Our Next Chapter...

Obviously, I have been busy.  I have been slacking big time on the blog, but all for good reason.

Well, you know they always say that God's timing is never your timing.  Well, it's not.  Never is...  But some things come sooner than later.

So with that being said...

We are pretty much stunned too!  Doors were opened and we are headed back to Texas.  Never in a million years did we ever think we would living back in Lubbock, but we are and couldn't be more excited. (Brad and I both went to Tech and lived in Lubbock, but didn't know each other during that time....)  

It is very bittersweet leaving LA.  We have been here for two and a half years, and have formed many great friendships and have grown to love it.  And a teacher just doesn't up and leave in the middle of the semester.  One of the hardest conversations that I have ever had was telling those nineteen 8 year olds that I was leaving and leaving soon.  I was in shambles and could barely speak the dreaded words.  Three of them cried, even one of my little boys was bawling.  It was an all-around excruciating 10-15 minutes...

But then when Fallon raised her hand and said, "Well, that's it.  Bella and I are going to Texas with you!", that made me laugh.  And then Ronald piped in with his funny sense of humor, "So, this is pretty much Mr. Brad's fault, isn't it?"  I about lost it... 

"Yes little buddy -It's all Brad's fault!":)

And today was worse...  The dreaded last day.  I have cried so much this week, the kids got used to me without make-up.  It was ugly - We are talking real ugly.  I have always hated goodbyes, but for some reason, the goodbyes this round has been some of the hardest.  

I am going to miss my FANTASTIC co-workers, who make me laugh everyday.  Woodlake has such a close-knit faculty/staff and they embraced me from day one.  As I look back, I realize this is my fourth school to teach in.  I have been so blessed to have had the best co-workers in every one of the schools where I have taught.  From Lubbock to Keller, and Dallas to now Louisiana, some of these women have become my best friends and my second mother's when Bob wasn't around.  And my sweet friends that took us in under their wing when we knew no one here in Mandeville.  I swear some of them should work for the Mandeville Chamber of Commerce as many times as I called and text asking recommendations for doctors, restaurants, pediatricians, window tinting places, etc... Ha!

Lubbock was never on our radar, at all...  But to be an hour and ten minutes from my parents, be in the same area code - maybe even the same zip code as some of our closest friends, be soooo much closer to Wichita Falls and Rockwall so all the cousins can become besties - rather than besties through Facetime, is all worth it to Brad and I.  His family will be six hours away compared to nine here, so when it came down to it, it just made sense.

Louisiana will always hold a special place in our hearts.  We learned to live as a newlywed couple here (and boy, that wasn't a walk in the park some days:)  We had our precious Ledger here at St. Tammany Hospital (One of the best hospitals ever.)  We loved the Saints and LSU football games.  There is nothing like Louisiana...  The culture, the fabulous restaurants, the people, etc... 

So, in less than two weeks, we will make the long trek to West Texas.  Onto the next chapter and season in our lives.  Very bittersweet...  But exciting.

 Already miss these sweet faces...

Thanks for everything Louisiana...  You have sure been good to the Wainscott's!

(Except for the massive headache, two swollen eyes, and a wasted 5 days of make-up... :) 

Love,


~H  

Weekend Happenings...

This weekend was super fun and jammed packed! A haircut, a birthday party, dinner guests and lots of football watching...  (AND the Tech game.  Excruciating loss.)

Yes, it was time.  Time for L to get his first hair cut.  This dude has some hair.  Fine hair like Mommy's that sticks up all over his head like he just stuck his finger in a light socket at all times.

It started out a little rough, but he was a trooper and there were no "real" tears...

 "I survived!"  Head smooshing and all....

 The before and after...

Fresh new do!

Then it was off to our girl, Greta's 1st birthday party!  Boy, were we excited!  Nothing says fun like an inflatable pool filled with colored balls...  Best.idea.ever.  Ledger lived in there for a good hour.

Didn't snap many pics.  The hubs had to work, so nothing says fun like taking an 8 month old alone to a 1 year old's birthday party.  I felt like I had ran a marathon after leaving the party.  

The days of "sitting" are way gone.  

And then there is teething.  Oh dear.  

