Disney World- Travel & Magic Kingdom Day 1

Get ready for {poor quality} picture overload. 

February of last year the Moore family asked us if we were interested in going to Disney World with them.  I remember it vividly, we were in Gatlinburg with my brother and his wife, we'd just had a miscarriage and Patrick asked me what he should tell them.  I was like "well, I don't know, we want to have another baby, do you really think this is a good time. tell them we'll think about it."  5 seconds later he said "I told them we wanted to go."  Well okay then.  I guess we're going to Disney.  I'm pretty sure Patrick thought I'd forget about that conversation and we'd never actually go but he was wrong.  Instead, I dove in head first.  I started reading anything I could find about planning a Disney World vacation.  We booked it 18 months out and the countdown was on.  I thought it would never get here.

We drove, it just made more sense financially for us and our kids travel pretty well. We drove half way and spent the night on the way down.  (We drove it straight through on the way home.) 

Here we are packed up and headed out.  We were all so stinking excited!

We stopped about 3 hours in so I could feed AveryAnn.  The boys got ice cream.  We got to our hotel for the night and the boys were wired.  I didn't think they'd ever get to sleep that night. 

UP bright and early for the last leg of the trip.  I didn't think we were ever going to get there.  We had several potty breaks.  The last hour was definitely the longest.

We both got texts saying our rooms were ready but they were on opposite sides of the resort.  So Jessica called and they were able to move them to right next door to us.  Our building was probably the furthest from the main building but I actually liked it because we were right next to a lake and could see the fireworks from one of the parks at night.
We unpacked the cars and got settled in, then we headed to Disney Springs to grab some food.

Going into this trip we didn't really know how Barrett would feel about riding the rides.  So when he asked to ride the carousel we were optimistic, then he chose the sensible bench seat and we all just laughed. I love this picture and his big smile up at his Daddy.

This girl was a trooper.  She rode in that stroller like a champ!

We were all nearly too excited to sleep!  Monday morning we had reservations at Chef Mickey before our day at Magic Kingdom. 

We were so excited about breakfast with Mickey.  I knew this would be the test to see how Barrett would react to the characters.  Much to my surprise, he did fantastic! 

He was not excited about the picture before our meal.

Goofy was the first character we saw and as soon as the boys caught a glimpse of him they started standing in their chairs and waving at him.  They were saying "Goofy over here", it was so funny. I was so excited that Barrett was excited to see him.  He wasn't scared at all.

I think it might have been around this time that Jessica started ugly crying.  I was so glad it wasn't me.  I knew that the emotion would catch up with me at some point during the week.  It's just so special seeing these things through your kids eyes.

Then the main man showed up.  To say Barrett was excited would be an understatement.

Even sister got in on the action.  She tried so hard to grab each character's nose.  I just loved the interaction they each had with her. 

Then Minnie showed up and the boys were smitten.  Jackson even gave her a kiss and Barrett was so funny.  He kept saying "Jackson and Minnie kissed!".

Donald Duck!  This was the only character meal we did and it was so much fun I was a little sad we didn't book any more.  I would definitely do this one again on our next visit.

We left there and headed to Magic Kingdom!

This was my first glimpse of the Castle.  I was so excited!

And this was our photopass picture of the castle.  Barrett was a little overwhelmed and didn't want his picture made.  My biggest regret will be not trying to get another picture.

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin was hands down Barrett's favorite ride.    If anyone asked him what his favorite thing was he said Buzz every time.  We probably rode it 6 times all week.  Jeremy even got the highest score so he got a sticker and a card saying he was a "Galactic Hero". 

They loved the Tomorrowland Speedway too.  Seeing Barrett's smile all week was the best thing.  There were plenty of meltdowns, but that smile made it all worth it.

Barrett loved Dumbo.  And I was shocked at how many rides AveryAnn got to ride too.  I took them both on Dumbo and then there was a little roller coaster that Barrett didn't want to ride so I rode it with Jeremy, Jessica and Jackson while Patrick took the kids on Dumbo again.  I thought he looked so cute wearing the baby.

We used a snack credit at Gaston's Tavern.  I'd read all about the cinnamon rolls.  They were good but I don't need to have one again.  It was huge.

Magic Kingdom was open late that night so we decided to head back to the room and rest up.  The boys passed out hard.
We headed back around 7:00 and people were already lined up for the Electrical parade that started at 10:00.

The crane was down so I got a few pictures of the castle.  We ate dinner and really just walked around taking in the sights. 
We were walking along and then all of a sudden the fireworks started.  Barrett is terrified of fireworks.  He starts screaming. I scooped him up and ran in the first place I saw.  Then AveryAnn started screaming.  To be honest, we were on the backside of the castle and they were pretty intense.  Even Jackson, who isn't scared of anything, wanted to go inside.
After the fireworks we went to Aladdin and rode it and then walked on Pirates and Jungle Cruise.

It was the perfect ending to the first day.

We were able to catch some of the electrical parade and then we headed to the bus stop. 

Tuesday, we headed to Epcot.

