DISNEY and Mal's Wedding!!!

I AM SO EXCITED to blog about this trip! There is so much fun stuff to cover, it may take me two days to finish it all!
To start, I was so apprehensive about this trip, simply because Mason HATES the car. I thought we would be driving with him screaming the vast majority of the way. So, I was meticulous in finding fun things for the kids to do in the car. With a 6 month old, this is tough haha. So, here are a few things I came up with for my 2 year old:
DVDs (of course)
Several NEW books, especially books that tell a longer story
Disney sing a long music (again, of course)
"busy bags"- ziplock bags that contained various items: stickers with stickerbook, pen and pocket calendar (she loves to write in one for some reason), dry erase board and markers or crayons, mini play doh, mini dora characters, mini doll w bottle and change of clothes, and several different snacks. Bridgette is really into miniature things right now.
For Mason:
IPad movies (because he has to face backward for 6 more months)
a large calculator that lights up (a hit)
a night time wall light display (plays music and displays a scene on the wall) We had a TON of fun with this one--we made shadow puppets, made the scene tiny, then really big, etc.
picture board books
a maraca that he could slam against something and make lots of noise
teethers of course.
Tad the singing frog (never leave home without it for roadtrips)
All in all, pretty good planning on my part that equaled ONE (that's right) meltdown by Mason. I am pretty proud haha. Of course I was in charge of entertainment and Travis was in charge of getting us there safely--and he did a terrific job.

Moving on, we broke up the trip into two days each way, spending the night over half way. The first night Bridgette was unhappy in an unfamiliar place. She cried and said she wanted to go home, please. "Where are we? I am scared", etc. Kinda heartbreaking. We tried several different sleeping arrangements during the trip, all of which ended up being mistakes, hahahhaa. I have no idea what would have worked, short of packing several different beds/cribs, etc. Eventually she settled down, but it was a LONG night. We wearily began our second leg of the journey to Orlando.
Nina and Marshall (Trav's Mother and Step father) have a time share condo in Orlando (very nice) that they shared with us for the first two nights there. We stopped there, unloaded, picked them up, then headed straight to Epcot. Bridgette had not napped at this point and was pretty tired, but determined to stay up to see "Disney". She liked the Nemo ride and the 3 Cabelleros (sp?), but mostly just needed a good nap, so we strolled around the world (hehe) and she slept, as did Mason. This is a good time to point out that we took a double stroller (sit and stand that had two seats) and this was very nice, but terrible for napping. UGH. So we carried them a lot when they slept. A learning process.
Anyway, as she had a mini meltdown during dinner due to exhaustion, a German band began to play some polka music. And because I am an awesome polka dancer (right), I grabbed her and took her to the dance floor. The next 20 minutes were the funniest and most light hearted moments--she danced so hard, kept yelling "HEY" with her hands punching the air, and found some "big girls" (4 year olds) to dance near. This was super cute.

On our way out of Epcot (so we think)
we see the Character Spot with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy. 45 minute wait. I think NO WAY. Bridgette says PLEASE I want to see Minnie!! So, with Mason asleep in our arms, we wait in the line. The entire time I am thinking that she is going to hide behind my legs once we actually get to see the characters. Boy was I wrong! I will admit that seeing her sprint to Minnie Mouse with her arms wide open, huge smile on her face, then not wanting to leave her, but just staring adoringly at her, was one of the best moments of my whole life. I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time, because it was SO precious. She was so happy and so awe struck that she was actually seeing these characters! She kissed and hugged them ALL! And then asked me where “Pete” was! How funny- she wants to see the villain. It was worth every second of waiting!

