18 Super Sweet Months.

In Samuel's 18th Month, He:
Weighed only 22-23 pounds.
Wore a size 4 diaper.
Wore size 12 months in clothes.
Shoe size was a 5.5 extra wide.
Was very shy.
Was the best eater.
Was a picky eater.
Did not like to try new things.
Was frightened by many situations.
Was attached to his Mommy.
Had a harder time falling asleep.
Went through about 20 bananas in a week!
Was sick for over a month.
Coughed, wheezed, etc.
Breathing treatments and 2 antibiotic rounds.
Had 4 pediatrician visits in a month.
One of those included a trip to get a chest x-ray.
Cried because Mommy couldn't hold him during it.
Had an infection in his lungs despite all the meds.
Was Sir Topham Hatt for Halloween.
Really liked candy.
Went on vacation with his whole family.
Liked Gatlinburg.
Slept in the van a lot.
Loved to sing.
L-O-V-E-D Five Guys and Fries restaurant.
Enjoyed playing on the playground at Ober Gatlinburg.
Was becoming quite daring and more independent.
Gained himself an attitude.
Said "no" all the time.
Talked up a storm.
Said words that surprised us!
Mimicking many adult words.
Pretended to pray like Daddy.
Disliked getting dressed and having his diaper changed.
Liked talking on the phone.
Followed his brother.
Bit his brother often.
Hit his brother often.
Told brother "no-no" all the time.
Began saying, "yeah" for yes.

Some of Samuel's Favorite Things:

Food(s):   Spaghetti, Pizza, Sandwiches, Macaroni and Cheese

Toy(s):  Elmo, Lightning McQueen car, Books

Show(s):  Sesame Street

Movie(s):  Elmo in Grouchland, Dora

Snack(s):  Bananas, Chips

Song(s):  Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Amazing Grace

Color(s):  Green and Yellow

Thing to Do:  Sing, Pretend to Song-Lead

People:  Mommy

Samuel's Popular Words/Phrases of His 31st Month:

• Peez.  (please)
• Shhh.
• Dan-yule.
• Sit.
• I hungee.  (hungry)
• Nana.  (banana)
• Bol.  (bowl)
• MMM, good.
• No-no, Dan-yule.
• Yeah.
• Funny.
• Ow-side.  (outside)
• Sowwy.  (sorry)
• Tank you.  (thank you)
• Hi.  Bye.
• Schoo.  (school)
• Pa.  Mimi.  Ca.  Duttin.  Mom.  Daddy.  Adlie.  Pop. 

Some of Samuel's 18th Month Highlights:

Chips, his favorite snack.

Chowing down on his very first, TWO S'mores.

Sir Topham Hatt was under the weather

on Halloween...

Despite the fever,

he seemed perfectly content

to eat snacks as a bribe

at his doctor visit.

His favorite seat.

The rock fireplace at the condo in Gatlinburg.

Singing, the very first thing he does

every morning after waking way too early.

Here, Grandpa joins in.

Ketchup makes everything taste so good.

He's saying, "Good."

Rocking with his cousin, Adlie (Natalie).

He didn't eat this "All-You-Can-

Eat-Pancake" by himself.

They should advertise the fact

that "All-You-Can-Eat" means

the size of a large pizza.  Goodness!

Getting brave, looking super tiny, and riding

the carousel with Uncle Duttin (Dustin).

Who's that in the rope tunnel?!

Oh. my. word.  It was SAMUEL!

We were all in shock that

he was that courageous!

Samuel enjoyed the turtle

much more than the bears, owls, raccoons, etc.

Wildlife is for the birds.

Turtles are for Samuel.

31 Months Old...

Daniel will be three in five short months...  Yikes!  So, I am going to cherish these monthly updates until then, because I am going to have to slow down after that, as Daniel will be welcoming a new sibling into the family.

