tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45651025680654055372024-03-13T22:45:28.908-04:00One Fine WireI'm looking forward to looking back on these days...Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.comBlogger776125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-65572897457574000952015-07-11T10:26:00.002-04:002015-07-11T11:17:06.459-04:00Lyla Ellen Turns One!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>She's ONE!</strong> My little girl officially turned one on June 30th, 2015! This year has been such a whirlwind that I just can't comprehend that a year has gone by. Having two children has definitely been a lot different than having just one. It is harder to spread the love around and make sure that you take as many photographs as the first child and mark all of the milestones just like the first. </div>
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But, I think we've made it, survived with two, and are enjoying this new stage in our lives - two kids walking and playing with each other! YES!</div>
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*<strong>Weight:</strong> 18.6 pounds (tiny thing)</div>
*<strong>Clothes:</strong> 12 months<br />
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*You are still that cute little shy thing around strangers</div>
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*You are babbling and talking like CRAZY ever since you turned one!<br />
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*<b>Words:</b> Dada, Mama, Baby, Bro Bro (Brody), Ni Ni (Night Night), Ball, Hi, and you can nod your head for "<i>yes</i>" and shake your head for "<i>no</i>".<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uydm-I0dceY/VaEfym6lhJI/AAAAAAAAOc4/7w6dlQHbo9g/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="750" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uydm-I0dceY/VaEfym6lhJI/AAAAAAAAOc4/7w6dlQHbo9g/s640/1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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*You have found your smile and laugh a lot more since you've turned one. You are happy, funny, giggly, and smiley almost all the time. I adore it!</div>
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*You are walking full time now, wanting to run, but can't do that just yet.<br />
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*You love laying down on the floor. It's the cutest thing. You also love your beanbag chair and getting comfy and cozy in it.<br />
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*You are quite the snuggle bug.<br />
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*You've decided that you don't like pacifiers anymore. Thanks for doing that one on your own ;)<br />
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*You really love shoes and get excited when I point out clothes to you that you are going to wear that day. Makes me excited to take you shopping when you are older :)</div>
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*You are a little bit of a daredevil. You love climbing on everything - making this mama extremely nervous! You are also a very mischievous little thing. You think it's hilarious to do something you know you aren't supposed to...like putting your hand/feet/body/sippy cup in the dog's water. </div>
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*You love a good game of chase. If I look at you and say: "I'm gonna get you!" you immediately run the opposite direction with the biggest smile on your face. It's my favorite.</div>
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*Girlfriend, you can hold your own when it comes to Preston. Remember how I said you were happy and giggly almost all the time? The times that you are not are when you are yelling/screaming at your brother because he took something of yours. Of course I try to break up the issue, but deep down inside I'm cheering you on because you have to be able to stand up for yourself!</div>
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You go girl!</div>
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*You just finished your first episode of real sickness with hand, foot, and mouth. You had a fairly mild case of it, but got through it like a champ - fever and all!<br />
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*You officially have 6 teeth (Thank goodness!) and are getting two more on the bottom right now to make eight. </div>
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*You eat like you weigh thirty pounds. I don't know where it all goes, but you are still so tiny and only weigh 18 pounds.<br />
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*<strong>Food: </strong>Grilled Cheese, Applesauce, Puffs, Goldfish, Crackers, Black Beans, Green Beans, Bread, Toast, Spaghetti, fruit flavored yogurt, Pancake, Strawberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Cantaloupe, Oatmeal, Noodles, Chicken, Cupcake (for her birthday), Blackberry, Raspberry, Mac & Cheese, baked beans, avocado, fish, banana, sweet potato, rice, carrots, tortilla, cheese, cucumber, zuchini, yellow squash, acorn squash, butternut squash, parsnips, pumpkin, Peas....Lord honey, the list goes on and on. <br />
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You have some foods that you don't enjoy, but for right now, I am enjoying putting anything and everything on your plate and watching you eat. Keep it up!</div>
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*Your eating schedule is finally the same as us! This is such a wonderful change for our family :) We can all eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the same time with snacks in between.<br />
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*You are no longer using bottles or drinking formula! Only sippy cups now and you mostly drink Whole Milk and Water. The transition from bottle to sippy cup was AMAZINGLY EASY. I just gave it to you and you drank from it. Seriously - thank you!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZ7v11RkHDo/VaEfznQQGWI/AAAAAAAAOdE/Z2J8uKibN2w/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="750" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZ7v11RkHDo/VaEfznQQGWI/AAAAAAAAOdE/Z2J8uKibN2w/s640/5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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*You love anything having to do with water. The tub, the big waterslide, the water table, the slip n' slide, the pool. You love splashing, kicking, and getting soaked!</div>
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*You still love giving hugs to all of us and your baby dolls/stuffed animals. You've really found some of your favorites with those. You also enjoy putting your baby dolls in their stroller and pushing them around the house. <br />
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And Preston loves pushing YOU around in the baby doll stroller. You are so small that you fit!<br />
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*You love anything your big brother does - he is learning how to play with you really well and both of you come up with some fun games throughout the day. I hope you all grow an awesome bond!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xXTs1Jq6agI/VaEf0kTuQAI/AAAAAAAAOdQ/4P6Uj9_OFwo/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="750" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xXTs1Jq6agI/VaEf0kTuQAI/AAAAAAAAOdQ/4P6Uj9_OFwo/s640/7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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*You are taking two naps a day. One in the morning for about an hour and one in the afternoon for anywhere between 2 and 3 hours. <br />
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*We have found you a new sitter for next year that we are SO EXCITED about and I think you will really flourish there :) I can not wait to see what you learn in this new environment! <br />
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*Gosh you are beautiful. I look at you every day and think how gorgeous you are. Always remember that you are beautiful from the inside and out and that your family will always love you, no matter what!<br />
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Today this beautiful, sweet, shy, funny, cuddly, and out-spoken when she needs to be, little girl is officially one! You have completed our family and we are beyond blessed to have you in our lives. I have always dreamt of being a Mommy to a little girl. Thank you for making one of my dreams come true. <br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Happy Birthday, Lyla Ellen!! <br />We love you!!</strong></span></div>
Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-60142964983773341182015-07-11T09:20:00.000-04:002015-07-11T09:51:17.691-04:00Lyla Ellen - 10/11 Months<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lyla girl you are so close to being one that I can't believe it. How has it almost been a year already? You are just as sweet as can be and growing like a weed. </div>
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*Weight: Around 17 pounds<br />
*Clothes: 9-12 months.<br />
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*One week before you turned 11 months - you started to WALK! Oh my goodness! Not only did you start to walk, but the first time walking you were in shoes and in the back yard...in the grass! What baby does that!?</div>
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*You are still shy around other people that you don't know and you do such a cute little head tilt - almost like you are trying to hide.</div>
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*You currently only have four teeth, but they are coming in such a weird order. You got your two bottom teeth like normal, but the top teeth I think you have been getting for about five months. You got your left fang first, and now it is going across your mouth. Weird. But cute!</div>
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*Your hair is growing fast and you have the same hairline as Preston and I. We still have to use some kind of hair accessory to keep your long locks out of your face.</div>
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*Now that you've started walking, you and Preston are enjoying each other's company because you can really start playing now!</div>
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*You really only giggle when something is TRULY funny. Most of the time, that's Preston!</div>
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We are on our way to one! Only one more month to go!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-53545237488289362322015-04-09T11:47:00.000-04:002015-04-10T14:25:55.049-04:00Lyla Ellen - 9 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, we have made it to the nine month mark and boy is your personality starting to shine through, baby girl! You are hitting some major milestones and surely keeping us on our toes! Here are some fun facts about you this month:</div>
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*<strong>Weight:</strong> 17 pounds (tiny girl)<br />
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*<strong>Clothing:</strong> 9 - 12 months<br />
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*<strong>Sleep:</strong> You are doing SO much better this month than months seven & eight. You are sleeping 11 to 12 hours at night and during the day, you take an hour to hour and a half nap at 8am and then at least a two hour nap at noon. Yay!</div>
