Olivia's Nursery!!

The nursery is finally set up! I am so pleased with it. Devin picked out the yellow for the walls and at first I was afraid it would be too bright, but with the antique white furniture, it is perfect! These pics do not do it justice. We have been in our house since 2002 and never done anything to the spare room. It had Apollo’s box, our computer and a weight bench and then became “storage” for anything basically I did not feel like putting away properly. It took lots of work and sorting to clean it out but it is like a brand new place now. When Devin was spackling some holes, Aikman would go behind him with this little square toy he got in a kid’s meal and wipe the wall with it like he was doing it too. He likes to tell you to “watch” as he does stuff. I was told several times watch momma! All I did was sit on the floor or in a chair and tape the baseboards. Poor Devin did everything. We did laugh really hard when we saw on one of the walls measurements of Devin’s, mine and Gigi’s heights. I really don’t remember us doing that lol but Devin was 5’ 9”, my mom was 5’ 4” and mine showed 5’ 0”. I know we are all taller than that so it must have been shortly after we bought the house. We also bought a new ceiling fan and he put it up. When he was putting it together, Monks grabbed a screwdriver laying on the floor and just went over to him to help screw the blades together. It was the cutest thing ever (and my monkey is constantly doing precious things) He was the greatest little helper and if I asked for something he would tell me “es for Daddy” and take it to Devin. Excuse me. J He stood at the bottom of Devin’s ladder and if he dropped a screw he was on it and would get it and give it to him. I love how he says here go when he gives you something. He even carried each fan blade to Devin to put up. He is also very good at picking up trash and when we put up the new blinds he would gather all the plastic wrapping and put it in the trash for us. We played with the painter’s tape and the wand things from the old blinds. When it was time to paint we had to put Monks in his highchair so he would not be free to roam in the room. He played with his cars for quite a while and when I got him out to feed him dinner, we shut the door to the room and left Devin in there. Monks banged on that door until his dinner was ready. All he wanted was to be with his daddy. It was very hard to explain to him why he could not go in there and when he would bang on the door he would yell open daddy, peas! He could not see why his “please” was not working. Poor guy. We got the changing table/dresser combo, the crib, the rocking chair/recliner, Gigi’s mirrored chest and the swing and bouncy chair in there. The bedding will be here by the 1^st of July and I can’t wait!! We will start looking for décor to go on walls and then we will be finished. We also ordered some signs for the walls from Kid’s Village. Devin picked one that said “All God’s Grace In One Sweet Little Face” and I picked “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” because it reminded me of my mom, as she loved the Wizard of Oz and it just went. I can’t wait to see it with all the bedding and the décor. Monks sure is proud of the room. He will gather up some cars and take them to play in there. He loves to be in her room. He will be the sweetest big brother ever.



Some priming

Helping Daddy with fan

He just grabbed this blade and went and sat down





Locked up so he doesn't get in paint



Fan. I should have turned it off. Lol We joke with green painter's tape it looked like Packer colors lol



Her crib!



Dancing

Giant boy still sits in this swing

I am hoping to find some black curtains or something with polka dots and we are still torn between two things for above her crib. It is all coming together though and I just love it!

Busy Little Bees

We had a great long weekend! It was very busy and we worked so hard but we were productive and still got to be together so that is all that mattered to me. We registered for Olivia at Target, hit up a baby sale at Kid’s Village, met with a man who will redo our bathroom June 14^th to pick our tiles and flooring, met with an agent about life insurance quotes, cleaned out the guest bedroom for the nursery, took lots of stuff to storage, bought all the paint and supplies to do Olivia’s nursery and we finished it Saturday night, cleaned out Monk’s closet and changed his room up a little, cleaned, had everyone over Sunday and grilled and hung out, took some pretty red and white flowers to Gigi, and swam with Monks in the 108 degree weather!! I am so not looking forward to the next few months and the temperatures. L

I was so afraid with Devin in school none of that would get done so I feel a huge relief it is finished. I am sad he had to work so hard on his few days off, but he was very excited and loves to do stuff for us plus had the best helper in Monks. That boy followed his daddy everywhere! Whatever he did, he wanted to do. He would wait at the bottom of the ladder in case Devin dropped something to be able to pick it up. He helped us a lot in the nursery and just in cleaning stuff up in general.

I have also been so emotional lately. My monkey is growing up and about to be two and our little girl will be here in about 8 weeks. Plus, it is the most difficult thing to feel so happy and so much excitement about all this and the changes, but still feel heartbroken and devastated Gigi is not here to help me, be with me, share it with me. Monks did yell bye Gigi when we drove off from the cemetery which was very sweet.

