Big News :)

It has been probably 3 weeks since I have blogged! I had gotten into a great routine there, and then BAM! The month of June hit me like a ton of bricks. We had Wells' first birthday & a huge fiesta-themed party for him.

Then I had a HUGE work project that I wasn't planning on having to handle this summer. So, that really induced a lot of stress and took a lot of my free time. Luckily it is pretty much wrapped up now.

And then we went on a little vacation to see some of Eric's family in NC and then on the way home, we stopped in Columbia, SC, to stay a couple of nights and do some fun stuff with just the 3 of us. We went to the SC Museum, Edventure (kids' museum), and the zoo! We had so much fun, and Wells did too! More pictures and a post to come on our little vacay soon (fingers crossed), but here are some zoo pics.

And lastly, the month of June (and really all of July so far) was killer because I am so stinking tired...due to the fact that I AM PREGNANT WITH BABY #2!!!!

What????? Yes, it's true, I am 10 weeks along with the second Hankin baby. We are stoked, but y'all. I. Am. Pooped. I remember being tired when pregnant with Wells, but that was nothing! Being pregnant while also keeping up with a 12 month old all day is no joke. All I want to do is lay down whenever I get a free second. But I am really hoping to get back in the blogging swing of things (if I can keep my eyes open!).

I will leave you with our pregnancy announcement that we posted last week :) We are big soccer fans, and Eric played college ball. So, a soccer-themed announcement seemed appropriate (funny side note - Wells was born during the World Cup last year, and baby #2's announcement was made during the women's World Cup this year).

Wells is TWELVE months!

You'll have to excuse the week or so of blog absence. To say we have been busy is is understatement! Obviously, one of the HUGE happenings around here is that a certain someone is now TWELVE MONTHS! Where in the world did those months go? I can't believe I am a mama to a one year old. We had a great fiesta-themed 1st birthday party with friends and family. And here is Wellsie Man's last monthly update (can you hear me sobbing?). 

Weighs: Wells weighs a hearty 23.5 pounds.

Sleeps: Big strides have been made this month, people! I started laying Wells down in his crib awake at night (up until now, he would fall asleep nursing every night). This allowed Wells to learn to put himself to sleep, so that way when he would wake at night, he would know how to soothe himself back to sleep. We read two books in his rocking chair before bed, then I turn on his projector & sound machine and turn the light off. Then I pray while puts his head on my shoulder, and then I give him a kiss, tell him I love him, and lay him down, making sure he has his paci and blanket by his face. He is used to our routine now (it only took him about a day or two to not cry right after being laid down). And I am happy to report that the night wakings have drastically reduced! He has slept through the night a number of times since we started, and when he does wake, it's usually only once. Hallelujah!!!!  

Eats: We officially weaned from breastfeeding this month, and Well is on whole milk. He wasn't super excited about whole milk at first so I cut it with a splash of vanilla soy milk (to make it a litter thinner and a little sweeter - both of which make it a little more like breastmilk). I don't have to add anything to it now, and he now LOVES his milk bottles! Wells went through about a week or two phase this month of not eating that much. It was SO not like him (it might have been because he was cutting molars), but he is past that phase now! Ha! He is back to his usual hungry self. 

Wears: He is currently wearing anything from 12 to 18 month size clothing. And he bumped up to a size 4 diaper this month.

Plays: With every month, he gets better and better at independent play. He crawls all over the living room & dining room playing with toys and entertaining himself. And we love playing with him too. He likes playing catch (well, really more throwing than catching). This month he has been obsessed with books. He will sit and flip through the pages and point to the pictures in his books. At night we read two books, and he'll flip the pages for me...it is too adorable (his favorite book to read right now is 10 Twinkly Stars). He loves basketball. Anytime we see a basketball goal, he can't stop pointing. We got a little basketball/soccer combo goal for him for his birthday, and he loves putting the ball in the basket. He is still a huge Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fan. He now calls it by name, sort of. He actually calls it "hot dog," you know because of the hot dog song at the end :)  

Milestones: 

