Catching Up

So, I have slacked a bunch since October...and lots has happened for sure! Let me try to catch up...

Pumpkins!!

We had a blast with X at the pumpkin patch this year...even though he was more mesmerized by the cars whizzing by than by the huge assortment of pumpkins. Note to self: find  pumpkin patch out in the boonies next year...with fewer roadside distractions. :)

 Daddy and his Little Man

 One of those precious moments...slipped right through my fingers . He was off and running a second after this shot. ;)

 My favorite shot...

 So grown up...

The true highlight of the morning...

Watching Daddy carve...

You want me to stick my hand in where? Um...nope...not gonna happen.

Halloween 2011

Xman was Yoda this year, and he was a super Jedi. He was a bit tired and ready for bed, but who's blaming him? Yoda is really old...he needs his rest.

His costume began to fall off of him piece by piece...totally big enough to wear again.

Take me out of this costume and put me to bed, you will...Jedi mind trick...it worked. ;)

We started a garden!!

Ever since we visited Mema and PopPops in North Carolina, we've wanted to plant our own garden. We'd go out every day with Mema and pick new veggies. It was inspiring! So, we finally did it...with the help of our friend Kenny. It will be a "shared" garden. We even have a compost pile. Our neighbors throw their "decomposables" over the fence...a community garden. ;) Now, let's just hope we get veggies!

Little gardener

We've planted tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, carrots, radishes, green beans, yellow squash, romaine lettuce, spinach, jalapeno peppers, and broccoli. Fingers crossed...

Three Weeks later...

Thanksgiving

We had Thanksgiving at our house this year, and it was awesome, with the major exception of part of the family missing out due to surgery and bed rest. :( We missed Laura, Mikee, Micha, and Aunt Marge SO much. Everyone brought a dish or two or three (in my mom's case...4 dishes). :) We had a great time, and we took hardly any pics...I guess we were having too much fun. So, picture kids playing outside in the backyard, cinnamon, orange, and cloves simmering on the stove, a big happy family squeezed into a "just right fit" of a dining room, and lots of laughter. Here are a few of the kiddos having a blast. ;)

Uncle Trav and his guitar are always a big hit!

X dancing like usual...

Nani and Xman

Cousins :)

Papi and W 

Cousins :)

Cousins :)

Professor Waterfield

In January, I will begin teaching as an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University. I am super excited and nervous at the same time. It opens so many doors for me in the future. I can't wait to dive back into reading instruction, my passion and love! This time, I get to teach aspiring teachers instead of 3rd graders.

 Photo Shoot

with my amazing sister -  Claudine Bartels Photography

 

Amazing  Moments

• 4 new teeth - canines...they're like vampire teeth! 
• New words -- Nani, Elmo, Bert, Grover, (Sesame Street), teeth, Grover, car...
• Sesame Street has now joined Thomas the Train among X's favorites!
• Nature exploring every day (in our backyard)
• Constant laughter and giggles

That should do it...I need to stay on top of this life we lead...so I remember everything when my boys are older. You forget the little (but amazing) things so fast. Gotta write it all down. ;) I'm sure there will be lots of wonderful December moments. Can't wait!

Lately...

Lately, I've been having a lot of moments with X where I think, "It will never be just us again...we will never have this moment between us in the very same way." It's not a bad thing...life is about to get doubly sweet. But, when we are reading stories before a nap, and X leans his sweet tired head on my chest, I rub his little blonde curls and think about how things are going to change. I hope I handle it well. I hope I give Xavier just as much love so that he doesn't feel slighted in any way. I hope I can divide my time evenly and fairly. I have faith that it will all fall into place...I think.

Come February, we will be a family of 4!!! It is so unbelievable sometimes, and I don't know if I'm quite ready to be honest. Is that terrible to admit? I know I will love the little peanut from the first second I see him. I know our hearts will multiply and there will be enough love to go around a gazillion times. I know that I want a big family. I want X to have siblings that he can share his life with. BUT - can we just stop time for a second? How has 17 months already gone by? How has my little tiny baby X become a 1 1/2 year old walking, talking, dancing miracle? All in the blink of an eye...

I think of Ferris Bueller..."Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Best movie ever. Bueller, Bueller...Anyone?  Anyone? Ok - I digress. My point? There is no time for worry, stress, or negativity. Don't let it seep in...no matter how hard it tries - and it tries hard for sure. Focus on the amazingness of every minute...even the little mundane minutes...they are often the best ones.

I'm taking the opportunity this Advent season to savor every second, to be grateful for all of our blessings, and to prepare for the new precious addition awaiting us just over the horizon.