my Grandmother's Christmas tree decorating and talking about all the very old ornaments. Singing and dancing to Christmas music. Laughing  at  with Tim trying to put together toys for Cameron. Seeing my sisters and I as adults, chatting about life and the journey of it. Hearing what their take is on it.  Cameron trying to say new words and getting what they mean.  Seeing his friends run up and give him hugs in the morning, I love knowing that he's in the right place and learning so much during the day.

Merry AND Bright

I told you I'd be MIA this month. It's been flying by with so much goodness (and an icky illness hanging on to our tails), but we're enjoying and celebrating all that we can!

We went to a local charity event a couple of weeks ago and had a ball!  I was a bit sad that there were fun and festive drinks that I couldn't participate in, but I memorized the ingredients in every one and even smelled them all! The Festive Fizz was by far the one I wanted to try the most!  The DJ was great and by the end of the night there was a small crowd making their own dance floor - you betchya we were a part of that highlight! I'm sure this belly looked silly, but I really don't care, it was fun!  We found the photo booth at the end of the night and the laughter hit the next level. Can you tell who had the holiday drinks and who didn't?

As a family we surprised my Grandmother for her 80th Birthday this past weekend!

What a treat!

Sadly, I didn't take one picture and have to borrow from others to mark the moment.  

We did a family bowl-a-rama and had a wonderful dinner. I worked really hard to organize this trip, but sadly we hit a wall when Cameron got sick and then it finally got me by the time we left. We still made the best of it though and I'm so thankful to say that we got to be there. My Grandmother's face when she saw us was priceless! There's the magic of holidays and then there's a whole other level of magic when it comes to family!  (FYI: Cameron is officially the kid with his own seat now. We've reached that point!)

It was his first time bowling and boy was he curious! He got so frustrated when he couldn't pick up the bowling balls by himself - It was hysterical!

Notice that big ol' bump?

(A special thank you to my sisters and aunt since I down-right stole these pictures from them.)

That flying and traveling stuff? Yeah, we're becoming pros!

pedicure with the birthday girl!

Even though he gets flustered at times, it sure does make it nice that he's there and sharing the moments!

My Favorite Things

In honor of this weeks airing of the "new", Carrie Underwood version of The Sound of Music, I thought I'd make a list of some of my favorite holiday things. (side note: I'm a little nervous about this new version and I'm already warning everyone I know that I'm sure I will be picking it apart as I watch it because there is nothing like the original and I'm a little bummed that they're even attempting to re-do it.)

I do indeed love brown paper packages tied up with string. However, my favorite wrapping paper, to this day, was when my Uncle painted brown paper and wrapped all of our Christmas presents in his paintings. It was absolutely the best!
I love scarves and kids in hats.
I love the warmth of a mug of coffee or hot chocolate all the time, but mostly in the morning.
I love that we wave goodbye to the Christmas decorations in our neighborhood in the mornings.
I love that we still get a real tree, but sometimes it makes it difficult because we have to make a plan and set a date to go pick one out. It's not as easy as getting in down from the attic.
I love looking through all of our old ornaments. One of the coolest gifts that Tim and I received when we got married was our childhood ornaments from both of our parents. It's amazing what a "vintage" collection they have become!
I love all of the Christmas movies - even the extra cheesy ones, they always sucker me in!
I love all of the holiday cards. It's by far one of my favorite things. I also love that I know exactly whose is going to be the first one to hit my mailbox! :)
I love that Cameron and I went from the kids station on Pandora to the Kids Christmas station on Pandora.
I love online shopping.
I love picking a cold day and sitting in front of the tv watching movies while I wrap all of the presents. (Thanks Mom for doing this with me when I was a kid!)
I love decorating and frosting sugar cookies. I wish that I didn't love eating them so much.
I love how excited Tim gets when he knows that the 24 hours of A Christmas Story is about to start.

Hope the holiday season is treating you right. Snuggle, Hug, Smile...this time of year is magical and it goes by far too quickly to spend it grumbling. I hope to pay it forward as much as possible and share the magic of the season, for there is a reason for this season isn't there?

Oh and this "new" Sound of Music? I'm just going to go ahead and say it now: Carrie, you are gorgeous and talented, but you're no Julie Andrews. #sorrynotsorry

What's that? Did someone say holidays?

I know... I know... I've been missing in action. You may just want to count me out for the month of December, it's nutty how days just begin to roll into each other once Thanksgiving hits. I don't want to even discuss December goals... the goal is to live in the moment and capture it all. That's it. It's the holiday and we're going to soak it up, none of this crazy thinking that I can craft or cook -- just gonna enjoy! :)

(excuse the funny expressions: a friendly bystander was taking our picture and we weren't really ready for it.)

