Go Falcons!

A couple weeks ago, on a Friday night, we ventured out to the high school to watch the A-P high school basketball game(s).  Carl and I haven't been to a game in years, so we were excited to attend.  Not to mention, it sounded like something fun to do as a family, and it was a great opportunity for all of us to get out of the house.

This was Carson's first basketball game, and we were eager to see how he would respond.  I think to sum up his view on the game in one word, that would be; amazed.  Carson sat so still during the entire game, and didn't really say or do much.  He was in complete awe of the crowd, the players, sitting up so high in the bleachers, and the noise.  Every once in a while, we caught him clapping along with the crowd.  Towards the end of the game, he did loosen up a bit, and started to show some emotion.  We tried to get him to say "Go A-P" or "Go Falcons" and he tried, really hard....but not real sure how accurate the words were.  He was too busy watching the game to stop and say anything that we asked him to.

Carl and I were pleasantly surprised to hear/see our Niece, Kendra, perform during the halftime show as a cheerleader!  We were planning on going to the game on Friday night anyway, so to see her perform that night was an added bonus to our presence at the game.  She did very well, and I am really bummed that I didn't get a picture of her.  Although, we were sitting up pretty high in the bleachers, and the girls are pretty tiny (1st Grade) so I am not sure if you would be able to see much in a picture anyway.....other than tiny little cheerleaders, with blonde hair, bobbing their heads to the music :)  It was a pretty cute sight to see, if I must say so myself.  Some girls really get into it, and give the cheers some attitude, and others just go through the motions.  Both personalities are fun to watch at the age of 6, I think.

Carl and I were both so pleased with our Wee Lad as we were leaving the game.  We only stayed for the girls game, because it was getting late, we were all hot, and it was time to head home to start the bed time routine.  But, Carson was so good for us during the game, and we were both so happy about that.

I think we are all excited to attend more games, of any sort, in the near future.  Carson is getting to the age where we feel that he may find this kind of event, and action to be fun as well.  

We were all decked out in our red/white/black, and ready to cheer on the Falcons!

A Beautiful Wedding

On Saturday night, we attended a beautiful wedding for a wonderful couple.  Tyler and Trista Nevenhoven got married on a gorgeous February evening.  Most years in Iowa, they would be worried about a snow storm causing some of their out of town guests to not be able to make it.  But this year, they had temperatures in the mid 40s, virtually no snow on the ground, and weather that equaled not having to tote around a winter coat for me.  I love that.

I am sure for all the years to come, they will forever compare the weather of their wedding day, to the current years weather.  I am pretty confident many anniversaries for them will look nothing like their actual wedding day, weather wise.

Carl and I decided to leave Carson with G&G Brouwer for the evening.  We were contemplating taking him with us, but when Carson hadn't even gone down for a nap yet at 1:30 that day, we decided it would probably be the best for everyone if he was able to play with Grandpa and Grandma.

Here is my Handsome Hubby and I at the reception.  Me being 30 weeks pregnant.

My wonderful Sister and her family at the reception.  I love this picture of them.  Natalie's smirk is too darn cute.

 

Frannie, Grandpa Gary, and Natalie after the wedding.

We enjoyed ourselves that evening, but missed our Wee Lad dearly.  But, it is always nice to get away just the two of us, and enjoy it with some of our family!

A huge Congrats to the Newlyweds!

Snow Much Fun!

On Monday, Mother Nature blessed us with a little Winter weather.  We got about an inch of snow, but it actually made for very pretty scenery.  I am not a hater of Winter, but I really dislike below zero temperatures, and driving in the slippery white stuff.  So, this Winter actually hasn't been so bad in my book.  Don't get me wrong, I am ready for Spring, but I won't complain.

After the snow fell on Monday, we decided that since the temps were in the low 30s, we would bundle Carson up, and see what he thought of this fluffy white stuff.  This was the first time that Carson would get his snowpants, coat, boots, and mittens on to venture outside.  And, I must say, he looks a-dor-a-ble!  He tried his darnedest to walk at his regular pace all bundled up, but that didn't work in his favor.  He was slow moving, especially since this was the first time he would experience walking in his boots. 

We have a hill in our backyard that we decided to take a few trips up, and slide down.  It isn't a big hill, but it is a perfect size for our little Wee Lad to enjoy his first Winter sledding experience.

It's a good thing that we decided to go outside right away on Monday, because our hill is no longer completely snow covered!  Tuesday brought temperatures in the upper 30s-lower 40s, and it sounds like the rest of the week may follow suit.  With temperatures like that in Mid-February, I most certainly won't complain!

Carl and I had so much fun watching Carson explore outside in the snow.  We didn't stay outside long, as Carson's cheeks were turning red, indicating he was getting a bit chilly.  But, the smile on his face as he slid down the hill in his little tube was priceless!  I think we are all excited to do this fun activity again this Winter.  We will see if Mother Nature responds with our request for a little more snow, but preferably warm(er) temperatures so we can enjoy the outdoors.  I may be asking a bit much, huh?  Ha.

