Brotherly Love

Ty is so in love with his little sister and it's the cutest thing ever! Here are some of my favorite pictures taken back on May 6th.  Can you just feel the love pouring out of the picture below?

Here he is keeping Alexis company during tummy time.  It's nice to have him and Noelle around to entertain her, that's for sure!  It definitely extends her time on the floor, which in turn has made her one strong little girl!

Another adorable picture of Ty gazing at Alexis! Moments like this melt my heart!

 Ty decided to try and catch the "lady bug".  He got his bug catcher and put it on her head.  Alexis didn't seem to mind the extra attention.

The day wouldn't be complete without Ty showing the lady bug how to do some forward rolls.

I had to draw the line when he brought out the bat and ball to show her how to play baseball.  I was a little concerned about the safety risk involved.  And as cute as he is, Ty has a fierce, slightly uncontrollable swing and I just wasn't up for a trip the ER that day :-)



Like Father, Like Son

Taken: May 11, 2011

After Ty was up for a while, destroying his bedroom, Daddy went in to lay with him.  An hour later, I peeked in to check on them and this is what I saw :-)

And the Little One Said "Roll Over, Roll Over!"

Dear Alexis,

Today you rolled over from your back to your belly for the first time! Of course, it would happen on the very first day you are at Lisa's, so I didn't get to witness it first hand...but your big brother and sister did so that makes me feel a little better :-)  I can't believe how strong you are at only 3 months old!! I guess you were fussing while Lisa was getting your milk ready and you just rolled right on over.  If that doesn't say anything about your determination, I don't know what will.  You are so sweet! And you were extra sleepy tonight going to bed before 8.  I bet all that work wore you out today!

One more day at Lisa's this week and then we get to snuggle and cuddle until I go back to work for real on the 15th.  I love you little girl!
Love,
Mommy

Our New Neighbor

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Ice Cold Lemonade!!

"ICE COLD LEMONADE" was what Noelle shouted to every person that passed by from 11-1 today. Our neighborhood was having a garage sale and Noelle & Ty were determined to make some money! Earlier in the week we painted a sign to advertise and since it was super hot out, business was good! Noelle would get so excited when she had customers and Ty was very diligent in handling the money and giving change.

At one point, we ran out of ice.  Naturally, it was the same time Alexis was eating lunch, so Daddy and the kids hopped in the car and ran to get more.  While they were gone, the Jimmy Johns guy stopped by with some sandwich samples....yeah for free lunch!!

Once the rush was over, Noelle and Ty were more interested in riding their bikes than selling lemonade.  Daddy sold a few cups, but then he realized that he looked a little silly selling drinks while the kids were down the street playing.  We packed up the gear and counted the money, $15.83 was the grand total- not bad for .25 cups and 2 hours of work.  I'm sure they would have doubled that if they didn't have baseball earlier in the morning.   When I asked what they wanted to buy, they both shouted CANDY! (of course)

 Alexis wasn't as crabby as she looks in this picture.  In fact, she was smiling and having a great time spinning around in her exersaucer, but I still couldn't catch her elusive grin on camera, argh!!

As usual, Jeremy had some funny quotes from the day.  The top three follow:

1. At one point, Noelle was super hot and sweaty and she asks, "Can I have a sip of lemonade??"  Jeremy responds, "Sure, but you're drinking away your profits."

2. When the kids were eating lunch, they were making what some might call "a mess".  So Jeremy says, "You can't eat at the table.  You've got to keep up a professional appearance- NO FOOD ON THE TABLE!"

3. I was marveling at how well Noelle was going up to people asking for lemonade because last year she was so shy.  Jeremy says, "That's the #1 rule, you gotta ask for the sale."

Oh my, is he a riot or what? Just another day in paradise I guess!

Alexis Months 1-3

Dear Alexis,

Your first three months have been wonderful! The first month you spent sleeping ALL.THE.TIME.  We'd have to wake you up to eat and as tempting as it was to just let you snooze, we knew you had to nurse to gain weight and build up my milk supply.  I relished the solid 3-4 hours of sleep I was getting and was so thankful that you seemed to be a calm baby! 

All that sleeping must've meant you were growing.  Your first month check up showed that you gained 3lbs and grew 2 1/4 inches, wow! Such a big girl!!  You love to be swaddled, but only from the waist down.  If we try to wrap up your arms, you thrash about until they are free.

