Family Photos

Back in January we brought Mr Greyson home to join our crazy family...and I knew before he was born that I wanted to do some lifestyle shots of our changing family.  I have fallen in love with Sherry Rosenberger and her photography.  She is amazing to work with and she can work miracles!  These shots are proof!  The chaos that was taking place in our house during this photo shoot was insane...but you wouldn't really know it.  So though it's far overdue and delayed, thank you Sherry for the wonderful shoot and for capturing such a special time for us.  Oh and for putting up with us!  Here's a few of my faves...though I truly love them all.

Sunday Snuggling

While I'm working on getting my posts in order and updated...here's a quick one from recent weeks.

 On a lazy February Sunday morning, this little guy wandered in and joined me for some snuggles before I got out of bed.  He always finds the adventure in every situation so it wasn't long before we were playing out a treasure hunt scenario he made up for us...but for a few moments it was just snuggles and this smile!

A circus...

Right now if you asked me...I'd tell you that my life somewhat...or in most ways, resembles a circus.  There are rarely any moments of quiet contemplation.  When I find a rare one I am so tired I often don't accomplish much.  Most days it's a feat in itself if I manage to shower, dress, feed and get through the handful of hours I'm alone tackling all 3 kiddos that take up residence here.  On rare days I find extra energy and motivation...I catch up laundry, empty the dishwasher...even manage to scrub my toilets and swap our the towels on our towel rack...all while prepping a meal or two ahead and making headway on our to-do list of super fun adult tasks like ordering a new red card and planning out meals and making appointments.  I do not want a super star award for these things.  It's my life.  I set the pace and the expectations for myself.  No one else.  I struggle to find a balance between keeping house and keeping the animals contained everyday.  And I love the challenge and the chaos of balancing it all (most days!)...and will admit that some of those motivated days, it's a bit of a thrill to feel that adrenaline rush and knock things out.  But as I said...those are the rare days.

Most days I'm cleaning up messes, kissing boo boos and trying to remember what time I last gave Greyson a bottle because he's screaming and two and a half/three hours couldn't have possibly gone by already.  Why are my dishes still dirty, laundry unfolded and the goal of doing an ABC activity with Owen undone.  Then I remember that I got about 5 hours of sleep the night before...took Owen to school and picked him up with two extra littles in tow.  I ran a couple errands but mostly just got us together, out the door back, and then back in and again back out the door and back again...again...again.  When we get home it's lunch time for all...and by the time lunch is ready...I'm so wiped that I have zero motivation.  I also spend a ton of brain power on trying to make sure I'm helping give Owen the necessary prediction he needs to get through an afternoon...dealing with the mystery of why Cooper dumped half the bottle of bubble bath out of the cart and onto our package of bottled water all while screaming because we didn't spend enough time looking at fish while I'm putting toilet paper and Downy into the cart...and oh yeah  he didn't want to come to Walmart anyway...so there Mommy. I told you!!  Right now, most days leave me exasperated, exhausted and not quite as fulfilled a parent as I'd like.  But right now is still very new.  3 kids, 5 and under for about 3 months now. It's a new juggle that I'm just learning how to do...how to thrive and succeed in.

So right now...it is a circus.  I'm not reading enough to my kids...they aren't eating enough healthy foods as they should be (how dare we pump them full of processed foods or gasp McDonalds!)...Cooper probably needs to be getting potty trained as we speak...and Owen? I spent a whole afternoon this week reciting a social story  with him about not kicking our friends when they don't want to share...because...you guessed it.  He kicked a friend for that very reason.  Sigh.