Highlights and Confessions of recent days:

- Thanksgiving Day, Cameron and I braved the cold with Tim so that he could go do a 5K. I didn't run as I had hoped (or mentioned in my November goals)...I think my running days have come to a close, I don't have that body, or that will power. After the cold walk to cheer on Tim, we went to Kerby Lane Cafe and ate our faces off. It was delicious! I fantasized about the craft of mimosa's that the table next to us got, but instead got a mocha -- with whip cream!

- I talked our group into going to dinner and the Marble Falls Walkway of Lights the day after Thanksgiving. We ventured to a new place that I was sure would have plenty of televisions since I knew that the Alabama vs. Auburn game would be on. Nope, there were only two tv's in the whole "tavern" and poor Tim had to keep running back and forth bringing us highlights every time the whole bar cheered. Needless to say, we had to watch the final kick return on a replay from our iphone. It wasn't as exciting.

-The lights that we went to see -- duds. It was a display made out of rope lighting. Sadly, I wasn't impressed.  I do love, however, that Cameron can say "Santa". I only hope he keeps the excitement for the big guy when we go visit him. I have visions of a great big NO being screamed throughout the mall this year. Please don't call the authorities on us, it's just a child being forced onto Santa's lap.

Dear Cameron: 1.5 Years Old

Dear Cameron,
You are getting so big! We've crossed the "18 month" mark and I can finally just tell people that you're a year and a half, no more months for you!  Your little life is racing by, your legs are picking up speed and right now you are soaking up everything you can! Here's a little bit about you right now:











You Love: Sesame Street & Mickey Mouse, whom you call "Hot Dog" because of the song they sing at the end of the show. Seriously, every time you see anything Mickey Mouse, you say "hot dog", I'm sure that most people are very confused.

You Don't Love:  when you're trying to tell us something and we don't understand, or if you're trying to be independent and you just can't figure it out on your own.

Favorite Food:  Anything snack-like and Taco's (although they're really quesadilla's), especially when we do the taco dance

Favorite Toy:  All things pretend play (kitchen, phones, keys, etc)

Favorite Word: "No"

I'm sorry that you got my cry. It's not very pretty.

Favorite Game:  1... 2.... 3.... (fill in the blank)!  Sometimes we 1,2,3 Jump! Other times we 1, 2, 3 Run! It just depends what we're in the mood for!

At School:
You get sensitive sometimes and you don't want your friends to bother you. I get it, everyone needs alone time sometimes.  The teacher's always laugh because of the funny things you do and giggle at what hysterical thing we've taught you now. Like how to walk with swagger, or when Daddy tells you to show your belly. I'm sure that will come back to haunt us eventually.  You love your sign language class and even though your hands don't always do what you want them to, you try and that's what counts!  The teacher's say that you're the most popular kid in school, and I have to agree because everyone that sees you stops to say hi!

This particular day you were extra sleepy and not feeling like yourself. I promise this isn't typical!

At Home:
Things have started to change a bit as we get ready for Nugget and I know you're a little confused, but the timing of it all seems to be pretty great. You're starting to notice my belly more and you're really trying to say "nugget". It's pretty stinkin' cute! My favorite thing though that you do is dance, and lately when you do you make this facial expression (excuse the bad pictures, but I had to catch it when I could) - It's the best! When you really get into the music, you fold your hands together and twist your body back and forth. You've really got some great moves!

You'll always be my Little B, but every day you change more and more and I have a hard time blinking because I'm afraid I might miss something.  Thank you for being You!  You make my days brighter!

I love you to the moon & back,
Mom

Recent Hysterics In Our World

The Dream:
So a month or two ago I had a dream that we I gave birth to Nugget out of a wine bag/bladder.  This may sound ridiculous to you, and believe me it is, but if you've ever taken the bag that's inside a box of wine out to look at, it looks sort of like a bladder. Anyway, in my dream I was holding said wine bag/bladder and it started to move.  Tim asked what was happening and I said, "I think the baby is coming." That's all I remember of the dream. Seriously though, it sounds like a great way to go through labor. Oh and it also sounds like I REALLY miss a good glass of wine! :)


The Skinny Pants:
I've purchased seasonal "basics" for Cameron from an online consignment shop a couple of times now with really good luck. Recently though, the fall/winter basics gave me a little mishap on the home-front. I purchased what I thought were army green, cotton pants. When I actually dressed Cameron in them though, Tim said, "I think those are too small"...then a few minutes passed and he asked, "are those chick pants? there aren't any back pockets." I tried really hard to hold my giggle, especially after I noticed the small plastic heart on the front pocket. Then when Cameron walked towards the table, Tim finally said, "Nicole, those are girl pants, boys pants always have back pockets." I replied by saying it was no big deal, they were just skinny pants. As Tim walked to Cameron's room and came back with a different pair of pants he said, "Boys don't do skinny pants in our family, we've got too much junk in the trunk!" So, the army green pants came off, and some very masculine jeans went on.  Note to self for next time, always double check the pockets. :)

The Checkout Lady:
At an early morning trip to Lowe's a week or so ago, Cameron and I were having the best time playing through the aisles.  When we were all finally ready to check out the lady ringing us up said, "Kids today have such big heads. He's adorable, but wow that's a big head!" I responded by accidentally calling her Sir.
I mean what happened to the rule that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all?