Here you are on May 6th, a week shy of two months.  Even tummy time doesn't seem to bother you, as you sleep right on through it.  When you do manage to stay awake you are VERY strong.  You can lift your head up well and once you start to get hungry and/or mad, you just about roll right over...incredible!  Of course, after your workout, it's back to loooong snoozes for you :-)  At 8 weeks, you were sleeping 6-8 hours at night.  Usually, you go down about 10 and wake up to nurse at 4 or 5, and then go back down until about 8. What a great sleeper!

At three months, you have quite the personality.  You started smiling at 9 weeks, but it was only an occasional grin, usually brought on by Daddy or me acting silly trying to get you to smile. Now, all we have to say is "Hi Alexis" and you wiggle and squirm and bless us with a big 'ole smile and giggle.  I've yet to get a good picture of you because you get confused when I point the camera at you, but I do have some good videos to upload soon!

You are still sleeping about 7 hours at night, but go from 9 to 3 or 4 now to eat.  You go right back down to and sleep another 3-4 hours.  I love it!!  You schedule is starting to regulate itself during the day as far as your morning and afternoon naps go. You continue to be the easiest baby in town and don't seem to mind as Noelle, Ty, and I jet set around town to various play dates and activities.  You love to cuddle your face into your blankie when you sleep and can't stand to have anything covering your legs while you sleep.  The other night, Daddy and I did an experiment where we put covers on your legs while you were sleeping.  Immediately, you wiggled and scooted until they were off and then went back into a deep sleep.  We did a three or four times and it was the same result.   You are too funny sweet girl! You legs are like ice when you get up to eat, but it obviously doesn't bother you since you sleep so well!!

You absolutely adore your brother and sister.  You always seem to be laughing or smiling at them and your new favorite activity is sitting in the exersaucer while they show you the toys and spin you around.  You also don't seem to be bothered by their laughing/yelling/crying/screaming/giggling/running/banging/barking/any-other-noise-you-can-think-of because you sleep right on through, even if you're napping in the swing and are in the same room with them.  Here you are 3 months, 2 days hanging out at the park!

I love you sweet baby girl!

Mommy

Water Fun at the Park

Today we spent the morning at tot time with lots of our good friends. After a 3.5 hour nap by all three kids and myself, we headed up to the HP for some water play. We grabbed some "Mix Donalds" as Noelle calls it and enjoyed the beautiful evening at the park. We hadn't made it to this park yet this summer, so the kids were really excited!! The water was freezing, but they didn't mind at all! Daddy joined us after his game of golf and we all headed down the street for some yummy custard! A perfect ending to a perfect summer day!

 After Alexis woke up from her nap, she loved laying on the blanket, watching the trees.  She even got to see some hot air balloons too! The weather was unbelievably perfect and we stayed for over 2.5 hours, soaking up the sun and fresh air.

A Love So Big

Dear Ty,

You are simply an amazing little boy! Your cuteness is hard to handle and your sincere heart is always showing no matter where we are.  You are 2 years 5 months and are the spitting image of your Daddy.  I love how much you enjoying cuddling and don't mind one bit when you crawl into bed with me.  Even in the middle of the night.  Although, Daddy might be a little upset because he always gets booted to the couch. :-) I always tell him that you're only young once and one day you won't want to cuddle, so I am going to soak it up while I can. Every now and then you'll want to "rocky-rocky" which means rock in the rocking chair, and I cherish those close moments with you.  Breathing in your sweet/stinky smell (depending on when the last bath was, haha), listening to you breathe, and rubbing your back are some of the best moments we share. 

Your gentle personality has started to show since Alexis was born.  You are careful to give soft kisses and I think it's absolutely adorable when you talk to her.  You take your voice up a few pitches and say "Hiiii Awexis Hiiiiii", give her a kiss, and then giggle a little bit. I'm determined to get it on video because I never want to forget it!  You are always the first to tell me when "Awexis awake" or "Awexis eyes open" and do a good job pushing her in the swing.