On to day 2, Magic Kingdom

I always feel so exhilarated walking into the Magic Kingdom. Travis and I have always loved coming here together and we were especially excited for Bridgette to see Cinderella’s castle. She had been telling us for weeks that she was ready to go and see it! J We finally got there and rode all the rides in Fantasy Land. I think she probably liked Winnie the Pooh best. Then we had lunch at the Crystal Palace with the Pooh characters. I will say this was the biggest hit with the adults. Nina and Marshall and Malerie graciously accompanied us to help with the kids (and enjoy Disney!) and we all agreed that this food was fantastic! Bridgette was very happy to meet the characters, too! We really had a great time. Unfortunately towards the end of the day, rain came and we all got soaked. Then we had a hard time leaving the park, but all in all, a terrific time!!

From Orlando, we headed out to St. Pete to get ready for Malerie’s wedding. Bridgette LOVED the sun and sand. Mason, not so much. The wind was really upsetting him. Needless to say, I didn’t make much showing on the beach L. One of those things you don’t really hear much about is that when you have young kids, vacation isn’t quite as relaxing haha. I did have some MOH duties with Mal anyway, so I had a great time with that. It was really fun having the entire family down at the beach. We had tons of help with the kids. We really missed Granddaddy Reid, though, who was back home recovering from a stroke, and doing much better.

Here is where I am going to talk too much about the cute kids and funny things they did and said. J A precious girl, Allie McNabb, latched on to Bridgette first thing. Allie is about 7 years old and just loves kids. Bridgette felt like she was a “big girl” because Allie was playing with her. Seriously the happiest I have ever seen Bridgette. Keira Thatcher played with them too and all three were the cutest girls!! I told Bridgette that she would be a big girl like them someday and she replied with full sass “We ARE big girls together, Mommy!” Allie cared for Bridgette like a mini Mommy. How cute.

Then there were Robert’s nephews, Cooper and Anderson (ring bearers). Anderson was the older and would just sling his brother wherever he wanted him. Both seemed enamored by Bridgette she was with them! She and Cooper held hands a lot and even kissed!!! Bridgette was the flower girl and went down the aisle pretty well, but stopped halfway and dumped out her flowers…turned over the basket and just shook it. It was hysterical. Anderson tackled Cooper coming down the aisle, because he was starting to veer off. The ceremony was beautiful and very sentimental (as was the reception). The real fun began at the reception. Our Gommy (Margret Smith) turned 90 and they honored her. There was an “Oldest married couple contest” that my Sparks Grandparents won. There was so much fun. I overheard Anderson tell Bridgette, “Cooper has something he wants to ask you!” Then quickly followed up with, “He wants to know if you will dance with him.” How cute is that? She danced the night away, but would NOT dance with any grown ups. Ah- she is getting so sassy J. I had a blast at the reception, and being the great daddy he is, Travis took the kids to the room and let me stay awhile longer.
All in all, a fantastic trip! Lots of memories and laughs. So happy for Malerie and Robert!!! And now, SO GLAD TO BE HOME!

