Martin's first trip to the Memphis Zoo

Welcome to the Memphis Zoo

We took Martin to the zoo on Saturday, and had a great day!!  He slept some, but was a happy boy all day long.  I think he is working on another tooth, so I was very relieved that he was happy all day.  He watched the lions, loved the sea lion show, saw some birds, but most of all enjoyed people watching!  He rode in the stroller, but really preferred to be in the Baby Bjorn.  Who cares if you look silly as a parent, kids love them!!!  And, let's face it, when you become a parent, it doesn't matter how cool you look anymore does it?  It is all about the baby.  It was a nice day, and a perfect day to be at the zoo.  Bryan's parents went with us.  We got to see the new Teton Trek part which was pretty cool.  They have grizzly bears, elk, and some other animals too, but the grizzly bears were my favorite.  There was one playing in the water most of the time we were there.  It was neat to see just how big they are, and then to see them enjoying the pretty weather was pretty entertaining.  Martin really enjoyed himself!

Martin, Mama and the Giraffes

I conquered my first nursing in public experience.  I am sure some of you are laughing now....but it really is a bigger deal than you realize.  Martin HATES the nursing cover, and pulls it off, and waves it around like a flag "hey people, we are breastfeeding over here".  So, the fact that it went well was a small miracle.  We found a table at lunch that was kind of out of the way, and I just turned around and fed him.  Went well!  Check that off the list.  I know lots of people nurse all over the place.  But, I really feel like most people don't want to see that.  You know what I mean?  Can I get an Amen?  

Looking at the Cats

He was so curious about this particular cat.  I don't remember what it was specifically, but it looked like a large house cat that would like to claw your eyes out.  They were gorgeous, and were really close to the glass, so Martin really like watching them play.  I think it helped that they were making a lot of noise to get his attention.

The Benton Family

Enjoying the Pandas

Grizzly Bear Waterfall

Then came the sea lion show.  We were able to sit out of the way of most people, and Martin enjoyed the show.  He really liked jumping on our laps more than anything, but he watched some!  I really thought the aquarium would be great, because he could see the fish moving.  So, I guess it is very fitting that he slept through the aquarium part.  Picture a big room with lots of 50 gallon fishtanks.  Not exactly an aquarium, but I will let it slide since I was so impressed with the grizzly bear habitat!  Not everyone can have an aquarium as nice as the New Orleans Aquarium or the Atlanta Aquarium, right?

LOVING the sea lion show

More Sea Lion show with Pops

Funny Boy!

I love how Martin is cutting his eyes in this picture.  He does this a lot....but you rarely catch it on camera.  We leave for the beach in one week, and I absolutely cannot wait!!!  Ready to get my toes in the sand and see how much this little baby loves the beach!  Stay tuned, lots of pictures to post, I am sure.

Happy Birthday Mamie!

Happy Birthday To You

Happy Birthday To You

Happy Birthday Dear Mamie

Happy Birthday To You!!

Martin helping Mamie blow out her candles

Yummy cupcake icing....he wasn't really a fan

My mom came to see us for the weekend.  It was kind of a last minute thing, and we were so surprised and excited!!  Martin and Mamie got to spend lots of time together.  Mom got Martin up this morning, and Bryan and I got to sleep in a little....ahhhh......I feel so refreshed!  We celebrated with Muddy's Cupcakes Saturday after dinner for Mom's birthday which is Monday.  Happy Birthday Mama!  She taught me how to be the Mama that I am today for Martin.

Taking a nap with Mamie

I cannot believe all of the things Martin is doing.  He has started pulling up too, but is very unstable once he gets up.  My baby boy cannot be old enough for this.  He was so talkative all weekend.  Saturday we went to grab Subway for lunch, and the lady at the table behind us had to get up and take a look at Martin because "he is just so talkative and loud".  Please look closely at his face in the very last picture....this is the face he makes when he is really concentrating.  Pretty funny, right?  I certainly think so!  He is an absolute mess.

Big Boy with his sippy cup

Pardon Me....

Pardon me, but do you know where my little baby went?  I swear a had a tiny, quiet, precious newborn around here somewhere!  But, this morning when I woke up, I realized he isn't tiny, and he certainly isn't quiet!  But, I am loving every minute of this journey.  He has always been a jabber mouth (no surprise there--he gets it honest).  On Sunday he said Da Da Da all day just to make Mother's Day super funny for Dad.  But, on Tuesday he started saying Ma Ma.  Don't tell me he doesn't know that is my name.....I am fully aware of that.  But, he says it ALL.THE.TIME.  Pretty cute.  I know in 2 years I will want to change my name, and will wish he would forget my name, but right now it makes me melt to hear those sweet sounds.  He talks all the time, and loves to make motorboat noises with his mouth.  Maybe he is practicing blowing bubbles for the beach.  Who knows?

Is my child the only child on the planet obsessed with anything that hangs or dangles?  Tags, strings, and especially hair!  He loves to pull my hair while he eats, isn't that just so sweet?  NOT!  He laughs all the time and is always into something.  He is going to keep me on my toes, I can tell!!