This Time Around: Volume 2

We're half way through this!
Sorry, did that seem too excited?  I can't help it. I feel like this time around things have been going so much slower.

I'd post more pictures/sonograms but a lot of them are those 3D images that totally creep me out. Did I mention that I have a new Doctor this time, whom I really love, but all the high-tech stuff can be a bit much at times.

Size of baby: small cantaloupe

Baby's size and weight: 6.5", 10 oz

Baby's development: 
Now is the time where gender stuff is happening: depending on which gender Nugget is, the boy or girl parts are developing!

Maternity clothes: Mostly. Jeans are basically out, but there are still some few things I can get into.

Gender: To Be Determined. :)

Movement: Yes! Nugget is definitely a mover! I think he/she is already fighting for their spot in this family!  Because Cameron is so active right now, and well to be honest Tim needs attention too, there are times when I feel like Nugget is screaming for it's turn also!

Sleep: It's been better since it's started to cool off with fall-like weather, but I still find myself stirring pretty early in the morning and not being able to fall back asleep. There's also the pesky leg cramps that get me...grr, hate those!

What I miss: I'll be honest here -- it's still WINE! (I need to write a blog post about my crazy wine dream...it's hysterical!)

Food cravings: lots of bold flavors: pickles, oil & vinegar salad dressing, snacky and sweet foods. I'm still finding myself not liking things after I order them and I think it's because I find the flavor bland.

Symptoms: leg cramps, headaches and hormones!

Cameron is: still pretty clueless I think. He's very curious about his belly and belly button right now. (Tim taught him to show off his belly, great!)  It's cute when we're at home and he wants to see my belly button and I try to say "Nugget" or "baby" when I point at my belly, but when we're out in public, it can get a little awkward.

Tim is: one of a kind! He likes talking to Nugget about how they'll be able to play tricks on Cameron.  Really though, I think he's most concerned with how my honey-do list keeps growing and the time frame is getting smaller!  After seeing the 3D sonogram, Tim told the Doctor, "I'm not sure I'm the father, I think Nicole spent too much time in the gorilla cage when we were at the Waco Zoo!  Those 3D " 

What I'm looking forward to: the holidays! Pack all those extraordinary moments in!  So far, Cameron hasn't felt the baby move, but as things progress, I'm really looking forward to his face when he can actually feel that something is happening in there!

Best moments:  Cameron is like a sponge these days. He's trying so hard to talk and and do things himself! It's amazing. Every morning he says goodbye to the dogs (individually) when we leave for school.  He wants to go up and down the steps in our home and we count as we do each one. You can hear him whispering sounds to himself and he watches everything so intently.
These little moments really are the best!

Too Good

I just read these and I now I have to post them here so that I can look back at them later and laugh some more. One day I'll come up with my own list that goes viral and makes the world wide web smile.  I can totally appreciate both of these lists! Enjoy!

First there was this:

24 Clear Signs You're a Mom

Posted: 11/05/2013 5:36 pm

Read more

Clear Signs You'Re a Mom, Funny News, Moms, Motherhood, Mothers, Funny News,Moms, Wemothers.Com, You Know You'Re a Mom When, Parents News

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Co-authored by Mark Simmons, co-founder WeMothers llc

We asked the moms of www.wemothers.com what it means to be a mom. Here is what they told us. You know you are a mom when:

1. Instead of running from projectile vomit, you run towards it.

2. You do more in seven minutes than most people do all day.

3. Happy hour has become the 60 minutes between your kids going to bed and you going to bed.

4. A night of drinking requires more recovery time than minor surgery.

5. A glass of wine counts as a serving of fruit.

6. You have mini-therapy sessions all day long with anyone who will listen.

7. Going to the grocery store by yourself is a vacation.

8. You can experience heaven and hell at the same time.

9. You think of physical pain on three levels: pain, excruciating pain and stepping on a Lego.

10. You have the ability to hear a sneeze through closed doors in the middle of the night, two bedrooms away, while your SO snores next to you.

