My baby is one!!!

WARNING: PICTURE AND INFORMATION OVERLOAD!!!
This momma is attempting to condense 1 year into 1 post!!!

I can't believe how fast time has flown by. I know all parents say that. But, really, I feel like I've blinked and Fulton was 6 months, blinked again and now the little booger is 1!

Not a baby, we have a full blown toddler.

And, he is walking everywhere and into EVERYTHING!

Here's a quick picture recap of your birthday sweet one:

Remainder of birthday pictures taken by jlaurenphotography.com

Ridge LOVED you and was so jealous he wouldn't really let anyone else hold you.
We would let him hold you for a minute before a guest wanted to hold you, just to please him during your "newness"

Some favorite newborn pictures taken by jlaurenphotography.com

Here's a recap of months 1-12

(Son, I apologize for not taking such great pictures of you, especially those first 2 months. Momma was doing good to feed you and keep you clean)

1 month-Tummy time on boppy talking to brother. You looked so much like baby Ridge but with less hair!

 And, by week 8, you were ENORMOUS! You totally skipped 3-6 month clothes.

3 months- sleeping pumpkin

4 months- oh, look at those cheeks and sweet lips!
photo taken by jlaurenphotography.com

5 months- you were a chunk! Look at those dimples!

6 months- sweet sweet baby! and, a big baby!

photo taken by jlaurenphotography.com 

7 months- so fun!

8 months- Disney World

9 months- so cuddly- your nickname was "smiley"

10 months- loving summer time and the swing!

11 months- EVERYWHERE!

1 year old!!!

photo taken by jlaurenphotography.com

 Ridge really truly loved playing with toys. Fulton, not so much... at least for now.

But, Fulton, his favorite toys are:

balls, his standing choo choo train, and balloons.

Yes, that's all. Not interested in anything else developmentally appropriate for his age. He is more interested in:

1. Toilets. yes, yummy toilets. And, I'll admit. Mine have not been the cleanest lately either.

2. Showers. If I can't find him and he's not playing in the toilet water, he's sitting in the shower playing with the disgusting drain.

3. Washing Machine. He has almost crawled in that thing. And, Ridge came running to me and said Fulton is getting in the dryer!

4. Spit up. It's weird. He still spits up often after a meal. Well, probably because he can eat so much! And, his favorite thing, rub it in the floor. Playing in it and gets getting it all in his hair.

5. Hanging from the kitchen table. One day at lunch, little Tarzan is hanging by both hands gripped on the side of the table swinging. For like 10 seconds. This was probably at 10 months old. I know, it's only going to get better.

6. Destroying anything Ridge has created. Cars, trucks, trains, stuffed animals, anything.

7. Remote controls and baby monitors. Daily battle.

8. Cords of any kind.

9. Now, he does love the slide on the fort outside. And, he tries to climb up constantly. He has one for his age but he could care less. He goes for the big one. Now, at the Splash Pad park, he did climb up one slide all by himself. Unreal.

10. Dishwasher. Not the occasional push the buttons on the outside. The kid will pull down the door, climb up on it and sit and start pulling out the utensils. The last time he did this he was so quiet and sneaky and I was in the kitchen with him! He had a steak knife in his hand and luckily I was able to take it away before anything bad happened.

He is a quick little booger. And, oh so persistent and determined. I know these are going to be great qualities one day. But, for now, he's keeping me on my toes. Ridge does let me know when he's doing a no no. And, I'm thankful for that. They play really well together until Fulton starts destroying one of Ridge's "projects." And, despite your astounding curiosity, you are such a HAPPY and EASY GOING baby! You are such a JOY!

Right now, Ridge and Fulton love to chase each other. Typically, Fulton will still crawl when he wants to be fast. But, the rest of the time, he walks slowly.  If Ridge starts running in the house, Fulton will start laughing so hard and crawling away so fast. It really is so funny and sweet. Ridge also enjoys pulling his legs and dragging him across the floor. I know, great game to play. And, it's slowed down a lot lately, but for a while, every single day, Ridge would tell me he's Simba and Fulton is Nala, and he would roll around and tackle Fulton like in The Lion King.( He told us he was Simba at least 10 times a day after we got back from Disney World for a few weeks.)  He knows he's not supposed to tackle Fulton but still does it anyway. He trieS to do it "gently." In his mind, if he's gentle, anything is ok!

I know, all of you moms out there with older boys are saying just wait, just wait! It only gets rougher as they get older. And, I know it will. And, with Alan, who acts like a grown boy, it's going to be even crazier. Being a mom to 2 boys is fun and never a dull moment for sure.

 Since my blog is still new, and we missed all the major milestones,  I'm going to recap major events in your sweet year 1.  (This is information overload for those of you that read my blog. I apologize again.) (There may be a future post where I attempt to hit all of Ridge's major milestones...) Oh my.

Here we go:

Born July 27, 2011. 8 lbs, 1 oz. 21 in

It took you a while to sleep through the night, I mean, like, 4 months old. Momma was dying.

You also had acid reflux like Ridge. You had more spit up than Ridge. Ridge screamed while he nursed.