7 Months, Already??

No, I can't believe it either.  Baby boy is growing so fast too fast.  I think I put off posting this because maybe if I don't post it to my blog, then it isn't really true??  I cannot believe Martin has already been here for 7 months!!  He is such an absolute joy for us.  And, he is currently napping, so I thought I would take advantage.  He is doing so much more at 7 months than he was doing at 6.  He is now VERY mobile.  Still army crawling most of the time, but that little thing is FAST!!  He kicks and uses his toes.  I will try to get a video sometime this week--but for some reason I have a tough time uploading videos to the blog.  Hmm....who knows?  He gets his knees up under him a lot, but still would rather army crawl.  He has figured out how to sit up on his own.  He has been staying sitting up for about 2 months, but now he knows how to go from flat on his back, to sitting up.  Talk about scary--he is NOT old enough for this.  And, it makes naps a little tricky too.  I just know before I realize it he will be (gasp) walking!  No no no, this can't be true.  Where did my little baby boy who was so quiet, and took amazing naps, and stayed where I put him go???  This age and stage is truly SO FUN, but I sometimes miss the early days just because I can hardly remember him being that small.  He is into everything, and full of himself!!  He says Da...Da....Da....Da....Da.  I will look at him and said ma ma ma ma ma, and he just smiles and says dddaaaa, dddaaaa.  Not funny--even though Bryan thinks it is!  But, for the record, he cries Ninny when he wants to eat, and has for about a month and a half....and that is totally ME!  So, there--take that Bryan!  He loves solids....big people food is great.  I am still making my own, and am loving every minute of it.  How many people can say their 7 month old likes mango and avocado??  That is what I thought, not many!!  We are on Week 3 of Couch to 5K, and I have decided I must be all couch....because my knees are killing me.  I was a runner in high school, apparently that is all gone, and I must have done some damage to my joints along the way, because these knees are screaming.  Oh well.  I will stick with it, and buy lots of Advil and Ice.  Am I getting old or something?

I had a GREAT Mother's Day.  My two boys (Martin and Bryan) brought me breakfast in bed, and we watched my new TV for my bedroom.  Martin approved, he said he enjoyed nick jr. on the new tv!  He thinks being in our bed is such a fun treat.  He does great at night, and has pretty much kicked the pacifier habit at night.  He still gets it during the day whenever he wants it, or whenever I want him to have it (MUTE)....haha!  But, he doesn't really need/want it at night.  He really is getting to be a big boy!!  We worked in the yard a little, got a little sun, and then I made some curtains for our game room, and hung some pictures up there.  Slowly but surely, our house is getting close to finished in the decor department.  That is good since we have lived here over a year and a half.  Oops!  Pictures to come soon....if you are interested.  I will post LOTS of pictures of Martin, and of the flower beds that I have been working on. 

Happy Spring!!

Flower Beds

Flower Beds

Bonsai Bend




Happy Boy playing in the garden

 

Sitting on the rocks

I LOVE playing with Dad

Sitting in the grass

Happy 7 Months

Bathtime Fun!

Martin loves to Skype with Mamie and Papa John (yes he tries to crawl into the computer)

Hi Mamie!!  I see you.

Looking out the window in his room

Easter 2011

Martin's visit with the Easter Bunny

 Martin had a GREAT Easter!  He got everything he wanted!  Oops, I mean everything I wanted.  I know he won't remember this Easter, but I certainly will.  We went to church, and he was an angel!!  I had to get up one time and stand in the back with him, but he wasn't fussy and never cried.  And, he stayed awake the whole time.  His basket was overflowing with goodies.  He had a basket from my parents, one from Bryan's parents, and one from his Uncle Justin and Aunt Carley.  Baby boy racked up!!! 

The Easter Bunny came!

 He loved going through his basket.  He pulled things out, and they all went straight to his mouth....baby boy loves to chew or suck on anything!  He tried very hard to eat the Peeps.  Everyone wanted me to give him one....I just kept saying he will get it....eventually. 

Can I eat these before breakfast mom??

He LOVED pulling the stuff out of his basket and looking at it

 He got lots of new things to play with.  He needed a few new DVD's.  Baby Noah is starting to get on my nerves, so we had two new DVD's.  And, lots of stuff for the beach.  A baby float, hooded towel, and squirter toys.  I know he will enjoy it all so much.

Martin's First Easter

 Family picture after church.  This time last year Martin was in my belly....and you could barely even tell I was pregnant.  And, we had just found out that Martin was a boy.  My what a difference one year can make.  He is absolutely the best thing to ever happen to me and Bryan.

What all is in here Mom?

Doubles as a baby carrier when you are done

 And, when you get all of your new stuff out the basket, you can even play in the basket.  He enjoyed this just as much as any of it...so maybe I should have just put out an empty basket.  Haha!

Hunting/Eating Eggs with Daddy

Look I found another one

Easter Wagon Ride

He had a great time hunting eggs with Daddy, and then we all went for a walk and Martin got to ride in the wagon.  What a great Easter!  Hope everyone else had a great day too.

