Anna-Kate

My dearest Anna-Kate,

In a little over two months you will be five. FIVE YEARS OLD! I have no idea how the sweet baby girl who made me a mommy is almost five. I am having a really hard time comprehending how time has passed so fast and you are a big sister times two--the best big sister mind you.

I cannot begin to tell you how much love I hold in my heart for you. You are so funny, so happy, so curious and smart, lovable and kind. I could go on for hours. You make my smile and your laugh is absolutely the most contagious thing my ears have ever heard.

I've been begging you lately to let me cut your hair because it's summer and mainly because it's so hard to take care of . Deep down somewhere inside I'm so glad you want to keep it :). Even though those sweet curls give me a headache every morning.

You go to kindergarten this year. I'm so excited for you. And nervous. I really think it will be good for you because you are such a social sweetheart. I already ordered your backpack and I got your first batch of school clothes yesterday. We're about to venture into a whole new world that neither of us know nothing about. Next year we will evaluate how your year went and see if maybe homeschooling is the better option. But right now, for our family, kindergarten at one of the best schools is what's happening this year and I believe you will do great!

I love you sweet princes pea.

Hudson-7 months of sweetness

My sweet, handsome little guy is 7 months old today. It's really unbelievable how fast time flies. And ridiculous. Here he is in all his 7 month old boy-ness.

I mean seriously, sometimes I want to squeeze him so hard because of the intense love I feel for him. He melts my heart into a big puddle of emotional momma. I love him. So much.

He finally decided he'd exert some effort into sitting up and is doing it well.

He is already eating us broke. The boy loves food. Even though his sisters loved food also they have nothing on what this boy can put away. It's quite amazing. His favorite food is sweet potatoes. 

He's a funny kid. He figured out this week that he can change the tone of his voice from this deep boy grunt to a high pitched, all over the place, straight up loudness. It's hilarious. He's hilarious. As if the picture below doesn't prove my case in point.

FUNNY! I love this boy. So deeply. 

He's still a momma's boy through and through but I can tell he is growing quite fond of his Daddy :). 

He holds his sisters hands when we're in the car because he is forced to sit between the two of them...I'm not sure it's all his idea though ;).

He loves to splash water in the bath tub. 

He is sleeping better at night. It's a work in progress.

He's still in a size 3 diaper and wears 6-9 month clothes.

Still nurses.

Naps great.

We love having this little boy in our family and I can't even remember what the days were like without him. He fits perfectly.

Love.

Much love.

big happenings

We have so many changes coming up that I'm getting a little anxious and READY to get going.

We are closing on our first home on June 22nd! We have to be out of our current rental by June 30th. God has worked miracles in getting everything done in such a quick manner...such as having our loan officer sending emails AND getting replies from the approval dude at midnight on the Saturday we found the house. SERIOUSLY?! I don't think that happens all the time ;).

When we close we have to jump in full force and paint. I'm not looking forward to this part. I hate painting. I just started project furniture improvement which is requiring LOTS of painting and LOTS of sweating here in the heart of Texas. Oy.

My first project pieces are two matching IKEA beds I got off of craigslist for...wait for it...$30!! No joke! Good thing because the paint to paint those suckers cost $28. WHY is paint so expensive?!

Here is one of the beds ALMOST finished :)

And here is the bed that I haven't done yet

Sooooo much better white huh?! I think so too :). I'm SOOO super excited for the girls room to be just the way I, ahem, I mean we want it. AK is so excited about the new bedding she picked out. Here it is: 

Isn't that going to look SO adorable in a sweet pale pink room with their new white beds, white Pier 1 wicker dresser and bedside table? Oh I can't wait to see it all together!

So that's what's new with us. Packing and painting. 

Also, we are in the process of finding a nanny (a college student from our church is what we're shooting for) to live with us. If you think about it please pray for that process and for the right person.

Fourth of July creations

I had a mommy friend hook me up with sibling shirts. Then I made a coordinating headband and tutu to go with it. I cannot wait to hear from the sweet momma who receives them (they live in another country as missionaries and a team will be going over in which I'll send these goodies with). I hope she loves them. 

