The Smith Family - Personal Blog

Brielle.

2012-02-01T19:07:00.002-05:00

Welcome, Brielle Kathleen Hoy! January 22, 2012: 7 lb 3 oz: 21 inches: 11:26 am

Meghan and Ryan added a gorgeous baby girl to their family and we are all so very much in love and I am looking forward to having a girl around. Colin and Evan will be sure to take great care of their niece!

playdate.

2012-01-31T11:50:00.003-05:00

Saturday we headed to the park with Colin's buddies Jackson and Wilson. They boys had a blast running around. After the park we grabbed lunch and then headed for some coffee. It was nice to get out and get a little time with Colin.

6 weeks.

2012-01-26T16:06:00.003-05:00

Happy six weeks to Evan. Evan is going to be following his brother in stature. How can I possibly have two giant boys? We spend most our days eating and taking naps with the hair dryer on in the bathroom.

Welcome Brielle!

2012-01-24T11:01:00.019-05:00

Meghan and Ryan welcomed Brielle Kathleen Hoy to the world on Sunday, January 22nd at 11:26 AM. Words can't even describe the emotion of the day so I'll let the pictures tell the story.

My sister is doing great. Brielle is cute as a button and Ryan seems to already be wrapped around his daughters tiny fingers. Love you all!

green smoothie.

2012-01-18T09:18:00.002-05:00

The day Colin started eating table foods he has loved all fruit so its no surprise he loves smoothies. Veggies on the other hand.. forget it... unless you pour ketchup over them. I made him a fruit smoothie but added 2 cups of baby spinach, put it in 'moms cup' since he's obsessed with straws and he loved it!

{add frozen mixed fruit, 2 frozen bananas, 1 orange, fresh pineapple to sweeten, water and mix. Then add 2 packed cups of baby spinach}

one month.

2012-01-16T09:20:00.002-05:00

Happy one month to our little Evan. It has been a fast month and a very hazy one but we are so blessed to have you in our lives.

January.

2012-01-09T16:39:00.004-05:00

This past weekend we headed to the park on a 60 degree January day. Colin loves running around with other children and Evan napped in his car seat while Colin played. It was nice to get out of the house with the kids since I knew we wouldn't be getting this weather back for a few months. Colin is doing great with Evan and we couldn't be more proud of him... we just need him to understand he can't actually lay on Evan.

Evan measured 9 lb 13 oz at his 2 week appt and we were glad to have his weight back up! It seems he is taking the same route as Colin but is still a tad lighter and shorter than his brother. Justin continues to talk about football in their futures but I keep seeing Dateline's and 60 Minute stories on head injuries and think soccer will do just fine ;)

lately.

2012-01-03T19:36:00.003-05:00

Life with two children has been hazy to say the least these last 2 weeks. Justin and I are absolutely shocked at how well Colin has been with his new baby brother. He just loves him so much... i thought that was only an instant motherly feeling but Colin proved me wrong. Evan has been such a sweet tempered baby. I remind myself that he is still so young but he barely cries and is very easy to soothe. I have no idea how he sleeps through the chaos when Colin is running around banging pots and pans or chasing Tucker around the house- but he does!

Christmas 2011.

2011-12-30T21:42:00.003-05:00

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with our families was very busy! Colin is seriously so spoiled and he knows it. Evan took in all the noise around him and had a great first Christmas himself! With a week old baby everyone came to us this year which was a big help! Even Tucker passed out after everyone left!

looking back.

2011-12-28T14:47:00.003-05:00

2011 was a crazy year to say the least. Keeping tradition from last year below is a short video of all our favorite 2011 moments. I can't wait to show the kids these when they get older.

Hope everyone had a great 2011!

Evan.

2011-12-22T20:08:00.006-05:00

Welcome, Evan Graeme Smith! December 15, 2011 : 9 lb 2 oz : 20 inches: 8:06 am

It's hard to believe a week has passed since Evan was brought into our world. Anticipation of being a family of four was overwhelming but Evan has been such a sweet sweet boy and is so patient with all the chaos that surrounds him. Colin loves his baby brother. He shares everything with him including blankets, goldfish, paci's.. you name it. Colin says "baby" first thing in the morning and "baby" as soon as he walks in the door in the afternoon. I am so glad they will both be able to have playmates. It's a great feeling raising a family.

I was running out of time with the sleepy phase so I took these this morning at exactly a week old. We are very much looking forward to Christmas with our crazy toddler and new family of four! Thanks for every one's well wishes! Merry Christmas!

house projects.

2011-12-12T12:23:00.003-05:00

We finally put up some backsplash in the kitchen. It's amazing how just a small change can impact an entire space. Everyone may have thought I was a little crazy to go with glass blue subway tile...it was a risk but a well worth it one!

Colin meets Santa.

2011-12-11T20:44:00.001-05:00

we avoided the long lines at the mall and waited for Santa to come to the neighborhood. Probably a good call. Maybe next year. Maybe.

gingerbread mess.

2011-12-09T22:34:00.004-05:00

Colin decorating (eating) his gingerbread house...

and a quick video :)

work.

