My Boys

So I'm nearing the end of this phase and approaching the beginning of a new stage. I'm so excited about what is ahead, but I'm less than excited about the transition. Being away from my boys for such an extended period of time absolutely breaks my heart. It has been such a joy to spend so much time with them over the past month. We have had such rich times together. There have been more extended cuddles than I can count. Lots of fun outings (and beach time, if you can't tell). Spending time with my boys is, hands-down, my favorite thing to do. I'm not sure I could have said that with confidence until recently. Having more defined time to spend with them has made me a better mom and appreciate my time with them more. And with that, it makes me even more sure that I'm making the right decision to go back to work full time. I know that I will cherish my moments with them infinitely more than if I was to continue doing what I do now.
Choosing a path as a mother has been one of the most difficult decisions I have made. I think there are a lot of people that believe being a "good mom" looks the same for everyone. And before you have kids, it is easy to say that the previous statement is ridiculous. The fact is: it is ridiculous. Being a great mom doesn't fit in a box. It is different for everyone. Thank God I've discovered and comfortable with how the Lord created me to be a mom.
And you know what makes it easier? My boys have the best dad in the world. I know...so cliche. But I often hear women complain that their husbands never help out. That just isn't true for Adam Brantley. He is about to take on the task of essentially, a single father for a while. So, anyone who wants to reach out a helping hand to Adam during these next few months, we will both certainly appreciate it.

Oh Happy Day!

Adam and I have a nephew! We have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of "Brantley James Bagwell" for quite some time. He arrived a few weeks early, but it is still a healthy 6 pounds, 14 ounces. We can't wait to meet him and snuggle him. Harrison is absoultely beside himself excited and Fisher doesn't understand. However, we did show him the picture and he got very excited to see Brantley's little body. I'm sure there will be more pictures in the future of all of our little boys together. Adam and I are so excited to finally be an aunt & uncle.

Soaking It Up

As everyone knows by now (especially because of my frequent blog posts), I'm home now, soaking up time with my boys before I leave on Sunday. I've been to the beach four days in a row. Only once was it for an extended time. I'm really trying hard to take as much time with the boys and be intentional about everything we do. We all went on a walk tonight after bath time and just before bed time. Adam and I talked about how ridiculous it is that we don't do these "things" on a regular basis. And it is just hard...life gets in the way...checklists and being efficient really get in the way of capitalizing on small moments. It's so fun doing it now, but I have to figure out a way to get this into my regular routine.

This little lady...

This little lady came to visit us this week. And I think I speak for all of the blog world that knows her when I say she may be one of the greatest people on this planet. Lucky for me (and Fish), she is Fisher's Godmother. We are going to miss her random visits up the road to Murrells Inlet, but are certainly hopeful that we get frequent visits in the ATL too. Everyone needs a little Aunt Maggie in their lives.

Boys being boys

After a nap the other day (hence the dazed look from him), Fisher thought he would give Harrison's tractor a whirl. He couldn't quite figure out how to press the gas. Harrison tried to help. Quickly tired of that unsuccessful attempt, Harrison thought it was a great idea to put Fisher in the trailer. He did exceed the weight limit, but not by much. It was hilarious.

4th Birthday Post

Dear Four Year Old Harrison,
Your father and I are so proud of the little boy that you are developing into these days. It's so neat to see certain characteristics that we assumed you have and to see that we were wrong in some areas or exactly right. I often describe you as caring and cautious. And for my oldest son, I'm so thankful that you embody these characteristics. These two things make you a phenomenal older brother and a great helper for your parents. You love your brother more than I imagined you would have the capacity. He makes you smile as soon as you see him (and the same goes for him). You want Fisher to be a part of mostly everything you do as the best time during your day is when you get to play with him. You obviously like your alone time to so you can play with your toys that have small pieces. Your frustration with Fisher comes here because of how deliberate you are in your play time...Fisher is like a monster that destroys your toy cities. Other than that, you never get upset with him. For that, we are so thankful. You have such a tender heart and want to be loved by everyone. And you are keenly aware of other's emotions which surprises us all of the time. You often ask us if we are happy of if we are disappointed in you. People always comment on how observant you are. You remember everything...crazy details. This is amazing and nerve-wracking all at the same time. You are initially shy, but always confident. You are always up for a new adventure...especially with your dad. You want to do whatever your dad does. You want to get dirty, climb fences, pretend you are in the Army, make fires, and camp with dad...to name a few things. You are all boy and the desire of your heart is to be outside.
There are moments when I want to bottle you up at this age. When you tell me that "you saved a cuddle for me" or you ask so sweetly if I will cuddle with you for a couple of minutes in the morning, I beg the Lord to remind me of these days. For I know, these days are numbered. I love that you never fail to tell me that you love me everyday. I love that you tell your brother numerous times a day how much you love him. I love how you get a little teary eyed if your father or I walk out of the house to leave and you forget to tell us bye. And recently, I've seen you turn into such a big boy as you fight back tears in situations where you really want to cry, but try so hard not to.
You are already changing into such a big boy that I feel like life is passing us by so quickly. I hope you know, forever, that your father and I love you no matter what. The Lord made you just the way you are because He thought it was a great idea. We love how the Lord has knit you together.

Love,
Mom & Dad

4 Year Check-Up Stats
44 lbs, 8 ozs: 93rd percentile
43.6 inches: 97th percentile

Harrison's 4th Birthday...Part 2

So, Harrison loves Miyabi. Well, sort of...he has a love/hate relationship with the hibachi grill. He loves the fire...hates the loud noises (banging of utensils and yelling). When asked where he wanted to eat with the family for his birthday dinner, he said the fire on the grill place...Miyabi. It wasn't exactly a great experience. They sat us 25 minutes after our reservation. Started cooking almost an hour later. It just wasn't pretty...mainly for Fisher. But both boys were exhausted. We still had a good time, however.