Zachary and Mommy All by ourselves!

Zachary is the best big brother.  After Will came home from the hospital Zachary only showed a few moments where I could tell he felt left out. He wasn't jealous or upset but you could tell he missed having his mommy to himself.  So I have tried really hard to set a side some time daily for just Zachary and me time.  Usually it is when Will is taking his afternoon nap.  The afternoon before our Peacock Pumpkin Carve Z and I made some spooky treats....Black Widow Spiders.

 Z was so excited to do a project with mom! Even more excited they were spiders!

This is a picture from the magazine!

 Rolling out the dough

 The final product!

 Making more! I love that Zachary is getting to be so independent that I can let him do the entire project without a major spill, accident, or catasrophe. 

We had a great afternoon and the spider sandwich cookies were yummy!

Halloween

Trying to get Zachary to decide on a Halloween Costume was ridiculous.  We have a set of pirate costumes that I got for 75% off last year after Halloween from our Disney Cruise. So I kept asking Z if he wanted to be a pirate. Of course he didn't so I dropped it and he eventually decided on Spiderman.  Fast Forward to Halloween night. Kevin worked until 4:30. My inlaw's came to our house to see the boys. I must add that they came over in costume. It was hilarious. But I don't have pictures on this computer. Anyways, when Kevin came home he changed into regular clothes. Z flipped out. He said, "I thought you guys were going to be pirates!"  What? We totally forgot but since it was Halloween I went downstairs grabbed the costumes off the hangers and we threw the costumes on.  Here we are getting ready to walk out the door with an adorable Mickey Mouse. 


This cracks me up. Here's Kevin carrying W into Aunt Stephs for our annual first stop and dinner.

Big Brother Z as Spidey

Aunt Steph loving on Will. Notice in the background Jerrytt as a computer robot. Perfect costume for him since he loves all kinds of techology (phones, computers, cameras, etc)

Next stop was my cousins house: Lisa, Darrin, Austin, & Wade. 

Then we went to my parents house. Unfortuately I have no pictures of this.  We have decided that next year we are actually going to go door to door trick or treating with Z and W.  We just always run out of time making our rounds to show off the boys. 

Stay Tuned!

I promise I am going to start blogging again....I have to its the only way for me to document our life these days!

This past month we have watched the Cardinals win the WORLD SERIES, had our pumpkin carving challenge,  celebrated Halloween, celebrated my 33rd birthday, celebrated Will's 2 month b-day, and Kevin has been preparing for his board certification renewal. We have been busy!  So hang tight..I will be back.  On that parting note I will leave you with a few pictures of my boys in the "LUCKY" Cardinals Build A Bear Outfit.

2006 Zachary's Halloween Costume post Cardinals World Series Win

2011 Will wearing the Build A Bear Costume during Game 7

Sadness!

On Friday our family was getting together for our "Annual Peacock Family Pumpkin Carving Challenge". It's a day that we look forward to for the entire year.  We always have pizza, halloween snacks, and carve pumpkins together at my parents house.  We were supposed to arrive at my parents at 6:00 p.m. but for whatever reason it took us FOREVER to get to my parents.  We left our house at 5:30 and normally takes us 20 minutes to get to their house. This night it took us 50 minutes. When we arrived at 6:20 I thought it was odd that Claire Bear my parents bulldog did not greet us at the door with a hat or costume on. Instead my dad and brother in law greeted us. I just figured Claire Bear was either asleep in the living room or that my parents had put Claire in her room to keep her away from Baby Will.  Oh how I wish that was the case.  I could tell something was wrong with my mom. When I asked her what it was she said that Claire died. I said, WHAT....she said that Claire was hit by a car 15 minutes ago and she died.  I could not believe what she was saying.  It was terrible.  Claire Bear was a part of our immediate family. You might remember this post about my new sister, Claire.

My mom said the pizza man came at 6.  My parents had no idea that CB had stepped out of the house. Within minutes a neighbor called to see if Claire was inside the house because a dog was laying in the middle of the road in front of my parents house.  My dad stepped outside and immediately knew that it was Claire.  My dad quickly moved her out of the road because he knew we were all supposed to be there at any minute.  I truly believe we were not supposed to be there at 6:00.  I don't think I could have handled seeing her in the road.  We went ahead with the pumpkin carving because the boys were so excited.  When we were done we started watching the World Series.  Zachary started looking around the living room and asked my mom where Claire was.  I knew it was coming but nothing prepared me for that moment.  It was HEARTBREAKING!  Both Zachary and Elliott were upset that their doggy best friend was gone. 

I know it could have been a lot worse and that others are dealing with a lot more than the loss of a pet however we LOVED Claire Bear. She loved us. She loved the grandboys and brought so much joy to my parents.  She was the funniest dog I had ever seen.  We had so many fond memories together....like the time Zachary told his teachers he had a dog.

I'll post pictures of the pumpkin carving later. It's funny because our family is so competitive when it comes to this pumpkin carve. We all want the title as the winner but this year it didn't even matter.  The only reason we still did it was because of the boys.  It just goes to show you that each moment is precious and that life is short!  Love on your pets, love on each other, and enjoy every second.  My sweet cousin, Jen is the person who introduced my parents to rescued English Bulldogs. She posted the sweetest tribute to Claire on her blog.  Check it out.

