Finally A Day Out!!

Sunday the weather was a little warmer, so we made the most of it after church. Holden rode his bike and Rylan enjoyed some fresh air. However, the weather only lasted a day-the next morning we had snow flurries and it was 28 degrees! Hopefully spring will be here soon, but then again you never know with this weather.

A Day In History!

Holden did not get to see the actual Presidential Inauguration because he had preschool. However, I taped it for him and we watched it together. I thought it would be neat to share a piece of history with him. I know he will probably not remember this in years to come but then again you never know. At least he knows who our new President is now, Barack Obama, and where he lives- A funny story, Holden asked "Where is George W. Bush going to live? I told him he was moving to Texas. He kept telling me no that is not right-So I asked him where is he going to live? He said under Ms. Jan's chair and she was going to take him to her house." (Ms. Jan had pictures of the President and President elect and I guess she changed them out and she put the old picture under her chair when she was explaining that we have a new one. But Holden took it very literally!)

I think his favorite part was watching the parades of soldiers-here is a picture of him imitating how they walk with their guns!

"Yes, I am a soldier"

Watching the Inauguration and Festivities

4 Month Visit

Rylan is 4 months!!! Hard to believe, but it is true!

Rylan had his 4 month check-up today. You know the usual weighing, measuring, questions and yes, the dreadful shots! Ever since I fainted at Holden's appointment after he received his shots as a baby, they always have another nurse in the room just in case! However, I did OK on this visit but my little man was so upset!

Here are some of the stats from his visit:

Weight: 13lbs 11 oz

Height: 26 inches

Head:16 inches

I was surprised by the weight...I thought for sure he weighed more but Dr. Burnham said I was just fooled because he is so long. The visit was good nothing out of the ordinary. He is growing, sleeping and meeting all the development marks for his age. So overall we are great-but how could I forget...we got the OK to start solid food. Since Holden had school toady, I decided to try a little rice cereal just for practice. His first reaction was he was not sure what was going on. Then he just thought it was funny and smiled. We will keep trying and practicing. What fun!

Happy 4 months!

First taste of cereal

What is this??

Hmm...I do not know about this mom!

Boy Oh Boy!

BOYS!!!

There is something about little boys and the potty! Holden has been potty trained since he turned 2 and I knew this day would come, but I was hoping it would be a little later, say age 5 or 6! What day is that you ask?? The day that he wanted to start pottying standing up! Yes, I know I am a bad mommy for discouraging this "activity" but I just knew it would be something else I would have to clean! Well, this day has come! He had disappeared for a while and I was not sure if something was wrong, even though he always tells me he needs his "piracy" (privacy), I decided to check on him and what did I see....my little man as high on his tip toes as possible and leaned over the potty. I did not want to say anything to scare him because one small move and he would be in the potty!! After he finished he noticed me and the look on his face was priceless-"like I finally have accomplished something" look. And what did he say-"Momma, high-five I am a big boy now!" He was so proud!

Well, big boy do you think it is too much to ask that you make it into the actual potty?? Probably! Instead, I guess I need to stock up on Clorox wipes for "our" little misses!

Bearamy comes for a visit!

Bearamy is Holden's preschool class bear, that is sent home with each child for a weekend visit. You are suppose to take him everywhere with you and care for him as if he were a "real" person coming to visit. Bearamy comes with a backpack of clothes, bathing essentials, book to read, and a journal to keep about his adventure with your family. At the end of the year the class reads about his adventures and then as a class they go to make their own Bearamy at Build-A-Bear. This weekend was our turn for a visit! Holden was SO EXCITED! Here are some of the highlights from our busy weekend.

Holden and Bearamy after I picked them up from preschool on Thursday

When I picked Holden up on Thursday, he ran out to greet me in the hall with a big smile and a backpack with Bearamy packed inside! He was talking to him as if it were a friend coming over to play. He was explaining that we needed to get in the car and go home and that we would read when we got home before nap time. After the boys (Holden and Bearamy) woke up from their nap he wanted them to dress up in their football jerseys, since the National Championship game was on that night. He pretended to play football with "Percy Harvin" and he was "Tim Tebow". Since both boys were in bed when the actual game was on, they celebrated the Gator victory Friday morning.

