Bluebonnets, Butterflies, Baby Boy, Play Time, Date-i-versary Fun, & Park Play

The days have begun to blur into each other, but one thing stands true. Each day is definitely filled with adventure. Many days during our week, we stay at home in our jammies, making silly faces, and cuddling with my littlest. At nights and on weekends, I live for the moments to play princesses, explore at the park, and spend time with my family of four. Time surely is flying by and my babe is now a month old. I'm soaking up this sweet time with my little boy and cherishing the moments watching my daughter grow into the role of big sister. This of course comes with it's challenges. We have definitely had our share of two year old tantrum of wanting the right cup, jammie pant, sock color, being asked to potty in the big potty, and or dinner option, she truly has a heart for her little brother. When he cries, she rubs his little head and says, "It's okay Liam" and of course what's cuter than when she refers to him as "my Liam." I'm additionally thankful for my husband who is so patient with me and truly is the greatest partner. He's an amazing daddy and the best friend and husband. While our time together is very limited, we definitely seek out those little moments to sit back and enjoy the company. We've certainly shared some great moments over the past few weeks. Enjoy a picture post of our latest family and friend funtivities.

{My Littles in a Field of Blue}

{Little Liam Love}

{My beautiful butterfly; May she spread her wings and learn to fly.}

{Love to my Zellner boys}

{My spikey hair boy}

{Play mat fun with my littles}

{I love his sleepy style fist bump. 

He could also be next for Heads Up 7 Up}

 {Prestonwood Play Date & Chick-fil-a with our Fantlets} 

 

Outside the play area, the girls found a duck sitting on her duck nest. We explained how we only look with our eyes. This picture was taken only moments before my little girl reached out to pet the duck. Seconds later, Aubrey says, "Dat duck bite me!" I was so surprised she really didn't get that upset. It was definitely an experience for us all. I do love Miss Emily's face in this picture staying out of the duck's reach.

{Fist bump to Liam's Monkey}

{Play time from a different perspective- 4 weeks}

 Aubrey & her Mattie Pup 

{Park Play fun on our new trike}

{14 Year Date-iversary at IHOP}

As a junior in high school, 14 years ago today (4.21.02), I met the man of my dreams in an IHOP after our spring dance show. He took my Dr. Pepper but he also stole my heart. It may have taken him 6 days to call me, but we have been together every day since. From spending almost every moment together, graduating from Texas A&M, moving to Dallas, getting married, buying our first hoe, raising two adorably perfect little humans, and making countless memories together, I am truly thankful for this man and this little life together. So what better to do on our 14 year date-iversary after almost no sleep (cue new parents) breakfast at IHOP and a nap.

On this beautiful and sunny Saturday, our little family of four made our way to the Heard Museum in McKinney. We had a fun morning exploring the pioneer village and animals of the world with our littles. I cannot wait for our little man to be right beside his big sister, but for now, he enjoyed snuggling with mommy as my little turtle.

Our Sunday started off as anything but super! From an early morning wake up call, two fussy kiddos, my little lady having an accident on her church clothes and on mama, to already being late before we had even started, led to a sour morning. Our family pictures would be later that afternoon as well which would limit afternoon naps. This quickly led to a change of plans, some delicious donuts from the Donut Kitchen, 

and an afternoon at the park. With all the running around I completely forgot that our little man officially turned a month old on this day, the craziest of days. 

 

But even with the craziness of our morning, I have to say moments like this make your heart full and even skip a beat. We are truly blessed!

 

In our first month we have endured sleepless nights, lots of tears, newborn baby cries, and toddler tantrums, but we have also experienced more love than imaginable, sweet moments with our littles watching our big girl take on the role as big sister, adorable squishy faces, and amazing moments in our new adventures as a family of four. We are in love.

Our Week w/ Oma, Ray's 32nd, Our Date Night, & 2 Babes

Our week with Oma has been a true blessing. From baby snuggles, tummy time love, 

 

playdough fun, fantastic catch up as well as free naps, cleaning, and family fun, I absolutely cherished our week together. This week we endured a few challenges with our new role parenting two little humans. It was so nice to have Oma and her extra set of hands.Plus what is better than Oma hugs?

