February 1st!

How in the WORLD can it be February 1st already?? Time is flying by, I swear-- and these boys of mine are growing like weeds. 

Part of the reason they are growing like weeds is because we eat all of the food we put in the cart while still in the grocery store.....

This little nugget just doesn't seem so little any more.  The terrible twos have hit HARD over here. When he is sweet, he is the sweetest thing EVER, but at the drop of a hat, things switch and he has thrown himself on the floor in a full out scream fit.  Wednesday, after being at school all morning, he did not nap.  DID.NOT.NAP.  He has never missed a nap.  He usually naps 3-4 hours.  Yes, HOURS.  So an afternoon sans nap was a rude awakening for me.  Yesterday, the fit he threw in the parking lot of the gym was flat out violent.  He flung himself backwards (on the asphalt) in a puddle.  I grabbed his arm about a millisecond before his head bashed the pavement.    The "fit" continued for about 5 minutes of screaming, thrashing, hitting, yelling, etc etc.  And then, next thing I know, he's smiling at me like this...

And this...

 He is a strong-willed little boy and when he doesn't get what he wants when he wants it, all hell breaks loose.  And, he is STRONG.  If he doesn't want to be put in his car seat, it is just about impossible for me to get him in there.  Wish that was an exaggeration.  It takes every bit of my strength to get him strapped in.  There will be more posts on this, I am sure.  Get exciiiiiited!

I let Andy sit at the kid table in the family room for lunch the other day as a special treat.  He loved it!

But then he really wanted to join Hank on the floor!

I think Andy's appetite has increased lately too.  I think that's why he didn't nap on Wednesday-- we went to dinner that night and he ate 3 full plates of food and icecream.  Today, he was not napping so I took some apple sauce to his room and he chowed down,  then passed out.  Guess it's time to up his intake!

Cal has not napped once this week.  In fact, his last nap was early last week.  He has quiet time for a little bit, but then he is up and at um and wanting some entertainment.  I found these awesome books at a store here, so we are working on letters.  He LOVES doing this! He was concentrating so hard on each page.  

Every night, the boys take a bath.  And every single night, Andy gets in the tub and pees.  We know it's coming, he knows it's coming, Cal REALLY knows now that it's coming.  So I brought down our old potty training potty.  We are NOT potty training this kid right now.  I repeat-- we are NOT even attempting to potty train him.  But we wanted to have him sit on it before bath each night to try to get the pee in there instead of the tub.  He hasn't gone yet, but he sat and thought it was pretty funny.  He also tries to go in the big potty by standing next to it, like Cal.  Andy is not tall enough to go in that potty, but refuses to stand on a stool.  He walks up to the potty, pushes his mid-section up to it, leans a little, and then turns around, swinging his arms, and looks to all of us to cheer for him- ha! This one is a character! 

He is such a character that we were not surprised when Cal came running into our bathroom the other day saying "Andy got in the bathtub and turned on the water and he is wet!" Sure enough-- Andy let himself in the tub in his pjs and turned on the water.  He thought it was hilarious.

Yesterday, after the meltdowns that occurred at the gym, we headed to the playground to run run run and have some release of energy.    Cal didn't have school because of parent conferences so both kids had a ball playing in the freeeezing cold. 

Last night, Eddie had dinner with a client, so I made super simple croissant roll ups with cheese, ham and some Dijon mustard.  I am just sayin'-- they were amazingly good.  Cal, my picky eater, at 2 and a half. Andy had a ton too, obviously....

Annnnd last night, bath time-- I mean, there are so many things to say about this picture....

This morning, the boys were having some fun...

 These are all out of order-- we went outside the other day to play at grandma's house.  Andy was running as fast as he could push this thing-- all the while holding his lovie in his hand. 

 Hope y'all have had a great week!!! We are leaving for the BVIs soon.... and I am kicking myself for eating that biscuit this morning....UGH. 

