A Day In Our Life

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T08:43:00.003-04:00

Little Pumpkin and Darth Vader Doctor and Nurse
love, love, love them!!

Addison's Nursery

2011-08-31T15:55:00.000-04:00

Two Months Old!

2011-08-31T09:19:00.003-04:00

WOW!
I can't believe our baby girl is 2 months old already. She is growing up so fast and we are truly enjoying every minute of it.

She had her well check and weighs 9lbs 3oz (10-25%) and is 22 3/4 inches long (50%). They are very pleased with her growth and say she is right on her growth curve :-)She is still eating and sleeping great. She has been sleeping about 9 hours a night on average and we are beyond thrilled with that, especially considering it took Devin MUCH longer to sleep that long. She is babbling and smiling all the time. We just can't get enough of her.

We have had a wonderful summer home with her. We are now about to get into our routine. James goes back to work next week (I just love paternity leave..such a blessing to be able to have him home with us all summer), we are sad that he is going back to work and will miss him here with us everyday but are so grateful that he has been able to be home so much. I have a feeling that he will be working from home much more now :-) just a feeling

I go back to work on Sept. 19. I am going to soak up my last few weeks home but am, really not dreading going back to work since I am only going back a day or 2 a week. So I am excited that I will still have so much time to spend at home with Addison and lots of time to do stuff at Devin's school and help him with homework and such. I feel so lucky and beyond blessed.

Our little two month old princess!

First Grade

2011-08-18T12:21:00.002-04:00

Our sweet little boy is growing so fast. He started his first day of First Grade today and to say he was excited would be an understatement! He had a great first day and we are all so excited for what this year will bring!

6 Weeks Old!!

2011-08-13T11:56:00.004-04:00

WOW...time is really going by fast and we are soaking up every minute of it!!
Up to about 22 inches

Our Family

2011-08-02T11:47:00.002-04:00

We had our family pictures and Addison's one month pictures made last week, along with her birth announcements!

Here is our favorite family pictures :-)

Wow...One Month Old already!!

2011-07-28T20:03:00.003-04:00

Our little Addison turned one month old today! WOW, I can't believe it has been a month already, she is doing absolutely wonderful and we love her more and more every day!
She is up to 7lbs14oz and is 20.5inches at 1 month!And just for fun, here is Devin at 1 month old
8lbs2oz and 21.5inches You think they look alike??

How we spend our days

2011-07-25T17:13:00.003-04:00

So Addison is turning out so far to be an awesome sleeper at night, going 5 to 6 hour stretches already and not even a month old!! This is completely awesome and we are so thrilled to be able to get decent sleep at night, we never got much with Devin for the first 6 months or so. The day time is a whole different story, she will fight sleep during the day time and always wants us to hold her. I will take this for the sleep at night time and because I love holding her :-)

Watermelon

2011-07-25T17:09:00.002-04:00

James and Devin started a little garden one weekend this spring when I was working and we are starting to grow our first fruits and vegetables. Devin was SO excited about our first watermelon!

First Swim

2011-07-25T16:48:00.004-04:00

This weekend we took Addison swimming for the first time. Seeing how much she hated her bath, we thought she would equally hate the pool. We were wrong! She seemed to really like it and didn't cry at all.
All ready to go swimming
We went to our friends pool early in the day and just got her feet in the water Then we headed to my parents house later in the day and she got all the way in the pool

Three and a Half Weeks Already!!!

2011-07-22T17:16:00.002-04:00

Wow, I can't believe our little Addison is already three and a half weeks old. We are enjoying every moment with her. She is doing wonderful..eating well and sleeping well. She has been consistently going for 4 or 5 hour stretches at night time which has been absolutely wonderful for us. She is also gaining weight well. At her 2 week appointment last week she weighed 6lbs14oz, up from 6lbs5oz at birth. They were super happy with that weight gain. She loves to be held during the daytime, but I don't mind that if I get some sleep at night time...plus she is so cute I don't mind holding her at all :-) We are getting our family pictures made next week for her 1 month birthday!!!

One Week Old

2011-07-06T16:49:00.002-04:00

Our little Addison was one week old yesterday :-)

Addison Kate Medeiros - June 28, 2011

2011-07-04T14:53:00.004-04:00

We welcomed the newest member of our family, Addison Kate Mederios, to the world last Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 11:08am. She weighed 6lbs 5oz and was 20 inches long and has a head full of dark hair. She is absolutely perfect and we are already so in love, especially her big brother!!

We came home from the hospital on Thursday and have been home for a few days now. She is doing absolutely wonderful and so are the rest of us. She is letting us get decent sleep at night (way more than her big brother did when he was a baby) and is very alert at times during the day. We really hope she keeps this up.

She had her first doctors appointment on Friday and they said she was doing great, she weighed 5lbs 12oz at that appointment and they were fine with that. We have another appointment this week and are hoping she is back up to her birth weight by then

We are enjoying every minute with her.

A few of our favorites from her first few days!

Our family when she is 1 day old!
A few of baby Addison with her big brother Devin, he loves her SO much and is SO gentle with her...All dressed up and ready to head home from the hospitalSo little in her carseat...Sleepy Girl...
Such a cutie...

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-13T11:11:00.001-05:00

Some Holiday Favorities

2010-12-31T16:28:00.007-05:00

Whew...to say life has been busy would definitely be an understatement....

from working full time (which I haven't done at all since Devin was born until the past few months), to being in school full time (working on my BSN-will be done in the Summer!!!), to adjusting to the life of a Kindergartner (who is doing wonderfully by the way), and add a husband with an insane work schedule and things are just CRAZY!! Top that with the news that we are expecting our 2nd baby (finally..I know) in June and I have just been feeling like crap on top of all that craziness. Whew, it makes me tired just to think about it.

but...life should slow down for us a bit soon...I am starting to feel better day by day which really helps, like I mentioned above I finish school this summer...and I am going part time at work in February!!!....I am so excited for life to slow down again. It has been a whirlwind lately.

But if you know us you know it didn't slow us down too much...we still managed to have a super busy holiday season...and since I have posted on this blog we have also been to Disney, to the beach, celebrated James' 30th birthday, and then all the Thanksgiving and Christmas fun!!

So to end 2010...here are some of my holiday favorites from this holiday season!!

Devin with his Teacher for Pilgrim and Indian Day at schoolDevin's classMaking Gingerbread Cookies On the Light Rail headed uptown to see The Littlest Angel at The Children's Theater
James, Devin and I at The Children's Theater
Devin making his Christmas Tree at his school Christmas Party
Devin's class singing Happy Birthday Jesus

Devin's Christmas Program

Our Christmas Celebration with the Moose and Rowles Families

Aidan, Devin, Bailey, Alexis and Riley

Devin and Nolan at the Gingerbread house in Uptown Charlotte
Devin and I in Uptown Charlotte

Devin and Nolan watching the Bears in Founders Hall uptown...Devin loves these we went twice this year!

Christmas Eve

Making Cookies for Santa
Devin with his Cookies for Santa
Christmas Morning Christmas at Mini'sOur Family

We hope you all Have a Happy New Year!!!

Kindergarten

2010-08-19T16:34:00.003-04:00

Devin had his first day of Kindergarten today and he did GREAT!! We can hardly believe our little boy is big enough to start Kindergarten. He has really come out of his shell over the past few months and isn't quite as shy as he was. He normally gets really timid with change so we were a little nervous about this but he really surprised us.

We went to visit his class and meet his teacher on Tuesday night and we all really liked her. She had one board that will be the classroom helpers and he had already been assigned "door holder" for the first week and has not stopped talking about that. He thinks it is the coolest thing ever.

So last night we were talking about his first day and we asked him if he was scared and he said "NO"...then we asked him if he was excited and he said "VERY"...what a relief that he was excited for Kindergarten. He told us all about it today and can't wait to go back tomorrow! We hope this trend continues!

Class of 2023...WOW!

Our Family :-)

2010-07-19T21:43:00.003-04:00

A few new pictures of our family
Us :-) James and I

We are having an amazing summer....I started my job last Monday and it is a little boring since we are just in orientation but I am super excited about getting on the unit and getting started. Oh and me and James are headed to Cancun on Saturday for a kid-free vacation. We are both very excited but I am very nervous about leaving Devin for so long. I know once we get there we will have a blast but I know it will be hard leaving him. I hope to have lots of pictures when we get back!