This is not to say that you aren't still a rough and tough boy.  My goodness child, you never stop running or jumping.  Ever. Some days you just stand at the front door and sprint to the back door.  Then sprint back.  And on and on it goes for a loooong time.  You even say "Ready, Set, Go."  I don't mind because it keeps you entertained! You LOVE the pool and do such a great job swimming! We go as often as we are able and it's such a joy to watch you swim and make new friends.  You especially like to do the alligator crawl and today you were brave enough to put your head underwater! Another favorite activity is baseball and soccer. You like to watch ball games with Daddy whenever you get the chance and are a pretty good player.  We don't know where love of soccer came from, but it sure is cute to watch you dribble the soccer ball around the house! You are a very good listener and that makes going on new adventures that much easier because I know that you'll behave :-)

In other developments, you are officially potty trained. You wear big boy undies all day, haven't had any accidents at nap.  I still put a diaper on at bedtime just in case, but you've stayed dry all night the last 3 nights.  What a great accomplishment! I can't believe you are growing up so fast, but I will NOT miss changing your stinky poopy diapers, that's for sure!

Another thing Daddy and I think is so sweet is that you end every statement/question with "white, Daddy, white?" or "white, Mama, white? (white = right). The other day you were out fishing with Daddy and you said "You my best fwend ever, white Daddy, white?"  Little things like that make my heart swell and the love I have for you is really just indescribable!

I love you Ty-Ty!

Love, Mommy

Freezing Time

Days like today make me want to freeze time.  They also make me realize how I need to get back on the blogging bandwagon so I can remember all the little things that make days like today so wonderful! The best part was sitting on the couch, nursing Alexis and watching Jeremy, Noelle, and Ty play in the back yard.  The smiles and laughs nearly brought me to tears.  How in the world did I get so lucky? I have the best husband and kids I could have ever asked for.

Welcome Alexis Leigh!

Dear Alexis,

You were born April 12th, at 1:34 am weighing in at 7 lbs 5 oz and measuring 19 inches tall. When Daddy told me you were a girl, I couldn't believe it! I was thrilled to see that you had dark hair and were just as sweet and cuddly as can be.  You definitely lived up to your nickname "Sweet Cheeks".  Even though you were about 3.5 weeks early, you were strong, healthy, and alert. Here is my final pregnancy picture- in labor, headed to the hospital to meet you!

After a 6 hour labor and one push, you were out.  Not quite as fast as Ty's delivery but not nearly as long as Noelle's.  I had the same nurse who delivered Ty and she was fantastic! I am always amazed at the wonderful job OB nurses do and I was especially thankful that she let us nurse before you had to go the NICU for tests.  You were classified as early since anyone born before 37 weeks is considered pre-term.  You passed all your tests with flying colors and were back to snuggle only after a few hours.

 Noelle and Ty came up the next day to meet you.  Noelle was in awe of her new baby sister and was all smiles when she got to hold you!  Ty preferred to just watch and give you quick little kisses when he walked by.

Here is a shot of your dark hair! Daddy says I'm obsessed with it, and maybe I am, but I just couldn't believe how much you had.  We will have to wait and see if it changes to blond as you get older...

At long last, we were able to be checked out. I was excited to get back home and start living our life as a family of 5 :-)

Love you,

Mommy

Happy 4th Birthday

Dear Noelle,

Tonight is your last night as a three year old!! Mommy can't believe what a big girl you are!  The last few months have just flown by, but I still make it a point to slow things down and marvel in what a beautiful little girl you are becoming. I look at you and am so happy and blessed that you are my sweet daughter.  You've really started showing your "mommy" side, mostly getting ready for Sweet Cheeks to come home.  You like to tuck me in at night and the other night you said, "I'm going to be a good mom like you someday, aren't I?" Yes, sweetie pie you are!  You like to talk to Sweet Cheeks, give hugs and kisses, and tell him/her that you love him. I love those moments.  I can't wait to have all your help when the baby comes and love that you are at what seems to be the perfect age during this pregnancy.  You are very curious and are finally starting to accept my explanation that the baby got in my belly by a miracle :-)

You are doing SO WELL at school!  I love hearing all your stories about playing with your friends and getting good reports from your teachers.  It makes my heart so happy to hear that you use your manners, listen, and are just an all around awesome kid! We are planning your birthday party and it seems that you are now up to inviting your whole school...not sure how thirty 4 & 5 years in a pool are going to get along, but we will make it work!

You pick up on everything. Just the other day at dinner, you started singing "Raise your glass if you are wrong in all the right ways, dirty little freaks"  Daddy and I about fell out of our chairs!!  Don't worry though, most of the stuff you are catching on to are not Rated R :-)  You can write your first name and just love to paint and do art projects.  You also like to do your "homework" which consists of lots of letters.  You can count to 30, can recognize and write all the letters in the alphabet and can almost recognize the sounds of all the letters too!