This cartoon is a little oogie...  Two teeth coming in here in the Wainscott household.  Especially last night from 3:00-4:15.  Poor baby.  And parents:)

BUT, it's a  4 day week for us St. Tammany Teachers... Gotta love the Parish Fair! 

Love,

~H

Dallas for Labor Day...

What a fun Labor Day weekend it was in Dallas!  

Now, getting TO Dallas was another story.  Nothing says fun like a 9 hour road trip with a 7.5 month old.  We talked about flying, but we thought that would have been a complete headache.  We needed our car, car seat and base, L's food, formula, etc...  Not that we couldn't have bought food and diapers in Dallas.  

We decided to leave on Thursday after school and drive 5 hours to Shreveport, stay in a hotel and drive the rest of the way Friday morning.  In my head, it worked PERFECTLY....  

 Let's ROLL Guys...

The first two hours of the trip were heaven.  Ledger slept, he talked to his mirror and entertained himself with the plethora of toys hanging off his car seat.  We stopped at Chick Fil-A in Lafayette to change and feed Ledger and grab a bite for ourselves.  Well, Ledger had peed through his diaper, all over his outfit and soaked the car seat. (It could have been vomit, so I am not griping.)  Once changed and shoved into the high chair inside, he pretty much refused to eat ANYTHING.  He would arch his back and purse his lips together and then swat his hand at the spoon.  He and I were covered in sweet potatoes and pears.  What a lovely little combo....  

I knew this was going to be bad.  Real bad.  He would be hungry in less than an hour and we would have to stop again.  

So here's the reader's digest version:  After dinner, Daddy forgot he had to do his 17th 2015-2016 Fantasy Football Draft on his phone Thursday night at 7:00, so Mommy had to drive, all while Ledger screamed bloody murder in the back seat.  It was a pleasant hour and a half drive before we stopped to feed Ledger and change him into his pj's at a rest stop somewhere in rural Louisiana.  We pulled into the Homewood Suites in Shreveport, LA at 10:30 pm.  Daddy had his earbuds in completely ignoring and over Mommy all while Ledger was wide awake ready to ROLL....  OH the joy....:)

Where are we and why am I still in this car seat?!?!

A hotel room?   LET'S PARTY!  

All followed by screaming "Dada" at the top of his lungs and letting out multiples shrills we have NEVER heard him do.   

 A bath at 11:00 pm and Mommy forgot my ezchema soap and shampoo.  Just a plain water bath.  Awesome...

So after screaming "Dada" again at a decibel I didn't know a 7 month old could belt out, sitting up and playing in his pack in play at 3:00 am and "up and at' em" at 5:30 am, we decided it was time for us to do the walk of shame out of the Homewood Suites.  Our poor, poor neighbors...  We couldn't get out of Shreveport fast enough. 

Brad and I got in the car and lost it.  We were in hysterics.  Could not stop laughing about the past 10 hours.  The shrills of our precious little one at 3:00 am, us not speaking for an hour cruising down the road, and asking each other who's idea it was to drive!  We decided that sleep was overrated and we just needed a Starbuck's and one STAT!

Friday was MUCH better and we were in Dallas in no time.  

We had lunch with some great friends on Friday.  Charlie did not know what to think about Ledger at all.  They basically just stared at each other.

 So fun having lunch with Uncle Cody and Marlowe...

 SO happy Ledger and I got to go up to Lakewood on Friday.  Spent 6 years of my life with these sweet ladies.  Miss them so much.... 

Had some yummy Mambos and Mexican food with Joe and Danna at Mi Cocina!

 And a great dinner with Steve, Kapua and Ethan.  Kapua was the baby whisperer.  Ledger loved her and was quite impressed with little Ethan!

 Aunt Christy's Surprise Sprinkle!  We can't wait for Baby Girl Hodges #2 coming soon in October.

 Aunts and Crazy Cousins... minus Knox and Ellis!

 Bob and two of the troops.  The look on their faces cracks me up! 

 More Dallas friends and Daddy!

Brunch at our fave Taverna with some more friends.

 And all smiles on Monday morning at after our unannounced 5:15 am wake up call.... I don't think Mommy and Daddy looked this happy to be woken at 5:15 am:)

What a wonderful jam-packed weekend it was in Dallas.  Ledger pretty much lived in his car seat trying to see as many people as we could, as we still didn't see everyone.  He was a CHAMP!  

