Surgery

We finally have a date for Samuel's surgery. With his Torticollis, we spent almost a year in physical therapy trying to avoid anything more intense. Though Samuel is not an extreme case, he is still affected non the less. The right side of his body still shows signs of overtight muscles. Studies show that once a child reaches 12 months of age there will be little significant change. Later in life, children struggle with hand writing, heights, and vertigo. We would like to avoid this and are following through with a minor surgery. The goal was to squeeze it in before baby David makes his appearance. October 1st is our answer to prayer.

Nesting

Why do they call it Nesting? I'm not gathering sticks and leaves or sitting on eggs. Geeze! What has transpired is a TO DO list. My wonderful husband and father-in-law have already established their woodworking skills by building laundry cabinets. Now they are building storage for the boys closets. Tim, Samuel, and David share one closet in the house and it needed some organizing! Samuel has a new toddler bed, freshly painted, and currently being used as a jungle gym as he gets used to his future bed. When I'm not in "nesting" mode, I wonder and dream about what our next son will look like and how Samuel will react to our new bundle of joy. I am overjoyed to be counting down the weeks...9 weeks to be exact!

A few changes and counting down

Well we have been busy this summer. Gallivanting across the northern back roads of Alabama, we took on caves, water parks, museums, and animals of all shapes and sizes. My nieces and nephew, along with 2 more young ladies, were in my care this summer and we had a mini-summer camp. It was exhausting yet fulfilling to tote 6 kids around!! Now Samuel must adjust to entertaining himself again since his "built-in" siblings have all returned to school. This has prompted him to better his climbing skills, climb into tight spaces where mommy can't reach, run (titter-totter) with banished items such as remotes, cell phones, sharp objects, ect... and expand his vocabulary beyond "cwackeh."

On a side note, I would NEVER admit to a "redneck" lifestyle. Sometimes though a picture will tell on you! Here I am pregnant and riding the John Deere lawn mower. With me is Samuel, in a t-shirt and diaper, enjoying a ride on the twackeh. We just happen to have a perfect view of HWY 231 and proudly boast our outdoor entertainment!


I am now 29 weeks pregnant.

That means I have 81 days to go. David Michael is a kicker, no doubt! Day and night he stretches his limbs and works his muscles. This is a constant reminder that I have yet to do ANY new baby prepping. I haven't reach panic mode yet, but I fear it may be around the corner. I have a mental check list that I am afraid if put to pen and paper will be tediously long. On the bright side, since baby #2 is another boy, we can reuse blankets, toys, and the like. Unfortunately July babies and November babies can't share clothes very well. I am looking forward to the Consignment Sales this fall!
Rather it be hormones or pregnancy blues, I went in for a hair cut last week and came out a Reddish-Brunette. Quite the change from my blondie self! :) I was worried over family reactions- Samuel didn't miss a beat and Tim gladly kissed the "other woman" in his house before his "wife" was due to return. Here is a grand view!

My baby is growing!

We have hit the one year mark! Not interested in cake, but loves his Cwackews (crackers). He is already showing his creative side which definitely comes from Dad. He can push ANY object small or big up to the couch and use it as a step. He has also developed a talent unseen but me. Any small toy that fits on his finger is twirled around and around until it is slung across the room! :)

How to enjoy a hot summer day

Here is a step by step guide to beating the heat while still enjoying the great outdoors.

Step 1: Go to SAM's CLUB to look at Charcoal grills. Leave with inflatable pool and diapers.
Step 2: Use nap time to inflate pool and fill with water.
Step 3: Be patient while 5 kids change and lather up with sunscreen. Oh! and don't forget the baby.
Step 4: Let the baby scream for 2 minutes then give up. He was content to chill in the lawn chair and watch the action

Step 5: Get bored with splashing. Hook water house to rope in tree. Twist through leaves. Position just above slide and turn on shower.

Step 6: Small inflatable pool becomes slip and slide with waterfall included!

Step 7: 2 hours of blissful fun and the grass got watered too!!! :)