• He has cut 4 more teeth this month - all molars. Not very fun, let me tell you. It is hard to believe that two months ago he only had two teeth!
• Now that he is a year, he can have honey! Haha! So far he has had honey nut cheerios, and a couple of small chicken nugget dips into some Chick-fil-A sauce.
• He is saying so many new words. In the last month or so he has added these words to his vocabulary: 
• "mama" & "dada" - he has been saying them but is finally using them correctly
• "get up" - when we wake Eric on the mornings after he worked late
• "duck" - mostly when referring to his rubber duckies in the tub
• "more" - when he likes a food/drink, he is sure to let you know that he would like some more!
• "hot dog" - this is how he refers to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (because of the hot dog song). 
• "Ash" - my sister's name. 

A Yummy Summer Recipe

One day this week, I whipped up a super quick and yummy lunch. Light and refreshing - which screams summer food to me! Anyway, if you are in a sandwich rut, this may help get you out!

Avocado Chicken Salad

- 1 ripe avocado

- 1 cup cooked chicken (could also use 12.5 oz canned chicken)

- 1 Tbsp. Greek yogurt

- 2 Tsp. cilantro

- Some lime juice (I used maybe 1/4 tsp)

Cube avocado and scoop into bowl. Mix in the remaining ingredients. And voila! Wow, shortest recipe ever :) Enjoy on a sandwich or with crackers or chips. 

*I had mine on toasted wheat with Swiss cheese. Yum!

Friday Favorites!

This week's Friday's Favorites...drumroll please...

>>>BABY BOY PAJAMAS<<<

There seriously is not a thing cuter in this world than baby boy/toddler pjs. Not a thing. Those sweet little snug shirt & pants sets - gah! We've got 'em in monkeys, robots, Mickey Mouse, monsters, stripes, sharks, you name it! Let's just say, Wells' mother (ahem) may have a PJ purchasing problem. I love these bulldozer ones (available here).

>>>SUMMER FOODS<<<

You know the ones - light and refreshing and easy to make! I made a really yummy pasta salad for lunch one day this week and avocado chicken salad (recipe here) another day. Mmmmmm.

>>>A CLEAN HOUSE<<<

Since I am home for the summer most days (I have a big work project that will require me to go in to the office probably one day a week starting Monday), I am really trying to tackle our house! With a baby, it is sooooo easy to let things get messy, simply because there is no time! I feel like the second I clean up, there is another mess within 5.2 seconds. But, I am trying to get better at doing small tasks throughout the day instead of having a huge mess at the end of the week day to contend with. Let's be real for a second, once you throw a baby in the mix, this e-card is your life.

>>>EVENING WALKS<<<

I soooo look forward to our evening family walks around the neighborhood at night. If it is raining and we can't go, I am super bummed. Not only is it sometimes a necessary trip if Wells is getting stir crazy in the house, but it is also a nice time to get some fresh air and chat with Eric (or just do some thinking, if Eric is at work). And you can't beat the view - a handsome guy in a green stroller :)

So, what are your Friday Favorites? Link up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci to join in the fun!

Friday Favorites!

It's FRIDAY!!!!!!!!! But more importantly, it's my last day of work! Oh yes, summer has officially arrived. And it is welcomed with a big ole bear hug from this gal. Here are my Friday Favorites for this week!

Sleeping In
I usually have to wake Wells up when I head to work and to drop him off with my mom. But this week we didn't have to come in until 9am, so we got to sleep in a little more. It has felt great to catch a little bit more shut-eye, and I hope that this will continue into summer!

Parenting Adventures
I seriously have learned so much since becoming a parent - with one of the most important lessons being that you have to just laugh at the crazy situations that your sweet little ones put you in. Case in point: While out to dinner with my parents Monday night, Wells had a little...ahem...mishap. You know the kind. The up-the-back, all-over-the-outfit kind of mishap. Since he was already wearing his "spare" outfit, we had no choice but to bring him out of the restroom in only his diaper (luckily this all happened at the end of dinner, so we were already about to leave). Here he is doing the walk of shame, covered only with a dinner napkin. Fellow Longhorn Steakhouse patrons may have been confused as to a) why my son was naked, and b) why it appeared we were stealing a cloth napkin (don't worry, we gave it to the hostess at the door).