2011-12-02T14:48:00.000-05:00

I am so blessed to be able to work from home. All of you mommas that go into the office pregnant I BOW down to you. Honestly you are saints and your husbands should rub your feet every single night. This is my snug little spot as I await the arrival of this child. At least I get a shower every morning... I can prepare myself for the non sleep about to be thrown back my way but it's the days of non showers when you're on maternity leave that are hardest....

toddler life.

2011-11-28T19:41:00.005-05:00

Most of our weekends it feels like we are up earlier than the rest of the world. Justin and Colin head to the grocery store every Sunday morning at seriously 7 AM. By the time they get home most places still aren't open. Saturday we killed some time after we picked out our tree at Brambleton Town Center before Johnny Rockets opened. 30 minutes there and we still had the restaurant to ourselves. Either our child has lots of energy and everyone else sleeps in or their children let them be lazy. Colin loves to be out of the home... so we try our best to be creative :)

thanksgiving.

2011-11-26T19:22:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving destroying kitchen @ Carney house
Thanksgiving running wild @ Smith house

We have been busy trying to mark everything off our list, get Christmas shopping done, homework for Justin's last few classes and house things done. I am ready to have this baby and am wobbling my way through these next few weeks! Colin is having fun playing with all the baby items scattered throughout the house and says baby as he points to the car seat next to him in the car. I can't wait to introduce him to his brother and playmate. Stay tuned!

it's a girl!

2011-11-14T11:45:00.003-05:00

Saturday we celebrated Baby Girl Hoy's upcoming arrival. Mom did a great job with the decorations and we had so much fun pulling and shopping frilly and pink things. Meghan is due mid January just a few weeks after me. We are going to keep everyone very busy! Can't wait to meet her!

19 months.

2011-11-13T13:02:00.002-05:00

Colin has loved everything about fall and he loves being outside. Meghan had her shower this weekend and Colin killed some time playing around in the leaves out back. Nothing seems to burn this child's energy. More to come on Meghan's ADORABLE baby shower!

starting early.

2011-11-02T20:12:00.002-04:00

Colin stands mesmerized by the girls. He loves to stand on the front porch and say "hiiiya" to cars, dogs and kids walking by... but if a loud truck comes by he goes running. My poor boy gets so scared so easily.

weekend naps.

2011-10-30T21:59:00.002-04:00

Naps these days are spent on the couch which is fine by me. Especially with some snow falling in the background and a couch to nap on next to him.

pumpkin carving.

2011-10-24T20:59:00.003-04:00

Colin wasn't so much into the carving or the guts part. In fact he wanted nothing to do with it. As much as he is all boy he doesn't do weird messy textures. He is my child I suppose :)

lately.

2011-10-20T13:47:00.003-04:00

- Colin is becoming more independent and his favorite word is "no" with a huge pronunciation on the nnnnnnnno.. complete with attitude.

- Justin finally turns 30 on Friday and I no longer have to hear that I am older than him for those few weeks!

- We are hanging in there but I think I may be more excited for Justin to graduate in December than he is.

- My family threw me a small shower this past weekend and I suddenly panicked. I suppose I should get my rear in gear since he will be here any day.

- Justin and I have a tossed a few names around but we seem to be on the same pace and can't commit to any name- although I think we may know.

- I love our bedtime routine and snuggling with Colin before he goes to bed. I know all that is about to change and I am trying to get in as many sweet hugs and cuddles from him as I can.

- I am on bedrest. Which is anyone knows is impossible for me. I was in the hospital for a few days while they monitored some crazy contractions. He's staying put for now but I've been told to take it easy. Are you laughing too?

- We got trees!! Justin and I went to a tree farm and picked out some landscaping for the backyard and I love it and so glad we got it done this fall. Justin has been talking about that for months and it makes me happy to have him so giddy over trees and bushes!

- We are so excited for Halloween and some of the holidays coming up!

18 months.

2011-10-14T13:05:00.006-04:00

I can't believe how time has passed so quickly since his first birthday. The toddler stage is fast pace and time passes you by so quickly. Nobody ever really prepares you for how much work a child can be but nobody can explain just how much all that work is worth. I love this crazy child. And yes I bribe with graham crackers. he's a toddler.. he doesn't sit still.. only when eating (sort of).
pictures are apparently exhausting...

nursery thoughts.

2011-10-12T12:58:00.003-04:00

Winter is slowly approaching and that means that two babies are on their way. Below are some nursery designs I put together. Meg ordered the bedding and it's so amazingly gorgeous. My bedding may arrive the day the baby does since it's on backorder for forever. One step at a time. At least it's progress.

stribling orchard.

2011-10-03T14:24:00.007-04:00

We visited Stribling Orchard this weekend with my parents and Meghan & Ryan. Making this our 2nd annual Stribling Orchard trip. Last Year Colin was such a little guy :( October hit and fall was out!! It was chilly but I love a good crisp fall air and so do my feet.
We came home and made an amazing apple crisp with Stayman apples and Colin's favorite.. homemade applesauce with Granny Smith apples in the crockpot. I love love love October :)

weekend in the mountains.