You are so thoughtful and caring towards Ty.  You are always quick to share with him or help him out if he needs anything.  I've loved watching you grow and change these last 3 years and am SO looking forward to this next year as you grow into a little young lady. 

I love you and am so proud of you!  Happy Birthday to my amazing daughter!!

Mommy

58 Degrees on NYE

Today is New Years Eve and would you believe Noelle, Ty, and I went on a walk because it's SO WARM OUT!  I turned on the weather channel and was shocked to see it was already 51 out, so we got on our boots and coats and headed out.  Noelle took her baby stroller and Ty dragged his lawn mower behind him the whole time...the only challenge was that it was a little windy on the back stretch.  Okay a lot windy, poor Ty could barely run, haha!

We even got to see a worm inching its way across the sidewalk, which Ty thought was the coolest thing.  I had to remind him to be "gentle" as he doesn't know his own strength!

Fresh air always helps with naps so I'm hoping for a long one today.  Noelle's BFF is having a NYE party so we're headed over there with our sparkling grape juice and delicious black bean dish to share.  Then Jeremy and I have a date with the couch and scrabble...hope he's ready to get his butt whipped!!

Happy New Years!

The Name Debate

A little peek into our naming debate:

Me: "How about Violet?"
Jeremy: "No way, I don't want to name her after something so generic you can buy it at big lots."

Jeremy: "How about Brock Landers?"
Me: "From Boogie Nights, ummmm no."

Droppin' a Duece

As the kids were playing play-doh at the kitchen table, the conversation went like this:

Noelle: "Mom, Ty dropped a duece!"
Me: "Ty did you go poopy?"
Ty: "No"
Noelle: "He dropped a toy. That's what a duece is, mom."
Ty: "DUUUUUECE, DROP IT, DROP IT"

Oh my goodness, are they a riot or what?!

Is It Possible?

Is it possible that I am actually starting to find some energy almost 21 weeks into this pregnancy? I think so!  The last 2 weeks, I have started to feel more and more productive as each day goes on.  Most of my energy comes in a big spurt in the morning.  The last two weekends, I have spent on a cleaning binge.  I gutted Noelle's room which entailed packing up 2 laundry baskets of clothes and toys to sell at the next consignment sale, tossing an entire garbage bag of toys that were either broken or had parts MIA, cleaned out her closet and dresser of clothes that didn't fit and reorganized her system of toys. 

It felt good to accomplish something and I still marvel at where the energy came from to get it all done.  The new toy system is my feeble attempt and getting this child to pick up her toys after she is done playing with them.  I've sorted all the different gear into separate totes (kitchen gear, dress up clothes, legos, etc) and now she has to ask permission to play with them.  I know that seems like micro-managing but the other option is a floor full of toys that never gets picked up.  She was thrilled with the clean room and said she was happy that she "didn't have to step on toys to get to her bed".  I've even started giving her an allowance because I'm shocked this is actually working and her room has stayed clean for two straight weeks!!

Other cleaning sprees including deep cleaning the kitchen including the baseboards, cabinets, etc.  and cleaning the guest bathroom top to bottom.

Each spree is followed by a long nap and then feeling slightly sick in the evening because I tend to over do it!  It's great to feel like a normal person again and to be able to do normal things.  I hope to start back blogging on a semi-normal basis (especially since I am on Christmas break for two weeks) and share all the fun things that have been going on in the Hunt house!!

Oh My.

Earlier this morning, Noelle threw an epic fit because she didn't want her hair in a pony tail. After wailing and screaming for a while, she collapsed in a heap on the floor.  At that point, Jeremy turned to me and asked "How early can you start prozac?"

She is a handful for sure!!

Warning: Lots of Complaining to Follow....

Well, here we are a little over 3 months into this pregnancy and I still feel like complete crap.  My stomach is constantly in pain, either from being so hungry, but not being able to eat anything.  Or from eating something and not having it settle right, only to puke up moments later.  Honestly, I feel like I am losing my mind.  It's so hard for me to not be able to do basic things like clean up, or get the kids dinner ready without running to the bathroom to get sick.  Work is near impossible and I'm pretty sure my students are  learning diddly squat.  All I can do is rush through notes and then give them the rest of the time to work while I either go to the bathroom to get sick or keep it together until the passing period or a free period.  It's awful.

