Mt Laguna fun- one week behind

It's just been one of those weeks...every second accounted for.  Alas, I still want to share about our fabulous trip to the mountains last weekend!

We ventured up last Friday night and arrived in the pitch dark to our getaway spot.  Courtesy of my parents, we decided to spend a weekend in their cozy cabin with Morgan's sisters (Meagan and Courtney) and their families. It was the perfect amount of space, perfect weather, perfect company.  

We had good family time laughing...

Being silly....

Walking around Julian...

And just being together....

And it's amazing that in under 90 minutes, we can go from Sunny Socal weather to the snow.

Pretty cool, I say!

8 months...

My sweet little Lo Lo's...
Yesterday you turned 8 months! It is amazing that you have almost been outside of my womb as long as you were tucked safely inside.  You have changed so much over the past couple weeks, it is hard to remember a time when you weren't on the go and curiously chasing whatever was in your reach.  You have become quite the fast crawler and are now pulling yourself up to a standing position.  Your little head turns with a snap at the sound of your brother's voice, constantly tracking his every move. The two of you have a rhythm about you that is magical and unique just to you. You crack each other up and light up as you gaze at each other. Your daddy and I marvel at the loving nature you each possess towards one another. It truly makes your mama burst with happiness to see how you love each other.

You are still a very good nurser and can easily go from an active little tyke to a sleepy little baby in a split second when cradled and nursing.  You have definitely improved your sleeping, going much longer stretches (7-10 hours).  It seems that just when I feel I'm about to lose my mind, you give me a night of uninterrupted slumber and I rejuvenate.  Of course, no matter how much or how little sleep we get, you consistently wake up in the morning with the largest, most precious smile - 2 bottom teeth peering out.  All the tiredness washes away and I can't wait to scoop you up and cover you with kisses and cuddles.

I adore you and simply cannot get enough of you, my sweet angel boy. You bring delight to my heart and joy to my soul.

Love, Mama

Instincts

One of the most important lessons I am learning as a parent is to listen to your gut when it comes to your babes.  Both babes have been a bit sick- something so not typical in our family.  It seems a congested cough and runny nose has been ever present in our home for a good 2 weeks.  Thursday night Logan seemed to be a little worse off. He vomitted insane amounts of spinach and milk which soaked me head to toe and decorated my white fabric rocking chair something crazy! The next morning, the child had a bone dry diaper and after nursing  for a solid and vigorous half hour, it all came back up. It was then that I decided to take him in. Unfortunately, not having an established pediatrician yet under the new insurance, I just took him to one on my list.  After a full exam, the doc advised Logan had an ear infection in his right ear and robotically began asking to what pharmacy she should call in the antibiotics.  When Morgan and I both voiced apprehension over putting our 7 month old on antibiotics, she gave a laundry list of reasons why it was the right thing to do and what could go wrong, should I choose not give him the 10 day dose.  And still, I knew this was only going to be a last resort.  With the help of Auntie Tay Tay and her lifelong friends (girls I have known myself since I was a teen), I purchased a bottle of muellin garlic oil and a natural saline nasal spray.  Fast forward 4 days... my baby is free of any sickness and after having his ears checked tonight by the sweet medical director at work, was given a clean bill of health.... and ears clear and perfect.

My own mama tought me years ago... our bodies will take care of themselves and there are ways - naturally- to remedy ailments that come up (thank you mom for this invaluable lesson!).  It is so easy to get scared into making decisions.  Anxiety over the "what if" is ever present, and yet I am shown again that there are other ways.  I am grateful for the message, the help (ladies, you know who you are) and mostly for my strong baby boy who is the picture of health!

Loves of my life

Yes, Valentines Day is a commercialized holiday, but I do love it because it gives me one more reason to stop and appreciate all the love in my life. This weekend was planned to just be about being together as a family... minimal commitments and a lot of fun time at home.

Started off with Colin's Valentines Day party at school... so sweet!

Saturday morning, friends Jenny & Siena came over share in a special Valentines craft for the daddies...

Mama and her babes!

Then, an afternoon of relaxing outside in the beautiful weather...

Enjoying the hammock!

Chillin' under the pallapa...

Mr Smiley crawls!