Mrs Garrison goes to Washington

During Spring Break I took the boys to Washington, D.C. to visit my very dear friend Sarah. Sarah was my FIRST friend at Auburn. I can honestly say that meeting her was one of the those pinnacle moments in life when God sticks someone in your path and life is forever changed (in a good way, of course). I have seen Sarah about once a year but really haven't spent quality time with her since she got married 4 years ago!

So, I made the decision that enough was enough, we had to go see Sarah. Especially before baby #3 arrives. I booked our flights, then began to panic. How was I going to keep a 1 yr old and 3 yr old happy by myself in an Airport and on a flight?? Luckily, I picked nonstop flights and my children were angels. God was helping me out on the departure and return flight. And there were some very sweet girls who were inclined to entertain.

The first day we got there we went to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. My flight was into BWI so it was really close. Unfortunately they make yu check your strollers so Sarah had to carry Chambers around while I chased Moseley. Sarah's little boy had his first day at MDO that day so he wasn't with us. We quickly realized that was a blessing.

Moseley at the National Aquarium - "I found NEMO!"

Hunter LOVES to push this train around. Somehow, Moseley conned him into pushing him while he plays with a kitchen timer which we now proudly own :)

Thursday morning we went to the National Zoo in DC. It was so huge that we were there for 2 hours and saw maybe 4 exhibits. Jason had this day off so it was 3 adults and 3 children. We had a great time and although Moseley wanted to be carried at the end, he loved his animal lunchbox that came with his ZooMeal.

The meerkat and Moseley have the same expression on their faces!

Three monkeys checking out the very large turtles...

The orangutans had a rope perch that they could climb across right over the zoo visitors heads. It was very cool for children and adults alike :)

Moseley leading the way with Hunter in tow (he is totally dragging him along).

Moseley was obsessed with Hunter and holding his hand to "help guide him."

Sarah's hubby is the Assistant Pastor of Fairfax United Methodist Church and they live in the Parsonage next door to the church. The afternoons (after naps) were spent at the church's preschool playground which was massive and fenced. The boys had a great time and wore themselves out.

Hunter all smiles on the playground with Chambers in the background (probably eating something off the ground).

Moseley testing the limits. He is fearless.

After this he hung from the top bar and just let go about 5 feet off the ground. He thought it was so fun but it scared the pants off me!

One morning we went to the Air and Space Museum in DC. I realized after we got there that I had gone to the museum when I was younger - 7th grade maybe?

Washington Monument - view on the way in. The Cherry Blossoms were not in bloom yet :(

Family Picture - why am I the only one looking at the camera?

Chambers, Moseley and Hunter

Hunter flying solo

Chambers just hanging out in the stroller.

Moseley testing the plane out.

After the Air and Space Museum we went to Gravelly Point Park to eat lunch. It sits adjacent to Reagan National Airport and the departing planes take off over your head. It was awesome to see the planes close enough to notice the retracting wheels.

Plane taking off over the park

We also saw a car-boat that drove straight into the water from the street. Moseley could NOT believe his eyes. Anyone who has the LeapFrog Fridge Wash & Go knows that a "Car-Boat: It won't go!!"

Pooped after a long day. A big fat thank you to Amanda for lending us your car so we could fit all three kiddos in the back! And thanks to Sarah for finding us a carseat so we'd only have to check one :)

Chambers was a lap baby but was good 99% of the flight. I could usually keep him distracted with food.

Moseley was so good. He loves to fly - he couldn't get enough of watching the houses get smaller then bigger again.

The Branch Family does McWane

About a month ago (I'm a tad behind), Anna, Jimmy and Sarah came to Birmingham to visit. We all decided to spend the day at the McWane Science Center. Jimmy and Moseley had a blast while Sarah and Chambers sat back and watched.

Moseley talks about Jimmy all the time and although we are sad they live so far away, we love seeing them when they visit!

Future Mechanics Unite!!

All children LOVE the opening ball maze.

The new Aquarium exhibit on the bottom floor.

Three, three & under and under 30.

That's how someone referred to me the other day at Moseley and Chambers school. Followed by, "Can you even imagine!!???"

Yes. Yes, I can.

I haven't even thought about what it will be like to have 3 children, three years and younger. I imagine the under 30 part is to my advantage - more energy and such (although I am not feeling the energy bit right now).