RN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-20T23:19:00.002-04:00

I had my NCLEX last week and found out on Friday that I PASSED!! I am so happy and relieved. Our school has a really high pass rate (around 99%) so I wasn't too worried about it but the build up was terrible and I was quite nervous the morning of the test. But afterwards I felt very confident and am now so happy it is over!

I am not sure what to do with myself now that I don't have any studying to do or school work to worry about, just 3 lovely weeks to enjoy with my wonderful little man!! I am really excited about joining the working world again and having an income again...although a little nervous considering I haven't worked in 2 and a half years!!

Graduations

2010-06-09T09:09:00.003-04:00

As I mentioned in my previous post I graduated Nursing school at the beginning of May. Here is a picture of our family at my graduation!Then just last week Devin graduated from pre-school. I can hardly believe my baby boy has graduated pre-school and is starting Kindergarten this year. It is really crazy how time flies. His graduation was super cute and he took it VERY seriously.
Here are a few pictures of him on the day of graduation!

Wow...where do I start?!?

2010-05-26T11:26:00.002-04:00

So it has been such a long time since I have updated the blog. I blame it on my ability to basically share what I want (especially pictures) on Facebook. But I guess I am due for an update here.

So what have we been doing??

We celebrated my 31st birthday in February and Devin's 5th Birthday in April. We had a great time celebrating both! I can't believe I am 31 and have a harder time believing my baby turned 5 this year. He will start Kindergarten this year.

I started my final nursing class in January and GRADUATED from nursing school in May! I was offered a job on a cardiac unit and assuming I pass my NCLEX I start work on July 12. I am so excited to be done and get started working!

We are going to Cancun in July...our first real trip without Devin..not sure how I feel about that yet.

Well that is the short version of our first half of 2010...and now that hopefully life will slow down for me some I plan to be much better about updating the blog!

Some Holiday Favorites

2010-01-07T11:24:00.005-05:00

Well as always the holiday season is over and flew by. We had a great time this year. I have been off since the second week of December and it has been great to get to spend so much time with Devin but also to get stuff around the house in order. I can now say we are settled in the house. We have small stuff to do like hang pictures (which I have framed just need James to hang them), buy and hang curtains, figure out what we want to do with the office and clean out the spare bedroom upstairs that is full of Devin's old baby stuff. But other than that we are set and it feels so good. I hate moving but love the end result!

Like I said our holiday season was great. We took Devin to see the Bears uptown (which we do every year), we went to see If you take a Mouse to the Movies at the Children's theater (it was great!), we went to several movies, we had playdates with friends and made fun crafts, we had lots of time with friends and family and overall just had a great time.

Devin loved painting some holiday crafts and was very focusedWe also made a gingerbread house "choo choo" that Devin was very proud ofOn Christmas Eve we made homemade pizza and cookies for Santa, we decorated all the cookies and picked the very best ones to set out for Santa. Christmas morning was as exciting as ever...as you can tell Devin was a good boy this year!We headed to my parents on Christmas afternoon for dinner and presents.And Devin got a new bike, which he was very surprised about!The day after Christmas we had James' family over for dinner and presents The week after Christmas James was off with Devin and I and we had a great week together. We spent New Years Eve with our friends Eric and Judith...we had a great time and Devin really loved ringing in the New Year with us and his friends!

And with that the holiday season is over and I head back to school tomorrow. I am ready because this is my final semester. I can't wait to be done! Graduation is May 7 and it can't come fast enough!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2009-12-24T09:50:00.004-05:00

My Big Boy

2009-11-06T23:49:00.003-05:00

2007

2008

2009

I told him the other day he was just getting too big and I wanted him to stay my little boy forever...he said well mommy I just need to drink more juice because milk makes me grow...he's too smart for me

House

2009-11-06T23:46:00.003-05:00

Getting closer

The BEST kid in the class

2009-11-06T23:27:00.005-05:00

So today when I picked Devin up from school the teachers were a little sad that we had just told them that Devin would be leaving when we move (to move to a daycare closer to our new house)...they said we hate to lose the best kid in the class...then said no we mean the best kid we have EVER had in any class!! Made my heart melt. I love that little boy SO much!

Now a picture update :-)..please disregard the quality of my pictures, I barely have time to make sure and take them anymore much less actually edit them :-)

Devin & I...mini golf at the beach on a chilly nightGetting ready to carve our pumpkin Our pumpkinHalloween...Devin was Duke from GI Joe

Duke and Snow White
Devin with his little buddies at the Halloween festival
Our family at Patterson Farm
With our pumpkin that Devin picked out

Devin with some friends at a Halloween party

House Progress

2009-10-15T17:35:00.011-04:00

Our house has made some major progress really FAST! They are doing an awesome job and are out there working from sun up till sun down and on the weekends. We are excited because that means we get in faster. We have a closing date set now...November 19th!!! So exciting and we can't wait to get out of the apartment.

Here are some pics over the last 2 months!

Concrete footers were put it

Framing begins

We have (temporary) street signsFraming complete!!From the back and our big backyard!Some inside pictures

Dining Room

Office

Kitchen

Living Room

Our bedroom

Getting ready to put the brick on

Brick is on
And so is the siding (we love the color scheme we picked even more now that we see it on the house!)Shutters are on (no they are not purple, they just need to be painted)

More inside pictures

Kitchen

Our bedroom (view into the bathroom and closet)

Kitchen view into the dining room

Living Room

Office

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-08T19:16:00.006-04:00

We had a very fun filled Labor Day weekend. We started off the weekend by spending Friday night with our friends Anne and Craig, grilling out and playing outside. Then Saturday we went to our lot for a bit in the morning, went shopping for some fall clothes and shoes for Devin and then went to my friend Tara's house. We had so much fun and Devin loved playing with the little kiddos!

Devin and Nolan on the couchSweet, sweet Ana

Devin and Ana

Trying to get a pic of all the kids....Nolan, Ana and Devin

Shannon, Tara, and I....Campus Edge Roomies :-)

Devin and Nolan loved the turtle

Then Sunday we spent the day on the lake with Anne and Craig...it was Devin's first time out on a boat but he just loved it!!

Devin and Daddy on the boat

Swimming in the lake

Sunday night we hung out with some of my friends from school...I brought my camera with all intentions of taking pics and then never took any :-(

Then on Labor Day we went to the Kannapolis baseball game! It was a beautiful day for a ball game. We went with my parents and then ran into a friend from school so it was a great day.

Devin and Daddy watching the gameDevin with the mascot
Cotton Candy!!!Our family
Devin with Mini and Paw-Paw

House Update

2009-09-08T17:48:00.004-04:00

Last week they staked out our house on our lot and we had to go down, look at it and approve it for the construction to begin. Well the house was too far over to the right (it was 65 ft off the road)....so we asked them to stake it out again moving it 20-25 ft to the left. We go back tomorrow to see if we like it there. We feel confident that we will. We went out this weekend to see it again and walk it off when they move it over to make sure that we thought 20-25 feet would be enough. It is so funny...our house looks so small on this big lot. I am just so excited for this building process to begin.
Our lotDevin in front of our lot

CLOSED!!

2009-08-28T16:57:00.005-04:00

We uneventfully closed on our house yesterday. What a huge relief to have that done and behind us and ready to start our next chapter!

A little info about why I say uneventful...we expected maybe a bump in the road after James was at the house 30 minutes before walk through and he found a water puddle on the floor in the garage dripping from the ceiling. It turns out when we moved our washer and dryer the water was barely left on and dripping since Friday. We both FREAKED out! But we settled it with the buyer and the closing went as planned!

After we closed on our house we headed to pay the big check for our new house and it is now scheduled to begin construction on Tuesday!!! So very excited!

We had the BEST realtor ever! She is also my good friend! A good realtor really makes the experience smooth!

Saying goodbye to our house one last time! This house holds so many memories for us being our first house and we really will miss it, but look forward to the future!Our living roomBedroom...notice how James steam cleaned the carpets for the buyer!Devin saying goodbye to his Thomas room!Devin playing on his playground one last time!

And the anxiety producing water spot!

Poor Neglected Blog...Long Overdue Update

2009-08-25T22:43:00.012-04:00

So I blame my lack of posting on my lovely addiction with Facebook. I figure I follow most of you guys on there and upload all my pictures there, so then I just don't bother to update the blog. I am going to give a long update here and then really try hard to be better about updating the blog. After all, we do have a lot of stuff coming up in the near future.