BUT the kids are bathed (most days!).  They have their favorite popsicles in the fridge and we eat one almost every day. There is a basket of crafts and playdoh that we get out on rainy days.  The house isn't spotless but it's covered in kiddo colored papers and currently Easter decorations that I love but do also because the boys think it's fun.  We take glow stick baths and are members at the Zoo...promising a whole summer of trips to see animals and breathe in that stinky zoo air and ride the train.  Last weekend we bought bird seed and the boys have been helping us feed them.  We look out the porch windows and talk about all the birds we see on our feeders. At the end of the day Owen almost always asks to have dinner picnics on the living room floor with a movie...something I started on nights when Daddy has to work late that has become a fun little thing we do. So while I could sit and tell you that our life is full of nothing but circus type moments....and maybe even at the moment we are chaulk full of "holy shit Jer you won't believe what Cooper did" or "holy shit WHY are you not home it's like a war zone in this house" moments...there is the beautiful, beautiful rest of it.  The part that I love more than life itself.  The snuggles, the curly headed, pj-clad wake ups.  The train rides at the zoo.  The bedtime stories and bubbles in our bath.  We are making memories in between the chaos.  And it's crazy and it's hard right now.  But it's also good.  Really good.

So all of this is to say...there are blog posts coming.  And at some point I am going to fold blogging back into my routine.  I miss it and my family memories are slipping away from me as I type this instead of document Greyson's 3 Month stats because before I even hit save on this post I know someone is going to be at my feet in need of milk...or a time out for smacking his brother's face for the 3rd time in a row.  But the blog posts are in my head, on my cameras in pictures and I'm gonna get back to it.  Sooner rather than later!  Until then...I've got a circus calling me...wish me luck!!

5 Years Ago Today...

At 12:38am...we welcomed this tiny little miracle into our lives. 

Owen Wyatt Linley

8lb 14oz, 21 Inches long

 5 Years ago today...we became parents and we started our lives building a family. 

 To say its hard to believe he's 5 is the understatement of the year.  But here we are, all the same.   5 years old.  Walking, talking, opinionated beautiful little creature that belongs to us. 

 With big blue eyes and the kindest, sweetest heart I know.   

 I love this kid fiercely and without reserve.  I hope he grows up always knowing that always!!  

Owen, I can't wait to celebrate big beautiful you today!!  Love you to pieces little man.

And because I love doing this...here are some links to how we spent Owen's first couple bdays!  Year one here, here and here.  Year two here.  Year three here, here and here and here. I was really on it during this time...note to self...do this more!  And finally Year four!  We are so blessed!!

Happy Two Months Greyson!!

Two Months old!!  If I ever thought that time went fast with my first two...boy does that third baby seem to move at the speed of light.  We are embarking on month 2 for Mr Greyson...and here is what everything looks like for him:

At his one month checkup he weighed: 10.7oz
He was 23.5 inches long and 98% for height.  He is taller than nearly all babies his age so he's off the charts.  We have a long and skinny right now folks.
*We go Friday for his two month check up...our first go round with shots...so stay tuned!
Diapers:  Size 1 & 2. We just switched over to size 2's!
Clothes:  All 3 month and his feet stretch out his jammies a lot in 3 months...so this won't last long!
Talents: Smiling, cooing, batting at objects and kicking his legs!
*At his one month checkup we found out he had a double ear infection...and he was put on his first round of antibiotics...boo!!  At a followup to this appt we found out he weighed 11.07!  Go Greyson go!!
*He is definitely starting to recognize when someone leaves or enters a room.
*We have started taking Owen to school and both he and Mommy are adjusting to the every day hectic-ness of getting out into the world early in the morning!
*This out and aboutting is how we figured out he is not a huge fan of his car seat.
*He loves his swing
*And he still loves being swaddled up.
*He is a creature of habit so far...at night around 9 or 9:30 every night you definitely know when it's time to wrap him up and let him sleep!
*Speaking of sleep, we have moved him on out of our room and on into his own room.  Sniff sniff! He is still sleeping from between 9 and 10 till at least 5 or 6am.  Pretty incredible!

And here is a link to Owen's 2 months stats and photos...and Cooper's 2 month info!  Resemble each other much???

Dear Greyson Oliver,
This past month has been an interesting one for all of us! Mommy is adjusting to life with 3 kids and getting to know you and your little personality better every day.  Somedays it's smooth sailing and some days...it's kind of a circus.  But we're learning and growing as a family right???  Your little smiles and the sweet faces you have started making make my heart melt.  I love knowing just what you need (most of the time!!) and am enjoying our snuggle time. I fear you are going to be a mover and shaker...so I know snuggle time is closing fast! Mommy is excited for all of the fun ahead as the weather warms up!! We ventured out one day this past month and it was awesome! Here's to us as embark on another month together :)

Love you little bubba!  More than life itself.
Your Momma

Evolution of a smile...

