1st Christmas

Christmas 2005

Christmas 2008

One Year Ago...

It was one year ago today that I found out I was pregnant. I took a pregnancy test as I was about to get in the shower, even though I felt for sure it was going to be negative AGAIN this month. When I got out of the shower, I held the test in my shaking hand and sure enough there was the faintest of faint lines. I was pregnant. I ran downstairs to the basement calling to Jay in a slightly hysterical tone...I showed him the test, and of course he wasn't convinced. So off to Walmart we went to buy some more. Again the lines were so faint, we almost couldn't see them. I went to the lab and had blood work done, only to be told not to go on my vacation (as I was on the plane) because they thought it was a good possibility I would miscarry. Well, I went on that vacation with my husband, my beautiful son, and our family. I had a good time, and I prayed a lot. And when I got back home, I was still pregnant. And a year later, my perfect little girl is sleeping soundly next to her daddy...and my life is complete.

Alex-isms

I am thinking I better write some of the funny things Alex says down so I don't forget them.

• Jay put salmon cream cheese on Alex's bagel. Alex took a bite and said, "Yum. I like sushi-bagels."
• When Alex is doing wants to do something he says, "Yes, I am." When he doesn't want to do something he says, "No, I am'nt."
• Today after brushing his teeth he said, "Look Momma, my teeth are sparkly-clean. Now they are ready to crunch."

Sorry, Isabella

Well, it looks as if the Class of 2027 will have a lot girls with your name. Isabella is the #1 girl name of 2008. I may not be original, but I do have good taste. And if you want to get technical, Daddy and I chose your name on our honeymoon in April 2005, when Isabella was #6. 2008 is the first year it has ever been #1. I think it is an honor to have the most popular name. And besides, you are such an Isabella Grace. The name is a perfect fit. And I bet you will be the only "Izzy Bizzy" in your class.

To my Baby Girl....

Before you were conceived I wanted you. Before you were born I loved you. Before you were here an hour I would die for you. This is the miracle of love. - Maureen Hawkins

Three Years Ago

December 8, 2008

Three years ago tonight, I was talking to my Grandma John on the phone. I was so big and pregnant and uncomfortable, and I still had two weeks to go until my scheduled c-section. She said to me, "Love, babies come when they come." Little did we know that a few hours later, my water would break and Alexander John Beynon would be ready to enter my life and forever change my entire world.

I cannot believe he will be three years old in 2 days. I remember the first time I heard his cry, held him in my arms, and kissed his little face. And then I blinked. And now he is a big boy. He has a baby sister, he goes to school, he can count, he can sing the words to many songs and knows the words to many books, he loves to play Spiderman, he doesn't nap anymore, he can put together floor puzzles, he has his own ideas and opinions and isn't afraid to voice them, he picks out his own clothes and can wash himself, feed himself, and turn on the t.v. himself.

But not everything has changed from when he was a baby. He still needs me to get him his milk each morning. I still sing "You Are My Sunshine" to him everyday and say, "May God Bless You" every night. He still has the cutest feet and the biggest eyes. He still cuddles up next to me (even though it is not as often as I'd like). And the day he was born will always be the most important day of my life. I owe everything to him, because he made me a Momma, and there is nothing better in the whole world.

Three Months Old

Isabella Grace,

I can't believe you are 3 months old. It seems like yesterday that I held you for the first time. You were all bundled and so tiny. You have already grown so much. You can hold your head up and you love to kick your little feet. You are the light of my life. You continue to amaze me and everyone around you. You sleep well, you eat well, you laugh and smile all of the time. I take you everywhere. Today, you went with me to the hairdresser. We were there for two hours and you never made a peep. You can hold a rattle now, and you also always hold your hands together. You look like you are praying. Maybe you are! You "talk" all of the time. And if I am not paying attention, you get louder and louder until I do. You are still sleeping in our room, which I love. You cuddle up next to me and in the morning you wake up smiling at your daddy. Alex calls you Izzy-Bizzy and Sweet Honey. He tells me, "Momma, she is soooo cute." Don't I know it? I love dressing you up. And although you don't like wearing hats, I love putting them on you.