So I will start with Devin, my little fish. We did one round of swimming lessons earlier this summer and started a second round just last week. I am SO proud of his progress. He can jump in the pool from and swim to the ladder, he can also swim from the side to me about 15-20 feet. I am hoping these lessons now help even more! He LOVES swimming lessons.
I also finished up my 3rd nursing class earlier this summer and we had a night out to celebrate. Here is me with some of my nursing school friends. I am just amazed at the friendships I have made in such a short period of time! I started my 4th nursing class this week and after this I only have 2 more and then I will be done. It is flying by! I still am unsure of what kind of nurse I want to be too.

At the beginning of August we had a Keistler family reunion. We have such a big family (really on both sides) and it is fun when we all get together but we just don't get to do it nearly enough. Here is a pic from the reunion! Then we went to New York for our friends Chad and Genevieve's wedding. The wedding was very nice but to be honest the trip was a little stressful for James and I. We had to leave Devin for 3 nights (up until the week before I didn't know if I was going to go-it is just too much for someone else to watch him that long I think...and if I had it to do again I would probably just have stayed home...not worth the stress). We also didn't have any mode of transportation (which we are just not used to in the slightest...I just can't do it without my car). We arrived on Friday night and had the whole day Saturday to ourselves. We spent the day in NYC. It was fun but I had about enough of it in the few hours we were there. I went to NY about 10 years or so ago and I swear I don't remember it smelling so bad or being so dirty!

James in Times SquareEating some NY pizzaUs in Central ParkJames in front of the NYSE

On Saturday night we had the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

Us at the rehearsal

Chad and Genevieve at the rehearsal dinnerJames and I before the weddingThe guys before the weddingJust MarriedJames and IDancingJames and I at the receptionShortly after we got home from New York we headed to the beach. We had a fabulous time and it was a well needed vacation!
We played in the lazy river

played on the slides

flew kites

sat in the ocean

relaxed on the beach

rode lots of waves built sandcastles ate peanutsand really just had a great time together!

Devin and I at dinner

My family! Us with my parentsOne night we went to this place called Ridemakerz....it was so cool and Devin got to build a car...he LOVED it! James did too!Then we went and rode a few ridesDevin with my parentsWe also played some mini golf...Devin is really actually very good!

As soon as we got home from the beach we started the big move. Thanks so much to Brandon, Trey and Gretchen we got all the big stuff moved on Friday!! We are now settled into our cute (read: tiny) apartment. Luckily it is only 4 months and then we should be moving into our house! We are set to close tomorrow (say a little prayer that all goes well with the closing)...and then they will start on our house on September 1st!! SO very excited!

The moving crew! James and I at dinner after the move

All of us at dinner!
Devin's first night in his big boy bed...he has done great with it so far!

New House

2009-07-27T20:43:00.003-04:00

So I know I have posted a little about this already but wanted to update you all. So we sold our house in a whopping 4 days (crazy!) and are set to close on August 27, which I just realized is exactly a month away from today. Wow, it is going to creep up on us so fast. We have started packing and slowly taking stuff to my parents to store in their basement. We have a lease for an apartment starting at the beginning of August and will slowly move stuff there in between the 2 vacations we have coming up in the next month. It is going to be a busy, busy time. We will then be in the apartment for about 3 months while we build our new house. We are building in Belmont, in a neighborhood on Lake Wylie. We are super excited. This house is about 900 square feet bigger than this one and the lot size is 3 times the size of this one. It is all happening so fast but it is very exciting, although I know we will have some sad moments in leaving this house...since this is our first house, where we had Devin...we just have so many memories here. We are trying really hard to get Devin prepared for the move. Those of you that know him well know he is the most routined kid EVER, so this will be a big, big change for him. We keep telling him about his new room, his play room, and his big, big yard to play in!!

Our lot the day we signed the papers :-)

We went back by this weekend and they have already started clearing the land

I know it hard to tell much from these pictures but I wanted to have the whole process posted here.

4th of July

2009-07-05T10:54:00.003-04:00

We hope you all had a happy 4th of July! Ours was great...we went to the Coulwood parade with my parents in the morning, which Devin absolutely loves! After that we had lunch with my parents and swam in their pool for a couple hours, then went to Mike and Shannon's 4th of July party. It was so much fun and Devin loved getting to play with the kids there. Plus, the fireworks were amazing!!
Devin and James
Devin and IMe and James at the party, I wish we would have got a family picture but Devin was too busy riding his bike (you can see him in the background)

I don't think I have posted about this yet on here but a update on our latest little project, I will post more about it next week after my final (which will mean I am done with nursing classes until the very end of August - a well needed break)......so..we listed our house last Thursday and got a contract on Monday! We are set to close the end of August, and we think we have found where we want to move and the house we want (its a brand new neighborhood and we would have to build, which means living in an apt for a few months).

Just one

2009-06-21T22:09:00.002-04:00

from this weekend, I can't believe how big he is getting!

Slip n Slide

2009-06-08T19:35:00.002-04:00

Can you tell how much he loved it?!?

Walt Disney World...Part 4

2009-05-24T21:14:00.017-04:00

The fourth day of our trip we started off at Epcot. We spent about a half of a day there, but I think if it would have just been James and I we would have spent longer. It wasn't Devin's favorite park because there were not a lot of rides :-) Our family heading into Epcot

Devin and Mini All of Us

There was a flower and garden festival going on at the time and it was beautiful there.

When we found this playground Devin was very happy!

We loved walking through Epcot and seeing all the countries!Devin was so happy when we ran into Snow White and were the first ones to see her. He was very shy around her :-)Devin and DaddyBye, Bye Epcot!
We headed over to the Magic Kingdom because we had reservations at the Crystal Palace for lunch.
As we were headed into the park to lunch we ran into Pinocchio!
The Crystal Palace for lunch!!

We met Winnie the Pooh

and Piglet

and Tigger Devin loves all his autographs

and then Eeyore

We finished just in time to see the parade right in front of the castle!

That night we went back to Downtown Disney for a while!

Our last day, we spent the day at the Magic Kingdom...it was by far Devin's favorite park! Its a Small World Ride The tea cups....Devin's favorite!
Mickey's Toon TownMickey's House His play roomand Kitchen

Pluto's House

and Mickey's garage

Another of Devin's favorite rides...the race cars!Devin and Mini on the Peter Pan ride

Resting on the boat ride

The Haunted Castle
After this we got caught in the rain and I didn't get any more pictures until that night, we headed to Downtown Disney to the Rainforest Cafe for our last night! In the Rainforest Cafe

Our family

We had an amazing trip to Disney and can't wait to go back again!!!

Walt Disney World....Part 3

2009-05-20T19:14:00.014-04:00

Our third day we spent the day at the Animal Kingdom! It was such a fun park and Devin loved all the animals. We also got to meet all the Mickey characters there and that was so much fun.At Camp Minnie & Mickey we got to see an awesome Lion King show and meet all the Mickey characters!Some from the Lion King showWe met Goofy first!Then we met Mickey, this Mickey was great he spent so much time with the kids...Devin loved that he pointed to himself on Devin's shirt! Oh and Devin LOVED hugging each of them!Then we met Minnie!SO proud of all his autographs! Then we met Daisy!
He really LOVED Daisy!

Then Chip n Dale...Devin thought it was so fun that they played with him!

And last we met Donald Duck!
After standing in line and meeting all the characters Devin wanted to find a ride, so we went on a safari ride!
Some of the animals we saw

Then we rode the Dinos!

Devin is in there, just too short :-)Then we were worried we might get caught in the rain that looked like was heading our way but we made it long enough to see the Animal Kingdom parade!!

Since Animal Kingdom closed early (5pm) and it was starting to rain, we decided to go back to our room and get dressed to go out to dinner. We went to Bahama Breeze and it was great. James and I love Bahama Breeze and wish they would open one in Charlotte!!

Animal Kingdom was a great park!!!

Walt Disney World....Part 2

2009-05-18T18:17:00.009-04:00

Our second day we spent the day at Hollywood Studios. I really liked Hollywood Studios a lot. It was such a neat park! While there we had lunch at Hollywood & Vine with the Playhouse Disney characters and Devin had a blast. We told him we were eating lunch with them and he kept asking when they were going to sit down at their table :-) They did do a good job of walking around and coming to our table several times. Devin got so excited to talk to them and get their autographs! I would highly recommend that to anyone going to Disney with kids! As soon as we finished lunch we saw the Hollywood Studios parade and it was great!

Ready for the day!

