our lives lately.

Imagine that. All my posts start out with . . . 'our lives as of lately' comments. Mostly because I simply forget to blog. It's so hard to keep up with all versions of social media. But lately our lives have been turned up side down and right side up . . . and all we are trying to do is stay afloat. For those of you who have kids, I'm sure you know what it means. Just when you think you've accomplished something great with juggling the kids, God gives us another task to overcome. And mine is now the terrible twos. 

Joanie Leigh. My fire cracker. My mini me. My Joanie.

Joanie started preschool in January, so I got accustomed to BOTH the kids being gone a little two days a week. I must add, silence was nice. Now, we are out of school and I couldn't resist but to send them to a 'sitter / nanny' two days a week. Silence is BACK! JL is quite the talker. Or should I say, CHATTER BOX. She talks, non stop. And I mean, NON STOP. And loud. Always so loud. It's like she wants the world to know she's awake and trust me, they usually do. She's beginning to put sentences together which makes for conversations with her. And the word 'no' is used twice as much as a normal toddler. 

"Joanie, do you want a show?"
"no"
"Joanie, do you want your shoe?"
"no"
"Joanie, do you want a gummie?"
"no"

Even when it means yes. Which to all those questions, it's usually a 'yes'. She will get there. I'm sure. But we've also entered the 'terrible twos'. Fits. OH, what fits the girl can pitch. And she buckles. When she doesn't get her way, she swings those arms and slaps her legs. Then drops to her knees. Her newest is when you pick her up to sit her on her bottom for time out, she will bend her legs backwards. Like she is about to go sky diving . . . it's so you can't 'sit her down' in time out. Terd. She's such a terd. She knows! She knows, way too much.

But, she's just a big girl. Growing so fast. She has blossomed into a little girl, for sure. She wakes up every morning and asks to put a bow in her hair. As soon as 'bubba' (what she calls Houston) looks at her and tells her, 'Your pretty, Joanie', she then takes it out. She has found a love for shoes and always wants them on. She now doesn't mind dressing up. Which before she was like the 'Hulk' and would want to rip them off. Imagine that. It's Joanie. But a big girl we have. She has even started potty training. She talks about it, she has sat on the pot and actually tee tee'd a handful of times. YAY. Maybe we are on the 'no more diaper train'. I can dream. Right?

Oh my 21 month old little girl.

And my 4.5 year old little boy. My precious Houston. Such a sweet soul. He's getting so big. Tall. We have finally entered into 4T clothes and I think (only by his large head) that we might enter into 5T 'on time' or even earlier. H is my midget. My small little petite little fella. We were always entering sizes right on the dot. But the last two years we've been behind on entering the 'sizes'. I like to think it's because that boy is so active. I swear that's what keeps him thin. He doesn't walk anywhere. He speed walks. The child would rather run than ride a bike. Which, I have bought him a bike recently (with the training wheels) and all he wants to do is run. I tend to think he will be my cross country runner. (And we think JL will be the soccer player.)

H did play his first season of soccer this year. His FIRST team sport. And it was by far the most precious thing to see that small child out on the big field running with the others. His soccer shirt swallowed him whole and his shorts came down to his ankles, pretty much. He loved it. Daddy bought him his own soccer ball and he was on top of the world. Altho, he didn't quite 'get' the sport just yet, but he will learn. He is going to a 'mega camp' this summer. They will teach him a different sport each day. We shall see. HA. He makes me smile just thinking of that kid running around with his close mouthed smile.

H has been big into army figures and police for quite some time. And I had kind of hoped this would be one to out grow. But no. He's still addicted. Police has been around the longest. But the toy army men, that we trip over and step on . . . that's the newest. He will line them up and have 'wars' on his own. Ha. Such a nut.

We have applied H into the 4k preschool program at the Elementary school. NERVOUS. I hope he gets in. Even tho I will probably ball my eyes out watching him walk into school the first day. Seriously. I will. I will cry. I think realizing that my 'baby boy' isn't much of a baby anymore is just crazy. It's so crazy to watch them grow daily and to think 'school' is forever away . . . and when it arrives . . . you just look back and say, When did this happen? Where did the time go? and How did it go so quick?