I think the next trip to Texas we will go ahead call Southwest and Hertz and nix the 9 hour car ride.  It was a great idea for about 10 minutes... :)

Happy Sunday!

~H

Slow Down Time...

I never really thought I would ever say those words about Ledger, but I am NOW.  Its' going by WAY TOO quickly and I hate IT!  Every little milestone that he is hitting, the small little attitude he is acquiring (The hubs says that it's all from Shalyn - That would be my awful, hicky Texas middle name - Sorry Mom.)  It's all too much!  As one as my good friends says; "I can't even!"

He is huge or my favorite word "ginormous".  He is a solid 20-21 pounds and a head that weighs at least half of that:)  He makes Brad and I laugh more everyday.  His facial expressions; his "leave me alone" face, his infectious laugh/giggle, his new found shrieking voice, etc...  If we could sit on the floor with him for 10 hours a day we would, but that sure doesn't pay the bills!  

I love this sweet age, my most favorite and it is fleeting before my eyes...

 Mom fail....  10:00 am at Target.  Ledger looks drunk, still in his pajamas and clearly I have not mastered the seat cover thingy.  I mean look at that thing.  All wadded up.  I propped the Kind Bars up beside him.  Obviously, that worked well too.  And right after this picture, L had an epic meltdown.  So I carried him throughout Target all while pushing the cart with groceries to the brim.  That was fun.

We love our Nike's.

And we love to sleep on our tummy.

And sitting up in the crib!  WHAT IS THIS?!?!?  Lowering this badboy tonight!

  And we love gnawing on our favorite person's hand, knuckle, finger, etc...

6 months on has been my most favorite time with Ledger.  What a little character he has become!  The happiest baby on the block for sure.

Still not sleeping through the night or saying "Mama", but I'll let it go for now!:)

Happy Monday Friends,

~H

 

Well Hello Again...

The past three weeks have been a whirlwind!  Once back from our little Florida getaway, school was calling.  I don't know any other profession that it takes at least 2 weeks getting your room or office ready to start work.  OH, the life of an elementary school teacher.  The first day has come and gone and tomorrow starts our first full week of school.  

But this past week, Ledger came down with the crud.   (Thank you to three days of daycare.).  Took him to the Dr. and no ear infection, thank you LORD!  Just snotty nose, hacking cough, and a fussy baby.  So after countless tries with the humidifier, slathering essential oils all over the body, Children's Mucinex, Boogie Wipes, the snot sucker, and etc...  He wasn't any better.  So I called the pediatrician and begged and begged for something stronger.  Started him on antibiotics Thursday night and what a difference THAT makes.  Woohoo!  My happy baby is back in action!

 Monday at the Dr.  Poor little guy...

When Ledger gets a glimpse of this, all hell breaks loose.  OH MY LORD!  You would have thought I chopped off his left ear and right arm.  It takes BOTH Brad and I to hold him down.  It has gotten to be quite comical.  I know, kind of cruel, but funny!  

Wednesday morning Brad wakes up and sounds like DEATH.  I mean, horrible.  Soooo, he gets a Z pack Wednesday and by Friday aftenoon late, I thought I was dying...  So another Wainscott was prescibed a steroid shot and a Z-Pack.  GOOD GRIEF!  It spread all throughout this house at a rapid speed!  It's one thing to be sick when their isn't a child involved and you can come home, crash in bed, get up to maybe brush your teeth and crawl back into bed at 8:00.  Those days are long gone...

 Got to love a Z-Pack...

Here it is Sunday and we all are three on the mend - fingers crossed!   We need a week where we are all three healthy, not hacking up a lung, and depleting boxes of Kleenex at warp speed. 

 I love this.  I think this is a great idea for the first full week back!  Don't you guys think so?

Happy Sunday All!

Love,

~H

 

A Lil' Vaca...

Nothing like 4 days away from this MUGGY, horrendous Louisiana weather to recharge your batteries! 

Our little getaway was AMAZING...  And I survived without Ledger. Of course most of our conversations revolved around him, but I honestly wasn't missing him too much from 10:00 pm - 8:00 am!  I slept like a rock for three straight nights. It was heaven.  Ambien heaven. 

