Knoxville

Adam and I didn't have to work Friday due to it being Fair Day for the schools. He got up early and headed to the farm while I stayed back and played with the kiddos. In between playing and putting Landon down for his morning nap, I cleaned and packed for our weekend in Knoxville. Casey is a Freshman at UT and it was Family Weekend so we had planned for this trip for a while now. Since we didn't have to work, we were able to leave early in the day. We left around 12:45, right before the kids nap time! We timed it perfectly. Sweet Landon fell asleep almost immediately and Adalyn stayed awake watching some movies. She specifically told me, "I'm not tired. I'm not going to sleep." I just laughed and said ok. After a while, Landon woke up and watched whatever movie was in the DVD player. Thank goodness for those things is all I have to say. My kids were perfectly content the entire time watching Winnie the Pooh, Mickey, Bambi, and Landon's sign language video. After a couple of videos, Adalyn was getting really tired and decided to give up on her sleep strike. She was just so excited about going to see Casey she was determined to stay awake the entire trip. She dozed off and Landon ate some snacks and continued watching his video. When she did wake up, we were pulling into campus. We picked up Casey and went straight to his dorm. He is in a new, co-ed dorm which was really nice! Once we got that tour, we headed out to walk around the campus. It was a beautiful day for it, too! Landon relaxed in his stroller and Adalyn walked happily beside us. She did go from Adam's shoulder's to Casey's shoulders from time to time, but pretty much walked the entire campus. She was a trooper and kept up with our pace!

Landon fell asleep for a bit while we were walking. He slept through people talking, being in the book store, and going over bumps and stairs in the stroller. That's my boy. When he did wake up, we were still walking around. We stopped at a store on campus and got some water and some applesauce for the kids then just rested for a bit. Landon wanted to walk around and explore the place. Who knows, maybe he will be walking there one day for school!?

By that time, we were getting hungry and my uncle, aunt and Autumn were almost there. We walked a little more then headed back to his dorm. (My parents and granddad were on their way. They had to work so they weren't able to leave early.) As soon as we got back to his dorm, they were parking. We helped them unload some things they had gotten for Casey then we walked downtown.

We ate at a hole in the wall hamburger and deli joint and it was delicious! Landon ate some fries then threw everything else we gave him on the floor so we just let him roam around. My parents and granddad finally arrived as we were eating and Adalyn and Landon were so excited to see them! We hung around for a bit then headed back to campus so Casey could give them the "grand" tour of his dorm room then we walked a little more around campus.

Once we were done for the night, we made our way to our hotel. My parents got a suite so there was plenty of space for us which was so nice! When you travel with kids, even if it is for 1 night, you still have to pack a lot. We gave the kids a quick bath right when we got there, put their pj's on and gave them both some milk. Landon was wore out. Adalyn was still hyper and jumping on the bed. Landon went right to sleep and we put his pack n play in the kitchen area away from everyone and we didn't hear a peep out of him until 6:45 the next morning. There was a pull out couch but we had an air mattress instead to sleep on. Adalyn slept with my parents and she finally gave it up around 10:30. The next morning, after Landon had his bottle, we went downstairs for breakfast. We didn't want to wake Adalyn or my parents, so we figured we would go eat even though we were meeting my granddad, uncle, aunt, casey and autumn at 10 at Cracker Barrel. Landon drew quite a crowd while we were eating. He kept smiling and waving at everybody and starring at all the lights. He ate sausage, biscuit, cheerios, and some fruit. Once we were done, we all got ready to head out. Once we arrived at Cracker Barrel, we had a 25 minute wait. The weather was awesome so it was nice waiting outside.

Landon fell asleep while we were waiting and slept through most of breakfast. Once he woke up, he ate some more sausage and about half of my hash brown casserole plate. After eating and shopping, (you can't go to Cracker Barrel and not buy anything!) we headed downtown to walk around. Once we finally parked, we went to a bookstore and bought some TN shirts. I'll have to make one for Adalyn, they didn't have any in her size. After walking and shopping, we decided to go ahead and leave. Everyone else stayed for the football game that night, but being at a football game with a 2 1/2 year old and a 1 year old doesn't sound real appealing to us. We had made plans to go to the fair that evening anyway with Adam's family so Adalyn was ok with leaving.

