Horton Family Blog

Mother of two...for two more days...

2010-04-10T14:31:00.002-05:00

This post is just my opportunity to share my thoughts and a little bit about our life as it is right this moment. It will change in a mere two days, and we will have a new addition and a new normal...and it is GOOD.

First of all, right now, TJ is 3 years 3.5 months old. He is SO fun--and talks an awful lot at times. His favorite thing is to ask "what's that, mommy?" He just wants to know! And he never forgets a thing! He is so smart and I'm kinda torn as to whether to send him to a preschool class or do preschool stuff at home with him. Sometimes I think he needs the structured classroom environment, but then I think how much I'd miss having him at home if he went...so I remain undecided for an undetermined amount of time. How's that for riding the fence? :) TJ also LOVES, LOVES, LOVES his Daddy! I can tell he is at the age where he just wants to do everything Buckie does. And he even says he is sad when Buckie is at work when he wakes up in the morning--which WAS everyday, until TJ started waking really early (I think so he could see him before he left for work). What a sweet boy he is! And a natural leader, no doubt! If you've not had a chance to experience some TJ...you need to!

Sadie is about to turn 2 years old this month (April 21st). She is, as we expected, advanced for her age in many ways--mostly verbal. She actually puts sentences with 5 and 6 words or more together. Now, we cannot always make out the words she is telling us--but we know she knows what she is saying and it would make perfect sense if we could just understand her. But she says what she wants very clearly! For example, she will come to me and say "help me shoes on" and I'm to help her put her shoes on. Or she will tell us what blanket she wants at night or what she wants to drink--and careful!--don't be the one who doesn't give her what she wants!!! She will then let you know that it was NOT what she asked for!!! She isn't demanding...lol...just a girl who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to say so. But Sadie has a skill that goes unmatched in my world...and that is that she gives THE BEST hugs a child could give! She will wrap her arms around my neck and just hold on so tight that I don't EVER EVER want to let go! Waking her in the morning gets me a good one, and so does putting her to bed. But also, she likes to just sit beside me and have me put my arm around her to snuggle. She will hold onto my arm and keep it around her. With Mr. Independent, TJ, who only occasionally (like when he's hurt or not feeling well) will say "Mommy, I wanna hold you"...Sadie wants to snuggle MANY times a day. Love my sweet girl...she is such a blessing and I can't believe I ever said I only wanted boys.

Now TJ and Sadie together make quite a pair. They know how to talk to each other, be sweet, have fun, play, share, and also fight like the best of the best brothers and sisters. I'm really hoping they will work out together sharing a room soon...because I think they would enjoy each other's company so much! And I think they feel really comfortable having each other nearby...I mean, they've not really known life without the other! (They are only 15.5 months apart!) They are real buddies and already close pals. I cannot wait to see how life is for them being so bonded.

And of course, Jack is to be born in two days. Jack must be the most patient baby ever...and I'm counting on it! He will be taught the same healthy sleep habits and will be nurtured in the same ways his brother and sister were, but he is also going to have to be flexible in order to go along with all we need to do these days. I'm sure he will fit into our family and be adaptable as we expect, and we are THRILLED to be having him now. He IS our last baby...without a doubt. That is something both Buckie and I felt peace about very early in my pregnancy with him. And as soon as we found out he was a boy--we were hoping!--we just KNEW he was the completion of our family. So, this weekend, I'm enjoying feeling baby movements in my belly, his hiccups at times, and the last days I'll be pregnant EVER. I heard a friend say it is "bittersweet" to be having your last baby...I just say "SWEET!" I am truly blessed by TJ and Sadie, and even already by Jack. I am just excited to get to enjoy life with Buckie and our THREE kiddos...and to see them enjoy life together!

So...that wraps up my thoughts for now. I GUARANTEE an update after Jack's birth...with pictures! It's been a long time coming, but I'm committed to blogging more often so you can keep up with all of us a little better. So keep checking back! Just two more days...and then I'll be a mother of THREE!!!

Update coming!!!

2009-11-17T21:06:00.003-06:00

OK...so it has been 7 months since my last update...so a LOT has changed! We have moved from our apartment to a house that we love! Sadie is 18 months old now...and TJ will be three YEARS old next month! WOW!!! So...I have lots of pictures to sort through--then I'll post the official update! Thank you for your patience!

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY TO SADIE!

2009-04-18T20:54:00.006-05:00

Well, I cannot believe it--Sadie will be turning one on Tuesday this upcoming week! And today we had her party! It was a GREAT party with lots of close friends there, and we ate and ate, and then ate cake! The cakes turned out perfect and we have LOTS leftover that we will eat off of this week.

Sadie was the hit of the party of course--from her entrance in the video below...to the green icing all over her...to eating watermelon herself. :) She is such a sweet baby girl and a true princess at heart, living up to the meaning of her name!

So, happy birthday to Sadie--and here are lots of pictures for you to enjoy the day with us!

