2014 Holiday Recap, and New Year Goals

Okay, shh, don't tell anyone that I'm typing this right now and not resting, like I said I would be.  If their was ever something I didn't do well, it would be resting.  I'm working on it though.  Maybe I'll attempt it again in a couple of days.  Haha!

So we've been busy these past couple of weeks.  We celebrated Christmas with our families, and right after took care of Grandpa for five days, so it's been non stop here at the Watts house.  John' sister came into town, from VA, to celebrate Christmas.  It's always nice when she makes it this way.  Wish she could do it more often.  We celebrated Christmas Eve with John's parents, and sister, and then Christmas day with my grandpa and aunt.  Gifts were exchanged, but that's never the best part.  I truly enjoy other's company, contrary to my shy nature, and love when they all come around together.  So many personalities in the same room always keeps it interesting.  Rordan received many nice gifts, of which we are thankful for.  He's been playing up a storm with all of them. 

 

John's birthday is the day after Christmas, so you can guess how fun that can be at times.  Haha!  I really hope he ended up enjoying the day.  We were able to meet up with his dad and sister for lunch, and then spent the rest of the day at home together.  It was nice, but sometimes I wish he had an opportunity to have a real birthday party like the rest of us not born so close to a major holiday.  I mean, being a grown man doesn't take away from wanting to be recognized on your big day.  Maybe we will do something extra special next year!

 

Grandpa spend the following days with us, through to Jan. 1st 2015.  What an amazing opportunity to spend time with the ones I love, and especially Grandpa since he's 90 now, and not doing so well.  Mentally he has declined so much, but his personality pops out at times, and makes me cry, because I get a little glimpse at my Grandpa as a happy and healthy man.  He sure does love to play with Rordan!  They get along like two peas in a pod.  Rordan likes to sit next to grandpa and show him his toys, or watch a TV show with him.  Grandpa is always amused by this, and the day that he left, as we were getting him ready, told me that he'd like to have him, referring to Rordan.  Makes my heart melt, seriously, because Grandpa is one of the most influential and important people in my life.  Having raised me as his own for almost all my life, it's wonderful that God has given me the opportunity to see my son interact with him.  Oh and just in case I haven't mentioned it, Grandpa is my Great-Grandpa, making Rordan is Great-Great-Grandson.  How awesome is that?!  We have some tough decision that have to be made this year, as far as his care, but we will do then with God on our side, and love in our heart.  It's the only way to honor such a wonderful man.

 

That leads me to my goals for this year.  I have let other's influence my mood far too often this past year.  I've decided that I will no longer live that way, because it has made me such a miserable person at times, and I know that isn't what God wants for me and my family.  I was given the opportunity to stay at home with my child to improve his life, and not have him be around a cranky person, because I have become depressed over things going on in my adult world.  Rordan means too much for me to let it continue, and luckily, as silly as it sounds, in just the past two days, with this new outlook, I've been a much more enjoyable person to be around, and I have enjoyed other's so much more as well. 

I've never spoken about it before here on the blog, but I am sure that I suffered from Post Partum Depression, after Rordan was born.  I was not prepared to deal with it, but with the help of my husband I have been able to work it out without outside help.  This was a personal choice of mine, and I encourage anyone that feels the need for outside help to please seek it out.  I was ashamed of the fact for so long, but now I know I did nothing to cause it, and that it's a very common thing to experience.  The depression  has lingered on even two full years after his birth.  Luckily I feel that it's getting better.  It's another goal of mine to continue working towards a full recovery.  I will keep you updated as I go along with this blog.  I may even post more about what I went through if anyone is interested, or if I see it beneficial to do so.

Another goal of mine this year is to work with Rordan, and prepare him for pre-school.  He's only two, but I know that so many children are getting some form or formal education even at this age, and I don't want him to be left behind.  I'm going to try to compile a list of activities to complete each week with him, and share those as we go along as well.

As for the blog, it is sort of my journal, as well as creative outlet, so I will continue to post here as long as it doesn't interfere with any of my other goals.  The community I have met on Instagram recently has been such a blessing to me personally, and creatively, and I hope that one day visiting my blog with be something something my friends do on a weekly basis, to see what's going on "Around the Watts House".  I have a never ending list of things I'd like to do this year at home, so be on the lookout for those completed things to be shared.

                                                                     Happy New Year to you all! 

~Iris

 

 

Rordan's Christmas Picture

 

I am absolutely in love with this little boy of mine!  That's why I have to document the cutest tootest picture of him so far, here on the blog.  Sure it took a little bribing with french fries, his favorite food, but at least he was happy while I took his picture!  I love you Monkey! 

 

Happy Holidays!

~Iris

 

Rordan is TWO!

This past Friday, October 24, 2014, our little baby boy turned two years old!  Where did the last two years go?  I guess they say, time flies when you're having fun, so that must be it.  John took a vacation day to celebrate with us, and we all went to the park to take pictures, and let Rordan play.  He had more fun playing with the balloons, and spinning around on the merry-go-round, than anything.  I think I got some fun pictures, that really capture his personality as it is now.  He's such a ham!

