Look But Don't Touch

It started with ours...
He got the biggest kick out of putting the scented pinecones on the tree...

So we left them for additional decor.

And then on Thanksgiving, he thought he'd help out with his Aunt & Uncle's tree...

So we had to insist on a 1-finger rule with zero-removal...

But even the day after, he kept coming back to the shiny glamour...

Ohhh-what to do with the busy toddler!

So Very Close

We're a House Divided.

{I promise he really loves me! He just hates camera flashes...well he hates getting his picture taken in general...unless he has a few Margaritas in him}

Actually half of the house ended up cheering for Auburn and the other half for Alabama.

After some really intense plays...
We were sad to see Bama lose, but hope that Auburn carries the state onto a National Championship.
WHEW! What a close game =)

Thanksgiving 2010

Mason was pretty stoked to pack up and go see the Smith family for Thanksgiving.

So happy to arrive!

And he was of course tickled to see his sweet cousin. Look how adorable she is!

They get along famously. Thank goodness! I no longer have fear about how he'll deal with Sweet Pea. He loved helping out and was gentle with Sophie. He even was amused by her taking the first steps.

And then there was the grub...

Mason got his first taste of the Thanksgiving feast. He really enjoyed the turkey and dressing too.

We have much to be thankful for...what a blessed time of year!

B is for Books and Balls for the Boy

Good Morning Mason Tinsley!
You love to start the day off reading your books...

And then some more...

And another... {PS this one's your favorite of the moment: Goodnight Moon}

And then Mommy entices your nose out of the books by throwing the ball around...

Okay, how about we take this Outside?

Up Up and Away

We had a Yard Sale Saturday {and a fairly successful one at that- yay for getting rid of junk!} and afterwards Mason had a blast with the balloons we'd used outside.

Boy, it's amazing how such simple things are treasures to a little kid.
If you'll notice, poor Ripley is nowhere in sight. She was scared to death of these noisy things- but probably mostly afraid of the rowdy child chasing after them...

I think he'd like a balloon everyday, if he could have one!

Sweet Pea News

Sweet Pea
{"Sweet Pea" is the nickname that Gigi is giving Baby #2}

We had a bit of a scare last week as I had some light bleeding. Dr. F wanted to see me quickly and we had an ultrasound to make sure Sweet Pea was healthy.

Thankfully the baby looked great and was wiggly and measuring perfectly. And although it's much too soon to have gender determination, the ultrasound technician probed and *thinks* Sweet Pea may be another BOY. She was stern to let us know she rode the fence a little on this though and that we shouldn't purchase any boy items yet. Although I advised her that we wouldn't need much since Mason's hand-me-downs would be easily reused.

I've just completed a round of antibiotics to help "cure" and deter a continuing infection but Dr. F advised there is an increased risk of preterm birth. I didn't really let what he said soak in while I was in the office but from what I understand there's not much I can do. All I cared about that day was that Sweet Pea was healthy and growing- whatever else happens happens.

This pregnancy has probably been the opposite of my pregnancy with Mason. Mason was fairly easy I'd say.

* With this pregnancy I've had the not-so-fun morning sickness. For about 2 weeks straight {starting around week 6} I was miserable and then the rest of the time it's been random spurts of extreme nausea.

* I'm also extremely fatigued. We were all recovering from a weird cold, that recurred the following week but to encapsulate the tiredness---one day I slept 14 hours, the next 18 hours. Thank goodness Scott took care of Mason during those days.

* And while I've heard this happens with most second, third, fourth, etc pregnancies- my stomach muscles were shot and I definitely began showing much too early. I attribute most to bloating though as thankfully I'm gaining weight but not nearly at the rate I did with Mason {remember I gained 56 lbs with him!}

Really the worst part has been the typical first trimester symptoms and what seems like an extended trimester at that. Thankfully, I know this too shall pass...

Home Haircut

FINALLY. Daddy cut Mason's hair this past weekend; it was a much needed trim. It's amazing how much better he looks with a few snips around his ears and in the front.

And while he's sporting his new cut, he seems to think he's a bigger boy now too. Which is bittersweet. At least some of this independence may be preparing him for this upcoming May with the addition of his new sibling.

Life as a Big Boy

Did you know? Mason's a big boy now.
He prefers to sit in a chair to eat {although Mommy strongly prefers a restrictive high chair}; he wants to help dress himself, especially with socks and shoes {although he really can't yet}; he likes to do the chores himself {like vacuuming or putting toys away}; and he's particular about personal hygiene such as bathing, using a tissue to blow his nose, and even wiping after a dirty diaper.

He just thinks he's the coolest little big dude ever. Check out the sunglasses he likes to put on...and then take off to put on you.

Played the Part Well

I know I have much catching up to do- particularly involving the wedding, but this pregnancy hasn't been very fun at all. I'll update later on that one. But here are some sweet photos of Mason from the wedding.

Just as we started to walk down the aisle. Grandadder was great at balancing a squirming toddler, the ringbearer pillow, and my arm.

But Mason did great walking regally once we hit the aisle and he followed his part as ringbearer and son very well {yay for Mason!}.

All during the ceremony he was excited, but thankfully well-behaved. {love these photos that Leah's friend Tiffany took from a guest's POV...she should do it professionally}
And then of course the Boogie King loved dancing the night away. He seriously tore up the dance floor and loved every eye being on him and getting to move to the music.

It was a wonderful family celebration!

I'll have professional photos to share, just maybe when there's more energy...

Round and Round They Go

Mason has ALWAYS been afraid of the carousel. But apparently Daddy has the magic touch! Here are the boys a couple of weeks ago {I think it was the weekend after we returned from our honeymoon}.

What a silly little monster!
Of course, his little world has changed drastically- with a new Daddy, moving, and now this talk of a BABY, the little guy adjusted to all the changes pretty well.

Lately, I just have to remind myself to...

BREATHE

Big Brother

Mason's going to be a BIG BROTHER!

Ha- he looks so very excited here...

But the tests confirmed and we went to the Dr. for our first visit the Monday before last and we heard the heartbeat!

Daddy's really excited too- his blue eyes just don't stay open with the flash =)
Right now, we're just praying for a healthy pregnancy and I'm asking for more energy. Baby Lewis is kicking my butt {PS and a growing one at that!}.