Snow day update

2009-03-19T23:14:00.002-05:00

We finally had SNOW in Alabama this year! Who knew it would come in March?!?! It was a good one, even though it didn't last very long. But we managed to get out in it, throw snowballs, take pictures and freeze our fingers before coming back into our warm home! TJ just LOVED playing in it! He would just ask us to kiss his freezing and red hands to make them feel better--because I'm guessing they hurt they were so cold! And he just cried when we said time to come in. He is such an adventurous 2-year-old...and we LOVE that about him!

Sadie and I snuggled under her warmest blanket while we were outside. She wasn't in the snow playing like TJ, but she sure was cute all bundled up! Enjoy the snow pics!

Update Needed!

2009-01-13T14:01:00.004-06:00

Hello all! A lot has happened since my last post! First of all...Sadie pulled up to standing at around 7 1/2 months, and now she's "cruising"--which means walking with the help of holding onto furniture (or us--whichever is closest). :) She looks so cute to be cruising! She is also eating more and more table foods now--THANK Goodness!! I thought we were going to be serving baby food forever! AGH! She likes to eat beans, pasta, and real veggies and fruits! She still loves her some applesauce though! And if only she'd get those first teeth in!

Then Christmas happened! It kinda came and went this year. We went up to South Carolina and got to see just ALL of our family! (Well, except the extended ones.) It was so nice to see everyone and we got lots of pictures with TJ and Sadie with their cousins! That's the first time we've all been together in YEARS! It was such a nice trip!

And TJ TURNED TWO YEARS OLD!!! Can you believe it?!? I remember just before he turned one...he started walking like he'd been doing it all along. Well, this year, just after his 2-year mark, he has started talking more and more like he's been forming sentences all along! Amazing how the milestones happen right on cue! Now, he is also about to get his two-year molars in. I can only tell by the fact that he chews his fingers in the back of his mouth--which he's never done. He is also hungry all day, and may be about to go thru a growth spurt. For part of TJ's Christmas, we put his "new" bed up--a twin bed. We've had it in his room for a few months, but finally put his new sheets on it and pillows, for him to sleep on when we returned home after Christmas. It looks nice for his room to have only the twin bed in there, and no longer have the crib set up! And he loves sleeping in it! He rolled off only once at the foot of the bed (where there is no rail) when he was playing. And one night, he cried out at about 1 o'clock in the morning, and when I went to check on him--I found him asleep on his rug on the floor. He didn't fall out--he must've just gotten out of bed and fallen asleep down there! HA! I've turned his bed around where the feet are at the wall, and the headboard keeps him from rolling off at the top, and the bedrail on the side keeps him from rolling out that way. He has done great since doing that!

So...I guess my next update will be in a week. My BIG 3-0 is next Tuesday. I used to think 30 was old! Now, from what I hear, it's just "the next 20"! Yay for that! :) I have several goals this year, and one of them is to get back to looking like I did when I WAS 20 while I'm 30! :) I will keep you updated on my activities and my progress as it goes. And maybe (MAYBE) I'll get up the nerve to do some "before" pics to show you AFTER I'm done! :)

I am thoroughly enjoying TJ and Sadie at the ages/stages they are in now. I am looking forward to the day that we can go out more often (when our entire day isn't full of naptimes), and when they can BOTH talk and interact more with each other. Right now, TJ is saying "I love you, Sis" in his own special way--and I fall in love with them both over and over again each day!

Almost standing...

2008-11-15T14:14:00.000-06:00

Well, today Sadie is 6 months and 25 days old, and she pulled herself up onto her knees! :) She wants to stand so bad, and I'm sure that it is only a matter of time! Now the fun begins--because she can pull up onto her knees in her crib, but cannot get down without falling face-first into the side of the crib! :( She will get the hang of it soon and I'll get a photo or video to add!

She's crawling!!!

2008-11-03T20:32:00.003-06:00

Sadie must have woken up this morning deciding to try something new! I fed her breakfast, then put her on her tummy on the floor to play with a toy, and she CRAWLED!!! I caught it on video with our digital camera--it's a huge file, but a video none the less! Enjoy her cuteness! She is 6 months 13 days old today!!

Photo Post

2008-11-01T23:09:00.009-05:00

This post is just so you can all see TJ and Sadie in some of their best moments! Enjoy the pics and captions! :)

Here is one I snapped of Sadie as she was about to fall asleep one day. She has one of TJ's crib sheets on her bed because, as we found out this day, she is allergic to dairy products and had ONE bottle of formula for the first time. No more formula for her! And she was just so tired...

The next photo is of Sadie with TJ's Bama hat on...he put it on her head!

This one is of Sadie and I together--you know, trying to take our own pic! Love her tongue!

And the next photo is of TJ...being TJ! I was back changing Sadie's diaper and when I came back into the kitchen, I found TJ having a drink...of CHOCOLATE SYRUP! :) I'm sure he didn't get any because it is very thick, but he sure was trying!!

This one is of TJ trying to "fix" his rocking-horse. A bolt had come off from underneath, and Buckie lay under to really fix it, so TJ had to do the same!