Then I went in with this same mommy to create Fourth of July shirt and bow combos. It turned into a shirt, bow and tutu combo when people saw the above creation and wanted the same. It has been so fun to have people who love and appreciate your work. I love creating things for people. Here's an example of one we just made:

.

Isn't it adorable?! I seriously love it. If I could pull it off I might consider it hehe. 

If you are interested in one visit my facebook page and shoot me a message :).

www.facebook.com/LittleBowHead 

Hudson-6 months old

My little sweet baby boy is 6 months old today. I know we all say this every time but time zooms by way too fast. It doesn't feel like it has been six months. Not even close.

Hudson is such a sweet sweet little guy. He is so laid back and content it's unbelievable. His chill disposition is a welcomed thing following two very active and loud girls. I'm sure he won't stay so still and quiet forever but I'm enjoying his contentment to just hang out and be happy. 

He's finally accepting the fact that he has to lay on his stomach if he ever wants to become mobile one day. It's been a battle with that boy. He's so happy to just lay on his back and side and kick himself backwards to get the toys he wants. 

He is a momma's boy through and through. If I leave him for long he lets everyone know that he's not happy about it. 

He's a champ in the car. Hardly ever disputes car rides which is good because sometimes he spends a lot of time in his carseat. 

He is still not sleeping through the night. I've tried. He just needs to eat, haha. I really do think he just requires more food than his sisters did. He's a boy. Even though he still wakes up he goes to bed every night usually by 7:30 or 8. Most times he sleeps until around 4 but has been waking up at 2 ish some nights. Then again at 4 or 6. He's not very consistent with all of that...except for being down "for the night" around 8. 

He isn't sitting up. Could careless to do that also.

I started him on cereal when he was about 5 months old...hoping it would ease his appetite. So far it has worked, only slightly. 

He started baby food soon after that and mostly loves it, except for what he doesn't, like carrots. 

Overall this little guy brings much sweetness into our lives. 

He loves his sisters. 

Has 'as big as your face' smiles. 

Likes his jumpy. 

Drools like a bulldog. 

Isn't giving of his giggles but smiles at the drop of a hat.

Wears a size 3 diaper.

6-9 month clothes.

And weighs in on Tuesday :).

We love you to pieces handsome Hudson! 

back in business :)

Well I'm not sure anyone has noticed but I have been MIA for a while. I started the hello morning challenge and never came back haha. It has been more difficult than I imagined it would be. If it's not one thing it's another. Sick kid(s). Sick mommy. 2 year molars. Hungry baby. Horrible dental procedures. Just things that keep knocking my best intentions for a loop. On top of all of that I have been keeping an almost three year old little boy Monday-Friday and that's exhausting in itself. AND on top of all THAT I started my bow business back up...putting some fun twists in there. It's no longer just bows. I took Isabelle for a "product shoot" yesterday morning ...take a look and see what I mean :).

Although it's quite time consuming I have been enjoying the time I am setting aside to use my creative side. It's been locked away for a good two years now (since I had Isabelle). Even though the state of my house is taking a huge hit I'm feeling almost alive again :). I get to go on a date with my husband tomorrow night. That might push my "feeling alive" to a whole new level :D.

If you are interested in any of my products please feel free to check out my etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBowHead and if you are on Facebook go like my page to stay up to date on new items and GIVEAWAYS www.facebook.com/LittleBowHead.

I hope I'm getting out of my little funk. I'm ready.

a change is coming

Well Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and experienced the love of Jesus.

Starting January 16th I will be participating in "Inspired to Action : Hello Mornings" and will be using my blog to document how I am doing, what I am learning and the "progress" I am making in maximizing my mornings. I really do wish to grow this year in my personal life so I am taking necessary steps to do so. Instead of creating a whole new blog geared towards this expedition I decided to just start it here so I'm not overwhelmed keeping up multiple blogs...we all know I have a hard enough time as it is :). So if you are still coming around to my blog I hope you enjoy the change and I hope you are inspired to maximize your mornings as well :D.

