The Gilreath's

Christmas 2011

2012-01-24T10:35:00.005-05:00

Better late than never, I figure I better get in a Christmas post before we celebrate Henley's first birthday this weekend.

Christmas was so much fun this year, Mack "got it" and we had the best time with the Elf on the Shelf, video messages from Santa, watching polar express, decorating the tree, making a gingerbread man, visiting Santa, lunch with Santa and the list goes on and on. Henley really had no clue what was going on, but she just smiled the whole time as she always does and we really enjoyed her first Christmas!

Mack favorite gift was, of course, his motorcycle. He loved it! Henley loved her car the most!

Update in Pictures

2011-12-14T13:17:00.005-05:00

We have been busy...

Henley found her tongue

Mack had his "nastics" program at school and we got to watch what all he has learned and he of course got a medal for his hard work

We met our new cousin, Jack Henley Dimino, while we were in Mississippi

We had lunch with Santa on Sunday, Henley is not really a fan. Mack sat in his lap three times, he loves him! And the came hat from last year is back and being worn ALOT!

Mack met Santa again at the Tupelo mall, told him he wanted a motorcycle

We went to the Simpsonville Christmas Parade and this pic made it on the online album from the newspaper

Mack, Daddy and Mama went to the beach for a weekend for Daddy's work, it was so fun. The weather was chili but so nice, it was my first time to ever go to the beach in the month of December. I loved it and so did Mack!

Henley's Baptism

2011-12-06T13:08:00.006-05:00

Sweet Henley was Baptised at Ft. Inn Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 20th. We had a great lunch at our house after to celebrate. We also did a baby dedication at my parent's church in Mississippi to celebrate Henley with all our MS family the next weekend. Both days were so special and Henley was a happy baby that smiled and waved as she enjoyed the spotlight.

This is me trying to get a good picture of her in her gown, not happening

Singing

2011-10-26T13:01:00.003-04:00

We had a long ride to Clemson last weekend to the game, the traffic was awful so Mack entertained us with his singing.

Crawling and Potty Training

2011-10-14T12:52:00.006-04:00

Lots of exciting stuff going on our house:

Mack is

PACI FREE and has been for about two weeks now, he threw his paci out the window driving home from Mississippi on I-85 and we said a little baby bird would pick it up. He still cries for it when he gets hurt or is cranky, but we have not given in and he sleeps without it too. I thought we would never get rid of that thing! Whenever he sees a bird, he says, "does he have my paci?"

SEMI-POTTY TRAINED, he has worn "big boy undiewears" everyday to school the past week and half or so. He has had a few accidents but overall is doing great. He tells us when he has to go and even gets out of bed to go some at night. We are still working on not wanting to sit on the potty (if you know what I mean), but hearing lots of " I pee pee in the potty" at our house.

Henley is

ALMOST CRAWLING, she gets on all fours and mostly just scoots backwards. She is not actually crawling yet, but can scoot all around a room and get or reach what she has her eye on. This little girl loves to get into things, I am going to chasing her everywhere pretty soon.

LOVING FOOD/HATING BOTTLES, as I have said before, this girl loves to eat. She loves feeding herself, she doesn't even want me to feed her babyfood anymore, she wants things she can pick up with her hands and she shovels in it. She really dislikes bottles and is too busy to sit still and take one, I have to fight her to get the formula in.

Here are some pics from the past few weeks. We went to the Denver Downs Farm and Pumpkin Patch last weekend.

I love this picture of Henley and her cousin Aubrey, two sweet girls

Sippy Cups and Underwears

2011-10-05T10:43:00.003-04:00

My babies are growing up! I bought Mack these big boy "Undiewears" as he calls them yesterday, and he does not want to take them off. He doesn't even want to wear pants. I let him play outside yeterday without shorts and he kept lifting up his shirt and showing all the older neighborhood kids his "undiewears." He is NOT potty trained and insisted on wearing them to school today, I sent extra clothes and aplogized to his teachers in advance, I am sure they were thrilled. Just call me "Mother of the Year"

And this little girl is about to eat us out of house and home. She has started puffs and loves them! She wants to eat constantly and only gets them in her mouth about half the time, so puffs are everywhere. I found one in her nose yesterday and got to work today and one was stuck on my shirt. I am trying to teach her how to start a sippy cup. We will be done with bottles before you know it.