Fun Filled Weekend Ahead!

I am so excited for this weekend!! First, let me say Devin is out of class tonight, Saturday and Monday! Plus, he took off Sunday night so we have a nice long weekend all together! Ahhh, heaven. Today I am getting off at 11 and he is picking me up and we will eat lunch and then we are heading to register for our sweet baby girl Olivia! I can't wait. We are also going to get all the stuff for her room to be worked on Saturday. We got the furniture last weekend so I can't wait. We also have a lot of stuff to take to storage so this afternoon and tomorrow will be work days but then Sunday everyone is off so we are all getting together to grill and hang out. Like I said it has been Easter since we have ALL been together. It will be so nice. Monday will be a family day and just hanging out all together. Be ready come Tuesday for several stories, updates and lots of pictures!

There Ain't No Bugs On Me!

Monks is my little hero! He killed his first bug for me. Lol I hate any type of bug from the most disgusting spider to super creepy butterflies. Yuck. He has this book on colors and we have been looking at it after baths and there is a picture of a black beetle in it. When he saw it for the first time he said what’s that and I said eww, a bug! So each time he opens that book he goes straight to that page and says eww momma, a bug! Anytime we see a bug on TV or in books now he says eww, bug or yucky bug and makes a grossed out face. When we walked out of the house this morning, there happened to be three roly polys walking on the sidewalk. They immediately caught his eye and he said momma! A bug, eww! And I said  yep, those are bugs and as he stepped off the porch he kind of squatted to look at them. I said gross! And he stepped on it. Twice. He is learning!

Riding In Cars With Boys

Last night Tio and Tia came over and brought pizza. We ate with them and then I had to run to United to get some stuff for a potluck Devin was having that night at work. I also got us dessert. J Tio went to move his car since he had parked behind me and Aikman just started crying and got so upset he thought Tio was leaving. I mean I am standing there with my keys too but he was not concerned with that lol Just his uncle. So when he dropped to the ground to cry Tio picked him up and said okay come with me to move the car and he stopped his tears. I wish I had video of Aikman’s face when Tio set him in the front seat next to him. He was just smiling and clapping. I stood right in front of his car and could see Monk’s head. I saw more of that wild hair that needs to be cut but I could still see him. He was so excited and happy! Tio went and got in and began to back out and I heard Monks yell I’m something something in car!! I could not make out his middle words but I am sure he was happy. They backed out and pulled right by the curb and then stopped. I then left to go to the store. I asked him later what happened as they parked and he said Aikman just talked and talked and then when they stopped he said he looked at him like that’s it? that’s all we’re driving? So when he went to get him out he said he stared for a minute at him and then finally reached to be picked up lol While I was at the store Tia sent me a text of Aikman sitting between Tio’s legs on the floor getting his head rubbed/scratched. They said he sat there for about 15 minutes and when he would stop or pause Monks would push his head up under his hand more. Someone was getting sleepy! I got home and gave him a bath and then told him to tell Tio and Tia good night. He went and hugged Tia first and bounced on her a little and said his good nights and when he went to Tio, he sat right on his stomach and pulled his legs up and laid on his chest and hugged him. It was so sweet. He did say I love you a few times which is the sweetest thing to hear him say now and I had to take him from Tio because he was very comfy with his head turned sideways and eyes heavy. He went right to sleep when I put him in his bed.

Crazy Boy!