Here is where we spent most of our days...

The weather was amazing!  Couldn't have been better.

And we did absolutely NOTHING.  I had all these plans to work out in the fitness center, jog on the beach, paddle board in the ocean, rent jet skis, and more.  

NONE of that was done.  It was nice to do nothing, (but lay around and consume calories from fruity drinks.)

 We sure did eat well.  HOLY MOLY!  The diet was certainly out the window during these four days.  We had some of the best meals.  Amazing local restaurants that were suggested from Tommy, a local Floridian, we met at the pool. 

 The weather was so nice we could even eat outside on the patio!

 Couldn't sleep one morning, so I ventured out to the beach.  What an amazing sight.  I was the only person out there.  It was so peaceful and serene....

 

Love this guy so much and loved our first getaway together... 

But, we were jonesing to get home to see this little guy Sunday afternoon.  And he wanted NOTHING to do with us when we burst through the door.  He wouldn't even crack a smile.  He clung to Bob for DEAR LIFE just staring at Brad and I.  Not a warm welcome at all...

 One of his BFF's for sure.

Thanks Bob for flying in to watch and SPOIL our little guy!

Now, back to reality with work and everyday life.  Soaking up the last couple of days before I start back to work soon...  Where has the summer gone?  Cannot believe it is OVER, but somehow ready for a routine.  Not ready to get dressed in "real" clothes, put make-up on daily, and leave Ledger, but ready for a scheduled routine.  Or I at least keep telling myself this.... 

Love,

~H

 

 

July Firsts...

I cannot believe it is July 12th.  This summer is NEARLY OVER seeing I go back to school on August 4th.  Yep, you go back in early August when you get out May 22nd.  I'll take it!

Alot of "firsts" happened this month for Ledger....

 Someone's FIRST Fourth of July.  Looks enthused I know.  His face shows how much Daddy approves of the headband.  No more headbands for Ledge I was informed.  The man of the household was NOT impressed.  Fun hater.

 His first pool party!  It sure is a different pool party with a baby in tow:)

 "Oooohhhh this is one big bath tub Mom.  I think I'll lay back and relax!"

"

 "This is the LIFE!"

 The sweet babes...

Top picture: "Why are these three old ladies yelling our names and dancing to get our attention?"

Bottom picture: "Ladies, don't squeeze me out!"

Home by 5:30, Ledger in bed by 7:30, the Wainscott's in bed by 9:00.  Talk about a party.  Happening July 4th I know.  And I was about to whip someone's bootie across the street because I guess in Louisiana you can pretty much shoot off a firework wherever you please.  When did I become Scrooge on July 4th?  It's called a sleeping baby!

 Ledger's first sleepover with Steph!  Steph flew in a day early to hang out with us before a wedding filled weekend in the city.  Sweetest girl ever.  She always comes bearing gifts for L and I.  Loving my Lakewood candle - (This candle company customizes candles with specific cities and parts of cities with a specific scent.)  Oh how I miss Lakewood:(  

And boy do we love Sophie and now a Sophie book!  Thanks Steph.  Love you!

 First time the future husband and wife BOTH sat up and shared toys.  Well, kind of shared.  Moms had to help facilitate.

"WAIT, what?" You TWO are both leaving together to have dinner and see Garth in the city?!"

 "But Miss Dianne is my babysitter?  YES!!!!!"

 Ledger's new BFF!  Oh MY - He loves this lady.  And so does his Mommy and Daddy!  

First babysitter for Ledger and she definitely set the bar high.

What a fun, baby free night!  Garth was amazing and DID NOT disappoint!

What a fun July it has been full of sun, relaxation and friends!  And it is not over....  One last hurrah before school starts!

Bob, aka Ledger's best pal,  is flying in on Wednesday while Mommy and Daddy enjoy 3 sun-filled days of this:

 Relaxing, eating, sleeping, and more relaxing...

There will probably, no there will, be some tears shed leaving my little BFF for 4 days, but he is in the best hands ever.  Brad has already set a text and call limit of 1 per day back here on the homefront...  I can do it, I can do it!  Once I see that beach, fruity drink and no monitor sitting on the nightstand, I think I'll be just fine...

Love,

~H