Now, I guess I can atleast give an update on my babies while I'm here.

Anna-Kate: She is such a sweet growing girl! I cannot believe she is about to be five and starts REAL school this year! I'll try to hold it together.

We put her in Kid's Kingdom, a mother's day out program at a local church, two days a week and she is loving that! It was soooo hard for me to turn over control and allow her to branch out and experience life on her own. I know I sound like she just moved out but this is a big deal people! Haha. I've been home with her every day of her life...but she's not a baby anymore...this is good for us (I'm totally pep talking myself here).

She's writing her whole name (except for the K, we are experiencing difficulties with that one for some reason) and I

find that quite a feat since it's not like my name, Tia. That would've been much easier for her. Lol!

She loves going to kid church on Sunday morning. She sang in her very first program at church the weekend before Christmas. It was precious.

She took her first camping trip with her Daddy a couple of weekends ago. He FINALLY took her fishing. She's been waiting to go fishing since the day she turned four. They didn't catch anything but I know that trip is something she will never forget. These kids have the best Daddy. He's so good at doing one-on-one things with them.

I just know this year is going to be a huge one for her! I'm so excited to see what God has in store for this precious girl.

Isabelle: February 1st we celebrate this gals second birthday. Her personality is really blossoming and I'm seeing more everyday that she's going to have us very very busy.

I should start calling her pistol...sister has an attitude like no other. This year is going to be a tough season for us and her, parents and child, I think. It's time to start smoothing out the rough edges.

Despite her two-year-oldness she has this really sweet snuggly side too. She is so quick to say sorry and give hugs and kisses when she has done something wrong.

She looooves her baby brother.

Her vocabulary is really taking off and has just started calling Anna-Kate by name the past few weeks. It's the most adorable thing ever!

She recently, as in last weekend, got moved to a toddler bed because she climbed out of her crib and now sports a nice bruise where her forehead met the wood floor. Forehead-wood floor. Wood floor-forehead. Since you have been formally introduced there is no need for a re-do. Thanks. To my surprise she has done amazingly well obeying and staying in bed. Based off of other areas of stubbornness I thought this was going to be horrible, just as it was for her big sister when was was 2, but praise the Lord above He has spared me the struggle so far. I think He knows momma needs some encouragement in this parenting journey.

She has been introduced to the potty but makes no bones about pooping in the tub or on herself. I think she's going to take a little bit longer than AK did...which was 6 days. I hope not though.

Praying for a smooth smoothing of the rough edges this year :).

Hudson: Oooooooooooooh my sweet little buddy bear. We love him so. He is 2 months old now, 12 lbs. 12 oz. and 21 inches long. Quite a shorty, that one. He's on his own little whacked out schedule right now but I'm less pushy about it with him. He will figure it out in his own time. I think I'm so chill about it because he's so good. Sleeps, eats, coos, swats at his toys. Just a plain old happy baby. Hardly causes any trouble. Oh and he has the best smiles :).

And much to my delight, he still has the bluest eyes, just like littlest big sister.

I'll be back by or on the 16th for my first Hello Mornings post.

family pics and such

Life is slowly settling down. Hudson is such a sweet sweet little guy. We've had some nursing problems but we are working them out. Hopefully soon it will be a thing of the past. The girls are adjusting well. Anna-Kate adores her bubba and Isabelle refuses to let me put her in the car to go somewhere without taking him to the car at the same time. She will stand with her hand on his seat and say, "baby" over and over again until I pick his seat up. It's so precious. She refuses to let me "leave" him.

My sweet friend took family pics for us the other day. Isabelle didn't nap (totally daddy's fault) and was a total stink pot. Luckily we got a shot that will work for our Christmas card this year :). Gotta love AK's fake smile.

He's one day old in this pic :)

Love my babies.

HE'S HERE!

Hudson Willis Gathright

born November 4, 2011

at 9:55 am

7 lbs, 20 in long

We are in love with this precious little boy.

