{13 year well check}

 Mason had his thirteen-year well-check this week. Yes, it's about 3 months late since his birthday was back in May. COVID threw our well-check routine off. We couldn't get an appointment until later in 2020 and then our insurance will only cover a well-check annually. So now, our well-checks fall around this time each year. Mason's doctor hasn't been worried about it since he is a pretty healthy boy. 

{Never made the blog // Volume 1 // Bday, Well Check, Cops & Kids, Father's Day, Child Dedication}

My friend Sarah has been doing these posts on "things that never made it to the blog" and I have loved reading them. Life gets away from you so quick and then blog posts keep piling up. I have so many things that never made it to the blog, but I want them to. So, I thought this would be the best way to catch up. Here is a bunch of random things that never made this blog...

{My boy right now // July 2017}

Last September I wrote a "My boy right now" post and recently came across it. I loved reading it and it made me realize I want to do more of these posts. That way I have all of these posts of Mason as a kid to look back on when he's older! There are just so many things I want to remember about him at this stage of life. He's such a fun and loving little guy and I can't soak up enough time with him. Here are some random tidbits about my boy right now...

{Another lost tooth}

Mason, age 6 years and 11.5 months

Mason lost his 2nd baby tooth Sunday night. Well, he didn't technically lose it.
It was pulled.
By Nate.
While Mason was asleep...

{Mason's 5 year well check}

5 year old well check. Still not sure how we got to five so quickly.

A photo posted by >>> Crystal <<< (@hallaroundtexas) on Jun 26, 2015 at 1:30pm PDT

Friday 6/26 we had Mason's five year well check appointment. I always look forward to his appointments {well checks, of course} because that means we get to see his amazing doctor. She is always so encouraging and I leave there feeling so blessed by her. She will greet you with a giant hug and leave you with the sweetest words of affirmation on how well you're raising your child. Mason adores her, as do we. She really takes her time with you and is so personable. And one of the things I love about our pediatrician is that she is a mother to two boys...so, she will also give you her mommy opinion. We appreciate that so much. And it's so obvious how much she loves her patients. 

She examined Mason and of course said he was perfect. ;) She kept complimenting on how smart and cute he was. Mase didn't have to get any shots at this appointment, so he was ecstatic. Dr. Sweet didn't have any concerns as far as Mason's health or development and was quite happy with him. 

Mason's stats:
Weight - 39.4 lbs {38-39%}
Height - 43 in {48%}
BMI - 15 {35-36%}

I still can't believe he's all growed up to FIVE. Someone please find out how to make the time slow down and share the secret with me. ;)

{It's the Little Things - a giver's heart}

Pre-K // Day 2

Yesterday we stopped by the donut store on the way to school. Mason picked out a glazed donut with white icing with a black storm trooper ring in the center of it. He loves those donuts with the silly little rings. And I love that those silly little things excite him. We paid for his donut and headed back into the car. I was already buckling him in his car seat when he says,

"but, I would like to get a donut for Ms Mistty Mama"

Without any hesitation I said sure and unbuckled him and we went back in. While we were walking I told him that he was a sweet sweet boy with a sweet heart and he says,

"Yes mama just like you. I want to do something nice for her."

Cue the tears!!!

We walked back in and the owner tilted her head and looked at us and said 'you forget something?' And I told her that Mason wanted to pick out a donut for his teacher. The lady behind us said, "Oh how sweet!" and Mason just smiled. He picked her out a donut with pink icing and sprinkles and we were on our way.

 Anytime my baby wants to give I will not stop him! I love that he has such a sweet soul and a giver's heart. I want to encourage that. I want to encourage giving...and not just of material things but of many things. Giving his time to help a person in need, giving a shoulder to lean on, praying for others, etc.

It was something so little, but yet so so big.

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee

- Deuteronomy 16:17 

Linking up with Ashley and Jess for It's the Little Things.

{Oh hello growth spurt...we meet again}

Mason seems to hit a growth spurt every 6-8 months. We are in the middle of one now. It's funny, a couple of weeks ago I kept telling everyone that I think he's growing. Their response is always "he is, too fast". But I'm like, no really...he's growing right now! A mama's intuition, I guess. Because it wasn't a few days later Mason started showing all of his normal signs of a growth spurt - 

- Takes forever to fall asleep at night
- Flops around like a fish out of water when asleep
- Sleeps longer. Like Sunday night - he slept 14+ hours!!
- Eats a ton and is willing to try new things. Friday night he ate an onion ring! My picky little guy ate a freakin' onion!! And it was a big onion!
- More irritable/more fits/cries at the drop of a hat

The fits are definitely not fun, but I love that he eats more and is willing to try new things. He is usually so picky with what he eats and doesn't always eat a lot. 

Cute side story - Nate bought Mason a 'build your own (wooden) knife kit' at Cabelas the other day and Mason thinks he is so grown! It's a pretend/starter knife, but Mason doesn't fully know that. He thinks he has a real knife. He keeps telling me, "Mama, can you believe I am big enough to have a pocket  knife now?" and I want to cry every single time. 