Devin and Sulley All of us with Sulley Lunch with the characters!

The parade after lunch!This was the coolest thing, it was a cars stunt show! James loved it, he even video taped it!

We went to see the playhouse Disney show and on the way over ran into a few more characters!

Devin and Quincy..Devin was so excited because Quincy was on his shirt!And our favorite...Handy Manny!!At the playhouse Disney show!Devin, Mini and James right before leaving the park for the day!

Walt Disney World....Part 1

2009-05-17T21:06:00.010-04:00

We made it home from Disney and we had a wonderful trip. We had originally planned to stay for 4 nights and James changed it to 6 nights the week before the trip (he also changed the hotel several times too). I am so glad he made both changes, especially staying longer because we stayed super busy for the whole time we were there.

Disney is such an amazing and magical place, especially when you see it through the eyes of your child. Devin was just so amazed at everything and thought it was so special meeting all the characters. I was a little concerned about the fact that we would be staying so busy and how Devin was going to do with that. He is used to getting a nap every day and sleeps for a good 2-3 hours a day. Occasionally he will go without a nap and does ok, but I didn't know how he would do day after day without a nap. He surprised us and did GREAT! He fell asleep 2 of the days on my lap on the bus ride home (along with most of the kids on the bus). Overall he did wonderful and this was such a great age for him to go to Disney! He is already talking about going back :-)

I am going to try to go through most of our trip on here over several posts I am sure. I have so many pictures and will have a hard time picking which ones to share so I will probably just share lots of them!

We made it to Florida!

We just got to the hotel with one happy little boy!

Going to Downtown Disney for a little bit our first night (after a long day of traveling)
At the very cool Lego store
Devin and Daddy

Building a car to race Racing
Devin with the Lego family
Our first day of going to the parks, heading to Magic Kingdom first to see the big castleOur first spotting of the big castle On the monorail
As soon as we got there, we got to meet Pluto...Devin loved getting all the autographs

Devin, Daddy and PlutoThe Big Castle (one of Devin's favorite parts)As soon as we got there a parade started coming up the street and we got great seats!Some parade pictures

After the parade the Dream Along with Mickey show was about to start and we got a spot right up front. Devin loved it, especially Snow White!

Our family...looking for some rides!

On the safari boat ride

On the Aladdin Magic Carpet Ride

Devin with Buzz Lightyear

After a long first day he couldn't make it anymore and fell asleep as soon as we got on the bus

In Disney!

2009-05-13T23:09:00.005-04:00

We are still in Disney and having a great time. We have one more day and then we head home on Friday. Devin was pooped a little earlier tonight so we just hung out around the room and it gave me a chance to look through some of the pictures I have taken so far (including today I have taken close to 700 pictures). Devin just gets so excited I want to capture everything. For now, here is one of all of us with Mickey!! We have met so many characters it is crazy, and Devin is so proud of all the autographs he has got!

And one of his favorite characters as of tonight, it changes daily but tonight it was Daisy :-)
These are from the Animal Kingdom, so that is the reason for the safari outfits :-)

We can't wait to share the rest of our pictures!!!

A few more

2009-05-08T20:58:00.004-04:00

I totally forgot I had even taken these pictures until I pulled out my small camera to charge it for our trip...

At Cort's parts....Devin's favorite part of the birthday party...CAKE!At Carowinds for the first time this yearWith Sponge BobOur family at the Scottish Festival

2 down...3 to go

2009-05-08T08:48:00.005-04:00

I can't believe I am almost half way done with nursing school! I feel like it just began. It is going so super fast. Yesterday I finished up my second semester. I had Pediatrics and Behavioral health for my nursing classes and really enjoyed both of them....and got A's in them too :-). Nursing school is really taking over my life way more than I expected. Devin even says to me all the time "Mommy, do you have to study today"...and then the other day he said "well you have to tell me what you are learning"...so cute.

I have all of next week off and am so excited because we leave for DISNEY tomorrow!!! We are so excited, Devin especially. I just can't wait to see his expression when he sees everything. We are staying for 6 nights and are just doing the Disney parks. We got hopper passes for 5 days! I also made us reservations to eat breakfast with Mickey, lunch with the Playhouse Disney characters one day, and with the Winnie the Pooh characters another day. This will be such a great way to spend my break. My mom is coming along with us...and Devin is more than thrilled about that since he considers her a playmate :-)

I just finally went through my pictures from the past couple weeks yesterday after my final, so I have a few to share.

Devin's last week of soccer is this week and we are going to have to miss it because we are leaving early for Disney. Overall I think he did ok, but am anxious for him to be old enough for T-Ball....I just feel like he will like that more (ok, and maybe I am a little biased to that sport). But here are a few pictures of soccer the other week.

Kicking a goal!Break TimeAnd this is the fastest he moves the whole time, when they blow the whistle to go get your Popsicle

Here is Devin's new playset that he got for his birthday and James and the guys spent a whole weekend building. It is great and Devin loves it...and now he has something to do if I am sitting outside studying!

We also had lots of birthday parties this month, he is a pic of Devin and Riley at Alexis' birthday party!

And then this week we celebrated my brothers 28th birthday, Devin helped blow the candles out and open all the presents.
A friend from school invited us to the Quail Hollow Championship with them on Sunday. Here we are before leaving the house....I wish they let you have cameras there! We had a great time!!

And a picture that I totally forgot to share..Devin with his rain boots, ever since getting these and his umbrella he wishes for rain :-)

Ok, back to packing....I have Devin all packed and ready now I gotta do the same for myself!

Devin's Birthday and 4 Year Stats!

2009-04-23T19:05:00.006-04:00

Pictures finally :-)

We had a great 4th Birthday Party for Devin a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful day and he had a lot of fun. We had a fun Handy Manny theme! The only picture I got of our family at the party!Devin and Alexis riding around the backyardDevin and his best friend from school MaraTime for presents...he really racked up!Cake time...they loved the blowers!

On Devin's actual birthday morning!Devin's birthday at Mini's house...a Mickey Mouse theme for our upcoming trip to Disney!Us with my familyLots more presents at Mini'sCake Time!

I still can't believe my little man is 4. Earlier this week we had his 4 year check up and he is doing great. He is right where he needs to be developmentally and I asked the Dr. about some of the stuff I was worrying about with his shyness and she said what I was explaining was completely normal!

4 Year Stats:

Height: 39 3/4 inches

Weight: 35.6 pounds

Soccer

2009-04-15T16:00:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago we started soccer again. This is Devin's 3rd time playing and so far he hasn't really gotten that into it. This year when we told him we were going to soccer, he wasn't too happy and really didn't want to go. Once we got there he was very timid during the group warm up so I was worried that he was just going to stand around like he did last time. Then when they started playing the little "game" he surprised us and was really going after the ball. Last time he just kinda ran along with the crowd. I can't wait to see how he progresses as the weeks go on!

Some pictures!

You can see in these next few how well he was going after the ball!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T22:44:00.004-04:00

We hope you all had a Happy Easter!!

Ours was very fun and relaxing. We usually go to the sunrise service with my parents but just last week Devin got so tired and worn down from all the birthday festivities that he made himself sick...so we decided not to get him up that early this weekend. So we got up a little later and Devin was so happy to find that the Easter Bunny had come, he didn't bring a lot of candy this year but brought a couple movies, a couple tag books (which Devin was so happy about) and a new puzzle. Then we headed to my parents for lunch. The Easter Bunny made a stop there as well and he left lots of stuff including a lot of candy.

At our house
At Mini'sAfter lunch Devin and I went outside and hid Easter eggs for my mom and James to search for.

Searching for the eggs that he hid :-)
And of course he found the most!
then we dyed eggs and decorated cupcakes for Easter. It was such a fun and relaxing day!

Devin with his cupcake

Happy Birthday Devin!

2009-04-06T22:46:00.003-04:00

So I am a little early, but tomorrow my little man turns 4....where does the time go?? I can definitely say that these have been the most wonderful years of mine and James' life. We are so lucky to be blessed with such an amazing little boy!

I have lots of pictures to share but have a test this week to get through first...psychopharmacology..wish me luck! But here are a couple shots from Devin's party this weekend. We had a blast!!

Opening his presents

Blowing out his candleswhat a big boy!!

Spring Break

2009-03-11T22:30:00.003-04:00

This week is my spring break from school and Devin and I have been having a great time. We both were not feeling all that well at the beginning of the week but still managed to enjoy this beautiful weather. It has been almost 80* here all week and we are loooving it!! Today was the last day though, I think the high for the next few days is between 40-50*..yuck! Hopefully that warm weather will come back soon.

