Stage Five Clinger

We are officially in the "separation anxiety" stage with Madison. I can remember going through this with Brayden but it seems to be worse with Madison. It's probably because I stay home with her and I worked when Brayden was this age but dang is it tough!

She whines when I walk away from her and even if I am in the same room, she wants me to be holding her. She cries when other people hold her and if someone is holding her and she sees me, forget about it! Full blown tears.

It's so hard dealing with this stage. It can be very hard to get things done during the day when she doesn't let me put her down. I end up doing everything one-handed or I get the Ergo out and put her in that so I can utilize both hands. I know it's just a stage so I try not to get upset about it during the day when she makes things harder. I know it will only last a little while and then she will be independent and won't want to be with me all the time anymore. Then I will be sad. Very, very sad.

So I am trying to soak up those moments when she lays her head on my chest or grabs at my legs for me to pull her up into my arms. I am trying to enjoy those times when she leans over to me when someone else is holding her because she wants me instead. One day soon, that won't happen anymore and I will regret it if I take these moments for granted.

For now, my stage five clinger will be with me every moment that she wants. And you won't hear me complaining (well, not too much anyways!).

Brayden's Birthday Shenangins

Brayden had quite a few birthday celebrations this year! It all started on the morning of his birthday with a special trip to the donut store to pick out his very own birthday donut. We NEVER eat donuts so this was a very special treat. He picked out the one with "birthday sprinkles" and we headed home to eat it up. He loved every bite!!

Then he got to open some birthday presents from his Sittie!

Madison was a big help lol.

Since hubby had to work the night before, he was sleeping during this but when he woke up, it was time to go to lunch. We tried out a new burger place and it was great!! After that we came home and it was nap time. Later that day we went to my parents house for dinner since hubby had to work again.

Sunday came and that was party day!! It was a casual party with just immediate family but it was great. It was simple, fun, and easy. The best kinds of parties in my book.

I made this! Pretty proud of myself.

Madison checking out her cousin Aaron!

Family photo with everyone looking at the camera=AMAZING!!

Getting ready for his cake

He blew them out with one try!

Opening presents!

It was such a great party and Brayden got some really awesome gifts! It was so nice to visit with family and celebrate my baby boy's 3rd birthday.

Lastly, we went to DISNEYLAND on Monday!! I was so excited to take Brayden there for his very first time. We made it a family affair and my parents and sister joined in on the fun. It was so great to have them with us. Madison stayed home with my grandparents to make the trip a little less hectic.

His awesome Mickey ears hat from my aunt and uncle. 

His first ride...the train!

He loved the teacups!!

Watching "Mickey and the Magic Map" show. He was in awe.

It's a small world.

Checking out Toon Town!

Checking his height for his very first roller coaster!

He wasn't such a fan. Maybe next time.

Meeting Pluto!! He had a whole conversation with Pluto...he did not want to leave!

In line for another ride!

Such a fun ride but it spun a little fast for Brayden's liking. I thought it was great!!

He was pretty excited to see Lightening McQueen!

And that was the end of Brayden's birthday festivities. It was such a busy few days but all of it was so much fun! We definitely need to go to Disneyland again when we have some more time. We only spent the second half of the day there and I think Brayden could really do a whole day. Maybe next time! 

Brayden is officially 3 years old and it makes me sad and happy at the same time. He is growing up so fast and I hate that part but I love that we are still experiencing "firsts". I really enjoying seeing Brayden experience something for the first time and seeing his face light up. I just need to keep reminding myself that we have so many more memories to make even though he is getting so big. We have so much to be thankful for! 

Brayden: 3 Years Old!!

How did this even happen?! I am not sure how time is moving so quickly but I would seriously appreciated it if someone could PLEASE figure out how to slow things down. I miss my sweet, innocent baby boy. But I would be lying if I said I don't enjoy where we are right now.

Just four days before I had him!

So little!!!

Brayden is so amazing and is such a great big brother to Madison. We could honestly not ask for anything more from this sweet boy! He is caring, gentle, smart, hysterical, active and generous. We are beyond lucky!!

Right now Brayden knows all of his letters (upper and lower case), all the letter sounds, his numbers up to 20, all the shapes and colors and is even starting to use his letter sounds to spell words. He amazes me every day!

He is super active but not necessarily athletic just yet. He just wants to run and climb. Standing around to hit a ball with a bat just takes too darn long for him. Want to race? He will out run you every time! Maybe he will be a track star just like my Grandpa said!!

He absolutely LOVES to help with anything and everything. Pouring juice? Of course. Opening the fridge? Easy. Taking out the garbage? Always wants to come along. I love that he is such a helper and although things may take a little longer, I hardly ever tell him no when he wants to help! This phase won't last long and then I will be kicking myself for not taking his help when it was offered. I am also hoping that this encourages him to continue helping. I want my kids to be the ones that open doors for strangers, help an old lady out to her car with groceries, and offer up his ball at school to the new kid that doesn't have any friends. I am trying to instill these lessons into him now so that when he is a little bigger, he is still the kid that everyone says has good manners and is so nice.

Madison at 10 Months

I can't even believe that in just two months, we will be celebrating this little girl's first birthday. I am in denial already! I would really just prefer to stop time and stay at this stage forever. Apparently they haven't figured out how to do that yet so I guess I better soak up every moment I can.

She has perfected her "model" pose already...

The sandwich bags are fun!

Crazy piece of hair after her nap!

We have been having some awesome moments lately! Madison is seriously such a character and is constantly making us laugh (just like her brother!). She most certainly has a mind of her own and is not afraid to show/tell you how she feels. The girl yells at me when I don't allow her to do something (like pull up the rug). Crazy!

She loves silly faces...and of course I am always willing to look like a fool to see her amazing smile!

Her first time in the grocery cart ended after she managed to turn around and stand straight up all while buckled in as tight as it would go. She's a little daredevil!

She is doing great as far as growth and milestones go. Finally fitting into 9 month clothing, has FOUR teeth (two on top and two on bottom), can stand unassisted, took ONE STEP just the other day and successfully brings large quantities of snack to her own mouth. AANNNNDDDD, she can say a word...."hi". It's quite possibly the cutest thing I have ever heard. Not only does she say "hi" but she waves as she does it. DIE! So cute!!

We are finally to a stage that I really LOVE. Madison is sleeping better, can easily communicate what she needs, plays and interacts and is just really happy in general! We are so incredibly blessed!

Likes:
-baths
-swimming
-her brother (tickling him too as you can see in the video!)
-dancing
-eating
-jumping
-hitting
-teeth (she is always poking my teeth and gums)
-being tickled
-being independent
-Scout
-eating regular foods...like biting into a peach she steals out of the fridge while I cook dinner.

Dislikes:
-things being taken away
-not being allowed to do something (pull up the rug, climb in the fridge...)
-getting out of the bath
-diaper changes (she always tries to roll over)

Madison is amazing us every day and we are all just smitten with her. Brayden especially absolutely loves her! He is constantly checking on her, always wants to go in her crib when she wakes up, gives her kisses, pats her on the head, (mostly) shares his toys with her and always wants her to see what he is doing. We couldn't ask for a better big brother for our sweet girl. I think they will be great friends!!