The (Almost) Perfect Baby

I can honestly say that I don't remember the last time Macalan cried during the day. I have made mention before about how easy he is and it is no lie...he is seriously easy! He pretty much doesn't stop smiling and is so content to lay under his little play yard thingie or swing or just to sit. Then, 4:30 in the morning rolls along. For some reason he has regressed to waking up at about this time in the middle of the REALLY early morning. He was sleeping through the night great and over the past few weeks decided apparently he isn't ready to give us a full night. Well, I made the mistake of getting up and feeding him a few times and now the boy expects it. Last night, we put our foot down...we knew we would just have to let him cry it out. We had to do the same thing with Taeden and I am convinced that babies can make it a good 8-10 hours by now without a feeding so last night we stuck to our guns and just let the poor guy cry. Obviously, it is NO fun at all to do this and I was awake the whole time he cried anyways so it is super tempting to just take 10 minutes to feed him...but I know that when he is one, I don't want to be getting up and feeding him...so I was strong and eventually he feel back to sleep. I know it will only take a few more nights of this and the crying will be a little less prolonged tonight...so here's to a better nights sleep tonight!

Yes, I Can...at least I think I can...

Ok, so I am feeling a little crazy and A LOT scared about signing up for and paying for this half marathon, cause that means I really have to DO IT! It makes me a little sick just thinking about running 13 miles, I mean I think the absolute longest I have ever run is about half that and let's be honest, I was probably in much better shape when I ran it than I am now. But I am going to do it, I mean basically my goal is just to finish the marathon, even if that means dragging my body across the finish line. I figured that it is something I have always wanted to accomplish and what better way to practice discipline and get these last few baby pounds that I am just holding onto with all my might:) Plus, its kinda fun because the finish line is in the cute little town of Solvang, which is where I spent the first 6 years of my life...
Well, my official 10-week training plan starts Monday...I will keep ya'll posted!

A Strong Will

So I have often made mention that my sweet son Taeden has a VERY strong will. Here is some proof. Usually naptime is no problem for Taeden. The boy plays hard and is ready for his 1:00 nap to roll around and normally goes down without a fight, on this particular day he had other plans. I found him like this, on the floor, out cold, about an hour and a half after I initially put him down. After many times of me climbling my stairs (at least I was burning calories, right?) to discipline and put him back in bed, I finally heard the sweet sound of NOTHING and thought I had won the battle. Well, apparently he won in his own way since he fell asleep outside of his crib, but he will never have to know that! :)

I prayed A LOT on this day for my son's salvation. Brandon and I have been reminded to pray for him more often lately as his will becomes stronger. We are so burdened for our son's salvation and really want nothing more in life than for both of our boys to love and serve Christ. I know all you other moms out there probably feel the same way and it is something we should be praying for daily! It is something that I am hoping to become more faithful in doing.

What Happens When You Have a Two Year Old and a Newborn...

Taeden has apparently seen me pump one too many times. Some day he will be mortified by these pictures of him pumping. You can't tell, (obviously), but he is definitely making the noise that my pump makes...it was pretty funny.

Just Some Cute Pics...

Macalan Justin...happiest baby EVER!!!

Taeden and Me...He loves to color and popcorn is the one semi-healthy thing he likes to eat.

The brothers

Kristen and Macalan

The Child Who Doesn't Like Food

Ok, so Brandon and I always laugh about where this child came from because we both LOVE food...probably a little too much...which is why the gym and treadmill are our dear friends. We don't get how two people who adore food so much could create a child who could care less about it. Now, I will say that Brandon and I are both picky about food, but when we like something, well, we tend to eat a lot of it. I think both of our parents just think that we are getting pay back for when we were kids...yes, I was the child that would be sitting at the dinner table hours after dinner because I wouldn't finish my dinner and yes, my parents were the type that would lovingly feed me whatever I didn't finish that night for breakfast in the morning. Taeden could very well go the whole day without eating anything substantial and the pictures below give a little example of many a nights at our home when we are determined to make the child eat. I know you may think us cruel, but Taeden is skinny and we are determined to get some calories down everyday. He will thank us one day...maybe :) I am hoping Macalan will be the type of kid who LOVES to eat and will sit in his high chair and devour whatever I put in front of him. How sad that he looks like I am feeding him the grossest thing ever...its MAC and CHEESE!

OK, So I Lied...

Well, I know in my last post I said we were getting ready to transition Taeden into his big boy bed, but apparently I lied. We made the mistake of setting up his big boy bed in what is currently the guest room...this made things all a little too confusing to Taeden who has no concept of sleeping anywhere but in his crib, let alone anywhere but his room. So for now, in his crib he stays until I can get my dear husband to take apart the crib to get it out of Taeden's room (he's not gonna be too thrilled about that :) and move his toddler bed into his room. Maybe one of these days we'll have a free Saturday to get that done, but until then Taeden remains happily in his crib.