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*You are still smiling all the time and having so much fun with life!</div>
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*You can stand on your own for quite a long time! Your balance is so good and it's amazing to watch. You can even balance while drinking water out of your sippy cup! Way to go!<br />
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*You still love your pacifier, but only<a href="http://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/avent-soothie-pacifier-2-pack/128338?categoryId=32051" target="_blank"> this kind.</a><br />
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*You also enjoy turning pages in books that we are reading to you, and pop up books are your favorite!</div>
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*We are currently enjoying our Spring Break 2015 and you were able to spend your first time in the big girl stroller. You absolutely loved it, and your first scenery with this new perspective was the beach and water. Pretty good for the first time :)</div>
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*I hope you never lose that smile and that joy. You really spread it around and even on the toughest of days you know how to make me feel better. </div>
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*Your laugh is the cutest. You seem to laugh the most when Preston is playing with his Hot Wheels, but you giggle all the time. <br />
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*You love a good game of Peek A Boo!<br />
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*You like to copy Mommy and Daddy, so if we make funny sounds, you will try to repeat it. </div>
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*You still only have two teeth, but I can see teeth coming in on the top. I think the top four are coming down at the same time. Teething has definitely been tough and painful for you. I hate seeing you go through it, but man am I ready for you to have more teeth so you can eat more fun things!</div>
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*Foods you've tried: Puffs, Oatmeal (your favorite), squash (all kinds), sweet potato, grapes, blueberries, applesauce, yogurt, mango, peach, yogurt melts, banana, kiwi, parsnips, carrots, broccoli, peas, zucchini, rice cereal, butter beans, pumpkin, and pears. </div>
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We can already tell that you are a picky eater. If there is something you don't like you will gag, cough, cry, or just flat out turn your head. You may very well be a challenge when it comes to food as you grow. We also seem to think that you like finger foods rather than puree's, and you have come to like the peach go-go squeeze's - you can get the food out all by yourself!<br />
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*You love to turn pages in books. You can sit for quite a long time just turning pages. </div>
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*You love making this face and saying the "ooooo" sounds. When you talk you can really talk, girl...more like yell. When you have something to say you make sure that everyone hears you!</div>
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*Remember when I said you were teething? Anything you get your hands on goes straight to your mouth. There have been times when we have had to give you Tylenol or Advil because the pain has been so bad. </div>
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*You are seriously <strong><em><u>EVERYWHERE</u></em></strong>. You can crawl at lightning speed and you are in to everything that you shouldn't be. The dog food, you are now climbing the stairs, cords, the water for the dog, Preston's toys, your toys...oy. You are also furniture surfing 24-7.</div>
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When we pick you up or take you away from the things that you can't have, you have just started to throw tantrums. You stiffen up your body, kick your legs (pretty hard) and scream/cry. Oh man! Strong-willed and independent!</div>
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*Changing your diaper or putting clothes on you, haha...yea right! You immediately roll over and are ready to take a flying leap. Quite the dare devil!</div>
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*Your first Easter was celebrated in Yorktown, Virginia with your grandparents. You had a wonderful time and we tried taking pictures of you in your pretty Easter outfit. Mommy's crazy, I will not sit still for a picture! </div>
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We have professional nine month photos this weekend - we will see how those go. I think they will definitely be a challenge.</div>
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Such a sweet girl.</div>
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*I am thrilled that it is finally Spring and you don't have to wear so many clothes! Most of your babyhood has been spent in warmer clothes, so it will be nice to get you in the cute outfits for warmer weather. Dressing you is SO FUN!</div>
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Lyla girl, you have a sweet spirit and are really starting to develop a strong, kind, and fun personality. How are we only three months away from you turning one!?!? I still can't believe it, but we love you SO MUCH!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-15572778019363396682015-03-15T14:53:00.002-04:002015-03-15T14:55:06.825-04:00Lyla Ellen - 8 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I seem to be posting halfway through each month, but I'm sure to keep Lyla's updates steady. Eight months. Eight months ago I gave birth to this beauty and time really is flying by. This month has had it's ups and downs, but this little girl has made some major strides! </div>
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Here are a couple facts about beautiful baby Lyla:</div>
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*Weighs over 17 pounds</div>
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*Wearing 9-12 month clothing<br />
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*Hair and eyelashes are as long as ever!</div>
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*This little girl started crawling. Then she started standing. Now she is furniture surfing all within a week or two. Lord have mercy!</div>
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*She is taking two naps during the day and just <em>now</em> sleeping through the night again. It was almost two months there where she was getting up through the night three to four times. The struggle of trying to figure out why was the true challenge.</div>
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Was it reflux, was it teething, was it separation anxiety, was it night terrors? We went through the list, took her to the dr. probably more than we should have...and our final conclusion is teething. I really think she wakes up in sheer pain and just needs comfort.</div>
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We have tried advil or Tylenol before bed and that seems to help. We don't use it every night, but we have if we notice that she is extra fussy. If she does wake up in the middle of the night, we don't pick her up - we give her the paci, her blankie, and we rub her back to get her to go back to sleep. Takes about five minutes. </div>
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<strong>Food:</strong></div>
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*Lyla is eating anywhere from 20-27 ounces of formula every day.</div>
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*<strong>Foods she has tried:</strong> Oatmeal, plain yogurt, mango, peach, applesauce, banana, squash, sweet potato, zucchini, peas, green beans, carrots, and avocado. We have found that she <em>really</em> enjoys finger foods, so if she doesn't like it mushy then we try to give it to her as a finger food and she'll enjoy it more.</div>
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*Girl is <em>obsessed</em> with some puffs and yogurt melts. If you ever want to see a baby truly excited - give Lyla some of those!<br />
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*She is currently saying Ma Ma, Da Da, Ba Ba, and La La. She says her L's so well and we think she is trying to say her own name :)</div>
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*She wants to chew on everything because those top two teeth should be coming in soon. She has two on the bottom and I can't wait to see that smile change from two to four baby teeth!</div>
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*You smile and laugh a ton. You are still so in love with anything and everything that your brother does. Sometimes you take your hair bows out, but for the most part you don't mind hair accessories. You aren't drooling as much, but still need a bib most of the time. Stranger Danger - it's a real thing with you. </div>
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*You also have just started the most adorable habit of doing this shy head tilt when you smile. Oh my - my heart melts every time! So cute!!</div>
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You are such a doll and we are enjoying watching you grow, beautiful girl!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-23642743265037716652015-02-23T06:00:00.000-05:002015-02-23T06:00:09.735-05:00Snowcation 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was just a few weeks ago that we were enjoying 60-70 degree weather in February and I was saying <em>"Please let it snow!".</em> Finally our area got it's first real snow and so far we have had an entire week off from school and we'll see if we get any more days off. </div>
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I swear, teachers are more excited than the kids when it comes to snow days!</div>
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Over this awesome, unexpected break, we have had a bit of cabin fever due to the crazy cold temperatures outside, but a few times have been able to get outside. A few milestones were reached and a lot of fun was had.</div>
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Preston and Lyla had their first bath together! Now that Lyla is officially sitting up and really sturdy it was time to get her out of the whale tub and in with Preston! They had a lot of fun and of course I had the camera.</div>
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Lyla started finger foods this month, just before the snowcation began. What did we start with? <a href="https://www.gerber.com/products/snacks-products/product/gerber-graduates-puffs-strawberry-apple-naturally-flavored-with-other-natural-flavors/27" target="_blank">Puffs</a>, of course! She wasn't quite sure what to do with it at first...</div>
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...but soon figured it out :)</div>
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And she loves them! We have tried the yogurt melts (she is still unsure about those) and soon will try small bananas to keep her going with refining her motor skills.</div>
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The first snow we got was 6+ inches and it was great! Preston got to go sledding three times with Daddy and they had an awesome time! Preston came back one day with scratches all over his face from sledding in to a thorn bush, but that's beside the point...(right, Daddy?).</div>