You nursed very well and you mostly nursed and took bottles more at 9 months+

I had to give you a formula bottle at night because, well, you were a big boy and momma didn't have enough milk for you!  You were wearing 18 months at 8 months old. I know, huge. So, you've basically been in the 75-95% your entire life.

You were such a sweet easy easy easy baby though. You were content wherever and you never cried or fussed. You were truly an answered prayer as our 2nd baby!

At 7 months old, you needed tubes. Recurrent ear infections and antibiotics were doing nothing. So thankful you were able to get some relief. You woke up every night during those 2 months and the only thing that would soothe you to sleep was me nursing you. But, you were happy and no fussing at all during the day. After tubes, sweet baby could finally get some good sleep. You've been an excellent sleeper since! Except for colds of course.

You sat up early like Ridge too. Around 4.5 - 5 months.

Crawled around 8 months old.

First tooth around 5 months old. You have 5 teeth now.

First steps around 11 months. Walking at 11.5 months.

The first few times I told you no no, you had a delayed reaction and your little bottom lip stuck out and your little feelings were so hurt. You act tough but I think you are also sweet and tender hearted.

You are an EXCELLENT eater. You will pretty much eat anything now. I think if I fed you bugs you would smile and eat them. Now, I say that now and that can easily change tomorrow.

I have introduced whole milk to you this week and you've loved it at times and not liked it at times. But, you adore your sippy cup of water. You can drink 4 oz in 0.2 seconds.

And, I actually gave you peanut butter today too! You enjoyed that also and mommy was happy your face did not swell or lips because I was ready with the benadryl.

You love riding in your wagon outside and you laugh at whatever Ridge is doing and entertaining you with. The last few weeks especially, you've wanted out so you can do your hand and feet crawl on the grass/concrete to pick up a ball or something dangerous to put in your mouth.

You said Dada around 10 months. Mama came later, night night and boo.

Fulton you are a tough one year old! You are definitely all boy! You have filled our lives with so much joy and we are so blessed to call you our son.

Party and 1 year pictures coming soon!

Ridge's party featured on apartment therapy!

How cool!!!

I am subscribed to apartment therapy and so I usually glance through their posts on my reader when I have time.  One post this week was to enter your child's party to be featured.

I thought, sure I'll do it only if it takes <5 mins tops!

So, I did. And, who knew?!?!  

Ridge, we're famous buddy! haha! Ok, not really.

Check out the feature here!

Best Kids Parties: Vintage Trains

 How Fun!

Sandahlyn

Motherhood

(an older picture, but a favorite)

I read this the other day through a parenting email that I've subscribed to.

This poem describes Ridge perfectly right now.

I love his questions. Well, I love the first 3 or so.  I know he's learning so much right now.

 But, after a few "why?" "why?" and oh yes, "why?" and after a few "because that's how God made it buddy." I'm worn out.

And, the next question is comparing everything!

 "Momma, am I taller than Fulton?"

"Which is the longest?"

 "Whose toy goes the fastest? My car or Fulton's car?"

 "Which boy is the biggest?"

"Momma, stand by dada, who is the biggest?"

And, the list goes on. 

Yes buddy, I see all the questions on your face.

Yes, we are at the question stage for sure.

I hope it speaks to you as much as it did me.

Lord, help me be a gracious mother even in the ordinary moments of the day.

Help me be patient when all he wants is an honest answer and the little wheels in his mind are turning.

Thank  you Ruth for this poem. You can check out her blog here at Grace Laced

A Weary Mother's Manifesto

When you describe the craziest-coolest-most-awesome Lego spaceship ever...

I will listen and mirror the wonder in your face.

When the questions you ask seem to have no end...

I'll help you make sense of it all instead of shush-ing you away.

When you go off imagining you are hiding from pirate ships...

I might just join in and be your shipmate.

When you sing the first four words to your favorite tune over and over again...

I will teach you the rest of the song.

When you serve up green playdoh noodles...

I won't placate you with an obligatory "nibble." I'll tuck a napkin under my chin and ask for more.

When you're in need of correction and training...

I will not say in one word ("Stop!") what I should explain with several.

When you want a friend...

I will teach you how to be a friend by example.

When you want to help with the dishes, dusting, and vacuuming...

I will remember that your willingness is a joy and not a hinderance.

When you wonder what I care about the most...

I'll show you the Gospel in actions and words.

When I'm weary and motherhood seems too big a task...

your little hand in mine will remind me the clock's ticking.

When you lay your head down tonight...

I pray you'll remember and know with assurance...

----I chose what was best,

----I counted the cost, 

----to not squander this day of motherhood but to be all here.

Thank you Ruth for such sweet and perfect words.

Ridge and Fulton, I hope to be this mother to you.

Love,  Mommy

7 years of marital bliss and 2 perfect offspring...

Yes, Alan and I know everything about marriage and everyday is perfect in our little home!

We never have disagreements, our home always looks spectacular, and our children are sugar and spice and everything nice! No discipline problems. In fact, I've heard of children that talk back to their parents and throw fits and demand things and yell no. I just cannot imagine. Ours always use their perfect little manners. Even Fulton, who can't even talk yet says yes ma'am and no ma'am.Nothing short of amazing parenting. Perfect children, I know.