We love you Claire Bear.   

Zachary's 1st "hunting" trip!

*Hunting trip took place September 4th, 2011

The past year every time Kevin packs up to go hunting, Zachary stands at the garage door and begs to go with him. Our goodbyes with Kevin usually end up in tears because he can't go. Last Saturday, Kevin and PaPaw were going to go out to Ruey & Freddy's land to "scout" out deer and get their locations set up. As the day drew closer I asked Kevin if there was any way that Z could tag along with them. There would be no weapons, no hunting, and no stress. Kevin thought it was a perfect idea too.

The night before and the morning of Z was SO excited!  He couldn't wait!  I got up and made the boys fresh blueberry muffins and loaded up Z's lunch box with snacks.  I was so excited for him and excited for my morning of peace & quiet.  How is my baby old enough to head out in the woods with his daddy and grandpa? 

 He was ready to go!

 My boys....Z has his play bow and arrows around his neck....he wanted to get a deer or a turkey.

 PaPaw & MaMaw showed up with the four wheeler so that Z didn't have to walk 1.5 miles like I had to last year. :)

 All loaded up!

The boys came home about 4 hours later. They had a blast. Z was excellent.  Kevin was so glad I packed him a lunch box of snacks because the entire hour ride home from the farm Z ate every morsel of food.  I guess "hunting" made him hungry.  They did not see any wildlife but Z came home with a big turkey feather. You would of thought he found $100 dollars. He was pumped!  Sweet memories of my boys with their dad & grandpa. 

Will Collins at 1 Month (Oct 12th)

My sweet friend, Kim, gave us these adorable monthly onsies to use each month.  When Zachary was a baby a friend of mine, Kaci, gave me these monthly signs.  It's funny for me to look back 5 years and see how much has changed in 5 years...from poster signs to custom made onsies.  LOL! 
So on October 12th Zachary and I posed Will for his monthly photo shoot.

Currently his eyes are blue and his dark black hair is falling out. 

Currently his eyes are blue and his dark black hair is falling out. 

 Due to a mild blow-out we had to have an outfit change. LOL!

Will's Stats at One month old:

Will weighs 10.5lbs and is 21.5 inches long. He wears size one diapers and 0-3 month clothes.

He loves his Big Brother and smiles at everyone. 

Will is the BEST baby. He sleeps from 10pm until 5:45 almost every day. Occasionally he will wake up at 4:00 am for a "snack".  After his snack he immediately returns to his crib and goes back to sleep like a champ. 

Will is a cuddle bunny. He loves to be held and loves kisses. 

Will is very strong.  He loves to lift his head and look around. 

This month he has been to church, Freddy's 85th birthday party, 5K walk, several baby showers, to the movies with Big Brother to see Lion King, to the movies with mom & dad to see Courageous, and out to several restaurants for family dinners.

His favorite thing to eat is his milk.  He nurses like a champ too.  He eats every 3 hours except during bed time. 

Will this past month our family can't imagine what we did before you were born.  You have changed your brothers life! He adores you. We love you so much and are so glad you are a part of our family.

Finally...an update!

I figured I would continue to update my blog on a daily basis after Will arrived. However I have realized that I would much rather be playing with my boys than being online. I also figured I would be on the laptop when I was nursing Will but that hasn't happened either. My theory is it can wait however I am starting to realize that if I want Will's pics in our family blog book I better get busy. So here it goes...

We always celebrate my "grandfather's", Freddy, birthday in October. For the past 24 years we have gone to Branson for the weekend with our Lemon's family. This year due to schedule conflicts and the real grandkids being in college Ruey cancelled the weekend long party. Instead we went to dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate. We also celebrated Kelli's, Uncle Mike's, Uncle Matt's, and Zachary's birthday. It was a fun night.

Ruey was tickled with her newest "GREAT"...that's what she calls her great grandkids.  Will fell in love with her too.

Grams & Pops with their youngest grandsons

"Aunt" Renee with Will

Jerrytt has found his "wheels"...hes walking around everywhere and he's so proud of himself. 

Zachary got a three piece lego set from Rue Rue and Freddy. He loved it!

Rachel & I with our Freddy! Happy 85th Freddy! We love you!

In the morning while I am getting ready Zachary climbs in our bed to watch cartoons.  Zachary asked if Will could join him.  He's such a good big brother.  Will loved every second getting attention from Z.

Here's another morning cuddle with Zachary.  Will was still in his swaddle blanket. Z adores him.

Kissing on "Brother Bear"...that is Z's nickname for Will. It's not that Will is a "bear" its his love term from the Berenstein Bears books.

This photo cracks me up. Will was stretching and trying to get comfy on Z.  Zachary didn't know what to do. 

This month we also got to see some of our bestest friends when they were in town for a weekend get-away.  You might remember this blog post about Becki and I being pregnant at the same time.  Well Becki had miss Elin Jane on August 29th.  She's adorable and resembles her mommy, daddy, and big sister, Libby.  It was so cute to have our babies together.  Will is 3 weeks younger than Elin. 

