Mother's Day

It's taken me a while to post about Mother's Day because Kevin had the pictures on his phone...Anyhow, the boys planned a super cute mommy's day and I loved every minute! Kevin and Bryan planned a brunch at the arboretum...not only for Terra and myself, but for their mommies too. Aren't they sweet? They took care of all of the food and prep so it was quite relaxing. We got there around 9:30 and walked around a little bit before finding a spot to picnic.

These two are so darn adorable

I love these sweet boys! Love being their mommy :)

Our happy family

After brunching we checked out the bird houses and then headed home for nap time. I was sent away to the spa for an amazing (and much needed) mani/pedi. I went to Hiatus Spa, which was voted best Mani/Pedi in Dallas and I will probably have to agree. It was incredibly relaxing...I totally would have fallen asleep if little baby Hayden didn't start bouncing all over my bladder half-way though. 

Anyhow, after my spa treatment I headed home and we walked over to the Hales to celebrate us mommies some more. Such a great day!

The Tigers

Ryan had his first tee ball game this past Saturday and after two soccer seasons I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this. We have been talking about tee ball for a few weeks, he knows that his cousin Ethan plays baseball so leading up to the game he was pretty excited. We picked up his uniform on Wednesday and he was excited to put it on...things were looking good.

So adorable in his uniform! Maybe a tad too big? Oops!

When we arrived on the field all the kiddos did a little practicing...and the mommies took lots and lots of pictures. 

Since we missed our first practice Kevin made sure to cover all the important parts of the game...in like 10 minutes. 

He loves playing catch with daddy

And little g man was there too...he enjoyed the red dirt. 

Look at that tongue! So cute! 

The game started and all the little boys headed to the dugout. 

And cheerleaders to the stands! 

With lots of snacks for this little one...

Every player got to bat...Ryan finally went last. I think it took a little convincing. There may have been a few tears.

Once he hit the ball I would love to say that he was so excited that he ran to first base with a huge smile on his face. But that wasn't the case. He immediately ran after the ball and when he realized he wasn't suppose to get it he got upset and cried while Kevin kinda dragged him to first base....

He played left field...but really just kinda hung out there with Kevin. He was not interested. He batted one more time and it was kinda the same thing. 

This is one of those times when you question the decision that you made...should I have signed him up? Should we stick with it? It's no fun forcing your child to 'have fun' playing tee ball but then you don't just want to quit. Oye. When I asked Ryan if he had fun he said "Yes". He sure has a funny way of showing it. 

Kids. 

One thing I did realize is that Ryan is definitely one of the youngest boys on the team. A few of them are going to turn five in the fall, so that's basically an entire year older than him. It oddly makes me feel a little better knowing this...somewhat justify his immaturity. If that makes sense. Don't worry - we won't be those parents who push sports on their kids. At this age I feel like it's more socialization. Anyhow, we are going to stick with it for now...we made it through soccer and by the last game he decided that he loved it....maybe that will happen again :)

Girls (and kids) Weekend

A couple weekends ago Kevin headed out of town for a golf weekend, so I had a little mini girls weekend (with our kids as special guests of course). 

Mary Kathryn and Ashley made the trip up to Dallas with a car full of kiddos! They arrived mid-afternoon and we basically just let the kids run wild in the backyard while we were able to do a little catching up. 

Kevin gave me a quick tutorial on his grill before he left and I successfully grilled my first dinner! Afterwards these two needed a bath...so they hopped in together. Brooks sat like this the whole time...it was quite impressive and just made me giggle. 

Saturday morning we got up and headed to the Children's Garden at the Arboretum. The kids had a blast playing in all the water features...probably should have brought swimsuits! oops!

After playing for a bit we headed to the little cafe to have some lunch. 

It wasn't very crowded at all and the weather was awesome - which obviously made for a great day!

After lunch we hit a few more of the outdoor exhibits.

Ryan and Caroline wanted to try the tornado wind tunnel. I know they don't look thrilled in this pic but I swear they really wanted to do this...

A little worried...

JOY! 

They loved it...and wanted to go again but the line was getting long so we moved on. 

The kiddos loved the Energy section...lots of water to play with!

And one last picture...before they all fell apart. Well, before Brooks face-planted :( Poor little guy Luckily he was ok...just scared him...and mommy and her friends. 

After our fulfilled morning with the kiddos we put the little ones down for naps and the let the big kids burn some more energy out back.  Now it was "Mommy time" - sitters came at 1pm and we escaped to the spa. We all got much needed massages, then hung out poolside for an hour before showering up and getting ready for dinner. 

One more quick stop before dinner...Dry Bar! Who doesn't love a blow out? 

After we finished with our hair we headed out to dinner at Eddie V's. It was delicious and we had so much fun conversing without interruptions...We were all pretty exhausted so we headed home for bed afterwards.  Such a fun day with these girls!

