The Painful Truth

So everyone knows we moved to Texas. Two months later, we are still adjusting. Now it's time for the truth! So... it's been pretty difficult for me. When we first moved to Texas, we lived in an apartment. It was difficult for many reasons. We were used to the space of a house, we were unfamiliar with Austin, Jason worked all day, it was incredibly hot. Not a great time for us. We moved into our house. It is beautiful. Jason is working shorter hours. Sounds wonderful, but it's still been hard on me.

Nicholas breaks my heart. He wishes for a friend so bad. He talks about his "Dopey" and family and his "babies" non-stop. He is replacing real friends with these stuffed versions. He has prayed to God for a new friend. He cries, yells, and begs for new friends. I've told him that it takes time. We are making friends, it will just take time. I hope and pray the beginning of preschool will help him.

As for me... I am missing my life in KC pretty bad. I had a group of people that I could confide in about anything and people who would be there for me regardless. I think of how I have needed those friends in the past, and how they've needed me. I am sad we won't be there for each other in the same way. I miss calling up a friend and meeting for a park playdate. Discussing family/friends/life at home. I miss grilling out with friends, watching our kids play together and hoping their friendship will last. It's hard starting over. I'm not very good at it. It's easy when you are in school. You see people everyday - they can't HELP but talk to you. I am not so outgoing - it's hard for me to put myself out there. What if they don't like me? Am I worth liking? Oh the self-esteem issues that are rearing their ugly head. I love my husband, I love my boys, but I wish I knew who I was outside of being their wife/mother.

We're working on it. We'll get there. There are days I wish for the phone to ring more often. Days when I check too often for e-mails from old friends. It will get better. It will get easier. Right?

My Little Smartie-Pants

Nicholas is starting to enjoy Texas. He gets to ride on his scooter or bike every day as we are constantly taking walks (we've also been trying to "jog" and rollerblade - Nicholas made me do it). He loves being outside, so our backyard has been great for him. I think his favorite is the pool. He went from being completely afraid of the water to submerging his whole body willingly
(while jumping in and while in the water). We think he's about ready for some swim lessons (hopefully this time will be better than the last!). We hit the pool regularly - 3 to 4 times per week - which helps him I know!
We've met some friends in the neighborhood, and I know that will only get better for him. He already has 2-3 kiddos he calls his "friends", which is such a good thing. He still misses his KC friends and talks about them all the time. I don't think he realizes just how long it will be until he sees those friends again...
Nicholas is such a smartie-pants (like his DAD!). He can add and subtract very well, knows words and concepts that are pretty incredible (he just doesn't talk like a little kid anymore!). He probably spends 3 or so hours per day reading (sound familiar?). Nicholas is a voracious reader, like his Mom! He wakes up and reads, reads throughout the day (he's reading next to me right now), and reads in bed before he falls asleep. Sounds like a great day to me! The best part about my 4-year-old is he is old enough but still young enough. We cuddle, hug, kiss often. He just loves his parents, but has an independent streak a mile long! He is a wonderful big brother (unless he is pushing him down, which is not good). We just can't believe our little guy is 4 1/2 and starting his last year of preschool! Can't wait to see all that you become...

My Sunshine

Oh, Matthew! He has quickly become a toddler instead of a baby! No crawling at our house, just walking. Matthew is a climber too. He walks over to the kids' little table in the play room, pulls out a chair, climbs onto the chair, onto the table, then STANDS UP! You little daredevil! He has no fear! This extends to the pool too. He loves playing in the water, and doesn't mind his entire body going under! It worries his mommy, though! In the past month, Matthew grew SIX new teeth! What a big kid!
Matthew is all smiles and spends his days laughing or babbling to himself. He loves watching big brother and trying to do everything brother can do. He LOVES, LOVES his Daddy. He walks around in our bedroom saying "Da, Da, Da" all day long. When Jason makes his entrance each night, Matthew lights up and just radiates happiness all night long.
Matthew loves playing chase, tickling, banging, or anything involving noise! He is a cute, sweet, lovable boy who brings sunshine into our lives.

Zilker Park

Here are some pictures from our day at Zilker Park! Enjoy!

Update...