Well, here's to new beginnings for me. And praying that I actually keep my word and 'document' my children a bit better than the past. Cheers.

//  love, mommy  //

2 yr preschool

Today, Houston started his first day of 2 year old Preschool. The past two years he has been in MMO (Mother's Morning Out) and never really been a fan. Of course the teachers loved him and said he played fine . . . but getting him there was always a challenge. Houston isn't one to wake up and go . . . he's like his daddy and needs time to get a grasp on the day. Which is fine . . . but come one dude!

So this morning was a rough start. He didn't wake up till 8:15 (which he normally wakes up at 7:30 or 7:45) and we needed to leave at 8:35 . . . try getting this child up / fed / dressed / in the car in 30 minutes . . . was challenging. There was LOTS of 'smooth' talking about school and how much fun he would have and how we needed to get going so we could play . . . he was SO excited. WAS. Till we got to school and I walked him in . . . and 4 of the 9 kids were crying for their parents. GREAT. Way to be late me. Now I have scared child who looks at me and says, 'Mama, stay.' because he didn't know what to do with all the other criers. haha. Poor thing.

Of course I had to make a run for the door when he got to playing . . . but he noticed and looked at me with the saddest face!! And then my hormones got the best of me . . . I started to cry too. DANG IT. I would always do fine at MMO . . . mostly laugh as I walked out. I know, I know. Great mom I am! j. But, at least I never cried! This time, I got into the truck and had to get a tissue. Seriously!

Other than our dramatic cry moment . . . Houston was excited. He picked out his shirt and shoes. He smiled the whole way to school. Talked about how Wes goes there too. Told me that I was going to pick him up. Said he wanted to play on the play ground. PROMISED he wouldn't teetee in his diaper so we could wear big boy undies the next day. Fingers crossed on that one! He probably peed his pants once he walked in with all the other criers. j.

Take a look at his first day of 2 year old preschool :) I didn't take an 'professional' pictures . . . I just snapped a few on my phone. I mean, it's not 'real' school is it? Gosh, I'm awful!

Houston walking to the truck with his book bag on  //  him standing on our front porch ready for school  //  Houston and I before he walked into his room with his name tag on (he didn't want to take his picture alone)

Big Boy Bed = Check :: Potty Training = Check

Sleeping in our big boy bed + potty training were mommies two big tasks this summer! And with the summer ending and Joanie approaching . . . I must say, we are two for two!

Now, I don't want to brag too much too soon . . . and don't get me wrong . . . he has his moments. We do have accidents and we do sometimes slip into mommy and daddy's bed in the middle of the night. However, the past two weeks have been AWESOME! He hasn't slipped into bed with us ONCE! AND he has started to 'poo poo' in the potty!

Poo Pooing in the potty has been a task . . . he used to HATE doing it and would hardly let us sit him on the throne . . . now, we go. And the conversations on the pot go like this:

Houston:  "Mama, did you hear it?"
Me:  "Yes, buddy, I heard it. Good job. Mommy's proud of you."
Houston smiles.
Houston:  "Mama, dats a big won."
Me:  "Yes, yes it is. Now are you finished?"
Houston:  "Nope."

A long pause.

Me: "Are you done now?"
Houston: "Mama, I flush it?"
Me: "Not till you are finished. Are you done now?"
Houston: "Nope."

Another long pause. And repeat until he says, "Mama, I done."

He has become quite the 'sitter'. Laugh. BUT, at least we are making it in the pot! YAY! We still have some 'tee tee' accidents. And our hardest challenge is when we 'travel' . . . getting him to go before we get in the car and making sure he 'holds' it till our destination. THEN, letting us know while we are at our destination that he has to go pee. He has done well the past week and I only hope he gets better! It's hard, but seeing the no.5 diapers deplete from the Billingsley Household excites me!

