What I learned in 2013

2013 taught me a ton...

Here is what I learned...
-you end up where you are supposed to be even if it doesn't feel like it at first
-no one is invincible
-appreciate everyday that you have because you never know what will happen next
-you only have a small circle of control...worry within your circle of control only...leave the rest to GOD
-I may not be the perfect parent, but God entrusted me with my baby boy and I am going to do the best I can everyday!
-sometimes you just have to stop and play
-parenting is so HARD
-not all relationships are worth fighting for
-you can't change people...sometimes you have to settle for what they are giving you and expect less
-what it feels like to be unhappy with your job
-God has a plan for me even if it doesn't seem to be the plan I had for myself.  :)

How do you like me now

Zealand's current loves...

John deere green
john deere juice
Elf on the Shelf
Little Bill Christmas
cowboy boots
spagetti O's
GoGurts

"I love Papaw more."

You never know what Z will say!

My Mom (Nana) was trying to get Zealand to sit on her lap instead of my Dad's (Papaw).  

Nana:  Zealand won't you come sit on my lap

Z:  Nana, I really like to sit on Papaw's lap

Nana:  I know, but can't you come and sit with me for a little while, I love you so much.

Z:  I love you too Nana, but I do love Papaw more

POOR NANA!!  :)

Christmas Eve

It is Christmas Eve and here I sit...holding your feet in my lap, listening to Peppa Pig's Christmas that you insisted on watching before you went to sleep.  I love you so much!  Christmas Eve makes me realize how important you are to me and how lucky I am that God chose me to be your Mom. Your Dad and I are trying to raise you the best way we know how.  We may not make the best choices (believe me sometimes I definitely make the wrong ones) but all of our choices are made to help you become the best person you can be.  You never fail to make me smile, your hugs can move the mountains of my heart...they do so everyday!  I never truly understood how much my heart could love until I had you.  I know that you really want and need a sibling, but I just don't seem to be cut out to make that happen.  Hopefully you will continue to bond and grow close with our family so that you have someone no matter what.  I love you forever!

Proud of me

You looked at me with those big baby blues and said "are you proud of me mama? ".  At this moment I could have cried.   I never ever want you to doubt that I am and will forever be proud of you.   I will forever be the proudest mama out there.   I still find it hard to believe that I get to be your mom!   So remember no matter where you go what you do I will always be proud of you.   You are my sunshine and nothing can ever dull that sparkle!  I doubt you will ever know how proud I feel until your heart walks around outside of your body in the way of a child.   It is unexplainable but amazing!   Love you forever Zealand Reese!

Halloween! !

We had a blast this past weekend... we did our first camping trip as a family at Jellystone campground and resort.  It was a blast.   Jason, z, and I went with jodi, melia, and,  mya to stay in a"bear den".  No water,  No tv, just 3 bunk beds and a loft that was supposed to sleep 10 people.   It was shocking at first,  but amazing fun was had by all!   We painted pumpkins,  went on a hay ride, met yogi bear, wore coon skin hats, roasted marsh mellows, cooked hot dogs, went tricker treating, made a camp fire,  climbed rocks,  played on the playground and bouncing pillow,  took lots of pictures,  entered a costume contest, won the cutest category for our age group,

Shake it for me

So here we go. .. driving around in our automobile. .. hear the tune.  Anyway we are singing along to our favorite jason aldean cd when Zealand breaks out in song.   I.am.so.proud! 

Zealand- shake it for me girl,  shake it for me girl,  shake it for me!  

Hilarious. .. he never missed a beat!

Everyday is an adventure

Driving along on our way to Kroger Zealand says mom are we going to through the car wash?   I say no baby not today.   He says oh thank you mommy you make me so happy!  No. Son. You. Make. Me. So. Happy.

Love him

Of course after such a sweet discussion he asks for a drink and I give it to him.   I had changed the drink at Sam's from fruit punch to sprite because I thought it was too sweet.   He takes a big swig and informs me that I have ruined his drink and it is disgusting.   Leave it to my the 3 year old to use those words randomly!   Love him more!

New new

Funny funny!  So I discuss with Zealand that our friend Shannon has a new baby.  Zealand says without missing a beat. ..
No way Mom I can't believe it.   Then he adds like me.   I said well Rhett and Rhylie Kate note have a baby at their house named Grant.  He rolls his eyes and says I can't believe it is a boy.  He proceeded to want to take everyone a capri sun when we visit them.   He even got one out and he said that's for the little baby he needs one too.   I love his caring heart! !