The update is, there is no update! Nicholas is still doing well and is trying to be a "big boy" more than ever. He insists that only babies use training wheels (see pic below - our first attempt at no training wheels) and only babies sleep with Dopey (this was a feeble attempt to get rid of him, it lasted 5 minutes and Dopey is back in bed!). We've been spending our days at library programs, parks, and the pool. Anything to keep cool. Austin has had 30 days this summer (not sure what their definition of "summer" is) wtih temps over 100 degrees. I think all the others were like 99 degrees - pretty close. The last 10 days have all been over 100. It's dry and hot here, but we're adjusting (anyone want to pay our electric bill?). Matthew is teething in a major way. We've had two new teeth break through in the past two weeks, but so many more are on the way (can you hear him screaming in the background? it's naptime and he's screaming while laying down, eyes closed). Hopefully this will pass soon. Enjoy some new pics from our Texas life!

Update from Texas

Well, so far it's been really hot. I think we've only had a few days that the temperature DIDN'T reach 100 degrees! While I don't enjoy the heat, the sun shines every day and it sure looks pretty. Here's an update on each of us...
Nicholas loves the neighborhood pool and begs us to go nearly every day! He is becoming much more comfortable in the water and even jumps in with no "floaties". Yesterday, we found a preschool for Nicholas! It is the first we really liked that has availability for the fall. It is good to know he has a place to go in the fall. Even better, in his class is a new friend from our neighborhood playgroup. We are anxious for the school year to start!
Matthew is walking! He started one week after his 1st birthday! He also has one new tooth, with 9 more on the way! He alternates between being happy and miserable, so the teeth are obviously bugging him a bit! He doesn't quite enjoy the pool as much as his brother, but can usually keep occupied for 30 minutes or so. He likes to crawl in the water, but gulps down water on accident. He loves the new playroom, a place to play where all his toys are accessible!
Jason really likes his new job, and I love his new hours! Here are some pics of our time in Texas. Nicholas in the pool, Matthew walking, our pile of boxes (they are gone now), and a pic of Jason & I on my birthday.

Matthew, my baby

It's hard to believe it's been a year. Wasn't it just yesterday you were born? I remember two days before going to Nicole's wedding - boy was it hot! I remember the day before (Father's Day, our anniversary). Your dad & grandpa spent the majority of the day putting together my new elliptical. I remember the day you were born. I spent 30 minutes exercising on the new elliptical, took Nicholas to story time, made Nicholas lunch, got angry at Nicholas for spilling his milk (AGAIN!), and then my water broke as I cleaned up the milk spill! Then... there you were. My baby. You were beautiful. I was so happy you were a healthy boy! Life was amazing. Your brother was in love with you. Daddy was in love with you. I was in love with you. The time passed so quickly. You smiled, you cooed, you sat up on your own, you crawled, you laughed, you stole our hearts! Now you are 1. You are so affectionate. You are so demanding. You love to play peek-a-boo or chase. You love to clap your hands, turn your head to the side, drink pool or bath water. I can't wait to spend the next year with you, learning all about you. Happy Birthday, Dear little Matthew. I hope the next year brings you lots of joy, hugs, and kisses!

Just an update

So we're living in Texas and surviving thus far. The boys & I are exploring new territories every day. It's a sad time, tough to transition to the new place, but we're managing. Keep us in your thoughts!

Trip to the Farm

The boys & I got to visit my parents' new farm house! It was a little strange as the house sits on the land where my grandparents' house used to be. The house is nearly complete and very beautiful. Nicholas had a fantastic time "farming and gardening" with grandpa. Matthew enjoyed his new scenery (after a brief period of tears) and I had a little relaxation time.

Last playdate...

So it's that time for us... we are having many "last playdates" with all our friends. Last week we saw Becky & family twice! It's been so great over the past few months... I feel like I've seen her more than ever. And now we're moving. Boo hoo! Anyway, last Friday Becky & the girls drove all the way down to our neck of the woods for music class! Here are some of my favorite pics of the kiddos! We will sure miss our friends! Becky swears she cannot maintain a long-distance friendship. I was put on this planet to prove her wrong! Watch out, Becky - I can be persuasive!