Paradise Park = Lotsa Pics!

Before I left for Va Beach, we went to Paradise Park again. I couldn't pass up on sharing these pics. He had such a blast!!

I gotta feelin'

While I was in Va Beach, my house fell apart.

Luckily, it was only things that fell apart.

First, Kaiden's radio stopped working. No biggie, since we only spend $20-$30 on one and they usually only last about a year. It was time, really.

Second, the screen on the laptop went out. This totally sucks, but since it was free from my aunt, it's another one I can suck up.

Third, Kaiden's bedroom monitor broke. Kevin was bringing it to bed and the cord got caught on something and he dropped it and it was donezo. Since that thing was about $150, that's pretty hard to swallow. However, we got one with just sound and that is working fine for now.

Add all this to a busted AC from our basement flooding (which Kevin has temporarily fixed, but it is not a permanent solution) and my cell phone just going dead on Sunday and I HAVE to wonder....

Does this all mean something??

I gotta feelin' it does.

On the bright side, these are all things we can live without.

Even though I'm pretty sure I was so hot on Saturday evening that I may have told Kevin I might leave him for someone with working AC. Anyone. ha!

That's when he came up with the temporary fix.

We're a good team, us two. I go crazy and he gets thinking.

Anyhoo, are you attached to something that you could really live without? Would you rather watch tv or go on a muggy, muddy hike in flip flops with your two boys and a dog?

I chose muddy flip flops and I wish I could do it everyday b/c it was just that good! Crusty toes and all!

Muddy flip flop hikes make memories....radios, monitors, laptops and cell phones do not.

So even if everything I own breaks, I'll still have my boys and my dogs and LOVE that fills my heart up with such joy that it could just burst!

I gotta feelin' life is good, even when the surface looks broken. =)

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy 22nd birthday to a beautiful sister, caring auntie and wonderful friend.

I love you!!

And because I love you and think you are totally awesome, I must share your awesomeness with the world.

Or the 3 people that read my blog. =)



I hope you enjoyed your day and I had fun bringing in your birthday at midnight with karaoke and dancing! Lets do it again in November!

Love,

Your younger big sis

While Mama's Away...

The munchkin will play

eat out way too much

get spoiled with new toys

do manly stuff, like..uhhh...shop

and stay out having fun until way too close to his nap time! =)

But hey, at least he bathed! HA!

Thank you honey for sending me daily pics and videos!!! It made being away a bit easier! I love you both so so much!

Mama's 1st Day Back!

I actually got nervous on the way back home. I probably should be embarrassed to admit it, but I'm not. I was nervous to see Kaiden. I was nervous that he'd grown too much or wouldn't be the mama's boy that I'd left 8 days prior. I'd envisioned our welcome back greeting all week. Would he run into my arms screaming "mama! mama!" or would he run from me and cry? Luckily, neither happened. I picked him up and slathered him with kisses as he tried to wiggle free so we could go ride the escalators. haha.

I was home and it felt good.

And it turned out that he did grow. He was all of a sudden this big boy that rides escalators without us holding him and is talking up a heck of a storm. More than when I left. And we played in the parking garage and I gave him his mama-missed-you-so-much overpriced present for the car ride home. We played, talked and looked at pictures of Jackson and it was the most perfect welcome home greeting ever.

I let him stay up late and broke the new habit of sleeping in our bed without missing a beat. I was home, I was mama again.

The next morning, he screamed for me and demanded I snuggle on the couch with him. Ahhh, still a mama's boy! =)

Then we played.

Then we went to our special rainy day spot. He's less interested in the animals now and was more interested in the play area and walking up and down the steps by himself. Oh yeah, he does that too now. And we enjoyed one another. Just me and him. Him and me.

Then we went to the store where he cried for candy and I gave in.

Then went home and had a picnic on the living room floor. Jelly sandwiches with apple. Yummmm...

He didn't eat much, though. He was too busy cooking for our guests.

Poor Woody almost passed out from hunger.

Kaiden served Buzz first. =)

He eventually got to Woody, though. He gave him a penny. At least he put some ketchup on it!

He even provided LIVE music! Such a good host!

He then napped for 4 hours and I caught up on some shows.

Later that night I just enjoyed time with my boys. We even started a band. Dada on drums, Mama on the mic and Kaiden on the guitar and mic. I asked Kaiden what we should call our band and he said "Mama" and then ran to get his little chipmunk that sings. So, Mama Chipmunk it was! Tour dates to come.

We ended the night with a bath and snuggles. He didn't fall asleep, so we let him get up and he enjoyed chick peas and milk. Ha!, he's a trip!

And this, my friends, is exactly why I am lucky in life!!!!!

Introducing Jackson Morgan...

Born on May 13th

9 pounds, 20 inches

I was the first person he saw when he first opened his eyes

I welcomed him to the world and let him know how much he is loved

The birth was amazing and emotional, I'll never forget it

I think he thinks he's Popeye =) and I love it!

He's a snuggler, that little soul, and I enjoyed every second of it

He made me and Brandi crack up on many occasions, he's already a hoot!

He likes being swaddled,

but likes his fingers more.

He sleeps like his daddy

And has style like his mommy

He's perfect

In every way!

I feel so blessed to have been part of his first moments of life. I got to experience what many people don't. Because of this, I think we will always share a special bond. Or so I hope. I love you, sweet boy, and I'll spend my whole life showing you.