Holden reading to Bearamy

Holden, Rylan and Bearamy cuddling before nap

Dressed up in their Gator gear!

Friday morning, we played and did a couple of science projects with Bearamy. (We are growing a sweet potato vine and hatching an alligator egg from the Nature Store) Then, we decided to get Holden a much needed hair cut. So of course, Bearamy went with us, however, we decided Bearamy did not need one. After lunch and nap we played games and got ready for Friday Night movie night.

Riding the 4-wheeler after his haircut

Movie Night-Holden was too into the movie to take his eyes off the TV!

Saturday was just as busy! We had our friends Grant and Avery's birthday party. Grant turned 3 and Avery 1. Bearamy decided to stay in the car and take a much needed rest while we attended the party:) That night we had our friends The Corbett's and The Harpring's over for dinner. The Harpring's little boy Ty and Holden both played with Bearamy throughout the night.


Sunday, Bearamy enjoyed Holden's grandparents coming over for a visit.



What a weekend! I know Holden loved having him come home and take responsibility caring for him! I on the other hand, had to be reminded to bring him with us on a couple of occasions or to change him out of his PJ's :) Overall, I think Bearamy had a great visit!


Thanks for visiting Bearamy!

He Must Love Us...

On any typical day during the week Kevin is working out at 5:00 am, and this day was not any different. When he came back home from working out I was getting Rylan and I dressed and he said I have a surprise for you downstairs. Knowing that it could not be anything too big, I mean what could he have gotten at 6:00 in the morning?? So I did not rush down to see what it was, I just figured it was the new aerobics/spin schedule. But as I was talking to him I kept saying I was dreading taking Holden to school today because it was pouring and my umbrella broke a couple of weeks ago. Well, actually we go through umbrellas, Holden treats them like they are baseball bats so they do not stand a chance! So now, I was left with the only umbrella in the house that I could find and it looks like a small circus umbrella. (You know the one when 5 people try to fit under something that is the size of a tiki drink umbrella!)

So finally Holden woke up and we went downstairs to eat breakfast and what was my surprise....an umbrella!!! I know it does not sound like much but it was confirmation that he really DOES listen to me!!! As I was thanking him, I asked what made him think of us and he said when it was raining so hard he imagined me pushing the stroller and holding Holden, (somehow he always thinks his legs are broken when it rains), and holding his school bag, and all of this trying to fit under the tiny umbrella. He said he started to laugh and then he felt bad, so he went to Wal-mart and got us a new one after working out!

I guess he really does love us!

Just kidding babe!

It won't be like this for long....

After the exhaustion of Christmas, traveling, and a sick baby have worn off I try to remind myself that it will not be like this for long. The boys will be grown one day and I will be longing for this time again. But right now some days I just need ALOT of coffee and patience to get me though the day. But I would not change a thing! Except maybe a little more sleep or a couple of more hours in the day:)

I heard this song by Darius Rucker a couple of weeks ago and it keeping going through my head as a reminder that it will not be like this for long. Now, not all of the words apply to me but in general it is a reminder that time goes by so quickly! Here are the lyrics.

He didn't have to wake up
He'd been up all nite
Lay'n there in bed listen'n
To his new born baby cry
He makes a pot of coffee
He splashes water on his face
His wife gives him a kiss and says It gonna be OK


It wont be like this for long, One day soon we'll look back laugh'n
At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by, So baby just hold on
It wont be like this for long



Four years later bout four thirty
She's crawling in there bed
And when he drops her off at preschool
She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him
He says what can I do
She says now don't you worry
This will only last a week or two


It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll drop her off
And she wont even know your gone
This phase is gonna fly by If you can just hold on
It wont be like this for long

One day soon she'll be a teenager
And at times you'll think she hates him
Then he'll walk her down the isle
And he'll raise her vale
But right now she up and cry'n
And the truth is that he don't mind
As he kisses her good night
And she says her prayers
He lays down there beside her
Till her eyes are finally closed
And just watch'n her it breaks his heart
Cause he already knows

It wont be like this for long

One day soon that little girl is gonna be
All grown up and gone
Yeah this phase is gonna fly by He's try'n to hold on
It wont be like this for long
It wont be like this for long

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year!
Our New Years Eve was not too exciting...we watched Kung Fu Panda, ate popcorn, and toasted champagne (Welch's Sparkling juice). I guess times have really changed! Looking forward to the New Year with the boys. I am sure they will bring us many laughs and joy throughout 2009!