On Saturday, we threw a party for him.  We chose to do a Jake and the Neverland Pirates, theme this year.  Last year was Mickey Mouse.  It turned out cute, and our cake was even better than last years!  We will be returning to get his third birthday cake from Delice Chocolatier and Patisserie  as well.  We had many family and friends attend, and Rordan had the best time playing outside with his little friend.  He hasn't been around many children, since I've kept him out of daycare, and really, we haven't ever gone to any kid type play spaces, so I was happy to see him getting along, and having a good time.  John and I want to thank everyone that came out, sent a card, sent a gift, sent a well wish.  We appreciate it, and I'm sure if Rordan understood, he would too.

Here are a ton of pictures to remember the days.....

Family Trip to the Pumpkin Patch!

Since Rordan was born, we've taken thousands upon thousands of pictures of him.  I mean, every parent is in love with their child, right?  I just want to capture as many moments as possible, to share with him as he gets older.  Today, John, Rordan,, Grandpa, and I, all went to our local pumpkin patch, to take pictures.  I can honestly say, this year was more fun than last year.  This year, Rordan was amazed with all of the pumpkins, and since they have a petting farm as well, he was even more excited to see the animals.  We've decided we are going to have to adopt a chicken, or some sort of bird, as that seemed to be Rordan's favorite.  Actually, it was a peacock, but I'm not so sure how well I could handle one in my backyard.  LOL!
This is going to contain a HUGE amount of photos, for family, and memory sake.  I'm so happy to have captured so many great moments.  Enjoy!

 

Corpus Christi-Texas State Aquarium

 

Hello!  A few weeks ago John was wonderful enough to agree to take a "workcation" to help finish up some home projects we had going on.  We got a lot accomplished during that time!  Yay!  In order to bring some fun to those days we decided to end the vacation with a mini trip to Corpus Christi to visit the Texas State Aquarium.  It was Rordan's first time, and we had so much fun!  Luckily when we arrived at the aquarium, we found that it wasn't so packed that Rordan wouldn't be able to see the exhibits, which for a parent, is exciting.  I mean who wants to take their kid somewhere they can enjoy themselves?

We took sooooo many pictures that day.  Mostly of Rordan, but we got some nice ones of the exhibits too.  One of my favorite pictures is of the turtle exhibit.  It looks like he swam up to say hello to us.  Unfortunately we didn't spend a whole lot of time looking at them, because they were outside, and by the time we made it to them, it was way too hot to stand around.  

Rordan had a lot of fun playing in the splash pad.  He was so kind to other little kids.  If they took over a station he was playing with/on, he would just move to the next one.  My Momma heart swells with pride.  He's a such an amazing little boy.

As I mentioned, we took a bunch of pictures, but many of them are being held hostage on John's cell phone.  Here are a few from the DSLR that turned out really nice.  I'll see what I can do about getting the others up soon.  They are too cute to bot share.  Have a nice day!

 

 

21 Months!

I posted this on Facebook, but I feel that since I'm doing my best to keep a good journal of what's going on, "around the watts house", I should share this here as well. 

Rordan turned 21 months old yesterday. I say it all the time, but seriously, when did this baby turn into a toddler? He's started talking a lot more. Mostly babble, but he loves to say, "Momma", Dada", "Hi!", "Bye-Bye", "Uh-oh!", "Belly"..., and his first sentence is, "Hi Squid!". Should have known it was going to be about the cat. LOL! He's great with puzzles, and finding objects in pictures. That's helping with his vocabulary as well. Just today he said, "Sun", "Square", and "Star". I was amazed since we just went over them. Good for him! Also, he's so active! He is all over the house, and the backyard. He loves to throw the ball into the bushes, for John to fish out. It's sort of his "goal". He loves keys, and iPhones, and would rather have Oreo cookies than dinner. Of course, he doesn't win that battle. John and I are so excited to be his parents. It's been the best experience ever."

 

  In that post I forgot to add a few words.  John reminded me of "hot", which up until a day ago was his go to word for, "I don't want this.", actual hot things, and cold things, as well as the sun rays shining through the windows.  He also loves to look for clocks when we are out and about, and even here at home.  He will run up and point to it and say, "Clock!".  He's so good!  He's good about saying, "Momo", which is the nickname John's Mom chose to be called by Rordan.   We are working on other names, but he hasn't picked up on them just yet.  Momo is a great help to us, and regularly visits to help take care of Rordan, so I can see why he has picked up her name so quickly.  Amazingly, today Rordan held up one finger when I asked him to show me how many one was.  What?  How in the world does my 21 month old know 1?  Maybe it's normal?  Maybe he should know more, but I don't care.  I'm amazed at his little brain, and I will cherish any advancement he makes, no mater how timely.  As for another fun loving thing he does, he is so happy to give us kisses.  They are the best kisses I've ever gotten.  He loves to hug as well.  So all around, I guess he's just a love bug.  I'm going to take advantage of that, because soon, as in probably 10 years, he will most likely not even want to be around me.  Such a sad though!  I'm sure some kids don't actually do this, right?  I can hope!  So that's my little update, to my update.  I'm sure we will have much more to share in the next month.  Thanks for reading!