In Daniel's 31st Month, He:
Still wore a size 4 diaper.
Wore size 8 1/2 in shoes.
Wore some 2T and mostly 3T clothes.
Weighed about 33 pounds.
Was extremely sassy and bossy.
Was a ridiculous climber.
Was very sneaky.
Was not a big eater.
In fact, he almost never ate.
Was Thomas the Train for Halloween.
Talked in sentences...  Paragraphs even.
Did not like to stay at home.
Did NOT like to be laughed at or with.
Hated wearing socks and shoes.
Peed in the potty some on his own.
Cracked a whole carton of eggs onto the coffee table.
Took a family vacation to Gatlinburg.
Saw a black bear in Cades Cove.
Loved riding the train at Ober Gatlinburg.
Disliked outlet shopping.
Could not sit still in a restaurant.
Rode the chair lift with Daddy.
Came down the alpine slide with Daddy.
Ice-skated for the very first time with Daddy.
Liked talking with Grandpa.
Was always wanting to snack.
Got quiet when up to no good.
Loved to run and slide.
Liked hiding and "building" towers and tents.
Woke atleast 3-4 times a night.
Sleepwalked and talked.  Yikes.
Had a fear of the dark, alligators, and sharks.
We had no idea why.
Swore there were alligators in the corner of his room.

Some of Daniel's Favorite Things:

Food(s): Spaghetti

Toy(s): Puzzles, Towers

Show(s):  Word World, Wild Kratts

Movie(s):  Cars, Toy Story, Annie

Snack(s): Gummy Snacks, Apples w/ NO peel, Candy

Song(s):  ABCs

Color(s):  Blue and Black

Thing to Do:  Climb the Fridge, Oven, or Counters

People:  Grandpa, Mimi

Daniel's Popular Phrases of His 31st Month:
We still aren't sure where he gets his bossy attitude!

• Stop it!
• Stop that!
• Shhh.
• Be quiet.
• Shut it.
• I not like it.
• I stay here.
• Daniel go to timeout.
• No no spanking.
• Listen to me, Mommy.
• Pst...  (to get your attention)
• Excuse me.  (after certain actions were made)
• It's God-Jesus!  Look! (upon seeing churches, crosses, or baby Jesus)

Some of His 31st Month Highlights:

Giving little brother some lovin'.

Eating Cheetos in the living room.

What was Mom thinking?!

Having a taste of his very first S'more.

Where Daniel was often found...

In the kitchen sink,

naked,

in the pile of dirty dishes,

water running over,

with Dawn bubbles he'd poured in himself!

Sir Topham Hatt and Thomas the Train

make a stop at Pop and Gran-Ju's house.

With Mommy at the Old Mill Restaurant

in Pigeon Forge.

As a side note, Daniel loved feeding the ducks,

but despised when the pigeons came near and

stole their food.

Smiling and sharing with "Atlie" (Natalie).

We take this kiddo to

Five Guys and Fries

for a burger, and

what does he want?!

Cereal and peanuts, of course.

Taking a ride on the Grandpa "horsey."

Riding the Chair Lift with Daddy

to the Alpine Slide.

Mommy was a NERVOUS WRECK

watching this.

First time ice skating

in Gatlinburg.

First time seeing real bears

in Gatlinburg!

Overwhelmed Much?

I am reminded on numerous occasions how overwhelming being a stay-at-home parent really is.  I wish I could say that most days are rosy and that the boys and I are busy doing crafts and learning their ABCs, but let's face it...

Just Tuesday afternoon, while I ran into the master bath for a quick restroom break, I had no idea how overwhelmed I'd be once I walked into the living room.  In the short time it took me to use the restroom, Daniel had snapped two of his train sets together on the coffee table, opened the fridge (on his own), climbed the fridge shelves, got out the carton of eggs, brought them into the living room, encouraged his brother to partake in the fun, and proceeded to crack every single egg onto the tracks, which of course, ended up all over the coffee table, my carpet, and the two of them!  I should've taken a picture, but I was so frustrated with the situation that I didn't even yell.  "Daniel, really?!" was all I mustered up to say.  The clean-up process literally took an hour.  UGH.

Then, on Wednesday morning, I had the great privilege of sharing our pregnancy news with my local MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) group.  When asked what the ages of my other children were, I replied that I'd have kids that were "3, 2, and new," and to my not-so surprise, the women (who are all mothers themselves) gasped...  All 50+ of them!  Moments like that are both exciting and overwhelming, because I realize that having three under three will not be easy.  Having two isn't easy...  Honestly, having one isn't easy. 