2011-09-27T12:59:00.004-04:00

We escaped to a small cabin with the Smith clan over the weekend to celebrate Justin's dad's 60th birthday. Colin and Tucker had a great time running all around the property. We did some fishing, grilling, eating and sitting by fire. It's always a toss up when Colin goes anywhere overnight but he slept through the night both nights in our bedroom at that!

17 months.

2011-09-25T20:04:00.006-04:00

life of a toddler....I can't believe my little pumpkin is going to be a year and a half old next month. time seriously flies when you are running after a toddler...

30 years young.

2011-09-22T07:23:00.002-04:00

turning 30 isn't so bad..the only thing i asked for was a foot massager for my poor feet. mom and dad offered to take colin for a night so Justin and I could go out to dinner and relax. When we got home my house smelled like... meatballs and I knew that was odd.. .then I saw all my closest friends there in my kitchen. I have a sweet husband. We went out to a wine bar (i know but i like the ambiance) and then out to dinner. I didn't grab any pictures but Sarah and Mel forced the camera while we were out getting pedicures the next morning. I am very lucky to have a great family, thoughtful husband and amazing friends. Turning 30 is so cool. Thank you guys :)

Meet Liam.

2011-09-14T10:54:00.002-04:00

Pauline and Josh welcomed Liam into the world Friday, September 9th. Liam is perfect in every way. I love seeing the men become first time dads. Either I am over emotional or I just love hearing dads tell stories of the first few moments. Josh was so excited as he showed us video and what he captured. Pauline and Josh are such proud parents and I couldn't be happier for the both of them. Isn't he gorgeous!

Veramar.

2011-09-13T15:42:00.003-04:00

Last weekend we visited Veramar Vineyards. It's still a tad hot but we gathered to celebrate my birthday a little early. Colin was wired all weekend long... he did not sit still at this place. Oh my the days of sitting down are gone. I was wiped after this weekend...

football season.

2011-09-12T14:04:00.002-04:00

happy football season!

wine days.

2011-09-06T20:35:00.005-04:00

It's September!! Winery days are back :) There is nothing more I love than to soak in the gorgeous views of Virginia, listen to the guitar playing and sneaking small sips of Justin's wine. A group of us headed to Breaux Vineyards and let the boys wander around. We stayed all day long and had such a great time! Best way to spend your weekends during the fall!

And a quick photo for the Drake family...
If you haven't taken advantage of Virginia's wine you must go! Here again are a few of our favorites... see here :) Cheers!

outside time

2011-08-29T21:20:00.003-04:00

Colin loves being outside.. any chance he gets. He usually plays with his water table and dumps water all over himself which leads to no clothes. I would have never thought I'd let my child run around with just a diaper on.. but in this house I pick my battles.

tuck + colin

2011-08-16T12:35:00.005-04:00

county fair.

2011-08-15T20:04:00.004-04:00

We headed to the county fair to catch some rides and eat a funnel cake. I hadn't been to the fair for years and I forgot what a good ole county fair was like. We had quite an interesting time. Colin was not too keen on the carousel ride.. I was so bummed. Maybe next year. But he did like the rest of the rides and tossing the rings nowhere near the bottles.

playhouse

2011-08-15T10:07:00.002-04:00

Colin got a new pad :) He loves playing around in his new house. Ringing the doorbell and opening and closing the door and making a mess with all his play food. It's so adorable to see a toddlers mind work when they play.

go go go.

2011-08-09T10:45:00.003-04:00

This is what our house usually looks like. Why play with toys when there is a drawer full of plugs and wires. It's Colin's favorite thing to do. Go get a wire bring them to mom. Run back go get another wire bring that to mom. Does he get tired? Of course not! I am so desperatley in need of fall. I can just smell the air. We have a bunch of activities lined up for Colin before baby two arrives. And I couldnt be more excited to get this child out and running around in non 100 degree weather.

home!

2011-08-06T10:04:00.005-04:00

they are home!! I was so excited to grab them from the airport. Six days was a long time and Colin was in the best mood while we waited for the car to cool down. I missed them and so happy to have my house messy again :)

typical night

2011-07-19T17:02:00.004-04:00

what a typical night looks like. everyone in their PJs by 6 and dinner has already been made, eaten. I have been forgetting to pick up my camera since Colin is not easy to take pictures of and the only time I can get a picture of him sitting still is when he is eating. He threw this up 30 minutes later.. but hey I got a picture :)

15 months.

2011-07-12T14:19:00.003-04:00

It seems like we were just celebrating Colin's first birthday last week. Toddler months FLY by! A few updates:

-Justin has TWO classes left and receives his MBA in December
-Colin flies over the pond in a few weeks to meet his great grandma
-We are slowly settling into our house and have our family room almost done!
-Colin's favorites words: all done, bubbles, dog, dada, momma, ball, go, uh oh and this. His most adorable word is "bubbles". I love his little voice and the way he pronounces all the "b's". He points to everything and says "this".
-Colin bites only his momma. It's his form of affection I try to tell myself.
-If he see's his shoes he immediately sits down and wants to put the on. The child loves his shoes.
-Speaking of shoes he currently wears extra wide shoes. Which means speciality shoe store shopping. Justin's dream of having a NFL child may come true.
-He eats fruit, fruit and more fruit. If he sees fruit on your plate or in the grocery store buffet the screams will begin.
-He LOVES Tucker and running after him and giving him his ball.
-Colin loves the hose and playing with anything water. He is all boy.
-He makes this hilarious surprised face anytime anything happens. It's adorable.

