Vacation!!!

This last weekend we had the most wonderful time with Gabe's family in The Keys. We went down and stayed with his mom, Jeff and Sean. Every year they do an annual trip to Marathon for a couple weeks where they do lots of fishing, diving, swimming in the pool and in my case lounging by the pool. We ate lots of yummy (lots!) food and had the best time. It was one of the most relaxing vacations for me because I was completely stress-free with work and able to fully enjoy the family.  Peyton was a champ and played so hard in the pool, thus making her sleep so well.  She loved going on Papaw's boat and honking the horn.  She practiced saying "Memaw" and is getting better at it every day. I think they enjoyed her as much as we did watching her with them.  We're so blessed to have such wonderful family in our lives!!

Playing with mama in the pool

A boat ride

Just being cool like Uncle Sean

Feeding "Iggy" the iguana in the morning

Telling daddy to honk the horn

Sweet girl!

Our view from the dock

One of the day's Gabe caught a bunch of fish

Playing in the pool with Sean and Papaw

Loving the pool with daddy

Fearless!

Looking for fish in the canal

Peyton caught her first fish! And is ready for a nap.

Sunset cruise. Loves the boat.

Kisses for daddy.

On the boat with Memaw

Loving some Uncle Sean

Talking on Papaw's boat

Disney

Back in April we were treated by Gigi and Coach to a trip to Disney. It was Peyton's first time to Disney and she loved it! We went to Animal Kingdom on Sunday and Magic Kingdom on Monday.  She was uncertain of the characters, to say it nicely.  She wanted nothing to do with them getting close to her. Thus, our pictures are with mommy holding her next to Minnie.  If she only realized they were the same ones she loves on her t.v.!!  Overall, it was a wonderful trip with an amazing night at a fancy hotel.  She is definitely spoiled and keeping us spoiled, too! Thanks again Coach and Gigi!

20 months

Wow! Seriously, 20 months old? I was just reading back in January about a Peyton update, so I figured it's about time for another one.  Here's what this crazy, sweet, little girl is doing these days...

•  This weekend we were swimming in a friend's pool.  Peyti swam under water from me to Gabe for 5 whole seconds!! Her little face was under water the whole time and she would move her feet like a fish, while reaching out her hands for us. We were so proud. And kept making her do it over and over. 

• She says "mom" clear as day and says it as many times a day as she can.  It's really flattering that she loves calling for me so much, but sometimes I wish she would just answer me when I say "what Peyt?" 

• She's obsessed with her baby doll. She gives it kisses, takes it in the car, puts her in the stroller, pats the baby on the back. We're really thankful that she's so nurturing and look forward to her being a great big sister in September.  

• At night when I'm putting her to bed, I'll sing to her and she'll sing right along with me. Of course she hasn't quite picked up on the tune or the words, but who cares. In her heart she's singing with her mama. 

• Another one of my favorite night time routine's is Gabe putting Peyton to bed. He typically puts her to bed at night and my heart just melts. They say prayers every night and go through every single person in our family. She'll take her paci out and say each family members name and who goes with who.  I hope and pray that Gabe will pray with her as long as she lives under our roof. She's so blessed to have such a Godly daddy who invests in her spiritually. Love this time!

• We did get rid of the paci except in bed during naps and at bed time. It's more important for me to be able to sleep in until 7 than to get rid of the paci. Selfish? Yes. But glad she will be a part of it. 

• She's a little bit naughty and throws food off her tray at meal times. She turns her head and laughs. I try my best ABA on her I can, but sometimes I'm at a loss. I think she's gonna give me a run for my money.

• She HATES brushing her teeth. It's a fight every night. We're trying to push through it, although there is absolutely no teeth brushing happening.  Hoping it's more about the routine and someday she'll have healthy brushing habits.  

Here's to 20 months, Peyti Leigh! We love you more everyday and can't wait for you to meet your little sister.  You're going to be such a great big sister. I hope you and your little sister love each other as much as me and Tanta do! 

