Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Slow Down

Usually, Kiel and I put Alec down in his crib awake and let him drift off to dreamland on his own. But just recently I have come to the realization that my little baby is only going to be this little for so long. I realized that I need to soak all this up because soon enough he won't want to be held any longer. He will be a big boy. He will want to explore and adventure on his own. So, every now and again, I break all the sleep training rules, and I let my little love fall into a deep and heavenly sleep right in my arms and I let him stay there for a while... rocking him, kissing his chubby little hands, and stroking his strawberry blonde hair.
In just about a month, Alec will be one year old. ONE. A whole year of life has past by us in a blink of an eye and I find it very hard to believe that we are here already. This year has been so full of love, full of worry, and full of strength. I am so very proud of my boy for all he has become and for all that he has withstood. What a little warrior he is, and he has no idea.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Ten Things...

Ten things, across the web, that caught my eye....

Umm... I need these, especially the avocado hugger!

What a sweet little lunch tote surprise from Mom or Dad.

One solid summer bucket list.

An adorable print for a nursery or play room.

A school-house inspired dining room that hits the mark.

Little boy haircuts of 2014. The little dude in the plaid is just too much.

35 cool maternity outfits to rock the next time around.

The wall art above their bed is uhhh-mazing.

A spicy chopped salad that I could probably convince even Kiel to eat.

The most stunning entryway.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Our Summer Vacation



Family vacation was incredible. It was the first time the four of us (Oliver included) have spent more than three consecutive days together since Alec's arrival. We packed as much fun as we could into each and everyday without forgetting to slow down and relax a bit too. We had some fantastic weather and spent many of our days lounging under a canopy in the sand until nearly dinner time. Kiel and I both got some real opportunities to relax, both on our own and together. My parents were a great help with Alec, especially in the mornings, and both Kiel and I got more sleep than we had in months. Friday night couldn't have been a more awesome close to our week. Kiel and my Dad played some live music at our local beach bar and the crowd was plentiful, buzzed, and happy. It was a really fun night that couldn't have turned out any better. 

Alec absolutely loved vacation. He ate the sand, spent time with cousins and friends, took a few dips in the sea...but best of all he FINALLY learned how to crawl. Needless to say, he is getting pretty darn quick, pretty darn fast... so Kiel and I left early this morning to make sure we could finish up baby proofing once we got home! Life is good and although I am very sad for vacation to come to a close, I am definitely ready to be in the comforts of my own home and to sleep in my own big comfy bed.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Ten Things.


There are too many great actors in this for it to not be good. 

I gotta get me one of these for my post-night shift naps.

Such a cool headboard, and probably an easy DIY.

As if my coffee obsession isn't out of control enough.

Little lady style, and again.

ASOS and their easy summer style...one, two, three.

A glamourous home tour.

An anthro favorite.

A spicy meal on our summer menu.

A refreshing fourth of July treat.


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Ten Months!




Alec turned ten months old on July 1st. This past month has been one for the books. June was full of adventure. Alec is really moving about and he has begun exploring all over the house. He doesn't quite have the forward crawl mastered, but he crawls backwards, scoots, and rolls to wherever he feels the need to be. To be honest, I just don't think crawling is for him. He seems much more interested in standing on his two feet. He is becoming more and more fearless as time goes on... taking nose dives into the hardwood floor, and letting one hand fly solo while standing up. He is napping twice a day and has been sleeping through the night for some time now. Alec has never really taken to the pacifier, but he absolutely cannot sleep without his lovey (therefore, we have three angel dear blankets that we rotate through on a regular basis). We cut back to three bottles a day, morning, afternoon, and night. He has recently become obsessed with his sippy cup and takes full blown chugs of water during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These days he is loving spoonfuls of avocado, yogurt, mac and cheese, and ritz crackers. He loves red, and when he comes across a block or toy of this color, he holds on to it tightly (I literally have to pry it from his chubby little fingers). He says dada all day long, with a few ma's along the way. He has really become quite the ham. Trips to the grocery store are never dull. He smiles and babbles at complete strangers and absolutely loves any attention he can get. I have a feeling I have one little ornery boy on my hands. He's cute and boy does he know it. 

We had a cardiac follow-up yesterday and all went very well. Alec braved his EKG and echocardiogram like a champ, not shedding a single tear throughout it all. All checked out okay and the Doc is quite happy with his progress. He is growing and thriving just as he should. He is reaching all of his milestones on target and we couldn't be more relieved. A big thank you to everyone for all the support and love. We are so very grateful.