I feel bad for Ty and Noelle in that they wake up every morning to the sound of me getting sick.  They are so sweet and Noelle always tries to help me out with encouraging words like telling me it'll be okay, and to take a deep breath.  I hope I'm not scarring them for life.

The doctor gave me some medicine which does make the vomiting manageable (as in only getting sick 3 or 4 time instead of 10).  However, there are other side affects that I won't go into too much detail, but let's just say what goes on probably doesn't help my dehydration issues.  It also knocks me out.  The first time I took it and went to work, I literally fell asleep on my classroom floor during lunch.  I could not stay awake and it's only a 25mg dose.  Plus I only have a 30 day supply with no refills, so I try to save it for when I get really bad.

Like today, I am home from school resting up from my trip to the ER yesterday.  Everything is ok, but I'm laying low and trying to push fluids today.  I also took a medicine so combined with this stormy day, I'll be sleeping for a while! Sweet, fleeting relief!

In the end, of course I know it'll all be worth it.  Ty and Noelle definitely were and I know this baby will be too :-)

Struggling

You'd think the third time would be the charm-not so.  I've been super sick the last few weeks and it's a struggle to make it through a day of working and coaching.  I'm constantly having horrible stomach pain that is only relieved by getting sick, only to repeat the situation 10 minutes later.  I'm sure my family and friends have had enough of my complaining!

Poor Noelle is so concerned about me getting sick, and today as I was laying in the bathroom she says to me, "Mom, I know you're sick but please don't let the baby come out and fall into the toilet." Oh you sweet little girl, don't worry!  I won't let that happen.

To My New Little Baby

(8/29) Dear Sweet Baby,

Mommy and Daddy found out about a week ago that we are expecting your arrival this April/May! I cannot believe how quickly it happened, and am so excited to bring you into the family.  I have been feeling wonderfully and I thank God every morning I wake up that I haven't felt sick.  I want to cherish every moment because I know it's only a matter of time before it hits me like a ton of bricks!!  I feel so content and at peace and I know our family will be complete when you arrive.  I want to be thankful for every minute of this pregnancy and think positively every chance I get.

Welcome to our family my new little love,
Mommy

Just Like You

Dear Noelle,

Tonight we were having some cuddle time before bed. You, me, Daddy, and Ty were laying on our bed reading a story and you helped Ty move his spot on the bed.  Normally, pushing, shoving, etc. would have occurred so I said, "Aw thanks for helping Ty nicely."  Your sweet little self responded, "I wanna be a good mom just like you!"

So sweet and adorable!!  I love ya baby girl!
Mommy

Ty's First Haircut

(July 13th) I've never been one of those moms who digs the long 'do on a boy.  I've never really understood the fascination with keeping the curls around or letting the hair grow for sentimental reasons.  I think Jeremy put it best when he said, "No hard working man has long hair." Yes, I know he's not even two, and hardly a hard worker, but there is something to be said about a clean cut!!

So when Ty's hair started to grow into a funky little surfer 'do, it HAD to go.  I mean, at first the little mohawk on top was cute, but then it got OC and it would stick out in the back too, with random tufts of hair poofing out here and there.  Sorry to say it little man, but it was pretty rough for a while.  I tried to take some before pics but they don't do the level of scraggliness justice.

From the moment we walked in, Ty knew something was up.  When he sat down in the chair, panic set in. 

Even the yummy sucker I brought didn't help ease the pain.  It just helped to collect random hair clippings: on the sucker, his face, and his chubby little hands.

I've been going to Tamara for ever, Noelle went there for her first haircut, and so it was natural Ty would too.  Bless this woman's heart.  Ty threw a fit of epic proportions and I'm still not sure how he managed to get a decent looking cut while he thrashed about.  Of course, I was no help because I was too busy taking pictures and trying to grab all the locks to keep in baggie for sentimental value.  (No, I don't like long hair but a milestone is a milestone and I got a LOT of clippings, ha ha.)

Oh and I just L.O.V.E. this pic.  That big 'ole pouting lip gets me every time!!

He looked SOOOOO much better afterwards and such like a young man that is brought tears to my eyes.  My little boy is growing up so fast and I am just over the moon for him!  You can't really see the great cut in all it's glory here, but be sure to be on the lookout in the next few posts :-)

And just because she is a beauty, here is a pic of Noelle.  I know I'm biased, but damn, this girl is gorgeous! She looks like a porcelain doll with her blue eyes, perfect skin and perfect hair.  Seriously, we are in trouble when this wee one gets older!