Baylee's Birth Story

        It all started on Tuesday November 11, 2014. I went to see my doctor for a routine visit, and she noticed my BP was up and protein was starting to show up in my urine. I was admitted to the hospital to see if they could get my BP to come down. We stayed the night and they allowed us to go home the next day on strict bed rest.

Saturday November 15^th (of course the opening day of deer season), I called Taylor to tell him my BP was raising and Dr. W had told us to come in and that it was time to “get the baby out”. At just 35 weeks 1 day. We got to the hospital around 11am, and started on IV meds and magnesium (which is the worst feeling ever). At 1:15 they gave me Cytotec to open my cervix and get things going, as they wanted to take it as slow as possible to keep my BP down. By 3:15 I was dilated to 2cm. Dr. W came by around 5:30 to check on me (still at a 2), and started Pitocin. She said she was hosting and MU basketball game party at her house and would come by after the game to see how things were going. She said it could take a while and probably wouldn’t have a baby until the next day. Mom had brought Hunter to see us, and while Taylor was getting restless I had him take Hunter to burn some energy and get some dinner. Around 7 they came back in to check and now at 4cm. I texted Taylor to tell him that things were actually progressing and would probably get an epidural soon, to try and keep my BP lower. He came back around 7:30 to eat and so I could see Hunter again (as an only child). Mom took Hunter home around 8:30. He was not happy seeing me all hooked up and would start to cry anytime any of the nurses would touch me. After everyone left Taylor and I just talked about what she would look like and how everything would go, also we hadn’t picked a name yet so we talked about that. at 9:00 they came and broke my water , Around 10pm it started getting hard to breathe through the contractions and even harder to try to keep my BP down. The magnesium still had me feeling pretty terrible. Hoping I could get a little relief I got a “light” epidural. I still wanted to be able to feel things and control my legs and body. After the epidural Dr. W came back to check on me… now at a 6. She decided she would stay the night in hopes to have a baby sooner rather than later. Looking back it all went so fast! Myrl and Susan came by and visited for a little bit, and of course nurses were in and out.
              A few minutes before 1am I said to Taylor “I think I just felt her head move down”. weirdest/coolest feeling ever. At 1:00 Dr. W walked in the door to check on us, I told her what I just felt and she took a look… sure enough I was complete and ready to push! While the peds team got everything ready Wink asked me to do a “practice push”. She then had me stop because baby was almost out and they weren’t ready yet. Once ready… 2 pushes at 1:07am and Baylee Ann Frevert was born! Taylor got to cut the cord and of course go with her to make sure she was ok. All the time I could hear her screaming, and all I could do was praise God and cry tears of joy. 5 minutes later Taylor walked out with the best bundle of cuteness. After that she never left our sight. I got to hold her close for hours before we shared her with the world. Around 2:30 Taylor’s parents came in to just peek at her, and to say they would be back in the morning. Those hours with just the 3 of us were bliss. I didn’t get that with Hunter so I savored every second. Baylee Ann weighed 5lbs 4oz and 20inches long. She nursed great and loved looking at her daddy from the start.

I had to be on Magnesium for another 24 hours after birth, which was absolutely miserable! I could hardly open my eyes or speak. I would apologize when people would come in because I felt so miserable. I would wake up enough to nurse Baylee and go back to sleep. I was also so swollen still from the extra fluid, I felt like my eyes wouldn’t open. Mom, Dad, and Hunter came to see us that morning, but didn’t stay long. I wish I had felt better to enjoy Hunter and Baylee meeting for the first time! After about 48 hours of not eating and only the magnesium, they finally stopped it. I kept saying how “drunk” it made me feel coming off of it. I couldn’t walk and hardly could talk. My first meal I had Taylor go get me at 2am was a cold turkey and cheese sandwich with pickles, hummus with pretzels and 2 big cookies. By Monday morning I was feeling soooo much better, just a little swollen and sore. After some begging Dr. Wand peds cleared us to go home that evening. I felt terrible for missing Hunter’s birthday and wanted to see him so badly! Of course my BP stayed high for a few days and Baylee had her weight checked every day that first week. All I could do was pray for us to both be healthy! The rest is history and more or less closely documented. 