Early Fall Run Down

2011-09-20T12:34:00.010-04:00

We have been busy the past couple months. I am so behind on blogging, picture taking, etc. Poor Henley, I have got to be better about documenting her first year. She is about to be 8 months old (where has the time gone), she is still an easy baby. She stays on schedule, eats great, sleeps 12-13 hours a night and is so smiley and happy. She loves Mack and he is really good about playing with her, getting her toys, etc. I no longer have to fear for her life when my back is turned.

Mack is loving school these days, he no longer cries when we drop him off, he runs in and barely tells me bye. He is learning his letters, numbers, colors and lots of Bible stories. He can tell you all about Noah and the Ark. He can say the Pledge of Allegiance and his ABC's (with a little help). He loves to watch Nemo, Toy Story, and Yogi the Bear. He is still big into golf and spends most afternoons outside "hitting balls".

Our Smiling Girl- 7 months

Mack at the Labor Day Festival

Winning Big at Frankie's Fun Park

Greenville Drive Baseball Game with Daddy

Cheering on the Rebels and the Tigers

Brother-Sister Time

Thanks again to Liz at Yellow Umbrella Photography for these great pics taken at 7 months and 28 months!

First Movie

2011-08-03T12:32:00.002-04:00

I took Mack to see Whinnie the Pooh yesterday. We didn't make it until the end of the movie because he wanted to go play the video games in the lobby, but he did sit and watch for about 45 minutes. He said "I scared" when we first walked in and it was dark and "It's loud" and "Turn the lights on." He loved the popcorn!

Killing Two Birds With One Stone!!

2011-07-27T13:24:00.001-04:00

Conserving water at the Gilreath house!

Golfer

2011-07-13T12:17:00.004-04:00

Jim takes Mack to play golf every Wednesday evening, Jim always comes home telling me how much Mack loves it and he gets out of the cart every time Jim hits a shot and hits his own shot. I was a little skeptical that our 2 year old would enjoy playing 9 holes of golf for two hours in the 100 degree heat. So, Sunday afternoon Jim's mom kept Henley so I could see for myself what all the fuss was about. Our little guy really loves it and takes it so serious, he has to do everything and I mean everything his Daddy does, right down to the tee behind the ear.

Conversations with Mack...

2011-06-22T11:48:00.005-04:00

Mack: "My shirt dir-dy"

Me: "It's ok I will wash it"

Mack: "In da dishwasher?"

Me: "sure"

Me: "My stomach hurts"

Mack: "need to call Doc Phil-ups?" ----Dr. Phillips is his pediatrician

Leaving Daycare:
Me: "Did you have a good day?"

Mack: " I pooted a lot"

At McDonald's
Mack: "I want a Happy Milk"

Potty Time!

2011-06-21T10:07:00.005-04:00

Thought I should document this milestone in Mack's life:

Saturday, June 18, 2011 : "I poo-poo in da potty"

Summertime!

2011-06-18T19:59:00.012-04:00

We have been having lots of fun so far this summer. Here is a run down:

Picnic with Mack's friend Price Miller

Enjoying a little grilled corn on the cob

Playing a little golf

2 Yr. shots and blood check (didn't even cry when they pricked his finger)

Taking a motorcycle ride downtown

Georgia Aquarium

Pirate!

Chillin with Daddy!

Aquarium, touching the stingrays

Fishy Face

Henley ready for her first trip to the pool

This is how Henley spends most of her summer days

Playing in the sprinkler with Cousin Charlotte

Enjoying some Watermelon

Wild Dunes, Isle of Palms, SC

Lainey came to visit!

Brother/Sister Time!

Playing in the sprinklers downtown

Henley wishing she could play too!

Henley-4 months

2011-06-18T19:43:00.004-04:00

Henley's 4 month stats:

Height: 25.3 inches (80%)
Weight: 14 lbs. 15 oz. (75%
Head: 41.3 cm (54%)

side note: Mack at 4mos. was 17lbs.

Henley-3 Months

2011-05-10T13:12:00.003-04:00

I can't believe Henley is already 3 months old. She is starting to hold her head up, can sit in the bumbo, she sleeps from about 8pm-7am every night, she wears a size 2 diaper and 3-6 mos. clothes, she coos and smiles all the time and she loves to be sitting up so she can see what is going on. She rarely cries or fusses and she loves her daycare teachers, Miss Vivian and Miss Rachel (and we love them too!)

