Exploring Houston

Despite my best efforts I still did not avoid the Houston traffic and I declared that I would never ever live in Houston.

 

However after a short visit I have decided that Houston is pretty great city after all especially if you could afford to live downtown and would then be in close proximity to really awesome attractions including museums, parks, restaurants, and tons of walking/jogging trails.  

After our family left on Wednesday we decided to keep the Houston fun rolling.  We rode the Metro rail every time we were going downtown. This of course is the highlight of Joshua's traveling experience in Houston.  We were lucky because we were able to ride the green Christmas train as Joshua calls it.  I had made the mistake of telling him that would be the train that took us to the park. I sure had my fingers crossed that at one point he would get to ride the green train. How lucky that actually was the train that took us to the park.   

 

 

 

 

We only had one less than fun adventure.  Joshua needed to go to the bathroom 5 minutes after leaving the clean bathroom options.  He really needed to go while at the park.  Matt said these open to the public bathrooms are home to the homeless.  Apparently there was lots of questionable items littering the floor of the bathroom.  Joshua as a typical 3 year old wants to touch everything.  I think both boys bathed in hand sanitizer when they returned to the stroller.

 

 

Nathan slept through the whole adventure at the park.  He is a very easy baby in this way. 

 

 

 We went to the Museum of Natural Science for free.   I was worried it may be very crowded since it is free to the public every Thursday from 2 PM until 5 PM. It really wasn't that bad although it was starting to get crowded as we were leaving.  It is nice when you go places for free because then there is not as much pressure to see and do everything.  Joshua enjoyed looking at the dinosaur exhibit. 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday was a long day of work for Matt and it was a good day for us just to stay and play at home. I really have enjoyed the smaller space and fewer toys. It seems that Joshua is actually more engaged with having less toys to choose from.  I don't mind less space to clean either. 

Saturday Matt had the day off again. We all got ready, walked to the Metro rail, and rode the Metro Rail to the zoo. Joshua and I took this cute little train from the metro stop to the zoo. Nathan and Matt followed in the stroller.

The Houston zoo is really nice and actually reminded us a little of the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia. It wasn't a very crowded day at the zoo which also made it very nice.

 

 

 

We spent the rest of the day relaxing.  It was really the perfect weekend and just the break we have all needed. 

Christmas Celebrations Part Three Houston Style

Joshua, Nathan, and I arrived in Houston on Friday. We had been apart for a week so we were ready to be together as a family.  Unfortunately, Matt ended up working until 2 AM that day.  It was fine though because we had a lot to do.  Unpacking the car to the apartment with the two boys took some time.  We organized the one bedroom apartment to make it comfy for our family of four.  We decorated our miniature Houston Christmas tree.  It is amazing how a Christmas tree with lights brings the Christmas feeling in the house. Joshua immediately was excited and ready for our final Christmas celebration. 

Nathan's sweet birth family sent these shirts for the boys as well as some other fun gifts for Joshua.  They also sent ornaments with their names on them.  We are so happy they want to be apart of our lives.  Nathan will always know he is loved.  

Saturday we waited for the arrival of Nani and PopPop.  Joshua had a very hard time waiting because he was very excited.  We had a day of thunder storms in Houston so we were just grateful that they actually got to land in Houston.  It was a little backed up at the airport for them.  Kira flew in later and had to wait for quite a bit longer.  

Sunday we found a church nearby and were all ready to go!  Matt was on-call but from home.  His life in anesthesia begins very early so when 8:45 rolled around and there had been no call we were ecstatic.  We made it to the church and Matt's pager went off.  We were disappointed to say the least.  We rushed back to the apartment for Matt to change clothes and get to the hospital.  I decided to stay home at this point since we would be late.  Nathan had fallen asleep and Joshua's cough had really gained momentum and he was literally lying in the floor saying he just wanted to sleep.  I felt a bit defeated and grumpy.  The text from Matt saying that his case didn't actually start for 2 hours after his arrival didn't help.  

Nani, PopPop, and Aunt KiKi came over and we had a fun visit.  Matt wasn't at the hospital too long either.  We went for a walk together and when we returned Nani and PopPop Claus had visited.  

Both boys loved all of their gifts.  I was very surprised by Nathan; he actually enjoyed opening presents and spent the whole time playing with this car seat toy and slapping the box.  He enjoyed his spot with PopPop; they were buddies the whole visit.  The adults were spoiled as well as we all received some really nice gifts.  Those that know me well know that I really struggle with spending money especially on myself.  I have ended many a trip disappointed because I opted out of actually doing anything because I didn't want to do something because it seemed to be too much.  I have always been very practical.  Matt brings all of the fun into my life.  Well, he must have learned that from his Mom.  She arranged a get-away for Matt and I when she comes back to visit in the spring plus some other dates for another time.  We will be staying at a B&B in April.  Before that though, we will go on a carriage ride downtown and out to eat on the Riverwalk.  After these last few months of Matt's intense work load, we really need it.  To say I was thrilled would be an understatement.  