And TJ and Sadie together in TJ's room. He LOVES it when I put her on his bed while we play in there, and he will often get up on the bed with her and "read" a book or play with a toy while she looks on. He loves her so much and she really seems to admire him already!

These next two photos are of TJ...with his smile and his sly face! He really does stick his tongue in his cheek and make a funny face! It is TOO cute!

And these are of Sadie...she is so cute and cuddly! Don't you want to just eat her up?!? :)

And here is one of Buckie with both TJ and Sadie from this afternoon! We love Saturday mornings when we have nothing going on!! And a few more of TJ and Sadie...

Hope you enjoyed the photo post! They are even more cute and sweeter in person...come see for yourself!!!

LONG Overdue...

2008-10-29T23:01:00.003-05:00

Well, it has been WAY too long since I updated this blog, and I will try to do a better job updating from now on!!! Enjoy this update!!

TJ is 22 months old now and is growing by leaps and bounds in so many areas! He is not, and has never been, the kid who does things on command...so we are just now hearing and seeing what he has always known. He talks a lot--and likes to name all of us as we are together, "Mama, Dada, 'my sis', Teej"...those are our names as he knows them! He also counts to five, especially while walking up or down stairs at home. Physically, he is of course running and climbing with all confidence, and he likes to roll too--when he does, he says, "Loll, Loll" (roll, roll)

TJ is also about to begin potty training!! He has been showing signs by pointing to his diaper and acting surprised by the sensation of going in his diaper. We are going to stock up on training undies and pull-ups and get a simple potty that I'm sure will go everywhere with us from now on! He is young for this, but our pediatrician says GO FOR IT! :) And TJ has always seemed ahead of his age group in many of these kinds of things! Can't wait! (Until then, we are hoping he will keep his diaper on!) OH--and TJ is in a toddler bed now! We've also bought and set up a twin bed in his room...for him later or for visitors now. His crib made into the toddler bed and I love it! It has the full rail still, so he can't fall out, but he can get in and out himself. Here is a picture of him snuggled up with a blanket and pillow in his "new" bed!

And Sadie is still the SWEETEST baby ever!!! She is almost mobile--trying to crawl everyday to catch up to her very active big brother! She also has, in the past week, pushed up to sitting once or twice and is staying awake a lot more than she has been. Her naps are pretty regular and she is--get this--eating three meals and one "snack" (a.k.a. nursing) a day!!! YAY!! This is much farther progressed for TJ at her age...but she is a BIG girl! At her 6 month checkup last week, she weighed in at 17.5 lbs!! She has some rolls!! :) But, even through her rolls, she is just the sweetest little thing you'd ever meet! She says "ba ba ba" when she tries to talk and snuggles up with anyone who holds her. She is also sitting up assisted and unassisted, and has a grip like no other 6-month-old girl!

We are truly amazed by watching them grow and learn and develop! And especially amazed at just how much they already love each other!

Look for another update soon...I will post an All-Picture Post so you can see more of them!

Happy Fall...or is it Winter???

July...holiday, happy baby and head trauma?

2008-07-19T22:04:00.001-05:00

July has been an eventful month...I captured a few photos on the 4th, even though we didn't do anything special. TJ and I watched a tribute in D.C., and he danced to all the music--especially Huey Lewis!

And if the 4th wasn't enough flair...on Friday, July 11th (my dad and little sister's birthday), TJ slipped on a toy in our living room and fell face first into the edge of our coffee table! He screamed and his head started gushing blood! (This is no exaggeration...and I was calm thru the whole thing...but it bled very bad.) The only thing I could do was sit him in our kitchen sink so that he could play with the water while I held something on his head to try and stop the bleeding. In about two minutes, I called the pediatrician and Buckie at work. I knew before they said so that TJ would need stitches for this deep cut. So, Buckie rushed home from work (and thank goodness he works just around the corner from us now), we changed TJ's clothes (he was soaked from playing in the sink), put a bandage on his head, and loaded up in the car. TJ did very good being seen by the doctor and having the stitches put in--with the help of the full-body "cocoon" they use to hold children's arms and legs and body still. He came away with a smile and a really cool crayon bandaid! We were there so long that we went thru a drive-thru to get him a Happy Meal on the way home. I think he'd bonk his head again if it means he gets a Happy Meal! The next photo is the next morning...while eating breakfast. Still more smiles! I think he liked all the attention and photos! :)

Later that afternoon, I took a picture of him on top of the coffee table he took out with his head! He is "making a muscle" in this one! He loves to do that! And he just HAD to stand on the table to show how much stronger than that table he really is! He also liked the super cool Scooby Doo bandaids we got for his head while it heals!

And I cannot forget about Miss Sadie! She is growing so fast! She has the cutest smile and flashes it whenever she catches your eye and while watching some of her toys. Tonight, just before she went to bed, she actually chuckled a little bit while "talking" to me! She likes to gurgle and I think she's going to be my little conversationalist!

Sadie also reached a milestone this week that I definitely did NOT expect this early! She is now sleeping 12 HOURS at night!!!! WOOHOO! I haven't pushed her or given her formula at night or anything...she just seems to sleep very well!