We are having lots of fun running after Colin and watching him get into everything. He loves to entertain and be entertained and there is no slowing down in this house!

holiday weekend.

2011-07-05T20:47:00.005-04:00

We spent our holiday weekend running around as usual trying best to keep our nonstop toddler entertained. We ate at the most delicious deli ever in downtown Leesburg and I may require it to be a Saturday afternoon tradition. Then we celebrated the fourth with some fireworks and BBQ with friends and family. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

petting zoo.

2011-06-27T21:54:00.005-04:00

Maybe they aren't for us. Not even sure what type of animal this poor thing is but it had a long tongue. Thanks for convincing us to go to the pet a' pet farm Meg & Ryan :)

first ball game.

2011-06-20T20:30:00.002-04:00

Colin enjoyed his first ball game over the weekend! Colin doesn't quite understand the game or what those people were doing out there... toddlers do not sit still (only when there is ice cream).

Captiva Island 2011

2011-06-16T11:41:00.011-04:00

We returned to Captiva Island "Surfcomber" this year. A lot has changed in two years. We didn't make it to 2 AM every night this time around as a certain little one kept most of our time well occupied :)

Vacationing consisted of:

1)Lots of floating on rafts keeping Colin occupied yelling "yay" ALL DAY.

2)Playing in the ocean with Colin

3)Spotting my favorite... turtles!

4)Crab Racing :)

5) Ocean pictures

6)Watching "doggies" on you tube. Colin missed Tucker so much.. so cute :)

7) Rafting in the ocean with no waves

8) Eating popsicles naked

not pictured: going through a handle of rum a day, sitting out on the porch after Colin went down for the night, watching ufo's (according to Justin) over the ocean, eating lots of seafood, going to Mucky Ducks,taking professional photos on the beach and celebrating time with family. Thank you mom and dad for a great vacation!

31 years.

2011-06-13T15:58:00.006-04:00

2010 was a tad busy with Colin and Meg and Ryan getting married. We like to do it all at once around here ;)- We weren't able to celebrate mom and dads 30th anniversary last year so Meghan came up with this plan to steal all the albums from the house and we went through and narrowed the pictures down. It's nice to have it all in one place to look through. Time consuming yes and I wanted to murder my sister for coming up with an idea of course I couldnt say no to. We played this for them on vacation.

High School sweethearts 31 years later. We love you both. The last song I would say sums up it quite nicely but dad wanted to stop at two :)- And yes it's long because as you might imagine this family has a million pictures....

unplugging.

2011-06-01T19:43:00.007-04:00

We are returning to Captiva island for some relaxation! Thanks to Will for house and dogsitting :) Off for some much needed vitamin D so says my doctor...

dodson wedding.

2011-05-21T20:30:00.005-04:00

Nick and Jordan were married over the weekend at Top of the Town in Arlington, VA. It's always so nice to catch up with everyone that we don't get to see often. Nick and Jordan are so sweet together and we were honored to be invited. Congratulations!

playdate.

2011-05-19T14:57:00.003-04:00

Hailee and Wilson came over for a play date last weekend :) Wilson did all the napping for Colin and Hailee slept in Colin's crib for two hours. Holy crap if Colin EVER napped that long I'd seriously party. I think Colin and Hailee by the end of the day were planning their escape..

warmer weather.

2011-05-16T11:25:00.003-04:00

our family has been quite busy over here! We enjoyed some nice weather this weekend. Colin yup still loves the water. Thank god.. because this mom is a pool girl and I would be devastated if he hated the pool. We cant wait to get his feet in some water in FL in a few weeks! Now if I can just figure out a way to keep hats on him...

mom's day.

2011-05-08T20:42:00.004-04:00

We are always busy when it comes to celebrating holidays around here! Last year Colin was only a few weeks old and I remember thinking I had a lot to live up to. Thirty (well almost) years later my mom is still putting her children first. I know a lot of amazing mom's, mother-in-laws and mom's to be! Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

easter.

2011-04-28T20:48:00.002-04:00

Colin is obsessed with small objects like balls, leggos, "little people"... and easter eggs were no exception. What he mostly loved were the eggs with the coins. He wouldn't put them down even for his bottle. Can't wait till this guy is more mobile..my arms about to fall off carrying him everywhere! Hope everyone had a great Easter!

evening walks.

2011-04-21T07:49:00.005-04:00

Out on an evening walk with Colin in his new ride! Thanks to a very sweet Aunt and Uncle. Since the weather has been mild in the evenings we have been taking walks. Can you believe this gorgeous backdrop is right behind our house? Justin discovered it riding his bike a few weeks ago. I wish the weather would stay mild forever... Colin doesn't do well with the heat as one might imagine!

what fun he's one!