Beautiful Blooms

Figured I have a few minutes before the little bebe wakes up from his nap....so I should blog.  This weekend is Martin's first Easter, and boy oh boy is his little Easter Basket full!!  I might definitely have a problem.  It is called....I am already spoiling my child rotten.  Bryan wants me to be a stay at home mom, but maybe I should get a job to support my shopping habit.  It does help that I never go shopping for me anymore.  I am still about 5 pounds away from my weight before I got pregnant, and I refuse to buy bigger clothes.  I can get back in my pre-pregnancy jeans (no small feat there)....but lots of things are a bit tighter than they used to be.  I wouldn't change a thing though....I am proud of the extra 5 pounds (at least for now) and I don't mind that most days I don't bother straightening my hair or putting on any makeup.  Truth is...Martin loves me no matter how crazy my hair looks.  And, that boy loves his dad.  I am not near as funny as Bryan apparently.  Bryan can do anything and nothing at the same time to make that child die out laughing.  I should get a video of it.  When a smile starts creeping over his face, it quickly turns into that full mouth grin you see in all of my photos.  Sometimes when Bryan and Martin are playing I have to tell Bryan to give Martin a chance to catch his breath.  Who knew Bryan was so entertaining??  What a great daddy!!

We are still making our own baby food, and it really is so easy it is a shame that more people don't make their own.  I can't find anything the child won't eat.  He likes carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, and prunes too.  He likes it all, however I did figure out that he likes it all warm.  If it cools off too much, he gags until you warm it back up.  Silly thing....at least he lets us know his opinion, right?

Beautiful Peace Rose blooming

We have been working in the yard around here this week.  My knockout roses have started blooming and are gorgeous--and so have my peace roses.  I love rose bushes!!  I also planted some day lilies yesterday, a hydrangea bush, and a porch peach tree.  It already has tiny peach buds.  Maybe they will be yummy this summer (here is hoping).  Now back to the hydrangea.  Hydrangea is probably my FAV flower/bush ever.  I had them in my wedding, I just LOVE them.  Did you know that hydrangeas are pink unless your soil is acidic?  How do you know what kind of soil you have?  Short of taking it to a soil testing place.....I say you ask someone at your favorite nursery, and they will say, well, why does that matter? You can simply buy something to treat your soil with for acid loving plants--thus is born the blue hydrangea.  So, I am looking forward to some blue blooms this summer.  And, I have learned yet something else to add to my garden repertoire.  My garden knowledge is pretty limited....but over the years, my parents have taught me lots.  Dad and Mom are an endless reference for any and everything yard related.  You would think I would have gotten some of their skill.....but I can kill a hearty house plant in no time flat.  I do better outside....the sun helps, and I love to water the plants outside, so I do it more often!  We also lined our front flower beds with Arkansas Fieldstone yesterday.  We still have some more flowers to plant, and need to mulch before I will post any pictures.  I want you to see the finished product.  But, I will post a picture of the sweet little one.  Which who am I kidding, is why you really read my blog.  Who cares what my garden looks like?  Let's see the baby!!!

Yes, we watch TV at our house....add it to my Mother of the Year application!

Are you ready for this BROTHER??  Martin is!

Forgive the poor quality of the last two pictures.  The iPhone doesn't take great pictures like my camera....especially when there is sun coming in the back window!

Martin (part boy, part frog)

This video is from this weekend when Martin fell in love with his Johnny Jump-up.  Kid LOVES to jump!!  For hours after we took him out, anytime anyone held him he was trying to jump jump jump.  Pretty stinking cute, huh??  He is quite the frog.

And, this second video shows more of my little froggy baby!  The way he pulls his legs under him looks just like a frog.  Martin's Mamie (my Mama) has said since we brought him home from the hospital that he looked like a little frog sometimes....I guess she was right (she usually is).


Martin likes to do two things at the same time.  Maybe he will be a great multi-tasker when he grows up....who knows?  I digress......  Yesterday morning Martin cut his second tooth and then yesterday late afternoon, Martin decided to become Mobile.  Yes, you read that right.  Homeboy has decided sitting up isn't enough.  He doesn't get up on his hands and knees and crawl....but he can move.  I know this is the beginnings of crawling, and it makes me want to press pause again.  I was talking with a friend this morning and she said it seems like we were just having your baby shower....and it absolutely does!!  I cannot believe I have a baby who can sit up, eat his veggies, and now move on his own.  Where did the time go??

Martin and I started Couch 2 5k yesterday, and I want to puke just thinking about doing it again tomorrow.  It should not have been that hard.  I have a jogging stroller....but gees.  Am I really this out of shape??  I had no idea that running would be as hard as it was.  It is amazing what a year off will do to you.  I need to get my butt in gear.  We have two trips to the beach for the summer planned, and I will not look like a beached whale!  A pregnant girl is cute in a bathing suit, a Mama who hasn't lost all her baby weight yet isn't!! 

Well, sounds like little darling is up from his nap!  Hope everyone has a great afternoon.