Last night we went to the grocery store and he asked me about everything in that store. He said he wanted tomatoes so we got some and he chose strawberries over bananas. We then went to get lunch meat and when I put it in the basket, he reached behind him and set the two little tubs by him in the seat part. I said are you protecting our meat and he smiled and patted them. He did see a baby in a basket and got so happy and pointed and said a baby momma! A baby! He also saw this center rack with cupcakes and cookie trays for graduation and he pointed and said what’s that and I told him and then he said I want it! I laughed but told him we already got some fruit. He helped me pick chips and juice and when I was getting cream cheese he saw all the shredded cheese and yelled cheese! He loves cheese now, he did not start eating it until a few months ago. When Devin picks him up from the sitters and they get home he said he walks straight to the fridge for his juice and cheese. He loves string cheese. Anyway, we finished our shopping and headed home and I got him out of the car first and told him to wait for me and went around to get the groceries out and when I came around the car I did not see him and I looked up and he was standing on the front porch by the door leaning against the house just smiling. He is very good at holding the door for you. We went in and he started to play with his cars as I put stuff away and started dinner. We then sat down to eat and watch the Idol finale. After dinner he got down to play and was sitting on the couch with the pillows and he put this long pillow on his head and balanced it and said watch momma, my hat! So silly. We then went to take a bath. I went to start the water and called him to come in there. I did not hear anything. I started to fill it up and called him again, no response that I could hear. I was just about to get up to get him and turned and he was right by me seriously in my face just staring at me. It surprised me and I gasped and he laughed so hard. It was like he was trying to scare me. He was really inches from me. After the bath he looked in the mirror and said who’s that and I said who is that monkey and he said Ain-men. He is starting to say it better and better and then I said that is Aikman and then he said no and so I said that’s not Aikman, then who is it and he said it’s Carter! I said um, who is Carter and he laughed really hard. Seriously I have no clue who or what that is lol but it was funny. We got ready for bed, watched more Idol, and read a book on commercial and then it was bedtime. He went right to sleep.

Growing Too Fast

Aikman has really started to show his personality. He likes to be silly and make people laugh and he is at that stage where he asks you a billion questions a day and repeats a lot of what you say and is figuring things out. It is a very fun stage but he also likes to test things, like his own limits and that can be scary. He likes to jump on pillows when they are on the floor and has hit his mouth several times on the floor or stands on things and crawls on things he shouldn’t, like his Buzz car, boxes or tubs. He is my little daredevil and I love him exploring but it also gives me a heart attack sometimes. Devin is right though, I have noticed when he falls if you just say uh-oh and laugh it off, he does too; when I gasp and run over he will get upset but I know it’s because I scare him. Unless there is blood, I have learned not to overreact. J

Sweetness

Last night Monks was sitting on the couch playing under some pillows and he stopped and grabbed his foot and said ow, it hurts. I said what happened and he said it hurts and was holding his foot. I looked at it and said I don’t see anything and kissed it repeatedly and then said are you okay and he said I okay, I okay.

Pool Fun

Sunday for breakfast we went and ate cinnamon rolls at Cinnabon. We left there about 10:30 and headed to the little Farmer’s Market and then home. It was already 92 degrees at 11:00 in the morning!! I put on shorts and we decided to play in the back with Apollo. Devin rinsed out the pool and set it up and gave Monks the hose. He had the best time spraying Apollo and giving him drinks. He then just stepped in the pool and Devin and I sat on the outside with our feet in the water. Aikman must have been hot because that water was kind of cool coming out and he just turned the hose on himself and played in it. It was so sweet to watch. We were just laughing with him and then all of a sudden he turned the hose on me! The more I laughed and screamed the harder he squirted. (He knows how to put his finger in the hose to make it spray more) After I was soaked, I said get Daddy and he turned the hose and put it right in Devin’s lap. Too cute. Devin then jumped in the pool with him and they were splashing around. Of course then Apollo tried to get in. Daddy, monkey and furry brother all together. I would have gone to get the camera but was all wet. We then heard our back door open and out walked Pete and Phil. They had gotten off early and came by to see us (mainly Monks but I say us J) Devin had not seen them since Easter. Sad huh? We all talked and Monks hugged them repeatedly and then after about thirty minutes we went inside and they left to go to the store. It was lunchtime and then naptime. I love every minute with Devin and Aikman.

Funny Monks Moments

I know this is ugly but it really made Devin and I laugh because he was being silly. Monks was standing by the ottoman and pushed and a toot came out and I said are you going poop and he said huh and I said are you going poop and he touched his diaper in the front and said ahhh poop and then put his hand in his mouth and then laughed really hard. What is that??

I opened the fridge to get something out and Aikman saw some plums sitting on the shelf. He said what’s that? And I said those are plums. He said balls? I said no, plums. (everything round is a ball) I then poured his milk and went to put it back in the fridge. When I turned around I saw his arm pull back and I looked for a second and then saw a bite taken out of one of the plums on the shelf. I couldn’t help but laugh and he smiled and then I said monkey as I shook my head and then he began to chew and walk out of the kitchen. Crazy boy.

We were coming home from this little Farmer’s Market and Aikman had his cup in his car seat and he dropped it and when he did he yelled “oh no” and put his hands on his face like he was just devastated. Devin and I laughed and I said what happened and he pointed and said my cup. I said its okay, we can get it in a second and he just looked at me with the most serious little face.

Where's Daddy?

