Spring Break 20

Our original plans and then our new plans for Spring Break all feel through, for various reasons, so I quickly came up with activities we could do throughout the week. Mostly, to keep Charlotte entertained. Everyday, Charlotte still practiced her piano and read for at least 30 minutes and I limited screen time until after 5:00 pm (like we do everyday).

Day 1- Josh had already taken Monday off, so he surprised us and took us out to breakfast. And when I say surprised I mean, he told me the day before, “we should go out for breakfast and really celebrate the day off.” Who are you and what did you do with my husband?! But I’m not going to question him. We tried a new (to us) place called, “The Flipside Cafe.” Yum! I love going out to breakfast more than anything so I was definitely in my happy place. 

When we got back, Josh did some yard work. And has made our front yard look beautiful!

For dinner that night, we went to our favorite, “Chuy’s.” It’s a good drive from where we live but it was worth it for a plate of Ponchos Nachos!! The girls did great at the restaurant and Naomi was devouring our nacho toppings! 

Day 2- I took the girls to see “Wonder Park.” I didn’t know it was such an emotional movie. There was one part where Charlotte and I were both sobbing, like uncontrollably. But then it ended happy. Naomi did ok. There was a moment where I tried switching her to my other arm and she woke up and cried. It only lasted a couple minutes on and off. But she did great other than that. For dinner, McAllister’s Deli does 2 free kids meals for one adult entree on Tuesday. We sat outside and Josh joined us after work. It was perfect. 

Day 3- We started the day at Carowinds with friends. After we ate lunch, we headed home, just to get ready for the pool. AND Naomi’s first swim. She loves the pool but it was freezing, so we didn’t get in past our toes. Charlotte was swimming like a fish. I just couldn’t do it. Like the water was painful, it was that cold. But it was hot outside, and we love being outside! 

 

Day 4- We gathered with some friends from our ward and went to a local park for playgroup. There was an Easter egg hunt for all the kids and they all had a blast. That night we ended up at Carowinds for dinner with Josh! 

Day 5- Josh was supposed to have the day off, but went in to get some work done just for a few hours. Meanwhile, it was a gloomy, rainy day. We headed to Cabela’s for free pictures with the Easter bunny. I love never having to pay for Santa or Easter bunny pictures with Cabela’s being so close! Naomi wasn’t scared at all. Then they had a little craft that Charlotte did. We walked around the store, looked at the animals and fun (big, expensive) toys and then left. Due to the weather, we came home and cleaned and organized the playroom! It was well overdue! Next week will be a big cleaning week as well, since we hardly did any during Spring Break! 

Naomi is ONE!

How is my baby ONE?! This past year has been the fastest year of my life. It must be having a second child. I have loved watching Naomi grow and change and become the baby she (still) is. 

One year ago was such a scary, faith-building time for me. More so than any other time in my life. I have never relied so much on trusting my Heavenly Father than during my pregnancy and delivery this sweet baby girl. I am so thankful to him for carrying me through what I thought many times, may never happen! 

When she was in the NICU, it felt like forever. I know I cannot complain because six weeks is nothing compared to what others stay. I just remember it feeling so surreal when we brought her home. Almost to the point of not knowing what to do!! She was so tiny. 

Charlotte was thrilled when we finally got to come home. I often think about their initial meeting and it brings tears to my eyes. They are the best of friends and sweetest sisters. They adore each other!

Naomi is thriving and well. Coming 8 weeks early hasn’t really seemed to have much affect on her. She sleeps through the night, and has for a while! She is the perfect traveler. She loves FaceTime (the only time she can interact with a phone). She still seems so little to me and still can comfortably wear 3-6 month clothes, though I have been putting her in 6-12 month. Her well check is tomorrow and I can’t wait to find out her stats! 

She has brought so much joy to our family. More happiness I didn’t know was missing. She is so fun to be home with every day. I cannot imagine what our family would be like without her. She is such a great baby! 

Click here to read Naomi’s birth story! 

Day at Concord Mills

Over the weekend, Josh traveled to Kansas City for the Patriots game. He was pretty excited and luckily they won. And yes, I watched the game from home. It was stressful and I don’t think OT good for my heart.  This is the only picture he sent. Am I surprised? Not at all.

Monday, Charlotte had no school for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. I knew we needed to get out of the house but it was also going to be freezing. I put the girls in matching outfits and we headed to the Concord Mills Mall. It is pretty much the same as Ontario Mills in Southern California or an inside Block of Orange.

I had told Charlotte ahead of time that I wasn’t going to be buying anything extra for her, so if she wanted something, she needed to bring her own money. She has a jar of bills that she puts any money that comes in the mail or she gets for birthdays. She never touches it, but this time she was all for it! I told her she could only bring $10. Of course, it was burning a hole in her pocket by the time we stepped foot in the mall and we had to go directly to the Disney store (outlet). This child is OBSESSED with all stuffed animals. And she really does play with them all equally. So I was not surprised at all when she picked up a Vampirina doll. 

Then we went and ate lunch at the food court. Not the greatest options. Of course, Chick-Fil-A and Chipotle were on the outside of the mall, so we ate at Firebiuse Subs. I always forget how good that place is! Charlotte got a grilled cheese and I got the Turkey Bacon Ranch. Charlotte ate hers and said it was the best grilled cheese. That’s always a win when I can find a place where she likes to eat. And Naomi munch on the crust! (And yes, I had brought the baby more food!) 

I had told Charlotte we would ride the carousel as part of the trip to this mall. We needed to spend lots of time here because I knew she would be “bored” at home. I was a little surprised that it cost $3 (am I just too cheap), so just Charlotte rode.  Naomi and I watched and enjoyed that just as much. Of course Charlotte had to pick the “Mer-horse” in the middle and next to someone. The entire thing was practically empty. Oh well. 

It was a fun little outing. I haven’t been to that mall since we lived in Charlotte the first time. We walked around to kill more time. On our way back home, we stopped at Andy’s Frozen Custard, due to a recommendation from a friend. It was good! Josh wants to try it so I’m sure we will be back sometime soon.