 

Football Fanatic

Cal Williamson is slightly obsessed with football.  That is nothing odd in this family, I guess, but he now knows wayyy more about the NFL than a lot of people.  My mom got him this book, 1st and 10, a top ten list of everything NFL related, and he loves it.  He has the entire book memorized, including names, teams, etc etc.

In honor of the Super Bowl this weekend, I thought I would share some of these videos.  I know some of you have seen these on facebook, but I better document them here as well...

(can't get this one to load! will try again later)

 

Bachelorette Weekend!

Eddie's youngest sister, Tricia, is getting married in March and her bachelorette party was this was this past weekend in Texas.  We had it in Fort Worth (where they are from) so we could knock out a bunch of things that weekend-- a shower for the bride to be, her wedding portraits, etc etc...

I have been SO excited for this weekend.  After our trip from hell flying to Arizona, I was more than a little excited to sit on an airplane BY MYSELF and walk through an airport without anyone else to hang on to/hold/watch over/wipe bottoms, etc.  It was starting to sleet/ice/snow outside, but I was sure I'd get out before the worst of it. 

peace out, boys! momma is outta here....

Eddie was going to super-dad it for the weekend.  I was flying out Friday at 12:45 and he was in charge until I got home Sunday around 5.  I have left the boys before, but this is the first time Eddie had them by himself for more than 24 hours.  He did GREAT! I knew he would, but after the first few phone calls on Friday afternoon (where is Andy's other shoe? what time do they eat lunch? what do they like to eat for lunch?), I was a little worried... but, again-- Eddie was a super-dad!

I got to the airport with time to spare on Friday.  I walked down and grabbed some lunch and then walked back to my gate-- funny story-- I love a big fat fountain diet coke, but when I am traveling with kids, I have to get my DC in a bottle to prevent spilling it everywhere.  I got a huge diet coke and was walking down through the terminal, dragging my carry on suit case, with my purse on my shoulder...then my phone rang.  I tried walking with the phone on my shoulder, but my coat was pretty big and it just wasn't happening.  I got three phone calls in a matter of 5 minutes.  I was in full on sweat mode when I got to my gate and I wasn't even traveling with children!!!! HA!

My first flight was through Charlotte and they announced that Charlotte had put a hold on all flights-- they couldn't get flights out, so no flights were allowed in.  If we had a tight connection in Charlotte, we were to get in the line so they could try to rebook us.  They also posted a 1-800 number we could call while we waited.  I called the number and got through right away and they found a direct flight that wasn't leaving for another 3 hours, and got me into DFW at 6:00-- roughly an hour after I was supposed to land.  I wanted to avoid Charlotte as much as possible since it sounded like that were having ALL kinds of issues, so I took that flight then promptly found a bar and propped myself at it to enjoy a few bloody marys!

My flight finally boarded at 3:45. I was in zone 5, so of course there was no room for my carry on bag in the overhead bins, so they took it and checked it to DFW.

  The weather continued to get worse, and our plane was frozen.  Once everyone got on board, they had to de-ice the plane, which took over an hour. 

ice everywhere

 Once we were finally clear of ice, we were ready to hit the runway.  We got the the end of the runway and the pilot hit the brakes instead.  There was some kind of malfunction with the plane and we had to go back to our gate to get it checked out.  However, when we returned to our gate, there was another plane there, getting de-iced, which we now know takes over an hour.  So we waited on the tarmac for over an hour for a gate to open.  We got the gate and everyone wanted OFF of that plane.  By that point, we had been on the airplane for over 3 hours.  We were told not to go far while the assessed the problem.  A friend I made on the flight was a platinum member and he was on the phone with the airline.  He pulled me aside and told me they were about to cancel the flight altogether.  They gave him warning before others so he would have time to get to ticketing before the others to try to rebook.  At this point, it was 7:30...I got the airport at 11:15.  