This month you were Baptized. David and Gabrielle are your godparents. We had our first big party in our new house. Over 80 people were here to celebrate you! You also celebrated your first Thanksgiving. I am so very thankful for everyday with you. I love watching you learn and grow and smile. You are my little Belly-Boo.

Love, Momma

Rhyme Time

Picture this:

As if I have nothing else to do, I am trying to think of a rhyme for our Christmas invitation. I am sitting at the computer thinking aloud. Alex is sitting next to me drawing. I say, "Christmas Day is almost here. Time to celebrate with...." And without missing a beat Alex says, "holiday cheer!" I fall off my chair in disbelief that he just came up with not only a rhyming word but a phrase that was appropriate. Okay, now I am back up on the chair and better get back to my invite.

Thanksgiving

It seems that every year I have more and more to be thankful for. Just when I think I have it all (see the entry from last year), somehow I am blessed with more.

This past year has been the most challenging as a parent (thus far), but also the most rewarding. Although Alex can be a handful at times, it has been a joy to watch him grow and learn and even exert his independence. I am so proud to be his momma.

It was 11 months ago that I found out I was going to have another baby. And now I have the most perfect little girl. Tonight as I watched her little face light up when she looked at Alex, and later when I cuddled with her and her little fingers were holding mine, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. She has made our little family complete. And even though she is only 3 months old, I cannot imagine life without her.

It was 8 short months ago that where this beautiful home sits was a hole in the ground. We were so blessed to be able to plan all the details and then watch it being built every step of the way. The night we moved in, we sat in awe of the house that was now ours. Jay and I truly have our dream home in which to raise our children.

Days seem to come and go so quickly when you are busy raising a family and living life, but I try to stop and thank God everyday for all He has given me. I am truly blessed and I owe it all to Him.

Happy Thanksgiving 2008!

A Snowy, Marshmallowy Kind of Day!

Yesterday we had our first "snow" at the new house. We went outside and drank hot chocolate with marshmallows and then ran around for awhile. Later, we made s'mores by the fire.

Alex Logic

Last night we were late getting Alex up to bed. Here is our conversation:

Me: I will read you one book, because it is late.

Alex: How about 2, because I am 2?

Me: Okay, go pick out 2 books.

I read him his books of choice.

Me: Time for bed.

Alex: No, you said you would read me one book.

Me: I read you 2 books.

Alex: No, I said 2 books. You said you would read me one.

Outsmarted again!

Were You a Good Boy?

Here is the conversation Alex and I had after I picked him up from My Gym today.

Me: Were you a good boy at My Gym?

Alex: Yes, but someone was in my seat.

Me: Did you ask him to move?

Alex: I tried to move them.

Me: What did Miss Megan do?

Alex: She said, "What is the problem?"

Me: Did you hit him?

Alex: No

Me: Did you push him?

Alex: A little bit.

Me: Did you get in trouble?

Alex: No, I don't think so.

Isabella's Baptism

Isabella was baptized this past Saturday. It was a beautiful ceremony, and we had a great party with our family and friends afterwards to celebrate. Isabella's baptism was the first of many milestones in her life. She truly is a gift from God, and it felt so right to have her become a member of the church. My faith has always been such an important part of my life, and I feel so blessed to be able to teach my children about God and his love for us. Speaking of love, it was so amazing to look around my house on Saturday and see all of the people who love this little girl so much. I know I am her mom, so maybe I am biased, but I really believe there is something special about her. It is impossible not to be drawn to her. She is my little miracle.

AHHHHHH!

