Friday, October 13, 2017

My baby is SIX! // Dane // 10.2017

Oh mercy, this kid. God certainly knew what he was doing when he gave us this kiddo. He knew we needed a huge dose of happiness during the saddest point in our lives. He knew we were going to need someone who would keep us young and always on our toes. He knew I was meant to be a #boymom. He knew Chaz needed a brother. He knew we needed DANE!

Dane has certainly not disappointed on any of those points. He is sweet. He is spunky. He is kind. He is HILARIOUS! He loves for me to hold him any chance he gets. He is tiny so I am still able to hold and carry him pretty easily and I will for as long as I am able and he asks.
This kid has SO much personality. He is always on. Always. He has so much energy it is hard to keep up. Thank goodness for his older brother. He is so silly and always giggling. That giggle can make anyone get the contagious laughs. At the same time he is silly, he is super spunky. He has always made the best faces and I love coming across them in pictures. He is just so expressive.
This day. Oh this day. I should have known a few weeks back when they had to turn him because he was breach that this kid was going to give me a run for my money. Nothing is easy with this kid. Nothing. I was sick the majority of my pregnancy, morning sickness for seven months is no joke. Then that whole turning thing, that was a trip and quite possibly the scariest and most painful thing I have ever been through. For reals, I have birthed two kids and that was just a different kind of pain. And then we decided to be induced. I REALLY should have known that we should have just let him do it his way. Dane tends to always do things his way. But no, I wanted him out. It was such a long day but in the end we got this little bundle of awesomeness. What is not in that story of his day is that we had no idea his cord was wrapped when he came out until the next day. I was so exhausted and out of it, I didn't notice that the hubs didn't cut the cord. He mentioned something about it later that evening and I decided to ask my doc the next day. She kinda gave me a look and said "Yep, the cord was around his neck and it needed to be handled... quickly. So I took care of it" I praise Dr Birch for everything she has done for us during both my pregnancies.. but this. Whew. Thank God for her.
 And his brother couldn't have been more proud of his little brother. HIS little brother. He wanted to hold, kiss on him and show him off! And he insisted Dane came out "a door" Yep, a door.
 The next few months, as with everyone, is a total blur. I do remember having a TON more energy than I did when I had Chaz. Probably because I had to have more. I had a 4 year-old and this crazypants to take care of. I quickly learned he was nothing like his brother -- except they look identical-- other than that, totally opposite. Case and point, sleeping habits. This one did not decide to get the memo. Chaz was sleeping through the night at 6 weeks, not this guy. He took two and half years. Yes, you read that correctly. But damn he was/is cute. I said that a lot. "Thank God you are cute" As I was up all.the.time. I will say, we did bond pretty intensely. I believe the reason he still loves for me to hold him so much is because we bonded so well in the beginning. Oh well, who really needs sleep, right?
 And his brother loved to help with him. He especially loved to help him smile in pictures. These always make me laugh so hard. I really think Chaz thought this made Dane look normal. BAHAHA!
 And then he was one. A sweet little fuzzy headed one. He was already the life of the party. He never met a stranger but didn't stay still long enough for a hug!
 His brother still loves on him all the time. Chaz seriously was not jealous of Dane (until much, much later) He just loved on him so much!
 And I mean, how could you not!
 And he was/is such a happy baby! Always making faces, which has continued through the years. And his giggle and laugh are the best!
 And then he was two. He loved everything cars, trucks and trains! He was still on the move and not slowing down for anybody! His hair was so blond that it was difficult to cut so he always had crazy fly aways that nobody saw until we were in the sunlight.
 And he wanted to be just like his brother. Can you tell which cowboy is which?
  **top is chaz, bottom is dane**

And he was ALWAYS under, or in this case on, my feet. He has been walking since he was 10 months old (just like his brother.. to the exactly day.)  but he has been MUCH more needy of a kiddo. Look at that face, how could I say no?!?
 He developed this cheeky grin. Eyes were usually closed and the grin was in full form. It was so darn cute with those cheeks and that wrinkly nose.
 He is certainly our daredevil. He will pretty much do anything you ask him to. This, obviously, makes a Momma's heart skip a beat a little.
And then he was three. Oh three. I have said it once and I will say it again, I will do two all day long if I never have to do three again. Three is hard, y'all! Insert that "Thank God you are cute" quote again!