OH, and we still sleep in diapers. I have bought the protection cover for his bed, but I just can't do it yet. Not till he is good ALL the time during the day will I risk the night time wets. AH. We are so far along but so far to go!


I couldn't get a photo of him on the pot for a few giggles . . . but this one is close enough. H in his 'undies' being a typical man.

Everyone says he is going to kill me when he gets older . . . but I don't care. He's too cute!

He likes sporting off his big boy undies . . . or panties as I call them.  I'm getting better!

looking back. looking forward.

The past couple of weeks, as we are preparing for Joanie Leigh, I have realized, I didn't document my pregnancy with Houston or his first year of life very well. Tear. I know, some people don't do ANYTHING . . . but, I told myself I wouldn't be that way. I thought I had done better. But as I am 'nearing' the end of this pregnancy, I find myself wanting to 'look back' and compare the two.  I know every pregnancy is different and I really don't expect them to be the same in any way . . . but as I reach certain points in this pregnancy, I can't remember how I was with Houston.

So, my goal this time, is to make sure I am documenting as much as I can! I may sound redundant on some posts . . . so please forgive me. According to Matt, I can't remember ANYTHING and always repeat my self . . . BABY BRAIN. And see, I don't remember it being this bad with Houston!! Argh. I do feel bad for Matt and Jess . . . because they have to listen to my constant nagging, repetitive self. Laugh. Bless them both!




On another note:
I am pretty sure that Joanie Leigh's room is complete! We just need to wash up everything and get it clean. We do have her bouncy seat and swing in there since Houston thinks he is small enough for it . . . and I have to keep reminding him that these toys are for Joanie. Sigh. So, once those things move out, it's complete! Now we just count down for her arrival! We do have a shower for her weekend after next, August 11th. Brandy / Jess and several friends are throwing it for her. We never had a 'friends' shower for Houston because we had planned on doing a 'Sip-n-See' but once he arrived and germs were going around . . . we decided against it. SO, this is my 'friends shower'! I'm pretty excited just to get everyone together!

Houston's room is officially 'transformed' into a 'toddler' room! We have to paint his chalkboard wall and then it will be COMPLETE! Such an accomplishment! He is officially in his big boy bed! We have taken out some of the 'extra pillows' . . . and are now teaching him how to sleep like a 'big boy'. He doesn't quite understand that your head goes on a 'pillow' and that your body goes under the 'covers'. I know sounds funny . . . but he is a CRAZY sleeper. He moves so much that even with bed rails and tons of pillows, he still fell out several times. Silly. But he has done really well staying at the top and starting to sleep like a 'big boy'. Laugh. My lil' man. NOT TO MENTION, potty training is going super duper great! He tells us every time he has to 'teetee' -- even with a diaper on! YAY! Now, working on 'pooping' in the potty and 'adventures' out of the house is our next step.

Today, Jess and I watched our twin cousins who are 8 months old. They are so cute! Karsyn and Karter are their names :) And Houston did so well with them! Talking to them, playing with them, helping them . . . makes me excited to see that he will do well becoming a BIG BROTHER!

Till next time! I'll post more images of our lil' man and he grows! And, I have images from our beach trip coming (for those who haven't seen them yet)!

Potty Training in Progress . . .

We've been potty training for a couple of months . . . well, 'talking about it' and 'occasionally enforcing it' for a couple months . . . but the last two to three weeks have been 'strong' enforcement. And so far, we are doing GREAT! I am so proud of him!

When we are at home, it's 'undies' all the way! 'Cars' and 'Diego' are our favorite undies to wear. We are still working on the 'aim' and 'pulling up / down' the undies . . . And most of the time, he let's us know when he has to go. EXCEPT when he has to poop . . . that . . . we are still working on. Sigh. We have even ventured off to several places with big boy undies! YAY! But, if we are very busy or playing too hard . . . we just might have an accident. He knows when he has accidents too . . . he's so cute :) He puts his head down and sticks out his bottom lip . . . and hides because he is embarrassed. My precious boy. Poor thing. He's trying so hard.

