Bucket List for Leyton

So I've been thinking of all the things I want to do for or with Leyton when he gets a little bigger. Sorta of like a bucket list. I'm sure I will be adding to this periodically because I seem to have big plans (according to Luke!).

1. Zoo--and we're not talking one zoo--no sir-ee, that would be too boring. So, we're thinking Topeka because that's where Daddy always went, Kansas City because Mommy's never been there, St. Louis because then we could make a weekend trip out of it and it's free!, Wichita with Uncle Andy & Aunt Ali and of course the grand daddy of them all--Omaha!

2. Pumpkin patches

3. College world series in Omaha--I think Daddy would actually enjoy this more than Leyt!

4. Disney--of course. What kind of a child's bucket list would this be if I didn't include Disney? Mommy & Daddy have never been either.

5. Beach. So maybe this is totally my idea, but seriously what kid doesn't love the beach?!?

6. Iowa State Fair--almost entirely dedicated to agriculture with lots of stuff for kids to do/see. Plus it would be fun to spend time with Gramma Jane & Jerry.

7. Pool in the backyard. Neither Mommy or Daddy ever had one so I think it only right that I give this opportunity for my son. And of course, Mommy would reap the benefits as well!

8. Fishing!

9. Waterparks!

10. Plant a garden

11. Playdates--okay maybe this is for Mommy & Leyt. Mommy's social life has definitely changed the last few months. I so need some socialization!

12. T-ball--here in St. Joe they can start when they are 3. Leyton will be a very young 3 year old since his birthday is in April, but I think it will still be fun in a few years!

But until he's old enough to start enjoying mommy's little bucket list, I think we will just enjoy snuggling, his play mat, swing and toys!

Growing, growing, growing

My little man is GROWING!!!! At his 2 month apt, he had doubled his birth weight and gotten 4 inches taller! No wonder we go through clothes like crazy! He "talks" up a storm--I wish I knew what he was saying! Sometimes I think he's cussing at me! :) He's sorta figured out his hands--he holds onto things now--mostly his blankets or bibs, but he also plays with his hair, clasps his hands together in front of him, sometimes holds onto toys, etc. He smiles and giggles a lot which of course mommy and daddy just LOVE!

Father's Day

Luke's first father's day. I think it was pretty good. Leyton & I had to leave in mid afternoon to go to Jeff City for meetings. My mom went along as well to keep Leyton while I was tied up. Leyton did pretty well considering it was his first time staying in a hotel. :)

Anyway, I digress. Butch, Ruth & Zack came over and we all went out to eat at Red Lobster. Luke & I love seafood. The other three not so much. Zack didn't hardly touch his shrimp, unlike Luke who chowed down on lobster & bourbon shrimp and I ate crab legs. YUM!

Anyway, here are a few pics from the day.

Reflections on Motherhood (so far...)

One word...overwhelming! I like to consider myself a very organized person. Maybe that's part of my problem with being overwhelmed. I try to plan ahead, etc and still can't seem to get caught up. I don't know how people do it with multiple kids, etc. I keep thinking this will subside, after all, it's been 2 months, but still feel like I'm drowning. Don't get me wrong--I love my son and I love being his mommy. And I want the absolute best for him which again is maybe why I feel like this.

Other random thoughts:

I never realized what the "mommy club" was. I guess that's part of it. It's such an elite club they don't even tell you about it till you're a mommy. Thank goodness for them too. I'd be lost without my other mommy friends to rely on!

I never realized a baby would attract complete strangers to approach you, ask you questions and even touch your baby. I never did this before. Maybe a smile to a cute baby here and there, but nothing like this.

The baby weight does not come off easy. 'nough said.

Being a mother is absolutely the hardest job I've ever had. It's also the best.

In the last few years I've been a real worrier. Well, it was nothing compared to now. Now, I worry about everything!

Shots!

I hate shots. I think Leyton inherited that hatred. Today were his first round of immunizations. He HATED it! And he cried and cried and cried and screamed and cried. And we had real tears everywhere. It was AWFUL. I was trying not to cry, Luke was holding him as tight as he could. What a mess! And to think we have to do it all again in 2 months. Yuck! I'm so ready to get back to my smiley, happy boy!

Life is Precious

Life is precious. Life is short...too short. All too often we get too busy with "life" that we forget to live. We forget to do the things that make us smile, laugh, love because we "need" to do the laundry, the dishes, clean house, etc. My friend Jess suffered a brain hemmorhage Monday night. She's younger than I am. She has a 3 year old and an 8 month old. She is now in the fight of her life for her life. I am so thankful for my friends, my family, my faith and my life. It is such a shame that it takes life's challenges, trials, tribulations, and tragedies to make us stop, look around and smile.

Here are a few family pics. My family...my biggest blessing.

My mom and Leyton at Olive Garden celebrating my mom's birthday

My little man and his mommy!

me, Leyton and my Gramma Alice celebrating her 86th birthday