Build-A-Bear

Craig was in Myrtle Beach today, so I decided it was the perfect opportunity to take Porter to Build-A-Bear at the mall. I called my friend Sarah, and we both loaded up the kiddos and headed to Columbiana. The mall was more crowded than I'd expected, but I guess people were there to hunt down the deals. Anyway, we headed straight for the store. Porter picked out a panda bear (he watched a show on Animal Planet the other day with Grammy and has become fascinated) and Amanda picked a kitty. Now it was time for the fun!
Though we didn't purchase sounds, the kids liked playing with all the buttons. Hey, I'll take entertainment any way I can get it!

Amanda learning how to stuff her kitty

Porter giving his panda a heart

Tubby time!!!!

Sarah and I went simple on the clothes; Panda Bear came home with a "work truck hat" and Meow got a pink bow. It's all about the accessories people :)

We followed up the fun with a trip to Chic-Fil-A and rides on the carousel. The kids had a blast, and Sarah and I had a great time catching up!!

I Miss Running...

...Yes, I said it! For the 1st time in MANY years, I am actually longing for those years post-college when I was an avid runner. I ran a few 5Ks a year, and even conquered a 1/2 marathon with my friend Sarah. And, since that day, I've rarely put my running shoes back on. But, I think it's time to tie up my laces and get going. I miss slipping on my headphones, finding my groove, and wondering where 30 minutes had gone. I miss how strong I felt, and how I never felt guilty eating that extra piece of cake or indulging in a Starbucks Frappucino. I miss how my clothes fit!!! My sister and husband have been following one of those "couch to 5k" programs, and I'm happy to announce they both have basically kept to the program. So now it's my turn. I'm announcing this on my blog in hopes that it will keep me motivated and will convince me to avoid the snooze button when my alarm goes off ridiculously early. So, here goes...I'm starting this weekend....yikes!

Bowman at Play

I've noticed recently that Bowman has really started to "play" with his toys. It's facinating to watch him focus on something with all his might...he prefers toys that he can swat/hit/punch, etc. In order to keep him entertained during family meals, Craig taped this peacock to the arm of his Baby Papasan...so fancy! But, he loves it, and our meals have become rather enjoyable. Plus, Little Man is quite the centerpiece!!

Yoga Master

I had to post this picture. This is Mirah, my cousin's little girl...so I guess that makes her my second cousin?? I can never keep track of that stuff...Anyway, Aimee posted this on Facebook today, and apparently this is Mirah's "attempt" at crawling. She hasn't quite gotten it down, but she gets in this position multiple times a day and ends up scooting backwards. Talk about one heck of a PLANK POSE...I could do yoga for years and NEVER look this good!

Bowman: 12 weeks!!

Wow...has 3 months gone by already?!?!?! Bowman has changed so much in such a short time. Porter absolutely LOVES his little brother, and will take any opportunity to hold, kiss, or love on him...I can only hope this affection continues :) Bowman seems to be rather fond of his big brother too; he is always grinning at Porter and seems to stare intently at him as if to say, "Hey, I want to run around like you." I know those days will come soon enough, and I'm trying to cherish all these baby moments as much as I can!! Bowman started "school" this week, and seems to be adjusting fine. It does make him very tired, but that is always a good thing. According to his teacher, he loves to hang out on the play mats with "the ladies." Ha! Already a heartbreaker!!
Bowman started blowing bubbles this week, which I always think is adorable. He's still quite the chatterbox, and once he gets going he'll babble for awhile. I'm guessing he's only trying to keep up with big brother; Porter literally talks non-stop from the time he wakes to when he goes to sleep again! Speaking of sleep, Bowman has really gotten better. He goes down between 6:30 & 7:30 pm, and usually wakes 1-2 times before being up for the day around 6/6:30 am. He drinks about 5 ounces at a time, and I'm thinking it's time to move him to 6 ounces...maybe that will get him to only 1 night feeding!!

Bowman really likes to sit up, so you've got to love the Bumbo. He has his daily "exercise" in his special seat. I'm so glad they came up with the attachable tray; makes playing with toys so much easier for him. He holds his head up on his own very well; now we just need to work on those back and abdominal muscles. He'll be sitting on his own before we know it!

Bowman also enjoys looking at his own reflection -- I can't blame him since he's such a cutie-patootie. Whether it's in his own little mirror or over Mommy & Daddy's shoulder in the big mirror, he always seems fascinated with what he sees!