She also is rolling over from tummy to back! At first, it was "accidental" from pushing with her legs when she wakes up on her tummy. But now, she does it on purpose to roll over onto her back when she wakes up every time! The good thing is that she doesn't get scared when she rolls over like TJ did--he always looked like a roach that had run into the wall in the corner and rolled over with its legs up! :) But Sadie just lies there and smiles at whatever she can see...and sometimes that is NOTHING since it's pitch-black dark in her room! She is just the most peaceful and content baby I have EVER been around!

I am so thankful to have the babies I have! TJ is so resilient and can take anything! And Sadie is calm and patient...thank GOD!...since she often has to wait for what she wants since she has a big brother who is on full-speed-ahead these days!

And...just a side note for those of you reading...I have really gotten into babywearing with Sadie, and we both LOVE it! I've got a great ring sling (Maya Wrap Lightly Padded) now that goes with me everywhere--and I use it with both TJ and Sadie at times. And I just ordered a new Kozy Carrier mei tai carrier--one I can put TJ and/or Sadie on my back at times! I am so excited for it to get here! It should free up my hands a bit more for chasing TJ around! And...if you are interested in more info about babywearing or the different types of carriers (and you live in the Birmingham area), check out www.magiccityslingers.com, and any of the links that are shown! I went last month for the first time and it was GREAT! Maybe I'll see you there!

Great summer to you all!

Dedicated to Sadie!!!

2008-07-06T12:34:00.000-05:00

This post is dedicated to Sadie...because she was dedicated at our church this morning! It is not a formal event, we just take the babies up front with all the others and have the entire church pray for them and for our family. TJ was so funny on stage--he kept pointing at everything and asking "what's that?" (he has never been in "big church" before). We got someone to take pics for us so we'd have some of her dedication Sunday.

And while I'm on here--I'll share a few pics of TJ and his latest...andI must share the stories behind them, too!

I went down the hall to change Sadie's diaper in her room one morning and came back to find TJ had crawled up into her baby swing and was swinging away!! He never liked this swing when he was an infant, but now that Sadie gets to swing, he wants to! I'm going to have to get him a toddler swing for him to ride--one that can support his weight better than this one!

And--on the same day that he crawled into the swing, I walked into the kitchen from our living room (which, for those of you who have been here, it's about 4 feet away). I heard a whine after only a few seconds of entering the kitchen. I walked back out to find that TJ had gotten himself into quite a predicament this time. He usually turns this copper bin upside down and sits on it or bangs on it...this time he forgot to turn it over apparently...because he ended up IN it!!! His face says it all...

TJ is such a character! He gets into stuff sometimes...but what 18-month-old doesn't?!? Overall, he is a GREAT little boy and a super big brother--he absolutely LOVES giving Sadie kisses whenever he can! And she just grins at him when he does! They are going to be quite a pair as they get older together!

Happy Fourth of July and enjoy the rest of your summer!

Update on ALL of us!

2008-06-11T16:36:00.000-05:00

Today has been a great day with TJ and Sadie--and they are getting along better everyday (well, TJ gets more gentle with her)! :) I can tell he just wants to be part of whatever we are doing with her...so if he can come along, he loves to help! Today I captured a few GREAT pics of them! TJ just went and sat down next to Sadie on her playmat that Aunt Leslie got for her--which, by the way, is her favorite place to "hang out". He likes to "pat pat" her for burps and likes to rub her belly when she is lying down.
I just had to buy TJ all new clothes...as he was quickly running out of summer outfits that fit! He is now in size 2T--and he's only 17 months old!!! He got new shoes too--in his new size 6. These new "big boy" clothes match his "big boy" haircut he got last week! Here are "before" and "after" photos! It was much needed and it looks great on him! Getting his hair cut is an outing with just he and his daddy! That's a mommy-free trip! :) TJ sits on Buckie's lap for his haircut--so Buckie has to get a shower when they get home to get all TJ's hair off of HIM!! Anyway, TJ's haircut is much shorter and it really shows off his face! I like it--and, no, I didn't cry for him to get it cut off! That's the update on TJ!

Sadie is now up to 7 hours at night!! Not yet consistently, but many nights! She is great at putting herself to sleep with very little fussiness and she sleeps on her tummy (just like TJ did)! I have a great pediatrician who says that she can't recommend that as a pediatrician, but that both of her boys slept on their tummies. Sadie sleeps much better that way--and that means we do, too! We are getting to a normal routine with her. I keep writing down what she does each day and at what time so I can find the pattern soon. Maybe soon I'll know what time I can get my shower EVERYDAY! :) Sadie is up to almost 13 pounds now...so needless to say, she is eating well! She is only 7 weeks and 2 days old and is now wearing 3-6 month clothes!! Thankfully, Aunt Leslie bought Sadie one year's worth of clothes--we shouldn't have to buy ANYTHING for her this year at all!! THANK YOU Aunt Leslie--and everyone else who has contributed to her wardrobe! She's set! And I'm only a LITTLE jealous that she has more clothes than I do!! :)

And, since I never update on me or Buckie...I better fill you in! I'm still at home, of course, with TJ and Sadie and loving every second! I'm thankful that I have the choice to be here with them everyday. Buckie is in his last week with his current employer, as he starts a new job next Monday! He will be working for Tameron Honda--yeah--selling cars!! :) He is excited and I know he will do a great job there! He is THE most hard-working person I know--they will be glad to have hired him! Not to mention, he knows cars (esp. Honda's)! We both drive a Honda...so he fits in just right! I'm excited to report on his success there very soon!

