Wonderful friends

Yesterday my friends Leslie and Kerri threw a shower for me. It was so nice, and it was great having so many of my friends in one place at one time. It was also good that my sister and mom could join me. The food was fabulous, Leslie's house looked great, and the conversation was brilliant (as always). My friends were more than generous as Baby Seabolt received lots of cute clothes, blankets, bibs, burp clothes, and more! Leslie's husband, Don, even participated in a sense by making a "baby themed" CD for everyone to take home. Thanks to all who were there. You guys mean a lot to me, and I appreciate you taking time out of your day to celebrate our little girl. A very special thank you to Leslie and Kerri--I can't say enough about you both and what you mean to me!

All the girls...

Leslie, Me, and Kerri (not sure why I wanted my pic with two skinny girls)

Work in progress

Here are a couple of pictures of the baby's room that Jason (with a little help from me) has been working on. We need to finish painting the wainscotting, and Jason wants to put up crown molding. I'm hoping he gets that done this weekend, so I can steam clean the carpet and get stuff moved in. So far, so good, though!

I earned it...

Today I helped out in Landon's classroom. Some people probably don't think this is anything big, but for me, it was something I earned. I stay at home with the kids so I can do these types of things. I dropped off Noah at school and then headed to Landon's school to help the class with a letter "A" project. Obviously this wasn't rocket science, but I really, really enjoyed interacting with the kids. I liked listening to their stories that had nothing to do with the project or what was going on in the classroom. I loved seeing Landon playing with his friends and paying attention to his teacher (believe me, she gets a better deal from him than I do). Overall, I loved the feeling I had when I was in my car to go pick up Noah. I just felt good. I don't think I could do it every day and am amazed at Miss Leah's and Ms. Amy's patience with the children, but I am SO glad that I have gotten the opportunity to help out (and can't wait to do it again). As most of you know, I haven't been too comfortable the last few weeks, so I wasn't looking forward to going and wondered quite often why I opened my big mouth when I said "just let me know if you need help". However, Baby Seabolt cooperated and left me mostly pain free for the two hours I was there. It was just a good day for me. So, I get that this isn't a big deal for most, but for me, it was a reward for being a stay-at-home mom.

Gwinnett Co. Fair

Here are some pictures from our overpriced trip to the Gwinnett Co. Fair last Sunday. I personally didn't feel like it was worth the money, but the boys enjoyed themselves. I guess that's what matters.

Noah going on his first ride.

Check out the serious look on Landon's face.

A Mother's Findings in a Week

This week, I learned the following:

• A two year old can say "Mommy" at least 500 times in one day (this is not an exaggeration).
• Although I like being depended upon, sometimes I feel enslaved instead.
• I should have hung the curtains myself when I started asking three weeks ago. It may have taken me 30 minutes longer, but they're up.
• I am beyond lucky to have kids that like to go to school and don't cry when I drop them off. I asked Noah to give me a kiss goodbye on Thursday and he slapped one on me and said "I wuv you" before I even had a chance to say anything. Proud moment for me.
• Thanks to Jason, our daughter is going to have a cute room. I'm still amazed at how much work he got done on Sunday.
• Sometimes I don't like my kids. Any parent who doesn't feel this way once in a while doesn't spend enough time with their children.
• I can love my boys so much it hurts. They make me smile and laugh, and I like hanging out with them.
• I would like to call the president of nickelodeon to thank him/her for putting a Dora marathon on today. When you're 7 months pregnant, any help is appreciated.
• Falling off of a scooter can really hurt and cause quite a "boo boo" on the forehead of a little boy. It hurt me as much as him. I felt like I should have protected him.
• After the initial shock, it's funny that a two year old fed a half of a pack of gum to a dog.
• I can get through this horrific pain in my left rib right below my heart that I have most of the day as long as I get a healthy little girl as a result in two months. I may have to tell myself often that I can do it, but I will be able to do it.
• My husband works hard at the office. It's not easy on me that he gets home late, but I know it's not easy on him either.
• Landon is maturing more and more each day.
• I am very lucky that I have the flexibility to join my son and his class on a field trip.
• You shouldn't mess with ingrown toenails unless you want to be up during the night with a throbbing toe.
• My sister is excited for this baby girl and can pick out cute invitations to a shower.
• I filled up 4 huge lawn trash bags full of the boys' clothes.
• I'm ready for our baby to join us and complete this family.
• Kasey will forever sleep on my pillows even after I tell her to get off of them a million times. She took over that spot not long after Abby gave it up.