Friday night Tio and Tia came over to hang out with us. We ordered Tai food and Tia and I went to pick it up. When we came back Tio told me that Aikman had been sitting on the floor playing with his cars and kept saying momma over and over and so Tio told him she is not here. Somehow Devin was mentioned and Tio asked him where is daddy and Monks said “in cass”. Such a smart boy! Devin was in class. He said it was so funny how he answered him like that and said you are right! He is in class.

Sick Monkey

Thursday morning I dropped off Monks at the sitters and he was just as happy as could be. I came to work and received a call at 9:17 from the sitter that Monks was throwing up! She said he had a low fever and was just not feeling well. I shut down my computer while I was still on the phone and grabbed my stuff, found Lieutenant, told him and was out the door. When I walked in she was rocking him in the living room and he was just in a diaper. His little eyes were red and puffy and he looked so sad. Heartbreaking! I took him and we went home. He whined on the way home and when I went to set him down started screaming. I picked him up and started to rock him in his room. He was burning up but I knew if I gave Tylenol or Motrin he would just throw up so I did not. He was asleep on me within ten minutes. I called the doctor while I held him and she told me to be there at 11:30! I set my alarm for 11 and just sat in his room holding him. I had to wake him up to get him dressed and got his bag together. He woke up Devin screaming when I had to set him down to get his stuff so Devin held him while I told him everything and then we left. I had to hold him the whole time at the doctor’s and he just looked so pitiful. He was so hot too and would nestle his little head in my neck and I was sweating! Lol He slept in the waiting room and in the actual hospital room on me and just laid on the table when the doctor came in to examine him. He had an ear infection in his left ear but the right looked perfect he said and so did his throat. Dr. Steadman said since he had thrown up that morning it would be pointless to give an antibiotic that day because he would more than likely not keep it down so he said we would do a shot right then and start the medicine Friday. Sounded like a plan to me. The nurse came in with the shot and normally he will not cry with one, he may make a noise or his eyes get big but never a cry. He screamed for nearly five minutes. It took all I had to soothe him and calm him down. Even she said he must be feeling bad because that was not like him. We then went home and I got him some juice and rocked him and he slept on me for about three hours. Anytime I tried to put him down he would scream. He would only eat four slices of an orange and drink his juice. I rocked him more and at 8 he was out so I put him to bed. He slept until 9:30 and then woke up screaming and was burning up. I tried the Tylenol and of course was thrown up on. We went to a cool bath and he just sat there. I rubbed his back and he started to play with some toys but would not move much. I then got him out, put on a shirt and gave him juice and he laid right back down. He woke up at 2, 4 and 5:30. Each time it took me about forty minutes to rock him and be able to lay him down. At 6, I knew my alarm would go off in twenty minutes so we just headed back to my bed and in that big bed of ours, he stuck his head right in my neck, I was literally looking straight up as he got comfortable and he put his arm across my chest and held my shirt in his hand. We both fell asleep. When I had to get up to shower, I debated what to do with him so I thought I will just turn on cartoons and he can lay in the bed and if he happens to get up, he knows I am in the bathroom. I returned from the shower about ten minutes later to find him sitting against the pillows and the headboard and he had my body pillow across his lap and his hands resting on it with his juice cup. He smiled and said hi momma! He played on the bed the whole time I got ready and watched TV. Someone was definitely feeling better! Devin came home and Monks was very excited to be staying home with Daddy!

Fun Night With The Uncles

Wednesday night Pete and Phil came over. We had not seen them in a week, they are constantly working! They were super sweet and brought Monks and I Alfredo’s for dinner and we watched Idol and they played with him. It was funny because he acted very shy at first when they came in. He would smile but not talk. He warmed up mid meal some and then after dinner he would not leave them alone lol He even cried when I put him to bed and they left. He likes to jump on them and play rough. He laughed hysterically when Pete was bench pressing him and when Phil would bounce him high on his legs as he sat in the recliner. He did tell Phil sorry which was very sweet when he hit him in the face accidentally. He also has this voice he does where he goes really deep and raspy and kind of growls and we call it his monster voice. He is so silly when he does it. They of course were laughing so hard at him so he kept doing it. He also was standing on Pete’s legs and holding his hands and I am not sure what exactly they were doing but Monks told Pete “Ready??” and he would tell Phil to “watch” He has the funniest little personality. He also yelled out itchy once and then when we would laugh he of course would laugh. The sweetest moment of the night was when Phil’s hat was on the ottoman along with Aikman’s dirty shirt he wore during the day. Monks kept looking at the hat and asked who’s is that? I told him it was Phil’s and he kept leaning closer and closer to it. I know he wanted to grab it so bad and would just look at us and then Phil said put it on so he immediately grabbed it and put it on. He looked so cute in a black flat billed hat and after a few minutes he said I want it. I laughed and said well you can’t have it, it’s Phil’s hat and he looked at Phil and then grabbed that dirty shirt off the ottoman and handed it to him and said peas. He was trying to trade! A dirty little shirt for a nice hat! It was hilarious.