Adventures in snot land

Unfortunately, we have all been sick. BLECH. Bridgette has had the worst of it, with a terrible cough and congestion. Thankfully Mason hasn't been too congested. Of course I have it too. So, needless to say, some sleepless nights followed (not that Mason and I have been sleeping great anyway). My mothering motto: this too shall pass. I have learned that every time something seems to be working really well, it changes (another tooth, a cold, a wrench in the plans so to speak) or vice-versa. The minute I don't think I can bear another sleepless night, Mason gives me a long stretch. Amazing. Have to just thank God for every moment...I KNOW it all passes so quickly. Bridgette has grown into a sweet little girl so quickly. I am cherishing every moment I cuddle sweet baby Mason. :)
Here are your stats:
Mason, 6 months (approx)- 26 3/4 inches, 19.5 pounds.
Yes I know, he is a BIG boy. :) He eats enough haha.
Well now that we have unclogged his pipes, he is a much happier baby. He is eating some breakfast every morning (but I have eliminated the oatmeal/rice cereal), so he is eating a fruit or veggie every AM. He LOVES to eat and he is VERY good at it. I am proud hehe. Travis is VERY proud hehe.
He is sitting up very well without support. He loves certain toys...an alphabet spinner toy, his rainforest jumper, his giraffe teething toy, and anything that Bridgette is playing with of course. He is very likely teething- he is drooling all the time, biting, and fussy sometimes for no reason...Bri got her first at 7 months, so he is close. He is not in love with reading like Bridgette was..he likes interaction. He is VERY observant and watches everything his big sister does. He smiles a lot and I love it. He is sleeping in 3-4 hour intervals and strangely enough, he has started enjoying being swaddled (I use a sleep sack that has a swaddle built-in so no covers near his precious head). He can wiggle his arms out, but falling asleep he wants to be bundled. HUM. Bridgette loved to sleep next to me and cuddle. Not Mason- he wants to nurse then get right back in his own crib.
On to Bridgie-Bridge...
She and I have been doing lots of crafts and activities in the afternoon. She LOVES to be messy--what toddler doesn't? So, we paint, throw glitter around (clean up before Daddy gets home hehe), play in rice, noodles, water, etc. The biggest hits have been a huge tub full of rice that she can sit in and play like sand and a bathtub full of different kinds of noodles. She loved that! I am always looking for other really fun things if you have a suggestion!!
One super cute and funny thing she does- Daddy has an action bible, comic book form, Bri loves to read it, "And Jesus was afraid of the kion, but Mufasa told them to get on the boat with Simba and they lived happily ever after..." and she will stop and ask, "mommy, who's this troll?" Everyone with a beard is a potential troll...I reply with the straightest face "That troll is Moses", etc. Trav n I laugh our heads off.
Her favorite books are "Morris goes to school", "Lady and the Tramp", "Classic Disney Stories" of all varieties.
She still loves the Lion King and sings "Hakuna Matata" all the time. So cute and so funny. Another funny thing-- Mason cries, (even at 4am), Bri will reflexively start singing "Twinkle twinkle little star". She is the BEST big sister. They jump and kick and laugh together. They make me so happy. :)

Bridgette and her cows

Have I mentioned before that Bridgette loves cows? She loves to carry around her toy cows-- pretty much wherever we go. She loves them in real life too. She always wants to go to feed the horses and see the cows when she is at Grandmom and Granddad's. Here is what we lug around often...
:)
Mason is grabbing for the bowl of popcorn as I type this. He is going to be quite the eater I think!

Mason updates

Ok- so much happens in such a short time! Mason is rolling over back to front when he wants something. now he rolls both ways! He will be crawling soon! Amazing. He is squealing so much too. I will try and upload that video. He is a very sweet baby.
Mason has some hard time with his bowels. I really hate that for him. Starting solids did not help him sleep any better and it has totally stopped up his pipes. It will be a week before he will go and that is with several interventions by me. I suppose his body was just not ready for solids. It is tough getting up so often with him at night, but at the same time, I seem to be adjusting well, because I am really not exhausted until around 8pm. Plus I nap with them--very helpful. He is very easy to play with and he and Bri love each other so much.
Bridgette is just too cute. She says so many funny things. She is so grown up some times, then at the same time, so little

pictures that didn't load

Here are the pics that haven't loaded from my last two posts!

Christmas fun

Again, it's been too long since I have blogged! Here's the catch up for the last month!
Bridgette-
She has really attached to a bean bag baby version of tigger. HOWEVER, she is convinced that it is winnie-the-pooh. So she asks for her "Baby Pooh" and we carry it with us everywhere. It is too funny. She loves the book "Donald's Christmas Gift" and calls it "Donald's Surprise". We read it over and over again. She wants me to tell her stories still at bedtime, however, now we don't even make it through "3 Little Bears and Goldilocks" until she is snoring. :) She also really likes the story of Pinocchio and calls it "Pino-cin-ock".
Aunt Mal and Uncle Robert are in to play with us for Christmas and we have really run Mal ragged. Play-dough, bounce house, playroom...all over the place.
Mason-
He has gained weight and grown taller. He is now 18 lbs and 26.5 inches long. He is wearing 9 or 12 month clothes depending on the maker. He is still nursing every 2 hours ATC and it is exhausting, but I love him and will continue to nurse him when he is hungry. He is holding his head up really well, sits up with support with no problem. He babbles a lot and loves to be lying on his back. Ceiling fans fascinate him. He had another cold (Thanks Bridgette) but is doing remarkable with it. A little saline, humidifier. He is good. :)
we did start some cereal on him this month (to try and encourage less freq BF), but it did not extend time between AND he has battled constipation since. So, I will hold off again for awhile, and start him on some fruits and veggies like I did Bridgette. He really liked eating and really paid attention to it much more than she, so he probably is ready for solids.