Projects -

1) Finally finished Moseley's curtains!! I had 2 of the 4 panels done months ago but b/c they are fully lined with blackout lining they were quite an undertaking.

2) I made a family of Easter Eggs as part of our Easter decor. I have an unfinished egg for baby boy #3 :)

3) I want to finish making Moseley and Chambers' Desk Chair cushion out of extra sheeting I have.

The Boys -

1) Moseley tells people "My mommy has a baby in her tummy and all I have is breakfast in my tummy!" He is such a talker. He gets what you are talking about or will question you until it makes sense. He gets dressed/undressed by himself (this is a huge help to me!) He is just all grown up it makes me so sad and so proud at the same time. He gives out love very freely. Loves to hug and kiss - especially Chambers who isn't always receptive.

3) Chambers has started really communicating. He points to things he wants or places he wants to go. He also says "No, No, No" in this little funny voice when he doesn't want something (usually Milk, never, ever food). He also says "Uh-oh Spaghetti-oh" which is pretty funny. Oh and he says the sweetest "Thank you" when you give him something. He still signs "Milk", "More", and "All Done." He says "Ball (loves these), Book (pretends to read these aloud), Hello! (more like hay-yo), Pee-Pie!, Baby, and tries to mimic most words you say.

4) Moseley and Chambers eat us out of house and home. And they will eat anything. Some of the stranger things child-wise: salad (with onions, carrots, radishes and tomatoes), canned beets, etc. Plus all the normal stuff like sandwiches and burgers, etc.

LENT and Publix Weekly Totals

#1 - Facebook) I gave up facebook for Lent for the second year in a row. This is huge for me as I have an iPhone and am always on f/b!! It is so good for my children since I will have more time for them now :)

#2 - Publix Weekly Total) Since I can't update my status on f/b I will do it here. I spent 89.71 (pre-tax) but saved 90.16.

Baby it's cold outside...

While the boys and I were partying in Mobile for Mardi Gras, Birmingham got 3 inches of perfectly beautiful and usefully fun snow.

I am jealous. I am jealous on behalf of my 3 year old who would have loved donning his rain boot, ski bib and taking his new red sled out in the snow. But alas, the sled remains a virgin and my child still asks if it will snow today :(

Kevin took some wonderful pictures around our house of all the snow.

Our house dusted in snow...

A view towards the park from our house.

The Ross Bridge Golf Course

I'm Walkin' Yes Indeed...

Chambers started walking right after Christmas. He would take 4-5 steps at a time then take a break until the next day. After about 3 weeks he really got the hang of it and of course, now walks (ahem, runs) everywhere.

You'll have to turn your head sideways b/c I don't know how to turn a video without really spending some time on it...

Happy Mardi Gras!!

Moseley, Chambers and I headed to Mobile last Thursday for Mardi Gras. We had a ton planned including parade watching, family bonding, lots of eating and babysitter-taking-over-ing (not. a. word. but. should. be.)

Friday the boys, my momma and Nancy and I took care of business and got some baby/wedding presents out of the way. I don't care how long I have lived in Birmingham (7 years!) I just can't get used to buying gifts anywhere but Claude Moore. I equally enjoy opening the shiny white box with gold lettering (in case you were wondering).

It also started snowing hard in Mobile Friday. Nothing stuck b/c it was so wet from the previous 48 hours of rain but it was still beautiful as it fell.

Friday: Everything was so wet this was all the snow sticking to be had.

Saturday, My momma and I headed to the Castles and Crowns store in Mobile and got a ton of stuff on sale. Everything I purchased was 30%-75% off! Woo hoo!

Saturday: Enjoying a pretty day outside. I was so happy with the Mardi Gras shirts we had made.

Chambers C&C loot.

Moseley's C&C loot.

Carol came to babysit the boys about 4p on Saturday so my momma and I could head downtown to the Coronation. We met Nancy, her parents, grandparents and brother there and sat to watch the ladies being presented to the court. It is hard to believe it has been 7 years since I made my debut and 6 since Nancy made hers. After the Coronation my momma and I attended the King's Supper. The dinner was a fabulous salad, delicious steak and wonderful Tiramisu.