God is Good...All the time... publishing from July 25, 2014

All in God's timing and for his GLORY!

     We are due with another little blessing in December, and couldn't be more excited! After my not so wonderful pregnancy with Hunter, we gave the thought of a second baby to God. It had to be his timing and straight from him for us to be ready to face the challenges coming our way.
     I am 20 weeks today with a  sweet baby girl! She has already proven herself to be outgoing and very feisty. Her almost constant movement keeps me going each day. I am amazed how she has completely filled our hearts more than we ever thought possible. I think each parent initially wonders if they can love another child like they love their first, but I truly have no doubt that I love her just as much already. My prayer recently has been that my body provide a safe and healthy environment for her to grow in until her due date. So far so good... she is growing right on track and I feel really good!

A few things Hunter has said about his Baby Sister... he is so incredibly sweet.

-Every night he asks to love and lay on her. He cuddles my tummy and just grins.

- He of course has asked "why is your tummy getting bigger"

- He talks about things he wants to do with her "when she gets bigger and comes out to play"
The other night he asked "when baby sister gets bigger, can I swing her in my swing?" I said "of course"... H said "She will go really high, and she will like it".

-He truly amazes me how he puts things together and the full sentences he comes up with like...
"You love me and you love my baby sister".

-He thinks it is "so funny" when Poppy calls her Sally (not her name by the way).

*When we first found out we where having a little girl, I thought of the "brother/sibling bond" Hunter might miss out on. My brother and I are not really close, but aren't real close in age ether. Also a few of our friends only have boys or only have girls, and I knew he might miss that. But now after seeing the way he already loves her and cares for her I know they will have an amazing bond. This little girl is so lucky to have H as a big brother, as he is to have her as a little sister. I cannot wait to watch them grow up together.

Life as of Lately

     Almost exactly a year ago I took a step away from this space. I was 20 weeks pregnant, felt overwhelmed, and of course extremely tired! Well a lot has happen in a year...

In Summary

Baylee Ann was born November 16th, 2014. A day before her brothers birthday at 35 weeks. My children must 1. like to come early and 2. Like the month of November. Baylee is now 6 months old and absolutely the sunshine in our family! She nurses well, smiles a lot, and loves her big brother above all. My natural parenting skills have really come out with her, and I have become more confident as a mom! I love to wear her, use cloth diapers, and breastfeed (among my favorites).

Hunter is an active 3 1/2 year old little boy, who is the most sweet, kind, and gentle little boy you could ever meet. He has the best sense of humor and loves life. He is also the best big brother to Baylee! He loves and kisses on her and is always willing to help!

We have also added another 4 legged animal... a bottle calf named "Pork Chop". Hes of course cute but not to cuddly, rowdy, and rough most of the time. Hunter thinks hes hilarious and Baylee just likes to watch him.

 * I do hope to update with birth story and little tid bits along the way. My intention is to be an inspiration and support to other working moms that enjoy natural parenting and love serving their family and God above others.

Hunter 2 1/2 Years

            My little man is now 2 1/2 years old. So much going on in his life right now, and he is just as awesome as ever. Hunter has never done something gradual. He went from army crawl to walking, from walking to climbing, and from diapers to underwear. Everyone of these took only a few days tops. 2 weeks ago (Friday May 23rd) Hunter decided he no longer would wear diapers. We had been suggesting the potty several times, but nothing had been consistent or had I even thought about giving up the diapers yet. At home he was going on the potty several times during the evening and thought it was fun to go outside. I told him that's fine, but if you pee in your pants you have to put the diaper back on. I told Jenn that morning when I took H to daycare, it was ultimately up to her. If she didn't feel comfortable then H would wear a diaper. When I picked him up that day, he had only worn a diaper for nap time with zero other accidents!! I was shocked, proud, and honestly in a little disbelief. Since that day 2 weeks ago, we have only used a handful of diapers for nap a few days, of course at night, with only a few accidents.
             Now, I never pushed him to be "potty trained". It might have been one of my best decisions, not to push him. If I would have pushed him or done it on my time, it would not have happened. It was totally his time and idea, I just went a long with it. I then figured it would be several months before I would suggest waking up at night to go pee, and possibly not using a diaper at night...boy was I wrong! 2 nights ago he woke up twice to go pee, and did it again last night. I am again shocked and amazed at how fast this is all happening. It was an odd feeling packing up all of our cloth diapers over the weekend, and even more odd to not see them hanging in the sun on the deck. I never imagined in a million years that it would be this easy. I still expect bumps and accidents along the way, but I think the hard part might just be over and for that I am thankful it wasn't that hard. 