Last day of school

Well, today is a milestone in our little Peyton's life.  She finished her first year of "school" at All Saints in Winter Park.  We were super blessed to have friends and family watch her the first year she was born, so it was inevitable she'd be going somewhere her second.  Thankfully we fell in love with All Saints and truly felt like it was her home away from home.  She went in a baby, not walking, talking, feeding herself, taking naps away from home, and she has come out a big girl. Today she is more independent, spunky, dramatic and sweet than I ever thought she would be. I am so proud of all that she has learned this year and couldn't be more pleased with Miss Cindy and Miss Brittany for encouraging her development.  We love you Peyti Leigh!!

Beach weekend

This weekend we came down to South Florida to visit our friends Jordan and Kaili. Our other friends from Orlando, Amanda and Craig came, too, so we had a big fun party. We hit the beach, Bonefish, an Irish pub and a nice relaxing Sunday at the pool. What a great weekend with good friends!

Whelp, there goes 2 months and I haven't blogged. At this rate, I'll be up to 6 posts by the end of the year. Sweet. So, in the last two months, here's what we've been up to...

In January, Gabe and I went on a much-needed vaca to the mountains of Tennessee for our 4th Anniversary. We left Peyti behind with Nana, Tanta and Gigi. We missed her but had so much relaxing time we cherished. We went hiking in the Smoky Mountains, read books all day and even visited a few winery's. It was such a blessing to be with Gabe and just enjoy time with him without any distractions.






We also enjoyed the unseasonably warm Florida temperatures and spent Saturday mornings playing at the park. Peyt just loves her daddy. He's been taking her to the park and teaching her how to hang from the monkey bars. She's pretty good at it!






I'll update on February when I get some more time. Hopefully won't be 2 more months or I'll be ridiculously behind.

So, this picture pretty much sums up our lives these days. Peyton is one hilarious little girl. In lieu of the new year, I'm back on trying to make a better commitment at doing this blog. I want it for our sake, to be able to look back at the year and see what we've done. I want to look back and see what life has brought us and how we've handled it. Here's to trying. Again.

It's mid-January (really it's only the 12th, so it's still beginning, right?) and Gabe and I have yet to discuss our New Years Resolutions. We're going to Tennessee for our Anniversary next week and we'll hopefully get some things down on paper. We did pretty good on our goals last year, but there's always a new year to get even better. In the meantime, I'll give an update on our Peyti.

1) She is a talking machine. Not that we understand what she's saying, but she sure acts like we do. I like to entertain her gibberish because I've heard it's good to act like they're saying words. Plus, it's so darn cute that I can't resist. She now lays in her crib in the morning and after she's had enough of waiting for me, she starts hollering "mooooommmmmm" over and over and over. I love it so I don't mind getting up to see that face. Plus, it's 7:00 a.m. and I should be out of bed. She also says "Kenz", our dog's name. Although, it doesn't sound like Kenz to anyone else, it does to us.

2) Her daddy's her best friend. Peyton's eyes light up when Gabe gets home from work and she immediately goes over to find a toy for him. It's usually her soccer ball and she keeps repeating "ball ball, ball ball" until he starts playing with her. He's pretty smitten for her, too, so it doesn't take much convincing on her part.

3) She is becoming quite the cuddler. We're still nursing at night (too much info, sorry!) and as soon as she's ready to get in her crib, she lays her head on my shoulder as I rock her. She cuddles her little hands under her tummy and I absolutely melt. I pray over her and thank God for the most amazing gift I could ever receive. And for making her so super sweet.

4) She loves being outdoors. This we already knew, but her obsession with going to the park, going camping, riding her tricycle, taking her wagon out with Kenzlie, is all growing. I love to watch her as she learns about her environment. Which brings me to number 5...

5) She's obsessed with airplanes. She sees one in the sky and immediately points and makes the "bbbbb" sound with her mouth.
I'm not sure how to explain it, but I think she's convinced that this is the proper name for an airplane, so we might have to unteach that some day. Even when we're in the house, she'll stop, look up to the ceiling point and make the sound. She's such a genius.

I could go on and on, but no one's probably still reading this, so I'll stop for now. Just know we're crazy for this little girl and couldn't imagine life without her. It's funny to think what Gabe and I did before she came along. We're so blessed to have her!