Well my mum left for Australia earlier this week, and we - especially Jackson - are missing her greatly. Whoever decided that having two kids under 3 was a good idea?? I attempted to venture out on my own to the Jones Center (a free/cheap place to hang out) it took far to long to get Maggie ready as she needed to nurse as soon as I got into the car - not even out the driveway yet and I'm giving Jackson his snack. By the time we got there it was already close to nap time - it took me 10 minutes to remember how to put up the stroller and I almost just went home - but we played basketball for a while and J wore off some energy - then came the mammoth meltdown - we have to leave the basket ball at the Jones center and it all turned to shit. Then Maggie needed to nurse again once we were in the car - so J screamed and cried the entire time I nursed. I spanked him for running away from me into the car park. Yesterday's trip to the Jones center went great - I was better prepared around Maggie's feeds, and Brad came to help - which was great as the elevator was out of order and no way could i get the stroller down those stairs on my own.

Brad continues to search for a great job all over the state and country - in the meantime we are so very thankful for the help from Joy with the practical things in life. My father in law, Bob has been around a bit (retired now) driving Brad to a job fair - also months ago he mentioned our locks were not adequate - someone could break in too easily - he offered to get all the locks replaced and now our family is extra safe with new locks as an early Christmas present, we are very thankful for his thoughtfulness.

I have Jackson sitting beside me begging for meatballs - he's only had an apple since getting up from a 2 hour nap and by golly i think he's hungry - I tell you I'm really picking up on awards for mother of the year.

Maggie has been smiling lots - but they were unexpected, this week the smiles are more predictable and I was able to capture one on film - she really has a huge smile and although she had smiled and laughed big for other people - for me all i was getting was the "I want boob" face. Today was my day for smiles - and I loved it - i adore babies growing up. Lots of people say they love the tiny baby stage - but I totally love it when they actually do things, and smiling is the first sign that my last little baby is on her way to being her own independent person - and I love that.

Sip and See

The Sip and See for Maggie Grace was wonderful! Many family and friends were able to come - some from far away to make the welcoming of Maggie into our family all the more special. Thank you to all who could take the time to join us - a day not to be forgotten! A big thanks to mum for all her hard work, time and effort in bringing the day together, Joy for all her fabulous cooking and help and Elizabeth for being a great hostess and bringing the most delicious dip ever!

Hostess Elizabeth (left) - here with Jen and Courtney enjoying some baby snuggles.
My dear friend Jessica came from Jonesboro with her husband and two great kids - I was thrilled they made such a huge effort just for the day - and was sad they had to leave so soon. Thankfully Jess is super crafty and was able to decifer how to make those huge decorations in no time!
Sweet spread! The almond bread was a hit - my favorite growing up - mum was worried people wouldn't know what it was - or not like it - they LOVED it although yes - they did not know what it was :)
Donna and mum

Kamryn is almost 3 here in just a month - no longer the baby girl of the family her place has been taken by Maggie Grace - she is in love with her new neice - and calls her Maggie Grace just as Jackson does. Maggie slept through almost the entire sip and see
Jen and I admiring the reason we were all here!
Hand crochet blanket by Elizabeth's mum - I also recieved a stunning quilt from Angie - a few close up snaps below..



Sara came from St Louis - with Max and Lilly in toe - we have had a blast catching up and spending some quality time together just hanging out at the house - we were so happy she came! Here she is with Myrtle tasting the Sip part of the sip and see! Yummy Hibiscus bubbly drinks!

Angie's visit from CA!

The reason for Angie's visit to AR from CA - a perfect little baby girl. Here she is sitting with Angie about a week ago.
We took the kids to fun city to burn of some energy on a dreary day - we will N e v e r be doing this again - it can be freezing and i will take them to an outdoor park. They had fun - we did not- Jackson puked before even going in - he had snot head and reflux at the same time - so the outing was off to a great start.
A much better way to kill time with kids - art projects!
Christopher LOVES baby Maggie - he is wanting to hold her every time he sees her. too cute.
but most of Angie's visit is spent having quiet snuggle time like this - my favorite picture - Maggie is just loving the attention - and I am loving having someone around to chat with! Some of the visit so far has also been a bit frantic with picture taking, unwell/unruley kids and bad weather not a great combination - it is unseasonably friggin freezing and we've had to turn on the heat already. However for the most part I am hopeful Angie is enjoying herself, Brad, Jackson, Maggie and me are so grateful and happy that she came to see us all!

Ashlyn playing ladies at the Sip and See for Maggie -
Happy to be in the same state!

Being Thankful

I am thankful for Brad's strength and positive nature, for all the love and support of our family and friends. Most of all I am thankful for the love we share as a family, Brad, Jackson, me and Miss Maggie - together we continue to find ways each day to smile and laugh. I am thankful to be a mother.
I have started pumping - and Maggie Grace took the bottle after a short period of wondering what on earth it was.
but most of the day and night is spent in this chair - nursing my baby.
Sleeping like - well - obviously a baby.
A trip to Eureka last week for fresh air, sunshine and coffee! Jackson was delighted after spending half and hour in the toy store trying to pick out a treat - he chose a harmonica - and has not stopped playing it - they had a guitar player in the square at Eureka and Jackson played his harmonica like he was a natural born musician!
Iced soy latte - my idea of a slice of heaven. (Maggie Grace is in the sling - sleeping again)
playing ice creams! Thanks Nee Nee! These have been a great toy for J - he is making double deckers and loving playing pretend.