The dishwasher is always empty and/or loaded with dirty dishes ready to wash.The shower is gleaming from top to bottom and there is no sign of soap scum or weird pink slimy stuff growing in the corners. There are no rings in my toilets. The bathtub is free of rings from dirty little boys/dads. The laundry room is always in pristine condition. The baskets are empty and put away. People leave clothes in the dryer? How terrible! There are no dust bunnies hiding in the corners of my room to be swiffered up. And, the kitchen sink looks like it stepped out of a page from Southern Living!  Fulton's diaper pail is always empty and his room smells like fresh roses and not poopy diapers fermenting in the corner. The lawn is always perfectly mowed and edged and free of weeds. Oh, and yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are always ready on time and presented as if we were living in food network land.
After 7 years of marriage, we have it all together and our life is perfect. Actually, when you come to our house, there is a glow that can only be described as perfect harmony.
In fact, yes, we should lead seminars and write books so we can share our secrets!

UMMMM, QUITE THE CONTRARY.

Yesterday, Monday July 9th, 2012 was our 7th wedding anniversary.
We celebrated as only parents of 2 small children know how. We stayed at home and took care of 2 feverish boys coughing all night long and took turns throughout the night waking up with Ridge and his ear infection cries.  Happy Anniversary honey! So romantic.

7 years ago if you would've asked me what life would've looked like, I'm not sure if I would've told you this was exactly how we would've spent our anniversary. It's the first time we weren't able to celebrate on the actual date.

But, as I think about our situation, I can't wish for life any differently.

I'm thankful and so humbled to have a sweet loving husband who adores his wife and works so hard to provide for his family. I'm thankful for the man of God he is and his surrender to the Lord early in his life. I'm thankful for two healthy boys that can walk, talk (or working on it) and can perform appropriate functions for their age.

Why me? Lord, why do I deserve this? I don't. I don't deserve anything the Lord has given us. But, I'm humbled by his grace. Oh, his sweet sweet grace.

Lord, use our family to glorify you.

Ephesians 5: 22-27, 33
"Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing., that she might be holy and without blemish... Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."

Wives, submit to your husband and respect him.
Husbands, love your wife just as Christ loves us.

Something so simple, but yet so hard... if we try on our own.
We can only love and respect our spouse like this if our life is totally surrendered to Him.
Lord, continue to teach me through these verses. I have so far to go.

 Lord, lead me to be a better wife, respect my husband, and let our marriage glorify You always.

I love you Alan! I hope we celebrate 700 more together ;)

don't laugh...

4th of July with Nonnie and Poppie

What a fun Independence Day! We spent our time in the booming metropolis of Berry, AL. This is where I grew up. Small town life  (not even one red light) and this is where Nonnie and Poppie live.

Time for some fun in the water. Ridge was a wild man in the pool

 Fulton may be the youngest, but he can definitely hold his own! The child wanted to climb up the wet slide the entire time. He kept sliding back down. We'd save him from drowning and he'd get right back up and start again. Tough little guy! And, he laughed the whole time!

Sweet cousin Sawyer

Here I go!

Has already learned the cannon ball. Probably not the best size pool for that.

Little fish

In charge of the water hose

Loving every second

And, of course, what 4th of July doesn't include going to see cows? HA! Somehow it came up in conversation, so after dinner, we head out to find cows! Which, I think almost all of my parents neighbors have cows, so it wasn't a long haul or anything

Amazed at the cows and the strong smell too!
Mommy called the cows (with her professional cow calling voice) and a few of them actually started coming toward us!

Happy to see cows for the first time!

My sister, Chrisynda, (aka Aunt Deeda) Sawyer, and Uncle Sam!

And our family

Yes, honey, you are practicing your number 1 very well. You will be 1 in just a few weeks!

And, last but certainly not least, we have to pee pee outside! It's so much more fun! I thought this pic was ok since you really can't see anything inappropriate.
I couldn't add the pics after this one. But, he completely wet his shorts, underwear, and shoes and he ran in the house in his birthday suit!
We love you Ridge!

I know Nonnie and Poppie love having 3 grandsons since they just have 2 daughters. It's been enlightening and there is especially never a dull moment with 3 little boys age 3 and under! Sad I didn't get a pic of Nonnie and Poppie. I'm sorry Mom! Thank you for hosting 2012 4th of July!

We were able to catch a few fireworks on our way back home. Since the 4th was on a Wednesday this year, we didn't stay up too late. Scheduling Mom! =) Gotta keep those babies happy!

We are very blessed and thankful for the coutry we live in. For all of you that know my dad, you know how strong he believes in the beliefs our country was founded upon. And, those are also values that we believe as well.

 My Uncle, Don Rice, is a Certified Financial Planner and is CEO of Money Management Services in Mountain Brook, AL. I receive their weekly email because we have investments through his company. He shared a letter he wrote this past week and it was very moving. I wanted to end my post with his words.

Freedom is Not Free

GOD BLESS AMERICA! And certainly, BLESS GOD AMERICA!