 

All of my boys wearing their matching lobster pajamas from Nani and PopPop's trip to Maine this summer.  Aren't they so cute? 

PopPop wanted to check out the USS Texas while in Houston we off we went.  

Another highlight, was going to see Christmas lights at the Houston Zoo.  We bundled up the boys and walked the short distance to the metro rail.  The metro rail experience was as fun for Joshua as the lights.  He was thrilled to ride on the train.  The lights were beautiful and the crowds were bearable most of the time.  

Nathan had a moment where he was completely done.  I held him and worked as Kira put it my "mommy magic."  Side note feeling like you have "mommy magic" makes one feel very special.  I love that Nathan loves me so much.  Anyway, after calming him down and carrying him around for awhile.  I anticipated needing to feed him and that he would fall asleep after getting so upset but true to his nature he just became the happiest kid around.  He stayed awake and was all smiles.  He laughed and played the whole ride home on the train with Matt.  

I brought a gingerbread house village to do with everyone.  Joshua and I really enjoyed doing this last year.  It seems this may become a tradition as it was a favorite of his again this year.  

One night after kids were in bed, we were all enjoying our technology.  We played charades using an ipad app.  I joined in with google hangouts and we were all having fun being silly with chatting.  We took this picture to send to Jessi and Peter.  It would have been nice if we could have all been together at once but technology certainly makes the world a bit smaller.  

Joshua helping himself to his gingerbread house.

Nathan smiling and talking to everyone.

Matt was able to be home more than anticipated and we all had a really nice visit together.  It was too short but I think good memories were made by all.  

Happy 6 Months

Can you believe Nathan is six months old today?

We love this little boy and all of the fun that he brings into our lives.

He definitely likes to eat and never misses a meal. He still wakes up during the night at least once maybe twice but he always has the best smile so I am okay with it.  (Okay, I am lying a little bit.  I am tired and really looking forward to sleeping through the night.)  Of course, now that I have a toddler I know that even once they master the skill as the mom you never ever truly sleep through the night again.  I am confident that when I update the blog for happy seven months he will be sleeping more.

His legs are so strong. He spends a lot of time in his jumper and also in the little entertainment activity center.  He loves to jump and kick his legs; they are always in motion!

He loves his feet.

 

He also started eating rice cereal this week. We will try more foods next week. We started a little bit slower because you are supposed to be able to sit up on your own before you eat and he is still a little weak here but hey there is a lot of boy to hold up here. :-)

I know everyone loves the numbers.  He weighed 19 pounds 10 ounces.  He was 26.8 inches long.  90th percentile in all categories.  We went to our well child visit 2 weeks early but the weight stayed the same since he got sick right after our well-child visit and has eaten a lot less these last two weeks.
I am so happy to finally have my happy, healthy boy back.

He loves to babble and gets really excited over technology and very frustrated when I try to turn him away from the tv or ipad screens.  He fights with his whole body and will throw his head back to try and see it.

My favorite Nathan trait still remains and that is his easy smile.  He loves to smile and is a very social baby.  It certainly makes him fun to show off.  

Someday, I will be crazy enough for a sleepover but not yet.  Joshua was begging me to let Nathan sleep with him but soon Nathan started grabbing ears and hair and Joshua was okay for me to take him.  

Christmas Celebrations Part 2

We began our Christmas festivities on Friday at our church Christmas party. Joshua loved the food as evidenced by the two plates.

Nathan was in heaven because everyone was more than happy to hold him.  He spent the evening with our friends Moriah and Daniel.  They were very good at holding him; however he was not very nice to their face and hair.  He loves to grab everything these days!

We spent the evening eating good food, visiting with friends, singing Christmas carols, watching an inspirational video, and we even had a visit from old St. Nick.

Nathan had on the cutest Christmas sweater. It didn't last very long though because he gets so hot so quickly.  He is still sporting the best red socks I could think to wear (Gamecock action.)

We were going to wait and do our Christmas day later on in the weekend however we knew we would be sad with Matt leaving so we wanted to go ahead and have our fun before the sadness was looming over us.  We went home from the party put out the carrots and the cookies for Santa and his reindeer read our nighttime stories and all snuggled into bed.

I heard Joshua wake up and go to the bathroom but he didn't come and get me.  I was worried that he may go downstairs by himself so I went out and found him sitting in the middle of his play area just staring off in space.  I asked him if he knew what was downstairs and he replied yes and was excited that Santa remembered to leave him a candy cane trail from the bedrooms downstairs.  I asked him if we should go check it out.  We went and got Matt and took off downstairs.  The more we spoke to him the grumpier he was acting.  My child then went downstairs and sat on the couch with his eyes closed.  He refused to look or open anything.  Matt asked him if he just wanted to go back to bed.  We were expecting a no and an attitude adjustment.  He instead did go back to bed and stayed there for 45 minutes!  He is a an odd one sometimes.  Nathan, Matt, and I opened our gifts instead.  Nathan was so loud it was really funny.  I think he enjoyed being an only child for a little while.  Then Joshua came back and was the sweet, happy kid we know.  I will be honest I was worried because honestly as parents the kids happiness and reactions are what you are waiting for and enjoying.  We didn't start off well but it certainly turned around.