He truly is growing too fast. 

Does your child have any distinct signs when having a growth spurt?

{It's the little things - week 6 - confidence}

Linking up with Ashley and Jess for It's the Little Things.

Nathan and I try so hard to instill confidence in Mason. No matter what he is doing, we always want him to be confident in himself. So, with that being said we recently enrolled him in Gymnastics. We've heard {and seen} how great of a foundation gymnastics builds for children; strength, balance, speed, focus, flexibility, endurance, coordination, and of course, confidence. 

We have loved gymnastics so far. It's quickly becoming my favorite night of the week. Mason loves it too and does so well listening to his teachers. 

In just three short classes Mason has already learned so much. 

This last weekend Mason showed us something little, but yet so entirely big! 

We took him to a playground while we were on our little getaway and what did he do? Without saying a word {just a big ole' determined smile on his face} he climbed that playground like it was his job and went straight for the biggest/tallest slide. He didn't hesitate one bit! And he slid down only to run to and do it again, and again!

He was so confident in himself and climbing that jungle gym! 

We were so incredibly proud! 

{It's the Little Things - Week 5 - Praise}

Linking up with the lovely ladies Jess and Ashley for It's the Little Things for week 5.

Nathan and I are constantly praising Mason for every little thing he does. We feel it's important as Mason is growing and learning. When he uses his manners, we praise....when he does something kind for someone, we praise...when he is on great behavior, we praise....praise, praise, praise. Mason has such a tender little heart and you can just see what a little praise does for his soul.

Now Mason praises us. 

"Good catch Daddy"

"Whoa, good job Mama"

"That was nice of you Daddy"

"Thank you Mama for making me supper, that was nice of you."

And he is so sweet and sincere when he does it. 

It definitely pulls at my Mama heart strings and makes me feel like we are doing something right.

{Mason lately - 3.5 years}

Yesterday my sweet Mason Lane turned 3.5 years old. That's only 6 months away from being 4. FOUR! How do I have a four year old? And how did these years pass so quickly? It's entirely too true, the statement, the days are long but the years pass by fast! He actually told his uncle the other day that his birthday was in six months. Not sure how he knew that, but he did. He knows a lot of things that blow my mind, honestly. I love when he tells me something and I am totally surprised that he knew it and he says, "Mama, you didn't even know that?" He's the cutest! 

Mason Lane...oh Mason! You fill our hearts with so much joy! Daddy and I longed to have a child for many years and you are just more amazing than we could have ever imagined. You are the most witty child and you march to the beat of your own drum. You will keep me on my toes for the rest of my life. That's one thing I know for sure. But, you keep us laughing everyday and for that we are thankful. Your dad and I just look at each other and smile because we are thinking the same thing, Oh how we love you so!! You know how to push all of our buttons and may have given daddy many few gray hairs, but then you turn around and melt our heart in an instant.

At three and a half you are 34-35 pounds, 39 1/4 inches tall. You definitely hit a growth spurt in the height department since your May. We had to go and buy you new jeans because all of your size 3T pants are 2 inches too short. You are now wearing all 4T clothes. Shoes are a size 9 or 10. Just depends on the shoe. 

You are still a very picky eater, but you are definitely better! You will sometimes try new things. And you are mostly eating your lunches at school. You used to not touch a single thing they offered. Now, you will eat it....all except the spaghetti. You won't touch that with a 10 foot pole. Some of your favorites at home are macaroni & cheese {but only the shells}, pancakes, waffles, grilled cheese, bananas, apples, oranges, applesauce, yogurt, and you love mexican food. Sprite or Strawberry soda are your favorite and of course, milk.

You love to play. Doesn't matter what it is, as long as you are playing. Your favorites are Cops vs bad guys, Good guys vs zombies,  Subway Surfers, cars/trucks, or with your Batman stuff. Your Daddy doesn't even get all the way through the door in the evenings before you are summoning him to play with you. You're a Mama's boy for sure, but you love your Daddy something fierce. I love the way you look at him and how you watch him and most times copy him. And toys, you are absolutely obsessed with toys. Toys of all kinds!!

Mason, you have music in your heart! You sing and dance all the time and are quite the performer. You dance even when there is no music on. And you have some moves!! Your Christmas program for school is in just a couple of weeks and I just can't wait to see you on stage.

Mommy still has to put you to sleep each night. You will not settle for anything different. You liked for me to read you a couple of books before we turn out the lights. And as soon as we finish a book you say, "One more time" every.single.time.

You are getting more and more independent and doing things on your own. You'll blurt out, "Potty, I need to go Potty" and then you'll say, "But I can do it my own self". And when we are at Mimi and Papas you just go potty by yourself.  There are a lot of other things you want to do on your own - your strong-wiliness coming out in you. But not yet, brother!