Oh, the shame :)

A Sun-kissed Glow

Due to our daily walks as well as our frequent (albeit usually short, at least when it's just Wells and me by ourselves), trips to the neighborhood pool, my skin has gotten some much needed color. I always put sunscreen on Wells, but I only put it on me if we are going to be out for a while. I have slowly worked up a pretty nice little glow without even trying. Score.

Kiddie Pool

I have mentioned that we love going to the neighborhood pool, but we also purchased a plastic kiddie pool the other day for the little ones to use at the Memorial Day cookout we hosted at our house. It was a hit with all the sweet babies! I filled it up Wednesday afternoon for Wells to play in, and he was pretty content to sit and play for about 30-45 minutes. Winning! This will be really nice to have on summer days when I don't feel like leaving the house. $10 well spent I'd say! 

Baby Pool Partayyy!

Father's Day

I know Father's Day is still a few weeks off, but I am really excited! Last year, Wells was two days old (the day we were discharged from the hospital, actually) on Father's Day. Honestly we were so busy and in love with our new little guy that it didn't feel much like Father's Day in the traditional sense. So, I am excited to get Eric a present and celebrate him being such a great Daddy to our boy. PS, I might have to make one of these bow tie cards, because seriously. How cute?

I hope you all enjoy your weekend!

Linking up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci!

What's Up Wednesday

Linking up with The Larson Lingo, Pinterest Told Me To, and Mix and Match Family for What's Up Wednesdsay!

What we're eating this week:
This week's meals have so far included delicious hamburgers & hot dogs (Memorial Day cookout), this sweet garlic chicken, and tacos. I am planning to make a crockpot pasta dish tomorrow, and one of our family favorites - Shay's Sausage & Corn Chowder - on Friday night. Saturday we will be eating at some of our friends' house.

What I'm reminiscing about:
Being pregnant. Haha! We are not trying for another baby quite yet, but whenever I see a pregnant woman, I always wish I was pregnant too :) I had a very easy pregnancy (other than kidney stones!), which I am very thankful for, and I truly just LOVED being pregnant.

I do miss that bump!

What I'm loving:
That it's summer!!!!! ...well sort of. I have to finish out this week of Professional Development (at the beach tomorrow & Friday, so can't complain there), and then I am free!

What we've been up to:
We had a really busy weekend, with Eric's family in town Saturday and Sunday, and then we hosted a cookout on Memorial Day. Lots of fun, for sure. But I was happy to relax afterward :)

What I'm dreading:
More teething (for Wells, of course)! Wells has cut 8 teeth in like 6 weeks! Like. whoa. He has two molars left to go, and I know they'll be making their appearance soon. He really is a champ for having cut SO MANY teeth in such a short time, but it is obviously painful for him. No fun to see your baby not feeling well.

What I'm working on:
Still in major party planning mode. Wells' 1st Birthday Fiesta is 17 days away, people! I have so much left to do. So. Stinking. Much.

What I'm excited about:
Our summer vacation! We are going to the beach for a week with Eric's family in July. With this being Eric's first summer not being a teacher, he is obviously not off for the summer like we have grown accustomed to :( I am really looking forward to a whole week of spending some quality time with that handsome guy. Last year, Wells was only a month old when we went on the family beach trip...my, how time flies!

At the beach last year. Look at that tiny fella!

What I'm watching:
One of my favorite shows to watch lately (although, I watch it online, not on TV - I can't stay up that late anymore!) is The Tonight Show. I just love Jimmy Fallon.

What I'm listening to:
The last couple of days I have been listening to the Glee station on Pandora. Listen to it and try not to sing along. Spoiler alert: you can't do it.

What I'm wearing:
A little as I can legally get away with. Haha! Just kidding, but the Savannah heat (and humidity) is in full swing, folks!

What I'm doing this weekend:
I don't think we have plans Friday night, which I am soooo fine with! We have a birthday party on Saturday and are then eating with some friends that night. Sunday looks like the usual: church, lunch with my parents, relaxing at home, and then small group.

