Santa's Wonderland

It's December! Pretend with me here.

We went to Santa's Wonderland in College Station. I've heard about it for years, but we've never really had an excuse to go. With Cullen really believing in Santa, we felt like Christmas season 2013 was the perfect time. 

I dressed Harrison in his Santa sleeper, since it obviously wasn't cold enough to even pretend it was winter outside.

Cullen enjoyed the trail ride with all of the lights.

It was a really cute experience. 

Then we spent two plus hours in line to see Santa. No one was too happy about it, but the grown ups all admitted defeat and decided we were absolutely staying until we saw him. I ate a funnel cake in line, so I think I cared a little less. 

It was all so worth it when we got close to the front of the line, and Cullen glimpsed the big guy through the window. He was enamored.

Admittedly, this was the best Santa I've ever seen. He was jolly, pleasant, and absolutely realistic. Cullen was is awe of him and asked for a helicopter with a "marote control."

And the photographer even got both boys to smile and look at the camera. How?

It may not have been a perfect trip, but I'm so glad we went. I hope we can go during the week next time and avoid the crowds...

xoxo ashley

Martial Arts Promotion

In December, Cullen had his martial arts promotion. He now has a white belt with a yellow stripe. I'm sure that means something to someone somewhere.

James was supposed to attend the promotion, as I'm already spending so much time out of the office, but he wasn't able to. At the last minute, I hauled out of work to make it. Because Harrison won't take a bottle, I'm using my breaks to go feed him. Here's how things go when you have two kids who need you in separate places at the same time.

I left the office and went to the school with the intention of walking with Cullen to martial arts. They had already left, and I could hear Harrison crying in his classroom. I grabbed Harrison, put him in his stroller, and ran (not even kidding here) in my four inch heels to martial arts. 

I get there, and Cullen is sitting on the floor crying, because he is the only one there without a parent. He lights up when he sees that I've arrived. He asks me where Daddy is. He cries when he hears that Daddy isn't coming.

The rest of the ceremony goes pretty well. I'm proud of Cullen and the growth he is showing. He's turning into a pretty good listener. Each child receives their belt from the teacher and goes back to his place on the mat. At this time, the parents are supposed to join their son on the mat to tie on his new belt and tell him some of the reasons you love him. You have sixty seconds. Then, your son has sixty seconds to tell you why he loves you.

I spend my sixty seconds balancing a nursing baby on one knee while I tie Cullen's belt on. I'm proud of myself for managing this. I tell him that he's "my best big boy." I tell him how proud he makes me. How he makes my heart happy. How he will always be my boy.

Cullen's sixty seconds? "I don't want you here. I wanted Daddy here." I start to cry. "Well don't cry about it. I just love him more." I continue to cry, because I am a blubbering mess. "I love the way you pour my milk in a cup for me." And that is how a boy tells you he loves you.

Congrats anyway, big guy. I promise to never tell you that I love someone more than you. Even if you did it to me first.

xoxo ashley

Bald Baby

I swear to you that I don't remember so much of his hair falling out. 

Even bald, he's still pretty cute. 

xoxo ashley

Thanksgiving 2013

Oh. You ate turkey for Thanksgiving? Bummer. We had brisket from Franklin's. :)

I outsourced meats and desserts (crazy, I know) and just made the sides. It was the best Thanksgiving I've hosted in a while, because I wasn't as stressed about food. Who doesn't prefer to enjoy their family time?

And these kiddos got a cousin bath. So many precious memories ahead of us!

xoxo ashley

Mustache Men

In November, a lot of guys grow mustaches for prostate cancer awareness. James' mustache started out as a joke. By the end of the month, I had to ask him to shave it. I was running out of eyeliner for Cullen to use to draw his on. Like father, like son. 

Now, James has a beard. I've grown to like it, and I find it odd when I come across a picture of him without it. Cullen's latest mustache venture was a bit more entertaining.

Boys. I'm just waiting for the day they draw one on Harrison.

xoxo ashley

Back To Work

I went back to work in November. After more than three months at home, it was a tough adjustment. Two kids at home is work, but it isn't ridiculous. Working with two kids is rough. I can't say I entirely recommend it. The toughest part is how much I love my job. 

I love this little piece Jess sent to me right after Harrison was born. It's hanging next to the glider I never have time to sit in. 

On my first day in the office, I got this precious card...

...with these beautiful flowers.

James has been amazingly supportive and helpful through the transition. I don't know how single parents do it!

xoxo ashley

Boxer Briefs

When you're a little boy who loves super heroes, what would you want most for your birthday?

Boxer briefs? Heck yes. He is so proud to have big boy underwear, and he loves showing them off.

He even pulled his pants down during FaceTime to show them off to Grandma Lynn and Grandpa Wiley.

Big kid. 

xoxo ashley