I got to ticketing and somehow got on a flight that was taking off immediately.  I sprinted back through security (much faster without my carry on bag-- which they would not pull off of that flight) and made it to the gate.  Once on board, we had to de-ice, of course, which took forever, of course. 

Longest story ever, I know.  Anyway, I made it to DFW at 1am (2am here time).  No bags came off.  Seriously, not one.  I called a shuttle to take me to the bachelorette party-- who were all in bed already after a fun night out to dinner and a lingerie shower! I missed the first shuttle because I was filling out the missing bag forms so I had to call again.  The second shuttle came and had to circle around the airport looking for other passengers to pick up.  Finally, I arrived at the hotel....I was BEAT and thrilled to get in a bed.

We woke up Saturday morning ready to go to the bridal shower! Having no bag made it super easy to get ready- ha! I got on the phone immediately tying to locate my bag.  It was picked up in DFW at 6am and should be delivered to me...well, we were switching hotels and checking out that morning.  I gave them the address of the first hotel, not the second.  Soooo, I tried discussing this predicament  with the company, but they must not have understood...

The shower was really nice and Tricia got some amazing gifts!  I felt like to tool bag wearing jeans to the shower, but hey, what's a girl to do?! At least I didn't wear nasty workout clothes traveling out there!

the bridelette and her MOH opening gifts

the bride with MOB and MOG

The bride with her bridesmaids and house party

the bridesmaids

 After the shower, we loaded up the cars and headed to the Gaylord Hotel in Dallas.  While in the car on the way there, I got on the phone again about my bag.  The new address was not entered into the computer so they were going to have to send my bag BACK to the warehouse to re-enter the address for the delivery.  Are you KIDDING me? I was given the number of the delivery company so I called them directly and all but propositioned him to skip the warehouse and just bring my bag.  Thankfully, he was a good sport about it. 

 We checked in and had some downtime and then it was time for DINNER! We had a ton of fun at dinner and the dinner was yummy! We went back up to the rooms to further pre-game and then we headed over to the Glass Cactus and bar/club place that was SO.MUCH.FUN! They had a band playing, Le Freak, that was a ton of fun.  They played all of my favorite songs like Dancing Queen and other really fun 60s songs.  We had a goal to get Tricia up on stage and we succeeded! She was adorable up there and looked sooooo happy!

I really don't even know. Just including here for humor. 

THE carrie elizabeth williamsons.  seriously. same name.  bffs.

longest arm ever

the pregame appears to be successful

i love my sister in laws.  how lucky am i?

the lead singer and i had a connection.  i think it was his wig.  or his tight pants.  either way- it was real.

that's my shoe he's holding.  see? connection.

It was way crowded in the club and getting really hot (and, um, I am really old).  When the band took their break, we got some fresh air and then grabbed the shuttle back to the hotel.  This old lady was spent!

Coming home on Sunday I did not have one hitch at all.  Every plane was on time, my bag stayed with me the entire way and my arrival gate in Charlotte was next to my departure gate-- could not have been easier!

Eddie and the boys were waiting for me when I landed and I was sooooo excited to see those sweet faces.  I held Andy's hand the whole way home. 

It was SUCH a fun weekend and I was honored to be a part of it all! Can't wait to hang with these ladies again in March!

PS- as I write this, it is 2:30 on Wednesday... NEITHER BOY IS NAPPING! Andy naps every single day for 3-4 hours and he is NOT NAPPING today.  omg.  this evening could get so so ugly. 

Mom of Boys

I really do love being a mom of boys. I know girls are great and a lot of fun, but I would not trade these two bozos for the world.  They crack me up every day (multiple times) and the try my nerves (multiple times), but dear gracious, they are something special to me... and while I think it would be sweet to braid a girls' hair-- it is really sweet to the wearing football helmets while being tackled by my kids.

I mean... check out that little grin (and man boobs)....

I got him this shirt at Target.  You would think it had batteries attached to the back making him fly.  He loooooves this shirt...and I love to see him smile, so it really is a good trade. 