You are in PreK 3 at school still and seem to be doing really well. I can tell by the worksheets you bring home. And I love when you tell me parts of the bible story that goes along with your paper. And, I'm still fairly certain that you're one of the class clowns. It's rare that you are ever on green (best behavior) and when I ask you why you were on yellow or blue it's usually because you were talking/dancing/being silly.  

Your favorite tv shows are Spongebob, Paw Patrol, Bubble Guppies, Doc McStuffins, Ninja Turtles, and pretty much anything else that comes on Nickolodeon. Your favorite movies are Toy Story, Cars, Monsters Inc, Polar Express and Coraline. We've taken you to the movies 3 times now and you seem to be enjoying it more each time. I just wish they didn't have those darn games/rides in the lobby! You could spend hours there.

We have to fight you to take a bath and play a little game of "If you don't hurry up and get in there then Daddy is going to take a shower. We better beat him." it works about 75% of the time. And then once we get you in the bath, it's so hard to get you out.

When you get home from school you are ready for your "jamas". I'm sure you get that from me, because that's usually the first thing I do when I get home. Now that I am working from home I am able to have supper ready earlier and we have more time in the evening to hang out as a family. I can tell how much happier this makes you.

You are really good at using your manners without being prompted to do so. It's just natural for you now. And you will certainly call someone out if you hear them say yeah, shutup, stupid, hate, etc. You told your Aunt Leslie the other day that she could find a better word to say!

You are becoming more and more interested in becoming a "brother" and speak about it often. The other day you told your dad, "I don't want to be a son anymore, I just want to be a brother." And the other night while we were laying down you told me that you were ready to be a big brother because you listen to us and tell us what direction and which path to take. And that you know your manners. I had to explain to you what being a big brother truly meant. You were okay with it. You said, "Let me think which I want you to have" and you put your little finger to your chin for a few seconds and then said, "A sister. I want you to have a baby girl in your tummy Mama."

We'll see, baby....we'll see!

Mason Lane, we love you to the moon and back a gazillion times. Thank you for making our lives so much sweeter. And happier. And crazy. But, we love the crazy.

Happy 3.5 baby!

{Oh! Hello growth spurt}

I think it's safe to say that Mason is going through a growth spurt. It's funny. You'd think after 3.5 years we'd have this down. But it's not until you're in the thick of it that you realize, aha, it's a growth spurt. That's where we are this week. 

It usually starts with butchering our sleep routine. It takes Mason forever to fall asleep. Sometimes over an hour, hour and a half. And the whole time he's trying to go to sleep, and even after he's asleep he does not stay still. It's like he's constantly shuffling and moving his legs. Pretty sure it's growing pains. He doesn't cry or whine much anymore. Just keeps them moving. He sleeps, but I don't think he rests.

And yesterday at school he completely skipped nap time. What? My boy is usually a good napper {at school}. So when I saw on his sheet that he didn't sleep at all I was flabbergasted!

And the no sleeping/not resting thing leads to a few more fits than normal. We try to be understanding through them...but goodness!! 

And he eats. Oh boy does he eat. Mason has always been a very picky eater. The pickiest of the picky! And when he's going through a growth spurt he eats like a champ. I love that aspect of it.

Guess we'll be buying pants this weekend....since all of his current ones are now oh, lets see, 2 inches too short!!!

Does your toddler go through these?

{My Sweet Mama's Boy}

Last night I was lying down with Mason, winding down to go to sleep. He dropped his puppy and his blanket and put both of his hands on each side of my face. He started gently sweeping my face with his sweet little hands. Then he would wrap both of his arms around me and embrace me with a sweet little hug. And then back to my face. This went on for five or so minutes. 

No words were said.

No words were needed.

I could feel all of his love for me. How much he needs me.

I am the luckiest.

And I love being a Mama.

{Real Life - Halloween Picture Outtakes}

Epic meltdown...all because he didn't want to take pictures.

Welcome to the life of a three year old!! :))

Lucky he's cute ;)

{Halloweens Past}

{Fall Ball 2013 - that's a wrap!}

Saturday, October 21st was our last Fall Blast Ball game.  The boys all did so great. I loved our team this year and loved that we had some returning players. I hope we can keep everyone together (for the most part) throughout the years. We have some 3 year olds and some 4 year olds so some will move up before others. Here in Waxahachie Blast Ball is ages 3-5 and Tball is 5+.

This season they gave out medals instead of trophies. Mason was okay with that even though he was expecting a trophy all season. The boys got so excited when Nate handed out the medals.

What a difference 1 season makes. Mason spent more of the time in the stands last season and more time on the field this season! We do not make Blast Ball something Mason has to do. We want it to be something he wants to do. He is three. And we know if we push it then he may just turn away from it all together. He seemed to enjoy it much more this time! That makes this little baseball lovin' Mama's heart so happy!!

The below pictures are of Nate, Mason, Easton and Erik. Nathan and Erik played high school baseball together and now their boys are playing together! Easton and Mason are exactly 1 week apart in age and they get along so great!!

That's a wrap!

Now what do we do until Spring???