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When it started snowing, it was definitely time to taste it!</div>
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This will give you a bit of an idea of what their sledding experience was like:<br />
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We have thoroughly enjoyed our February Snowcation!</div>
Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-32163924221351415502015-02-19T17:17:00.001-05:002015-02-19T17:17:51.343-05:00Lyla Ellen - 7 Months!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lyla is turning 8 months old at the end of next week, so I thought I would post her 7 month photos. Sheesh, this Mom is trying to play catch up all the time! We are currently enjoying a full week off from school since our town received 6+ inches of snow with more on the way this weekend. Not to mention the arctic air that is around here. Brrrr!</div>
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Well, this little girl has grown up so much since her <a href="http://www.onefinewire.com/2015/01/lyla-ellen-6-months.html" target="_blank">6 month photos</a>! Here are some facts about YOU this month, Ms. Lyla Ellen!</div>
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*You have two bottom teeth that are absolutely adorable. I melt inside every time you smile. You smile <strong>all. the. time.</strong> </div>
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*Your hair is getting so long and if we don't use a bow, it goes directly in to your face so you can't see. It's a little too Donald Trump for me, so we will be clearing your view with some kind of hair accessory until I can do pigtails!</div>
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*You can't stop moving. It's hard to hold on to you these days, take a picture, change your diaper, etc. You want to be on the move or involved in something other than sitting still.<br />
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*You are crawling (mostly army crawl) and getting stronger every day. Right now you are just crawling to a particular object you want and then you are done. Short and sweet :) But you enjoy crawling toward objects that you shouldn't - the dog food, power chords, boxes, etc. Girl is learning the word "<em>no</em>" pretty early.</div>
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<em>"Hey there!"</em><br />
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My favorite picture from your 7 month photo shoot. I didn't even attempt to put the sticker on your onesie this month - I couldn't get you to stop squirming!!</div>
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<br />*You are officially taking a big girl bath and sitting up in the tub. You love being in the water and chewing on all of the bath toys. We have also done a few brother/sister baths together and you love it when your brother is around.<br />
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*You still light up with complete joy when your brother comes around. He will be goofy, silly, read to you, talk to you, play with you, give you your paci, feed you a puff, etc. You love every minute of it. <br />
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*Everybody always speaks up about how beautiful your eyes are. And they are right. You can easily get lost in them - you are such a beautiful girl inside and out!</div>
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*Not all of this month has been perfect, though. Our normally great sleeper had two weeks from hell this month. All of a sudden you started SCREAMING at night on multiple occasions and we could barely get you to calm down. It scared us to death. What could it be? You never had a temperature, so my mind was going everywhere...</div>
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- Acid Reflux?</div>
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- Night Terrors?</div>
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- Scared of the dark?</div>
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- Too much food?</div>
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- Not enough food?</div>
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You poor thing, it was awful. We finally took you to the doctor and we decided it was probably acid reflux and he prescribed you infant Zantac twice a day. The first day you only took it at night and you slept through the night like your normal self. The Zantac worked! Well, the next day was the first day that you took the medicine twice in a day. That night, you threw up at about 11:30pm and needed a bath. Poor thing. Was the Zantac really working??!!</div>
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It has now been just under a week and we have finally gotten a routine for you again and you are mostly sleeping through the night. You are also finally eating all of your bottle (6 ounces in the early morning and at night, and every bottle in between is 5 ounces. You are also eating solids three times a day, but only about a tablespoon of each, your tiny stomach can't take much more.)</div>
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During the night sometimes you cry, but you put yourself back to sleep pretty quickly. I also put a night light in your room during the night so when you did wake up you weren't stuck in total darkness and scared.</div>
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*When we went to the doctor for your medicine you weighed 17 pounds. </div>
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*Overall you have given us the run around this month with your lack of sleep and confusing screaming, but you are still as sweet as can be. You smile all the time, your baby giggles are the best, and you have such a sweet disposition.<br />
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We love you beyond measure - on to the next month!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-37384656099411824912015-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:002015-01-26T06:00:07.873-05:00Lyla 6 Month Photo Sneak Peek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lyla had her six month photo shoot just a couple of weeks ago and here are some of the sneak peeks!</div>
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I love how they turned out in the studio - it was just too cold to go outside. </div>
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Check out <a href="http://www.onefinewire.com/2012/05/more-official-6-month-photos.html" target="_blank">Preston's six month photos here!</a></div>
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I am one lucky Mommy...my kids are the best!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-25622167102756190172015-01-25T15:45:00.001-05:002015-01-25T15:45:41.843-05:00Christmas On The Farm 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year marked the first year where we didn't have Christmas at my Mom's house. My brother and his amazing girlfriend, Denise, had just moved in to their new house and wanted to host us and give my Mom a little bit of a break after about 35 plus years of hosting. It was different for all of us but it went without a hitch!</div>
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This year marked Lyla's very first Christmas, while it was Preston's third Christmas but the first one where Santa was truly a big deal! So much fun!</div>
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This year we all tried to spend a bit less and focus more on the kids, but that never works!</div>
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Can you see the excitement in Preston's face!? He had so much fun opening his gifts from Santa, Mommy & Daddy, Grammy, and Uncle Cliff & Ms. Denise. Pure joy!</div>
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Whenever we asked Preston what he was going to ask Santa for Christmas, he consistently replied with "<em>race cars and a race track</em>". My mind said <strong>Hot Wheels</strong>! Done and done :)</div>
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He has loved every bit of his hot wheels and the race track that goes along with it. Lyla loves it too, she laughs hysterically at them, especially when they crash. Go figure!</div>
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After we spent the day opening gifts, enjoying family and friends, and eating a TON, we eventually got the kids and family outside to enjoy the scenery and the animals. </div>
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What a doll!</div>
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My brother (Uncle Cliff) recently raised chickens and built an amazing chicken coup. Preston wanted to see, of course...so he had the chance to feed the chickens and check them out :)</div>
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Ms. Denise is a horse trainer and instructor and owns quite a few horses. So Preston also got to feed and pet them on Christmas Day. A pretty good holiday, I'd say!</div>
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Lyla and Daddy.</div>
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Mommy, Daddy, and Lyla on the farm.</div>
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The sunset, the scenery, the day. It was all beautiful.</div>
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A picture perfect Christmas on the farm!</div>
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The day after Christmas we headed back down to Yorktown, Virginia to spend Christmas number two with Grandma and Grandpa. Good times all around!</div>
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Preston really loves his Grandpa!</div>
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And of course, Instagram. I took a TON of pictures on my phone. Enjoy!</div>
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Overall it was an amazing holiday and we created so many wonderful memories with friends and family. I can not express enough how blessed we are to all be healthy, happy, and close enough to where we can all see one another on a regular basis. <br />
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On to the next holidays!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-49049329810715759422015-01-02T20:24:00.000-05:002015-01-03T08:19:15.764-05:00Lyla Ellen - 6 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy half birthday, pretty girl!! I can't wait to see what the next six months hold because you will have so many new growing pains to go through (new teeth, crawling, furniture surfing, walking, etc...). I am so excited! </div>
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Let's see what you are up to this month:</div>
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*<strong>Weight:</strong> 15 lbs 8 oz (38th percentile)</div>
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*<strong>Length:</strong> 25 1/2 inches (33rd percentile) <br />
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*You started solids back at four months. The foods you have had so far are oatmeal, rice cereal, pear, apple, sweet potato, banana, and carrots. So far the only food that you have curled your lip at are bananas. We will try those again soon. </div>
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*You are still eating every three hours, but solids are included twice a day. A solid at 9am with bottle, as well as 6pm with bottle. Eating 5 1/2 ounces with every bottle, and lately you have been really packing it in at night.</div>