            On another note... Hunter is more active then ever. His favorite things right now are playing in the mud, reading books, and picking produce from our garden. He is so helpful, sweet, loving, and kind. He loves big hugs and argues with me when I say "I love you" he will repeatedly say "I love you" back. His favorite person in the world is "Gaga", and he will cry uncontrollably if she leaves when he doesn't want her too. He of course like any other 2 year old has him moments of fits and tears, but overall he is happy and sweet! I am truly so blessed to have him as my son, he amazes me everyday!! 

Spring Recap/Photo Dump

Spring is one of my favorite seasons. It's a time to renew from winter with a fresh start and the prefect time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Here are just a few things we have done.

My first KC Royals game! So fun, wish I would have taken more pictures

Jack and Hunter at "tons of trucks"

Hunter's first very own ice cream cone

...we paid for this and the candy he had prior very dearly that afternoon. 

Still my favorite time of the day. 

Craft camp with mom was a blast

Playing in the mud...an everyday thing.

March for Babies Walk, Stephens Lake Park 

Planting the garden

Helping Gaga and Papa build his playhouse 

Hunter says part 2

They say toddlers say the most random things... its true. Hunter is so witty, funny, and quick. I hope he continues to have a since of humor and may he find joy in making others smile.

A couple weeks ago we were walking into my inlaws house and my mother in law says to Hunter "Theres my sweet boy", and Hunter responds quick as ever "I am Mommy's boy!" -melted my heart

We are in the midst of potty training and he gets a jelly bean if he goes pee on the potty, but the other day he had an alternate scenrio.
"My don't go pee on potty, get a bean??? How bout that?" The way he said "how bout that", made me laugh out loud and just gave him a hug. Then he just laughed!

Everyday when I pick him up from daycare he has the same story with out me asking...
"Had a good day" Then if I ask him what he ate? "Beeto (burrito) and green beans... so good"

He has started figuring out the moon/sun rotation, and we where driving home a few days ago watching the sunset and he immediately asked "wheres the moon". If he see it he will try so hard to reach it and asks us to reach it. 

My birthday was a couple weeks ago, and I was out of town for work. All the week before Hunter kept saying he was going to make me a cake (we come from a long line of cake bakers, so he knows whats going on). I got home late the day after my birthday. Hunter was standing at the back door waiting for me, and was so excited to show me the cake "My made you cake mommy!!!" and sure enough my mom had "helped" him make a cake. Not sure if he was more excited to eat cake or that mommy was home.

The next few are really innopropriate, but I still don't want to forget them.

We have each had a nasty stomach virus lately, and poor little guy is over the diarreha. He gets so frustrated and I know it hurts. Yesterday he told Nana (his great grandma) "My butt keeps throwing up... I don't like it".

Each night I ask Hunter what he wants to pry for and what hes thankful for. Usually its Gaga, beetos, other people he came across during the day, or something else random like "thankful for my penis...my penis go night night now?" all I can say is yes.

My silliest little man trying to wink...LOL

Top Five on Friday

   While everyone else is wishing Winter away, I will welcome it with welcome arms. In order to fully be thankful for Spring and Summer you have to appreciate all the seasons. Each serves a purpose and reminds us of the circle of life. We have had a few days this week below 0*, and I have been thanking the Lord for the extreme cold to kill off the excess insects, flees, and especially mosquitoes. With weather like we have been having we may be able to enjoy those warm humid months a little more without billions of bugs zoning in on us enjoying the outdoors.

1.Cousins!!

Hunter and Rylee February 2013 & 2014

Hunter and "Baby Macey"

2. We got snow and lots of it! Tuesday we got about 10", and it made my winter complete! I got to enjoy 2 snow days with Hunter.

Feeding cows took a little longer than usual.