Monday we headed to the park for a while and Devin let me get a few pictures of him and then we went for a long walk on the trail and Devin got to ride his bike a lot! Check out this pose, he did it himself :-)Today we spent almost all day outside and hit 2 parks...Elizabeth and Dylan joined us and I got to get some really cute pictures of Dylan. We had a great time and it was great to pick up my camera again, I really feel like I have been neglecting it with the winter weather and all my school work.

I just started looking through the pictures from today but here are 2 cute ones I came across. He is just too cute!!!

Now Devin and I just have to decide what to do with ourselves for the rest of the week. But the cold and rain just makes me want to stay home!

A quick update on school...things are going great. The nursing classes I am in now are the middle level classes and they are only 7 weeks long each. I just finished up with my Pediatrics class and LOVED it. I had my doubts and really didn't think I would like it at all. I didn't think I could handle seeing sick kids...but I was wrong and really liked it. I am really considering that track (but we will see what else I come across that I like). Next week I start my next nursing class, Behavioral/Mental Health...which I will admit I am not excited about at all! I hope I am wrong again, but this is the class I am least excited about of all of them. My other classes are going great too. I can't believe I have just over a year left to go...wow!!

Crazy Weather

2009-03-07T16:00:00.004-05:00

On Monday we got about 6 inches of snow here and then today it is almost 80* outside...crazy! Devin has a runny nose and cough, but we couldn't resist letting him play outside in this beautiful weather, and he loved it!

Another Birthday!

2009-03-07T15:40:00.004-05:00

The other week we celebrated my daddy's 63rd birthday...it was actually the same week as my birthday.

Devin loves all the birthday's close together and all the cake and presents. His is next and he is really excited!

Some pictures

Devin has been trying to decide on what kind of party to have and for a while his choice was Mickey Mouse (since we are going to Disney in May), but has since changed to Handy Manny...so my mom thought he would like for Paw-Paw's party to be Mickey Mouse :-)
Helping Paw-Paw open presents

and blowing out the candles

Snow Day

2009-03-02T20:10:00.003-05:00

Today was our 3rd snow day in a month and a half, but today was by far the best and the most snow. I think we got about 6 inches at our house, which to us is a huge deal...and Devin just loved it! The only bad part was about 11pm last night we lost our power, then we turned our fireplace on high...which set our smoke detectors off....it was quite an eventful night. We got power back about 3am, but then lost it again this morning for about an hour. I think we are in the clear now, or at least I am hoping..losing power is just the worst thing to me!

So when we got power back this morning we went out to play in the snow. Devin begged to go out all morning but we told him we couldn't go out until the power came back on because we didn't want to let the cold air in depending on how long we would be without power...when it came back on we had one happy little boy!

Getting ready to go out in the snow

He loves the snow! Until Devin fractured his foot we had planned to go ski next week since Devin had so much fun skiing last year....but don't want him to hurt his foot any more since it may still be healing then...luckily we got this snow so that kinda makes up for not being able to o ski!!
Helping daddy build the snowman!
So proud of the snowman!!

It's Snowing!!

2009-03-01T21:33:00.003-05:00

and not these little pitiful snows we always get, it is actually snowing a decent amount...and expected to continue all night. We are hoping schools are closed tomorrow so we can play in it some more...we went out for a little while tonight and had so much fun!

We took Devin for a ride around the neighborhood...he loved it (especially going fast)He loves the snow so much!Devin and I after playing in the snow...SO cold! Devin and Daddy

and I just got an email that my school is CLOSED tomorrow...YAY! So I am sure I will have lots more pictures after tomorrow!!

More Birthday Pictures

2009-02-26T17:26:00.004-05:00

As I mentioned below...we went out with friends for my birthday on Saturday night! I had a great time!! Thanks to everyone who came!

James and IChad, James and BrandonJudith, Carri and IMeghan and I

Meghan, Genevieve and I

Gretchen and I Anne & I

And this is when my camera died....anyone who has more pics from later please send them my way :-)

Update

2009-02-25T16:44:00.004-05:00

on Devin's foot. So we were able to get Devin in to see the orthopedic doctor today, thanks to my husband! Devin does have a fracture, it is what they call a buckle fracture...they just gave him a little boot thing to wear and said it should heal in 3 weeks or so! Thank goodness for no cast! Devin doesn't like the boot at all....for those of you that know Devin well you know that he doesn't like anything that draws attention to him...and well this big boot does :-) But hopefully he will get used to it and at least it is only a few weeks.

Here is a picture James took on his cell while we were in the drs office of his new boot :-)

SO Frustrated!

2009-02-25T09:21:00.002-05:00

So on Friday Devin and another kid were playing at daycare and they ran into each other and the other little kid fell on Devin's foot. They called us b/c it was swelling and we picked him up and spent the afternoon at the doctor's office...they took xrays and several doctors looked at them and said they looked fine but would have the Radiologist read them on Monday and would call us then if they saw anything of concern. Well we didn't get a call so we have been encouraging him to walk on it, thinking that he is just scared it is going to hurt again. Yesterday he was even starting to jump on it...so we are excited thinking it is getting better.
Well TODAY I get a call from the doctors office saying that the Radiologist read it and there is indeed a fracture! And now I can't get him into the orthopedic doctor until Friday. So frustrated. Poor little guy will probably have to have a cast too :-(

But you would not believe what a trooper Devin has been...not one complaint of it, no crying, nothing! The only way we can tell it is bothering him is because of him limping on it.

I will keep you updated but I am fearing the worst and that he will have to have a cast on it for 6 weeks..ugh!

3-0

2009-02-25T08:12:00.004-05:00

Last week I celebrated my 30th birthday. I had a great birthday! I have such an amazing family and friends that made it very special for me. I really can't believe I am 30 though, I feel like these last 5 years have just flown by...and especially the last 4...I just think there is no way Devin is going to be 4 in a month!!!

So my birthday was last Tuesday and we celebrated with my parents. We went out to dinner, did presents and had a yummy ice cream cake (which was Devin's favorite part)!!

The yummy cake

Me with my family...James, Devin and IDevin loves to help blow out the candles!and open presents!I love him SOOO much!

On Saturday night, we went out with some friends to celebrate. James and my bestest friend Anne did a great job of getting it together. I had a BLAST!!! I still need to finish up those pictures and I will share them!!

Don't be jealous

2009-02-24T16:21:00.004-05:00

of Devin's fashion :-)

We hung out with Anne and Craig a few weeks ago and Anne took these pictures of Devin before we left. I forgot about them until she sent them to me this week and I couldn't resist sharing them.

Little Drummer

2009-02-24T16:18:00.002-05:00

We really should just break down and get Rock Band at our house...he loves the drums so much!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T10:09:00.001-05:00

Love, Devin

Another Snow Day

2009-02-04T17:40:00.005-05:00

Today we had another snow day, and I will go ahead and warn you guys that read this and are from areas that are not in the south are just going to laugh again :-) but hey, we will take what we can get. It was actually really unexpected for me, I had to be at school pretty early this morning and got up to get ready and looked out the window and saw the yard covered with snow. So I checked online and sure enough my school and Devin's were both closed. It was a very nice day off and we played in the snow some, watched a movie and I got a lot of school work done, so a productive day. James went into work so before he left we went out and played in the yard a little bit, Devin had a blast. If he could only see a real snow, he would be in heaven!! Devin and I tried to go back out before lunch, but it was all pretty much melted.
Our houseOur backyard

Devin so excited about the snowMe and Devin (trying to warm his hands up)

I wasn't very well at pulling him

Daddy was much better

So much fun!

And back inside with rosy red cheeks!

I know..I know

2009-02-02T18:08:00.002-05:00

I have just become a horrible blogger lately! Mainly due to school and all the work I have to do in what free time I have and the unreasonably early hour I have to wake up daily (yeah I leave my house before dark every day during the week...and I am not really a morning person). And also due to this new Facebook addiction I have. I LOVE it!! But I am trying to get better. About both taking pictures and sharing them...especially since my camera is back from the shop and I have my new little point and shoot I have absolutely no reason not to.