Auby & Oma Playdough fun

This week we also celebrated our little man turning 3 weeks old. I cannot believe my little boy has experienced 21+ days of life. As previously stated, we definitely shared in some challenges this week with our little guy as well. After several sleepless nights of terrible congestion and a sour tummy with lots of little tears, I called his doctor to confirm it wasn't anything more than just congestion. After a very rainy day walk in appointment, my mom and I learned that reflux caused by overeating can irritate the sinus cavity and cause congestion. Reflux and overeating can cause sour tummy and poopy problems as well. So little man had a lot working against him. But even with our tearful tot, we found lots of wonderful days of baby snuggles and sweet squishy faces.

Thursday: This week we also had so much fun celebrating the husband's 32nd birthday. For lunch, Oma, Liam, and I joined Ray at work and made our way to the Brazilian Cowboy, steakhouse and grill.

It was delicious and super filling. Plus it was so great to spend some special time celebrating my best friend and husband with my mom and littlest love. When he returned home, we had a small celebration at home with the family. This week, Ray had told Auby that it was his birthday and he was excited to celebrate it. He asked her what he would need for his party and she replied, "birthday hats, cake with candles, and birthday presents for me!" So she got her wish. I may have made a few little changes though.

{Celebrating the best daddy ever!}

From cookie cake,

 

Star Wars themed birthday gear including a Blueray DVD player, Star Wars the movie, copper mule mugs, birthday hats, and candles, our birthday boy was all smiles. Plus Oma got little girl a special gift of her own, The Good Dinosaur Movie. Oh how my girl has a love for dinosaurs!

Oma loved watching our little girl help daddy open his gifts and of course her happy face of receiving her dinosaur gift.

Happy Birthday to my heart! For almost 14 years, you have grown my heart and shown me what true love and friendship is. I am so thankful to do this crazy life with you, to watch you love on our babes, and to care for this amazing little family. I am so excited to celebrate you and all you do!

Friday: Having my Oma here also gave Ray and I a chance to have our first date night since welcoming our little man.

I absolutely LOVED our time together. We were definitely all smiles to share some special time together. From a stop at Total Wine to make drinks (my first since becoming pregnant) and then dined at Emporium Pies in Downtown McKinney, our night was surely a sweet and delicious one.

While daddy and I were out...

Oma great some great cuddle time in with our littlest. Big sister was sound asleep with her many loveys and dinosaurs. We are so thankful for our Oma and for melt your heart moments such as this.

Saturday: We joined in the wonderful 2nd birthday celebration of Miss Haley. Her Hello Kitty PJ Party was absolutely adorable and we had a fun time with friends.

 {Hello Kitty Cupcake Pictures}

 {Friendly Frozen Tent Fun}

Sunday: On this rainy day Sunday we sadly said our good-byes to Oma. We were truly blessed by her visit but were ready to take on the world in this new adventure as a family of four. We did ask if she just wanted to move in at least until Liam could sleep on his own... so just for a few years. Sadly she had to decline but we had to try;) After our hugs and kisses, we made our way to church. 

I had to share this picture of my big girl. I adore her love to dance to her own tune while wearing sunglasses when it's raining! That's my Auby! I love her!

My rainy church Sunday portrait with my babes! 💋 We are celebrating little man making it through ABF and most of the service with a McAlisters lunch! Aubrey is super excited about her teddy Graham's and dancing with her mama in the booth. 🎼🍴

Watch Liam Grow: Week 3

Dear Little Liam,

Each and every day is a new adventure. I love watching your sweet faces and love the way they resemble your sister but are definitely your own little self. I love your little dimpled chin and cheek. This week while so special has been a hard one little man. I can tell your tummy is uncomfortable and it's hard for mommy not to be able to fix the problem. You have also become very congested this week which led us back to the pediatrician's office for advice and testing. So far our only thought is overeating which is causing reflux. This then leads to a sour tummy and uncomfortable little boy. I am so thankful Oma has been here this week to spend with us, to help us with these little issues, to cuddle you, and to give mommy and daddy some chances at sleep. We are so thankful for this amazing little bond we have grown and know that you will continue to make progress each day. We love you so very much little guy and cannot believe you are already three weeks old. There is so much excitement to come! Watch little Liam grow!

 

Number of weeks: Three Weeks  

Measurements: 8 lbs 15 oz

Clothing:  newborn clothing and adorable little hats.

Eating: As you can see by the growth in weight you are a champ eater. We have found this week that you may be overeating due to reflux and the comfort of nursing with mama. You are still breastfeeding and breast milk bottle feeding exclusively. Because you may be overeating we have learned this may be the cause of reflux which then leads to upset tummy and pooping issues. This surely leads to fussiness, lack of sleeping, and an uncomfortable babe. This makes you want to be held at all times and do NOT like being put down. You are a snuggler for sure.