Pool Buddies

It was so hot one Saturday so Devin set up his little pool. He was having lots of fun splashing in it and then he would go push his truck around the yard and then hop back in. Apparently someone else was hot too and his furry brother had to join him. I honestly think Monks has so much more fun when he is with him in the pool.




My red faced boy. He gets just like his momma when he gets hot.



Look at that pure clean water.....



Furry brother!

Make yourself comfortable Apollo!



Random Pics

Just because he is toooo cute!




Ravioli Night! But look how white the teeth are lol





Yum! Watermelon



Park Time

Sunday we went to the park and as soon as we were walking through the little arch this boy came up to us with a small frog, about the size of Aikman’s hand. He showed it to Devin and he commented on it and I kept my distance and then he showed it to Monks. Monks looked at it and immediately grabbed it and was holding it in his fist. We both immediately were like no monkey, be easy and the little boy kind of looked like um, and I was NOT about to open his hand so Devin had to ask him for it and give it back to the kid. We apologized but it made me laugh. No harm done.

We played for about an hour on everything. It was so nice out, kind of overcast so not super sunny and there was a slight wind and it felt great.  He loves those little springy horses and rocks so fast. He also loved the swings and when he was in it I told him to let go and do no hands and he put his arms straight out and looked up and would scream lol I don’t know if it tickled his stomach or what but his scream was priceless. We laughed so hard. He kind of made a hulk face too like he was pushing through the tickle. He chased Devin all around the playground and up all the steps. He is getting so good at climbing them and keeping his balance across the bridges and bouncy parts. He will go down the big slides by himself but only in a tunnel one with Devin. We all took turns going down the slide and I was the last one and Devin and Monks waited at the bottom and Devin said cheer for mommy and Monks said go momma! He is so funny. As I went down he said wee just like we do to him. The park was by the Zoo and so is the airport so we saw three planes fly by and they were pretty close and he would get so excited and yell for the plane. He says airplane pretty well and would yell it over and over and point and say look momma uhrr-payne! As it flew out of sight he would tell it bye. It was then off to eat lunch and go down for our naps.

Party Time!

Saturday we went to Payton’s 3^rd birthday party! Payton is the sitter’s daughter who calls Monks Ache-uh-men. It was a luau theme and you had to wear your water gear! I had the best time seeing Monks interact with all the kids. These are the kids he is with daily and his “friends” and the only time I see them together is the few minutes I am there dropping him off or picking him up. They had some slip n slides, a small pool with water, water balloons and one of those hoses that has little sprayers that shoot back and forth and wiggle around. He had so much fun in the water. He looked so cute in his swimming trunks and water shirt and he was the only one in a hat. A little girl handed out lei’s to everyone and they would put them around their neck. Monks had his across his body and under his arm. It was like a little the thing Chewbacca wears lol They grilled hot dogs and he sat at the little table eating his hot dog, beans and chips while the other kids were up and down and in and out of the water. Monkey likes his food, what can I say. They then brought out cupcakes and pink doughnuts! Everyone sang and then we got him a blue cupcake. He sucked on the top forever and left the very bottom cake part. His whole mouth was blue and looked like he had a little beard and mustache. Then it was back to the water! After she opened her presents (Monks bought her a baby doll) we changed him in the back of the Tahoe and then went to say our goodbyes. He received a goodie bag with crackers, cookies, a lei, and some green star shaped sunglasses. We joked he looked like Elton John in them and he loved them! I know there are several pics but look at him, I could not narrow it down!



On way! Had just woken up!





Aikman, Tristen, Anora, Chloe, Isabella



Crazy boy!





Opening Presents

Lunch With My Monks

Saturday Devin surprised us early and got out of class at 12:15! Tia had been shopping with Monks and me earlier that day so we all decided to go to lunch at Cotton Patch. It was yum! Monks does so well sitting in booster seats and colored and played with his cars. He ate corn and mandarin oranges and some chicken fried steak bites. I was hoping to get him down for a nap early since we had a party that afternoon but that did not happen. He napped when we got home at quarter to 2.