Love,

Auntie A, Aunt Angie or whatever you decide to call me, I know it will be perfect!

ABC's

No explanation needed. My heart is bursting with pure pride and joy! =)

To keep you going...

I am in Va Beach right now waiting for Jackson's arrival. To keep you going while I'm away, here is an adorable video of Kaiden singing the ABC's and Itsy Bitsy Spider. =) Enjoy!

exhausted much??

Wednesday night when I picked Kaiden up from daycare (2 minutes before they closed..uggh, traffic!), he was exhausted! I mean E.X.H.A.U.S.T.E.D.!! Here's a pic of the munchkin in the car as we took Jo to work. He wasn't even asleep here. Doesn't he just look worn down? Poor pumpkin.

Yesterday morning, Kaiden decided he wanted to wear his boots outside even though it wasn't raining. Maybe it's a hint that mama should mow the grass when dada is out of town so it doesn't grow up to his knees! LOL. He was super excited, he even posed for this pic!

After we played outside, we went to the doctor for his 2 year check-up. OMG! He started WAILING when we hit the parking lot. He didn't stop until we put his clothes back on at the end of the appointment. LOL. I felt so bad for him. Everyone, including the kiddos, were staring. It was so a I'm one of those parents type of moments. They couldn't get his height, but his weight is about 32 lbs. She checked his ears and his lungs sounded good, haha. He was supposed to get a shot, but she didn't want to traumatize him even more. We'll get it next time. I couldn't think of any questions I had and I can't really tell you if I learned anything except that he can go to 2% milk now.

Afterward, we got some candy for being so brave at the doc.

And then he passed out while drawing from emotional exhaustion. Can't wait for our 30 month appt! ;-)

Isn't he precious when he sleeps! I LOVE those cheeks!!!!!

And, although this has nothing to do with my original post, I wanted to share what my aunt sent me in a Mother's Day ecard. It is seriously one of the most special things anyone has ever written me. I hope she doesn't mind me sharing. Love you Auntie Linda! Thank you again for your sweet words!

To one of the most special mothers that I know. I am so very proud of the wonderful person you grew up to be and even more proud of the mother you are. You are a true blessing to everyone in your life.

With much love,

Aunt Linda

Blue Truck!

I love going down to Kevin's grandparents house and just doing things I don't get to do on a normal day.

Like having long, beautiful talks with his grandma Toots.

Seeing so much family as they stop in and out to visit.

Snuggling with precious 3 month old's.

Watching his grandpa Jr. show moments of softness as he interacts with Kaiden.

Watching and loving on Kaiden as he wants to be everywhere Toots is. I love seeing who he attaches himself to.

Feeling proud that my little guy takes a nap all by himself in a big bed and then hearing Toots brag how good he is to everyone that will listen! =)

And the best, seeing how excited Kaiden got to sit in the front seat for the first time ever. Kevin was building a prize wheel for work (pic to come soon..he did such an awesome job!) and we had to take his grandpa's truck to get some wood. Kaiden felt so special and even helped his dada drive! When were were leaving he kept asking to take the "blue truck"..haha.

There's just something about this place. It's magical in every way. They never lock their doors and everyone takes full advantage of that in the best way! It makes me want to have a large family and be the same when I'm a grandma/great grandma. Having all my family come in and out as they see fit. Just soaking in all the love, all the time. Sounds perfect, doesn't it?

¡Feliz cumpleanos a ti!

Happy Cinco de Mayo Birthday Kado! You are our first baby and you are 4 years old today!!

You are the best snuggler.

You are upset until mama gives you special attention when she gets home from work.

You like to sunbathe.

You get cold in 70 degree weather.

You sleep ALL day and get wild at night.

You give Kaiden kisses.

You let Kiki beat you up even when mama encourages you to put her in her place.

You're special and we love you!!! Happy Birthday to you! ...or in honor of Cinco de Mayo ¡Feliz cumpleaños a tí! =) Yes, I googled it! ha.

Our 3rd Anniversary!!

We celebrated our anniversary on Saturday, the day before our actual anniversary.

I started the day with a nice long shower and a pedicure! Ahhh...pure bliss!

We then exchanged our romantical, thoughtful gifts. I gave Kevin 156 (weeks we've been married) reasons why I love him. I printed each one out, hole punched them, put them on a ring and now it hangs on our closet door. He gave me a beautiful card ( I LOVE a good card) and 3 wishes. Whoohoo! Can't wait to use those! We both felt special and loved and it was good to see our love written out and expressed in a way I will always remember!

Then we were off to eat some yummy BBQ. Yumm-o!!

After lunch, we went to Dave & Busters to play some games! It was so fun! I especially loved the part where I beat Kevin in 2 racing games and a shooting game! HA! Love ya babe!! 

Then, we were off to do some shopping. We picked out our own gifts this year. I got a smokin' hot purse that I've been eyeing but didn't want to spend the money on it. I had a 20% off coupon and to make me feel better, Kevin said it was my anniversary and mother's day gift. LOL. So I ended up getting it for $48 (waaaaay too much in my opinion!) but broken out for two holidays made it a lot better in my mind! haha. He got some shorts and shirts for work. He was going to get some shoes, but couldn't find any he liked!

On our way home, the sweetest thing happened. There was a lady bug in our car!!! A perfect way to end our anniversary celebration!! How lucky!

We then enjoyed a beautiful night just enjoying each others company! Happy 3 years baby!!! I love you more than you'll ever know.....