Easter 2011

2011-05-10T13:05:00.003-04:00

The Easter Bunny came to visit Mack and Henley! We told Mack that night as he was going to bed that the bunny was going to leave him a prize. First thing he said when he woke up was "Bunny, Prize?" We had a great first Easter with Miss Henley!

Catch up-April

2011-05-08T21:31:00.010-04:00

I am playing catch up, April was a busy month. Mack's 2nd birthday was on Easter Sunday, so we loaded up and went to Mississippi to have his party and celebrate Easter. Before we left we also had cupcakes at daycare, a cookout with the Gilreath's to celebrate Mack and Bebe's April birthdays, so Mack did lots of celebrating!

Daycare fun

Party Day

She's Heavy

2011-03-31T19:37:00.002-04:00

8 weeks and 11 months!

2011-03-26T13:26:00.005-04:00

A big week here at the Gilreath house, little Henley hit the 8 week mark and her big brother hit the 11 month mark.

Henley is still such a good and easy baby. She sleeps good, eats good and rarely cries or fusses. She has slept through the night a few times but usually gets up once around 4am. I am having lots of fun with her while on maternity leave, but she will start going to daycare in a few weeks as I ease back into work. We went and met her teachers, two very sweet older ladies who made me feel much better about taking her. She is really starting to fill out and get those round cheeks like her mommy and brother.

I can tell you that sweet miss Henley better grow to be a tough girl to keep up with her big brother. Sometimes he loves on her, wants to hold her, talks baby to her, kisses her, etc. but there are times when he hits her, kicks her in the head, throws balls at her. etc. I can not turn my head for a second and leave these two alone. We recently took Mack to Monkey Joe's for the first time, it is an indoor gym full of bouncy houses, slides and games. He loved it!

They have a 3yr old and under area but, of course, Mack hit up every thing they had. I was glad Jim was there to keep up with him.

Man on Man

2011-03-08T09:24:00.005-05:00

Man on Man... that is what we are playing these days. Two adults, two kids and when you are home alone the kids out number you and you better get your game face on. Having two under two has definitely been full time for both me and Jim, but it has been so much fun these past five weeks. Mack gets funnier and funnier every day and Henley is so sweet and such a good baby.

Henley and I took a short trip to Mississippi last weekend and Jim and Mack had lots of fun while we are gone. They went to the zoo, the park and a baseball game. They also ate out every single meal and did a little shopping :) Here are the pics Jim sent me from his phone over the weekend...

And not to leave out little Henley, she is growing like a weed. She gained two pounds since her two week check up and is finally up to the same weight her brother was when he was born :).

She also met lots of special people on her Mississippi visit.

Cousin Hayden and Henley

Piper and Henley, born just one day apart

Cousin Aubrey meets Henley, she was so sweet with her. She just wanted to hold her.

Henley with mama's friends!

Sweet Pictures!

2011-02-07T11:05:00.003-05:00

My friend and neighbor, Liz, took these sweet pictures of Mack and Henley yesterday. If you are in Greenville, check her out, she does an amazing job. http://www.yellowumbrellaphotography.com/

One Week

2011-02-06T17:52:00.002-05:00

Mack weighed 9lbs 4oz. when he was born so holding my little 7lb. Henley is much different. Here are their one week old pics...

Henley Kate Gilreath

2011-02-06T16:59:00.005-05:00

Henley Kate Gilreath arrived on Friday, January 28th at 9:27am. She weighed 7lbs. 10oz. and 19 and 3/4 inches long. She is so sweet and so little. Mack has been a great big brother and we are all doing well and settling in at home.

20 Months

2011-01-21T12:50:00.002-05:00

In the midst of the Holidays, Mack turned 20 months old and since I have a few more days until he turns 21 months, I wanted to give an update, so here is 20 things for Mack to know about himself as a 20 month old:

1. You love airplanes! We have made several trips to the downtown small airport for you to watch the planes come in and out. Daddy even got you inside one last weekend.

2. We had our first big snow this month and you call it "snows". You were a little unsure at first but warmed up to it a little, but not a major fan.

