Thankfulness

This has been an amazing year and we are thankful for so many people, things, and events!  This holiday week didn't exactly go as we had planned, but we had a wonderful time with family and friends.  We had a weekend in Tulsa planned with our Uncle Toby, Aunt Sylvia, and many friends we hadn't seen in a long time.  We got a call Wednesday however that changed our plans. My Great Grandpa, and Miles' Great-Great Grandpa, Guy Gresham passed away Wednesday, November 23rd, on his 96th birthday.  He had been battling cancer for many months and ultimately passed away from pneumonia. His wife, my Great-Grandmother, Kathleen Gresham was by his side for 77 years of marriage.  My Papa told us that up until his last breath Grandpa loved her and thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world.  How Amazing.  I shed tears for her and our family for losing Grandpa, but was reminded this weekend that this life is not the end.  I am thankful for him and his faith and example he passed on to the Gresham family and so many others.

Miles was quite the world traveler and trooper this weekend.  We traveled to Clarksville Wednesday night and Miles made it the whole way without stopping!  Although we had not planned on having Thanksgiving in Clarksville, my parents put together a wonderful feast that we all walked away happy and rubbing our bellies!  We spent the cloudy, chilly day watching football, cooking, and playing with Miles. 

We got up bright and early Friday to make the trip to Heber Springs.  It wouldn't be Black Friday without a quick stop to Best Buy in Conway.  Yikes.  Although Miles did great, it was crowded and not the place for a baby (or mommies who don't like crowds!).  We made it to Heber just in time to watch the first quarter of the Razorback game.  I say this because this is the only quarter I wish we had watched.  It was an ugly loss to LSU.  On the bright side...Miles looked dapper as usual in his Razorback Red.  We visited until bedtime and Miles had his first night stay in a hotel.  Bryan and I were not upset to have an early bedtime and enjoy some rest.

The funeral was Saturday and Bryan took over Miles duty.  Miles slept through the service and woke just as we pulled in to the cemetary.  Unfortunately, it was rainy and cold so Bryan (in a suit) had a crying, hungry baby confined in the back of the car.  What a man. 

In addition to many family members, Miles also got to meet one of my best friends Amy Julian.  Her boys are just about the cutest things I have ever seen and it was fun to see them with Miles.  Amy texted me later that day and said Carter, her oldest, said 'I just love that baby!'   We are looking forward to spending more time with them over Christmas break!

So overall, it was a great holiday filled with Love.  And Love is what I am most thankful for this year.  I have seen and experienced it in so many ways: The love of my husband as we welcomed our first child, the love of my Grandpa for his bride of 77 years, the love of our parents as they became grandparents, love that I never fathomed I could have for my baby, and most importantly the love of our heavenly Father who continues to forgive and protect us.  Thank you to all of you who continue to love us and show us what it means to be loved. 

These are a few of my favorite things...

Miles turned 3 months old on November 15th! I can't believe how fast it went!  He is changing every day but there have been a few constants the past couple of weeks.  He is becoming much more expressive and lets me know what he does, and doesn't like!  These are a few of his favorite things...

Books...Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, The Hungry Caterpillar, and Snuggle Puppy

Toys...Weird mushroom squeaky toy (thanks Paula!), Peggy the Peacock, and his light rattle from Nonna.

Songs...Peter Bjorn "Young Folks" (this has been since birth!), Boyz to Men "End of the Road" (thanks to Rachel Ray for having them on! I love the chorus on this one, its very soothing), and any song I make up such as 'Cutest Baby in the Whole Wide World' or 'Everybody loves a baby.' (he actually told me these were amazing)

Places...his swing, our back patio, his play mat, his changing table

People...obvious.  Of course I am the picture taker in the family so there isn't a pic of us this week. But believe me, we spent lots of time together!!  He also kind of likes his dad.  This is a picture of when Bryan was off and we enjoyed a fun breakfast at IHOP.  Bryan and I used to avoid places like this because of noisy children...obviously that has changed:)

Time of day...he is so happy in the mornings!  I love going in to get him and see his bright smile!  And sometimes when I get lucky, he goes back to bed with me and snuggles! MY favorite!!

Team...He was born with this weird birthmark which I take as a sign!

Friends...We are so lucky to have such good friends here in Oklahoma City!  Here is a picture of our 'play group.' They are lined up according to age and believe it or not Miles is the oldest!!  My best friend Elizabeth is also here with her little one Wilder! He just started walking and I am sure the two boys will be up to no good together soon!

