A Day Out With Thomas

Last Friday night Cooper had a friend stay the night for the first time.  My mom brought my cousin Quinn up.  Quinn was 4 in December.

One of Cooper's Christmas presents was tickets to A Day Out With Thomas in Grapevine.  We decided to invite Babi and Quinn to go with us.

To get in the mood of trains they pulled out Cooper's track and trains and played.

Then they played outside throwing the ball for Riley and climbing on the little climb'n'slide.

Quinn LOVED our dogs! We told Troy, Quinn's dad that we needed a dog-sitter and Quinn volunteered.

When we got the boys ready for bed we were looking at what Quinn brought to wear on Saturday.  I laughed so hard when I saw Quinn's outfit on the left and knew that Cooper had the same outfit.  I wasn't planning on Cooper wearing it, but I sent this picture to Carla, Quinn's mom and laughed.  It ended up being colder than we expected so both boys were in pants and jackets.

Another picture of Quinn playing with the dogs.  They loved the attention.

Saturday morning we got up bright and early to get there.  And boy was it cold.

They had fun activities setup for the kids and we let them climb on some old equipment.

I was impressed by this an had to take a picture.  Though I didn't use it to nurse I appreciated the thought.  My mom did change Casen's diaper in there.

Babi holding two heavy boys so they could watch the model trains.

The boys showing us their tickets while we stand in line to board.

 

Watching the train arrive and waiting.

I tried to get a selfie but they look like they are in jail. Ha!

Finding our seats

The boys were excited.

Sweet baby brother got to enjoy Cooper's Christmas present too!

Our attempt at an 'usie'. I love Casen's face.

Then we caught all of Cooper's face.

Me and Quinners

Babi and her big boy.

The ride lasted about 25 minutes.  It was fun but the scenery wasn't that great and Quinn was disappointed we didn't go through any tunnels.  But I did find some bridges (overpasses)  that we went under.

Then we got in line to take a picture in front of Thomas.

Unfortunately we were literally the next in line when they cut it off so Thomas could leave for his next trip.  This is as close as we got.

Then we got tattoos and Quinn got Percy.  Unfortunately when you asked him who it was it sounded like an inappropriate word and my mom and I couldn't help but laugh.

We also watched a little bit of a Thomas video, played with trains in a tent on setup tracks, and visited the gift shop.  Cooper got the official 2014 train for Day Out With Thomas.  Babi also bought Cooper and Quinn each Harold the Helicopter.  Cooper has slept with Harold, Thomas, and his new train car all week.

Cooper kept seeing a 'firetruck' and he wanted to ride it.  It was really the Grapevine Fire Dept in a gator or mule (I don't know the difference).  My mom said let's take them to see if they can ride.  I thought she was ridiculous, but followed her lead.  Sure enough the two firefighters sitting in it were thrilled to show it to the boys and let them sit in it. 

Of course Cooper immediately started touching stuff and trying to drive it.

They even had little badge stickers for the boys.

He thought he was so cool. But we got out so that other kids could have a turn.  No other kids were around when we showed up, but we started something because slowly there was a line.  I think the firefighters were happy though because they said they were bored before.

Even baby brother got his sticker.

Next we visited the petting zoo.

Cooper loved the bunnies.  They were so soft and sweet.

This little rascal bunny was ADORABLE!! I wanted to sneak him home in my purse.  He had long hair and almost looked like a little puppy.  While waiting in line we got to see the works run around trying to catch him because he had escaped.

Quinn looks scared here but he loved the chickens.

Lastly we rode the little train ride.

Then we got super lucky and while they were riding the little train, Thomas was coming back from his trip.

I love this picture I got.  The boys were so excited.

We stopped for lunch and Cooper slept through the entire thing.   He was pooped.

We had a wonderful time and it was fun seeing Cooper play with his cousin.

Thank you Mimi and Grandpa for the fun Christmas present.

Emotional and stressed

Ever since Friday I have been pretty emotional.  I found out that the father of one of my childhood best friends had a massive stroke and wasn't expected to make it.  This family meant so much to me and I have so many memories with them.  Though we have grown apart over the years that doesn't change how I feel.  My heart aches for his daughter Robyn and her mother.  I just can't imagine what they are going through right now.

Ever since this news I have been having a tough time.  I am thinking about what it would be like to lose my dad, what if my boys lost their dad, and what if something were to happen to me.  I have been doing a lot of reflecting on how I am living my life and how I can do better.

