Cole Isaac Foltz

Im realizing it seems like its been a decade since I last blogged, and theres so much stuff that has been left out in our lives and so much that has happened since my last blog post a year or so ago, but I know with the newest addition to our family, I somehow need to find the time again to blog. If not, just for the sake of my babies, so that one day I wont forget all the cute and fun details in their lives.

The newest addition to our family. Welcome Cole Isaac Foltz!! Its been a month of chaos with the transition of two kiddos and starting life basically over with a newborn, but in between all the sleep deprivation and crazy, I find my life so blissfully perfect. We have our good days and our bad days, but these two sweet kiddos make every moment worth it.

I was so worried about Paisley and the transition, but it honestly has gone far better than I could have ever imagined. The hardest parts of our day are when I have to sit for feedings and lunch time. For so long, its been just her and the fact that I cant just sit and play whenever has caused a few tantrums or two ;) She loves her baby and loves helping take care of him any chance she can get. She makes sure that he is always taken care of. Shes a great big sister!

It was a bit of a rough delivery with having to have a C-section and a hernia operation all at the same time, but I am so grateful for an amazing doctor and midwife who did the hernia repair and didnt make me wait and come back for another surgery. Its been a rough and long recovery, but every day is better than the day before. It will be a bit of process for us thanks to the hernia but already at a month I am feeling so much better. Still not able to do a whole lot but every day I add more stuff to the list. I am so looking forward to the day that I can begin working out again!!

Cole was born at 7:27 am, weighing 7 pounds 1 ounce, which I had called right on the money. He was 19 inches long and came out screaming! He's got some lungs! He didnt even stop screaming until I got to feed him and hold him. He wasnt quite ready to come out either. When the doctors tried to pull him out, he kept wiggling away from the them. He's just like sissy. Stubborn and has to be on his terms. We never got to see what he looked like before since we didnt have a 3D with him and every ultrasound he had his face down, but he came out looking just like Paisley. You will definitely be able to tell my kids are sister and brother. I was praying for that :)

Cole. He's a sweet baby! I wasnt sure what the heck I was going to do with a boy, but he has been something else. He's far more of a cuddler than Paisley ever was. He gets bored easily though and loves to be moving. He's a bit more fussier than Paisley was, but I am giving myself the 6-8 week mark for everything to start to "feel" easier. I have to remind myself all this transition stuff and feeling like life has started over is only temporary.

As much as I love seeing this boy so little and holding a tiny squish, I also get so excited to see what he will be like and who he will be like. Its been so fun with Paisley that I cant wait for more fun with Cole. There's so much to look forward to!!

Anyway, now that Cole is here, Im hoping to blog more, at least for his sake :) Welcome Cole Isaac! We have enjoyed becoming a family of FOUR!!!

Five on Friday + A Few Extras

This week Paisley Grace turned the big ONE!!! My emotions have been all over the place leading up to this day, but surprisingly when her actual day came I was so excited that there was no time to be a hot mess. We had a great birthday party for our little girl and a super fun trip to the zoo to celebrate such a big milestone! In my books, it was one of the greatest birthdays and I hope she feels the same way :)

This week I wanted to go back and share my top five moments with Paisley Grace. It was beyond hard just trying to pick just five moments, but I think the ones that I we chose are worthy moments! They are in no particular order:

::ONE::

Hearing Paisley Grace say "Momma" was my all time favorite moment this year besides getting married to my honey. Its a day that I will never forget. She happened to just be sitting all by herself and randomly out of nowhere came this little voice saying "Mama, Mama." Sweetest moment there ever was!! Do you remember the moment your child first called you Momma?

::TWO::

I remember when Paisley finally got released from the NICU and could be in our room, just laying there and staring at her. It all felt so surreal. Staring at how beautiful made my so giddy inside. I felt like I didnt deserve such a special gift. She was all mine. I could hold her whenever I wanted  and for as long as I wanted without having to worry about giving her back. She is the long awaited promise and the beginning of new life for me. If she only knew how much I love her and the happiness she brings to our home.

::THREE::

Even though we spent her first birthday at the zoo, there was something so magical about taking her to the zoo for all the Christmas lights and festivities. Eyes so big, and a smile from ear to ear to make you melt, left us so excited for another Christmas with her! What a great birthday it was for me and one of the most magical experiences the hubs and I have endured!

::FOUR::

To follow above, Christmas. Best Christmas ever. Children really do make things so much brighter and more fun! It was a busy day with lots and lots of presents and a gazillion toys that now clutter our home, but it was so fun to watch her light up every time someone ripped more wrapping paper and uncovered what secretly hid behind all the pretty paper and colorful bows. 