2011-04-18T11:43:00.007-04:00

Colin celebrated his first birthday this weekend. I had lots of fun decorating in Dr. Seuss style but I am very much looking forward to a Gymboree or Chuck-E-Cheese party next year :) Everyone enjoyed their green eggs and ham and Colin had a bit of trouble with the fondant but cupcakes seemed to do the trick. Although he was a tad cranky Colin waited until after everyone left to enjoy all his gifts. This child is so spoiled... am I'm not just saying that bc that's what everyone says. Seriously. Spoiled. We love all of you!

{check out Rita's blog for the amazing things she put together for us.. we love you "Rita!"}

a year ago.

2011-04-11T12:23:00.003-04:00

A year ago today I went to bed dreaming of what you would look like, who you would be and how on earth I was going to figure all this out. Some days I feel like we are still figuring it out! You have shown us how to put all the small details aside, practice patience, go without sleep, laugh, delight over simple accomplishments, make meals in under 10 minutes, cry when you aren't feeling well and recognize that we would give our lives for you in an instant. I love looking at you during quiet moments and treasuring what your dad and I brought to this world. We love you pumpkin and are so lucky to have you. Happy Birthday!

weekend.

2011-04-11T09:47:00.012-04:00

This weekend we revisited Sunset Vineyards and Hillsborough. I absolutley love the fall & spring in Loudoun county! We do spend a lot of our time at the same wineries but we have been to many to figure out which ones we want to come back to. If you haven't been to some of these I am telling you you will be hooked. Virginia has some great wine, gorgeous views and such a great laid back atmosphere in VA's wine county...

chrysalis (*)- seriously amazing wine. go for the relaxed atmosphere. bring your dog. go early. get their patio white or patio red. worth the trip!
swedenburg- just eh. if you go to chrysalis you might as well swing by but just for a one time thing.
tarara - huge vineyard. great for a family picnic. gets crowded. have a live band on Saturday nights. We dont love this place... they have their nose in the air a tad. but someone else may have a totally different opinion :)
lost creek - near tarara. may want to swing by but just for the one time experience.
hidden brook- small place. so sweet. but bless their hearts it just not great.
hillsborough- a lot of people love this place. It's just ok. Pretty views but nothing like...
bluemont - (*) holy moly gorgeous winery, super friendly - get there EARLY right when they open @ 11. Always have the guitar playing.
sunset hills- (*) huge winery but still manage to keep the friendly atmosphere. this place serves food and they always have the guitar playing as well. next to chrysalis and bluemont this is another favorite. go early :)
chateau o' brien- really pretty rustic feeling. a bit of a hike. but great to visit in the fall if you head out to markham to pick apples :)

next on our list- veramar , breaux vineyards , three fox vineyards and North Gate!

whew.

2011-04-05T13:57:00.007-04:00

Well we have been a tad busy over here. We were battling a sick child for a week or so and Friday he was met at the doctors with every imaginable test. I wont go in details but a catheter and pinning your son down to get stuck with needles FIVE times is seriously not ok. But all tests are fine and it was a nasty little virus he appeared to be fighting.

So onto the positives! Colin's FIRST birthday is coming up and boy do I have the party sugars ready to go. Colin will beat any baby on frequent flyer miles. He takes a trip to Captiva,FL with the family in June and onto England in July. I know we are nuts.

I am finishing our master BR painting project.. another thing that has been on my to do list for um a few months. If I put it on my blog that will make me finish painting right?

We are so excited for the next few months. Colin becoming a toddler right when the weather is beginning to change couldn't be more perfect. And because posts are boring without pictures.. {thats why you visit right}... here is Colin practicing his new favorite word "uh oh"...

my boys.

2011-03-23T19:55:00.004-04:00

it's just past 7:30. colin is tucked in bed. it's thundering out. im finishing my rum & coke {because we are out of red wine}. Justin is watching pawn stars and I am about to take over the remote after I post this sweet moment before bed. I love them.

baby wilson.

2011-03-21T13:51:00.008-04:00

He's here, he's here! Wilson is so sweet and Carrie is already such a natural mom. Ashley and I dropped our wild monsters off with our husbands and went to squeeze Wilson for the first time. I grabbed a few shots of Richard in his UK gear of course {we wont go there} first meeting Wilson. So so sweet. Congratulations to the Drakes!

{Wilson arrived right after UK beat WVU in the 2nd round. I was ok with it bc after all it was Wilson's birthday. I am surprised Wilson's nursery isn't KY blue}

kiss me.

2011-03-17T21:04:00.001-04:00

I'M IRISH... Our little Colin Patrick says Happy St. Patty's day!

crafts.

2011-03-15T15:54:00.006-04:00

I've gone over the deep end with this balloon wreath yes. But I made myself feel better by telling Justin it was going to be the birthday wreath for years to come. What else can I fit in before April 12th?!?

{to make: greening pins, balloons and straw wreath - leaving plastic on}

weekend things

2011-03-14T08:32:00.002-04:00

Just another lazy weekend in the Smith house....

kitchen aid.

2011-03-10T21:30:00.005-05:00

Wherever I go Colin goes. Give him some bowls and spoons and he's pretty happy :) He is allll boy. Banging things around. help me. even when he falls on his head he laughs. I see broken bones in my future.

I cant believe we will be celebrating his first birthday in a month. I feel like I have only so many weeks to get all the "baby stuff" done but then again I dont even know what that means.