Well, it's almost summer in Alabama...and already in the 90's here almost everyday. We stay indoors for the most part, except for walks in the morning with my new jogging stroller! :) I'm hoping to take TJ to the pool some this summer and do some exercise myself. I'm on a mission to get into shape! There! I've told the world who is reading this--so I have to stick to it!! I will NOT be posting before and after photos like some, but I'll report my own success in this department when I reach the goals I set for myself.

Happy Summer!

Trip to South Carolina

2008-05-22T10:37:00.000-05:00

Well, since Sadie's birth, I've had LOTS of visitors and help around here! I think I'm a bit spoiled from having an extra set of hands...not to mention that I haven't had to clean my own kitchen in several weeks!! WHAT A DREAM!! :) When my older sis, Jennifer, came for a visit with her almost-4-year-old daughter, Madison, we decided at the very last minute to jump in the van with her and ride up to South Carolina to my parents' house! It was Jennifer, Madison, TJ, Sadie and me for the way up. It was an adventurous, but pretty quick trip--and I'm happy to say that all three kids traveled pretty well. We spent a few days at my parents' house and got to see family and friends who came by to see me--or really to see Sadie! It was a nice visit, and then we hopped in the car with my little sis, Leslie, and her boyfriend, Tyler, who were planning to come down for a visit with us. We had another good trip, and a nice visit while they were here.

So, now I'm on my own at home with two VERY small children...and we are doing okay! I'm still figuring out what time of day I'll be able to shower and having to remind myself to eat, but other than that, we're figuring it all out. TJ is such a great little boy and has a pretty typical day for a 17-month-old. And Sadie, who is 1-month-old now, is getting better at going to sleep quickly and on her own and has reached the 6-hour mark at night once! I can't ask for much more at this point!! I'm still very tired and still recovering from my major abdominal surgery (c-section), but I've been able to nap when both kids nap just about every day! YAY!! That makes a huge difference!!

Well, I've got just a couple pics to show here...and they were both taken by my friend, Jaime, who came to visit at my mom and dad's house. We got one together and she also captured TJ "riding" a lawnmower...though it's only a push-mower! :) Enjoy these photos and be on the lookout for more updates to come!

Two weeks old...

2008-05-07T12:36:00.001-05:00

We just got home from Sadie's two-week checkup with the pediatrician! She said she is perfect, and literally was in and out in about 60 seconds! Sadie is now 21 inches long/tall, and weighs 9 lbs 5 oz. That's just 1 oz more than TJ weighed when we brought him home from the hospital!!! She's eating and sleeping well for her age and size...can't complain a bit!

And--I just realized that for today only, we can say that we have a 16-month-old son and a 16-day-old daughter!!! Isn't that WILD!?!? SO close together!! TJ is adjusting well to having a baby sister. When she cries, he does one of two things: (1) he points to her and looks at me like I need to go do something about it, OR (2) if I'm playing with him in the floor and she starts to cry, he grabs the nearest toy and sits on my lap as fast as he can--I think it's so I WON'T go get her!! :) He's doing well, though! And he's going to be a great big brother to her--I'm sure they will be VERY close!

Here is a photo that my sister-n-law, Buckie's sis Rhonda, took while she was here visiting us for a few days. I didn't get any of these pics with TJ because I was always the one taking the pictures! So, I took advantage of someone else with a camera to get a couple of myself with Sadie! Enjoy...and look for another update soon!

More photos...

2008-04-27T14:48:00.000-05:00

Hello to all! We are home and getting settled into our new routines as a family of four. Sadie is still a bit confused about which is night and which is day, but we're making progress! I'm sure we'll get some sleep before the next decade! :)

TJ is not really paying her any attention. He looks at her when she cries, and will kiss her forehead on command, but other than that he is just enjoying all the attention he can get right now--while Buckie is home from work with us! I'm sure he and Sadie will be best friends soon enough!

She had her first sponge bath today--mostly to help keep her awake for a bit...she may have four more before the day is over to keep her awake!! I'm hoping she will sleep more tonight than last night--and I'm open to any comments or suggestions from anyone who can tell me how to help her switch her daytime with her nighttime!!! :)

Enjoy the photos from yesterday and today...more to come just as soon as we can update!

And...Yes--that IS an Alabama Cheerleader shirt she has on in this photo! :) ROLL TIDE!!!

Horton Family of FOUR!!!