7 Months

Seven Months, I can't help but laugh at how different AveryAnn's first year is from Barrett's.  I feel like every move he made was documented.  I was a little sad when I just opened blogger to see that I haven't blogged in a whole month. I have several things I need to write about and maybe one day I'll get around to it.  I guess I'm doing good getting these monthly posts written even if the pictures are poor quality from my cell phone.

• You weigh 15lbs 6oz.  You've gained almost a whole pound this month.  Which is exactly what you needed to do.  You're now in the 25% for both height and weight now.
• You're around 26" long.
• You're still wearing mostly 6 month clothes.
• Still wearing size 3 diapers and going through 5-6 each day.

• You sleep 10-12 hours at night.  I'm waking you up a little earlier so we can get an extra feeding in each day. 
• You take two good naps during the day and a little cap nap in the evenings.
• You're sitting up so well.  Barrett loves to sit with you and play.  It's really sweet.
• You're rolling both ways.  You aren't crawling but you can get around scooting.  I heard you crying the other day and Barrett said you were under the coffee table and sure enough you'd gotten yourself stuck.

• You're still mostly breastfed.  You got several bottles of formula while we were on vacation because nursing you in public is a nightmare because you are so distracted.  You took it like a champ and I'm pretty sure that's why you've gained so much weight.  But you also woke up at night to nurse so I'm pretty sure you still need me.
• You nurse every 3.5-4 hours during the day and take in 4-5 ounces.
• We started cereal this week and you've done so great.  I'm thinking we might skip right over purees because you want to feed yourself.

• You are still very much a thumb sucker but only prefer the left one.
• Your hair is still dark but it's not quite as wild as it has been.
• Your eyes are still blue.
• We were looking at your daddy's baby pictures and you look so much like him.

We have had so much fun this month.  You are sitting up like a champ and this is my favorite stage.  You're laughing so much and so easy going.  We went to Disney World for a week and you had a blast.  You got to ride so many rides and sit in Mickey Mouse's lap.  People thought we were crazy for taking you but I'm so glad we did.  We made so many memories with our little family and it was so special.  We can't wait to take you back.  By the time your brother was 7 months old I already had his birthday party planned.  I haven't really even thought about it for you.  I guess I'm in denial that time is passing so quickly.  We love you so much and can't wait to see what's in store for this month.

Six Months

AveryAnn, you are six months old today.  It literally feels like last month I was sitting in that hospital room holding a (not so tiny) newborn, yet here we are half a year later.  You're developing quite the personality and love to laugh and giggle. 

• You weigh 14lbs 9 oz.   This means you haven't gained any weight since your 4 month check up and that isn't typical.  Dr. Farr wants us to see Lactation so they can weigh you before and after a feeding to make sure you're eating enough.  We go back to see him in a couple of weeks to make sure we're back on track.
• You measured 25"in length.
• You're still wearing mostly 6 month clothes (obviously since you haven't grown any).
• Size 3 diapers, you go through 5-8 each day.

These pictures are hilarious to me.

• You sleep 12 hours at night.  Most nights I rock you for a minute and then lay you in your crib and you go straight to sleep. 
• You usually take two good naps and one cat nap each day.  You sleep around 2 hours in the morning and 1.5 in the afternoon and then a little cat nap before dinner.
• You are the best sleeper.
• You're sitting up for a few seconds at a time.  I think by 7 months you'll be sitting up all the time.
  • You spent you first night away this month.  You stayed with Grandmama and Grandaddy and did great!
  
  

• You're still exclusively breastfed.  We might be changing this up depending on what happens at lactation.
• You've tried cereal but weren't a huge fan.  We haven't pushed it.  Plus Dr. Farr said he would rather your calories come from breastmilk right now.
• You nurse every 4 hours for 15-20 minutes.
• You take 5-6 ounces when you take a bottle.

• You're still a thumb sucker.
• You like having your bunny too.
• You're talking and laughing all the time.
• Your hair is still wild and dark.
• Eyes are still blue.

We love you so much!  You are the sweetest, snuggliest, happiest baby.  You love to be held and snuggle but you are also content to play on the floor.  You are a joy to be around.  We all take turns making you laugh.  Happy half birthday!  I hope time slows down a bit for these next six months.

First Day of 3K

Tuesday, Barrett started 3K at a new school.  He was excited and a little nervous.  I knew he would be ok once he got there and saw his friends but all the way there he kept saying "don't drop me off Mommy."  It broke my heart.  Also this is the first time he's going all day. 

All smiles before we left the house. 

Love that sweet cheese face.