Having children is a constant OVERWHELMING adjustment, and it's one I adore most of the time.  There are days that I wonder how God decided I would be capable of this.  However, I'm realizing that God's grace is enough for me.  It's sufficient in these overwhelming moments of parenthood.  I'm learning that I cannot survive without His grace.  In fact, each day would be even more challenging than it already is without my life in Christ.  It's a blessing knowing that this is the life God chose for me.  He decided that the two boys who are destroying my nicely, vacuumed living room right this minute would be perfect for me.  I get shell-shocked everytime I think of that.  What's really overwhelming is that God gave me this beautiful, little life, and it's mine to enjoy if I will.  How can I not be overwhelmed by His grace when I picture these overwhelming moments like that?!

Just a Side Note...

Samuel is feeding himself yogurt with a spoon for the first time...

Need I say more?!


The view from my seat is amazing!  I'm truly blessed to watch our boys learn and grow on a cconstant basis.

Strange Sightings

I woke to the sound of Daniel screaming my name last night around 3 a.m.  While I wasn't exactly coherent, I came to find that he wasn't either.  Upon my arrival, he had pulled his pillow and blanket into the floor and was hiding underneath them.  I uncovered him only to discover that he wasn't really awake...

"Alligator, watch out!" he exclaimed.

I tried to get Daniel to explain this profound sighting, but he continued blabbering on about the alligator.  He was telling me it was green and that it was on the basketball in the corner of his room.  He was so clear in his details that I almost believed him.  I didn't think I would EVER calm him down. 

I got down in the floor, and he covered me under his blanket, still explaining that the alligator was in the room.  This literally went on for 15 minutes, until I realized he was scared.  I picked up him, his pillow, and his blanket and carried them all into the living room and put them on the couch, where he was still certain that we needed to "watch out" for the alligator.

Daniel has done things like this before, but now, I'm absolutely certain that we have a sleep talker on our hands!  It was the sweetest, strangest thing I'd ever seen, knowing he was fast asleep but was carrying on a very serious conversation!

17 Months, Already...

Samuel turned 17 months old on October 23rd!

In His 17th Month, Samuel:Weighed 23 lbs.
Was 30.5 inches tall.
Walked and ran (quite wobbly though).
Wore size 12 month clothes. STILL.
Could wear SOME 12-18 months.
Wore a size 5 1/2 extra wide in shoes.
In size 4 diapers.
Had really sensitive skin.
Disliked the sun in his eyes.
Was becoming quite independent.
Preferred his Mom over anybody.
Started in on his "toddler" age.
Liked to be left alone.
Loved to be going.
Always was pretending to sing.
Liked trees, being chased, and running.
Started to dislike the carseat.
Was a great car-rider.
Visited Louisville, KY, for a week-long revival.
Went to the Louisville Zoo.
LOVED the giraffes.
Pointed at everything.
Pretended to talk on the phone a lot.
Still would NOT make the sippy cup switch...
Super attached to bottles.

Favorite Things:
Food(s):  cupcakes, spaghetti
Toy(s): balls, books, phones, and Elmo
Show(s): Sesame Street
Movie(s): Elmo in Grouchland, VeggieTales
Snack(s): goldfish, raisins, chips
Song: I'm a Little Teapot; Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
New Words He was Saying: hello.  dink (drink).  Atlie (Natalie).  baby.  eat.  nana (banana).  apple.  go.  side (outside).  brudder (brother).  veggie (VeggieTales)
Thing to Do:  watch movies, ride in the red cozy coupe
People:   Mommy

Some Other 17th Month Highlights:

Eating a leftover cupcake

from Mommy's 10 year high school reunion.

Thanks, Bec, for the leftovers!

Trying the sippy cup out.

Super baby blues!

Being a little mischievious,

jumping on the couch during church.

Trying to hold brother's hand before bedtime

in Louisville.

Calling Mimi from Louisville,

telling her, "Hi, hello."

Becoming less fearful and enjoyed being

tossed up in the air by Daddy.

Reaching up for the sky!

Spinning around with Mommy

always got a laugh out of Samuel!

Brothers holding hands

Sitting on the Rhino statue at the Louisville Zoo

Enjoying his first look at the baby giraffe

His very favorite...

Elmo was at the zoo!

Walking the path to the polar bears...

The zoo wore Samuel out!

Making his ever-popular

"surprised" face!