Bowman is officially in 6 month clothes...I packed the remaining 0-3 month clothes away this week. I do think he's slightly smaller than Porter was at this age, but that may be due to the fact that he lost weight when he was sick with RSV. I'm interested to see what is revealed at his 4 month check-up!! Hard to believe that is only in a few more weeks!!

And So It Begins...

Tomorrow I go back to work!! I cannot believe 12 weeks have already gone by; honestly, everyone was so right when they told me being home with #2 would fly compared to my maternity leave the first time. I'm heading back to the hospital for 5 short days a week. Though I've decreased the number of days I'll be home, I'll actually be able to spend quality time with both boys every day. No more leaving before they get up or getting home after they've gone to bed...YAY! Though I'm not looking forward to leaving Bowman, I know he is in great hands; the hospital has a day care on-site for EMPLOYEES ONLY, so he'll be only moments away...Porter has been going there since he was 12 weeks old, and I've always been pleased with the care he's received. Please think of Craig in the morning -- it's his responsibility to get both boys up, dressed, fed and to daycare by 8am...GO DADDY GO!!!!

WISH US LUCK!!!!

Blog Award!!!

A big THANK YOU to Elizabeth for the blog award...

The award states: "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

So, here goes:

1. Kelly

2. Beth

3. Alyson

4. Debby

5. Caroline

6. Elizabeth (surely I can hit you back with one!)

7. Christie

8. Lori

Enjoy ladies! I love keeping up with you (and your families!!)

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Hello 34! Happy Birthday wishes to a wonderful husband, father and friend. We thank you for everything you do...even if we don't always show it :) We hope you have an amazing day, and know that there are 3 people at home who love you very much!

Happy Birthday!

xoxo,

Katie, Porter & Bowman

Happy Birthday Pop-Pop & Uncle Jonathan!!

We hope you both a wonderfully relaxing day! Enjoy every minute, and make sure to do something special!!

We love you!!!

Bowman's Photo Shoot

Tuesday, I took Bowman to have his picture made professionally. I had Porter's made around the same age, and I wanted to make sure I captured Bowman before he got too big. Having an infant's picture taken is always interesting; he actually lasted longer than I'd imagined, but when he was done, he was DONE! Here are a few of my favorites: A big THANK YOU to Kelly, Todd & Gracie Lee for his adorable towel!!

Blue blanket made by my mom

I cannot get enough of that dimple!!

Happy Anniversary!!

Today, Craig and I celebrate 4 years of marriage! It's sometimes hard to believe that much time has passed, but when I look back on everything we've accomplished and been through, I am amazed. We've brought 2 wonderful boys into the world, I graduated from nursing school, we made the move from the city to the "country," we've been heartbroken by the Gamecocks more times than I can count, and we've lost one much-loved dog...and that's just the beginning. I've had so much fun along the way, and know the future years will be just as amazing. Of course, our means of celebration have changed...the boys and I are meeting Craig for lunch today! We'll save a night on the town for next week :)

January 8, 2005
July 2005 in Orlando...I have NEVER been so hot!!!

1st Turkey Fry as a married couple!!

July 2006 in Sea Isle City

Porter joins our family, September 27, 2006

Memorial Day weekend with friends, 2007

Easter 2008...we're pregnant again!!

Bowman joins the family...October 28, 2008

Wonder what the future will bring???

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CRAIG!!!!

BIG BOY!!

Look how big my little man is...

Happy New Year!

Wow, have times have changed! Craig and I rang in the new year at home with the boys. We decided to make the evening special for Porter; he's been so sweet to his new baby brother and I know it must be hard to no longer be the only little boy in the mix. So, I whipped up a special treat for him that night -- CHOCOLATE FONDUE!!! Craig and I served this yummy treat with bananas, strawberries and pineapple, and Porter wasn't afraid to dig in (neither were Mommy and Daddy!!) Once we showed him how to pick up the fruit with his special fork, he didn't hesitate to cover each piece in chocolatey goodness!

After we all had our fill of dessert, Porter was in desperate need of a wipe down...AND new jammies! While I was cleaning him up, Craig got the rest of the surprise ready -- MOVIE NIGHT! Craig set up Porter's new sleeping bag, along with his blanket and special friends. Porter was so excited! We decided on "Toy Story" for his first movie...he loved every minute!

It was a fun night, and I'm glad I started the new year with all my favorite boys. Yes, Bowman was there too, but unfortunately couldn't try the chocolate and slept through the movie :) I'm eager to discover what this new year will bring, but I can honestly say, I'm perfectly content with my life!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!