Miles, Braxton, Eli, Colton

This was a fun week and we can't wait for Thanksgiving!  Bryan has some time off and we are traveling to Tulsa to visit with our Uncle Toby and Aunt Sylvia.  Cousin Jessica and her boys will be in town and Papa G and Nonna are also making the trip to Tulsa.  We are also looking forward to seeing some of our Tulsa friends who have also had little ones we haven't met!  We hope you all have a happy holiday!
Love you all! xoxo

Someone forgot to tell the baby we changed the clocks

 

Being away from home for a week definitely messes with your schedule.  Add a little daylight savings time to that and you have a perfect recipe for a cranky, confused baby!  It was a little rough the first few nights home, we were back to waking up at night, eating every 2 hours, and fighting nap and bedtime.  Thanks to Momma Nazi however, we are back on track and sleeping great!  Miles still doesn't like to nap longer than 45 minutes, but is sleeping from 7 pm-4 am then back to bed until 7:30.  Ahhh. 

This picture makes us laugh, he is doing great with the rattle.  Obviously this is before we got back on schedule...not a happy baby.

And this one is funny too...peacock's gonna get it

By far, the best part of this week was being home with Bryan.  He is an amazing dad and husband! His schedule has stayed pretty busy but we have enjoyed him when he is here.  We got home early on Sunday and had the whole day together! 

The weather has gotten cool this week in Oklahoma which has limited our outdoor activities.  But Miles doesn't mind bundling up for a walk or two! We went for a walk today around Lake Hefner with our friends Caroline and Braxton.  It was windy, but it was nice to be out!

We are looking forward to a lazy weekend at home (hear that Miles...lazy)!  Hope everyone has a great weekend! Here's a few of Miles from the week!  xoxo

AaaaR-KAN-SAS for Arkansas!

Miles and I had a blast in Arkansas!  We spent time with friends I haven't seen in forever, Miles met some family members for the first time, and Nonna and Papa G re-learned how to get up in the middle of the night to change diapers!  We had such a wonderful time I sometimes forgot to take pictures!

Although the week was perfect timing for our family, it was a different story for my parents. My Dad is working 12+ hour days at the Plant and Mom had already signed up for a continuing education course in Branson.  So...Miles and I found ways to keep ourselves busy during the day.  We spent time with some friends I haven't seen in forever! Valerie, Amber, Jeb, Nicole...we loved spending time with all of you and your families and I remember why you are still some of my closest friends!
(Insert pictures I did not take of all of their kiddos...it was so fun seeing all of them!!)

This week also included Halloween!  As many of you  know, I love costumes.  That is why I could've kicked myself when October 31st rolled around, and neither Miles or I had costumes!  Granted we had no plans, but for pictures, family, and mainly my satisfaction I decided to scour my parents house for something to put on the two of us.  Luckily, I get my packrat qualities from my parents and we hit the jackpot! 

Miles also got to meet his aunt JeanAnn and cousin Corie this week.  They drove down from Little Rock with my grandparents and Miles just 'happened' to wake up the minute they got there! 

I battled all week with the decision to travel to Fayetteville to visit my best friends and watch the Razorback game.  I kept telling people my parents were nervous to have Miles overnight...but in reality it was me!  After prepping bottles, outfits, and his schedule for my parents, I decided to drive up Friday night for dinner and a night out with the girls. I woke up early Saturday morning and drove home to a happy, clean, live baby so we all survived! It was nice to see my girls and have a night out! I don't see or talk to these girls as often as I should, but they mean the world to me!!

Paula, Brooke, Me, Amy, Simba

As much fun as we had visiting friends and family, the highlight of our week was spending time with Nonna and Papa G!  They are amazing parents and grandparents and it meant so much that we could spend the week with them.

And Aunt Tiffany!!!

We had a great week but it feels good to be home with Bryan!  Miles and I are planning a lazy week and the past two rainy days have kept us true to that plan.  He is growing so fast and already in some 6 month outfits!!  He weighs 14 pounds and getting more rolls by the day.  I love him so much and thankful I am getting this time with him!  See you Friday! xoxo

Out on Tour

We are still out on our tour of Arkansas so we will update the blog when we get home! We are having so much fun and enjoying seeing family and friends! I am heading to Fayetteville tonight for some much needed time with my girlfriends and Nonna and Papa G are keeping Miles tonight! Everyone needs prayers, haha! I know they will do great! Have a great weekend and pictures should be up Monday. Love you all! xoxo