Dressing the Part

Disclaimer:  These are only my opinions!  Do not feel you must adhere to them in any way.

Now, that the Halloween season has passed, we've dressed our children as characters and our stomachs are way too full of candy and chili, I want to give my honest opinion on the matter.  As a new parent a couple of years ago, I struggled with holidays in general.  I did not know how we would handle a dark night and another in which a man "comes down" our chimney (which, in fact, we do not have).  I wanted, mostly, to be among the secular mind frame and play the part.

Until my husband stated his opinions on the matter...

I was crushed when he first told me he was opposed to Halloween, Santa, the Easter bunny, etc.  In fact, I went against him on Daniel's first Halloween and dressed him up as a lion, took him to our loved ones' homes, and filled his little bucket up with treats.  Silly, right, considering Daniel was only 6 months old?! 

Time has passed since then, and now the parent of two boys, I'm realizing that I want to be less worldly and more Godly.  Yet, I'll admit that I thoroughly enjoy costumes and presents.  I've asked myself (and many friends in the faith) how to be Christian yet partake in these holidays.  I've even felt guilty when I learned that other Christian families have opted out of these traditions altogether because I personally enjoy them. 

How can I be Godly in seasons of ungodliness?! 

Halloween is filled with spooks, scares, and secular activities that I honestly don't want any part in, but since it is also filled with such sweet innocence and fun, I have searched the scriptures to know my stand on the issue.  For instance, Jesus said in John 17, And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they (His words) are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.  I am to keep myself and my children from the evil that is in the world. 

Is Halloween evil?  Not necessarily, but if you spent any time out last night, you were certain to see children younger than ten with blood-covered faces and demon-draped costumes.  That, to me, is evil: pure and unnecessary evil.  What were those faces saying to my boys?  That this world is evil.  That even young children are being exposed to things they should never see.  That I have a huge responsibility to teach my children be an example, a light, to those around them. 

Christmas in no way is evil unless you consider lying evil, and I do.  I know we all have to "lie" to our children at times, but blatant untruths that we can avoid should be avoided.  This, to me, means that Santa shouldn't be played up as the most important part of Christmas.  Why is his face all over the place from November 1st to December 25th?!  If I'm not mistaken, the reason "Christmas" was originally celebrated was to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.  Whether He was born in December or not, that time of year was set aside to honor and celebrate His miraculous birth.  Isn't HE the miracle of Christmas?!  Isn't HIS FACE the one we should be looking to during this time of year?!  With that in mind, my heart aches for children (and adults) who look forward to Santa's arrival but have no clue about the arrival of the One who came to offer them the gift of salvation. 

So, what did we do on Halloween?!  Our children dressed up as the cutest Thomas the Tank Engine and Sir Topham Hatt we'd ever seen!  We didn't mention trick or treating, and we didn't take them to see anything haunted, though we couldn't avoid the scary things we encountered just going to Mimi's house.  We visited our friends and families' homes, and the boys got to hug the necks of those they love.  Those they love spoiled them with some of their favorite treats and took pictures of their adorable faces.  We were in this world, but definitely not of it.

And, what will we do for Christmas?!  Our children will be surrounded by those they love the most.  They'll enjoy meals and hugs and hear stories from holidays past.  They'll be given things they want and definitely do not need.  :)  They'll each receive three gifts from Mommy and Daddy as Jesus Himself was presented with three items surrounding the time of His birth.  Finally, they'll come home and hear the true story of Christmas under our "Scripture" tree which will be decorated with ornaments that individually represent the life of Jesus. 

I know it's hard to be different when this world wants us to "fit in," but I'm striving to be a parent that is different because Jesus Christ calls me to be peculiar and set apart.  While I realize some choose to distance themselves from these holidays and events, we've taken the stand for Christ and decided to be Christians amidst (and despite) the things of this world. 

Samuel was Sir Topham Hatt this year.

Running to show Mrs. Becky from MDO

his Thomas bucket at Temple's Trunk or Treats.

Getting a treat from Mrs. Becky.  :)

Excited to see his treats!

Daniel was Thomas the Tank Engine.

Visiting Pop on Halloween

The only picture of both boys dressed up.

Eating treats with his friend, James Luke,

at the Carver's house.