2008-04-22T16:50:00.000-05:00

Our early bird has arrived!!! After a day of early labor followed by some hurried plan-making, Sadie Catherine Horton was born Monday, April 21, 2008, at 6:25pm CST. She weighed 8 lbs. 15 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. We are all doing well--and recovering quickly, and we should be going home Thursday. For now, we are at Brookwood Medical Center in room 241.

We welcome visitors at the hospital now or in our home after we are discharged. Please call Buckie's cell phone in advance to make sure it's a good time (205-356-6326).

TJ--a.k.a. "Big Brother"--is super-excited and could not get enough of touching her and smiling at her! I think he loves her already! :)

Please enjoy the photos until you get to see her in person!

Big Brother to be...

2008-04-14T23:18:00.000-05:00

Well, this is the last post on our blog before TJ becomes a big brother! This one is all about him! And--YAY--we got a new camera, so these pics will not be fuzzy!!

TJ is now almost 16 months old! He's my "little man" and is so smart and so fun to be around! He's totally active now--running, in fact--and trying to climb up anything he can (or is allowed to, anyway). TJ's personality is coming out more and more everyday--he's very laid back most of the time and is content to sit and look at a book for half an hour sometimes, and he absolutely LOVES to play with his Daddy! He likes to ride on Buckie's back like a horse--and likes to "fall" off, too! He likes to be chased around--this usually ends up with us (Buckie) on our hands and knees chasing him while he runs to try to get away! :)

TJ is so smart, too! (Buckie says he gets that from him!) He loves to do puzzles and is working so hard to say the words of the things he sees on his puzzles and in his books. Of course, most words only I understand since I'm with him all day, but he will be speaking clearly enough for all very soon!
As you can see by the photos, TJ is growing up SO fast! The top photo is his "say cheese" face! :) And the middle photo is a little sly grin we caught--and he was actually making the sound of a firetruck when we took it. It's one of his favorite sounds to imitate. As of his last pediatrician's appointment, TJ weighed 24 pounds and was 2 feet, 6 inches tall. He is achieving milestones as expected and, if we can just get these last two "eye teeth" (the sharp fangs) to come in, he will have no "issues" to report any longer! Those two teeth seem to be taking forever--and they do seem to hurt him quite a bit right now. The next photo is one I took tonight--with his fingers in his mouth for comfort, and a tear in his eye from his teeth bothering him so much.

TJ is also enjoying his "new" room, where we've set up another crib and lots of his fun toys so he can play in there--sort of an "escape" for him if he ever wants one! We are looking forward to seeing how he adjusts to being a big brother and we'll report on that very soon!

So...ta-ta for now...I'll be updating as soon as Sadie Catherine Horton arrives (which is scheduled for next Thursday, April 24, 2008)!!!

One Year Old and SOOOO many changes!!

2008-01-24T21:08:00.000-06:00

TJ is ONE YEAR OLD!!! It seems like yesterday when I was holding him for the first time in the hospital--and now he hardly wants to be held at all!! He has changed so much in the past few weeks that he is now what I would call a "little boy" and not a "baby" anymore! I guess that's a good thing, since we are making room for Sadie Catherine's arrival in three months. TJ has had several milestones to document here:

First, there was his first Christmas...he got SO many toys for his birthday and for Christmas that our home is covered in them! He had a great first Christmas and he actually decided on Christmas morning that he was going to be a walker from then on. He literally walked across the room! We knew he could do it, but he didn't know he could until that day. I guess he was distracted by all the new toys (and Nana and Pappy's visit) to second-guess himself in this area! So, now he is a full-blown walker! :)

TJ has also now had his first haircut. Since birth, he has been growing out the two "no-no's" in hairstyles--the comb-over and the mullet. Yes--he had BOTH!! But now, he has a little boy haircut--and he did better than great getting it cut! There is a place right around the corner from us that has a kids area for cuts--and TJ got to sit in a tugboat for his first haircut! You can tell by the photos that he had a great time and I don't think he even noticed the girl with the scissors!!!

It also snowed that day here in Birmingham!!! We are told that it snows only about once every three years--and we moved here three years ago this week! So, I guess we'll see more in 2011!! TJ enjoyed taking quick peeks from the balcony at the snow--but it was WAY too cold to get him out in it (without a snow-proof outfit). We watched it fall from inside--and I got one quick photo of him looking out at me on the balcony--it's pretty cute!

And, finally, we had some AMAZING photos taken of TJ to memorialize his turning one year old--and so we won't forget just how CUTE he is now!! He was a character for the photographer and she got over 100 great shots of him. It was SO hard to choose which to get printed, but I bought enough to get to keep the disk of all of them so I can have more printed later if I want!
Here are just a couple of my favorites for your viewing pleasure! :) More to come soon...

Sistah!!!

2007-12-22T20:30:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you all know the news! We found out this week that TJ will be big brother to a baby GIRL!!! Yep--ultrasound photos show that Sadie Catherine Horton will be here sometime in late April 2008. We got to see her face, too! They have new ultrasound technology--and it's great--but they made a DVD instead of photos. So, while we can enjoy it from home, it will not download to our blog. We will have ACTUAL photos of her to share with you in another 20 weeks!! :)

We did just have a birthday party for TJ! Can you believe that he is already 1 year old?? (Well, on the 28th he will be.) It's amazing!! He is beginning to walk a little on his own now and squats and "dances" in place. He is getting stronger every day and will be running before we know it!