This is just a typical afternoon in the Williamson household... Cal with no shirt, no pants, underwear on backwards (he prefers them on that way so he can see the characters in the front.  Go figure....), and helmets on, ready to battle.  

Watching football-- Cal brought in the bean bag chair to share with Andy.  (again, please note the non-shirt, underwear status)

Ever since we were terrified that something was up with my baby's head, I can not cuddle this kid enough.  I should cuddle him all the time, I know-- but being scared like that made me realize I need to hug and kiss both of these sweet guys as often as I can.  

I have started snuggling/rocking Andy every night at bedtime-- just for like 5 minutes, but it is 5 minutes of pure heaven.  He snuggles up in my arms and puts his head on my shoulder/chest and just looks up at me and smiles.  I love it. 

We borrowed a friend's iPad when we went to Arizona so that each kid could have one on the airplane-- I realize this makes the spoiled.  I am okay with that.  You fly with both of these kids and tell me you wouldn't do what it takes to keep calm and quiet.

Well, our friend decided she didn't need the iPad back... so we now have two.  I am in shock and the boys are in heaven.  Check out these two...

My little super man.... when nug wears this shirt, Cal calls him superman the entire day.  It's hilarious.  This picture was taken on the same day as the above, but these pictures are out of order. 

And seriously, who has a tire toss in their house?  This mom of boys does.  We practice our accuracy throwing football through it.  

Last week, when we were waiting for the CT results, I wrote about picking Cal up from school and he and Ava were being adorable.... this is the picture I took as my pediatrician texted me the good news.

Little boys love to play in the rain...

 This kid... he calls me his girlfriend and I literally melt.  Strangers love to ask him questions, and when they inevitably ask who is girlfriend is, he looks them straight in the eye and says, "my mommy." He is my special guy and we are super close. He tells me 100 times a day that I am his best friend.  I can not get enough of him...

at least he has his shirt ON?

Saturday morning.  No makeup. In a robe.  Football game in full effect.  

this is my life.  

bless his heart....

look closely... do you see that nose?

my mom is insanely talented.  Like, crazy amount of Martha Stewart skill.  She saw these little Valentine's envelopes in Pottery Barn and decided to make them on her own.  She made a set for her house, then made me some, then made Elizabeth some, then made about 8 other people some for their kids....!!!

My sweet nephew, Jackson, turned 5 (5!!!!) on Monday and they had his party at Chuck E Cheese.  It was a fun party and the kids had a blast. 

 Watching Andy play ski ball was amusing and terrifying....

soooo, i just throw this ball?

this isn't working....i am going in

just a little closer

no one is watching, right?

let me throw it OVER hand...into the plexi glass as hard as I can...

what loud noise? that wasn't me. i am just sucking my fingers...

 Then we all went into the party room where the animals played a tune and sang to Jackson while the kids ate pizza.  Andy did NOT want to sit and eat-- he wanted to dance!

 Cal couldn't decide if he should eat his cupcake or his pizza...so he was eating both at once!

Here is the birthday boy!

Wish I got better pictures of Jackson, but it was tiring chasing Andy around that place!

On Tuesday, Cal had school and then after school a special treat: Ava came over to play!!! They played SO well together.  I was really thrilled at how well they shared and played together.  

And Cal was thrilled because she would put on a helmet!

They were a little worn out from school so they lounged on the beanbag chair to watch some Tinkerball (Ava loves Tinkerbell Cal told me, so we DVR'd a movie!).

Today is my future brother-in-laws birthday.  We sent him a video and a picture.  Let me tell you how hard it is to get a good picture of these two.... here are some attempts...

After school today, Andy DOVE onto Hank...and did not want to move.... pretty sweet...

It has been a busy week around here! I am trying hard to post more often so I can avoid long posts like this one... I will get better, I promise! (maybe)

I am leaving Friday for my sister in law's bachelorette weekend in Texas.  Please pray for me.  I am much older than I used to be.  Help me remember that.