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*You are sleeping through the night! If you do get up, one of us runs in and gives you your pacifier and you are back to sleep. In bed at 7pm and up by 6am. Good girl!</div>
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*You still enjoy your pacifier but only for calming yourself down prior to sleeping. Once you are asleep and you spit it out you are good to go. I'll take it!</div>
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*You smile <em>all. the. time.</em> Seriously. The only time you get fussy is when you are tired or hungry. Girl, you smile at everybody. I have noticed a little bit of a stranger danger feeling lately, especially with boys. I'm ok with that ;)</div>
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*You are wearing 6 to 9 month clothes.</div>
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*You are currently a drooly mess. I am hoping those two bottom teeth come in soon so we can relieve some of that pain ASAP.</div>
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*You are giggling like crazy these days, especially at your older brother. Preston can make you smile and laugh no matter what. Your relationship with him is growing and I am in love. It's so much fun watching you two get to know each other more and more. </div>
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*Other things that make you laugh: getting tickled, belly raspberries, funny noises, Preston's race cars, and a fun game of peekaboo.</div>
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*You are able to sit up on your own, still a few balance issues, but you are little. We are practicing all the time.</div>
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*You love sleeping on your side or on your tummy. You roll from back to front and front to back...this makes changing your diaper very challenging because you want to <em>constantly</em> roll over.</div>
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*You are on a great schedule right now with sleep. Not only do you sleep through the night but you take two large naps during the day. You sleep from 8am to 9am and then again from 12pm to 3pm. You and Preston sleep at the same time - hallelujah! <br />
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Ladybug, you are beautiful, so happy, and such a kind little baby. You have an easy going personality that just exudes joy. Thank you for making me feel better by just smiling at me when you know I need it.<br />
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Thank you for reminding us that life needs to be happy and fun - we love you!!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-59413738147787766722014-11-21T07:00:00.000-05:002014-11-21T07:00:08.819-05:003 Month and 3 Year Professional Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some of our favorites from our October photo session celebrating Lyla's three month mark and Preston's three year mark. Enjoy!</div>
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We are just so lucky.Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-87766466738113696312014-11-19T07:00:00.000-05:002014-11-19T15:04:54.167-05:00Epidural or Natural?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you had asked me this question when I was younger, I would have said: "<em>I'm not having kids, I am going to be a successful working woman!</em>"</div>
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If you had asked me this question when I first got married, I would have said: "<em>EPIDURAL! It's not like you get an award or anything</em>."</div>
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Now that I have had two children, one with an epidural and one without, I will say: "<em>Be prepared for anything!</em>"</div>
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<a href="http://www.onefinewire.com/2011/10/prestons-birth-story.html" target="_blank">Preston's birth story</a> was only a 12 hour story...a lot shorter than most first deliveries. For that, I was thankful. My water broke one afternoon which bought me a lot of time to get everything ready, travel to the hospital, get check in, and decide that I wanted an epidural. Contractions didn't start until they put me on the dreaded pitocin. <br />
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<strong>Pitocin.</strong> I have mixed feelings now. It definitely kicked started my labor to get it in to over drive. Was it good for Preston, probably not. A few years after Preston was born my Mom told me a detail to my story that I didn't know about. My Mom was sitting outside of my room and when my doctor walked out, she told her: <em>"We will have this baby before my shift is up!".</em></div>
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Hmmmm...sounds to me like she just wanted to make it happen on her schedule rather than my own body's schedule. What do you think? That bit of information definitely threw me for a loop...I was just following what the doctor thought was best.</div>
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<strong>The epidural.</strong> I had the time to get the <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_epidural-pain-relief-for-labor_1489911.bc" target="_blank">epidural</a> for Preston's birth. And now that I look back, I am very glad that I did. Preston was sunny-side up and it took me almost two hours to push him out. Now, was it harder to push because I had the epidural and couldn't feel everything? Was it harder because he was sunny-side up? Was it harder because it was my first delivery and I didn't quite know what I was doing? The questions never cease.</div>
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<strong>The recovery.</strong> This was hard. But I was also given an <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/episiotomy/art-20047282" target="_blank">episiotomy</a>. Yup. That sucked. Feeling the pain of that after the epidural wore off was awful. I didn't feel like myself for probably at least six to eight weeks. Exercise? Walking? Yea right. It wasn't going to happen for a while.</div>
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Am I glad that I got an epidural with Preston's birth, yes. Was it the best for my child...I don't know. We also had quite a hard time with <a href="http://www.onefinewire.com/2012/03/positional-plagiocephaly.html" target="_blank">Preston's head shape</a> when he was a baby...did that have to do with the two vacuums they needed to use to get him out? Probably. But he also liked to sleep on one side of his head. It's a toss up.</div>
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Overall, I think that a lot of unnecessary things happened during Preston's birth that affected the outcome for Preston and myself. But the other question that I pose to myself is: <em>If I hadn't have had the epidural, how long would the delivery process have been?</em> Would I be in serious pain for 12 hours or more because it was my first?</div>
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Tough questions.</div>
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<a href="http://www.onefinewire.com/2014/07/labor-of-love-part-two.html" target="_blank">Lyla's birth story</a> was <em>completely</em> different. Instead of ten days early from the due date, I was seven days early. Still great because I don't think I could have gone much longer with either pregnancy. I was huge and extremely uncomfortable!</div>
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With Lyla, my contractions started at home. Within an hour of them starting, they were already two to three minutes apart. So I went against the doctor's instructions of staying at home for an hour or two to see if they were progressing and headed straight for the hospital. SO GLAD that we did that! </div>
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When I got to the hospital and was checking in (which took forever), I was already six centimeters dilated. They had asked if I wanted an epidural and I immediately said yes. I was in so much pain and the thought of relieving that pain sounded <em>amazing</em> at the time. </div>
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<strong>Epidural?</strong> Yea right. Didn't happen. When they wheeled me in to the delivery room...ten centimeters dilated. All within three hours I had gone from just a big, tired pregnant lady to one who was ready to push. </div>
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<strong>The contractions.</strong> They were DREADFUL. I have never felt more pain in my life and I wasn't prepared. Once they told me that the epidural was a no go, I went in to panic mode. I had not taken any classes on how to deal with the pain. I was scared and tense. Within five hours of the contractions starting, Lyla had arrived sans vacuum, sans epidural, and sans episiotomy. When she was out, did I feel immediately better? No, I was still very much contracting, but they certainly were not as intense. But then I had my friends Percocet and Tylenol to help me through ;)</div>
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<strong>The recovery.</strong> I felt better that night. I could move better, I didn't have stitches, and I was in shock with how good I felt. I almost felt back to normal within only two weeks of time. <em>Emotionally</em>, though, I was a bit traumatized because like I said before, I was not prepared for a natural birth. I think if I had learned some strategies beforehand with breathing and dealing with the pain it would have been a better experience for me. </div>
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One of the questions that still lingers in our household between my husband and I is: <em>Does the use of pitocin and an epidural effect the temperament of a baby?</em> My two children are very different people so far...is it just a coincidence that the deliveries were so drastically different or not?<br />
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We certainly do not have all the answers and with some questions, we will always wonder. But my kids are happy, safe, and in good health...that's all that matters. <br />
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Ladies, to you that are currently thinking about your birth plan...do what is best for YOU and YOUR BABY! But again, birth plans go right out the window when your body has other plans. So the best advice I can give you is to<u> <strong><em>be prepared</em> <em>for anything.</em></strong></u><br />
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As for me - my experience was better with a <a href="http://www.babycenter.com/natural-childbirth" target="_blank">natural birth.</a> But I'm not quite sure I would have picked it knowing the pain I was going to be in. I'm kind of happy that I was thrown in to the situation and had no choice because I rose to the occasion and made it happen. I feel like a really powerful woman and am proud of what I accomplished in that hospital room. I did what a woman's body was made to do. BOOYAH!!<br />
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I am even more proud of my beautiful family!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-30721081026354334032014-11-17T07:00:00.000-05:002014-11-17T07:00:14.252-05:00Halloween 2014 - A Bug's Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past Halloween was very special for our family. It was Lyla's very first Halloween and I found her the CUTEST ladybug costume. But even better, Preston is now three and he is starting to really understand Halloween and enjoy it. He was scared of a couple costumes throughout the night, but overall, he had a lot of fun!</div>