CHEERS!!

Christmas 2008

Tennessee Christmas

Our trip to Tennessee started off a little rough...Rylan woke up several times the night before we left for Tennessee coughing and congested--I knew he was coming down with something. As we drove to Tennessee he progressively got worse, coughing and could not breathe. When we FINALLY made it to Covington, my Memaw called Dr. Beasley, my pediatrician when I was a child. He was gracious enough to see us at his house that night. Poor Rylan had an ear infection and congestion. I knew it was going to be a RESTLESS couple of days and nights! However, after he had a couple of days of antibiotics he was much happier!

Our Tennessee Christmas was filled with making many cookies, gingerbread houses, reindeer food, a surprise visit from Santa at Grandaddy and Memaw's ( my cousin Paul Roy's friend), a trip to Rose of Sharon to see the lights, the live Nativity, Turner Christmas Eve celebration, Santa Clause, Peyton Christmas dinner, and shopping the day after Christmas. We all had a great visit! Holden loved playing with his cousins Allie, Hopkins, Ashford, Ashley, and Nathan. And how could I forget Holden's favorite partner in crime, my cousin Paul Roy! However, each trip some how time gets the best of us and we do not get to visit or see some of my friends and family. Hopefully the next trip we will see everyone. We have some great pictures with all of our Christmas memories.

Merry Christmas!

Tennessee Christmas

Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas!

Port Christmas
Since we spend Christmas in Tennessee, we celebrate with Kevin's family the weekend before Christmas. Holden was so excited this year, he wanted to open every one's gifts! But the highlight was when he received an orange Tim Tebow (Florida Gator) helmet and uniform. He was thrilled beyond words!! The pictures are fantastic!!

Port Christmas

Happy Birthday Hopkins!

Happy 14th Birthday Hopkins!

Wow! It is hard to believe how fast my niece and nephews are growing! Today is my nephew Hopkins' 14th birthday! To think in two years he will be driving---what a scary thought, both Allie and Hopkins on the rode driving! (Just Kidding)

Hopkins, hope you have a wonderful birthday and wish that all of your dreams come true in life.

We love you!

Merry Christmas

We wanted to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! We are so thankful for our wonderful family and friends. Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

With love,

The Port Family

Holden & Rylan Christmas 2008

Girls Night Out

This past year has been a busy one! Each one of the girls in our playgroup has had their second child-so we have had a tough time getting together. However, we made time this past Wednesday night at Village Tavern for a couple of much needed drinks:) And each of us were SO glad we did! We all caught up and shared a couple of great laughs. I am sure all of our husbands ears were burning from the stories we were telling! Thanks for such a great night girls. Look forward to many more in 2009.

Jenn R., Michele, Beth, Jenn W., Me

Breakfast with the Clauses

The Boys with the Clauses

There are several Breakfast with Santa's around town, but we have been going to the same one for the past 3 years. The "Seniors" of Alpharetta put it together, and the first year I did not know what to expect since it did not cost anything except an unwrapped gift. All the other ones were expensive and elaborate...Santa comes in on a firetruck, Santa and pancakes and so on. But to my surprise, I was impressed! They really do a great job, each one is dressed in holiday gear and are so excited to see the kids. Since Holden was not very happy with the mall Santa, I was reluctant about going to breakfast with the Clauses. However, we had registered for the event weeks ago, I thought we would try it anyways. Thankfully, it was a hit! He told both Santa and Mrs. Clause what he wanted for Christmas. But even though he was thrilled to see Santa and Mrs. Clause, I think the highlight was the balloon guy....he made a sword and holder! What a morning with Santa:)

The Family with the Clauses




Kevin and Holden talking to the balloon guy

Holden happy about his sword and holder!

The Picture Says It All....

I met my friend Michele at the mall to have the kids pictures made with Santa on Friday. It's hard to say if Holden was scared of Santa or if he was just in a bad mood. Either way, the pictures says it all...

The only person that looks happy is the jolly old man! At least when the boys are older we can sit back and laugh at all the Santa photos. (Gotta love the boots! Holden had to have his pants tucked into his cowboy boots that morning and I really did not feel like arguing)

Just Playing...