This is when his love for Superheros grew strong.. and by love I mean infatuation!! He actually wore a costume for 17 days straight. I was staying up at night to wash a superhero costume so it was clean and dry by the time he woke up. I actually had friends calling, texting and FBing to find out the status of my costume kiddo in the morning. HA!
 And remember that cheeky grin, oh it only got better. Insert his awesome personality and let it shine!!!
 And then he found his best friend. These two. I mean, you know, that vicious pit we have #eyeroll. Well, they have a great bond and she gives him more love and kisses than I can even imagine!
 And he took the Superheros everywhere. And I seriously mean everywhere. So much so that they made a cameo in our family pictures this spring. He wasn't giving them up and they were such a part of him, we just let it happen. He actually used to take them everywhere. He would carry a backpack, or two, to the ball fields, to birthday parties, to dinner, on vacation, to the park, literally any and every where!
And then he was four. All the sudden I blinked and he looked more like a boy than a baby. I still refer to him as the baby (Chaz is called "The boy")

He started his love for hats around this age. He is known to wear 1, 3 or even 4 hats at once and always has one on. He was still such a happy kiddo but we also started to see him when he would have a "mood" and watch out when the happy kid was cranky because wow, just wow. 
 He started this too. "Hey mom, want to see me pop my eyebrows?" and I would see this. Hilarious. This kid is just hilarious.
 That cheeky grin changed from full eyes closed to this one-eyed Popeye kind of thing. I love it! He would literally do the "wink smile"
 and remember, family photo shoots are no time to be normal. Or maybe it is because this is his normal and I love every bit of it!
So back to the Superheros. This is probably one of my favorite stories because it shows his personality SO much. One morning he was hollering for me as I was back in my room and I round the corner to see this. "Mom, they tied me up. For real, my mens tied me up!"
 And then he was five. How did this happen? Who let this happen? Wasn't he just born?
 He loves the Razorbacks and the Cubs but still can't understand how they will never play each other. We are working on that one 😁
 He will still take any and every opportunity to be the silly one. I often hear "Hey mom, look at this!"
 And he is just simply beautiful. He is such a beautiful child.
He loves sports and just being a rough boy. He plays baseball and football but loves football more because he "forgets" it is just flag football and he isn't suppose to tackle.
He graduated PreK and headed to kindergarten this year. He quickly became a little more shy than before but is doing great in school and making some new friends.
He has permagrin all the time. He has his days but for the most part is genuinely happy. When he has said days, don't try to reason with him, it is like talking to a wall. He will never wave the white flag. Just walk away. It is for your own good.

He sleeps in bed with his brother and has for years. I am not sure how or why this started but I think it is sweet. One day Chaz will kick him out so for now we will just enjoy it. 

We love you so much, sweet boy! Thank you for completing our family. We really couldn't imagine life without you. You bring so much laughter in this house, you are just like your daddy! You make Momma's heart so happy and your hugs are unmatched. You are a good little brother, even if you and your brother argue 85% of the time (I'm hoping it is a phase) You are so spunky, funny and kind. Please always be you. YOU are something amazing. I can't wait to see what you accomplish in this life. You will do great things!  Happy birthday, Dane Hill!
And for the birthday quiz! This is all him, no assisting.