What I'm looking forward to next month:
While I am excited for Wells to hit the milestone of 1 year (and to celebrate with our favorite people), at the same time, I am sooooo sad! My sweet boy is not a little baby anymore :(

How will this little camera-snatcher be a whole year old next month?!

What else is new:
My job situation. I will be writing a post about it soon to give all the details. We had to make a major decision that was not an easy one, but I am overall really excited about it.


 

Show & Tell Tuesday: Momfessional Moments

I am linking up with Andrea for Show & Tell Tuesday. This week's edition is all about sharing your "momfessional" moments. Basically, it's a time to confess the shameless/embarrassing/crazy things you do or have experienced as a mother.  Yeah, I think it's safe to say I've got a few to contribute in the 11 months I've been a mama...but, before you read on, you better go ahead and promise not to judge!!! ;)

1. Anyone who has known me for half a second knows that I am perpetually late. I don't even like being on time or early somewhere; it just feels weird. Anyway, since having Wells, I now always blame being late on him...even though I'm still usually the reason for said tardiness. Poor guy. 

2. I try my absolute hardest to get Wells in bed no later than 8:15 on Wednesday nights (even though that is earlier than his usual bedtime) because that is the one night of the week I watch TV. No shame in this game. 

3. I have no qualms about changing a diaper in public. Disney World, the zoo, the outdoor bench in front of Cracker Barrel? Check, check, and check. Now look, if it's a stinky diaper, I don't usually do it out in the open. But if he needs a quick change-a-roo, you better believe I am doing it then and there on the spot. Ain't nobody got time to lug the baby and the supplies all the way to the nearest bathroom. That's why the stroller leans back anyway, right?

4. I was that mom who said my child would not watch TV at a young age. Guess who has a DVD player in the car now? I still do limit the time that Wells watches stuff, but I mainly use it for longer trips in the car, when he is just done. And boy LOVES him some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Doc McStuffins.

5. If Wells was not such a good eater (as in, he will eat anything you put in front of him), I would be concerned that last night, he was in such a weird, sleepy mood from missing his nap that he would not eat anything but baby cheese curls for dinner. 'Tis the dinner of champions, my friends.

6. On the same note as #5, Wells has been known to drink sweet tea on occasion and eat a bite (or 5) of our desserts. Who am I to deny him of the yummy stuff in life?? As long as he eats his real food, I don't mind at all.

7. Wells sleeps with a pillow and blanket in his crib. I am such a smothery, hovering kind of mother that I really can't believe I budged on this one. But Wells likes cushion when he sleeps. He has always slept like a champ in our bed for naps, so I have always recreated that setting in his crib. There are one or two blankets underneath the fitted sheet to give him some squishyness. And he sleeps with his head on his pillow clutching his little muslin blanket. 

8. On more than one occasion, I have forgotten to re-hook my nursing bra after a feed or pumping session. One of these times might have been in front of the church during Wells' dedication. Don't worry, no one noticed (and it isn't obvious in pictures, either. Ha!).

9. If Wells is being a crazy person on an evening when Eric is working the night-shift (leaving me without a partner to wrangle/entertain/distract the child), we get in the car and head to McDonald's. Wells calms down by watching the aforementioned car DVD player, and mama gets a large sweet tea....and I may drive reallllllly slowly on the way back. We both feel better afterwards and are about 30 minutes closer to bedtime. Win/win. Some nights are just like that.

10. I will leave you with this fine motherhood moment...Last week as we were walking out the door to head to work (and drop-off to Grandma), someone had a diaper explosion. After changing his diaper and clothes, we were all set to go. Fast forward about 3 hours. While looking in the bathroom mirror at work, I realized that there were some, ahem, remains of the explosion on my WHITE shirt. Like a large, very noticeable stain...obviously where I had been holding Wells on my hip. Luckily, I had a sweater in my office, which I promptly threw on (although it was approx. 90 degrees outside that day).

Well, there you have it. Motherhood. It is seriously the best, funniest, hardest, most exhausting, but hands-down most rewarding job on the planet. It is nice to remember that none of us have it all together, though! I know I need that reminder on the regular. 

The cute face behind every "momfessional" moment.

Hope to hear all your momfessional moments - head to the link-up now!