Although we still revert to a diaper when we venture out of the house or for nap or for bedtime, I am super excited and happy to see the no.5 diapers depleting from our home . . . esp. as we begin to fill up with Newborn / no.1 / no.2 's for Joanie Leigh.

WAY TO GO HOUSTON! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!

Hush.

How can you EVER get mad at this face? Esp. when he tells you to 'Hush' when you yell at him for peeing on your bed?

He's such a terd. And he has my heart.

the Bee-g boy bed.

Houston has made the 'big' transition. Which is great. But sometimes I wish I could put him back in that little rectangle 'box' and run . . . because now, it's a hard bargain.

H loves his 'Bee-g' boy bed. He wouldn't get back in his crib to save his life. But now, we have an issue with 'bed time'. We used to have our quiet time. Rock him. Watch one TV show (Two and a Half Men -- his choice and yes, he sings the theme song). Lay him down. Say goodnight and shut the door.

NOW.

We do all that PLUS read books, say our prayers and then lay with him. We are starting to cut out the TV show . . . mostly because he has started to 'reinact' scenes . . . mostly the 'kissing' scenes. GREAT. Which I die laughing. BUT, I know it's NOT good to let him keep watching it. So, now we rock for a short time, lay down, read our books, say our prayers, lay with him for a moment . . . then 'leave'.

EXCEPT.

I have been trying to start potty training. So, I tell H every time I have to teetee . . . trying to show him how to 'recognize it' before you teetee in your 'pants'.  At night, I kept telling H I was going to go, 'Teetee in the potty' then go to bed. He would say, 'Otay Mama.' and then lay down and go to sleep.

NOW.

He says, 'I teetee too, mama.' -- UM, Ok. -- AND HE DOES! He will freely teetee in the potty right before bed . . . OH, and at 4 am. YAY. A great step. BUT, after he teetees, he doesn't go straight to sleep anymore . . . ARGH. I will lay him down. Tell him goodnight. And walk out of his room. TO THEN find his light is on and our child is playing with his cars under his bed.

YEP. UNDER HIS BED. That's what he does now. So we have to drag him out . . . put him back in his bed . . . the the cycle continues. I pop him. I threaten him. I take his lil' cars from him. All while he gets so 'worked up' that then I feel bad. I am afraid if I make it 'not fun' or 'uncomfortable' he will not want his 'Bee-g' boy bed.

Ugh. I am defeated. I know I must continue the discipline.

This child is living up to every expectation of a two year old. Just sayin'.

my silly monkey.

the big boy bed.

Today, Houston fell asleep in the big boy bed!

*Fingers crossed that this will be an easy process.

Right now, Houston's room is C-R-A-M-P-E-D with all his furniture. He has his big boy bed / full bed, a little dresser, a smaller 3 drawer dresser, a rocking horse and a train table . . . OH, and the crib. Whew. There is NO room to walk . . . and I'm getting so aggravated moving around just to get a diaper / clothes / shoes / book / etc.

We decided for Houston's Birthday -- since he has so many 'things' -- and since we never did a 'theme' for his nursery because we were moving -- that now we will actually 'do' his room once we got settled in our new home. . . And well, we have been here for a year.  So, it's time to convert to a 'big boy room'.

Two days ago, his comforter cover came in and mommy is so excited! Houston could really care less . . . I mean, we walks in and says, 'sheep, Ma. sheep' . . . but that's about all the excitement I get out of him! Matt still needs to paint and then . . . his room will be FINISHED! I am still debating on a few more 'decorative' things . . . but in Houston's mind . . . 'decorative' doesn't exist.  Once it gets all put together, we will post photos of it :) Right now, there's not a whole heck of a lot to 'see' per say . . . just furniture! laugh.

Anyways, Happy Monday bloggers! We have nasty weather here . . . blah. So, lots of 'work' to be done for me today!