Life got too crazy.....

It happened. Just as everyone said it would. Life got too crazy after baby #2 and I "let it go"....the blog, that is. I'm sure I still won't post as religiously as I did, but I hope to do it more. It was like opening a fabulous gift when I clicked on this link today and read all these posts about Max. I'm sad I don't have that for Charlie and Sam...but hopefully I will get better.

So...here I am....two years behind. And, to be honest, I don't even know where to start.

I'm so bad at storing memories...whether it is in pictures, baby books (umm none of my kids have one), calendaring milestones. All I've got are the memories in my head, a little calendar of terribly recorded events for each kid and files upon files of pictures on our computer that seem to just sit there. Argh! So here's the question....how does one easily do this?

HELP.

Ohh Charlie, Where Are You?

That is the question of each and every passing day! 

I cannot wait to meet this little guy. It is always so surreal...this time in a pregnancy. I feel so ready to meet this little man who was destined in God's plan to enter into this world and into our family...not only because he is crushing my pelvis and aching my back :-). But I also am sad that this special time between him and I is almost over.

Don't get me wrong....I know we've got LOTS of special time ahead. But, up until this moment, I have had him all to myself. It is only me who he tells when he is awake and playing...it is only me he tells when he is hungry...it is only me he tells when he is sleepy. It's just us.....what a special time! Each and every kick is a precious gift.

I read this quote recently and it is so true: "A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities." I find myself wondering everything...what will he look like, what will he sound like, what will his personality be, will he have hair, will he have brown eyes, will he be playful and confident like his big brother?  So many questions that I cannot wait to find the answers to.

So...My Dear Charlie,

Mommy, Daddy and Max can't wait to meet you. You are already an integral part of our family and you don't even know it yet. We talk about you every morning and Max kisses you every night before bed. We can't wait to play with you, love on you, learn about you, and hopefully watch you sleep a lot at night (no pressure). LOL. We love you so much and can't wait to see your handsome face.

Now, let's get this show on the road, son!

Love you always and forever,

Mommy

"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, homes happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for."Author Unknown

CHARLIE DAVID NEAL....your home is waiting....

From Nursery to Big Boy Rooms!

I feel like I can finally blog about this without jinxing myself. Almost a week and a half ago, Jake and I made the decision to move Max into his big boy room. When I say big boy....it is totally a big boy room complete with a double bed that stands far from the ground and rails on the side!  He has done GREAT! We couldn't be more thrilled with his transition. From night one (June 2nd) he has fell asleep with little trouble, slept through the night, not had any major bedtime meltdowns, and stayed in his bed comfortably until 7- 8 a.m.. What a blessing! I pray that this continues.

It was important to us to move him before baby Charlie comes so he doesn't feel like he was kicked out of his room.

Max is getting to be such a big boy and he is going to be a great "big brother"! It is so hard to believe that Charlie's nursery (what used to be Max's) is now going to occupy a newborn in a few short days. And it is even harder to believe that Max is now sleeping in a bed that is big enough for any adult to sleep in.

Seriously, where does time go? From nursery to a big boy room...it's all happening way too fast. I am so proud of you, Max!

"The only thing worth stealing is a kiss from a sleeping child."

Max's Favorite Sayings.....

I've noticed that Max has a lot of phrases that he uses, over and over and over again. They are just too darn cute.

So what is he saying?

1. Baa cerful. I'll ge hettt. (Be careful, I'll get hurt)
2. Puppy (or insert the name of whomever he is looking for)...where haaaaarrrrr yewwww? The cutest part is that he kind of runs out of breath on the "you" so he says it so softly.
3. Daddy go wurk?
4. Daddy is seeping (sleeping).
5. Look mommy look look a big cuck (a big truck). And the "c" in truck is so enunciated....it sounds like he is choking.
6. Mommy in za soooweeerrrrr (shower).
7. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh NNNNOooooooo (but the "n" in no has a complete tongue roll)!
8. I go poooooo (pool).
9. Mommy, tiss it a boo boo (meaning kiss my boo boo).
10. Dinna? (dinner)
11. Nak? (snack)
12. keykey? (turkey)
13. Gapes? (grapes)
14. Moooook? (milk)
15. Yayyyyy Matt (aka Max - yep he thinks his name is Matt).
16. Mommy a go nite nite (meaning put me to bed, mommy).
17. Go cool and see Naaa (meaning go to daycare and see Miss Rene).
18. A cool bussssssss (School bus).
19. Any dog that he sees is a "puppy".
20. toootulll (turtle).
21. "Shhnowmin" - is what he calls his first teacher who's name is "Mrs. Lewis" (we can't quite figure this one out, LOL).
22. Cool car. When he gets in any car, he always says this.
23. When crossing the street, he says "See cars? Noooooooo cars, GO!" and he runs across the street (holding my hand, of course).
24. Every morning when he wakes up, I open the door and say "morning buddy" and he says "befat" (meaning breakfast). Well, hello to you too!