The past three days with Alex have been bliss. He has been loving, agreeable, and sweet. I am the best momma, Jay is the best daddy, and Izzy-Bizy (his new nickname for Isabella) is the best baby. He woke up Monday morning and informed me that he is now going to share his toys. And when his friend came over, he did just that. He was very good in school on Tuesday, calling for his friends to join him on the slide when in the past he was the only one allowed on the slide. Today he started a new My Gym class and didn't cry at all. Tonight when I told him it was time for bed, he asked, "Why do I have to go to bed?" I said, "Because it is late, and we have had a busy day." He picked up his "guys" and headed upstairs. Once upstairs, I told him to brush his teeth. He didn't argue about how long, who puts the toothpaste on the brush, how many drinks of water. He just brushed them and then let me help him get into the bath, wash his hair, and dress him in his pj's. He said his prayers with his hands folded like an angel and picked out his books - 6 of them - and when I was done, he held up his fingers for 3 more. I told him it was time for bed, and he said, "Okay, Momma. I love you. Please leave on my lights."

What a nice little vacation from the stinker he has been lately. I am sure that little monster will be back, and that is okay. But it has sure been a wonderful few days. It really helps me to see that as a mom, I am doing something right and that feels just plain great.

Isabella's 2 Month Check-Up

Isabella had her two-month check-up today. She weighs 10.9 pounds (60%tile) and is 23 inches long (75%tile). Dr. V was happy with her growth. She smiled and cooed for him like a good girl. She got two shots - Alex and I were so upset right with her. Alex held her hand while she got them. I couldn't look. She has a little fever and was fussy tonight from them. Poor baby. I gave her some Tylenol and now she is sleeping with her blankies in the swing.

2 Months Old

Isabella is 2 months old. She continues to be such an angel. She is sleeping through the night, so what if it is in bed with me and daddy. Speaking of daddy, her face literally lights up when she sees him. Same goes when she sees her big brother. He sings to her and talks to her and she smiles so big. I think she is starting to recognize us! She looks right in your face and coos and babbles, like she is really trying to tell you something. This month she took two trips out of state. The first was to New Jersey. Aunt Gabrielle watched her while we went to a wedding. And this past weekend, she made her first trip to North Carolina with Momma, Daddy, Alex and Nana and Pop Pop. She didn't make a peep in the car, except for the last 20 minutes of the ride home. Not bad for 12 hours in the car in three days! She also celebrated her first Halloween - she was a witch and a ballerina!

Happy Halloween

We had a great Halloween. Alex was so excited and a little scared too. He had two costumes, and so did Isabella. He was Spider Man and Buzz Lightyear. She was a witch and a ballerina. All of their cousins and some friends came over to Trick-or-Treat!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

"Hey Momma....

it is raining leaves!"

-Alex

October 2008

Saturday, October 18, 2008

It Ain't Always Easy!

Disclaimer: The content of this entry is not all warm and fuzzy. Sometimes I just have to vent. That being said, I love my son with my whole heart, but man, can he be a pain in the butt sometimes.

Living with a 2 (alomst 3) year old is not always easy. Heck, it is damn right tough at times. Alex is so strong-willed that sometimes I feel like I am constantly fighting a losing battle...

He loves to play the opposite game. No matter what I say, he says the opposite. For instance, I say, "I love you Alex." And his response, "No, you don't love me." The other day someone said to him, "I like your new house." And his response was, "No, you don't." Alrighty then!

His favorite word is stupid. Everything is stupid. Whenever he gets mad at someone, that person is stupid. Whenever he doesn't want to do something, that activity is stupid. Whenever he doesn't want to wear a particular item of clothing, it is stupid. Today he said, "Momma, you are always stupid, everyday." YIKES! I have always prided myself on being pretty smart, but apparently Alex disagrees.

He has absolutely NO filter. If he thinks something he says it! If someone talks to him and he doesn't want them to, he will tell them. The words, "I don't want you" come out of his mouth constantly. If he doesn't want you to touch something of his, he will let you know it. Sometimes if he really wants to get his point across, you may get a little push, hit or headbutt to go with it. But God forbid if someone doesn't share with him. Yesterday, my nephew was opening his birthday gifts, and Alex wanted to play with them. He kept saying, "Share, Ukey." According to Alex, Alex is the center of the universe. And he is not only possessive of his toys, but of his baby sister as well. The other day we were shopping with my parents and my dad was pushing the stroller. He was screaming that Pop was stealing his baby sister. We sure got some looks!