Luckily, We saw Cruz just as we walked in and then Jackson so he had his buddies.  He walked right in his classroom and I took off so that he would hopefully be ok. 
I should have finished this post Tuesday because it has been down hill from there...
When I picked him up they said he had a hard time falling asleep for naptime but he did eventually fall asleep and did good.  Well, Cruz told his mommy that Barrett cried and cried at naptime.  I had forgotten to tell them that his bear was in his backpack and he was upset because he didn't have it.  He seemed like he enjoyed his day.  Wednesday morning he tells me he doesn't want to go to school.  All the way there he tells be not to drop him off.  We see Jessica and Jackson in the parking lot and walk in together and he seems fine until we get to his classroom and they have to peel him off of me. 
I pick him up and they said he did better at naptime and had a good day.  He is so happy when I pick him up but he's already telling me he doesn't want to go back.  Last night he would not go to sleep because he was so worried about going to school.  He finally went to sleep around 11:00 and he got up and got dressed but cried the whole morning.  We run into Jessica and Jackson in the parking lot again and walk in together.  Jackson gets right in line with his class and Barrett loses it.  Since Jackson is fine and gets right in line, Jessica takes the baby back to my car while I drag Barrett to his classroom.  The teacher once again peels him off of me as he's screaming.  I quickly walked away.  Today, I too am bawling.  It was awful.  I could hear him screaming down the hall "don't leave me!"  Several of the sweet teachers and friends stopped to hug me and tell me he's just fine.  It's all normal and he does great once he calms down.  But it still kills me to leave him so upset.  They said it usually takes kids 2 or 3 weeks before its better.  That's 6 more drop offs.  I'm not looking forward to it but I'm trying to keep my anxieties in check so he doesn't feed off me.  I want to encourage him to go out and not be afraid.   I want him to love school and be okay when I leave him where I know he's safe and he's going to have fun.  It's preschool, not prison. 

Last Day of Mother's Day Out

Yesterday was Barrett's last day of Mother's Day Out and I was more sad than I was the very first time I dropped him off.  We love all the sweet teachers there so much!  Barrett has made some sweet friends and I couldn't be more thankful for everything he learned.  He was 20 months old when he started and he didn't say anything.  He might have said "Hey" but that was it.  His vocabulary is amazing now.  He talks all the time.  I've been so encouraged by his teachers.  They have always been so kind and helpful.  When we started potty training (post coming) they were so ready and willing to help us succeed.  I just can't say enough great things about them. 

His first day just two short years ago.  I miss that sweet chubby face so much.

Imagine this sign says "Last Day MDO, 8/10/16"

That bed head is something else.  Also he gets suckers for pooping in the potty.  We don't usually do candy for breakfast.

Last years first day, he was sick and missed but we still had to take his picture.

His first day. I should probably note that this was actually the second week because he was sick the first week.

He's headed to a new school next week for 3K.  He'll be going 3 full days each week.  I'm excited and sad all at the same time.  It's so true, "the days are long but the years are short."  I feel like I blinked and two years passed.

5 Months

Five months old.  We're just cruising right along, the months just flying by.  I know the last half of the year will fly by and you'll be a year old before we know it.  I remember feeling the same guilt around this time with Barrett, that I didn't hold you enough and I regretted that I blinked and you are no longer a newborn.  This time around I've had the added guilt of trying to split my time between you and your brother.  I've said all along that splitting my time is the hardest thing about having two kids (well, that and getting everyone in and out of the car.)  Luckily you just go with the flow and don't seem to mind.  You get lots of cuddles too.  I've started letting myself just relax when we get home from work and I just hold you.  You usually take a nap but sometimes you don't.  I love that time of day.  You are the sweetest baby.  I know I say that every month but you really are.  You love your brother so much, you smile and laugh at him and your dad all the time.  You are definitely a Mama's girl and I'm perfectly okay with that!

• You weighed 14.8llbs on the shipping scale at work.  You've haven't grown much this month and now I'm worried that all the clothes I've bought for Fall and Winter are going to be to big.
• You are 26" long counting your hair.  This is not entirely accurate but it was the best I could get. 
• You're still wearing size 6 months sleepers and 6 month dressy outfits.  We still wear the occasional 3-6 outfit (usually two pieces) and even a few 9m.
• Size 3 diapers and you go through 5-6 per day. 

• You sleep 12 hours at night in your crib!  It is amazing.  I was looking at Barrett's baby book and I don't think he did this until 7 or 8 months.  You are a champion sleeper.
• You usually take a 1.5 hour nap in the morning and again in the afternoon and then another little cap nap before dinner. You usually just put yourself to sleep where ever you are.
• You've been a little fussier at night when I try to put you down but most of the time we are able to just lay you in your crib and you go to sleep.
• In the morning when you wake up you make the sweetest sounds and you're always so happy to see me.

• You are still only taking breast milk.
• We'll start food next month probably unless we think you're ready sooner.  Right now you don't seem interested.
• You nurse every 4 hours for 15-20 minutes.  You take 5-6 ounces when you take a bottle.

• You're rolling back to front.  You started that the day after you turned four months.
• You like sitting up in your bumbo seat. 
• You still very much suck your thumb and like your bunny.
• You are squealing and talking more and more.  You love interacting with us.
• Your smile is the best.  You will smile with your whole body sometimes.
• You also are starting to really belly laugh. You've only done it a few times but it is the best.

• We celebrated your first 4th of July and you loved the fireworks. 
• Your hair is still dark and as you can see wild. 
• Your eyes are still blue.

You have been such a joy to all of us.  Its so hard not to smile when you're around.  I find myself wanting to freeze time and daydreaming about the future all at the same time. You are just so sweet and happy.  We love you so much!