It is endless....this child is too precious and he loves to chat!

Max's Second Birthday Party!

Fun, Friends and Food were the name of the game on Max's second birthday! 

We invited Max's friends over for an evening of water toys, bouncing, playing, bubbles, pizza, cake and more! I have to say how impressed I was that there were NO (I mean zero - unless I missed them) meltdowns from any of the kids. Pretty much a miracle....seeing as how there were almost 15 kids under the age of 5, most under the age of 3, there. 

The day was perfect...Max got to do everything he loved. Eat, bounce, play with water, blow bubbles, hang with friends and family and just have fun!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAX!

Bouncing fun!

This child had no fear!

Sweet Elijah!

Go Matthew Go!

Mommy....I go "back"!

Paisley showing Max how it's done

Cutie Reagan!

Why not get in the pool with your dress on, Evelyn!

Family and Friends!

Yay Lilly!

Max loved people singing 'Happy Birthday' to him

Blowing out the candles!

Frick and Frack....oops, I mean, Max and Daddy!

Max and Mommy

Birthday kisses!

I lub bu nana.....

"Bubbbbllllleeeesssss"

Outside Fun!

The weather has been so beautiful lately...so outside is where we spend most of our time these days! Great weather, sunshine, playgrounds, soccer fun, family time....it just makes for a the perfect day. Max had some serious fun and giggles playing with Jake - learning how to tackle and how to kick the soccer ball around. I love watching them together....

Strategizing...

Max is TWO years old!

TWO YEARS OLD!!!! 

What a joy the last two years have been. Max is growing each and every day and it has been so fun to watch him become the little tot that he is today.

Max's stats:

• Weight: 28.6 lbs (50th percentile)
• Height: 34.5 inches (60th percentile)
• Head: 75th percentile
• Sleeping through the night - 8 p.m. - 7 a.m.
• Naps two hours (usually) - noon - 2 p.m.
• Eats.......A LOT!
• Favorite foods: corn, fruit bars, yogurt, applesauce, corn, gummy bears, grapes, corn, beans, carrots, turkey, pizza, lollipops, corn....did I mention corn?
• Favorite drinks: milk and water
• Talks......A LOT!
• Favorite toys: trucks, cars, balls, bubbles, anything he can push
• Favorite movies: cars and kung fu panda
• Favorite word: "NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNooooooooooooo!"
• Best buddies: Drew Drew, Josh, Miller, Saif, Barrett, Elijah, Bree, Sienna, Evelyn, Paisley, Teagan
• Medical events this year: ear tubes (and doing great!)
• Allergies: amoxicillin
• Max can: count to 12, recognize colors, use a spoon/fork, feed himself, name most body parts (even him "bum"), name his friends, answer questions, string words together in short sentences, name different trucks, and more!

We love you, Max and can't wait to see what the next two years hold!

Max's Green Thumb!

While I hate the fact that Max spends his day with someone other than me, I am completely grateful that he is spending it in such a good place! His daycare is amazing. I love the fact that he knows EVERYONE by name and that when we pull in he says "I home". It is so comforting to know that he is spending his time in a place that he enjoys and is being loved on.

They are great about exposing him to different things and teaching him things well beyond what I could do (or even think of doing) at home. This past week, they have been focusing on teaching the kids the importance of respecting the earth and all that God has given us to enjoy...especially since it was just Earth Day! With that being said, they let each kid plant a little green leafy plant and water them throughout the week - taking them home on Friday.

I'm so proud to say that my little Max man is nothing like him mommy...because he has kept a plant alive for longer than a week now! Anyone who knows me understands that this is not my strong suit as we have nothing but fake plants in our house.


Max's little potted plant from school

 This exercise from school now explains why he wants to go around and dump his sippy cup into all my fake plants!  I was beginning to worry ;-).

The Poopy Diaries....

Warning: content below is graphic. But mommy decided to blog this to share the joy of two-year old drama.

 

6:47 a.m. Max wakes up. He is lightly crying, but stops so I let him sit in his room for a bit while I wake up and get myself up...I enter his room around 7:08 a.m. As I open the door I am literally smacked in the face with the smell of poop and a child that says "Hi Mommy....I poo poo. I poo poo here, Mommy". Meanwhile, he lifts his hands up with chunks of poop in it - smiling like it is Christmas! 

