Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Disney Baby: Will is Four Months Old

Our sweet boy has graced our presence for four months now, and what a joy he is.


He's really become 'fun' this past month, finally breaking out of the 'fourth trimester' and blossoming into a little person with a unique personality. 

In Will's fourth month, he:
- laughed out loud
- sat with support
- learned to roll over; he favors rolling to his right
- become very grabby, reaching for everything in sight
- ramped up the vocalizations and chatting
- started real foods. He prefers rice cereal over oats, and has so far tried pears and squash. The kid'll eat pretty much anything though. He loves his chow. 
- visited Santa
- spent the weekend at Nana's so Mommy and Daddy could have a date night
- celebrated his first Thanksgiving
- seamlessly began sleeping without a swaddle, and moved to his crib

















When we dropped the swaddle, we also moved him from the bassinet in our room, to his crib. We still put him in a soft sided bassinet in the crib, just to keep him confined. I left it at my mom's the other night so Will slept in his crib without it, and I use the term 'slept' loosely. He was up from 1-2 am, then again at 4:45 till 5:30.


That will be our next feat- getting him to sleep in his crib without the coziness of the bassinet. We're going to start next week when John is off work for the week, so we don't have to stress about losing sleep on a 'work night.' Wish us luck!

**Update** We decided to splurge a bit and purchase a DockATot to use in the crib, since he's pretty much outgrown the bassinet. Fingers crossed it he enjoys it as much as other babies have, based on the reviews. 

Other than that, it's smooth sailing. We are so blessed.


Sunday, December 4, 2016

Disney Baby: Will is Three Months Old + His Christening


Is it any surprise that this post is almost a month late? I mean, Will will be FOUR months in two weeks. I just don't find the time to post here often, at least I don't make it a priority. Which I really should seeing as it will act as a digital scrapbook of sorts, for us to be able to look back on as Will grows. Maybe if I view it as such, I'll post more. Thing is, those posts will be more mundane, day-to-day things which I feel veers away from the theme of this here blog. But we'll see. 

Anyway, Will is three (and a half) months. In his third month of life, he's done QUITE A BIT!!

- driven through ten states on our road trip to Connecticut
- rode the carousel in Central Park and visited New York City
- experienced his first Halloween and pumpkin patch
- become very chatty and smiling/sociable
- grown a few pounds and more hair
- had his first playdate
- met Donald Duck while he was dressed as Donald Duck
- took his first airplane ride 
- 'voted' in his first Presidential Election 
- attended the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party of the season
- stayed with a babysitter for the first time (other than his Nana)













We had a dedication ceremony to commit his life to Jesus this past Saturday. It was a casual event, poolside in my parent's backyard. A family friend who has known my mom since they were in the 8th grade officiated. It was mellow, understated and perfect. We can't wait to see what God has in store for this little blessing, and we couldn't be more honored that He chose us to raise him. 







Hope you all had a nice weekend. Someone keep me accountable to post more often, ok? My niece used to be good about that. I work well under pressure. 

Thanks for reading! 

XO, Ashley

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Weekend Wear-Abouts: We're Back in Florida + LOTS of Disney


Will and I returned home to Florida after a two week getaway to Connecticut. We survived the flight home (boy, was I nervous about flying with him solo-- not about the flight at all, just how he would manage) and when John suggested we head to MK after landing, we jumped at the chance. This would be Will's first visit to that park! 



During an impromptu linner (late lunch, early dinner) at Liberty Tree Tavern, we discussed what Will's first attraction should be. We settled on it's a small world-- a classic, has a neat history behind it, and so appropriate. I may have had teary eyes as Will took all of it in. 

We also rode Haunted Mansion (he fell asleep!) and then headed out of the park for bath and bedtime.  It was a perfectly magical little jaunt to the park, and the Christmas decorations and music on Main Street made it all there magical. 



On Friday, I loaded the kid on the front pack, and our gear on the back pack, and headed to Epcot. My friend was doing a Tipsy World Showcase History Tour, so we met up for a few countries. 



That evening, we had a sitter. John and I met up with Amanda (@dixiedelights) and Marissa (@mousegrams) and their men for a cocktail at The Wave lounge. Amanda is a DVC member, so we also checked out Top of the World. 


Striped Boatneck Top (old J.Crew, but I'm LOVING this similar one)  // Shoes // Necklace


Saturday called for what else? More Disney! (Ok, I have a problem and I'm not afraid to admit it. Thing is, JOHN is now even suggesting visits, so it's not just me. We're really enjoying seeing the parks through Will's eyes). 

We again went to MK, and unbeknownst to us, a few players from the World Series Champ Chicago Cubs were there for a parade. The place was a zoo. BUT Casey's was offering a delicious special edition hot dog! 


We rode Dumbo, Jungle Cruise, and the train. On the way to the train station, we bumped into my friend Ashley (@ashley_yaco) and Ryan (@honorary_android), which was funny since Ashley was visiting from her home state of New York, and we'd tried to meet up a few times but it just never happened. She and I have been Insta-friends for a handful of years, and just now got to meet face to face. :)



Angie and Danny were there too; here's a pic of Danny waving to us as the train departed. 




Sunday was spent around the house, grocery shopping and meal prepping for the week ahead. 

Both John and the baby are fighting off a little cold; I joke with John that with him feeling under the weather, I now have TWO babies to care for. Fingers crossed this mama stays healthy so I can tend to my boys. 

Thanks for reading! XO, Ashley