We are still working on getting him back on his sleep schedule. Hasnt been easy in this house for three weeks. but hopefully with a little coaching we will get our sleeping angel back.

weekends..

2011-03-07T08:17:00.001-05:00

leave us exhausted.

gorgeous weekend.

2011-02-28T07:18:00.003-05:00

What a great weekend. Drinks, parks, winery- perfect combination. We met Will's new girlfriend at lunch and Sunday took Colin to the park where he LOVED the swings and tunnel then we just couldn't waste a gorgeous day without the view from Bluemont.

bath time.

2011-02-24T19:33:00.003-05:00

Colin and bath time with mom. We miss dad on class nights :( one more semester one more semester...

baby wilson shower.

2011-02-22T20:47:00.003-05:00

In a month another baby boy will be joining us. Carrie is seriously glowing pregnant- even at 35 weeks. She wears it so well. Wish I had the pregnancy gene. We are so excited for Carrie and Mike and anticipating holding baby Wilson for the first time.

10 months!

2011-02-19T12:01:00.006-05:00

If you blink your eye you will miss something. Colin was not interested in crawling 2 weeks ago. Now he is all.over.the.place... but I must say without a doubt this is the best stage. He loves books and points to pages, says momma and dada, crawls to his toys, is a great napper and sleeper. And my absolute favorite part of being a mom... waking him up to get him dressed in the morning when he is still sleepy and sitting in the rocking chair while he lays his head on my shoulder and we just rock while the sun comes up. I LOVE that part of my day.

love.

2011-02-15T09:47:00.003-05:00

he's pretty awesome, hard worker, great dad and hilarious. even when he's gumpy he gets over it pretty quick... thank god. i love you honey :)

crawling.

2011-02-11T12:36:00.002-05:00

he crawls... but dont be fooled by this photo he absolutley hates the idea of crawling. He crawls toward food or mommy's lap.

gratitude.

2011-02-08T20:51:00.005-05:00

I heard a quote on the radio as I was driving in traffic with brake lights for a mile ahead.. "have an attitude of gratitude"... I like to think that this would be easy. Life lately around here has been chaotic- dropping phone in tub, driving around with a broken horn, running out of hair salon with a wet head, returns, groceries, clean house, dinner, laundry, full time job- you get it.

slow.down. take in life's small moments. and like I heard on the radio have an attitude of gratitude.

girls weekend.

2011-02-07T20:34:00.007-05:00

my favorite girls on earth. we were able to pull off an awesome weekend with two babies! with help from meg, ryan & pauline we headed out for an early dinner and drinks and spent the rest of the weekend catching up during naps and early bedtimes. Peyton and Colin were born 4 days apart. Which still amazes me :) Justin escaped to Richmond to let girls be girls :)

{lauren, peyton, melanie, sarah, me and colin}
Colin naps are half of Peytons...

sunday.

2011-01-31T21:25:00.002-05:00

glimpse of a sunday. justin and I think this toy has the best singing voice of all CP's toys and then we discussed what we think he is doing now...jealous? :)

snow.

2011-01-27T09:43:00.004-05:00

Justin was excited to take Colin out on his own sled from childhood.. .the sledride lasted 30 seconds. The wind was just too much for CP. I am ready for Spring please!!

colin lately.

2011-01-14T13:24:00.003-05:00

Colin is now NINE MONTHS. I can't believe he is as old as my pregnancy lasted. We are having so much fun with this stage. Colin is talking up a storm and is a busy bee. He has a total of five teeth. Can't be bothered with crawling. He is really good at stretching. We just love our big boy to pieces. A few pictures lately...

The face we are greeted with when we encourage him to crawl... He loves his toys but especially his activity table...

and loves all things food. what a mess he is :)

We love you Colin and can't believe you will be ONE YEAR in 3 months. I hope you will still fall asleep in my arms forever...

looking back.

2011-01-11T08:16:00.004-05:00

Is it really January? Last year Colin was kicking up a storm and Justin and I were cozy on the couch in our quiet town home- snowed in. How things change so quickly. A quick video of my favorite 2010 moments. Hope to keep up this tradition every new year! Enjoy!

blue + gold.

2011-01-10T20:36:00.003-05:00

Colin enjoyed his first sporting event cheering on the Moutaineers over the weekend! The bartenders were so kind to us that Justin and Ryan stayed in the same suite for the CAPS game that evening. Colin was by then in bed :)

mum mum

2011-01-07T11:15:00.003-05:00

Those mum mums are a big hit around here. I see a trend of CP feeding Tuck.. oh dear.

New Year!

2011-01-03T09:04:00.005-05:00

What a great New Years with great friends!! Mel and Sarah hanging with CP before grandma takes him for the night!

Newly engaged Sarah and Jeff!! With my signature gift for the engaged... couples quizzes!

Newly engaged Eric and Melanie!! Eric already had a few and I think the questions were confusing him.

Justin and I - eric you are quite the photog!?!

The ladies {Sarah, me, Mel, Ashley, Carrie and baby Wilson}

May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions.... Happy 2011!

family.