Love him!

everyday it is something new

Z says...

Daddy where's your ears, you should listen 

Momma I need to eat my vegetables to play football

He is also a very caring soul lord knows if you tell him that you are hurt or feel bad he will ask you about it every time that he sees you.  He doesn't miss a beat!  It really is precious, but can get a bit old.  I think he ask Jason about the same headache for a month!  lol

Love him!!

Loves...for now

Z's currently in love with...

John Deere - basically anything green...we even have "tractor juice" what he doesn't know is that it is really strawberry kiwi Hawaiian Punch!

Outside...he would live out there if we would let him

Riding his bike...loves loves loves this activity

Cousins - It never fails if he is getting something he thinks Melia and Mya should have one too.  It doesn't matter that it is usually ice cream and it would melt before he could give it to them.  I must say it is super sweet though!

caring about people - it doesn't matter when you were sick or how sick you were he will remember and ask you about it.  He will also say that he is glad you are feeling better.  It is extremely thoughtful, but when you headache went away 3 weeks ago it begins to get a bit funny.  We go along with it anyway.  :)

riding in the truck - no matter what if we are going somewhere he wants to ride in the truck...he will even offer to drive!

playing with the neighbors - recently our house has become the new hangout for the neighborhood children.  I think it is funny considering the kids hanging out are anywhere from 3 to 12 years old.  I never thought the 3 year olds house would be the place to go, but what they hey!  I like it because I have to be out with Zealand anyway and most of them are nice kids.

having a best friend - his best friend changes from day to day, sometimes hour to hour, I have even seen minute to minute, but he is serious about his best friend status.  A few of the names that pop up daily are...Kylie Jo, Jace, Mya, Conner, Neveah, Aliyah, Mom, Dad, Grandma Jane, Papaw, Rhylie Kate, Rhett, etc.

Peppa Pig - current T.V. show of choice...and anything with Elmo on it.

Love him!

Busy busy

Z says...
absolutely Momma
I need you to speak up to me...
Okay Daddy, I apologize
Your not my best friend anymore
love you more
hope your feelin' better

LOVE HIM!

Poor baby!

I.absolutely.feel.terrible.when.my.baby.is.sick.  I feel so hopeless when there is nothing I can do!  I sure hope he is on the mend soon.  I swear it is 100 times worse than when I am sick.  I dint know where it hurts, how bad it is, what he needs, when it will be over!  Yuck! 
Love him so much!

Crazy

Today zealand told Jason...no Mama's crazy.  Lol. Hide your crazy and act like a lady...guess I must have forgotten.  Love him!

Sweet blue eyes

New favorite is...
Z says daddy whats that guy doing back there?
Jason says he's asleep he must be tired
Z says seriously, I can't believe it. 

Love him!

Funny funny

Paskettii translation spaghetti
F-a-lent translation elephant

You can be a bit CRAZY!!

Fun times at the water park!  Love all of these crazy faces!

EVERYDAY

Z's new favorite is that everything he does or wants to do he wants to do EVERYDAY!

...go to Nana and Papaw's EVERYDAY
...eat cheesy roll ups EVERYDAY
...play with Rhylie Kate and Rhett EVERYDAY
...go to Jo Jo's EVERYDAY
...listen to Pontoon EVERYDAY
...go to BPS EVERYDAY

<3 him!!

Growing up is hard to do...

All you really need to know...

Lightening bugs

Zealand was a bit scared of the lightening bugs at first, but as you can see he had now warmed up a bit.  Now if I could just get him to not squeeze them so tight! 

Mr. Independent

Zealand had decided he can and will do everything on his own!!  Not so bad, but sometimes we have to be faster than he is!  Lol

Love him

Fireworks!!!

Previously Zealand HATED fireworks!  He would cry and cry!  Another new leaf has turned over in the Ingram house...he watched the fireworks with his hands over his ears of course and instead of tears he started in awe and said wow!  Over and over again!  So proud#  Love him!

Loves

Right now Zealand is in  love with

Outside
Bananas
Fish
Tractors
Blue popsicles
Hotdogs
Scooters
Friends
Papaw
Nana
Jojo
Color blue
Doing everything on his own
Piggy back rides

Staring

Sometime I stare at you as you sleep on my chest wondering how I got so lucky that you call me Momma!  You warm my heart everyday!  From your CRAZY sayings, loud noises, finicky eating, and beautiful smiles you always warm my heart!
Love You more than you know!