 

He then proceeds to take his hands and (yes, I'm going to say it).....paint his entire crib with poo!!!!!!!!  I am yelling no max, no...stop....that's icky. And, he is smiling and having a great time. I take a deep breath and am trying to decide what to do to minimize the damage. So, I go to pick him up and he is literally covered....it's in his hair, completely soaked through his pajamas, chunks of corn and only God knows what else is all over his sheets, the wall, the crib.....it's everywhere. AND now, it is on me since I have picked him up.

 

Jake walks upstairs and he is like "what is going on" because now max is crying and I'm quazi gagging as I am trying to clean up Max. After I clean up the chunks off Max and put him in a new diaper, I give him to Jake and he clearly needs a bath. So I turn around and begin cleaning the loose stool that is all over the room because I don't want Bear eating it or something.....assuming that Jake has taken Max to our room to bathe him. Suddenly, I hear Max's sweet voice "Go Po Go"....and I knew exactly what that meant. Jake has put my poopy, stinky child in OUR BED and they were watching Kung Fu Panda....ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I was like....Jake, he needs a bath and now there is poo residue all over our bed. So I put Max in the tub and he looked at me and said "Whaaaa happen mommy?"  Yea, my thoughts exactly buddy!

 

Needless to say, I spent an hour and a half cleaning between every bar on his crib, sanitizing his entire room, changing sheets, changing and bathing him....showering myself (again), washing our sheets, took our comforter to the dry cleaners....sooooooooooooooooooooooo nasty! 

 

It was honestly comical.....

 

The moral of the story is:

1. Husbands don't understand that poop on your child clearly means a bath is in order.

2. Kung Fu Panda solves all problems.

3. Poo is nasty.

 

All in all, my day has been good even though it started out as it did. When I dropped Max off at school he said "I lub bu mommy"....(his version of I love you) and honestly, how could my day be bad after that?

 

The End.

Easter Bunny Blues

We had such a great Easter weekend....how could you not when you think about the true meaning of the holiday?

With that being said, it was busy...full of Easter egg hunts (3 to be exact), school party, family, church and fun. More pictures and details will be coming in the next blog. But, in the meantime, one thing we learned this year...Max does NOT like the Easter bunny.

Happiness is....

{Happiness is...}

Hearing Max shout "Hi Mommy" from the backseat of the car.

Feeling Max kiss the back of my leg as I stand and get ready in the morning.

Looking over at my husband at dinner and hear him say "I'm just very happy right now."

Hearing a healthy heartbeat for baby Neal #2.

Praying at dinner and hearing Max shout "AMEN" every night after prayers.

Morning family cuddle time.

Listening to Max and Jake sing together, and watching Max trying mimic Jake's words.

Hide and seek...Max says "where hhhhaaarrrr you?"

Our married couple life group and the relationships that continue to grow.

My amazing ladies bible study.

Being married to a man who gives of his time so freely to lead himself and others to the Lord.

Family dance parties.

Visits with family and friends that we don't see everyday. 

Date nights.

Sunday mornings at Watermarke Church.

Impromptu neighborhood gatherings with lots of kiddos running around.

I could go on and on and on. I am definitely guilty of wanting more and thinking I need more at times. But when I truly think about happiness and what that means in my life, it is never about money or better clothes or a bigger car or nicer furniture. It is about PEOPLE and LOVE. One of my resolutions is to live with appreciation for what I have - and to consider everything in my life (whether is appears to be good or bad) a blessing...because it is the path that the Lord has put me on to grow closer to Him. 

Peace. Gratitude. Influence.

For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you."

Psalm 122:8

.

Baby Neal #2...




Oh my goodness!  3 boys to one girl in our household soon.....I am so outnumbered!  We are thrilled to say that Max will soon be a big brother to a little baby boy!  How amazing that our little boys will be so close in age. 

As we left the doctor, it dawned on me that I need nothing (I mean, do we really NEED anything when we have babies really?)...but literally, I need nothing to have this baby.  I could have this baby tomorrow and be all set!  So, now, I'm just ready!  Let's get this show on the road.....come on baby boy!

We feel so blessed to be expanding our family and cannot wait to welcome this gift from God into our lives.  I love you already sweet boy....

Love,

Mommy

Well Visit Office ONLY!

Dear Pediatricians Around the World,

Why is it that everytime I leave your office with my healthy son for his routine well visit, he gets sick like no other for the next three weeks? 

Case. in. Point.
18 month well visit (december 5, 2011)....healthy kiddo.