So anyways, school started back a few weeks ago and I have 3 classes and a lab right now...my nursing class is Pediatrics, which to my surprise I LOVE. The teachers are the best, the children's hospital is amazing and I just love working with kids (I really thought sick kids would really bother me but I just have such compassion for them and really want to take care of them and make them feel better..who knows I might end up in peds). I am getting in the swing of things and had my first test last week (and got an A!).

We are also working on planning a trip to the mountains to ski in March and a trip to Disney in May. I am really excited for both!!!

Devin is doing great and getting so big. He just gets smarter every day and is really just the best little boy.

I do have some pictures to share. And this is sad, but this is ALL the pictures I have taken over the past week...so not like me.

I know I have mentioned before that Devin does really crazy things in his sleep..see here and here. The other night we went into his room and this is how he was...really the bed has to be more comfortable.

Friday night we went out with Chad and Genevieve and some of their friends for a little bit and had a really good time. It was such a nice break.

Chad, James, Genevieve and Me
James and ChadAnd James and IThen yesterday the weather was so nice, we took Devin to play Mini Golf and then went to the park for a little bit. Devin is unbelievably good at Mini Golf, out of the first 7 holes, he got a 2 on 6 of them...with no help from me or James. He didn't do that well the next 11 holes but still did pretty well. He is taking after his golf-loving paw-paw.

Snow Day (sort of)

2009-01-20T11:32:00.003-05:00

So we rarely get snow here and when there is a chance of snow everyone gets all excited. We watched the news last night they were saying we might get 2-4 inches overnight, which is a huge deal to us here. We woke up this morning and looked out the window and there was nothing too exciting, but watching the news it looks like some areas actually got a little snow. But like usual when we get a little snow here...everything closes, all the schools, the daycares, etc. My school was at first delayed until 10, but later closed for the day. Devin's daycare is closed. So we are enjoying a nice day at home, but wishing we really could call it a snow day and have some snow to play in.
The little bit of snow we got.....very disappointing for a little boy who was so looking forward to some snow

Devin trying to make a snowball out of the tiny bit of snow on our table

Since we were stuck at home we decided to go out and go for a walk...none of us can stand to be cooped up in the house ALL day long... Devin rode his big wheel on our walk

I am absolutely loving my new camera, for those who are interested I got the Nikon S210, since I am already used to Nikon. Now the pictures are nothing like my other one but the size is awesome, its so tiny!

Back to school!

2009-01-13T17:13:00.002-05:00

for both Devin and I. After our nice and very looooooong break I am back in nursing school and therefore Devin is back at big boy school. We had a whole month off and Devin only went one day of that time and that was for his Christmas party. We had so much fun! I was afraid he would have a hard time adjusting back to it, but today his teachers said he has done great this week!! Me on the other hand....I have VERY early classes this semester and it is already killing me. I have Pediatrics now though and really think I am going to like it. We will see.

Also, I ordered a new little Nikon point and shoot camera yesterday. I haven't been that good about taking pictures b/c a lot of the time I don't want to lug my big camera with me...so now hopefully I will have more to share...and soon!

Dentist

2009-01-06T16:39:00.002-05:00

Today was Devin's first actual dentist appointment. He has been with us the past few times we have gone and has sat in the chair to have them look at his teeth....but today they cleaned them and checked him all out. He was very nervous I could tell, but he did GREAT! The hygienist said he did better than a lot of the adults that come in :-) She and the dentist said his teeth look great! They gave him a little goody bag to bring home that had a new toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, a mirror...all that stuff and they gave him a mask like the dentist wears to show him it wasn't scary while we were there. When we got home he was in his room playing dentist on his animals, it was so cute. He was wearing the mask and looking in their mouths with his mirror, then he used an old toothbrush to brush their teeth, while telling them that it wouldn't hurt...and would just tickle (just what they told him).

I don't have any pictures to share (but they did take a Polaroid for me in the office) because my camera has been sent off to be cleaned and checked out. They do this yearly under the warranty I bought, so I thought I would take advantage of it now that Christmas was over. It could be gone as long as 8 weeks, so I won't have any pictures until then. I planned to use my mom's point and shoot, but it is now broken...so I am in the market for a new point and shoot (a really small one) if anyone has any recommendations let me know!

Happy Birthday Anne!

2009-01-03T12:11:00.003-05:00

to one of my best friends in the world! This is the year that we all turn the big 3-0! Anne goes first and her big birthday is today! We have a big bash planned for tonight and I hope she has the best birthday ever! I can't believe Anne and I got to be good friends in the 5th grade safety patrol...wow...that was about 20 years ago. I can't believe how fast time goes, when my parents used to say that all the time I never believed them...of course, now I do :-)

Anne and I at New Kids

Happy Happy Birthday Anne!!!

Christmas

2008-12-29T13:05:00.006-05:00

We had a very Merry Christmas. Devin really got into the Christmas season this year and loved everything about it. He is very sad that we are going to have to start taking down our decorations soon. And I loved using the "Santa is watching you" whenever he is misbehaving...I hate that I can't use that anymore for another year. We took more video than pictures this year because Devin animations are so fun to watch, but I did take some pictures that I will share.
Christmas Eve - Making cookies for SantaAn early present on Christmas EveIt was a new puzzle, he loves to put puzzles together and is really good at itGetting the cookies ready for SantaWriting Santa a noteAll ready for SantaSANTA came!! We had one little excited boy on Christmas morning, he came in and woke us up (luckily not too early) and was very ready to head downstairs!Checking everything outYes, he got a babydoll (a boy one) and is playing doctor with it. His new big racetrack that I think is his most favorite thingAt Mini's ready for more presentsThis was his animations all day long, he got so excited about everything. And this Tag game he got here from my mom is awesome!!Our family Christmas night, after a long day we are all very tired!Devin and MiniAnd another one of Devin and Mini from our big family get together yesterday
We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas too!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T19:02:00.001-05:00

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Fun

2008-12-24T10:21:00.007-05:00

I just love all the stuff going on and being crazy busy at Christmas time. I can hardly believe how fast it has gotten here and that tomorrow is Christmas. We have one very excited little boy at this house anxiously awaiting Santa, and has many questions about how Santa gets here, how he carries all the toys, all kinds of stuff. I just can't wait to see the look on his face tomorrow morning. We went a little overboard with him, so I just know he is going to be overwhelmed (I started shopping this summer b/c I knew I would be busy with school but then found tons more good deals this week).

Last week Devin got to open his very first presents, they were from Elizabeth, Tony and Dylan. He loves the Chutes and Ladders games, and has already beaten me at it.

Last weekend we finally got to meet little Cort, my good friend Shannon's baby. He was born premature and I was scared to go around him especially with Devin in daycare now, but now that he is getting bigger we got to meet him. He is such a little cutie. Devin got him a little gift for his first Christmas, and he thought it would be fun to eat it :-) But then got excited about opening it

Then since we were out in the area we decided to drop by and take Dylan a little something from Devin too. And they got me a really cool digital picture frame that I just love and can't wait to play with. I have wanted one of those since they came out but never got one.

On Sunday we took Devin to the Velveteen Rabbit show at the Children's Theater with his friend Alexis. They had such a good time.
After the show they got to play dress up, Devin loved it!

Our family at the Children's Theater

Earlier this week we attempted to take Devin Ice Skating downtown. On Monday we planned to go skiing in the mountains but after looking at the weather the high was only 19* and to us here that is REALLY cold. We just knew Devin would freeze, but he has been asking constantly to go skiing down the big mountain and wasn't interested in the Ice Skating. So we just watched! He loved skiing last year so we plan to go one weekend in the upcoming months!

Devin and Daddy at the Ice Skating Rink
Me and DevinThen since we didn't Ice Skate we walked over to see the bears (again)

Silly Boy, he just loved these Reindeer'sThen we went to Birkdale to see these bears too! It was a very fun day!

Last night we celebrated Christmas with James' family at our house. It was a lot of fun!

Devin and I in front of our treeDevin and Daddy

Devin and Alex, we told them whoever hugged the best and gave the biggest smile could open the first present!He loves his new tractor

Devin and Uncle Scott UsWe got Wii Fit...and it is SO fun!And Devin got a super cool Lightning McQueen remote control car!And a shot of everyone!

Movie Time

2008-12-16T20:01:00.004-05:00

But nowhere for daddy & mommy to sit...I tell ya this kid loves his "aminals" more than anything in the world!

Christmas Party

2008-12-16T15:01:00.005-05:00

This past weekend we had our Christmas Party. We had a great time and want to thank everyone who came to celebrate with us! I have lots of pictures to share!!

