Max's 7th Birthday Party

Sunday was our nephew Max's 7th birthday party and wow, what an experience. All I can say is that I'm going to try and enjoy these next few years of quiet as much as possible-who knew 7 year olds were so nuts?! Max's "real" birthday isn't until April 2, he and his family were meant to be in Thailand but had to cancel their trip as my brother in law has had an absolute nightmare with having his tonsils out and 3 surgeries later has been told he can't fly. Anyway, the party theme was camo/army and whilst it was a little crazy, Calum had a great time hanging out with the kids and getting lots of attention from the family.

I just can't believe Max is going to be 7, when I first met him he was 3 and it seems like in the blink of an eye he's grown up into a proper boy. Calum already adores him and I know as he gets older will probably idolise him and be Max's little shadow. At first I think Max had a bit of a hard time adjusting to not being the baby of the family anymore but over the past few months he's really seemed to grow on the idea of being the older and more wise cousin and has been really sweet with Calum-helping feed him, always making sure he has his little comfort muslin and playing with him when he comes over.

Most exciting is that Calum & Max won't be the only boys of the family..... Tracey (Mark's sister) told us last week she's having a boy! Her baby is due in June so there will be just over a year between her son and Calum so he gets to have not one but two boys to grow up with! Can't wait x

Calum & Mom
Hanging out with Max and the other kids
Max playing with Calum
Calum with Holly and Uncle Paul

New begining, a milestone and an ending, too

What a week it's been! To start the week one of my dearest friends welcomed a beautiful daughter into the world; Lorelei Ann Shepherd was born to Andy & Leah on Monday the 15th weighing in at 6 lbs 4 0z-a gorgeous little mini me just like her Mom. Anyone that knows Andy & Leah know that these two are going to make amazing parents and I just can't believe I have to wait 4 more months to meet her.

Lovely Leah pre-Lorelei
Lorelei

Another milestone this week is Westyn's 1st birthday which is today, March 18th. I know Ashley & Troy have a special little party planned and again, wish more then anything that we could help celebrate. As I mentioned to Ashley earlier this week, it's unbelievable how fast a year goes by and just unfathomable how much our lives have been touched by these little miracles. Happy Birthday, Westyn-may all of your wishes come true!

Calum & Westyn playing footsie back in October

Lastly after almost 6 years working for Greythorn/EMR/The FiveTen Group, I handed in my resignation. It was a hard decision to make but one that I don't regret. My time with them gave me some amazing opportunities which included an unforgettable trip to Dubai 4 years ago where I would meet my husband and the opportunity to transfer to London and fulfill a lifelong dream of living abroad. Unfortunately this chapter of my life isn't quite over so wish me luck.

Daddy's boy

It's no secret around here that Calum is a "Daddy's boy". Despite me spending 24/7 with him while Mark is at work M-F, Calum and Mark have formed a bond that old Mom just can't compete with. I have to say, it's lovely to watch and touching as I know Mark and Calum are going to continue to be close for the rest of their lives which is something Mark didn't get to have with his own Dad who died of a heart attack when Mark was 12. This video shows just what sort of reception Dad gets when he comes home from work. Have a great week x

Buh Bye.....

Rehydrating/double fisting it after a weekend with no food or milk...

The past week or so has been a stressful one, Calum has been really sick. What started a couple of weeks ago as sniffles progressed into a smokers hack accompanied by fevers of up to 104 degrees over the weekend. As of today, it seems we've finally turned the corner and are on our way to having our baby back. In addition to worrying, it's been awful not even seeing a glimmer of a smile or that shine he usually has in his eyes.

Sick baby on the couch watching Baby Einstein

Somehow last week Calum finally learned to wave bye bye (since December we've been waving like lunatics and getting nothing but a smile in return). It's pretty cute, he can't seem to figure out how to do it with just one hand so as with everything else, he does it double. That's my boy! Video below since I can't figure out how to post it here...

Last week we went for a much needed walk with one of my friends and Calum went on the swings for the first time, he loved it! We have also found out that Calum loves ice cream-since he's refused to eat much of anything over the past few days we gave him a bite out of desperation (okay, maybe more like a few bites!). Must remember all that he had whilst in the womb ;)! Otherwise we've just been getting by and I've just been trying to not go insane stuck at home. Hopefully the gorgeous weather we're having will continue so Calum and I can enjoy it later in the week x

Calum on the swings

Calum and his friend Maggie-funny when I took him back by himself he just didn't seem to enjoy the swings nearly as much. Baby love!