2010-12-29T21:05:00.010-05:00

We love photos around here. Luckily I know all the best photogs in town :) Lauren Gay took these timeless photos for a sweet Christmas gift to give to my parents. When Christmas came around growing up we always asked our parents what they wanted and mom replied with "a nice photo of you and your sister". So Meg and I gathered all our {babysitting} money, put on matching red sweaters and went up to Sears for a few Christmas presents. Oh dear. Where were you Lauren then?

We thought it would be perfect timing as Meg and I basically expanded the fam in 2010 :) Thanks Lauren!

merry christmas!

2010-12-27T14:28:00.006-05:00

Just a few shots from Colin's first very very BUSY Christmas. I am having a drink as we speak. wow. He is so lucky to have such amazing family. He has everyone wrapped around his plump fingers ;)

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas with their families and friends.

holiday cards.

2010-12-15T10:05:00.004-05:00

There has been a huge push this year to help local/small businesses- so that I did. I contacted Rita {who also designed this blog} to design a custom holiday/moving card. She did a fantastic job. Thanks Rita! Then I took these to a local printer to print/cut cards. Feels great to support the crafters and small businesses! If you can you should too! A very happy holiday season to everyone!! Thanks for reading :)

family.

2010-12-14T20:42:00.011-05:00

Family photos came in the mail from Kristen Gardner today! Can't wait to get a few of these in a frame :)

DIY Coasters.

2010-12-14T14:58:00.006-05:00

I come up with these random crafty ideas from time to time. I am not sure who likes it more me or my dog who likes to chew anything new I create. I am outnumbered by boys that test me. So I need a little girl time in my life..

If you have some coasters that need a face lift this literally takes two seconds and is super cheap! Buy some Modpodge {best stuff on earth}. Cut out pretty scrapbook paper. Apply modpodge directly on coaster. Apply scrapbook paper. Apply modpodge on top for finish.
Here you go! Fun. Simple. And super duper cheap :)

skins.

2010-12-13T11:52:00.005-05:00

Justin and I headed off to the Redskins stadium Sunday with tickets given to me by Deltek! The suite's are amazing and Justin took full advantage of the "charge it to Deltek" drinks. Who knows when we will ever have the opportunity to do this again!

We tailgated inside early and also scored the best seats!

And made it home in the nick of time for Santa visiting!

colin + jackson.

2010-12-06T12:26:00.006-05:00

Cute boys in their PJ's awake past their bedtime? I love it when the PJ's come out. It's so darn cute. These boys loved watching the train go around and round the tree! Aren't they adorable?

soap box.

2010-12-02T08:59:00.007-05:00

I dont usually like to write long posts but I was talking to a very good friend of mine and I feel other moms need to be reminded from time to time of what a great job YOU are doing.

Being a mom is hard, exhausting, leads you to ask youself if you have another hour left in you. But it also comes with the largest rewards. I have never felt so blessed as I do now in my life. I mean look at this man we brought to life...

Colin went through a very fussy stage and at times is still very fussy. He would cry for two hours straight when we got home at night. This last about a month and only 2 things worked: bjorn and airplane rides. We. were. exhausted.

I receieved an email from a good friend and a very wise mom:

No one is really a super mom. Everyone wants to make it sound like it's Disney... it's hard- seriously. But it's the kind of hard that gives you amazing returns.. .the smiles, the hugs, sparkling eyes, sounds and the talking back!

I sometimes just go back and read that when I am having a hard day or think I am not doing a good job. Justin and I about 2 weeks ago were still getting up in the middle of the night making bottles, shh shhh shhhhing Colin and rubbing his back. Again we.were.exhausted. Then one night we finally decided we should let him cry it out. Awful. Again I had to go back and read those words. I can now tell you that after 2 nights of 20 minute crying spells he sleeps from 8 PM- 6AM. Heaven.. dare I say "Disney"?

holidays.

2010-11-29T16:05:00.004-05:00

Colin enjoyed his first Thanksgiving dinner eating his spoon :) Meghan hosted Thanksgiving at her house and as always prepared a delicious meal! We headed over to the Smith's Friday to have another Thanksgiving dinner. I secretly wish I had a 3rd family to have Thanksgiving with on Saturday. I love turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. I could eat stuffing cold I love it that much :)

Colin picking out his first Christmas tree!

And we are all set up for xmas. Justin spent all day setting up the lights outside and I have to say I am quite impressed. Colin has no idea what is going on.. but he loves the train going around and around that tree!

We always love the holidays around here but having a child really brings out the holidays in you even more...

7 months.

2010-11-15T07:36:00.006-05:00

Seven months!? It has been quite a whirlwind around here. Colin is growing into a BOY more and more each day. Crawling is right around the corner and I can't even imagine how that will change the dynamics in this house. Colin is a mommy's boy. I love it secretly but it also does mean I can't do anything :) He is quite the pro at sitting these days but would rather roll all over the place than getting up on all fours. The months now just seem to fly and I feel that April will be here in a blink of an eye!

books.

2010-11-07T11:27:00.006-05:00

Great Grandma Smith really wanted Colin to have a bookcase to hold his fantastic book collection he already has! I probably don't get the mom of the year award for having all these in a box for 3 months but hey. Now that they are all displayed in his soon to be playroom he lovessss looking at all his books.