11. You'd rather have a 103 degree fever than watch one of your kids suffer with it.

12. You'd rather go to sleep than have sex.

13. A 15-minute shower with the door locked feels like a day at the spa.

14. Peeing with an audience is part of the daily routine.

15. You use baby wipes to clean up random spills and the dash of your car.

16. You lock yourself in the bathroom and pretend to have diarrhea just to get a break.

17. You love Moms' Night Out and Date Night with the Hubs.

18. You have a secret chocolate stash because frankly, you're sick of sharing.

19. You've been washing the same load of laundry for three days because you forgot to dry it.

20. You realize you've been watching Nick Jr. alone, even though your kids have been in bed for over 30 minutes.

21. You can cook dinner, breastfeed, talk on the phone and yell at the kids, all without breaking stride or missing any of the TV show you are watching.

22. You get more excited about the Mini Boden Catalogue than J Crew's.

23. You decide to stick with your car for the next decade because a) you can't afford to switch and b) you haven't found a car wash that knows how to get all the milk stains and glitter removed.

24. By the end of the day, brushing your teeth feels like a huge accomplishment.

Then a blogger that I enjoy, followed it up with this

24 Clears Signs You're Not a Mom

And now for a post completely inspired by this article: "24 Clear Signs You're a Mom," which appeared on almost every Facebook momma's page this past week.

Nobody watches me go to the bathroom.

I have no idea what channel Nick Jr or Disney is on.

A "blowout" to me means a really big party, and not what happens to babies after they eat too many avocados or strawberries... I'll leave it at that.

I've never put on a clean shirt only to have someone spit up on it ten seconds later. (and not get mad about it.)

I don't understand the thrill of a miniature sized chair from Pottery Barn. Or why it's necessary to have your child's initials monogrammed on said chair. It's like we get it, the chair is for your kid, no one is going to try and sit in it I promise.

I've never gotten excited over someone going #2 in a toilet.

I don't have fruit snacks in my purse.

I've never bitten someone else's nails. And especially not their toe nails.

I haven't stepped on a lego since the early 90s.

I sometimes find trips to the grocery store kind of relaxing.

Vomit still makes me wince.

I don't take an iPad with me everywhere I go.

My windows don't have lick marks on them.

I get date nights about four times a week.

I've never stopped drinking early because I'm nervous the thirteen-year-old girl at my house watching my children will judge me.

I have no idea who this "Baby Einstein" person is.

I have time to blog.

I still get shy when I see a mom breastfeeding in public.

I do laundry about once a week. Sometimes less.

The only person I have to get ready is myself.

I've never picked someone else's booger.

Running a quick errand doesn't take fifteen minutes of prep time.

I take pretty long showers just for the hell of it.

I don't have even half the patience or selflessness that most of the moms I know do. So cheers to you, moms!  Keep on raising better little humans everyday like you're already doing!

Thanks Givings

I'm a big fan of taking one holiday at a time. I have already seen lots of people posting pictures of Christmas trees and twinkling lights. What about that wonderful Thanksgiving holiday though? Why do we rush right through it? It's such a good and genuine day, one that I never hope to take for granted! I did a cheesy craft for October, so when I was at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago I rallied and found something festive and family-oriented for Thanksgiving. This is typically where we decorate with our Holiday cards, so it felt sort of normal to decorate for another holiday here too.

If you look closely, you can see that the little cards say "I am thankful for" and then there's a space to add your thoughts. I had every intention of adding something every night together as a family, but then decided that was asking a bit much this year. Sure, Tim and I could do it together, but it will be a bit longer before Cameron can understand the concept fully.

So instead, on Sunday afternoon while Cameron was napping, I jotted down the things that I think our family is most thankful for and got to hanging. This little craft project took me less than 20 minutes and cost me maybe $8. It's definitely not Pinterest worthy, but I don't care. It's a happy reminder every time I pass it of the things that are really important and the blessings that we share. 

Side note:  I want to give a shout out to Nordstrom, not just because I like to shop, but because like me, they aren't decorating for the Christmas holiday until after Turkey Day!

Halloween & Dress Up Lessons

As we hunted for a Halloween costume this year we tried to think of what Cameron would want to wear (and keep on). Since he likes Mickey Mouse on Disney Channel, we thought that this was our best bet.

Think Again, Mom... think again!

Instead, Cameron chose to go topless in our driveway and play! He waved to trick-or-treaters and played with his friend "R"! We didn't even attempt to go to a neighbors door, because he wasn't even interested in it. I'm very curious if we can continue this tradition for Halloween. I like the idea of dressing him up and just hanging out in the front yard talking to neighbors and friends. He can trick-or-treat when he's 10 and wants to. For now, he can taste the chocolate and spit it out.  It's just fine if he'd rather have chex mix over candy!

Side Note:  On October 32nd, November 1st, a little cold front blew threw and Cameron wore this "sporty suit" to school. Everyone loved it and so did he. Give the kid a soccer ball, and he's ready for next year's Halloween! Now I know what kind of dress up/costumes this kid approves of!

 I mean seriously, how cute is he!?