To sum things up.....we all had "Snow much fun!" on Monday night outside! :)

Friday

Last Friday, we got the opportunity to watch Baby Tyler all day.  We all had so much fun with him around!  I was anxious to get my hands on a baby, for a whole day, and Carl and I were excited to see how Carson would respond to another little baby around for a whole day.  I think Carson did so very well!  He kissed him, hugged him, shared his toys, and was very good around him.  He was such a big helper all day.  Almost too much of a helper, but I will not complain about him being so interested.  Diaper changes turned into about a 10 minute ordeal, of me hoping that little Tyler wouldn't pee all over the place, because Carson had to help, and do it all.  He loves to put a diaper on his bear, and he does a very good job of it.  So, he knows just what to do, but it is a little different with an actual baby who, does in fact, move all over the place!  Ha.  Carl and I would laugh, because Tyler would kick his legs, and Carson would say "No No Tyler!"

Tyler is a very happy little guy, and I managed to get a few good shots of him flashing his smile at us.  He is a pretty calm baby, and was very interested in what Carson was busy doing all day.  Carson read him a book, and my heart melted to the ground.  He was so sweet about it, and it was so cute.  It got me even more anxious for our new little guy to arrive, if that is even possible? 

The real test will come in April when Baby Brother arrives, but I think Carson will adjust very well to another little one in the house.  He showed a little jealousy from time to time throughout the day, but nothing that isn't to be expected.  And, he responded very well to us saying..."you have to share."

Friday night we ventured off to the High School gym to watch Jared wrestle in the Little Mat Man's Wrestling Tournament.  Jared did really well, even though he got beat.  He was matched up with some tough kids!  And, I will say that those little kids out there on the mats, ages from about 5-10, in their little singlets, trying to look all tough, and "wrestle" was so cute.  A little one would get pinned (well- pretty much lay on the mat for the other boy to pin him) and get up and smile from ear to ear.  It was so funny.  He didn't care about what just happened, he was having a blast.  I am super bummed I didn't get any pictures of the fun event.  But, Carson was so good for us, once again.  I think he loves to just watch what is going on in the big gym, and that is what keeps his attention.

And to top off our grand day, we enjoyed cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  Carson approves, 100%!

What a great way to kick-off our Wonderful Weekend!

Week 29

Last Friday marked Week 29!  We are into the "30s" this week, and that is a wonderful feeling. 

I went to the doctor on Tuesday, and for documentation purposes only, I will state that I have gained 14 pounds so far.  I think at the end of Carson's pregnancy, I had gained a total of about 30 pounds, so I am hoping I don't go over that with this little one.  And if I do, I am ok with that.  But I more so want to focus on eating healthy, and gaining healthy weight. 

This week we received a gift from my wonderful Mother.  It states that the baby is growing, and so it my body.  I may feel as if there is not enough room inside of me for my organs, but there certainly is.  The best way to deal with the discomforts of the late pregnancy is to maintain proper nutrition, drink plenty of fluids, practice good posture, and rest. 

It also states that the baby can open his eyes, and turn his head towards a source of any light.  His sensory organs are well developed, and his fingernails and toenails are growing.  Baby brother weighs about 2.5 pounds, and is over 15 inches long.  The movements I feel will probably begin to change, as the space becomes cramped. 

So, this week's gift included:  A pack of newborn diapers, body spray and bubble bath, Mountain Dew, Preparation H, and a grooming kit for the little guy.

Thank you so much to my Wonderful Mother and Sister for the amazing and thoughtful gifts! 

Week 28

Last Friday marked 28 weeks for us in this pregnancy!  And, I swear I am growing over night.  Literally.

28 Weeks

I have been feeling pretty good, and don't have much to complain about.  Things could be a lot worse, I do know that much.  So, we are taking things day/week by day/week, and getting through things very well.  

Hauling Carson around is becomming a bit more of a chore for me these days, so I usually try and find a different way for him to get around when it's just him and I.

I can really tell that this little guy is getting to be very strong, and he isn't afraid to prove just that!  His kicks are getting more fierce, and I can usually tell exactly what limb is sticking out where.  A lot of times I will be sitting at my desk, and just look down at my belly, and watch it move all over.  Carl usually gets to witness it during the late(r) evening hours, as that is when he seems to be the most active.  And that usually carries through the over night hours.

Don't get me wrong, I love the reassurance of that little guy inside me moving around.  But, I am going to be honest when I say I am ready for him to get to the point where he is too big to move around so much.  A little kick, or movement here or there to reassure me is perfect. :)  But then again, this little guy better be a tough one to stand up to his big brother that is waiting for his arrival!

This week in the pregnancy:
The eyelashes and eyebrows are completely developed, the hair is starting to grow, and he can hear our voices.  So, for this week's gift we received a book, because it is never too early to start reading to him since he can recognize our voice, and a hair brust because his hair is growing! 

Happy Birthday, Blog

Today marks this little blog's one year birthday!  This is so crazy for me to think that I have been blogging for a whole year.  It truly seems like a few months ago I started this little space.  This post also marks number 118.

Wow....118 posts, and a year later, and here we are!

I truly am loving looking back on all of the posts that I have written over the year.  There have been ups and downs, trials and triumphs, and good and bad.  We have been through a lot, but at the end of each day, we still try our very best to Admire the Small Things.  Because we are so truly blessed, and have so much to be thankful for. 

Writing hasn't ever been my "go-to" for much of anything.  But as I get older, I find it to be very relaxing, and rather therapeutic.  I can pour my feelings out as I type, and it's amazing how the words just seem to flow together.

I am looking forward to the second year of this little space, and all that comes with it.  There will be a lot to write about in the next year, I do know that much!

Happy Birthday, little blog.