DANE
Age: 6
Height: 3' 8"
Weight: 40lbs
Favorite color: Neon Yellow
Favorite toy: Legos and mens
Favorite food: Cheese
Favorite snack: Cheese Its
Favorite drink: Green Drink (V8 Caribbean green)
Favorite TV Show: Teen Titians Go
Favorite movie: Voltron
Favorite animal: Monkey
Favorite song: See you again - Charlie Puth and Wiz Khalifa
Favorite sports team: Cubs and Razorbacks and Broncos (Flag football team ONLY!)
Favorite thing to do outside: Play Nerf guns
What makes you happy: Friends
What makes you sad: Mean people
Who is your best friend: Jack Johnson
One thing about your dad: Silly
One thing about your mom: Happy
One thing about your bro: Tricky
One thing about your family: I love my family
Somewhere you want to travel: High rise
Someone you admire: Daddy
What do you want to be when you grow up: Lifeguard

 

And I forgot to post Chaz's with his birthday post so please check back and scroll to the bottom. ENJOY!

Friday, September 15, 2017

My baby is a DECADE old. What?!?! // Chaz // 9.2017

So I am literally over a year behind on my blog. I haven't even posted his 9th birthday post BUT I cannot let this day go without boasting my kid. The kid that made me a mommy. He literally gave me the best title in the world! He is TEN today. TEN. Seriously, didn't he just turn 3? or 5? or 7? Ten, really?

This kid. He has had my heart since day one. He is incredibly smart and has the heart of an angel. I was at school the other day and one of the kids came up to me and said "Hey, aren't you Chaz's mom?" Obviously, I responded "yes" with a beam of pride on my face. And then he said "Do you know you have the popular kid in school??" Without skipping a beat I told him "that is cool but is he the nice and kind kid in school?" The kid quickly replied "Oh yes! He is very nice, nice to everyone!!"  Again with a beam of pride I replied "Well good! I am cool with having the popular kid in school but I would much rather have the kind kid. It is so much more important"  And he is, so kind. 
 He is a friend to everyone he knows and he is a GOOD friend. He is loyal to a fault, like his parents. And would literally do anything for anyone, like his daddy. He is hilarious, I'm going to give that one to me :) Kidding, I think we are all kinda funny.  I mean who does this goofy face in the middle of family pictures.. this kid.
This day. One of the best days of my life. I remember thinking "Ummm, they are going to send him home with me? They trust me... oh God, I am a real adult now" HAHA!  I mean look at that face. Yeah, I think we were all so terrified.
He was really an amazing baby. He slept in his crib from day one, even naps. And he really didn't fight going to sleep. Fast forward 10 years and he actually will ask to go to bed sometimes. He likes his sleep!  Chaz was sleeping through the night at 6 weeks! I mean, don't get me wrong, it certainly wasn't all rainbows. He had a horrid witching hour. If he wasn't fed and in bed by 8, it was terrible. I am pretty sure there were nights when everyone in the house was in tears. Babies are hard, y'all!
 Next thing I knew he was one! He had ZERO hair and an adorable gap (think Strahan times 3) between his two front teeth.  He was a very happy and VERY energetic baby!
 And then he was two. He had a little hair but still not much. He was a good two year-old. We certainly had our days but it was nothing "terrible" like they say!
And then he was three... oh three. He was super cute and his personality started to show. And boy did it show. I'm not going to lie, three was SO hard. This is where parents say "Thank God you are cute"
 I love this. There is that goofy personality!