Ok- on to Christmas. We had a packed event! On Christmas eve, we went to Newport to celebrate with the Buda/Sparks family at Gmom's house. We had a terrific dinner, followed by gifts, then a candlelight church service. My personal favorite. Mason and Bridgette really had a ball. Bri got a Dora power jeep and a elephfun (I think) butterfly game that we have played nonstop. Mason got the cutest outfit to look just like Granddaddy when he is on the farm--can't wait to debut it.
Bridgette has loved opening the Advent Calendar and seeing what was inside. She loves her Baby Jesus and the farm animals included and this has been a source of anticipation and fun for us at dinner time.

Christmas morning was just like any other morning for us. Bridgette noticed the presents, but sat down to watch Dora and drink her milk without any fuss. We waited for the Marley GPs to come over before presents. We opened gifts and laughed for over an hour, then made a DELICIOUS brunch. Then Santa left another special present up in the playroom--a climbing dome. Unreal amounts of fun here. Bridgette played and climbed and swung until she nearly fell asleep haha. Then we went on to celebrate Jesus's birthday at GB and Grandpa's house in Parrottsville. We always have an Italian feast there. this year was no exception--the food was outstanding. We opened gifts and played a white elephant game that really had us rolling. Mason had so many fun toys and bridgette got books, princess dresses, movies. Outrageous.

So, this morning has been dedicated to cleaning up! and playing hard with lots of new toys. We have had a splendid holiday. trav is unfortunately back at work. :(

4 months old!!!

My sweetest little boy is 4 months old today! As much as time has flown, it also seems like we've never been without him. We are so blessed. His little personality is so happy and passionate- he can be really happy and really mad too! His gorgeous smile just melts me. I am very in love with him. He is focusing on everything and everyone. He LOVES to watch football and ESPN haha. Seriously he seems memorized when that's on. He talks a lot. He grasps things and reaches for toys. Everything to the mouth! He is drooling a lot, but no sign of teeth-thank goodness. :) He can sit supported with no problem, and he is trying to sit up on his own. he has done it once so far! He loves to nurse and is growing like a weed. He has started to wake up every 2 hours at night for the last couple of weeks to nurse. He is voraciously hungry each time. Wears me out, but he seems to be doing very well, so I will just grin and bear it. :)
Bridgette is still very in love with her brother. She looks for him always and plays with him so sweetly. He always "needs" a toy and she supplies it of course. She is growing into such a sweet little lady. She says please and thank you regularly. She knows our mealtime prayer and recites it so sweetly. She loves to play with us but does great on her own too. We are working on sharing haha. She is definitely going to be like her mommy and love Christmas. She carries around Baby Jesus at home sometimes and talks to him. She loves to sing Jingle Bells and Happy Birthday Jesus. I love that little girl so much.
Daddy has been home so much lately and has had so much fun putting up Christmas decorations with us. We all watched Elf the other night and laughed so hard while putting up the Christmas tree and eating cookies. Truly a priceless evening.
We have all recovered from a terrible GI bug, and poor baby Mason had an ear infection during it. He has stopped his antibiotics, but his little tummy didn't like them much--mommy's been doing a lot of laundry.... Hopefully he will get better quickly now. Otherwise, he is in good spirits.
Merry Christmas!!!