2010 Debutante Coterie (iPhone picture so it isn't clear)

Sunday the boys and I had fun visiting with family. We headed to my grandmom's first then to my daddy's. We had so much fun playing and the day was so gorgeous. We were able to spend a good 2 hours outside.

The valentine's flowers Kevin had sent to Mobile even though we really don't celebrate the day... it was so sweet and we missed him terribly.

On Monday, Carol came back and watched the boys so we could go to the Queen's Luncheon. It was also delicious and beautifully decorated. We came home, took a quick rest and got the boys ready to head back downtown for the IMs parade. It was a great parade and they threw lots of great stuff including Alabama Championship huggers! I caught one for Kevin as a coming home gift :) Mint moonpies are a big deal this year and they are fantastic! They are like gigantic Thin Mints.

Moseley and Nancy enjoying the parade in the Athelstan Stands

"Throw me something mister!!"

My favorite brother...

Moseley with his Uncle Staples and Aunt Nancy

Getting some Aunt Nancy lovin'

Moseley pooped after the IMs Parade.

Tuesday we woke up and lazily got ready to head back to Birmingham. I am always so sad to leave but so ready to get settled in at home. I am already looking forward to Carnival Season 2011!!!

Moseley and Chamber's Big Boy Room

Oh and by the way, we are expecting a baby. Moseley and Chambers will be big brothers in late August. We are very excited but recently I am nervous about mothering 3 children... especially with Kevin's busy schedule. Thank goodness for pre-school! Hopeully, Moseley will be going 4-5 days next year.

My momma (with Kevin's handyman help) re-did Moseley's room in anticipation of Chambers bunking with him sometime this summer. Not sure if an 18 month old can sleep in a twin bed though so he may be in a pack-n-play for a little while.

Chambers Bed

Moseley's bed

The room from the door minus the curtains that should go on the window :)

The room from the beds

Close-up of desk nook

Handy Manny

After you get over the shock of 2 posts in one day, read this little anecdote my momma told me this weekend.

My great-grandmother attended a church picnic when she was little. While there a little boy pulled his pants down and tee-tee'd. My great-grandmother turned to her Sunday school teacher and said "Well, that is a handy thing to have at a picnic!!" My great-great-Grandmother found out and laughed and laughed...

Say It With Me...

One Tequila...

Two Tequila...

Three Tequila...

FLOOR!!

The boy will sleep anywhere!

What happens when you wake up at 3:30am?

You fall asleep during early lunch.



Sent from my iPhone

My 29th Birthday

**I promise I will blog about Christmas but it will be such an involved post I figured I'd knock out this smaller one.

On my 29th Birthday the boys sang me Happy Birthday. Well, Kevin wanted them too but Chambers can't carry a tune very well and Moseley sobbed the whole time b/c he was sad it wasn't HIS birthday. Not cool, guys. But the gesture was sincere.

My friend Beth made me brownies and my friend Catherine took me out for Coffee and bought us a sled for the upcoming forecast of snow. I also got a spa gift certificate from my Daddy and Victoria which is perfect!! Also, Aunt Cici and Uncle Stevo sent me some beautiful frames so I put pics of the boys in them. Kevin's parents and my momma will be here next weekend to celebrate my birthday all over again... I like having a Birthday month!!

That night, Kevin picked me up (he was coming from work) with flowers in hand and went to the Olive Garden for dinner and to see "Up in the Air." Great movie and awesome food.

I got beautiful diamond princess cut stud earrings as a joint Christmas/Birthday gift.

It was a good birthday despite the age. I was 12 mourning 13 about 17 years ago and some things never change!

Goings on...

When I typed the title it automatically filled the rest in so apparently I have used this title before. Oh well I am not very creative these days. I thought I'd actually write a blog while I have some time of what we are all up to.

Moseley

(3 yr, 41" & 35#)

Is a learning and talking machine. He asks a million questions and is constantly saying "Why?" or "How does this work?" or "Can you show me how to work this thing?" He has a TAG reader that he loves and helps quench the curiosity for a bit each day.

Lately I have been waking him after an hour or so from his nap (if he takes one) so he won't wake up to early in the morning. He goes to bed about 6:30 or 7:00p and wakes up between 5:30a and 6:30a.

Mose taking a nap in my bed. He fell asleep in the car and I just couldn't carry him up the stairs.