Such a Great Helper

Friday Devin was getting ready to leave for class and he was putting on his pants in the living room. He asked Monks to get his belt off his shorts in the room. Of course Aikman did not know what exactly he was talking about and said huh about six times and then he walked off down the hall. He returned with Devin’s mesh Cowboy shorts. How sweet! He did not know what a belt was but he sure knew what shorts were. I wanted to cry. Devin and I smiled at each other and he thanked and praised Monks for bringing them. He then went and sat down and continued playing with his cars. Is he smart or what? Sweet boy.

Mercy, My Boy is Precious!

http://www.metrolyrics.com/mercy-lyrics-duffy.html


Tio kept singing this song to Monks and when he would get to the part "you got me begging you for mercy" Monks would mumble the first part and move his head side to side and then say mer-ceee. It was so funny. But he would try to sing it in that deep voice too. He copied everything his Tio did. We should have got it on video. It was sweet.

The Wrestler

Last night we went to Tio and Tia’s. Tia made us spaghetti and Monks loved it! He will eat anything his Tia makes though because she is a great cook! She also made some garlic and cheese bread on hot dog buns and my boy is not usually big on bread and he ate about two of them. He kept saying more peas. After dinner we had some cake and ice cream. He loves cake. Who doesn’t? It was then off to the bath in the new bathroom!! Yay! He had so much fun and even used “adult” shampoo for the first time. It was not a tear free one. I had everything in his bag he could possibly need except of course shampoo. So Tia was sweet and let us use her Garnier Fructis. Talk about the good stuff. J He had a football and a small bowl to play with and he had the best time ever. He also had a plastic back massager but liked the sound it made too much when you hit it on the edge of the tub so that was taken away after the second time. Austin even sat in there with us and Monks would reach for him and try to grab him. It was then off to watch the results on Idol! Tia and I watched while Tio and Monks wrestled on the ground. Pretty soon Austin wanted in on the action but I think he might have regretted that later. He was put in choke holds, pinned against the couch and kneed several times and squeezed repeatedly. He fought back though and pounced on Aikman a few times but we died laughing because when big Stin was on Aikman, Aikman wrapped his legs around him and rolled over and it looked just like an MMA move or something. It was hilarious. Tia rescued Austin once and moved him behind her out of sight and Monks got up and was looking for him and asking where’s Aww-stin? And then he even tried tricking Austin by calling his name like hey buddy come here I got something for you all sweet. He would say Awwwww stiiiiiiin. Awwwww stiiiiiin. When it was time to go, I told him to say thank you for my dinner and he said it really well and it sounded so sweet and then Tio told him you’re welcome and Aikman repeated welcome! Yay! More manners than just please and the occasional thank you! J It was a very fun night. We went home and I changed his diaper and got him in bed and he grabbed his dog and laid down and said bye momma. (His good night) He was out.

I told Tio about it today and he said yeah, Austin didn’t move this morning when I got up and he was laying in their living room last night on his side with all legs straight out instead of how he usually does kind of curled up. Guess they wore each other out. Poor boy and dog.  

The Cow Says....

There is this little area off the highway that has these wooden cows and it happens to be right next to one of our fire stations and every time we drive by it, Monks yells cow! cow! cow! We then of course ask him what does the cow say and he will moo. Sunday when we drove by them, he saw them and pointed them out to us and I said and what do they say and he yelled peas!!!! Devin and I both laughed so hard. Aikman then began to laugh too like he knew why it was so funny. I said the cow says moo and he said oh. At least his cows have manners.

Sick Days

Sorry to be behind, but I was out for two days with a stomach virus. I just started throwing up at work Tuesday morning about 9:50 and it lasted about 16 hours. I debated going to the ER because I was worried about my little Olivia getting dehydrated as I could not even keep down water. Luckily the throwing up stopped but I felt so dizzy and weak so stayed home yesterday to sleep and load up on liquids and finally eat something.

Tia was so sweet and stayed with Monks when Devin had to go to class so I was quarantined to the bedroom and never saw my sweet boy all day. L Devin ended up coming home at 2:00am Wednesday morning and when I heard the door I thought how sweet, he came to check on me, but then I heard him in the bathroom throwing up. Great. Monks so far has been perfectly fine and I think between all the Lysol and Clorox wipes we have used, there is not one germ in our home. I woke up this morning feeling wonderful. That extra day helped so much. I will get caught up at work and then caught up about our weekend.     