::FIVE::

I may not be the biggest fan of Halloween, but getting Paisley dressed up and walking her around the neighborhood showing her off sure was a blast! Last time I have ever celebrated Halloween was Middle School and this was a special treat for both the Hubs and I. This might even be in the top spots on the husbands end :)

::SIX::

I told you picking five was super hard. My favorite moments as family have been the simple ones. Ones where late at night when Paisley should be asleep we are all laying on the rug still playing and her just giggling in amazement of every little toy and detail around her. My next favorite moment would be the one where on NYE she was so focused on the water, but for one split second when Papa called her name, she and I both happened to look back. A great reminder to once in a while look how far you have come and dwell on all the amazing blessings that are in life. She sure has taught me so much. There is so much that I am grateful for. She makes me be the best version of the person I have always wanted to be. She brings new life and makes me feel alive. I'm not sure what I ever did without her. Happy Birthday Paisley!

Have a great weekend!!

ONE YEAR!!!

Age: 1 year!!

Birthday: January 15, 2013

Weight: 17 pounds 4 ounces

Height: 30 inches

Sleep: Starting to sleep better at night where you wake up around 2/3 for a feeding and sometimes will sleep till about 8:30/9. Because its been so busy lately, naps get the brunt of everything. I try to still have you take a morning nap around 10/10:30 and then again at 3, but if we are out, you will sleep in your seat or as of late, a shopping cart. Putting you down has been really rough. You dont like sleeping if I am not holding you, which is a first. If I put you down you scream your head off. Its sad.

Can you see her on the phone?

Bedtime: Lately its been late. Like 10 o'clock late. If we are on schedule its normally around 8/8:30

Favorite Toy: Since we just got a gazillion toys, you love the Little People Nativity Set, The Little People Noah's Ark, your baby, your kitchen and puzzles.

Clothes Size: 6 Months

Diaper Size: Size 2 but moving into Size 3

Milestones Reached:

*WALKING!! You are on the go all.the.time

*Feeding yourself somewhat

*Saying "No" which is not cool

*Learning to color

*You now have two front teeth :)

*Signing "More"

*Learning animal noises. You know Duck, Cow, Monkey, Horse, Dog, Pig, Tiger, Lion

Firsts:

*You put your hand up to your ear when someone says hello or you have a phone-its really cute!

*You dont like men with big beards. You cry

*You love Corduroy Goes to the Beach book and Guess How Much I Love You

*You like putting stuff into things and taking them out

*You loved opening LOTS of presents and seeing a bunch of Christmas Lights

*You like playing Patty Cake

*You got Umizoomi DVD for Christmas and thats all you want to watch. You wave to the TV and hold remote and sometimes cry till someone turns it on for you

*You love to clap at everything

*You are afraid of cake

*Love playing the new keyboard in our house

*You get so excited that you can walk!

*Dont like sharing with people you dont know

*Attached to your blankie BIG time!

*You get excited over toys and animals

*You scream and hide your face when we tell you "No"

*Love playing in and with boxes

*LOVE the water!

*Turning up and down the volume on the stereo

*You can put necklaces over your head

Best Mood: All day! You are an outgoing, busy girl who doesnt want to miss out on anything!

Best Moments: Your birthday party and Christmas! You were so fun! I loved watching you open all your gifts and get excited over each one! You are a joy!

Worst Moments: Being sick twice in one month. You are a ornery little thing when you start getting sick. And you throwing fits when I lay you down and dont hold you!

**Paisley Grace**

You are ONE year old today! Its such a bittersweet day because I love the fact that you are growing up and "blooming" but then a small part of me misses when you were itty bitty. This year has flown. Some days it felt like forever till I would get to meet you and finally see what you looked like and what you would be like and here we are a year later and you this huge personality and sweet presence about you. I remember a year ago when I wanted you to come so bad and you just werent ready. This past year has been based around you and all on your timing. You have a time frame and agenda that you like us to hold to and so we have adjusted. You like things your way and in your own time. Its been so fun to watch you grow up over this year. You have taught me so many things in one year that I have in time over many years am still learning. My heart is so full with you. You have changed me for the better. Someday you will understand. Thank you for giving your daddy and I so many fun memories and great moments. You are alot like his sense of humor and its brought much happiness and laughter to this home. Silly girl! I cant wait to share such a big milestone moment with you! You are growing up and Im so excited to see what this next year will hold for us! I think I am headed into some busy times, but I sure enjoy every moment with you peanut! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE BUG!

Love you Forever and Always,

Momma