Our Christmas TreeJames & IThe cute little babies....we had so many kids here this year it was crazy...at one point there were 9 kids in Devin's room and his room is not that big...oh if you could have seen the mess. 2 of these babies share a birthday with Devin and they all have older siblings..we are so glad their parents ventured out to our party with them..we know thats not easy!Me, Sarah and Meghan (some of my friends from Nursing School)Angela, Me, Anne and Shannon

Judith and I The Rowles family, love those little girls matching outfits!!Me and ShannonJames and Chad

Genevieve and ChadDevin opening his present from Chad and GenevieveDevin and I after the crowd was gone, with his "pooping penguin" from Anne & Craig!And I just have to share this, James was working very hard cleaning up the kitchen after everyone was done eating and this was on the fridge....too funny! He is a little OCD, but I am too and it makes for a very clean house...so I am ok with it :-)

Celebrating

2008-12-16T09:14:00.003-05:00

Last night we went out to dinner with some friends from school to celebrate being done for the first semester. We were just SO very excited to have finished our first semester. But now I will say as I sit here on the computer, I just have no idea what to do with myself today...Devin is still asleep, James is working....and I don't have to pick up a book to study :-) I am so looking forward to next week when James is home with us. And Devin is loving every minute of asking about "Big Boy School" and hearing that he doesn't have to go today and gets to hang out with mommy!

Pics from last night

The Group....Meghan, Genevieve, Me and Gretchen

Me and Genevieve

1 down 4 to go

2008-12-15T14:24:00.003-05:00

I can't believe my first semester is over. It just went by so fast, I feel like I just started yesterday. I am completely amazed at how much I have learned over the past 4 months. I need a break, I don't think my brain can hold much more information for a while :-) I had my Nursing final today...I was so close to not having to take it. But it was way easier than any of the other tests we have had, so its OK. I was exempt from all my other finals...thank goodness!!

Now I have a break until January 12 and am SO excited. I have all kinds of stuff planned to do with Devin. I feel like I have somewhat neglected my family over the past 4 months with all the studying I have been doing, so we are going to catch up over my break...and James has a week of that off with us!!

Next semester, I start with Pediatrics and then have Behavioral Health the last part of the semester. I am really curious to see how I like each of those classes.

I am really happy that I did this and went back to school. I was really nervous if I could do this school thing again after being out for so long and was worried that I might not like it. But I love it and school isn't so hard after all. I have also met some wonderful friends at school that make it that much more fun to go :-)

Last Wednesday was our last day of clinical and we all went out to lunch afterwards...we all forgot our cameras but we were able to get a camera phone picture.

Here is a picture of my awesome clinical group from this semester! Too bad we aren't all together the whole time!

Christmas Program

2008-12-10T21:01:00.003-05:00

Devin had his first ever Christmas program tonight. His class sang three songs, Up on the Rooftop, Jingle Bells and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. They have been practicing and practicing and Devin can sing all the songs very well "at home"...but the teachers warned us that he doesn't even open his mouth and sing, just stands there. We talked over and over about him singing for the program. I even took him to see Santa earlier this week and Santa told him that he would be very happy if he sang for his program. Well he did kinda move his mouth, but I would not consider it singing. He is just too shy. Now what is funny is that he has been in the bath singing nonstop for a good 30 minutes....but just not in front of people I guess. We took video and if James gets it on the computer soon I will try to upload it here.

A few pictures, I apologize in advance for the terrible pictures but it was really dark in there :-)

And the silly boy in the bath!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-30T20:45:00.004-05:00

a few days late...

We hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!!! Ours was great!

I do have pictures and such to share but am so far behind with my first semester coming to an end (only a couple more weeks)...and if this week goes as planned - as in I do well on all my tests I should have all A averages and have to take NO finals!!! We will see!

But I do promise to catch up and share more over Christmas break!

For now, a picture of our family taken by a friend of ours that we decided to use on our Christmas cards this year

Southern Christmas Show

2008-11-18T10:01:00.004-05:00

On Saturday night we went to the Southern Christmas Show. My mom and I go every year and Devin came along last year, but this was James' first time going. We had a great time and Devin really racked up, my mom bought him all kinds of new neat toys! Devin got to see Santa but was very shy around him. But afterwards he talked and talked about Santa. They had lots of very pretty decorations! Devin is going to be so much fun this holiday season!!

Devin the fireman

Our family Devin and Mini

And some of the windows they had for decoration, they were so neat (the pictures really don't do them justice)

Best Friends

2008-11-10T21:57:00.002-05:00

Devin just loves these girls...he will tell me over and over "I love them so much" and "they are my best friends"...such a sweetie!

He is learning...

2008-11-08T12:44:00.001-05:00

So last night we went out to dinner and the place we went to has a little game room that we usually let Devin go into and pretend to drive the cars and such. So last night we are finishing up dinner and told him he could go play for a few minutes and then it would be time to go home. At that point he looked at me so seriously and said "But mommy I need some quarters"...hahaha!! He is learning that these games take money....it was too funny!

Halloween

2008-11-01T09:09:00.004-04:00

We hope you all had a very Happy Halloween!

Here are a few pictures before going trick or treating. We thought it would be cute to somewhat dress up with Devin. He was a little scared of us at first and then loved it and kept telling James to put his mask back on and me to put my silly hair back on. We had a great Halloween!

Because I love to look back

2008-10-29T18:39:00.002-04:00

Here is Devin in all his Halloween Costumes...he is growing SO fast!!

Our little pumpkin...his first Halloween!Nemo...his second Halloween...This is still my all time FAVORITE kids costume, I just love it!And for his third Halloween....Tigger! And the little doggie for his fourth Halloween

Trunk or Treat

2008-10-26T21:58:00.002-04:00

Tonight we went to our church for "Trunk or Treating". Riley and Aidan came with us and the kids had a great time. We got so many comments on our kids adorable costumes!!

Cupcakes & Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-24T23:10:00.004-04:00

Tonight was a yucky rainy night so we decided to stay in and get into have some Halloween fun. We baked cupcakes and decorated them and carved our pumpkin that we picked out in the pumpkin patch last weekend. Devin had a blast and is so ready for Halloween now!

Helping make the cupcakes

He said this was his "best" part....the decorating

Can I just eat it now?

Yummy Cupcake!

This is so cute, he was waiting for daddy to come look at his cupcake and letting me take some pictures but really wanted to eat it!

And pumpkin carving....

he thought this was SO cool
and thought it looked so neat down in the pumpkin
but absolutely HATED the way it felt inside
The finished product....I will get a better picture once we get it on the porch and its not so dark

Tomorrow we are headed to Spencer to ride the trick or treat train ride! I am sure I will have pictures after that (Devin hasn't stopped talking about it all week)!

The Cutest Little Doggie

2008-10-21T20:52:00.002-04:00

Well at least we think so! Devin picked out this doggie costume for Halloween this year and we just loved it. Yesterday, we went to the park and I was able to get some pictures of him in it.

Week 31

2008-10-20T17:34:00.002-04:00

At the park today

Carowinds

2008-10-20T16:16:00.008-04:00

Yesterday we spent the day at Carowinds with The Pinti's. Devin had a great time playing with Nolan even though they haven't seen each other in a while. We thought maybe the fact that Nolan rode some of the rides Devin doesn't like we would be able to get Devin to ride with Nolan. That didn't really work, he just wanted to watch Nolan ride those rides :-)

Devin and Nolan going through the maze

Devin and his favorite, Diego
Nolan on the airplanes, we tried desperately to get Devin to go on these
Devin in the helicopters, he loves these!
Nolan and Mike on the little kids roller coaster, again we tried to get Devin on this but he wasn't having it

On the boats
All of us on the Carousel
Up Close
On the Dora train, I think this is his favorite ride!

Devin with the scarecrows Devin and Nolan showing off their pumpkins
Devin loved the Scooby Doo ride, he loved it!

What a difference a year makes

2008-10-18T16:32:00.003-04:00

Last year

This year

He is just growing way too fast!

A day at the Farm

2008-10-18T15:29:00.008-04:00

Today we spent the day at Patterson Farm! We went last year and had a blast and so we knew we wanted to go back this year. Devin has been so excited since we first mentioned it. He is really into pumpkin patches this year and when we told him this farm had a hay ride to take you out to the pumpkin patch he was so ready to go. We met up with friends at the farm and Devin absolutely loved having Alexis there with him to play with. I just love this time of year. It was such a fun day!!