And boy is he literal, to the point of obnoxious. The other day he was watching a dvd, and I wanted him to help me pick up the playroom. He refused, so I told him that I was going to turn off the tv. He looked me right in the eye and said, "Momma, it is not the tv, it is a movie." (I told you that he thinks I am dumb).

Everyone tells me it "is just a phase"..."it is just his age"..."he will grow out of it." And in my heart, I know that it is true. He just has a lot going on in his little life and that he is just testing his boundaries...over and over again. But I am ready for another phase. I am so over the "terrible 2's." I always joke that his teenage years are going to be nothing compared to this. And let me tell you, it is quite scary when people smirk at that remark....

But then again, there are the moments that I cherish that give me glimmers of hope. (I can't help myself, I have to end on a positive note). The other night he wanted me to lay with him. I said, "You don't need me." He said, "I do need you. You are my momma." Ahhh. I knew my sweet baby boy was in there somewhere. And those glimpses are what is getting me through this very long phase!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Spring Meadow Farms

Yesterday, we took our annual trip to Spring Meadow Farms. Alex picked out pumpkins, rode on a little tractor, ran through the hay maze, and had his first pony ride. Isabella slept in her stroller, and woke up right before we were leaving to go home.

6 Weeks Old

Isabella is getting bigger by the minute. She is always smiling. And she loves her room. Today I put her on a blanket and she looked around and was so content just to lay there. She loves her crib too. She is still sleeping in our room but she likes to lay in the crib and listen to her music.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

First Family Photo at our New Home

One Month Old

3 weeks old

4 weeks old - 1 month

Isabella Grace is one month old. I can't believe it. I took her to the doctor this week. She weighs 9.2 pounds (50th percentile) and is 21 3/4 inches long (75th percentile). You know I am loving that - maybe she will be tall! Yea! She is going to be a super model. She is such a good baby. She is still a great sleeper, even though she sometimes gets her days and nights confused. She now smiles at the sound of my voice which melts my heart. And she loves when I sing to her, especially "You Are My Sunshine."

Big Boy Bed

I can't believe that my baby boy is sleeping in a Big Boy Bed! It seems like yesterday that he was four months old and I put him in his crib for the first time. Tonight we put Isabella's bedding in the crib and I know it will be no time before she sleeps in there. Time flies, especially when you wish it would stand still...

Home Sweet Home

We have been in our beautiful home for a week now. Things are coming together...most of the boxes have been unpacked and the new furniture has been delivered. No pictures have been hung because Jay doesn't want to mess up the walls! Alex and Isabella are adjusting slowly but surely. The first few nights Alex kept asking to go home and stayed up until midnight. He is doing better. In fact he is sound asleep in hos BIG BOY BED! It is the first night he has slept in it - hopefully he will make it through the night.



When Jay and I aren't unpacking and organizing, we sit around in awe. We can't believe that we have this amazing house to call our home. Here are some pictures of moving day.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Chocolate Milk?

Tonight while I was nursing Isabella Alex asked me, "Momma, do you have any chocolate milk in there?"

Thursday, September 18, 2008

2 Weeks Old

Baby Sister is two weeks old. We went to see Dr. Vazzano yesterday. She weighs 8 pounds and is now 21 inches long. She is still sleeping like an angel. In fact, she is sleeping on me right now, making it quite difficult to type! She likes the pack-in-play, bassinet and Alex's crib. She doesn't like the baby seats or the swing yet. Her favorite place is on me or Jay. She is such a cuddle bug. She took her first bath this week. She wasn't too crazy about it. Big Brother Alex absolutely adores her, but I must admit she is incredibly easy to love!

House Update

We are 1 week away from moving into our new home. The walls have been painted, the cabinets and built-ins are in place, the floors are being stained, and the lights and fixtures are almost finished. Next week the granite and carpet, as well as the rest of the finishing touches will be in place! Here are a few pictures from month 5 and 6 of Project Build Beynon!