I love Adalyn's personality. It's the best! We had a WONDERFUL time and can't wait to visit again!

Coffee County Fair

Adam and I love the fair. We were looking forward to taking the kids this year! Adalyn is at the best age right now and I knew she would have a blast! Last year when the fair came around, I had just given birth to Landon so a tiny part of me was bummed that I wasn't going to be able to go and enjoy the animals, eat the greasy food, and watch Adalyn's facial expressions on the rides. Adam took her during the week, then on Saturday, when Landon was 8 days old, I decided to couldn't take it anymore and was going to join Adam, Adalyn and the rest of his family. My mom came over to watch Landon and off we went! I felt great. It's amazing the way you feel after you have your second. Anyway, we walked around, looked at the animals, rode rides, and ate. I ended up leaving before every one else did so I could get back to Landon. I was wore out by the end of the night and I knew I wouldn't be able to rest having an 8 day old baby at home waiting on me. So this year was a lot of fun!! Landon was on his best behavior for the majority of the night, then turned into a pill towards the end. Sheesh. We went on Wednesday evening and the weather was perfect. Our first stop was the barn. Not a big surprise, huh? :) The barn was full of cows that evening so Adalyn was in heaven. She got to pet some and she was just so excited. Landon sat back in his stroller and took everything in.

Landon pointing and grunting at a cow

Our little farmer

They both wanted to pet the pigs. Only Adalyn was successful at doing so.

Adalyn then rode a pony! She wanted nothing to do with them last year. But this year was a different story!

We then rode some rides. She specifically told me on this ride, "Momma, you don't have to hold me. I can do it."

Landon rode, too! He was in total amazement the entire time.

She was so excited

The cars were next...

Then the slide! She liked this one so much, she went twice.

I'm sure he is picking something up that he probably shouldn't have...

and the last ride for the night...

She rode the Ferris wheel last year with Adam so I was glad I was able to ride with her this year! The kids had a great time. Landon was over it towards the end. He was hungry and tired and ready to go. We went back Saturday evening with Adam's family and had another great night! I didn't take my camera (shocking I know) but will post pictures when I get them from Sherrie.

Wagon

This past Tuesday after we ate supper, we put some warm clothes on the kids and put them in Landon's (& Adalyn's) new wagon and went for a walk in the neighborhood. That was the first evening we had to make sure the kids had long sleeves and pants on since it was so chilly. It was so nice and refreshing though. They both loved the wagon so thanks Granna and Granddaddy for getting it for Landon's birthday! I know we will be using it a lot. Adalyn wanted to bring her baby along for the ride, too. After a while, Landon's little ears got cold as well as his hands, so we made our way back to the house. We gave them a bath and played before bedtime.

"Look at the camera bubba!"

They are squealing in this picture

Adalyn wanted to take over

Toddler Show

Last Sunday, on Landon's birthday, Adalyn was in the toddler show at the fair. We went to Church, got home, and put the kids down for their nap. Landon slept for almost 3 hours and Adalyn slept about 2.5 hours. So we were all rested up for our long evening in front of us. She was so excited. We showed her the video of her last year of her dancing around, smiling, and waving, so she was eager to do it again. She loved her dress and kept twirling in it. Of course when we got there, they were really behind so her group didn't start until probably an hour or so after it was suppose to. So we just hung out for a bit, looked at some of the animals, ate french fries, and took some pictures. Some of Adalyn's biggest fans!

Landon and his water. He loves it

She was so excited to see Granna. They had been on a cruise all week.

Landon and granddaddy

It was finally time for her age group to begin so we got her dressed and off she and Adam went! She had the best time out on the stage. Dancing, waving, and blowing kisses. Their were 42 girls so it took a loooong time. She got in the Top 11. They had to call that group back twice due to a tie. She didn't place, but she had an absolute ball!

Definitely my mini-me. Sweet, beautiful Adalyn!