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Coincidence? Preston also wanted to be a bug this year - a spider! So instead of trying to find him a spider costume, we made it ourselves!</div>
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We made the spider body kind of like a backpack that he could wear. He absolutely loved his costume and it's something we will keep forever! Maybe his kids can wear it one day ;)</div>
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Everyone in the neighborhood loved Preston's costume, but one thing we didn't think about...the size of the costume! Haha - needless to say, he learned how to walk sideways to make it through doorways and our home!</div>
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Oooooh, scary spider!</div>
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Our little ladybug! What a doll!</div>
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I found the ladybug costume for <strong>$2.00</strong>, the polka dot onesie for <strong>$1.00</strong> and I was given the tights from my sister-in-law. Very affordable! ;)</div>
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I can't get over this picture. Lyla is as smiley as usual and Preston just looks like an awesome older brother who really digs his sis. </div>
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Our dynamic duo!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-81076573822586000182014-11-15T12:28:00.000-05:002014-11-15T12:28:30.272-05:00Preston Warren - 3 Years Old<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Preston's third birthday was <strong>October 14, 2014</strong>. I can't believe it was <em>three</em> years ago that I gave birth to our first child. Our first son. Looking back as parents and how <strong>c.r.a.z.y.</strong> we were trying to raise our first human being...it's amazing that we've come this far!</div>
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Preston is growing in to a funny, charming, handsome, and smart little boy. The fact that he is already three simply blows my mind, but the fact that he starts pre-school in the fall...wow. My little boy isn't so little anymore.</div>
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<strong>Funny:</strong></div>
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*You love making jokes - especially the bad ones I've taught you. You put spaghetti all over your face and say: <em>"Do I have something on my face?!".</em> Now you ask: <em>"Do you like seafood?"</em> Then proceed to show us all of the chewed up food in your mouth. I laugh every time!<br />
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*You love to make funny faces and get a good laugh out of people. You also have many funny voices. </div>
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*Overall you remind us that life can be funny, even when it's tough. Right when we think we are going to be angry about something, you turn it in to a joke and remind us that it's OK to laugh at the hard stuff. Thank you for that!</div>
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<strong>Charming:</strong></div>
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*Ever since you were 15 months old, your language has flourished. You always were a talker and it's amazing the vocabulary that you have now. You use those words to charm the pants off of anyone that comes by!</div>
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*You are also a bit of a flirt with the ladies. When you went to the dentist for the first time this year, the office staff simply swooned over you. You listened so well, you were gracious, and just excited about life - I think they were shocked that you were <em>that</em> excited to go to the dentist. You are a breathe of fresh air to us adults who can become cynical so quickly.<br />
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*You love to help with anything. Laundry, dishes, feeding Brody, making breakfast, lunch, or dinner...you name it, you want to help. Talk about charming!</div>
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<strong>Handsome:</strong></div>
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*We have always thought of you as the cutest little thing ever since you were born. But as you grow you are just so handsome. But you know, Preston, remember that being handsome isn't just about how you <em>look</em>...it's about the whole picture. All of your characteristics combined make you a handsome boy and then a handsome man. <br />
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*This picture sums you up right now as a three year old. <strong>At-ti-tuuuuude!</strong> Part of me despises the attitude, but to be honest, part of me is proud of you for having such a strong personality and being able to speak up! So go you! Now just learn to use it only when necessary, ok? But even when you cross your arms and pout, you are still the gosh-darn cutest!</div>
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<strong>Smart:</strong></div>
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*Like I mentioned before, your language skills are so strong. The amount of words that you know, the way that you stream your thoughts together, I feel as though I am speaking to a six or seven year old! You amaze me every day with your abilities.</div>
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*You still love reading and I am so happy about that. Never let that hobby go. There is <em>always</em> something new to learn!</div>
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*Never lose your excitement for learning. No matter how old you are, the learning never stops. Your excitement about new things is contagious and your future peers and teachers will zone in on you. Your personality and love of life is infectious. Share the wealth with everyone around you :)</div>
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*You are also turning in to an amazing big brother. You had a lot of trouble at first realizing that another person was in our home and taking up some of Mommy and Daddy's attention. But you have always been extremely kind, gentle, and sweet to your little sister, Lyla. I can already tell that she looks up to you, she smiles any time you are around. </div>
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*Remember that she is always looking up to you. You are the example. As you walk through life, remember that Lyla will love you, think you are the most amazing person, and want to be like you. Your decisions and actions matter. Also, I hope you both always stick up for and protect one another.</div>
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Man, three years old. Daddy and I are just so proud of who you have become and we are so excited to continue to watch you flourish. Continue to take life by the reigns and enjoy every second. Be a kid. Play outside. Be fun and creative. Continue being your sweet, charming, smart, funny, handsome self. <br />
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We love you beyond words!!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-87724412614966739912014-11-15T10:21:00.001-05:002014-11-15T10:21:24.456-05:00Lyla Ellen - 4 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time is flying and I can't believe that my baby girl is already four months. I am a bit behind so she is actually almost four and a half months at this point. She is getting so big, is such a happy/smiley little girl, and learning new things every day! </div>
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*Weight: 13 pounds 11 ounces<br />
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*Height: 24 1/2 inches (you are a tiny little thing!)<br />
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*You smile <em>all. the. time.</em> When someone smiles at you. When you hear a funny noise. When Preston walks by. When Grammy comes over. <em>Any time.</em> You are such a bright spot in my day.<br />
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*You can still roll over from your tummy to your back but not quite from back to tummy. You can get on your side and you do quite often in your crib. I hope you become a tummy sleeper soon!</div>
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*Eyelashes for days.<br />
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*You are already in size four diapers! Those thighs, girlfriend, you've got rolls for days and I absolutely love it!</div>
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*You still love bath time because you can splash and play.</div>
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*Boy are we TEETHING. You are drooling 24/7 and your gums on the bottom are starting to turn a bit white. It could be any day now that a tooth starts to pop through. Then again, we thought this with Preston and it was months later. (I am so glad kids don't remember this painful teething phase!)</div>
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*You are still getting up once a night. This allows you to eat five total bottles throughout a 24 hour period. 5 ounces every bottle, sometimes we can get you to eat more. You are currently spitting up a lot more too.</div>
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*You LOVE looking in the mirror at yourself. Seeing that bright smile of yours just makes you giddy to no end. You've found your high pitch shrieking voice and it's the most darling thing!</div>
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*Your hair and your eyes have started to lighten just a bit. Your hair is much longer and whisps out to the side on both sides of your head. I swear I will be able to put your hair in a ponytail soon! Haha.</div>
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*You love it when I say "<em>Mama</em>". </div>
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*You still enjoy your pacifier, but again, only to soothe you...then you are done with it. </div>
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*You are giggling a little these days, but I am still waiting for that true belly laugh. </div>
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*You love taking walks.</div>
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*When you got your four month shots it was the first time as a Mom that I felt <em>terrible</em>. Usually I am not the Mom who can't watch their kids get a shot. It's no big deal...you will survive. But when you got these last two shots the cry that you had was sheer sadness. I felt so guilty and bad for you, it took you about 10 to 15 minutes just to calm down. I can't take the tears, girlfriend!</div>
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*You have started solids! Yay! We started with oatmeal first for two weeks, just at night before bed time. We are now excited to start some fruits and veggies with you one at a time. You really enjoy eating from a spoon.<br />
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*You are napping better throughout the day in your crib. But you are still wishy washy. Some days you will sleep a really long time, and some days you won't. Let's get a schedule already!<br />
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Baby girl, we are having so much fun with you and your happy spirit. You bring such a new dynamic to our family and we love watching you grow. On to the next memories!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-34404142701587497822014-10-04T16:36:00.003-04:002014-10-04T19:04:48.549-04:00Lyla Ellen - 3 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My little girl is already three months old - we made it through the crazy 0-3 month stage! Woo hoo!!</div>
