Baby, It’s Cold INSIDE!

 On Christmas Eve morning, we braved the cold Texas winter to head to an even colder place…a 9 degree icy wonderland at the Gaylord Texan. Back in 2003, Matt and I took our families to the Ice and really enjoyed it…so, we knew that with a little guy in tow, and the Grinch as the main attraction, it would not disappoint. …And, we were right!!! We bundled up in our lovely blue parkas and had too much fun looking at all of the amazingness. Quinn was in awe…and he was cold…but never complained. It was obvious that getting too close to the Grinch was not his favorite part, but he loved all of the music, bright colors and the slide, of course. It was a fun Christmas memory…one that Quinn will talk about for a long time!          

The craziest part about the slide was the surprise that the spectators (Mammer, Slickpaw and I) got at the bottom! We couldn’t believe our eyes when Quinn was on one side and Matt was on the other. Apparently, they won’t let you go together… so down the slide our little man went…all by himself!!! And, despite the terror in his eyes, he immediately got up and said…”I DID IT ALL BY MYSELF!!!” So proud. So cute!          Quinn was also SO proud of the Grinch ornament that he picked out in the gift shop. He didn’t want to put it down! When we exited the Ice, we were SHOCKED to see sheets of snow coming down outside! It was beautiful. So, we decided to warm up for a bit at the Gaylord. We had a yummy lunch and enjoyed all of the beautiful decorations there. A place to go back, FOR SURE! …    

Luck?!

While you all sit on pins and needles awaiting the millions of Christmas posts, (ha) I thought I'd share a fun little fact with you!!! I WON a giveaway...for BABY GIRL SHOES!! Luck? I'm not sure! I'm pretty sure I don't believe in luck!... And, considering the sex of our baby has already been determined, it's silly to think that this is luck, but it sure does seem like a fun thought! We'll see!!! And, if this sweet baby IS a girl, she's got a cute pair of shoes waiting for her!!!

Thank you, Fabulous K, for the fun prize!!! I'm so excited!!!
P.S. Quinn is CONVINCED that it's a girl in my tummy. He talks about HER toys, HER room, etc. Even though he still often says it's a baby brother in my tummy, he thinks it's a girl! ...Regardless, he's going to make such a precious big brother!

Merry Christmas! Love, ThePoeFam 3 1/2

 

Prouder than Proud!

About a month ago, my little man was so proud of his very first “all my myself” Q when we were eating at a restaurant in Abilene. But, that Q quickly got covered up by many other Q’s and circles and we were unable to capture his brilliant letter. Since then, he has written many Q’s, but the same story often unfolds…more Q’s, more circles, and more scribbles cover up the masterpiece. But, yesterday, after he wrote a “perfect” Q, I stopped him and took a picture before he could do much more!!! Isn’t it brilliant? This momma is proud, to say the least! …Now it’s time to work on the u, i and n! :)

Dear {end of} First Trimester,

Dear {end of} First Trimester,

Maybe I could say that we’re starting to become friends. Thankfully, you are starting to treat me better. You decide to sneak up and attack in the evenings, but my days are getting closer to normal. Granted, I’m still SUPER tired, and the “rubber band trick” is a must on MOST of my jeans, but I’ll take that over the yucky tummy!

Somehow you have given me MORE ridiculous cravings. I had very few with Quinn, so these make me laugh…

1. Still Subway….MMM MMM! I walk in, smell the familiar smell, and can hardly wait. I love the turkey with LOTS of veggies, salt, pepper, oil and vinegar. And, I love to dip it in their Chipotle Ranch sauce.

2. Strawberry Soda….my love for it is BACK! I loved it with Quinn and often find myself HAVING to have it. Matt has already made special stops for me because the restaurant he grabbed food at didn't have it. What a good husband. Wanna Fanta!? I DO!

3. Whataburger’s chicken strips WITH their honey mustard…if you don’t have the honey mustard, I don’t want it! It’s SOOOO good! 4. Beer Salt…yep, you probably bought it as a kid in little packets at the convenient store. I have this bottle and pour it into my hand and lick! Between this and my growing love for pickles, I think I have my salt intake covered!

Funny, right!?

Today, we went to the doctor and they reminded me that I’m almost DONE with you! Even though I can’t imagine NOT being aware of that, it was music to my ears. Because of you, our sweet baby had a SUPER loud heartbeat and everything looked great. Other than that, the greatest news was that I have only gained 1 pound! So, I guess I won’t talk too badly about you!

So, as I experience my last week and a half with you, I ask that you’ll continue to show me mercy and keep growing that baby as perfectly as you have been! (with the help of God, of course!) …I look forward to saing cest la vie until the next time I decide to welcome you into my world again! :)

Your {almost} friend,

Brittney

Just Like Handy Manny

Despite a yucky allergy face, Q and I anxiously headed to Lowe’s on Saturday morning for our first “Build and Grow” experience. When we got there, we followed the hammering noises to the work station. The men handed us our kit and we got busy! …Quinn proudly wore his goggles as we followed instructions and hammered away! After 45 minutes, I had a very excited little guy that couldn’t wait to show off his new Treat Keeper. When he took his finished product to the desk, he got a certificate, an apron and his first patch!!! SO CUTE! He wore his apron all afternoon and continues to wear his goggles MOST of the time!!! And, he now has the PERFECT Christmas gift for Kia & Krozby. He told Kia all about it already, but hopefully she’ll forget…and I’m sure the treats in it on Christmas morning will make up for the spoiled surprise! … And, we can’t wait to go back next month. What a precious program…what a fun memory!…and, the best part!?..it was FREE!

TAAAA DAAAAAAA…. And, all of his loot…minus the goggles…because he’s wearing them! :)

You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ –Acts 20:25

This year at playgroup, amidst all of the YUMMY treats, fun chatting (that has been LONG overdue…I hadn’t seen all these friends since BEFORE I found out I was preggo) and Annie’s beautiful home, we all wanted to teach our boys that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive. So, instead of adding to their endless mounds of toys, we decided to give to others this Christmas. The boys NEVER missed our gift exchange and I loved that Q and I got to talk about sweet Walker and the others at the children’s hospital that we were able to shop for. …I am thankful that all of these sweet moms have a heart that want to give, and that we all want to teach our boys this important message. I think it’s rare! …So, Merry Christmas from our playgroup…and, may their little giving spirits inspire you to give as well!

 

The Golden Girls said it best…

Thank you for being a friend
Traveled down the road and back again

 
Your heart is true you're a pal and a confidant

I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way

My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow

And if you threw a party
Invited everyone you knew
You would see, the biggest gift would be from me

and the card attached would say,
Thank you for being a friend

If it's a car you lack
I'd surely buy you a Cadillac

Whatever you need, anytime of the day or night
I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way

And when we both get older
With walking canes and hair of gray
Have no fear, even though it's hard to hear
I will stand real close and say,

Thank you for being a friend!
 

Our photographer did an amazing job at capturing our sweet playgroup…and, trust me, that’s not an easy task. With 8 two year old boys and 8 mommas, it could have been a disaster, but the evening proved to be one of my favorite playgroup memories. What a sweet friendship we and these boys share…rare, for sure! … And, crazy enough, I found out I was pregnant the morning after these pictures were taken. So, the picture of Quinn and I (which I LOVE), will forever be a priceless one. The last one we have when he was my only child. How I love him!