TJ's cake was a "puppy cake" to go along with the "Puppy Party" theme. Here he is with his doggy ears and with a little icing on his hands and face. He wanted to pet the puppy instead of eat it! Can you blame him?

We have another cake to eat on his actual birthday--especially since his Nana and Pappy (my parents) will be here for that special day!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! More updates to come in 2008!!!

Roll Tide!!!

2007-11-20T23:26:00.000-06:00

He has GOT to be the cutest kid in the world!!!! I know, I'm biased--but he just simply is!! And although our favorite team has not had the best streak lately, there is always hope for the Tide!!

All is well in the Horton home...TJ is coming up on 1 year old VERY soon! We will be having a birthday party before Christmas and then Christmas, and then New Year! What an eventful time of year! Oh yeah--and we will also find out the gender of our Baby H2 just before Christmas as well! (I had an appointment today and heard the very strong heartbeat!)

Hope you all enjoy your holidays--and count all your blessings--I know mine are MANY!

Happy Turkey Day!! (Gobble, gobble!)

ZZZzzz...

2007-10-15T09:31:00.000-05:00

Well, as much as he sleeps on his stomach, he definitely has mastered the art of sleeping in just about ANY position! Our camera is not functioning properly these days, so our pictures are fuzzy and limited, so I wanted to add our most recent photo of TJ until we get a new camera very soon! Enjoy!

OH BROTHER!!!!

2007-09-11T11:34:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! This is a quick post on the blog to let everyone know that TJ is going to be a big brother! Yes, this surprise baby was confirmed this morning! We are excited and are now looking forward to our new bundle's arrival...and all the while anticipating TJ's first birthday in a few months! I'll be keeping you posted with this blog as we know more and more about Baby Horton #2!!!

My Estimated Due Date is May 2, 2008...and since this one will probably be a scheduled c-section, he/she will be born in late April! Can't wait for spring!!!

Christmas in August...and Happy Birthday, Christian!

2007-08-31T08:10:00.000-05:00

All he wanted for Christmas was two front teeth...and here they are!!! He's also got a top tooth coming through now.

TJ has the funnest personality and just LOVES to laugh! We chase each other (on hands and knees, of course) and have tickle fights everyday! :) He is pulling up great and walking around the furniture holding on. He tries to just stand up in place, but hasn't figured out how to do that yet.

Right now, I'm working on teaching him how to give kisses. He just purses his lips right now and takes it, but I'm sure he will be dishing them out soon!

Also, since it has been SOOOOO long since I updated this blog, TJ's buddy, Christian, had a birthday! His FIRST birthday! Here is my favorite picture of TJ with Christian at his party--TJ was pushing this wagon, then Christian decided it was his turn, so we put TJ in the wagon and let Christian push him around! It was so funny! And TJ just sat back in the wagon as if to say, "this is the life"--just chilling out in the wagon!

Happy 1st Birthday, Christian!!

More to come as TJ quickly approaches his own 1st birthday! Can you believe he is already 8 months old?!?!

Happy Fall to you--when it arrives!

Up, Up and Away He Goes!

2007-07-19T15:55:00.000-05:00

Well, he is amazing us all! TJ is just 6 1/2 months old and he is now crawling well, pulling up to standing and also walks back and forth in his crib holding the rail. He shouldn't be growing up this fast, but who am I to hold him back?!?! I just love seeing him learn he can do something new. He gets this "laser-lock" look in his eyes when he wants something or to get somewhere, and he goes for it with all he's got! He will not be denied!

Here is a picture of him standing up at his activity toy. He really likes trying to figure out how each part works. He is super-smart and is a fun little boy! If you've not met him already, I do hope you get to one day!

TJ is eating his solids well, and he even tried a noodle and a piece of chicken the other day (per Pediatrician's orders). He LOVED them both! He really just wants whatever Buckie and I are eating--so I guess I'm going to have to eat his jar food if I want him to eat that! (Yeah, right!!) Our pediatrician says at 9-months, we are going straight to table foods! So--more to come on that!!

Happy July to you all!

He should get paid for this endorsement...

2007-07-12T19:42:00.000-05:00

He makes a good-looking spokes-baby for this energy drink, doesn't he?!? (No, he didn't drink the energy drink--I did!) This is by far my most favorite photo of TJ at this time! Isn't he the cutest!?!

He is getting around bunches now--he has his own crawling style, but he is getting better everyday with the hands-and-knees crawl. He is also pulling himself up in his crib and is trying SO hard to get to standing on his own two feet! I think he thinks he's getting away with something when he pulls up onto his knees--he has this cute sly smile that he flashes when I go into his room and "catch" him almost standing up! I'll let him keep thinking that...THEN we will drop the crib down a notch!