• Weekend following: Urgent care for virus (1.5 hour wait).
• Week following: Doctor for virus and double ear infection
• Weekend visit to ugent care (3 hour wait) due to unsitely rash that appeared.  VIRUS, they say.
• Week following that: Doctor visit for unimaginable rash taking over entire body and swollen limbs (turns out it's an allergic reaction). 
• Same day: trip to hospital for tests.
• Week following that: Doctor visit for check up from rash.  Back on meds for new virus and double ear infections.
• TWO weeks follow that: Back at doctor for ear infection that is still there AND pink eye. 

Perhaps we could move the well visit office to a separate office space (and not just a "separate waiting room" that has no door so it's really just one big room).  I mean I've paid enough to fully fund that new office space by now.

And, done.

Love,

Melissa

2012: Things to Look Forward to!

A new year, a new set of things to look forward to!  Every year when the clock strikes midnight.....it is always so exciting because it means there is so much opportunity just waiting for you!  I'm so excited to see what God has in store for our family in 2012.  Some of those things include:

#1.  The birth of our second child!  Due on June 25th, we anxiously await to see if this blessing is a boy or girl!  Two kiddos.....wow!  As a part of this journey, I look forward to see Max as a big brother!

#2.  Max's SECOND birthday.  He didn't really get what was going on for his first, so I'm excited to see his reaction for year 2. 

#3.  Swimming at the pool this summer.  Max will be able to run around and swim a little more independantly....I am hoping to get him some swim lessons too! 

#4. Church.  We LOVE our church....and it has provided us with the opportunity to meet so many amazing people.  I am so anxious to see what God has in store for Watermarke Church in 2012!

#5. Our couples small group. Jake and I have been blessed with an amazing community group through our church.  In getting to know these amazing couples, I have grown to love them all!  I also realized the joy and the pain that each family faces.  God has so many opportunities to shine through these people this year.  Prayers are beginning to be answered....so exciting!

#6. Jake and I will be celebrating our FIFTH wedding anniversary!  5 years and going strong.....so blessed to be with this man. 

So, as you can see....lots to look forward to.  But it's not just some of the big things listed....it is also just the everyday that I look forward to like Max discovering new things, trips to the park, visits from grandparents, etc. 

WE. ARE. BLESSED.

Max is EIGHTEEN Months Old!

A year and a half!!!!!  Wow, and he is getting bigger every day.  It is amazing the difference a month (or a few months for that matter) can make.  Max has lost much of his "baby" look and is a little boy these days! He is on the go all the time, and is so much fun!

Max's stats:

• Weighs 24 lbs - was 30th percentile for weight, 35th for height and 50th for his head!
• Talking, talking, talking.....says lots of words now including mama, daddy, nana, poppy, paw paw, Bear Bear, Drew Drew, Kelsey, teacher, ball, car, truck, dog, hippo, rhino, cat, buck, home, house, nite nite, and more!
• Loves being a "helper" at school.
• Best buddy: Drew Drew
• Loves balls - baseball, football, soccer balls, bowling balls, etc.
• Love cars and trucks!
• Cries when we leave him.
• Loves to paint at school.
• Sleeps 8 - 6 or 7 at night.
• Takes one nap (12 - 2 p.m.)
• Eats well - loves salad, lima beans, green beans, pizza!, cheese, snack foods, turkey, chicken nuggets, corn, fruit cups, bananas, breakfast bars, oatmeal, etc.
• Drinks milk and water.
• Loves to say "NOOOOO".
• Frequents time out every day (not everyday really)....but he has started hitting a little (mostly himself strangely), sometimes biting, etc.  Gotta love that!
• Overall, listens very well!
• Helps to clean up if you ask him to help.
• When we pull into the neighborhood he starts screaming "home, home, home" which sounds more like "hum, hum, hum".  Too cute!
• Very playful - and a daredevil at a young age :-)
• Has crazy funny facial expressions!
• Still loves to dance!

He is so much fun!  Looking forward to everyday because he is learning so fast.  We love you, Max!

"I did it, mama"

Max leans back like this when he says "whoaaaa"



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My kissing monster. He wants to kiss you all the time!



The Legacy We Leave Behind...

I saw a story of a young  man, Ben Breedlove, who passed away on Christmas day this year.  Prior to his passing, he left a video behind of his "story" as he battled a severe and dangerous heart condition since birth.  His story shares his struggles to be "normal" given his limitations, how he cheated death 3 times and what he experienced each of those times. 

It is nothing short of an amazing story.  I am certain that when the Lord created this young man that he mapped out his experiences knowing that he would be courageous enough to share his story with the world.  I don't know how anyone can watch/read stories like this and not believe in a heavenly Father....a Savior....a Prince of Peace. 