The Moment I met You I was overcome with LOVE

YOU are my GREATEST accomplishment

Greatest Influences

You truly bring JOY to everyone you meet

Tonight we went to the Lincoln Jamboree to celebrate Father's Day with my Dad.  I remember going there as a little girl and loving every minute.  To say the least it all looked the same, but everything was smaller and not quite as flashy as I remember.  There was one thing that remained the same...the look or enjoyment and laughter on my Dad's face as he watched the show.  You could tell he didn't think it had changed a bit and was in heaven.  I loved watching him enjoy it so much!

Moving on to Zealand I truly saw the joy that he brings to others (not just me).  He was clapping, dancing, laughing...basically enjoying the show while others around him were busy watching him.  I believe throughout the show you had someone playing peekaboo with you, someone high fiving you, someone else pointing and smiling, etc.  I am proud of you everyday, but tonight I was particularly proud of the smiles that you brought to everyone's face!  You are a blessing from GOD and I am so privileged to be your Momma!

Love you forever!

Dream Job

mY wISH fOR yOU

Top 5 for Happiness

Talking to you at 16

Our Family

Momma fears

Swimming

Zealand's had decided to swim...in the bath tub of course.  It is hilarious!

Notes about Momma!

Day to day

I was getting dressed and Zealand said "mommy, why you put that on?"  I said "because I'm a girl and girls wear these".  He said "no your not.  Your not a girl your a mommy."  It was hilarious!  You never know what will come out of his mouth.

Love. him.

New puppy

We are not...not getting a puppy.  melia and mya got two new puppies and Zealand wants to know...
Why me no puppy mom?

He seemed to believe me when I said melia was 6 so you can't get a pup put until you are 6.  We will see how long that last!  Lol

today

Z- Mom I want to go see Nana and Papaw.

I- Zealand we can't they are gone to Florida

Z-Fl-or-i-da?

I- Yes, Fl-or-i-da

Z- Can my go to Fl-or-i-da?

I-No baby they are gone on a trip.

Z- Why Mom?  Because there are crocodiles there?

Hilarious...how did he connect crocodiles and Florida?  He never ceases to amaze me!  Love him forever!

Sleep has come!!

I'm almost afraid to jenx (?) him, but Zealand has slept in his bed all night for 12 days!  It is like he turned 3 and decided that is what he wanted to do.  I know 3 seems old, but everyone moves at their own pace and some have mothers that coddle them (guilty).  Anyway I feel like a different person!  Here is to a good nights rest!  Love him!

Funny funny

We are driving home and Zealand says hey see that sign it says turn here to go to home.  The funny thing is yes there was a sign and you were supposed to turn there...but the sign didn't say any of that.  It was hilarious!!

Birthday time

It is birthday time at our house!  3 years ago today my life changed forever for the better!  I wrote this little poem for you Z...

You are my world

I never knew I could love

sooo sooo much

You are my baby/big boy

I love you more each day

I'm amazed at all the things you say

all the things you learn

You are my world

You never fail to make me

love

laugh

cry

smile

frustrated

joyful

blessed

I think more than anything you 

never fail to make me feel love!

You are my WORLD!

Love you more than you know forever!

Leave it to Zealand...

We went to Shannons house to pick up a swimming pool to use for Zealand's birthday Saturday and what does Zealand so but...set off the alarm!  I seriously thought police could show up any minute!! 

Day by day

Zealand Loves Loves Loves his cousins and his Jojo and Ronald.  He wants to see them to play every waking moment.  :)

Tonight

Zealand can now say melia without any problems.  He used to just call her meeah. 

He is obsessed with fish, duck dynasty, and playing outside!!  I should have a good tan by the end of summer.

My....

My love you.
My want to hold you.
My need you.
My love you.

Hilarious

My Dad has convinced Zealand people can be magic.  He even made the guy behind us in the restaurant disappear!  LOL!!  Zealand now believes all kinds of things can disappear.  Hummmm how can I use this to my advantage?

Z's new word "Aba Kadaba"...supposed to be Abra Kadabra

Crazy

Today has been crazy because Zealand had been running around like CRAZY!  I tried starting potty training him I'll let you know how that is going tomorrow.  So far two accidents and two successful visits!  One day at as time right!  Love him!

Soccer

Zealand turned over a new leaf with soccer today!!  He scored two goals and didn't cry once!  We couldn't believe it!  They are so darned cute!!  Love him!