I took him to the beach recently and he got to experience the pool, the sand and the ocean for the first time. He LOVED the pool--especially the float his Aunt Leslie got him (he just wanted to figure out how it made music). He also liked the sand and he ate a fist-full the first time I put him down on it (good thing he has small fists). The ocean...well, he liked watching it from the comfort of my arms, but I think he was a bit intimidated by the sound it made as it came toward him while he was down on the sand. He did not like it getting him wet at all! I'm sure he will get used to it the more we get him in it! (And if any of you have never been to the Gulf Coast--it's beautiful! You'll have to visit sometime!)

Buckie says he is the coolest kid in the world! And TJ loves his daddy! His eyes just light up when he sees and hears him! Our goal and plans are for Buckie retire early in the next two years so he can spend everyday with TJ and me. Besides, somebody has to potty train him! :)
Happy rest of the summer to you all! Post your comment if you have one--I enjoy reading them as much as I hope you enjoy reading my blog! Look for an update again soon!

Happy Half-Birthday TJ!!!

2007-06-28T19:41:00.001-05:00

Well, today TJ turns 6-months-old! Can you believe it?!? Buckie and I feel like it has flown by, but we also don't remember what it was like NOT to have him! He is a very special boy--and a tremendous blessing in our lives!

He has hit some incredible milestones in the past few weeks! First, he crawled for the first time on Wednesday, June 20--eight days before turning 6 months! He hasn't quite mastered the hands & knee crawl, but he does this sort-of walrus crawl--he pulls his entire body forward with his arms and pushes with his toes. It's pretty cute--and fast!! He also says "ma-ma-ma-ma" everytime he wakes up and I enter his room to get him, so I've claimed his first word as "Ma-ma"! (Actually, he said it the other day for real!) Today, he pushed himself up into a sitting position for the first time! I was hoping for just one thing to tell his pediatrician at tomorrow's 6-month check-up...now I have a bunch to report! I think she will be impressed! (And for those of you who think I'm pushing him to do these things...think again...he is just a winner! It's in his blood!)

As far as his eating goes, he is now eating solids at three of his meals each day! His favorite veggie is PEAS and he likes ALL the fruits he has tried so far--even PRUNES! Yuck! He loves to drink sips of diluted juice from a sippee cup when I offer it to him--that's a special treat he only gets about twice a week. More juice to come now that he is 6-months old!

So, happy half-birthday to TJ! I'm looking forward to what he does next...and I will post his new weight and length soon--we will find out tomorrow!

Don't Crawl Away, TJ...

2007-06-03T19:20:00.001-05:00

What an over-achiever we have here! TJ is right on the verge of crawling...he just needs to figure out how to move his arms without diving face-first into the floor! :) Here are a few photos of him playing on his tummy with a musical ball. You can see how he is pushing up (and seems to be posing for them), and then in the next photo you can see how he is pushing up on his hands and FEET. And he is ONLY 5 MONTHS OLD!!! He is eating his solids very well. We have tried Rice Cereal, Oatmeal Cereal and Peas--and he eats them all up! In another month when he has his 6-month visit with the pediatrician, we will be moving in the direction of three meals a day...more on that when we actually get to it. In the meantime...take a little time to enjoy the great smile I captured after his tummy time play today--it will make you melt!! Happy June to you all! (Can you believe it is June already???) :)

Dinner for ONE...

2007-05-26T22:33:00.000-05:00

Tonight was TJ's first night trying something "solid"--though I have to say that the rice cereal was not any thicker than what he's used to! He acted as if he had been eating from a spoon for weeks now AND as if he hasn't been fed in a few days! He scarfed it down in a frenzy!!! He seems to have no problem eating solids, and I'm sure will just LOVE the veggies and fruits when we start them in a few weeks (after we follow doctor's orders and try all the cereals first). This week: rice cereal, next week: oatmeal, and finally: barley (sound appetizing?). I'm pretty sure he'll like sweet potatoes, bananas, and pears MUCH better than these three more bland foods. I'll report later on that experience. As you can see, a lot of the rice cereal got on him (and a little missed completely), but he got most of the 1 tablespoon of cereal. Good thing a little mess in the kitchen never hurt anyone!! More dinner tales later...

2007-05-25T11:38:00.000-05:00

OOPS! I forgot to add the pictures to my post!

First Time Blogger...

2007-05-25T11:17:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Welcome to the Horton Family Blog! I am excited about getting with the times and learning more about how to blog...and I hope you enjoy this new way of getting updates on Buckie, TJ and me!

TJ will be 5 months old on Monday. He is sitting up better when I put him in the sitting position, and he is pushing himself up into a sitting position sometimes. He also gets up on his hands and knees every chance he gets. TJ wants to be a "big boy" so bad--and he is following the lead of his new buddy, Christian, who is almost 9 months old. I'm excited to see what he learns to do next!

We will be starting solids with him next week...rice cereal...yummmmm! He already knows what to do with a baby spoon, so I think he is very ready for something more for his tummy! I'm sure I'll get a picture or two of his first "meal" to share later!

I hope you all have fun summers planned. Enjoy the HEAT!!