Our weekend at the Zoo...

Our countdown chain ran out and we headed to Seth's favorite place in the world. It was about 65 degrees, all of the animals were out and we had the perfect day! 

When we got to the gorilla exhibit, we had a surprise! We didn't know there was a 10-day old arrival! I could have literally sat there all day...

This is their older guy, I think a few months old now!

My two gorillas! 

After asking to ride the giraffe's, we told him he could ride the horsies! Thank goodness he was JUST tall enough! 

Often when we go, this guy is hiding. 

I love watching him roam around! So beautiful.....

The baby lions are growing! And there's a new batch inside, too! 

I can't believe both boys just walked up there and fed her! 

We love our zoo adventures! We've decided it's our family's mission to visit a zoo in every state! LOL 

AAC Awareness...

I've been debating on this post for a long time. 

Every new step in our speech journey with Seth is terrifying. Full of worry and doubt. Full of fear. Fear of judgement. Fear of the unknown.

Back before his therapist left and he got a new one, she brought up getting an AAC device. Right off the bat Jeremy and I said no. We viewed it as something that Seth would use as a crutch. Something that would talk for him, not help him in speaking himself. But we loved and trusted his therapist and since she (obviously) was the professional, we listened to her. She said in their experience it truly does help, so we decided it wouldn't hurt to try. 

It was either a pure coincidence or more likely - it actually worked. We saw HUGE improvements when they started using the device in his sessions and then when we got the trial to have at home as well. We are currently in the process of getting him his very own to keep. 

This post is merely to educate and make our friends and family aware of what's going on, so when you see him with it or he uses it to help him communicate better, you will know what it's for. So you will know what it is, but even more importantly - what it is NOT. 

Thank you to everyone who continues to be an amazing support for us through this journey that we know nothing about <3

10/15-10/31 Meals

Sorry I'm late! Am I the only one that hates it when the weeks end up like they do for this pay period? If you get paid twice a month, I think you might know what I mean - especially if you meal plan and grocery shop like we do. When it's not really 14 days but in fact 17 and it ends on a Wednesday. So, you either have to go grocery shopping on a Wednesday or try to stretch things out a couple more days. Ugh! LOL Am I alone in this struggle? Yes? No? Anyways, here we go.....

- Burgers

- Man Pleasing Chicken

- Leftovers

- Burrito Bowls

- Dinner with friends

- Chicken and Waffles

- Burgers

- Gnocchi Soup

- Leftovers

- Crockpot Kielbasa and Beans

- Leftovers

- Homemade Pizza

- Chicken cakes

- Chicken Poppers

 - Leftovers

-Stuffed Peppers

- Leftovers

I can't believe it will be NOVEMBER after this!

September

Where in the world is 2018 going?! I can't wrap my brain around the fact that it's October! September was such a whirlwind, August was too. Life is crazy and I don't even know why - other than these two boys! 

If Jeremy isn't in his chair, Phoebe is. 

If he is in his chair, so is she. 

She's also stolen half of my pillow at night.....

Sometimes the days are just too much for Lucas.....

I had a really great birthday thanks to this guy! 

(and everyone else who called, text or facebooked)

Like I said above, life has been insane! October and November are the busiest months for my book business. Other than that speeding up, we aren't doing much out of the ordinary, but the days seem full and fast. We are still adjusting to Daddy being at work, Seth's therapy and just the day-to-day tasks at home and raising these two crazy boys!

Lucas is obsessed with everything Seth does. Sometimes this is fun and sometimes it's a battle. There isn't anything in particular he seems to love right now - other than whatever his brother has. Seth is still completely infatuated with the zoo and paw patrol. They both love stories, snack time, movies/shows and being outside. We are impatiently waiting for the cooler weather to arrive so that we can enjoy being out more! Now that it's October, there is small hope that it is coming soon.... 

10/1-10/14 Meals

Here's our 2-week meal plan for October!

-Spaghetti

-Sausages

-Hawaiian Chicken

-Burgers with pineapple and pickled red onion

-Pizza and salads

-Pork Chops

-Burgers

- Cheese stuffed Meatballs

-Meatball Subs

-Grilled Chicken

-Chicken salads

-Tacos

-Tortellini Soup

-Leftovers

Pretty simple this time and lots of grilling as we wait for fall to arrive in SC. As you can see, out of desperation, I threw a soup in at the end, hoping that just maybe we'll have a glimpse of 70 degree (dare I ask for 60) weather by then....

What have you been doing in the kitchen?!