Devin & Alexis

James feeding the animals
Devin really loved this little duck race game, he got very serious about getting his duck to the end...you can tell by that face
And then we went and did the tomato slingshot (oh my, that sounds so country), he loved it but it was a little hard to do without daddy helping
Much easier with daddy helping
Riding on the horsey swings
This was too cute, a little kids corn maze
And a huge sandbox filled with corn, the kids loved it
Riding the tractors

Our family and the Rowles family
Our family
Devin and Alexis
On the hay ride
And picking out a pumpkin
Heading back with our pumpkin

Interview with Devin

2008-10-11T11:55:00.007-04:00

I was tagged by Jaidean

1. How old are you? three
2. How old is mommy? ten
3. How old is daddy? three
4. How do you bake a cake? a big cake
5. What is daddy's name? Medeiros
6. When is your birthday? a long time ago
7. What is your favorite color? green
8. What is your favorite animal? Miss Prissy (his stuffed Cat)
9. What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to play the accordion with the piano in the back (???).

That was fun!
Angela and Carri (now you have to do that first post:-)

Birthday Parties

2008-10-10T23:18:00.002-04:00

This week we celebrated my mom's (October 5th) and James' (October 9) birthdays. We had a great time and Devin LOVED all the presents and birthday cakes!

Happy Birthday Mini!!!Happy Birthday James!!

More Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Preview:-)

2008-10-07T18:34:00.004-04:00

Here are a few more from our visit to the pumpkin patch this weekend. I just love this time of year. We went to a fall festival too on Saturday and Devin had a blast but I forgot my camera.

And Devin decided he wanted to be a doggie this year, I hope to get more pictures soon!!

Week 29

2008-10-07T08:26:00.003-04:00

At the pumpkin patch, he loved it so I am sure we will be visiting many more this month

Sick

2008-10-01T21:34:00.003-04:00

Poor Devin. I got done a little early today and picked him up from daycare at 1:00. He seemed fine when I picked him up and they said he played hard all morning. Well from the time we got home he gradually started feeling bad and now he has a fever and is all achy. He is just pitiful and it breaks my heart. We have been really lucky so far and Devin hasn't been sick that much, but it just makes it all that much worse when he actually does get sick. I feel so bad for my little man. I really hope he is better in the morning.

I was looking through my pictures tonight and came across this one that I meant to share on here. I thought it was appropriate tonight because he is so happy in this picture and all I have seen all night is one pitiful little boy.

One of my favorite faces

2008-09-24T18:53:00.003-04:00

he makes....Devin's mischief face :-)

A day with my favorite litte guy

2008-09-23T16:24:00.003-04:00

Today I didn't have any classes and I felt caught up with everything so I kept Devin home with me and we had a day full of fun.

We got to relax when we got up and didn't have to rush out of the house (something we really took advantage of this summer and didn't realize how good we had it). We are in such a hurry to get out of the house now that it was great! Then we went to the mall and went to Build A Bear where Devin built a new kitty...that he named "Pumpkin". As a lot of you already know Devin loves his "aminals" (as Devin would say). I think he has told Pumpkin he loves her more than 15 times already today and every time we left her in the car he would tell her we would be right back. He is so sweet and it really makes me sad that we can't give him a little sibling right now b/c he would be the best big brother. Too bad he has to wait for nursing school to end.

His favorite part of Build A Bear is giving his new animal a bath

Then we met James for lunch and then headed to Jetton park for the afternoon. We had a great time, there weren't many people there so we had the place to ourselves. I brought Devin's bike and we rode it around the whole park and then played on the playground.

Getting ready for his bike ride

And playing on the playground

It was such a fun day and one of the biggest things I miss since starting school. I love days like this with my little man. But I will admit, when it isn't something you have everyday you really do appreciate it more.

Soccer

2008-09-19T19:02:00.004-04:00

Devin started soccer last weekend. He played in the spring and seemed to really like it by the end but was very timid at the beginning...this season has started out the same. He just kinda ran along with the team and would move out of the way of the ball. He does great in the pre-game stuff where they just practice, but is intimidated during the game. After the game all the players get ice pops and we told him that only the participating players get ice pops (the ones that kick the ball). That got him going because he ran and kicked it then :-)

Some pictures of my little soccer player And on another note as I mentioned before I had my first nursing test today. I was very nervous, but felt very prepared....and made an A!!! There were very few A's in the class and I got one of them, I was very proud of myself :-) My anxiety level has dropped tremendously after today because now I know I can do it (I had really been questioning myself with being out of school for so long)...so now I feel much better!

Quick Catch-Up

2008-09-16T16:02:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to do a quick little catch-up post. I have my first big nursing test on Friday, so I really should be studying :-) Things are going great around here. I have had 2 quizzes and 1 test (in a different class) so far and have made a 100 on all 3! I am very excited and just hoping I do good on my nursing test too. I had my first clinical experience last week and all went well. I had to be there at 6:45, so I will say I was struggling with that (as most of you know Devin & I slept in every day this summer). But I had a good experience.

Devin is doing great. He is doing better and better at daycare every day and even gets mad at me when I pick him up at 2:30 because he has to miss afternoon outside time. So several days I have just let James pick him up on the way home and got some studying done. I am SO happy he is doing so well. Today when I picked him up, a little boy came up and told me he was Devin's friend today. Devin asked him to be his friend. It was so cute. Devin also started soccer last weekend and I need to post about that, which I hope to get to do very soon.

And what is a post without a picture...

my little man

Week 26

2008-09-13T23:30:00.002-04:00

Helping me study (my life these days)

Week 25

2008-09-07T21:51:00.002-04:00

I am so far behind on this, but I did get a picture of Devin and I this morning

My two favorite guys

2008-09-07T14:52:00.003-04:00

I haven't been taking too many pictures lately but I did manage to get this cute one of my two favorite guys this morning after church

Silly Faces

2008-09-02T15:51:00.005-04:00

The other weekend we went to our friend's Carri and James (& Riley and Aidan's) house for dinner. The kids looked so cute in their pjs that I wanted a few pictures. Riley and Aidan were all about some silly faces but it took Devin a while to participate.

Devin has no problem smiling for the pictures

But doesn't know if he wants to make silly faces

You guys are so silly
Do you really want me to do this for the picture??

OK he says...he tried to make his own silly face

He is just so silly and such a reserved little kid :-)

Making Brownies

2008-08-27T15:48:00.006-04:00

Devin loves to help out in the kitchen, but I never capture it because I am always the one helping him. A few weeks ago we went to Tony and Elizabeth's house for dinner and Devin got to help out with Brownies after dinner....talk about fun!!!

YUMMY!

Beach...part 3

2008-08-25T20:20:00.004-04:00

On Friday, the weather was nice again. So we got up and took Devin for another bike ride (he loves riding in his little bike trailer at the beach-too bad I didn't get any pictures) and then headed for the beach. We stayed on the beach until around Devin's nap time and went up to the room for lunch. He wasn't acting too tired so we decided to take him to play Mini Golf. He had been begging to play and when we tried to go at night it was crazy busy and we knew we needed to not be rushed his first time. To our surprise he was really good. I only actually kept his score when he did good, but he got about 5 3's and 3 2's....now he did get a few 7's and 8's in there too. He loved it so much and when we said it was time to leave and go back to the beach he wanted to stay and play more. On the way back, he was so tired he managed a short nap in the car. When we got back we went back on the beach until around 7:00 and then headed in to get ready for dinner. I really wanted to get some beachy pictures of Devin but didn't bring my camera out to the beach at all during the day. By the time we got out there after getting ready Friday night, it was getting really dark so I had to use my flash and am not happy at all that I didn't get any cute beach pictures like I got last year but I still had to share my silly boy.

On Saturday we were up in the air if we were going to stay or not and when we woke up it was overcast so we decided to head back.

Playing Mini Golf
Some of Devin
Can you please smile??
It's really not that bad
There is a little smile
SO cute!
Daddy and Devin (there is the big smile I was looking for)
And last the three of us

First Day of School

2008-08-25T14:47:00.003-04:00

for Devin & I :-)

So Devin has been to "big boy school" 3 days in the past 3 weeks but today was really his first day of staying close to all day and having to go regularly. He did great this morning before leaving the house and James dropped him off and said he did great then too.

Today was my first day of actual classes too and I have a lot of emotions going on....I am super excited but very anxious and still a little overwhelmed :-)

Here is a quick picture of us this morning before leaving!