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This little girl has changed quite a bit since she was born and it's really exciting to start seeing more of that wonderful personality and more and more motor skills.</div>
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*You have to be at least 14 to 15 pounds at this point, but you don't go back to the pediatrician until you are four months old.<br />
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*You are drooling like there is no tomorrow. I have examined your gums and felt them, but no teeth are coming in at this point. <br />
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*You still use your paci when you are trying to fall asleep, but then you spit it right out when you are relaxed and asleep. At night, when you wake up and you don't have your pacifier, you have found out how to suck on your left thumb and you go right back to sleep. It's glorious!<br />
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*You smile A LOT. Especially when we are trying to put you down for a nap and we fail miserably. Like Grammy said, you just sit there and laugh at us. </div>
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*You had been doing really well with naps. Usually a two to three hour nap in the morning, about an hour nap in the afternoon, and then a cat nap right before bed time. This past week, though, you really threw us for a loop. NO NAPPING AT ALL DURING THE DAY. Sheesh! You would only sleep for about 20 to 25 minutes. But, so far that phase has subsided. </div>
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*You giggled for the first time! It was the absolute sweetest thing - those raspberries on the belly did the trick. Since then, you have not giggled again. I've got to find out what you think is funny, lady!</div>
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*You are currently eating five ounces at every feeding. Usually five bottles in a day, sometimes six depending on when you wake up.</div>
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*You have slept through the night a number of times, but not consistently. That sixth bottle seems to do the trick. But even on five bottles you will sleep ten hours straight. Good job, girl!<br />
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*You are killing it with tummy time. You still don't love it for a long period of time, but you can now get your entire chest off of the floor. That's my strong girl!</div>
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*You can still roll from your tummy to your back, but haven't made the big turn from back to tummy...although, you are close.</div>
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*This picture just shows how much you wiggle these days. You love to move on the play mat and especially in the bathtub. Splashing that water is one of your favorite things to do!</div>
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*You are using your hands more and you enjoy batting toys around. It's really nice to see you using your hands and loosening up when it comes to your arms and legs.</div>
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*You still enjoy sleeping in the Mamaroo during the day and the crib at night.<br />
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*You are officially OUT OF THE SWADDLE! Man, that was an amazing turn of events :) I used the sleep sack for a little bit to kind of ease you out of the swaddle, but you didn't want that either. You want to sprawl out in the crib and be able to move on your own without any restrictions. Have at it!<br />
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It's amazing how we as parents freak out about things and babies just kind of do it on their own. <br />
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Happy three months, baby girl - let's enjoy the Fall weather and all of the holidays coming up!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-45127522773159863082014-09-16T15:35:00.001-04:002014-09-16T15:35:42.434-04:00Our Kids Lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With only two weeks left on my maternity leave, I am taking pictures and documenting <em>everything. </em>So I thought I would bring you up to speed on a few things.</div>
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Lyla is enjoying tummy time a lot more and even smiling through it. She can last a good ten minutes like that without crying or fussing. Sometimes I have to put her back on her tummy, though, because she rolls all the time from her tummy to her back. </div>
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Sweet girl - so strong!</div>
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Now that she is holding her head up much better I went ahead and pulled out the <a href="http://bumbo.com/products/" target="_blank">bumbo seat</a>. She LOVES it! It was quite a new perspective for her but she can sit there and be content. Thank goodness! </div>
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Preston hated this seat, couldn't stand it. So, I'm glad we didn't buy it for nothing.</div>
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The mornings are getting much cooler and I LOVE it. Fall is here and the weather is beautiful. But with the colder weather comes the warmer clothes. My mom got this for Lyla about a week ago so I thought I'd take a picture of her in it.</div>
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HAHA - I die laughing every time I look at this one. Don't worry, Mom, she loves the outfit, she was just tired of the bumbo when I took this picture...I swear!</div>
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Baby picture in her senior yearbook? HAHAHA!</div>
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Then there's my big guy. Man he is doing a lot and we wouldn't have it any other way. We really made it a priority this summer to make sure he had really cool activities to do so he didn't feel left out with Lyla's arrival. It has been so much fun watching him play and grow. </div>
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I love this kid.</div>
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Our neighborhood had a garage sale this past weekend and anyone could participate. So of course I got up early with the kids and headed out to see what deals I could find. Anyone with kids knows that a good garage sale/consignment shop is the place to go! Not everything they use has to be new.</div>
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So I found this red flyer tricycle for only <strong>$10</strong>! Preston loves it and it will really get him practicing for a big boy bike in the future. So fun! I bought it also knowing that Lyla can very well use this when she is older too.</div>
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Where did my baby go!? </div>
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Preston is also really loving his puzzles. These big piece puzzles are wonderful for him and it really gets him concentrating...<em>and gives Mommy a few minutes of quiet</em>. He also hums every time he puts one together. :)</div>
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I found this <a href="http://www.melissaanddoug.com/?gclid=CjwKEAjwv9-gBRD5ofn2jd2N0UUSJACcdilsyCE4ZhkTQ9PKM4ljZwtfRhrx7n7fYCm53grRXozoGBoCSALw_wcB" target="_blank">Melissa & Doug</a> puzzle at a garage sale for only <strong>$2</strong>!</div>
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Preston is also still taking swim lessons and we don't foresee stopping those any time soon. He has already passed two levels in his class and went under water for the first time today! <br />
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Here is what he has learned so far:<br />
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*Mouth Bubbles<br />
*Nose Bubbles<br />
*How to get out of the pool unassisted<br />
*Spiderman (crawling along the wall unassisted)<br />
*Putting his full face in the water for 5 seconds<br />
*Floating on his back<br />
*Floating on his belly<br />
*Going underwater unassisted<br />
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He has done so well and found a wonderful teacher that he really connects with. This aspect of parenting where I get to WATCH him grow from the sidelines - man it's so much fun! I am such a proud Mom these days :)Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-35175188796941826782014-09-10T18:50:00.001-04:002014-09-10T18:50:36.991-04:00Exercise After Two PregnanciesIt's a little different. <strong>A lot</strong> different.<br />
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But, this time around I have a lot of motivation to get the body that I've always wanted since our family is finally complete. After having Preston I wasn't ready to fully emerge myself in an exercise routine because I knew I was having another baby. What was the point!?<br />
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Anyway, here are a couple of thoughts about exercise this time around:<br /><br />1.) I don't run...I walk. This is because after having two babies I would need to wear a diaper while running. <em>Seriously.</em><br />
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2.) I don't just walk. I power walk. While carrying two pound weights in my hand. Which, by the way, I resent the fact that one pound and two pound weights are automatically <strong><span style="color: magenta;">pink</span></strong>. No other color options. I guess only women use those, right?! <em>sarcasm</em>.<br />
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3.) At this point, I don't care what I look like while I exercise in my neighborhood. It looks kind of like this:<br />
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Haha - minus the headband and the 80's get-up...but yup, that's me every day! I get some stares, but that's OK, it's working for me :)<br />
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4.) I am finding that I am also motivated to exercise because that is 45 minutes to an hour of "<em>me</em>" time. It's the time I need as a Mom to think, listen to great music, and contemplate the future.<br />
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5.) Sometimes I talk to God while I'm exercising. Really.<br />
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6.) I talk to <a href="http://www.onefinewire.com/2012/03/are-you-with-me.html" target="_blank">my Dad</a> for sure. I miss him.<br />
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7.) I want this exercise/don't eat so much regimen to really work, so I'm bustin' my bootie. <br />
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That is all.Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-31320735416670625972014-09-02T14:39:00.000-04:002014-09-08T14:31:30.104-04:00Lyla Ellen - Two Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>She's all smiles!</strong> That's how we can sum up the second month of Lyla's life. She found her smile and she now knows that it makes us melt...so she does it all the time!</div>
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One of my favorite phone shots from this month.</div>
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You have definitely gained weight and are chubby all over. Just the way babies should be!</div>