3. Lots of sleading, baking, coloring, and mess making

 

5. Favorite recipe of the week.

 

This Cheesy Wheat Beer Bread

4. Favorite picture of the week

Those eyes will get you every time

Weekend Recap

    I am I the only one who feels they are working/living for the weekend? I am not a fan of this feeling, but its true!

   Saturday morning we woke up to about a 1/2 inch of ice. We had plans for the day and they immediately got canceled after Taylor tried to get out of our driveway and ended up in the ditch. The Fireman were forced to cancel their dance so therefore our date night was no more.
I was in the kitchen most of the day while Taylor and Hunter played, watched movies, and napped. Being in the kitchen is truly a therapy for me. I enjoyed perfecting my cranberry orange shortbread scone recipe and also threw together a beef stew and whole wheat cheesy beer bread. All of which I will post recipes soon (as soon as my pictures will upload). We did hitch a ride to my parents later in the day to get flour and for Taylor to help my dad get the ice under control so feeding could go smooth Sunday morning. Although we didn't get a date night, we did enjoy an evening inside playing and eating a great meal with our little man!
 

     

Note: It pays to be a country girl... this was our ride Saturday (my dad).

        Sunday after feeding we packed up and went to the in laws for a day of eating, playing, eating some more, and of course watching the big game.

I hope your weekend was fun and safe!

Here's to another week of snow and cold weather... and I am not complaining! 

Happy Monday!

 

 

My drive this morning

Top Five on Friday

 This is my first link up post and I hope its not my last. This week I have challenged myself to enjoy every moment of life, even the stressful times! I did fairly well and here are my favoite memories from the week.

1.Hunter slept in his bed all night for the first time since October! It was glorious to sleep without an elbow in my ear or a foot in my face. I love the little guy, but so thankful for a peaceful night sleep.


2. To encourage me to enjoy every moment I started a 30 day photo challenge. I am hoping this also forces me to pick up my camera and capture life's little moments. Day 1-photo of me and child

3. Taylor has been working late at the fire station this week, which has allowed me some one on one play time with Hunter. So thankful for that candid time, just doing whatever he wanted to do.

4.This sunrise....

5. Taylor and I have a date night of sorts tomorrow night. Its the Fireman's Annual Sweetheart Dance. So fun and a night out is needed.

Thankful Thursday

    I am going to start by saying, winters are hard on us as a family not only financially (Taylor's laid off), but emotionally and physically. This year seems harder for some reason, it seems we can never prepare enough. But in light of knowing it could be worse I want to take the time to count my blessings, and name them one by one.
I am thankful for...
-Our warm home
-My loving husband, whom sometimes lets the little things get to him during the winter
-For our amazing, healthy, smart, and funny little man who doesn't care what we have or don't have
-My parents for being supportive and for being our grocery store some days (Mom, thanks for the taco seasoning last night!)
-Our Jobs... and although Taylor is laid off now, we know he has a job waiting on him come March.
-The rest of our Family, knowing you have our back makes the day so much more peaceful.
-Our Friends, God only knows where we would be without you! You have been our rock lately.
- And most of all God's love and promise of providing for us if we just trust in him
  "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
-Genesis. 28:15

Sunrise this morning...didn't last long but it was beautiful!

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."
-Psalm 28:7

Hunter says...

A few things Hunter is saying right now that I don't want to forget.

-When we drive by a large hill, ditch, or creek
"Danger bump mommy...OK?" "Becareful mom that's a danger bump"

-When going to bed at night he trys just about everything to get out of going to bed. And recently he has started wanting a thousand hungs and kisses from Daddy before bed.
We will be walking back to his bed, and he will run back to Taylor and say "hug hug hug" and kiss kiss kiss" Its the cutest especially when we says "love you too daddy". He does this at least 3 times before we finally say "Last hug and kiss for the night".

-This past weekend we fed cows each morning with my Dad and Taylor. Each morning we would ask Hunter what he wanted to do today? and his response was always "Fed Cows". We had to tell him the cows where sleeping this morning, so he would leave quietly with me for daycare. Hes been told he can fed them on Friday, and I know he won't forget it.