 Close-up of Elin and Will

Beck, Hil, and Babies Hanging out watching the Cardinals at the cabin

Ryan and Becki thanks for including us in your weekend plans.  We can't wait to see you again in December. 

On October 15th, the boys and I walked in the 5K Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk.  Z calls it the ". "Save the Boobies walk".  We walk in honor of "Aunt" Steph, Melody, and all of our other family and friends that have survived breast cancer. 

Grams giving Will a bottle before the race starts! 

Rachel and Abbey getting their PINK on!

Mel and Hil before the race

Zachary's newest thing is that he gets "embarrassed" if he thinks someone is talking about him, if he accidentally falls and he thinks someone sees him, etc.  I can't remember what this hug was for but I'm almost certain it was because he was "embarrassed". 

Here is Charley wearing Pink for her Mommy!

Well, that is our October thus far.  I am really hoping I can get this blog updated more. I have a ton of pictures it's just not enough time to share. 

Bathtime!

I am loving life with 2 boys!  So much so that I never open up my laptop.  If I need to read e-mails or something like that I use my phone. Which is why my blogging is lacking.  I figured I better download a few new pictures so that I don't get totally behind. 
Will's bell button fell off last week which meant he got to take a "big boy" bath.  Z was so excited. Zachary was in the big tub and Will sat tubside in his baby tub.  Both boys loved it! 

It doesn't get any better than this. I told  Kevin the other day I could have a newborn in my house at all times....if and only if he/she was a good as Will is AND if they stayed a newborn :)   I love the coos, the cuddling, the smells of a clean newborn body, the touch of soft,soft hair.  Yum I could just eat him up! 

40 weeks!

My last weekly post of my pregnancy. 40 Weeks was Sunday September 18th, 2011. It was my "due date" however I was already home from the hospital and loving on my new little man.

Will weighed 8.8lbs and was 21.5 inches long.  It's funny that he is upset in this photo....he is NEVER upset. Even when he is hungry he really doesn't get upset.

39 Weeks!  (September 11, 2011)

**Disclaimer....this was the morning of Sunday Sept 11th before we went to church. Little did I know that my water would break that night while I was at Zachary's choir practice at church.  Because nothing was comfortable to wear I put this black maxi dress back on before taking him to choir. This was the outfit I was wearing when my water broke on the commons floor.  That's another story in itself!

 My last full pregnancy picture!

Will is approximately 7.5-8.0 lbs measuring 19-20 inches long. He is considered full term! The vegetable of the week is a 8lb watermelon however I was not going to buy an 8lb watermelon...nor do I think I could find one.  So we used the little bear with "Will's Pappy's Dream Team T-shirt". 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I haven't been good about updating this part of the blog. Total weight gain for this pregnancy was 36 lbs.  Much more than I wanted to gain but it sure was fun eating whatever I wanted. LOL! 

Maternity Clothes: Besides shirts and dresses...all I wear is maternity clothes. I'm about to start going naked...I can't stand to have things touching my big ole belly! My sister makes fun of me but as soon as I know I am going to be home for the day or night I take off all my clothes and put on an over-sized night gown. She calls it my MuMu. She came to my house one day at like 1 in the afternoon and I greeted her at the door in it. She about died!

Gender: He's a BOY! We have officially named him William Collins and we are going to call him Will. He is named after some very special relatives and friends...which I love that he will have role models to look up to!

Movement: Baby Austin is slowing down...I still feel him but it's almost like he is in slow motion. He's out of space.

What I miss: Being 36 lbs lighter! I am exhausted. I have started to snore which I have never done in my life time. I get tired easily.

Cravings: Desserts, Chocolate, and Candy....not a good craving to have. Especially when Kevin is trying to watch what he eats.

Symptoms: Well, as I end this journey of pregnancy I can honestly say that my body has had enough. However now that I have an induction date for Friday September 16th, 2011 all of my symptoms are subsiding. I am not having contractions or anything of the sorts. 

He's Here!

As most of you know William Collins has arrived! He arrived on 9/12 at 2:35 a.m. weighing 8lbs 8 oz and 21.5 inches long. He has a ton of black hair.

A very sweet friend who happens to be our "family photographer" stopped by the hospital to visit us when Will was less than 12 hours old.  I had no idea she had her camera and was planning on taking some photos of us.  It was a sweet surprise. Thankfully I had just happened to hop out of the shower.  Our hospital room was total choas but she made it look super peaceful and serene.  Thank you Kara for taking these photos for us.  Photos are property of Owens Photography.

Our first family of four photo


Daddy and Will

 This is one of my favorites....Zachary was totally hamming it up for the photos. 

 Zachary checking out his baby brother

Checking on Baby Will

 Kevin and his new best buddy!

 Will Collins....still a little swollen from his overwhelming entrance into the world. What a night!

 Sleepy Little Boy!

I have not been motivated to get on the computer and blog....Too busy loving on my two boys.  Anyways, I am hoping to get a bunch of photos on here this week.  Thanks for all the prayers for our little bundle of joy!