Sleeping: Sleep is something of the past and it seems that we may know what it is for quite some time. It has lead to hazy days of pure exhaustion and hard times on mama and daddy. I cannot express how thankful I am that Oma is here this week which has allowed for some daytime napping and an early bedtime until our dreaded wakeful hours of the early morning. I will say that you are a great sleeper in the early morning and throughout the day. The hard thing is that you are typically up from 1AM-5AM. You previously loved the swing but have decided that is not longer an acceptable sleeping place. You want to be cradled in our arms or snuggled up on our chest. 

Activities & Tidbits: You love to eat and to be held. When fed and awake you are such a chill little boy. I love the way you look around. You are a very strong and determined little man. You respond to sounds and stimuli. We have enjoyed days of tummy/back time as you search around for new noises and sights (while I know you can't see too far). 

 

 

 

This week your Oma has come to visit to help your mommy and daddy with the newness of a newborn and parenting two little humans. We are so incredibly thankful to have her here. You have enjoyed snuggling with her. I have to say I know she loves this special time just as much as you do.

 

 

We went to our first Brazilian Steakhouse this week to celebrate your daddy's 32nd birthday. Our pup Mattie seems to be interested in you as she does give sweet kisses, but then quickly tries to nudge you out of the way so that she can get further attention from mommy and daddy. The dog is definitely experiencing some separation issues for sure. I love the way you hold your hands by your head and face. You will hold onto our little fingers when you are eating and pull on our shirts/clothing. 

 

Little Liam we wish you the world. This week we will sadly say good-bye to Oma and continue our little adventure as a family of four. My goal is to get you on more of a "schedule" and to have you sleep more on your own vs being held. While I do love my snuggles, we are going to get you a little more independent as well as work on your tummy issues. Sending love to our littlest. Happy 3 weeks our little Liam love.

Watch Liam Grow: Week Two

Dear Little Liam,

We absolutely adore you sweet boy. Happy two weeks to our little love. Each day we experience a newness as a family of four. Thank you for continually teaching me love, grace, and patience. I love our daily snuggles, the relationship that grows with my little loves, and seeing how God continues to use our lives to show His glory. May He continue to wrap his hands around you sweet boy, to guide our little family, and grow us in Him. Watch little Liam grow!

Number of weeks: Two Weeks  

Measurements: 7 lbs 15 oz (30%), Height 20 3/4 (62%), Head Cir 14 1/8 (53%)

Clothing: newborn clothing, zipper preferred. This week you have adorned not one but two very stylish and adorable bow ties like daddy. I love dressing you up like a little man as well as your snuggly jammies while we are at home. You are not a fan of changing your clothes or being swaddled. You would much prefer being held.

Eating: You are exclusively drinking breast milk and are a champ eater. We give you about 2-3 oz each feeding but you are always in search of more. Sadly you have had lots of gas and tummy issues this week. It has made sleeping at night next to miserable for you sweet babe. Mommy will be changing her diet to see if this can help. We also try tummy meds too to help alleviate your little belly problems, but right now we have not found an answer just yet.

Sleeping: You have a great morning and night time napping "schedule." You sleep the best from 6-9AM and take a feeding and again from 9-12. While this is not always consistent or for the entire time, you are a champ sleeper during the daytime. At night is another story. You will wake from 11-? and then typically will wake within the next hour for about 3-4 hours. Your poor little tummy issues keep you from going back to sleep. At this time all we can do is hold you or have you sleep on our chests. We have tried the swing, bouncer, bassinet, rocker, etc. While one may be hit or miss we have not found anything consistent that you prefer.
Activities & Tidbits: 
This week you turned two weeks old. Sadly we are experiencing some tummy issues and lots of gas. While you may not be a fan of the car carrier you do so very well in the car and on drives. This week you have decided to become a paci baby. I think it helps to sooth the above listed issues. When you are awake, I love looking at those blue/gray eyes of yours. You seem very observant and are a very strong little boy. When it comes to eating I feel you are very determined. You like to lay with your hands close to your face or behind your head like big sister did when she was a baby. 

Little man we love you more than words and this new adventure will take us on some highs and lows, but we are so very thankful for each and every moment that we are grown as parents and as a family of four. Happy two weeks little love.