Feeding cow is almost like a science experiment. Lots of measuring and weighing for several hundred cows. 

Bapa and Hunter going to fed in the fed truck

*I know I have said it before, but watching and hearing his language develop is truly so gratifying. He is so smart, and really does remember everything. His sentences are really starting to form, and becoming more clear. It been so cool to listen to him and now have conversations. Hunter has always been sensitive to discipline, yelling, and stress. He can detect each and if something is bothering him he will tell you about it. If someone looks at him cross or even deepens their voice he comes close to crying. He truly has a soft heart and wants everyone happy and smiling all the time.

 

Reading to Nana with Papa's glasses

What I have learned and What I hope to in 2014

    2013 was a great year. One with a ton of great happy moments, and lots of sad trying times also. It was a learning year for our family. We are learning to trust and confide in each other, become the best parents we know how to be, and to love each other unconditionally. All of these things we knew how to do, but learning them on a deeper level is so important for a family. Our greatest lesson was learned toward the end. We learned how to completely trust in the lord, we knew how and why we need to trust, but maybe haven't mastered letting it all go, but we are close. The lord knows the path that we choose before it is taken, he knows the good and the bad outcomes, and he is beside us the entire time! Psalms 139: 16 is my reminder that I truly have no control of my outcomes, all I can do is trust that the Lord does, and he will prepare me for them.

Psalm 139:13-16

¹³ For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;^[a]
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them 

       I have never set New Year Resolutions before, and I don't intent too. Of course I would like to loose wight, give more offen, and be super mom/wife, but I know that other things will need to come first. I am making small goals for myself, and posting them here to hold myself accountable.
1. Slow down!... Enjoy the small stuff and be thankful for what I have.
2. Express my gratitude for what God has given us.
3. Focus on being a good friend/listener and in that focus on my true friends.
3. Learn to be the best wife I can.
4. Accept the fact I am not "supper mom" and that Hunter is only small for a short time.
5. Enjoy life.. laugh and love everyday for tomorrow is never a promise.

A Few of My Favorite Things

      Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year. Everything is just wonderful this time of year! Family, Friends, Songs, Warmth, Love, and of course the ciaos.
     Hunter is old enough to really enjoy the Christmas season this year, and making it seem so much more exciting!! I truly wanted to take a second to remember some of the amazing things Hunter is doing now. He is really into Christmas music (like his momma), loves to help turn on the Christmas tree, light all the candles, and even snuck some cookie dough while making cookies yesterday. He is truly such a delicate soul and enjoys every min of opening gifts and spending time with family. I love it that he takes 5 min to open 1 gift and then wants to play with it right away, which I am letting him do. No sense in all the hurry, plus I get to enjoy watching him longer:)
    As if he doesn't melt our hearts enough, last week he started saying "I love you too mommy". It has to be the best sound in the world!! When he was a baby a smile here and there got him by, but not sure how I got through without the "I love you too", after we tell him we love him. We are so amazed at how much he has grown both mentally and physically in a month. He has grown what feels like 2 inches and understands so much more. He says 123 and 78910 in a row now, and knows a few colors when helped. Here's a story I don't want to forget.



* So Hunter has been rather confused the past few weeks about Christmas. Since it was just his birthday. He sees the presents and asks for birthday cake. We keep telling him that his birthday is over, and that its Jesus's birthday now (he has convinced me to make birthday muffins tonight).
Well this morning, I told him again it wasn't his birthday anymore and that Jesus's birthday was in 2 wake ups. The conversation went like this:
Me: Jesus's birthday is in 2 wake ups.
H: with excited face, " me touch Jesus"
Me: "Well you can't touch or see Jesus, but you can feel him in your heart"
H: with another excited look " I can feel Jesus in my farts!"
Me: " No, with your heart sweetheart"
H: "Ohhhh" and grabs his jacket at his heart and grins.
He is such a silly goofy little boy, but has a huge heart for love and giving. I can't imagine sharing the love and excitement of Christmas without him.

Taylor and I decided that he grew into a little man in the past month... Here is our "not such a baby anymore little man"...

 

Have a very Merry Christmas! Wishing you Love, Peace, Good Health, and Joy thoughout this Christmas and Holiday Season!