I just realized, I think I actually blogged on my blog. Who would have thunk it??? :)

Happy 2nd Birthday, NoNo!

Our "little" Noah turned two on Saturday. He loved opening his presents (started to do so without any of us in the room), but that's about all he understood. Some of our friends had come over to watch the UGA game, but no big party. We decided to wait until he was older. I think he had a good day--he had fun playing with the decorations, balloons, and liked the cookie cake. That's what's important!

I can only wish for another labor like my sweet boy's. Two years ago, he came into the world like he does everything now--"Watch out, here I come!" The little guy makes me smile daily and is so full of personality. He's a handful, believe me, but he's our handful and I wouldn't change a thing! Happy birthday, NoNo (what he calls himself)! We love you so much!!!!

The season has begun...

Landon has started his third season of soccer. His first game was Saturday, and his team did well. I have to be honest in saying I have no idea who won--it went back and forth. Landon saved several goals from going in, so maybe we have a defender on our hands. Who knows. We just want him to have fun. He's more than happy that the team decided to call themselves the Bulldogs. :)

Sesame Street Live

Today Noah and I joined my friend Heather and her sweet daughter, Avery, for the Sesame Street Live show at Philips Arena. We had a really great time, and the kids' favorite parts all had to do with Elmo. Both got up and shook their booties like they know how. Noah and Avery are exactly one week and one day apart in age, so we've decided on an arranged marriage. We're pretty sure we'll have really cute grandchildren. :)

Thanks Heather and Avery for inviting us to come along!!!

Family birthday celebration

This past Sunday we invited the family over to celebrate the boys' birthdays. We all enjoyed ourselves and had a relaxing time. Thanks to everyone for driving to our house and the gifts. The boys are still in heaven!

Best part of making cupcakes...

Noah got to partake in my favorite part of making cupcakes--eating the mix!!! This is not Jason's favorite activity due to the raw eggs in the batter, but I told him that no child of mine will miss out on licking the bowl (or the mixers).

Dead people

Last week we passed by a cemetery, and out of no where Landon says "that's a whole lotta dead people". I, of course, start laughing because, well, it was funny and so unexpected. He very seriously responds to my laughter with "Mom, you shouldn't laugh at dead people". He's right, I shouldn't. :)

Noah's First Day of School

My baby started preschool today. He was so cute walking into his class with his backpack. He looked so big which, of course, made me a little sad. :) They said he cried for a short time after I left, but overall, had a wonderful first day. Not surprisingly, his teachers said he had a blast outside on the playground. I was a little nervous on how he would do because he was sick over the weekend. Mommy cried a little as well once she was alone in the car. As much as I will enjoy these two months of having some time to myself two mornings a week, I felt lonely today. That will be short-lived, though, because I've already planned some shopping for Thursday. It doesn't take me long to bounce back. :)

Congratulations, Noah, on your first day of school! Mommy was proud of you!

Jason and I had a WONDERFUL time in Chicago this past weekend. It was so great to spend time with just him. We did A LOT of walking around, some shopping, an architure boat tour (which I recommend to anyone visiting the Windy City), site seeing, deep dish pizza eating, and even made time for the wedding we were up there for on Sunday evening. I thought I would have a post with pictures to share, but we forgot the camera. Oops! The boys stayed with Jason's mom and step-dad, and from what I gather, they, too, had a good weekend. Landon told us to go back, so they could stay there a little longer. Thank you, Debra and Blaine! Noah had gotten pretty sick while we were gone, and they handled it with ease. We are lucky to have great grandparents on both sides of our family!

Landon had his first soccer practice this evening. His dad isn't coaching him this season, and Landon seems to have adjusted to a new coach very easily. It was probably harder on me than it was him. :) We're looking forward to the games which start on Sept 13th.

I need to head to bed. Reality is more tiring than a weekend with only your hubby!!!