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You weigh 11 lbs. 4 1/2 ounces.</div>
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You still have all of your hair and it may be getting just a touch lighter, but not by much.</div>
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Your eye lashes are even longer! How is that possible!?</div>
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You still love a good bath - definitely a water baby! I hope to get you started with swim lessons earlier than <a href="http://www.onefinewire.com/2014/07/prestons-first-swim-lesson.html" target="_blank">we did with Preston</a>...I think you would absolutely love it.</div>
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You are sleeping anywhere from six to eight hours a night, wake up and eat 4 ounces, and then go back to sleep for another three hours. <br />
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We have a schedule for your day time naps and we are all so much happier! We have your mamaroo in your bedroom with the sound machine on high. That way your brother won't wake you up. You love the kangaroo setting at one of the fastest speeds. <br />
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You will sleep for an hour or so first thing in the morning (about two hours after you woke up for the day) and then again in the afternoon for a good three to four hours. </div>
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You will cat nap right before bedtime - this really gets your body calm and rested before the long stretch.</div>
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You still love your swaddle. We have had to purchase the next size up (14 to 20 pounds) because you were becoming way too long for the 7 to 14 pound swaddle.</div>
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You will go with one arm out of the swaddle while you are in the mamaroo and your arms spasms don't wake you up and startle you. When you are in your crib at night, though, you still need to be fully swaddled. Not quite there yet.</div>
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You also still love your pacifier but only enough to relax you. After that you spit it right out and don't want it anymore.</div>
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You love your brother. Every time you see him you smile and it truly makes Preston happy. He is so good when he plays with you and you just adore him.</div>
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You have found your voice and are cooing a lot more. Like I've said before, I could be having a completely horrible day, but seeing you smile and coo can turn my day in to a perfect one.<br />
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We are making sure that when you are not sleeping you are off of the back of your head. I am very nervous that you could have a flat spot too <a href="http://www.onefinewire.com/2012/03/positional-plagiocephaly.html" target="_blank">like your brother did</a>, but we are taking every precaution to prevent that.</div>
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You also did this for the first time just today! (9-2-14)</div>
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Ladybug, I can not wait to see how you grow and what the next month brings. We are going to get a lot more "just us girls" time while I am on maternity leave and I am looking forward to every minute!<br />
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You are such a laid back baby and for that we are grateful. I hope you continue with that relaxed sense of being because you are just so sweet. You really only cry when you are hungry or tired. We can handle that :)<br />
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Happy two months, baby girl!<br />
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Next milestone I can't wait for - Lyla's first giggle :)Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-80379542021671869812014-09-01T12:11:00.000-04:002014-09-01T12:11:06.266-04:00Announcing Lyla<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that all of our announcements are out to family and friends -it's time to share it with you! It always takes me a little while to really think through and create something that I truly love. I also have usually used <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/?cid=SEM-TP-Google-Brand&crid=36368711365&campaignidinkenshoo=7381&adgroupidinkenshoo=1658635&kw=tiny prints&mType=e&networkType=search&gclid=Cj0KEQjwspCgBRCiwOjBxeCcm-kBEiQAooz6ty-5sdHS_xOIy7ILpTdMWo6vp31PzfCikEbqZGa-v_saAusS8P8HAQ&mpch=ads" target="_blank">Tiny Prints</a> to do cards for holidays or birth announcements.</div>
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Here is my little Lyla. I really love how it turned out!<br />
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You also get the chance to include some more family photos on the back of the card which is extra special!</div>
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Now I would love to show you some more photos from our <a href="http://www.onefinewire.com/2014/07/lyla-newborn-sneak-peek.html" target="_blank">newborn session</a> just a week after Lyla was born.</div>
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My Lyla isn't so little anymore, though - be on the look out for her <strong>two month</strong> post. <br />
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Where is the time going!?!?Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-33308837996553957902014-08-29T14:29:00.004-04:002014-08-29T14:29:38.278-04:00Sibling Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm taking a lot of pictures. A LOT. But I'm loving it and I'm going to soak in all the time I have with my kiddos this maternity leave.</div>
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I'm also going to soak in the times when these two smile at each other, are kind and encourage one another. Preston is so sweet to his little sister and it warms my heart every time. </div>
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I know when they are older they are going to fight and annoy one another. I have an older brother, I know how it goes.</div>
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But while they are little, it will be great to see them form a bond.</div>
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Because one day when they are older they will realize how much they mean to one another and that they are family. They have to protect and be there for each other. My hope is that one day they are successful, happy, and right where they want to be. </div>
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One of my favorites. If that's not cute, I don't know what is.</div>
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I used to say that I didn't want kids and that I just wanted a career...</div>
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...how could I ever think about living a different life than this?! I've got it all and this is what it's really all about. I'm learning more about myself and life from a 2 month old and almost three year old than I ever could from a book. <br />
<br />Thank you two for teaching me how to be a better person. I love you!<br />
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Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-49961928977206414882014-08-28T16:26:00.000-04:002014-08-28T16:26:25.665-04:00Beachin' It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since summer is officially over for us teachers, I thought I'd post my last summer post of 2014. Sad.</div>
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One of the last trips that we took while we were visiting in Yorktown, Va. was to the beach. Va. Beach!</div>
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We all really enjoy the ocean and thought it would be great to take Preston one last time this summer and make it Lyla's first ever trip. </div>
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I think she enjoyed it :) Sweet girl.<br />
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She basically slept the whole time, but who wouldn't with such a beautiful breeze and the salty air. Here's the one picture I got with her eyes open.</div>
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Preston had such a great time. And I tell ya, the kid is extremely personable...so much so that he talks to anyone who will listen. But at the same time, we have to reign him in so he doesn't bother anyone and doesn't talk to total strangers all the time. This summer we have had to introduce the "<em>stranger danger</em>" talk.</div>
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He found some wonderful friends at the beach, though, and all the kids ended up playing with each other and sharing toys during our stay. It was great!</div>
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Check out that beautiful grin! True happiness.<br />
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It was a great morning at Va. Beach and I hope we go a lot more next summer. We will surely make it a point since Lyla will officially be one year. Weird!</div>
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This summer was obviously extra special to us because little miss Lyla was born and made our family complete. I'm also not pregnant anymore - WOOT WOOT!<br />
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We did so many more things with a newborn than we ever did with Preston. We are doing OK with this whole parenting two kids thing and I look forward to seeing what this year brings! <br />
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I adore my little family!<br />
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Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-19794316169094030962014-08-27T14:36:00.000-04:002014-08-27T14:36:12.846-04:00The MacGyver Mamaroo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So lately, this chick hasn't been sleeping. She would take 30 minute cat naps here and there, but nothing substantial. Which then affected her night time sleep. She had been going like a champ in the swing we initially had but then all of a sudden hated it. </div>
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Time to figure things out. How can we get this beautiful baby girl to sleep more?</div>
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Have we mentioned that Lyla is COMPLETELY different than Preston. We went in to this second baby thinking it would all be the same and we were going to be pro's at it. Well...she proved us wrong!</div>
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My maternity leave started on Monday and that day I was able to just spend with her because Preston had an end of summer party to attend. It was crunch time. Let me try anything and everything and see if it works.<br />
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Well, we finally broke and bought the <a href="http://www.4moms.com/mamaroo" target="_blank">4Moms Mamaroo</a> (expensive might I add) but man it's a godsend. Now, we bought the non plush one because it was overall cheaper and still had the same "extras". I figured I could just put a blanket over it to make it feel soft. <br />
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I had to <a href="http://www.cbs.com/shows/macgyver/" target="_blank">MacGyver</a> the Mamaroo, people. I had to make it look literally like this floating orb with her swaddled like crazy in it. Preston calls it a spaceship, ha!</div>