Sunday morning we got some playing in before they had to get back to Houston. Kevin made it back in time to see everyone and brought the kiddos donuts! Yum Yum! 

Such a fun weekend...love these kids and their mommies so much!

24 weeks

*Pic coming soon*

How far along? 24 weeks 2 days 
Gender: GIRL
Total weight gain/loss? At my appointment last Friday I had gained about 5.5lbs since last checkup, which puts me at 11lbs total.

Baby size: Baby weighs just over a pound and is over a foot long (picture and ear of corn).  (babycenter)

Maternity clothes? Since I had some GapCash I ended up finding a couple more maternity items...I mean, they were basically free, right? 

Exercise: Not so much...

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: Same story...

Best moment this week: Bringing Ryan to my doctor appointment where he was able to hear Hayden's heartbeat. He tells everyone "It doesn't go boom boom boom like mine, it goes wosh wosh wosh because she is a baby, not a big boy like me". Such a sweetheart!

Movement:  Yup - lots and lots of kicks. Feel them throughout the day but mostly at night when heading to bed!

Food cravings: Oh, I did have a craving for strawberry chocolate chip muffins yesterday...so I made them. They were tasty but perhaps a little too healthy tasting for me. I need to increase the sugar and chocolate next time! lol

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Symptoms: Really just the back pain...makes it hard to get any exercise. Other than that...there is some heartburn and just the overall feeling of being big. My belly often feels very tight and stretched....especially after eating. imagine that. 

Looking forward to: Ryan's first tee ball game this Saturday! And taking the boys to the pool this weekend - can't wait for pool season! wohoo!

Pastries with Parents

Ryan's class invited the parents in for some yummy lemonade and cookies Wednesday afternoon. All the kids were so adorable and the teachers told us how excited they were to have all of us all coming. Although both parents were invited, it ended up being almost all the moms. (I think it was "Parent's Day" because the kids aren't in school for Father's day...and they didn't want to leave the dads out!). Anyhow, when we arrived the kiddos took us to a seat at the table and then offered us lemonade and cookies. Ryan was so darn cute! After some chatting the kids brought us the little gifts that they made. Ryan made me a little jewelry box that he painted pink with gold dots. Inside was a necklace with his fingerprint - so cute! When he brought it over to me he said, "Happy Mother's Day, I love you". What a little sweetheart!!!

Ryan's buddy Kelby with his mom (Jenni) and little brother (Perry)!

Enjoying our yummy cookies! Seriously one of the best sugar cookies I have had...they were from Casa Linda Bakery...I will be checking that out soon :)

Bringing me my jewelry box.

And they made these for the daddys! So cute! 

And after the party we picked up little G from down the hall. He also had some mother's day goodies for me! Love my sweet little boys!!!

23 Weeks

Woah...woah...that belly has popped!

How far along? 23 weeks

Total weight gain/loss? eek...I have been eating horribly so I am a little scared for my appointment on Friday
Maternity clothes? Sooooo I already feel like there are only like five different things I can wear. I just feel frumpy and blah this week. Hopefully it will pass....

Exercise: Not alotta...been walking Ryan to school BUT it really takes a toll on my back. boo

Sleep: Still waking up for the bathroom a couple of times a night, but easily fall back asleep. 

Movement:  Lots! You can feel her from the outside. Kevin has felt her but Ryan hasn't been patient enough quite yet. Can't wait for him to feel her!

Food cravings: Nothing in particular. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Labor signs: No

Symptoms: Still have the horrible lower back pain. Went for a prenatal massage which helped a tad. Also, my energy level has taken quite the hit. Not sure what is going on but by midday I am drained and need a nap...

Looking forward to: Car shopping this weekend! My car is almost 10 years old and with the new little bambino on the way we definitely need some more space. I am excited for something new but also totally love my car...and not having to worry about spills and everything else that the boys do to it. I am going to have to make some rules for this new car...anyhow, we are going Saturday to look. Fun little date with Kevin!

22 weeks

and a little #tbt

 

22 weeks with Grayson and a slightly more daring picture of 22 weeks with Ryan. 

How far along? 22 weeks

Gender: Girl

Total weight gain/loss? Oye kinda scared to find out...I have been eating horribly lately but I am trying to be better. For instance, I have replaced my nightly ice cream bars with fresh fruit...during the week at least :)

Maternity clothes? Mix and match.

Exercise: hmmmm, not so much...

Sleep: Most nights I wake up one or two times...but a couple of nights I have slept almost ALL night! It's kinda amazing...but those are usually the nights that I go to bed a bit later. 

Food cravings: Watermelon, peaches, and grapes!

Symptoms: Good ol' back pain. Especially when I am on my feet all day...or manage to get a walk or run in (which I have not in the past week). And the belly...it feels huge...like it's just stretching and stretching away..

Belly button in or out? Out

Looking forward to: Weekend at home with the family!