  

I am going to the visitation tonight because I want to pay my respects to Rex and support his family.

Unfortunately that means that I will be heading to Ennis straight from work and won't get home until about 9:30 or so tonight.  Kyle is in charge of the boys. I realized this morning that I left him completely unprepared.

After my post yesterday both of my pumping sessions at work completely sucked. Not has bad as the picture but I only got 4 ounces total. Therefore I had to thaw some milk last night in order to have enough for his bottles at day-care today.

Unfortunately I didn't think ahead to the fact that Kyle will need bottles for Casen tonight since I won't be around to nurse so I pulled more milk out to thaw this morning.  I also realized that I needed to take ice packs with me to work because my pumped milk today is going to have to travel to Ennis and back.  This all assuming I actually get any milk today!

My poor baby boy has hand foot and mouth.  This created major stress on Monday because I didn't realize it until I got him to day-care (I left him in his pjs) and took out his paci to see sores all around his mouth.  I panicked and didn't want to spread the germs so I took him back home after leaving Cooper.  I called Kyle to arrange for him to come home at lunch so I could go to work to teach a training class. (I am sure self conscious about taking personal time at work right now due to some comments made by my supervisor).  I finally got hold of the doctor and they said it is a virus and needs to run its course. They said I needed to keep him home for up to 5 days.  This sent me in to a slight panic because I can't be out of work that much.  Luckily my gut told me to check with day-care.  I called day-care and they said he could come as long as he didn't have a fever or wasn't miserable.  Casen definitely wasn't his content sweet self but wasn't miserable and wasn't running a fever.  Kyle told me to take him to day-care.  I felt super guilty but did anyway and when I got there I found out that 4 other kids in his class also have it.  Apparently they decided to share more than just toys at school.

(this is a picture of him sleeping in his carrier when Kyle got home yesterday)

So far Casen is eating okay and we are keeping him content with tylenol and ibuprofen.  He isn't too fussy and is sleeping normally so that is a blessing.

Yesterday Cooper and I made a late trip to the grocery store after Casen went to sleep because it felt like we were out of everything.  Cooper and I had a nice time together, but man our evening was busy and hectic.  Due to the late evening we skipped bath for the boys which now I realize was a bad idea because Kyle definitely has to get them baths tonight.

I tell you I feel really bad and unprepared leaving the boys with Kyle tonight.  I know he is more than capable to handle it all, but I definitely could have made it a little less stressful.  I just feel a little bit like a mommy/wife failure today.

And I think I am feeling more stressed and emotional knowing that tonight is going to be a tough visitation and rosary. Please say a prayer for me, Kyle, and the boys that the day and night go as easy as possible.

Please pray for Robyn, Donna, and the Spurgeon family during this very difficult time.

Randoms

I just love this picture of my sweet boy.  His squinted eyes make me laugh.

This may be weird to you but whatever. Last week I had issues with my milk supply and I wasn't even stressed.  I normally pump for 20 minutes at work, but after 25 minutes this is all I had.  If you can't tell that bottle on the left has just drops in it.  My total was less than half an ounce.  That afternoon I got almost an ounce total! Pathetic! 

I didn't panic because I knew I could work through it but I did feel like it was a waste of time. Only 2 more months

This weekend I saw this license plate in front of me at a stop light.  Do you know what it says?

Last week we went to dinner with Aunt Jen Jen and Uncle David.  At Texas Roadhouse they have highchairs like booster seats that fit in the booth.  It was awesome because we prefer a booth and Casen loved being up so high.

Last night we got some rain.  Kyle noticed this double rainbow.  This picture really doesn't do it justice. The one on the right was the brightest prettiest rainbow I have ever seen.

Here is the other side of one of the rainbows.

I hope you enjoyed my randoms.

*the license plate means 'pay it forward'.  Great message!*

Casen's 9 month post

This is late...embarrassingly late.  But it is getting done. Luckily I keep notes on my phone throughout the month so I can remember what Casen has been up to.

 

You are 9 months old.

 

 

You weigh 18lbs

 

Size 3 diapers

6-9 month and 9 month clothes

 

Still no teeth

 

 

You continue with the same nursing schedule and you continue to be a great eater.

 

You are weaning yourself from baby food.  Day-care got the green light from us to start table foods and since then you will eat very little baby food.  I think Cooper did the same thing.

 

You love pretty much everything we give you. 