I cannot get enough of him.

I really can't.
He's as sweet as pie.

38 weeks!

I was 38 weeks on Monday.

I cannot believe we are SO close to meeting our son.

I'm trying to stay patient.

Trying.

At my 36 week check up I was

one centimeter.

At 37 weeks, still a one.

I go tomorrow and I'm really hoping

for more progress.

She will also strip membranes

if he's low enough to do so.

Last week he wasn't.

I was just a little bummed.

I'm ready to

have my body back :).

If he doesn't come by next Friday,

November 4th,

I will be induced.

My husband can't take off any work

except the day of delivery

so a Friday birth day is ideal for us.

Maybe he will choose to come this Friday? :)

A girl can dream can't she?!

amazing weather

It feels amazing here today.

Like I can't even describe it.

The high is 68.

It's incredible.

Finally some open window weather :).

In celebration of such amazingness

I got up and met a friend at a local pumpkin patch

then we headed to the zoo.

Fresh air all around.

It's good to have friends :D

36 weeks!

I have made it to 36 weeks with my little mister

and I can't believe it has gone by so fast.

I go to the doctor tomorrow and I

PRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY

I have some sort of progress towards going into labor soon.

My body is in terrible pain.

I have no idea how I will make it another 4 weeks.

IF I make it another 4 weeks.

We all say that don't we?

We made it "home" and our house is coming together nicely.

I'm enjoying it...mostly.

I am not, however, enjoying the hardwood floors

ALL over.

I swept AND mopped the other day

and it took a good two hours

and I paid for it greatly in my back.

I'm having a slightly difficult time creating a new schedule.

(I always do with change)

And I feel like once I do get it down it will all change again very soon.

Thankfully I do know that Isabelle naps from 1-3

and the girls go to bed at 7 PM every night.

We don't know much about the hubby's new schedule just yet

but until November 4th he will work/train

7a-4:30p Mon-Thurs

and 7-11 Fri.

That has us feeling fairly normal right now.

But again, that will change just as our son arrives

and out of whack we go again :).

So that's my update.

house

We gotta house. We gotta house.

WE GOTTA HOUSE!

I am sooooo excited.

We move in six days.

SIX!

moving.breast cancer.insanely busy.

We are moving next weekend. We have to go to Waco this weekend to nail down a rental property to lease. We were on the path to buying a house but then quickly realized how long that process can be. We didn't want to rush into anything we didn't absolutely love so we decided renting for 6-12 months would be best...although I REALLY do NOT want to be moving again in 6 months. Oh well. I'm just thankful to be getting back to the place we love.

My mom found out about a week and a half ago that she has breast cancer. It has been a barrage of doctor appointments and decisions and stressful moments. I find it no surprise that God provided my husband a job literally a week before we found this out. There are many other things happening that might involve myself having a genetics test done very soon.

In all my madness I took some time today to photograph a friends little family. I don't know what would make me volunteer such a project with all the mess I have going on in my house right now but I'm glad I could do it before we leave.

(Isabelle offering her payment of gratitude :))

(P.S. wouldn't that make a great album name? Will Play for Rocks. Hehehe.)

I am close to 34 weeks now. Insane how time has flown by.

The girls are growing so big every day. Not sure how this all happened either.

Hope everyone out there in blogger land it doing well.

Say a prayer for us if you think about it.

Thanks!

life in cell phone pics

^packing :D^

^growing^

^maturing^

^going to the library for story time with friends^

^cheesing really big^

^tea timing it up in the princess castle^

^learning a little someone is apparently allergic to bandaids^

^being silly^

^being grateful that, indeed!, three kids and their carseats can fit in the backseat of my car. whew.^

^being adorable!!!^

I feel so horrible that I hardly ever touch my Canon anymore. It's just so much easier to use my phone. I need to stop doing that. I go through seasons where my camera is attached to my face and then seasons where it collects dust. I bet you once Hudson makes his appearance it might make it to my face again :).