 

Dear Hunter, (I can't belive you are 2)

Dear Hunter,

         Happy 2^nd Birthday Big Boy! You simply bring more happiness to your daddy and me, than we could have ever imagined. This past year has been the best yet! You finally learned to walk at 18 months, and just a few days ago started running with a little more grace. Your language is far above others your age, and your personality is so much brighter than most. You talk all the time, and repeat EVERYTHING we say. You love animals and being outside!You enjoy dancing and singing along with cat in the hat. You are energetic, sometimes loud, loving, and sensitive. You enjoy being the center of attention (and we let you).

         Your favorite things right now are tractors, trucks, trains, and combines. Your favorite toy is your power wheel tractor. You still and always have enjoyed reading books to mommy, and for mommy to read to you. We read several books a night, and you have started repeating the words. Just last night we read “Old Hat New Hat” and you repeated every word and laughed at the end. 

        Your two year appointment was a few days ago, you weigh 30lbs and 35 1/2 inches. I am so proud and excited to say that for the first time ever you are above the 50 percentile at 84% for height and 74% for weight. 

        You enjoy your food and snacks. I am not sure you have a favorite food right now, because you will literally eat anything we give you. You have started asking for ketchup and mustard to dip things in and you go to the fridge and beg for pickles and green olives. Chocolate still doesn't agree with you and well really sweets in general are not good to you. In moderation sweets are OK, but you rarely get to have a bite of something chocolate, as you will cry for hours.

       You are so sweet, kind and caring toward everyone. When another child is crying you will stand by them until you know they are ok. Although you are still a little boy, that gets in trouble frequently for getting into things you are still an amazing child.  I pray you continue to be as sweet, kind, and caring as you are now with wisdom, strength, and courage to follow your dreams whatever they may be.Being your mom is an honor I take pride in it and always will. We are so thankful for the joy and happiness you bring to our life, and of course all the lessons learned.

Love you Always and Forever!

Mom

From 1 to "2"

Hunter turned 2 over the weekend, and it got me thinking how much changes over the course of a year with a little one. Heck within a couple month he went from a baby to a walking talking little boy. Hunter has serously brought us so much joy and happiness throughout the past year. Neatness to say Hunter was not an easy baby nor very flexible.  But though the year he grew a lot healthier, flexible (sometimes), and of course smarter.

With H everything and everyone he comes in contact with has a place, and he will let you know if you or something is out of place.

We have a pretty srict bedtime of 7:30pm, he takes a good nap during the day and awake by 7 each morning. He loves his daycare and all the kids! 

He loves to make people laugh even though he knows he will get in trouble. Talks literally non stop even in his sleep. Knows what seems like every sound, and repeats everything you say....husband with no filter=child that will get in trouble with momma for saying bad words. He is still a great eater, and eats just about everything we give him! He is adapting climbing skills fast...as in climbing over the bed railing, on to counters, and over couches. Most days it's a "catch me if you can" look from him before he gets in trouble. Although we are still telling him NO  a lot, he really gets upset when he realizes he did do something wrong, and breaks his heart when he notices he may of hurt someone. He's quick to say I am sorry and gives big hugs after. 

I am sure I will think of other things I want to remember like idk he just went though 3 shoe sizes in 5 months! And he's almost 3ft tall (I will update specifics after his appointment tomorrow). For now here are a few pictures from his birthday party.

*I want to thank one of my best friends for taking most of these pictures! No way would I have been able to capture these memories! Also thank you again for helping me all day and decorating the cupcakes! Couldn't have done it without you! 

Hunter is one blessed child to have so many friends and family that care about him!!

These are randoms from his actual birthday. Eating bacon and eggs for breakfast, relaxing watching bugs life, "driving" with help, and he top right is modeling a few b-day presents. 

No words for this one...

Found these of Taylor and I... Still can't decide who he looks like more?

"Almost 2"

         Hunter repeated me this morning when I told him he was "almost two". He just grined and kept saying it.

