First Day of MDO 2014

Both kids started Mother's Day Out at Tiny Town this year!  This is John Thomas' third year and Ruby's first year!  They both had great first days, and seemed to love their new teachers!  John Thomas especially was glad to be back with all his friends!

Justin and Allie - Reception Photos

After we returned from paradise "aka Jamaica" we went back home to Texas for a short week before the kids and I returned to prepare for the reception with all Justin and Allie's family and friends!  Thankfully, Kris got a last minute flight and joined us for the reception! 

We had lots of help and everything Allie planned turned out beautiful! 

Her cake was stunning and every layer was a different flavor and filling and was delicious!!

These two cuties were just hanging out before pictures!

Before the actual reception, we were able to have bridal party and family pictures made!

 John Thomas was completely smitten by the flower girl, Emma!

After pictures, the fun began!

John Thomas was a little jealous that Aunt Allie had Papa all to himself, so he decided to join in on their dance!

My sister's dress was beautiful, she made a gorgeous bride!

 When it came time for toasts, John Thomas got the microphone and did his infamous, "Welcomeee to myyy circus..." it took us several minutes but we were able to get it back from him :)

Side note about my toast: I had the entire thing written out, put it where I was sure not to lose it, and forgot where I put it!  So I had to wing the whole thing :) 

 I was so grateful for sweet friends who offered to take the babies and put them to bed so I could have a night with my husband.  Those nights are few and far between, and we enjoyed every minute!

Ruby Caroline 9 Months

Once again, I am behind on my update!  I am going to try really hard to remember everything from my notes about month 9!

Some new things that happened this month:

• You can go from crawling to sitting
• You are pulling up on everything, including standing up and looking over the side of your crib!
• Cut your first tooth!  Bottom left!
• We bought you your first baby doll and you hug and love on it :)
• Signing "more" and "all done"
• You love to scrunch your face up and give us a whole scrunchy face smile!
• You have started to point with your dainty little fingers we love so much!
• Climbing, on everything, over everything!
• You love to talk, and will talk to anyone and everyone!
• One thing we were not looking forward to was your first fever!  I got called to pick you up from school because you were running a low grade fever, but it went away as quickly as it came, making me think it was teeth!

You had a little trouble sleeping this month.  I am not sure if it was an 8 month sleep regression or teeth, but several nights in a row you would wake up and only be consoled by nursing!  As hard as it was to wake up, I spent lots of time rocking you and holding you, knowing that these moments are fleeting!

Clothes and diaper sizes are the same, size 2, smallest rise in cloth and 6-9 month clothes.  Your hair is still showing signs of red!

We went to the doctor for your 9 month well visit and were told you were as healthy as can be!  You are small, much smaller than your brother was, but she wasn't concerned especially as well as you eat and nurse!

9 Month Stats:

Height - 26.75" 25%

Weight - 16 lb 10.5 oz - 24%

Head Cir - 17.14" - 49%

Ruby Cakes, 

Your smile is so bright and your eyes are full of such joy!  I wish I could bottle up everything you are doing so we can savor it forever!  We love your spunky personality and your soft snuggles.  You are our blessing from God and we cherish every new day with you!  We love you, to the moon!

Daddy and Mama

Potty Training

We had lots of new experiences awaiting us after our trip!  One we had not totally planned on, was potty training! John Thomas had shown some interest in using the potty, mainly outside, so we hadn't pressed the issue much only asking him if he would like to go and encouraging it if he was open to it.  However, after our trip, what I thought was a chlorine allergy from the pool turned out to be a fungal infection from wearing a wet swim diaper for seven days!  After a trip to our pedi, we got some topical cream and she suggested leaving him naked as much as possible!  Therefore, we started what I call "accidental potty training" with him going bottomless until his rash healed.  It made him realize when he needed to go potty and although we had accidents, he was fully potty trained in less than a month! We used different things as rewards, gummy bears, smarties and then ice cream for big accomplishments.

He still wears night time diaper to bed and wakes up 90% of the time dry, but doesn't have the capacity to wake himself all the time.  During naps he wears underwear and we have only had a couple of accidents during nap when he sleeps too hard to wake up. Needless to say, I am thrilled to only have one kiddo in diapers and super proud of our big boy for learning so quickly!!

I know he will kill me for this someday, but this is how he went around the house for almost a week! 

 First time in big boy undies!  I can't get over how big he looks in underwear! Thank you, Aunt Dionne, for the cute boxer briefs! 

Ruby and Solids

Right after we returned from Jamaica, we knew we wanted to start Ruby on solids.  Just like with John Thomas, I went straight to Baby Led Weaning, with no baby food.  Basically, I started with fresh steamed vegetables and then add in fruits, breads and meats.  Her main source of nutrition is breast milk, but this gets her ready for when we wean and hopefully will create a good eater, like her big brother!

She mainly played with the food the first time we offered it, however, each time after she has been a great eater! She loves food and gets so excited anytime it is time to eat.  I love that she can eat with us at meals opposed to being fed and us taking turns eating!  Makes life so much simpler, messier maybe, but definitely more simple

Allie and Justin's Wedding

The wedding in Jamaica was absolutely beautiful!  We had LOTS of wind, so much that it was blowing the ocean up onto us.  But the crystal blue water and blue skies surrounding us was the perfect setting!