More Wa-Mon-Non Peas!

Monks went from loving mandarin oranges to normal oranges to watermelon. He loves watermelon. He calls it wa-mon-non. I find that really funny because he can say water perfectly. Last night for dinner he had fish sticks, angel hair pasta with a parmesan sauce and green beans. He ate four and a half fish sticks and two and a half servings of pasta. The green beans were touched once and immediately dropped. Okay, not a fan apparently. When he asked for seconds the first time, he lifted his plate and handed it to me and said more peas! I got him more. I then brought some watermelon out to start taking the seeds out and as soon as he saw it he tried to hand me his plate and say done. I told him to finish what he asked for and he did eat more, but probably not as much as he would have if I had not brought out the good stuff! We then ate our yummy watermelon for dessert! He sucks on it and then eats it by shoving it in his mouth. His chest was covered with juice and so were his arms and chin. Between the two of us, we finished off about 1/2 of the watermelon we had and it was a big one. Nothing is better than ice cold watermelon on a hot day. It was 101 yesterday. And it’s just May. L It was then off to the bath!

Just Because

Just because it's Friday and it has been a tough week. Look at this handsome man just watching TV playing. Notice the key on the bench by him? Its one of those crazy things you get in the mail that tells you to bring the key and if it starts a car its yours blah blah blah. We let him keep that key and he will go try to put it in the front door. Lol

He Remembers....

Yesterday morning as we pulled in front of the sitter’s house, Monks was in the backseat. We had talked like normal on the way there, listened to our CD and sang and saw lots of cars on the way. As I went to unbuckle to get out, he asked me where’s Gigi? Part of me was so happy he asked that, part of me wished I did not have to hear it and it made for a very difficult few minutes. I felt horrible but could not answer him, I could not really talk. I then got out, got him out and he was still just talking and pointing at things like usual. I held him for a minute and then we walked in and I dropped him off.

Playing It Cool

We have some Peeps sitting in a bag on one of our end tables. Monks has snuck one before but is usually pretty good about not touching them. The other evening I was getting his dinner ready and I came in the living room and saw him with the box out and open and one blue chick in his hand. I said Aikman Allen when I came around the corner and I know it scared him and he jumped a little and then my fast thinking boy to cover it up that he was trying to sneak them, held it out to me and said momma, whas this? I said monkey you know what that is and you are not supposed to be in them. He smiled and went to hand it to me. After we washed our hands for dinner, he got to enjoy that little peep with his meal. J

It’s so hard sometimes when those big brown eyes stare at you and that smile makes nothing else matter. He is too cute for words at times

Love Time With My Boy

Last night Monks and I had a great time. I had to run to Drug Emporium to get more prenatal vitamins (I had been out a week!) my poor sweet baby girl. Anyway at the main intersection by our house, firefighters were having a donation/fundraiser thing where they stand in street and hold their boots and due to the crazy fires lately, they sure deserve anything they can get! They had all the fire trucks with the lights going on the side of the road and so once Monks saw that, he was yelling from the back seat momma, momma, truck! Truck! I rolled down my window and the firefighter walked up and we gave him some cash and then the light changed. Monks yelled bye as we drove off. It was so funny. I am sure that made his day having a real firefighter come close to him and seeing all the lights and big trucks!

Once we got to Drug Emporium he asked me what everything was and even said vy-mins. (Vitamins everywhere!) Near the check out was a little shelf with small toys and basically junk for kids lol so of course we had to get Monks a car when he saw them! One of the things I do love about my boy is that he can play with a toy in a store and be amazed and then I can tell him we need to put it back without a fight and he does. No fits, no crying, no complaining. So when he saw the cars and had been such a good boy, we looked at a few and he picked a red one. He drove it on the counter as we checked out and handed it to the lady to scan and then she gave it back, but not before saying peas. J

We then went to Joe’s Pizza and Pasta to get two big Joe’s salads! I got one for Devin to save for him to pick up after class and before he went to work. They are soooo yummy! Monks sat at the table like such a sweet guy and played with his car and we talked about things in the restaurant. A table that had four college guys kept waving at Monks and he would smile at them. No one can resist Monk’s charm! We waited less than ten minutes and then went home to prepare for Idol! To stick with the Italian theme I made Monks ravioli. He also had some strawberries and a string cheese. He ate so much. That little man loves ravioli. We enjoyed Idol together, yes we watch together. He likes to clap with me after certain people and we sing and move while they perform. I swear if I sang remotely decent I would go on Idol. I love it!!