Even enough to STAND and hold on to that second shelf!! Oh boy. No worries it's nailed to the wall. Colin's favorite book so far... Brown Bear Brown Bear. Thanks Jackson ;)

Thanks for my bookshelf Great Grandma! I am already enjoying it!

home.

2010-11-03T13:29:00.006-04:00

We did it. Well sort of. Boxes are still everywhere- I cant find any shoes and we still have tons of work to do. Buttttt we finally have a new place to call home. With any move comes stress but throw a stomach bug on top of a moving weekend and you have a disaster. We all came down with the stomach bug and it came in waves. Colin. Me. Justin- yikes. Thank goodness for grandparents. We layed on the couch both of us dead to the world and I dressed my sick self to answer the door on Halloween. I was not going to let a stomach bug prevent me from meeting all our neighbors. We cant wait for the many memories we will create in our new home. Stomach bug is just the first one :)

1 to 6.

2010-10-25T11:17:00.002-04:00

Look at how he's grown!

apple pickin'

2010-10-17T21:49:00.008-04:00

We escaped to Markham, Virginia to pick some apples before the season is over! My dad LOVES to make apple pies. He must go pick the best batch of Stayman apples- and he doesn't play around. We headed to Stribling Orchard and then over to Chataeu O'Brien winery. The weather was finally very kind to us. Love the fall crisp air. Colin needed a break from all that heat!

1/2 year.

2010-10-13T11:41:00.007-04:00

1/2 a year has passed since Justin and I nervously walked into the hospital to become a family of three. I am amazed at how quickly a child can grow right in front of your eyes without you taking notice. From barely being able to see 6 inches in front of him, to us cheering when he followed an object, to him being able to make contact with a toy, to grasping, to smiling, to laughing, to sitting, to repeating words... nothing short of amazing. Really how on earth does all that happen?

His highchair arrived at the door RIGHT before dinnertime. Dad quickly put it together and I prepared his FIRST baby food. As to be expected he loved his squash. I don't think he is going to turn away any food. I mean come on look at him.
In between bites. Not sure if he liked this new plastic bib or food better?

Happy 1/2 a year to you Colin! It's getting harder and harder to leave you each morning.

wine and pumpkins.

2010-10-11T08:12:00.003-04:00

With one more hot weekend we took full advantage. Went to Bluemont winery (a Smith favorite) and then went pumpkin picking. I had a hard time narrowing down the photos. We had a fantastic relaxing day! Can you believe it's October!?!

baby babble.

2010-10-08T09:39:00.005-04:00

I can't believe Colin will be a 1/2 year on Tuesday. He has developed so much of a personality in these last few weeks. Look- he's already too cool to smile for the camera.

So this last week has marked the beginning of me asking myself "did he really just say that?" Case in point. He repeats "dada"- I'm serious. See for yourself! Yesterday Meghan and I were teaching him to make a fist ...open & close. Not even 30 seconds later he had it down. Whoa. Then I turned to Meghan to tell her something and I hear a loud, clear and big ..."BYE". It totally freaked me out. I guess dad will have to think of some other words to yell at the TV on Sundays.

camera stuff.

2010-10-05T11:32:00.005-04:00

I just have to share this with those who have those big ugly ,bulky camera bags (sorry honey- I loved my big bag while it lasted). The Smiths gave me this gorgeous bag for my birthday and Meg, Ryan, Justin and my parents bought me a new lens I thought I'd have to wait for Christmas for :) Still hoping to get into that photog. class in a few months. Crossing my fingers!

little cowboy.

2010-10-02T17:18:00.004-04:00

I love love love the fall season. My favorite and shortest time of the year. Not fair! But now I get to add more fun to my favorite season... a new wardrobe for this handsome man. He's pretty excited about it too :)

strollers.

2010-10-01T13:42:00.008-04:00

Have I lost my mind- yes (my husband would tell you it hasn't come back since I found out I was pregnant). When we first registered for a stroller I thought I would be jogging away all my weight. "Luckily" I have a 20+ lb baby at almost 6 months and therefore got rid of my gym membership and am now selling my ever ambitous jogging stroller.

So I began my search for a new practical stroller that would hold coffee and my shopping bags rather than be paired with running shoes. When Colin was sick last week it led me straight to the store to buy the Peg Perego Pliko. ahhh. That would make him feel better :) But my heart was still set on the Chicco. Craigslist I went. Hello new Chicco and Peg Perego. I remember when dresses and coats were an obsession....

colin lately.

2010-09-29T11:53:00.004-04:00

Colin has been growing very quickly these last few weeks. He's mastered sitting (for 5 seconds), cut his first tooth (very long night that one was), is mumbling mmmmm..momma (or at least I pretend he is saying momma), is screeching more and more (must be picking that up from the toddlers), got sick for the very first time (while Justin was out of town no less), is requiring more and more attention (does not like anyone to walk away from him) and laughs at the dogs constantly ( I summon Tuck to go sit next to Colin while I make bottles or have to walk away- sometimes this works other times Tuck cant be bothered).

Isn't he handsome :) I just love his dimples in his eyebrows :)