He is very sweet to his brother. If Chambers is crying he goes and finds toys to distract him or rubs his back saying "It's ok, don't cry sweetie cutie." He also thinks that Chambers is his age/durability. Chambers laughs when Moseley pulls him across the floor by his feet, which then makes Moseley die laughing.

After I get of the phone he asks "Momma, who is on the phone?" Last week I said, "Daddy." He said "my daddy." and I said "your daddy is my husband." He said, "Yes, and my husband is Grandmom." It was hilarious! He of course is referring to his great grandmother who he calls grandmom and he adores her. He always runs to her and wants to sit with her and go places with her. It cracks me up!!

He calls me babydoll. As in "Momma, you dropped your keys! Here you go babydoll."

He also likes to play "Momma and Baby." If he has two similar toys (or two of the same thing, i.e., he has 2 Thomas Tank Engines and 2 Percy Engines) he will make one the baby and one the Momma and have them interact. Usually involving eating, sleeping, playing and a time-out.

He loved the Princess and the Frog. As a result, he wanted to watch some other disney movies we have. He now calls The Little Mermaid, "The Princess and the Fish" and Cinderella, "The Princess and her Mom." I assume the last one is due to the fairy godmother's part in the story.

He has a baby doll that he has had and sleeps with for 2 years. We asked him to name him and he said he already had named him. When we asked him the name, he said, "Pony Watkins, or Cheryl for short."

Moseley loves music. His inclination leans toward songs about Jesus and all Lady Gaga. He sometimes does Jesus/Poker Face mash-ups which I am sure makes God super-happy.

Moseley still has RAD but we only nebulize every day/every other day. Other than that he is so healthy and LOVES veggies. He really likes Avocado's and eats them out of the skin with a spoon. The only thing we have found he doesn't like is Mandarin Oranges. Weird, I know, who doesn't like those. They are typical kiddie food but he avoids them and has since he started eating food. He loves clementines, oranges, grapefruits and all other citrus fruits, though.

Moseley is left-handed. Eats, throws, bats, writes, etc with his left hand. Sometimes I find him trying to use his right hand but shortly after he will shake his head and switch hands.

James D. and Moseley playing with James play food. James chose Chocolate syrup and a banana. Moseley chose a brownie, pickle, mustard and loaf of bread.

Chambers

(1 yr, 31.25" & 22#)

Chambers also talks a mile a minute. He just babbles like he is talking to someone and adds a few raspberries here and there.

Chambers, stuck on his Lion.

He says - Mamma, Dadda, Hi (and holds his hand to his ear like a cell phone) and Bye (holds both hands and waves them Hugh Grant/Love Actually-Style).

Sticking out his tongue.

He signs - "more," "all done," and "milk."

If you ask for a kiss he will lean to you and open his mouth. I love this! We kiss a lot :)

He crawls so fast, cruises around furniture, and loves push toys (or turning any toy/chair into a push toy) but he isn't walking. Moseley was a slow walker so I imagine Chambers will be too.

He has 6 teeth. 4 upper and 2 lower. It's amazing how a child's face can change with the topography of teeth.

Teeth!

He seems right-handed and still has one cheek dimple and one chin dimple. He sucks his thumb when he is super tired or sleeping. I can always tell nap time b/c he starts sucking his thumb.

Sucking his thumb

He takes 2 naps a day, about 2 hrs each (8:30-10:30 & 1-3p) and sleeps at night from 6p-6:30a. When you go to put him down he will roll over and start sucking his thumb immediately. He likes his sound machine to be on as well as his Tiny Love Musical Mobile (without the mobile part).

He doesn't like being put in his carseat but then is completely quiet once he is in it.

He takes a bottle or sippy cup of whole milk. He eats almost everything we do. He seems to be like his brother and LOVES all food. But unlike Moseley he likes Mandarin Oranges.

He doesn't like being left behind. Even if he is in a room full of toys. If Moseley or I leave him gated in a room he will scream and cry. I try to ignore it so he doesn't "get his way" but it must be hard to be so co-dependent. He love climbing and stairs are so perfect for that. He also pushes stools around to create a good place for climbing, I really have to watch this one!

Chambers One Year Check-up

Looks like we have another tall boy on our hands!

Length - 31.25 inches (90th%)
Weight - 22 pounds (45th%)
Head circumference - 18 inches (25th%)

Sent from my iPhone