After that was bath time and then bedtime. It was a very fun evening with my monkey.

Following Directions

So our new accomplishment is how well he follows directions. He is very good at picking stuff up and when I ask him to take his dirty clothes to the basket he does. It may sound silly but it is like watching a little man. His actions are so grown up but in a sweet little precious body. I know I say it all the time but he really is learning new things daily and it amazes me the words he says. He will repeat everything you say. Devin was doing something the other day and said aww that sucks and Monks was at his little table and said is sucks playing with cars. He said it clear as day. Devin got a dirty look for that. He seriously soaks up everything. Our sitter was off for a whole week and so when I picked him up yesterday she said she was shocked at how much more he was talking in just one week. She said she understood nearly everything he said. He also said the sitters name yesterday three times! He loves to talk and ask about things. I was tired the other day sitting on the couch and asked Aikman to get me some water. He loves the word water and so he said water? And I said yes please. It’s in the kitchen by the counter (our case was on the floor). He pointed toward the kitchen and I said yes monkey, water please. He walked in there and went to grab a bottle but the plastic wrapping on the case was a little tight and he said is tuck (for its stuck). I said just pull it hard sweet boy and he said tuck again and then he turned the bottle and pulled it out. He brought it to me and said here go. I thanked him and praised him, I was so proud! I wanted to cry. He then went back and brought me another one and I said thanks monks but I just need one and he said is for daddy and set it by me on the couch. Devin was at class but how sweet is that? Goodness he is precious. I promise I don’t teach my son to fetch everything but it is cute to have him bring you water.

Another Wild Bath Night

I was putting Monks in the bath and we took off his clothes in the hallway, he had ravioli for dinner and was a mess so we walked naked into the bathroom. I was kneeling by the tub getting the water right and he was standing by me and put one foot up on my thigh and I had on shorts. I then felt something and looked down and a small stream of liquid was running down my leg. I said Monkey! Did you really just pee on me? And he laughed and said no and shook his head. I said are you sure? And he said no and was smiling. Goofy kid. I then put him in the tub and wiped my leg off. He loves his bath time. He has some bath books and we read them every time he is in there. I forgot to mention also that he asks for bubbles every bath now. Yes asks for them. Not sure what happened that one time. He lives for bubble baths now. It’s cute. He always grabs the bottle and says bubbles momma? And before I even ask what to say he says peas momma. Is he perfect or what? While he was playing I sneezed and he said “bess you”. I was in shock. He has never said that. It was so sweet. I thanked him and he just smiled. He has said it three times since then to me.

My Son, the Bug

Monks was looking at pictures on my phone with me and with the exception of about 4, all are of him. J So we were going through my phone and he saw a picture of Devin and yelled thas Daddy! I said yes it is and then went to a picture of Aikman and I asked who is that? And he looked at it and said “a bug!” A bug?? Where he got that from I have no clue but it was one of the funniest things he has ever said. Crazy boy!

Day of Fun

One day last week I took Monks to the park and to the Grace Museum. Uncle Pete went with us. We had the best time. The park was pretty windy but still fun. Aikman loves the slides and those rocking horse things that have a springy bottom. I am glad Pete went, Monks is hard to keep up with at times! I am not fast enough, especially being nearly 7 months along! We had fun chasing each other and climbing on the playground. He was sweet on the swings, he would say wee wee when you pushed him.

After about an hour there, we headed to the Grace. We got there at the right time. Two buses were parked out front. We went upstairs to the children’s area and there was a class of about 30 1^st graders heading out. Monks was in awe of them. So many loud kids in one room! We played with blocks, on mats, we played on the stage with costumes, Monks liked the giant Operation game they had, he enjoyed the body parts and digestive system displays, we made music, we looked at artwork, Pete played “Bare Necessities” on a jukebox, and we played in an ambulance!! It even had a dummy on a stretcher in the back that you could work on. Devin thought it was Pete in the pics and girls from my work thought it was Devin. Lol It is a plastic dummy y’all. Too funny. Pete and Monks also climbed a huge tree there. He had the best time and I was so glad. He laughed and played with everything. Our timing to leave for lunch was also perfect. As I started to get our stuff together, a woman walked in and said just so you know I am coming in with 40 3rd graders. I said great, we are on our way out. J We then went to get lunch from KFC and then home for our nap. It was such an awesome day!



Look at that driving and dispatching!



Dr. Aikman Anderson at your service!







Little Robin Hood hat lol



Shaking hands like gentlemen



Our work here is done!