Both boys got some toys but they have already received big toys from my parents and there is more to come next week from Matt's parents.  We tried to keep ours small since we live in the same space that all of the stuff is going.  :-)  

Joshua's favorite toy from Santa was his green frog umbrella.  It was the most random thing but he asked for it back at the beginning of October and he hasn't deviated from it.  He pretended it was raining all day.  In his prayers, that night he thanked God for Jesus having a birthday, thankful that he got to be nice all year, that he got to practice being a present himself so he could get presents, and thankful Santa was so nice and brought him his green umbrella.  

After presents and lots of playing with our presents, we watched a movie, went out to a fun bakery for lunch, did some secret Santa errands, and just had a very good day being together as our little family.

 Saturday evening we did our tradition of our Christ centered meal. This is where we eat a meal of fish and other things that would have been eaten in the savior's time. We eat it by candlelight and tell the stories of Jesus and his birth.  As much as I love electricity, there is something magical about candles. Joshua loves eating by candlelight and he clings on every word during this time.

Sunday we had a big breakfast. We played with our Christmas presents. We reflected on all of the fun things we have been able to do as we have celebrated this Christmas season. We also had cupcakes since we were celebrating Jesus birthday.  It was a fun morning and afternoon but then Matt had to pack to leave for Houston. We were sad to see him go but happy that we were able to be flexible and enjoy our Christmas when we knew the work schedule.

We still have more fun to come as well. We plan to join Matt in Houston and my mother-in-law, father-in-law, and one sister-in-law will join us in Houston for a few days as well. He has a day off while they are all there so we will probably do Nani Claus Christmas then.  I am excited that we will be spreading out Christmas so much of the month.  Plus, we have one more favorite thing to do --CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!  I am hoping we will go to the Houston Zoo to look at these.  Matt pointed out that as the driver he rarely really sees the lights.  This could be a fun addition to our month of Christmas celebrating!

Christmas Celebrations Part 1

I thought that we would have so much going on that we would simply not have time for it all.  I was worried about how we would make sure we spent enough time at home.  HA, Well Nathan has been sick and is still sick.  (poor poor baby) So, we have been hiding out at home.  At times I have been sad because there were things I wanted to go and do and I have felt a little stir crazy but it has also been wonderful.

We decorated the house which is one of my most favorite things to do.  I don't like setting up the tree since we use a fake tree that isn't pre-lit so it comes out of the box with every branch needing to be attached.  After the tree is assembled, I am in heaven.  Christmas music plays in the background, while we unwrap each ornament.  I love getting out my Willow Tree Nativity Set and placing each piece in its proper spot.  Then Joshua helped me assemble his Little People Nativity set as we remember the story together.  Next, I swap out my Thanksgiving filling in my apothecary jars for a Christmas theme.  Finally. I bring out all of the Christmas themed dish towels, pot holders, dishes, and cookie cutters.  I am ready to celebrate the birth of our savior by remembering Him and also by showing others my love for them.  This is what Christmas is all about to me.

Two years ago we did Christmas in our home and my family came.  We all spent the week before doing service for each other and placing it in the Christmas present cookie jar and then we read them on Christmas Eve.  This year as a family I knew that Joshua would need something more concrete and specific so I made this paper chain and placed it around the present.  Each morning we come down stairs and go sit at the table and I ask him, "How can we be a present today just like baby Jesus being born was a present to us?"  We then tear off a paper and it tells us what service we are doing that day.  These have been things like say hi to 5 people, sing a Christmas song, take cookies, do something nice for everyone in the family, etc."  Although, he has attached the thought that if we do these things we get presents, I still think he is learning something and it has been a positive experience for all of us.

We also stumbled upon this website called 25daysofchrist.com.  This lady has a quote, scripture, and video for each day leading up to Christmas.  We are loving this activity and next year I plan to do the ornament component but I discovered it too late this time around.

There have been crafts and of course will be more to come.

   

We have spent our weekends watching movies, drinking hot chocolate, and eating popcorn (myself excluded since regular popcorn isn't my thing).  It is fun to share all of these firsts with Joshua.  We started with, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Polar Express.

One of my favorite moments was our indoor snowball fight.  I gathered up all of the white socks in the house and we had a South Texas snowball fight.  Joshua laughed so hard and of course Nathan loves being in on the action.  We didn't throw any sock/snowballs at him but he loved watching the back and forth.

We only have a few more days until our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  The big guy is going to see us before Matt leaves to go work in Houston.  He is very accommodating like that.