Four. Just like that my baby was looking more and more like a kid. A big kid! He found his love for art and Legos this year. I was always so impressed when he would finish a Lego. He would ask for some of the more challenging ones, over his age reco, and I always thought "I'll be putting this one together" but he always stuck with it and finished them. He was also about to have a big shift in life. He was about to become a big brother and could not have been more excited about it!
And then his world completely changed. He was no longer the only child. He had to share his time with us. He had to share the attention we gave. He had to share the love we gave. He had to share almost everything. But he did it and he was wonderful about it! He is SUCH a great big brother. He is constantly teaching and guiding his little brother. Sometimes a little too much as he often hears "Chaz you are not his parent" from me! But he really is an awesome big brother!
 Now don't get me wrong, there are bad days. There are terrible days. I have told them many a time that they are the only ones who will be with each other for their entire lives! One day, hopefully when you are really old, you won't have us, you will just have each other. SO learn to get along.
 But there are SO many more good times. I used to let Dane sleep in Chaz's bunk bed as a reward. He would start on the top bunk but by morning he would be down with Chaz. That reward quickly turned into the norm and I think he has been sleeping in Chaz's room for almost three years now. And some days I catch them like this! They couldn't get any closer!
Five. Wow. This was half his life ago yet, it feels like it was yesterday. That grin, those cheeks. My heart. He started kindergarten and our suspicions of him being smart were certainly confirmed. He was also very well behaved. They had a behavior system with pink being the highest you could get and he consistently came home with double and sometimes triple pinks. He is SUCH a good kiddo!
 Six. Six was a good year. He started losing teeth which was fun for us. He thought it was exciting and was never scared to yank on them (which makes me queasy) And this was the year of the stitches. He was riding his bike and took a chin to the concrete. He was so brave and he insisted on wearing his helmet to the ER so the doc knew he was wearing it when he fell. Always the rule follower. 
 And then he was seven WOW.  He is so handsome. He kept his love for art and Legos but also found his love for sports, especially baseball. This kid LOVES baseball!
 
Eight. Eight hit me hard. He was so grown up. He was so independent. He was so strong willed (not always a good thing) His personality was shining. I started to notice his kindness. He has always been a kind kid but being able to see him in different environments, especially with different mixes of kids and parents, he was just always so kind. Oh and this was the year of the hair. OH.THAT.HAIR.
Nine. My baby wasn't a baby. I couldn't even really pick him up anymore, although I tried. He had become handsome instead of just cute. He has had to face more challenges. This was the year of the broken hand. He broke it the day before his baseball season began. He had to understand the meaning of team and sportsmanship because, even though he wasn't able to play, he had to go to every game and cheer on his teammates. He did it and he did it with such grace. We were so proud of him.  He has lost friendships, he has gained friendships. He has failed, he has succeeded. Each step crushes my momma heart but makes him so much stronger. He challenges me. He drives me crazy. He makes me mad. He makes me smile. He makes me laugh. He makes me cry. He makes me love.
 And just like that, he is ten. TEN! He is my selfie buddy.
 He loves any and all things baseball.... and flat brimmed hats.
 He loves any and all things neon and can literally sleep anywhere.
He loves to steal my phone and take selfies, usually anywhere from 4-80!
 He loves his momma!
 He is and has always been a goofy little dude.
 He is and has always been very patriotic. He knows if he sees a veteran he needs to thank them for their service. He has been known to walk across a restaurant just to do so.
Chaz Hill, I am so proud to call you mine. You are genuinely a fantastic kid. Keep doing you and don't forget to be awesome!
 And the birthday quiz. Enjoy!!


CHAZ
Age: 10
Height: 4' 9"
Weight: 65lbs
Favorite color: Neon Yellow
Favorite toy: Baseball
Favorite food: Gusanos Pizza
Favorite snack: Goldfish
Favorite drink: Milk
Favorite TV Show: American Ninja Warrior
Favorite movie: Sandlot and Rookie of the year
Favorite animal: Penguin
Favorite song: See you again - Charlie Puth and Wizkalifa
Favorite sports team: Cubs and Razorbacks
Favorite thing to do outside: Baseball
What makes you happy: Family
What makes you sad: Bullies
Who is your best friend: Jackson
One thing about your dad: Helpful
One thing about your mom: Loving
One thing about your bro: Loud
One thing about your family: Amazing and funny
Somewhere you want to travel: Hawaii
Someone you admire: Dad
What do you want to be when you grow up: MLB player