Elephants, Fireworks, Oddities, and a Birthday

Hello!  I hope everyone's having a great summer so far!  We have been so busy the past few day that I haven't had a chance to sit down and update the blog with all that's been going on.  I guess I'll do it all in one post, now.

John was off on Friday, for the 4th of July.  To celebrate we went to the circus.  It was Rordan's first time, and it seemed like he enjoyed it. He sat through most of the acts but towards the end John had to walk him around outside of the arena.  I got to stay inside and watch the awesome acts. This is actually ironic, because I didn't want to go, "Because I hate the circus!".  What was I thinking?  The circus is amazing!  At least the Ringling Brother's circus is.  I felt bad that John missed so many acts but I recorded them so he could watch them later.  Also, I know he loves spending time with Rordan, in any capacity, so I don't think it bothered him.  As for Rordan, I'm pretty sure the tiger act was his favorite.  He yelled "Squid", our big orange cat's name, quite a few times during it.  So adorable!  I'm sure the runner up for his favorite act was the dog act.  Instead of really watching the act for the first few minuites he twisted around in John's lap, facing the exit.  When he finally understood that we were trying to show him dogs, he turned around and started to watch.  As the dogs ran back stage during the act, he would wave and say "Bye bye".  It's really those moments that make life so worth it.  Later that night we sat on our balcony and watched the fireworks display that our entire neighborhood seemed to put on.  That a perk of living out of the city limits!

Saturday we went to our new favorite "picking" location, Yeya's Antiques & Oddities.  We found a few cool items, such as a letter R for Rordan's playroom, and some signs with dates and numbers that are relevant to our family.  I found some awesome pulls that I plan on cleaning up and using in my closet.  It kind of set off a whole bohemian feel for the closet so later that day I bought some beautiful fabric that was on sale, from JoAnn's to make a couple of curtain panels. Back to Yeya's.  I also found a few big items that I couldn't, and didn't need to, purchase, but man, if I were a designer, I'd be at that place at least once a week to find things for clients.  Since this was our second visit, I was happy to see that the owner was on sight again.  He is a very nice man, and prices his items fairly.  I'm sure we will be going back, even if just to walk around and see what's there.  

Sunday was my birthday.  I'm now 32 years old, and loving it.  Bring on old age!  It just means I get to keep on keeping on, and experiencing life with these two wonderful boys I call John, and Rordan.  I love them so much!  John and I went to watch the new Transformers movie, and have lunch, while Rordan stayed and had fun with John's parents.  The movie was so long!  I fell asleep at least five times.  Once, I was in such a deep sleep, I'm sure that if John hadn't woken me, I would have slept through the rest of the movie.  What I did see of the movie was really good though.  I'd just suggest sleeping well before attempting to watch it.  Lately I've been unable to get a good nights sleep, so I'm sure that played a big part in it.  All in all, it was a wonderful birthday, and again, I'm very thankful for another day of being alive.  

Here are a few pictures from the circus, and of the fireworks we saw.  Oh, and my pretty little cake and flowers John surprised me with.  Love you John!

Grandpa's 90th Birthday!

Wow!  Can you imagine living till you are 90 years old?  What an amazing thing to accomplish!  Being raised by my Great Grandpa and Great Grandma, while she was alive, was the best thing that ever happened to me.  Two amazing people to guide me through life.  Sadly at age 11, my "Grandma" (Great Grandma) passed away leaving me with just my "Grandpa". To be honest, I didn't think she would ever go first.  Grandpa always claimed he was going to die any minuite, and had me nervous as heck that I was going to lose him.  Mmhmm!  And here he is, 90 years old!  Like I said, sadly Grandma passed, and Grandpa and I were left alone and sad that she wasn't around any longer, but we developed an even more amazing bond after her passing.  He taught me so much about life, and I think I gave him a fresh perspective of the world.  I always got away with so much, at least that's what people tell me.  He calls me his baby, and I am happy to be.  I mean, I call him Grandpa, but I should call him Dad.  He's always been there for me, and the rest of my family, having raised many of us as his own.  Now, at age 90, with his mental health failing, we find that he needs all of us more than ever.  I only pray we do right by him and make him as happy as ever.  So even though I am not around him today, he is visiting family that are kind enough to look after him right now, I am so glad that I was able to call and sing Happy Birthday to him today.  I loved hearing him laugh as I sang to him!  So yep, the only thing left to say is that I love you Grandpa!!! 

Picture Day at the Park!

Yay!  We did it!  We made it through picture day.  It's always a stressful situation for me.  I'm not so sure for John, and most definitely not Rordan, but for me, I just put so much pressure on myself to be that picture perfect person that I have never been.  No matter at what weight, I've never found myself to be all that photogenic, but thankfully John and Rordan have the photogenic gene, and I LOVE taking pictures of them.  They look wonderful in every shot.  Lucky me to have such handsomeness surrounding me every day!  These are just shots that I took with my camera.  The pro shots wont be in for a while, and even then I don't think we will end up getting a CD with all of them on it, so I may only have one update to these photos.  We will see.