Please watch...

Part 1 (4 minutes):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmlTHfVaU9o

Part 2 (3 minutes):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4LSEXsvRAI&feature=related

I know that he has led people to beginning a relationship with Jesus....what a powerful legacy to leave behind.

So, what is your legacy? 

Reasons Why I LOVE December!

It's my favorite month.......for sure!

• It's Jesus' birth month!  I love Christmas. It is my favorite holiday.
• Everyone seems to have extra cheer in their voice!
• I know I will definitely get to see family....because of the holidays.
• I LOVE Christmas trees.....and Christmas lights.....and Christmas smells.....and Christmas calendars....and Christmas music.....and Christmas shopping.....and Christmas stories.
• It's my birthday month :-).
• It is a great time to reflect on all the blessings from this past year and get amped for a wonderful year to come.
• In addition to people just seeming happier....everyone is so eager to give!  What a great environment.
• I love using the fireplace.

There are endless reasons why I love this season.....and I'm very thankful that it is December 1st already!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Max is SEVENTEEN months old!

Seventeen months.....or 17?  LOL.  He is a little man for sure.  I was talking to my mom today as I dropped Max off at school.  He walked in right beside me, just like a big boy.  It dawned on me that I don't have to carry him into school anymore. I don't have to feed him anymore (unless it is something like soup or things that require a spoon sometimes). I don't have to help him up the stairs.  He is just getting so big.

But, one thing is for sure.....he definitely still needs my love <3. 

So, Max is now 17 months old!  And he is a hoot.  He is a talkin', dancin', gigglin' machine. 

About Max:

• Words: baseball, teacher, mama, dada, nana, doggie, water, ready, go, eat, ball, bear, cup, more, uhoh, thank you (so cute), hello, cracker, and more....
• Favorite things to do: read, play outside, go down slides, play with cars, play with sports balls, run around, color, play hide and seek.
• Sleep: bedtime between 7:30 - 8 p.m. Usually wakes around 6:30 or 6:45, but we've had a string of disrupted nights due to teething lately.
• Naps once a day 12 - 2 or 2:30.
• Eats: Anything, but loves beans, yogurt, bananas, breakfast bars, oatmeal, turkey, ham, cheese, pizza, chicken, salad, grapes, carrots, corn, oranges, crackers, etc.  And we found out on Halloween that he LOVES candy ;-).
• Best buddy: Drew Drew
• Learning sign language...can sign children, doctor, pumpkin, orange, more, please, eat, drink, firetruck, toys, cat, banana, etc. Very cute!
• Still loves to DANCE!

He is such a joy. Sweet as can be but stubborn as can be too. He is pretty polite, but watch out he's got one mean stank face (see below).  He gives the best hugs and the cutest kisses....we love you, Max!

Touchdown!

Max's 'stank face'

His favorite toy...heylo???

Max's second Halloween!

TRICK OR TREAT!

Well, not to brag or anything, but Max was the CUTEST monkey I had ever seen. LOL. He totally played the part too!  He mastered the monkey noise and truly had a blast trick or treating. 

Highlights of the day:

• Max's monkey noise on cue.
• Max would go to a house to get candy, sit down right there and try to eat it.  He thought as soon as you got the candy, you ate it. DUH. 
• He loves candy!  We typically never let him eat stuff like that, so this was a very special occassion.
• Max would take a peice of candy out of his bucket and walk over to the driveway, sit down, eat it, stand up, and then come back to his bucket for another peice.  This happened for a solid 10 minutes. 
• Max was in an excellent mood all evening. 

Max was SO HYPER after eating the candy....need proof?

He wouldn't let go of the twizzler

Trick or Treat time!

Off to our first house!

Having fun!

Taking a break to eat what was JUST put into his bucket.

And, his second stop....the Kit Kat.

Just love those eyes...

Daddy is having more fun than Max!

Out with Mommy now!

Having so much fun eating candy on the driveway.

hmmmmm :-)

Max on the lookout for more trick or treaters. Daddy eating the candy...

Pooped from all the fun....

Pumpkin Patch Visit

The Neal family hit the Pumpkin Patch again this year!  It was great because Max was a little older and able to walk around, find his perfect pumpkin (try to pick it up), see the animals in the petting zoo and take a hayride! 

I love weekends like this.....so much fun, so little inside time, and so many memories!

To the pumpkin patch!

This one....this is the one I want

I think I can lift this uppppppp.

Family fun!

Max was calling them over

Whoaaaaa



Trying to touch the calf!



Staying close to Daddy...those animals were scary!

The Finished Pumpkin Family!