Just had to post a couple of pictures of the boys playing....

Holden "the Prince"

Holden at Jesus' Birthday Celebration

The boys cuddling

Helping dad

Pink Pig

When I think about Christmas, I always think about the Pink Pig....not really! But this is an Atlanta tradition.

A little background: Priscilla got her start in 1953 at Rich’s department store in downtown Atlanta. For years, she gave kids a view of the store’s toy department and rode around proudly with her friend, Percival. But when that venerable institution closed, she became a bit more wayward. She spent some time at the Atlanta History Center first, and then went to the Festival of Trees held by Egleston Children’s Hospital. In 2003, also her 50th birthday, she came to the Macy’s at Lenox Square. And she’s been proudly twirling little kids in circles since then.

Since this this a Christmas tradition, Holden's class met for a field trip at the Pink Pig. The kids had a great time riding on the train and then they all had their picture made with Santa.

Ms. Jan's Class with Santa-(It was raining so Holden said he NEEDED his boots. He loves his rain boots-must be a boy thing!)

Children's Nativity

This past Sunday Holden and I attended the Children's Nativity at church. Each year the Children's Choir puts on a concert to tell the story of Jesus' birth. It was really amazing to see how much Holden already knew about Jesus' birth, Mary & Joseph, the Shepard's, and the wise men. The entire concert he kept asking me where certain people were or asking when certain people where coming out. He also kept asking why Mary was leaving baby Jesus...(Mary had a little stage freight) and telling me he wanted to dress up and sing. So, in January Holden will be able to join the choir. I am sure there will be some funny stories to come.

SEC Weekend

Florida vs. Alabama

What a weekend at the Port household! On Friday, Kevin and our friend Sean took Holden and Grant to the SEC Fan Fair. Kevin and Sean both graduated together from Florida so of course both boys were decked out in their Florida gear as they headed downtown. With it being Friday and knowing Atlanta traffic, they decided to take Marta, Atlanta's transit train, to the Georgia Dome. Holden and Grant LOVED the train!

At Fan Fair the boys ran around the flag football field, threw footballs, and as boys do, tackled! They had so much fun!!

Holden and Grant on Marta

The boys have the same jacket and we did not know it!

Future Tim Tebow's

The big game was Saturday and Kevin could only get 2 tickets so instead of taking me, his wife, he asked his Dad. As many of you may know, Holden loves the Gators. Despite my repeated attempts, Holden will not cheer for Ole Miss. Sadly, it is a lost cause. With that being said, Holden cried when they left for the game saying he would sit still if he could go to the game, but he was stuck at home with me and Rylan. However, I promised we would watch the game! So we watched some of the game as Holden ran around saying he was Holden Tim Tebow. Final score of the game 31-20!!

Tim Tebow

Dad-Daddy (Kevin's Dad)

Final Score 31-20

Great game Gators! See you all at the National Championship game in Miami!!!

Christmas Program

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All The Way....

The annual Preschool Christmas program was Thursday, and what a program it was! Holden was excited about singing before he went to school, and I told him that we would be there to watch him perform. I was wondering if he would really sing this year or just yell "That's my Mommy" or "Hey Daddy" and wave while everyone else sang (That was what he did at the Spring Program). But to my surprise, he sang and even "performed" for everyone. What I mean by "perform," he was acting like he was playing the guitar and stomping his foot as he was singing! It was a sight to see! I think Aunt Jen almost cried, she was laughing so hard.

The kids sang the following songs:

Gotta Sing

Christmas Day Will Soon Be Here

Stomp, Stomp, Stomp

O Come, Little Children

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Jingle Bells

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Hugs

After the program, several parents came up to me and said he was really "groovin'" and that they enjoyed watching him in the show.

I think maybe his calling is to perform-we will have to work on the singing but he has the audience captivated!

Holden is the one on the far left 4th row-Dancing

Gingerbread House

I remember as a child making gingerbread houses at my Memaw's when school was let out for the Christmas holiday. Back then we made them out of graham crackers, icing and milk cartons. Thankfully, there is an easier way now...a gingerbread house kit! It may be easier but as the pictures illustrate, it is just as messy!

I think Holden ate more cookies than what actually made it to our roof-but we made some great memories!

Working hard on the Gingerbread house

Eating the icing, of course!