Croup Strikes and Better Times

Crew and then, to a lesser extent, Danny both had croup over the past couple weeks. And as much as I tried to keep them away from Kingston, they couldn't help themselves. So on our last night in Chapel Hill, I heard the first characteristic "bark" cough from Kingston and I knew we were in for it with him. By the time we left the next AM, he had the more scary stridor breathing and a call to our after hours pediatrician line confirmed that we likely needed to take him to the ER some time that day. Poor guy slept most of the 3 hour ride home, but woke up upset as we pulled into Wilmington. With his increased distress, his breathing got drastically worse, so I had Jimmy drive us directly to the ER. Because of how young Kingston is, and from mentioning my mom's name, we were seen quickly and given both a breathing treatment and steroids. Luckily, he responded well to both and we were discharged feeling much better! 

Sleeping post breathing treatment

In healthier times...

Rudolph Nose

Baking cookies at Nana's

Funny Crew quirk, the kid loves his "lovies" and other stuff. Like it's not uncommon for him to carry about 5+ comfort things and usually tries to take all to bed with him. We're talking footballs, plastic dinosaurs, random stuffed animals and his "baby/doggie" (baby blanket and doggie stuffed animal). 

Pre-nap time with dinosaur

With his seasonal favorite, Mr. Gingerbread Man

A Chapel Hill Christmas

For our first 2016 Christmas celebration, we met my dad and family in Chapel Hill at Ali, Dieter and Colin's house. Ali and Dieter were incredible hosts and we ate so good and had so much fun. Dieter's parents graciously let me, Jimmy and the kids stay in their apartment just a short distance away so we could spread out a little. And, as always, it was wonderful to see my dad, Beth and Mac and see my kiddos be spoiled by their doting grandparents.

Using our first xmas presents - Secret Life of Pets and headrest DVD players

Farm at Durham Museum of Life and Science

Treehouse at Durham Museum of Life and Science

Hi everyone!

The first gifts!

Snuggling in our private apartment!

Uncle Colin!

Christmas Festivities

In typical "families with young children" fashion, we continue to be all about Christmas! Both boys finished up school for the year with a bang, including the Christmas Party I helped host for Danny's class.

Mickey jammies every day!

PJs, cookies & milk and Frosty the Snowman at school 

Decorate Danny as a tree

Danny and Bailey

Photo Op

And a great shot of the boys on a state park hike with daddy...

Early Christmas Preparations

There is NOTHING like the Christmas time with kids. It's such a magical and fun-filled time! We're been watching all the Christmas specials on TV and saying, "oh, I want that for Christmas" following every toy commercial. We've also been wrapping lots of presents for others! Truth is we've been so busy getting in the spirit... that I haven't taken many pictures! Here's something though...

Danny and cheese dip for tree-trimming party

Lopez arrived with an Advent Calendar

Upside down surfing in our decorated house!

Amped up at school

Kingston doesn't know what is what...

Swaddled burrito

Morning snoozes

Carseat smiles

Out late with mommy, Nana and Ali

Busting out of his Redskins outfit

More smiles

Seeing mommy first thing in the AM

Playing Dress-Up

Aunt Kelly asked me the other day if Danny and Crew like to "dress-up" and the answer is "heck yes!" It's not at all uncommon for them to come downstairs wearing crazy ensembles like these the other day...

And playing with our reindeer antlers...

+ matching Mickey jammies

And Kingston getting in on the fun with his Elmer Fudd hat...

Kingston at 3 Months

The end of November marked Kingston's 3 month "birthday", but we're just now getting around to his pics and post! Many baby books and websites consider the 3rd month to be the end of things like the fussy phase, newborn tummy troubles, etc - woo hoo! Even though I know there are lots of other unpleasant phases to come, in some ways I'm feeling "out of the woods" with him right now. He continues to be the most smiley guy you'd ever want to meet and has even started giggling when you do peek-a-boo. It's just the sweetest thing ever. Taking pretty decent naps during the day (staying awake about 1 hour 20 or 30 minutes at a time) and has started giving me a long stretch at night from about 7:30pm until 3 or 4am. I'm not sure that he has any other choice, but he's super easy going with the commute to and from school for the older boys and attending work meetings with me. Still swaddling at this point though he breaks out every time. Speaking of "unpleasant phases" above, next up is the 4 month sleep regression. Wish us luck! We love you Kingston!

And now some outtakes...

Camera fright

All smiles

Hey Mom!

Roly-poly

Excellent neck strength - no big deal!