 

You do great with a sippy cup at meals however now you think it is fun to throw it or drop it when you are done.

 

You LOVE bath time and you love to splash in the tub.  We don't like all of the splashing and we are working on teaching you not to.  But just like your brother you are adorable and so happy when splashing. 

 

You are learning a lot of new things right now.  Sometimes you keep the new trick and other times it is like a fluke and we don't see it again for a while.

 

You said momma 4 times in two days this past month but then I haven't heard it since.  Each time it was when you were upset and wanted comforting.

 

You clapped a few times and will bang some toys together.

 

You still don't wave and you haven't blown kisses anymore recently.

 

I mentioned diaper rash last month.  Luckily it cleared up fine and you are all better.

 

You are still sleeping like a champ.  We put you to bed around 7:15 and on the weekend you will sleep until around 7. Obviously during the week I get you up earlier.

 

 

This month Aunt Jen Jen gave you your first haircut.  It looks so much better if you compare it to the pictures last month.

 

Slowly but surely you are spitting up less.  You still do it some, but not as often as before and the amount is smaller.

 

 

You are really practicing on your ball throwing skills and Riley loves it.  Each day you practice some because she brings you a ball.  You think they are funny and it entertains you for quite some time.

 

Riley I thrilled to have another buddy to play ball with.

 

Ranger just likes to sit by you and cuddle.  Which means you grab is hair and pull.  But as usual Ranger is patient and knows that you will let go.  Daddy and I try to make sure you don't torture him too much. 

 

You continue to be great at day-care.  They rave at how sweet and content you are.  You are such a smiley baby.

 

The relationship with your brother is really starting to develop and change.  You are interacting more and more each day.  You love to watch everything he does and laugh. You are also realizing how cool Cooper's toys are and really want to get your hands on them.

  

 

You are still in the baby carrier.  We haven't transitioned you to a car seat because we are cheap.  We considered waiting until Cooper as ready for a booster seat, but not sure if we can make it that long. 

 

OMG I could eat those thighs for a snack! Love those sweet chubby legs.

 

I am going to be honest.  I just read Cooper's 9 month post and in most ways you are behind. No teeth, no words, and no crawling.  And though I think about it some, it really doesn't bother me because you are my baby and I know you will learn it all eventually. 

 

 

Casen, I love you so much.  You are such a sweetheart and I just love how easy going you are.  You are the perfect fit for our family.  I have decided that starting around 6 months is my favorite age.  I love seeing your personality develop. 

 

 

I imagine (or can predict since this is a month late) this next month will be a big month for you.  You are the verge of so much.

 

Casen's 8 month post and Cooper's 9 month post

Weekend Recap

This weekend Cooper went to Mimi and Grandpa's for a slumber party.  So Casen got to be an only child for the night.  We really enjoyed our dinner with him and having uninterrupted conversation.

Kyle and I were going to watch Catching Fire when we got home from dinner.  We decided instead of hunting it down in Red Box that we would download it from itunes.  Over 2 hours later it was finally done but we were both tired and wanted a good night of sleep.

Saturday Kyle did a lot of yard work and Casen and I did errands.  Casen and I were scoping out fabric for his 1st birthday.

He liked holding his hand out and touching the fabric.

Unfortunately/Fortunately I didn't buy much for the party.  I was trying to decide for sure if I wanted to do blue and green or blue and yellow.  At the end of the day I made my decision.  Now I need to buckle down on the menu, decor, etc.  First step is finalizing the invitation for Emily.

Cooper spent a fun day with Mimi and Grandpa.  They went to the aquarium and to the park to play and feed the ducks.

Then we went to dinner at one of our favorite places.

Cooper and Casen got these matching shirts from Mimi when we went shopping nearly a year ago.  I was so glad the weather was warm enough to wear them.

After dinner Cooper got to ride the four wheeler twice, we read books, and Casen played ball with Mimi.

Sunday we did the usual and then went to hangout with Melisa's family in the afternoon.  The boys got to play with their cousins and see Babi and Grandaddy.

We ran to a craft store and Cooper asked to ride with Aunt Lusa (she has a tv in her car).  She took this picture of him concentrating on Dora.

After the craft store Babi treated the kids to ice cream.  She didn't realize they had a kids cone and ordered a regular one.  But these kids were up to the challenge.

Casen loved the ice cream but he did get a brain freeze and that was so sad.

Tins thought it was yummy too

We such a nice weekend with the wonderful weather.