I have lots to blog about and lots of catching up to do...but tonight...and for now...these made me happy so that's what I'm going to post!   He's been working on this smiling bit for awhile now.  Monday was his first session with me where it lasted long enough to capture with a camera!  One for the record books.  First real deal smile session with Mom...week 7. He is now smiling at me when I greet him after a nap, pick him up from laying down and change his diaper. This little play session was precious and I can't wait for these smiles to come more and more!!  

And the winner for my favorite shot. I c.a.n.n.o.t resist that dimple!

Greyson Oliver - 1 Month Old

January 15th we welcomed you into the world little mister.  And here we are...February 15th saying happy one month birthday!!  It is hard to believe you are already one month old!  While it is not very old at all in the grand scheme...it's crazy to me how fast we got through your first month home.  And it's hard to imagine you not here with us!

Here's some stats on how Grey is growing:

Weight: 9lbs 15oz (we go to the doctor on the 20th for his checkup, so I'll some updated stats after that)

Diapers: Size 1

Clothes:  Mostly 3 month

Eating:  3.5 to 4 oz every 2.5 to 3 hours during the day

Sleeping: Usually either 8:30/9pm to 2:30/3am, but mostly 10pm to 5am (Rock star you are sir!!)

A few more bits of info to remember about this first month:

**Since coming home, he's having more awake time between bottles and giving us some of the sweetest little expressions with his eyes.  He does these long slow blinks when you talk to him...and I adore it!

**He is getting a handle on his arms and legs.  He is no longer shaky and uncoordinated.

**He still enjoys being swaddled up for his longer nap during the day and he also loves being warm. 

**He screamed through diaper changes until this past week...and every now and again when he really feels like it I think he does just for fun!

**Speaking of crying, he doesn't do much crying...BUT when he does boy is he loud!!  Yes indeed...he's related to the other boys in the house for sure!  

**He had his first snotty nose and head cold...which led to his first doctor's visit for said cold.  Some of the "if you experience this, this or that, go the the ER," comments scared the daylights out of me.  Other than a couple days of the nasal bulb sucking snot out of his nose, lots of spitting up bottles, some saline and a couple less than stellar nights sleep...I think we are on the mend!!  Thank goodness!  It made this Momma a nervous wreck!

**Loves loves listening to his brother's.  They can be being loud and crazy...or sweet and rubbing on his head.  He stops and stares at them...and you can see him working his arms in their direction.  It's precious!
**Has grown and changed and been a little amazing blessing to this house.  It's amazing how quickly you forget that sweet newborn smell and little noises they make.  In his first month we've spent lots of quiet time enjoying all of these things with him.  A time I know I will cherish always!!
**We celebrated our first valentines day together and he also had his picture taken by the amazing Sherry Rosenberger...more on that in a separate post!!

All in all?  It's been a busy first month!!  The weather and colds have kept us around home.  But as a Mom adjusting to caring for 3...the simple act of grabbing a quick shower during a day is just about as much multi-tasking as I want!  But we are learning and growing together :)

Oh and for comparison...here are some Owen Stat's from month one.  And Cooper stat's as well!

That about wraps up month one!

Dear Greyson,

I mentioned on the day we went home from the hospital that our home was the greatest place on earth.  I hope you think so too buddy...I know some days you probably shake your little head and think Mom was off her rocker...but most days it definitely is!!  You are so loved in his house!  Your brothers and Dadda and I simply adore you and your sweet little self.  I'm looking forward to better weather and all the fun things we have to explore together in the coming months!!  Momma is feeling very blessed these days.  For health, for warmth, for the life God decided would be mine because it included you.  It's pretty darn great and your arrival has given me such a sense of peace.  Your Daddy and I created a beautiful little family that I know will bring us all nothing but fun and joy.  Thanks for being amazing little you and for fitting right into this perfect space God carved out for you as part of our crazy crew!

Love you babe.
Momma