Our First OFFICIAL Family Vacation (out of state that is).

Brad, Preston, and I visited the Gray family last weekend in Nashville.  We knew the planes rides could go one of two ways- good or bad.  Well, we got both.  On the way there, he was PERFECT.... I mean to the point that people around us were commenting on how great he did.  We were, to say the least, shocked.  On the way home, um, that was a different story (he may or may not have: thrown his dinosaur at the man sitting next to us, spilled some drinking, threw Cheetos everywhere, screamed on and off at random points, pushed up and down the window shade a million times, and so much more that I have blacked it out from my memory).  BUT in the grand scheme of things, we were just happy to see my family and having one out of the two flights be totally awesome made it all ok.

Family is so important... especially now that we have Preston, and last weekend was wonderful.  I would like to give a very special thank you to my Aunt Leigh and Mama Gray for making this all possible and enduring life with  a toddler for four days... it can be exhausting, but they helped us enjoy every moment!

Here are a few pictures from a fun filled FAMILY vacation!

What do you think they would do if I turned this water on?

He WAS so excited to finally be able to play outside
(because in Texas, it has literally been over 100 degrees everyday)

He also LOVED watching the rain
(again another thing we haven't seen in a LONG time).

Preston was definitely ready for bed by this time.

Excuse his bed head the next morning, but he loved Mama Gray's shoes.

My favorite picture from the trip:)

Yes, he thought he could fit into Phoebe's kennel.
He would tell us buh-bye and try to get in.  Clearly, it didn't work.

Watching the golfers.  I would love if he would pick up this sport.
Lots of scholarships... haha!

Yes, I'll just take this one home.

Second favorite picture:)

This is where the TN hockey team plays...
clearly I don't know much because I couldn't tell you their name right now if my life depended on it.

I was VERY excited to get our picture in front of Tootsie's Orchid Lounge.
Being a VERY big country fan, I know countless artist that have played/ started here!

This is where Leigh and Brian had their first date... so neat!

P being a trooper during the walk around downtown. 
(And yes, I gave him his paci so we could all enjoy the scenery)!

On the infamous plane ride home....

Ready or Not...

It is officially two days before I go back to work, before I leave my baby at daycare.  Last year at this time, I was sad, but also ready to get back to work.  It was extremely exhausting taking care of a newborn, and I wanted to be me again.  It was hard to leave Preston, but we both made it through it. 

This year, it is hard.... really hard.  I've cried and cried thinking about it.  This summer has been fantastic with Preston.  He is in an amazingly fun stage and all I want to do is soak in each and every moment because I now know from experience that it won't last long.  This year, I'm not ready to go back.  Maybe it's because I know how much quicker time passes when you only see your child a few hours a day.  Maybe it's because I know Preston is more aware of his surroundings, yet doesn't understand why Mama isn't with him everyday.  Maybe it's because I'm terrified of the sickness his endured last year.  Maybe it's because I love and adore my little boy more than I could have ever imagined.  I am by no means against children going to daycare in any since, and I have been nothing but pleased with everything his school has done.... I'm just at a point in my life that I think our family would be better if I could stay at home and raised my son. 

Because Brad and I chose to have a child so early on in our marriage and careers, I cannot stay home.  I know that when we chose to create another life, we chose a lifestyle that required me to work for the time being.  I can think to myself maybe we should have waited so I could have stayed home, but I also know in the same breath, that if we would have waited, we wouldn't have Preston.  And that, I am not okay with.  Before anyone has a child, they cannot possibly imagine how much love they can have for another human being.  I truly thought I would have no problem leaving my child with some else.  As it turns out, it is way more difficult than I ever thought.  Even on the rough days, I don't want to miss a thing.  I can't help but think to myself what is Preston going to think when I leave him there.  What is HE going to be feeling?  I don't want  think about myself and how I am going to manage.  I think about his precious and confused little face as I walk out of the door.  

This week is going to be hard.  To be honest, it is going to suck.  I do know; however, know that with time, it will get easier.  I am surrounded by loved ones who want nothing more than to help us through this time... from stay-at-home moms to working moms... the love is overwhelming.  So, with the help of friends and family, we will make it!  Preston will be ok... and so will I.  

If only Preston could understand everything I want to tell him, this is what I would say:

Boo- I love you more and more everyday,  and just because I can't see everything you do, doesn't mean that I am not thinking about your every movement and thought.  You are my world and every moment that we spend together I will cherish.  You will love school because there are so many new toys, friends, and activities.  You will be ok I know it.  Picking you up from school will be the highlight of my day.  Thank you for being the tough boy I know you can be.  Now, just try to listen to your teacher a little better than you listen to me... I promise it will make life easier! 

Love,

Your Biggest Fan (aside from Daddy),

Mama. 

Preston's Big Cousin is SIX!

Brad and I have been close to this little girl from the day she was born (though we were in Austin at that time).  We have been beyond blessed to have this sassy, sweet, and super fun girl in our lives.  Seeing this Ava grow up is simply amazing (but also a little sad).  I can remember her when she was Preston's age and I don't ever want to forget all of the wonderful times we have all had together.  Ava is the reason we wanted children.  Ava is the reason we knew we could love unconditionally.  Watching her take on the big cousin role is the best thing in the world.  She is beyond loving and caring to Preston.  She had her life turned around 15 and 1/2 months ago, but you would never know the difference.  She adores him as much as he does her.  Seeing them together can only bring a smile to my face (unless he's pulling her hair and she's accidentally knocking him down).

So, thank you Princess for being my "first born" (from another mother) and teaching me how to be a mom.  I love you more than words can explain (even when you tell me how much you don't like your birthday present that I stressed over getting)!!!  And thank you Candace, for letting us be such a big part in this little girls life!

Now onto some party pictures!