New day

When asked if he wanted a baby brother or sister...he said sure a baby brother.  I said what about a sister...he said okay mom let's go buy one!  lol

Later I asked him what he wanted to be when he grows up.  He thought for a minute and then without hesitation said, "Grandma Jane".

He is also into including others...my dad (Zealand's Papaw) won top model in a fashion show for Relay for Life.  Melia was sick so Zealand wanted to take one of everything for Melia.  It was hilarious.  He told the balloon lady that he already had a balloon, but he needed one for Mia (his version of Melia).  When she gave him one he said, "Thank you Ma'me, have a good day".

Turning over a new leaf

Zealand really turned over a new leaf this weekend!  What leaf was that....well...he played soccer without getting upset.  He also was the clown on the field at times.  He actually scored two goals, who cares that they were in the other teams goal.  Hey, I say that if they are two and they make a goal it counts...it doesn't matter which one they hit.

Everyone always comments on Z's eyes because they are so round and blue.  Saturday was no exception because they got their soccer pictures taken.  All Jason and I heard was how he was going to be a heartbreaker with those blue eyes.

LOVE HIM!!

Quote

Zealand now wants me to call Jodi all the time.  He said just today...who is that on the phone mom...tell me...is it jodi reddick and Ronald.  I couldn't believe he knew their last name.

Quotes

Famous words of Mr. Zealand

It doesn't matter
Watch me guys
I want to go play with my friends
You got that right Jack
Happy happy happy

Beautiful Day

Beautiful Day...enjoyed the sunshine...played and played!  A beautiful way to end spring break!

:)

Cincinnati for a little getaway

Zealand had a ton of fun in the pool and at the children's museum.  Although when it came to night time all he wanted wad to go home.  He made friends quickly at the pool.  He was quick to ask...Hey guys wanna play.  Free also was adamant about everyone getting a turn.  Love him!

Jason's name list

Boys
Hunter
Colt

Girls
Daisy

That is Jason's current list...never knew daisy was in his list...interesting!

A day in the life...

Zealand is so much fun.  I love how much he learns each day.

Today's quote is directed toward my me, but it was about my mom.

Background...mom came to help me clean yesterday and Zealand helped her every chance he got.

Zealand looks behind the couch and says...mom, call nana and ask her where she put all my toys.

Lol he was dead serious!

April Fools

Zealand says to my Mom...
"Nan, thanks for cleaning up the big mess at my house."

The honesty of children!  I know Mom will never let me live that one down!

Postin' one line of life a day...

3/31/13
We shall see...the idea is that I post one line a day to remember what happens in our lives.

Today Zealand is 2 (he will be 3 in May) and we just currently began to start trying to have another baby.  Again we shall see.  I want this blog to be a record of what is happening and how Zealand is changing and growing.  As Z would say "I will eat to grow bigger!  I'm going to be big like you!"

Anyway today is Easter Sunday, but we spent yesterday at my Mom and Dad's hunting Easter eggs and planting jelly beans (did you know jelly beans grow lollipops...yeah me either, but it worked lol).  So we are all wrapping up the evening when Z tells me Dad that he needs to eat his sandwich to grow bigger.  Here is how it played out...

Zealand:  Papaw I need to eat my sandwich so I can grow big and stronger
Papaw:  and smarter?
Daddy:  Yeah, smart like Daddy right Zealand
Zealand: Smart like Mommy
Mommy:  (fell over laughing!!!)

It was priceless!!

go baby go

Just thought this would be fun...proceed to hear lots of names, baby talk, and excitement (stress) as I decide to go baby go!  lol

Just discussing baby names for fun Jason and I both liked and agree on the name Jagger.  It is funny to me because we actually named Zealand at about 8 weeks...well if he was a boy we knew that was the name we wanted him to have.  Funny how things work out.  If he would have been a girl he would have been Brynlee Claire.  Still really like that name not 100% though.

Anyway...who knows when or if it will happen.  Hopefully everything will be in the stars for us!

Beginning with some names I like...okay love

Girls-
Lennon
Piper
Layla
Maizie
Hadley
Luna
Jessa



Boys-
Jagger
Colton
Ryan
Owen
Jax
Kai


That's all for now...
I will leave with this if I had a girl tomorrow I would name her Lennon Lee Claire
If I had a boy I would name him Jagger Steven.

I guess we will see if I need this list in a few months!  Fingers crossed!!  :)