Friday night football

Last Friday was Adam's turn to take up tickets at the football game so he and Adalyn headed out the door to be there at 5:15. Landon and I went right after I fed him and got us both ready. When we got there, I learned that Adalyn was having a blast. Talking to everyone and being her fun self! I'm telling you, she has the best personality! I let Landon out of his stroller to roam around.

Notice the nice, big, bruise on his forehead? Right before we left the house, he was walking into my bathroom, tripped, and hit his head on the edge of the door frame. Poor baby! Adalyn ate some popcorn

And she shared with her brother, too.

(Dangerous, I know!) We got tired hanging around the gate so I took the kids on a walk and we watched the band, cheerleaders, dancers, and even met the mascot.

Adalyn wasn't so sure about the mascot. I was holding her so she could give him a high five. I don't think she blinked. She was so in awe and asked me why he looked like that. She wouldn't give him a high five at first, but saw I did, so she changed her mind. She did it really fast then told me it tickled. ha. I checked the time and it was about 7:45 so I decided to go on home to get Landon ready for bed. He was getting tired so we left Adalyn and Adam there to watch a little of the game.

12 month check-up

Adam and I left work early yesterday to take Landon for his 1 year check up. When we got to the house Lynn had him dressed, diaper bag ready, lots of snacks and a bottle made. His appt. was at 2:30 which is right smack dab during his nap time. But, he napped for 3 hours yesterday morning and didn't wake up until 11:00 so it actually worked out. On the way there, he just stared out of the window and smiled at me everytime I turned around to look at him. He ended up dozing off and napped about 20 minutes before we had to get him out of the car. While we were waiting, he happily walked all over the waiting room and checked everything out. We didn't have to wait long before they called us back which was nice. They weighed him...

He weighed in at 24 lbs 1.5 oz--- gained 3 1/2 lbs since his 9 month visit! Then they measured him. I forgot to take his picture but he is 30.5 inches long. Boy boy! They we played while we waited on Dr. Eastham...

He loved the images on the wallpaper. Then he read a book...

Notice his index finger. I love watching him flip through books. He does it so slowly like he is trying to make sure he turns one page at a time. His little finger is just so cute turning those pages. Then we rolled around the the doctor's chair. (don't mind my wide open mouth. We were squealing and having fun!)

Dr. Eastham said he was a big boy, and thick! We are happy to report we have a BIG, healthy, one year old! Once Dr. Eastham was through, the nurse came back in. She pricked his finger then he had his shots. He turned a bright, bright, shade of red and screamed. Well, not exactly screamed. His mouth was wide open and nothing was coming out. After a while, he finally took a breath, and cried. We gave him a bottle and he calmed down. He talked and whined on our way home but once we got there, he was ready to play! He was glad to be home and was excited to see Adalyn. He slept great and so far not reaction from the shots. We go back in December for his 15 month appt. That's just crazy!

Party Day!