         It's absolutely crazy that he will be two in a month! I really wanted to capture this time, and document all the things he's doing. He is so interactive now with other people and things. He loves the little details of the smallest tractor or toy, and knows the different parts better than me. As I just told a friend, if I could interest him in ABSs and 123s like he takes to trucks and tractors, he would be the smartest two year old out there. He repeats EVERY word we say, or at least attempts to. He's favorite phase right now is "oh man". He says it several times a day in just about every appropriate situation. He hits his head or drops something it's "oh man", then he just laughs! 

      He's always been a kid that liked a set schedule and stuck to it, and I think that has become more important recently. He is and really always has been like a clock with everything. He wakes between 6-6:30 everyday and the first thing he always says is "nola bot" which is granola bar. It's like he won't even smile until he has a granola bar in hand. Everyday he takes a 1-2 hour nap around 1ish and eats dinner at 6pm, and asks to go to bed by 7:15, and if we are home, he is asleep by 7:45. He has always liked his sleep, and if he didn't get it we would pay. 

      Hunter loves animals especially Aspen and our cat. He really just loves to be outside, like he always has. He is really in to "Cat in The Hat" right now, and is our go to show on Saturday mornings, when we aren't ready to be up at 6. 

      Hunter started "self" potty training this summer. It wasn't anything I was ready for, but he has started asking more frequently and going several times a day on the potty. So excited that he's interested, and hope to maybe be done in a month or so ( but I am not pushing it at all). 

      He says please with most things with very few prompts and will say thank ya or no thank ya for just about everything. It probably the cutest trick he has! 

      We have had an amazing, wonderful, and busy summer! It's not like our fall will be any less busy, but at least the temps are cooler, and I can tolerate playing outside more. Fall is absolutely hands down my favorite season! The crisp morning air, jackets, jeans, my seat warmer, and coffee! Also I love a baby in jeans, and Hunter rocks them well! This season also means that Taylor's work starts to slow down, and we see him more (which makes my world complete). 

Here are a few pic from this past weekend...

Hartsburg pumpkin Fest.... My favs from the festival. Blakley and Hunter are too cute.

Hunter kissin on Aspen and Kitty. 

22 months

       Not sure if I have said this before, but our baby isn't a baby anymore. Hunter has truly amazed me the last few months. He has turned into a full blown toddler. The things he understands and can remember simply put me in awe. He now remembers things that happened over a week, and somethings over a month ago! Like specific things like the cardinal taking a bath in the bird bath at nana's... He remembers it like it was yesterday (it was almost 2 months ago). He then will relate the cardinal to the cardinal I have on my STL turvis. Just crazy to me what he absorbs, and how fast he is learning. 

      He knows the difference between a tractor, combine, and a farm truck along with the difference between cars, trucks, buses, bikes, and "big trucks". I know these are obvious thing, but it has been so fun watching his little brain spin. Last night we were over at nana and papas and I asked Hunter "what's your name", And hunter said "name is Hunter". Papa said "you sure are sharp", and hunter just grinned! He has started singing along with me, in the evening when we sing bedtime songs and old hymns ( honestly because I don't know an lullabies).

       He asks for hugs and kisses all the time now, and it melts my heart! He's got the softest heart, hardest head, and most determined personality. He gets mad when you tell him no, just like another child, but it doesn't last long before he's on to something else. He never stops thinking about others, and wants to make sure everyone is where they are supposed to be ( in his mind). Every night we pray for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. And every night he picks someone different to focus on. Last night he said "Hol-ly Blak-ey savf and helphie" (Holly Blakley safe and healthy). If he sees and child crying, he will walk up to them, and sometime will touch them, just to make sure they are ok. 

     We did have some sleep issues last week. I think it was a combination of Taylor and I both being gone the week before, and too much going on. It seemed like he was scared to sleep, and when he did fall asleep he would start screaming, like it was a night terror or something. We seemed to have fixed it, by getting back on our normal routine, taking milk away from dinner, and adding more books and prayer to bedtime. He seems to be sleeping good now.

    I could go on and on about how wonderful I think Hunter is. We are truly blessed beyond comprehension! 

1st trip to the river and on a boat (he loved every second of it)

Random pictures (i haven't been the best at taking pictures this summer)

Top is playing with gaga at her new camp site, bottom left is a quick pic I took at our high school homecoming last week, and bottom right is H just playing in our back yard (that's his "cheese" face)