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She has a blanket underneath, she is swaddled like crazy, and I've created a little canopy on the mobile so she has some dark space. This picture shows the <a href="http://www.4moms.com/mamaroo" target="_blank">Mamaroo</a> on Monday in our family room. We have since moved it right next to her crib in her room so I can simply use the monitor to watch her and close the door. This gives Preston and I some great time together where we don't have to tip-toe around trying to keep the baby asleep and she has some peace and quiet.<br />
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THANK GOODNESS! We've figured it out!</div>
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So I have to say, watching two kids has been a lot easier than I thought. Especially on days like today where both kids are napping at the same time and Mommy has some serious alone time. It's amazing :) </div>
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But all throughout my pregnancy with Lyla I was sick and just not myself. So it was hard to have alone time with Preston because I just couldn't keep up. I finally can and it feels so good to build that relationship back up again to a more one on one kind.</div>
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Look at these two! I'm so lucky!</div>
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Little girl, I want to remember how you put us through the ringer with the sleep thing. But I also want to remember how different, beautiful, and special you are.</div>
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Here's to sleeping babies and the MacGyver Mamaroo!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-30771667576316452842014-08-25T09:31:00.001-04:002014-08-25T09:31:52.188-04:00Maternity Leave #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So today marks the first day of my maternity leave with baby number two: Lyla. I'm not going to lie...I am pretty nervous. Trying to manage her and my almost three year old is going to be a challenge. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lhKEYgr0-b4/U_s3skzmirI/AAAAAAAANt8/6jPvRHS7koA/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lhKEYgr0-b4/U_s3skzmirI/AAAAAAAANt8/6jPvRHS7koA/s1600/6.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Both of my kids are currently going through some phases. Lyla is going through the "<em>I'm not going to sleep through the day</em>" phase. She will cat nap for about 30 minutes maybe three or four times a day, but no long stretches any more. Sad face.</div>
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She despised the swing that Preston had when he was a baby, so we sold it. We have tried the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Little-Snugapuppy-Newborn-Sleeper/dp/B00DEI6MMU/ref=sr_1_1/186-5454016-6437567?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1408973193&sr=1-1&keywords=rock+n+play+fisher+price" target="_blank">Fisher Price Rock N' Play</a> and now we have bought the <a href="http://www.4moms.com/mamaroo" target="_blank">4Moms Mamaroo</a> as well. We are going all out for this kid just to get her to sleep during the day. She just gets so over tired...and so does Mommy.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-361B7dzmc/U_s3tRwYOeI/AAAAAAAANuA/smfWekgb_UA/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-361B7dzmc/U_s3tRwYOeI/AAAAAAAANuA/smfWekgb_UA/s1600/7.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Preston is going through a completely different phase. The "<em>I need constant attention phase because my baby sister is getting too much of my Mommy and Daddy's attention</em>". </div>
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It's hard not to hurt his feelings some time, but I know that this too shall pass. It's just going to be hard to try and manage Lyla's sleep patterns and feedings along with trying to keep Preston entertained. </div>
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Say a little prayer for me.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mG9tbvG_15I/U_s3uJGN5BI/AAAAAAAANuI/pOwrf1oyzr0/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mG9tbvG_15I/U_s3uJGN5BI/AAAAAAAANuI/pOwrf1oyzr0/s1600/8.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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We are actually contemplating sending him to the babysitter twice a week just so he doesn't get so frustrated at home. I will be able to keep the morning occupied with Preston's swim lessons for the entire month of September, but that's only twice a week. You all know, with a pre-schooler...you really need to occupy their time <strong>ALL. THE. TIME</strong>.</div>
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Plus, he really enjoys playing with his friends and Lyla needs some one on one time with Mommy. She hasn't really gotten a lot of that because we've been on summer break since she was born. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2JjKh-gg_2Q/U_s3u08yinI/AAAAAAAANuM/CwgiLLqkgtQ/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2JjKh-gg_2Q/U_s3u08yinI/AAAAAAAANuM/CwgiLLqkgtQ/s1600/9.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />I am so thankful for this time, but I'm scared too. I love my kids very much and I am bound and determined to make this work. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. <br />
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Happy Monday and happy first day back to school, teachers!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-62305335137231109092014-08-23T13:32:00.001-04:002014-08-23T13:32:51.691-04:00Norfolk Botanical Gardens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While we were in Yorktown visiting Preston's Grandparents, I knew that I wanted to visit the <a href="http://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/" target="_blank">Norfolk Botanical Gardens</a>. It only took us forty-five minutes to get there, but the main reason I wanted to make this trip was because of their butterfly house. </div>
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Back when Patrick and I were just dating, we made a big trip to Ohio and went to <a href="http://www.putinbay.com/" target="_blank">Put-In Bay</a>. Over there they had a beautiful butterfly house where the butterflies simply flew all around and were very used to humans. They would sit on your finger, shoulder, head...anywhere! I've always wanted to take Preston to one because I knew he would love it - Norfolk was the closest bet!</div>
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But this chick who loves taking photos knew this would also be the perfect spot for that. So get ready for a <em>serious</em> amount of pictures! It's what I do, yo. :)</div>
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I absolutely <em>love</em> taking pictures of flowers. </div>
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Many people actually go to the Botanical Gardens to simply get their exercise - the place is huge! Why not exercise with such beautiful surroundings?!</div>
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Preston walked for a while, but just like our <a href="http://www.onefinewire.com/2014/08/the-yorktown-trails.html" target="_blank">trail adventure in Yorktown</a>, Preston couldn't make it the whole way. He got around like this a lot.<br />
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But from Daddy's shoulders he was able to have even better views.</div>
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Then it was time for the Butterfly exhibit. YES! The whole reason we had really come - first we were able to see many caterpillars. </div>
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Butterflies ready to hatch...</div>
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...and the many different types of butterflies. They were just so beautiful.</div>
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One of the ladies working in the exhibit liked Preston so much that she brought out a very "tough to find" type of caterpillar. They can only be found at the top of some of the tallest trees. They were wild, but my son wasn't scared - this brave kid was just curious :)</div>
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If you ever get a chance to visit the Norfolk Botanical Gardens - make sure to bring your child's bathing suit. They have <a href="http://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/explore/wow-childrens-garden/" target="_blank">an A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. park</a> just for kids that includes a water park, animals, and just a great place for them to get out their energy. </div>
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We forgot Preston's bathing suit...so we pulled the Marky-Mark :)</div>
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Where's Waldo undies - that's how we roll!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565102568065405537.post-64056188470789160032014-08-19T16:51:00.000-04:002014-08-19T16:51:21.329-04:00The Yorktown Trails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past weekend we made it a Grandma/Grandpa visit down in Yorktown, Va. It was great fun to spend time with other adults, and adults that would help with the kids! Preston absolutely adores his grandparents and especially loves playing and learning from his Grandpa.</div>
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Since we are in our last week of summer we got there on a weekday which meant that the grandparents still had to work during the day. We needed to occupy our time with fun things to do as a family instead of just sitting around in the house.</div>
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The weather was beautiful this past weekend with very low humidity. We found a wonderful park in Yorktown that had great playgrounds for Preston to hang out on and also trails to hike. Might I add, when we were first time parents with Preston we never did things like this because we were too scared...little miss Lyla is getting quite the adventure at a very young age!</div>
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Preston was super stoked about the trail!</div>
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Can you tell?</div>
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The scenery was beautiful...can you spot the bird?</div>
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Can you spot it again? Gorgeous.</div>
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About halfway through our almost four mile trek, we found a family of deer. They didn't pay any mind to us, but we surely loved watching them.</div>
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The views were great, there was little humidity and we were in the shade most of the time. We hiked for a good two hours :)</div>
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No, Preston did <em>not</em> make it the whole way, he was definitely riding on Daddy's shoulders for a while.</div>
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Now that I've got my post-baby body and just gave birth to my last baby...it's time for me to do some activities that get me moving!</div>
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And as long as we get this family moving, the kiddos sleep like angels. Success!<br />
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Happy trails!Courtney @ One Fine Wirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17676404433674768084noreply@blogger.com1