Today was Landon's 1st Birthday Party. The party I have been planning for months. I believe I recall feeling somewhat sad when Adalyn turned one, but I have to say, I don't really feel like that right now. Instead, I feel happy, excited, proud, and accomplished! I have a 1 year old!! (well, I will tomorrow) Wow! It is just so hard to believe. The reason I feel accomplished is because when I first had Landon, Adalyn was 22 months old. She was still learning her boundries, throwing fits every so often, talking non stop, and was a bucket full of energy. (still is) How was I going to meet a newborns needs when I had to also meet the needs of a very stong-willed, precious toddler? How was I going to deal with the day to day of being home by myself with 2 kids? There were days where I was about to pull my hair out, days where I cried, days where I thought, "oh, I finally got it!",days where I walked into another room just to sit down and pray, days where I wondered, "What in the world have we done?" and days where things went smoothly and I could look at my children's faces and know this was God's plan for us and was content with not having a daily shower and look like I just rolled out of bed at 3:00 in the afternoon. So yes, I feel very accomplished. 2 under 2 is difficult at times, but I am happy to say it is getting easier as the days go on and the kids get older. We had a wonderful birthday party for Landon today. I am so thankful for the nice weather. It was just truly a perfect day. For whatever reason I woke up a little before 5:00 this morning. I couldn't go back to sleep so I just laid there and my mind was going a million miles a minute. Thinking what all needed to be done today, food to be made, etc. I finally just couldn't lay there anymore so I got up and curled up on the couch to wait for Landon to wake up. It was a little after 6:00 and once I realized both kids weren't getting up, I grabbed a cover and made myself comfortable. A little after 6:30 I decided to peek in at Landon. When I looked over his crib, he was flat on his stomach, both hands straight above his head and his legs stick straight down below him. I just smiled. And I thought, Geeze, he looks huge. I decided to sit down and just stare at him. Listen to him breath, watch his back go up and down, his fingers twitch. I thanked God for my little boy. So very thankful for his first year. The ups and downs. The sleepless nights. His first smile. His first giggle. The first time he sat up. Crawled. Walked. His "belly" laugh when he is cracking up about something. The way he points at every light he sees. Just so thankful for everything. I guess he "felt" me staring at him so he opened up his eyes and saw me. He started grinning and sat right up, lifted up his arms for me to get him. I gave him his bottle, changed his diaper, then started cleaning while he looked at books. By now its close to 7 and Adalyn wakes up then Adam shortly after. I got Adalyn and myself ready and I took her to Kathy's house so she could play all day today. That was the biggest help so thank you Kathy! I know she had a wonderful time playing with Emily and Sam. I then went to pick up the cakes. (ah, you will love them! ill post pictures soon!) Came home and continued to clean while Landon napped. Adam worked outside. After 2 hours, Landon woke up from his morning nap and ate breakfast and then I took him to Wal-Mart with me to pick up a few things. Got back, put his sign language video in and straightened up some more. He went down for his afternoon nap around 1:30 and napped almost 2 more hours. I was so glad he got great naps today. When he woke up, Adam and I had completed everything that needed to be done. Adalyn wasn't there yet so it was still just us three so we let him see his wagon my parents got for him and his new pottery barn chair Adam and I got for him. He loves Adalyn's. He walks right over to it, sits, and watches Mickey or whatever else is on. Him and Adalyn climb all over it and sometimes whine about who gets to sit in it so it was a no brainer that we get him one, too. Don't you know though I ordered the wrong size and got the size up from Adalyn's. His is bigger than hers which bugged me but I was really just annoyed at myself for messing up and not checking her dimensions! I mean seriously, his is huge. A huge, obese kid could sit in it and be nice and comfortable. Aside from that, he was excited to see two new things in the living room and kept walking back and forth between the chair and wagon. Shortly after that, people started to arrive. Let's get this party started! Everyone ate, watched football, and played. We had a lot of kids which was great. They were occupied with toys in the play room, toys outside, and the swing set. Landon walked around with a chicken finger and ate about half of it. He left a trail and I kept finding pieces throughout the house. After all the playing, and while a commercial was on during the UT game, we sang Happy Birthday and watched in hope that Landon would dig into his smash cake. Didn't happen. Instead, he cried. ha. Bless his heart. Didn't want to get messy I guess. Beats me. We gave him a banana and he quickly stopped crying. His birthday cake was just so totally awesome I really hated to cut it! Are you SURE you want cake people?! Since I'm not a cake eater, I didn't have a bite but everyone else commented how good it was. I knew it would be. The Kake Lady does the best job! After cake,we opened presents and then some went back to the UT game, while others went back to playing. The weather was perfect. People started leaving I think around 7:00 or so. I had some help to clean up. Adam gave the kids a bath while Nancy and Tori watched and assisted. I finished throwing trash away, stored left over food, and vacuumed. Ahhhhhh. My house was clean again. I can breathe a sigh of relief. Adalyn by this point was so tired and didn't want Jerry and Nancy to leave. I held Landon and gave him a big hug and kiss before Adam gave him his bottle and put him to sleep. Both kids were in bed by 8:30. Whew. What a busy day we had! It was a lot of fun though. Can't believe it has been ONE YEAR! We love you Landon Riley.

and one year later...