3. You can count to ten, alternating numbers if I start with one.

4. You wore the fireman boots Laney and Pop gave you for Christmas everyday for a week, I had to hide them when you went back to daycare so you would not want to wear them.

5. You love your camo toboggan, you wear it sometimes all day at daycare, even at nap time.

6. You want to sleep with Mama and Daddy every night. You point to our room and cry until we let you.

7. You wake up almost every night saying, "juice, Juice" and we have to keep juice by the bed and ready for you.

8. You know that there is a baby in mama's belly and know when something is hers, you always points and say "babies"

9. We watch tons of "yo gabba gabba", you call it "bobby" for some reason

10. You have to have your paci and "bankie" (your blue blanket) to go to sleep

11. You like to eat "fishies" (goldfish crackers), "pop-parts", bananas, "chickten" (chicken sticks), "ba bites" (bagel bites)

12. You feed "Bailwee" every day, and most of the time get all the food in the bowl.

13. You watch Barney DVDs every time we get in the car and point at it and say "Barn, Barn" for us to turn it on.

14. You now have your own potty and pretend to use it

15. You love books

16. Daddy has taken you to several hockey games and he says you love it. We even watch it some on tv.

17. You do not like to make "amess", and if you do, you want me to clean it up

18. You are still a Daddy's boy and say "Daddy?, Daddy?" the minute you wake up and whenever he is not home

19. You still cry when I drop you off at daycare, but also cry because you do not want to leave some days.

20. This is your last week as an only child, we can't wait to see you with your baby sister!

Catch Up

2011-01-07T12:43:00.005-05:00

What luck that the flash went out on my camera on Christmas morning. So I missed getting any pictures passed the few I caught just as Mack dug into his Santa stuff. I think he was a little overwhelmed by it all, but after a little while and realizing all the toys were really his, he dug right in. I missed getting pics of Christmas lunch with the Gilreath's and my mom's visist the week after Christmas. We had a wonderful Christmas and start to the new year. Here are some December pics!

Jim painted the nursery! (just testing the color)

I attempted to take a Christmas card pic, that did not work out so well!

Santa Came!

Santa and Baby Update!

2010-12-21T12:32:00.003-05:00

We took Mack to see Santa last weekend. I was anxious to see if he would like him this year. He was great as we stood in line, waving to him and saying "hey Santa," but once it came time to sit on his lap, he was unsure. His lips started to quiver but he never actually cried. This is a picture of a picture so not great quality. I think he likes Santa better from a distance.

In baby #2 news, we now have a date planned for her arrival. My section is scheduled for January 28th at 2pm! So unless she decides to come early, we are just about 5 weeks away. We have finally started on the nursery and we are all getting very excited to meet our new addition. Mack is starting to understand a little bit, he points to things that I have bought for her and says "baby", "baby". Of course he has no idea that this baby will be at our house very soon, I know he will be a great big brother!

We are still here!

2010-12-16T10:54:00.003-05:00

It has been a while since my last post! We spent a week in Mississippi for Thanksgiving and Mack has been sick for the past week, so things have been crazy at the Gilreath house. I think we are finally well and looking forward to starting the Holidays!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T21:21:00.003-04:00

18 Months!

2010-10-24T19:56:00.005-04:00

Mack is a year and half old today! I have to say this is one of the most fun and most challenging ages yet.

Fun things:

The talking-it is constant and changes daily. He does his best to say just about anything we ask him to. It is amazing how he picks up words and says them in his own little way. He is really starting to learn names and say the names of family and his classmates and teachers.
The Learning-he is starting to learn his colors and counting. He loves animals and learning what they "say" and repeating it. He does a good cow, tiger and fish.
The Dancing-he still loves it. If there is music playing, he is moving. He has got some great new moves and loves to show them off. He has music class at school and they say he enjoys it the most.
The Eating-he will still eat just about anything but french fries, he doesn't know what he is missing. He is all about using his own spoon or fork and does not want any help.
The Manners-he can be prompted to say "please" and "thank you", he will cover his mouth only when he does a fake cough. He can wipe his nose and mouth with a napkin and will interlock his hands and just smile during the blessing before dinner. He will also tell us when he has gone to the bathroom and every once in a while go get me a diaper and lay down on his own to be changed.

Challenges:
The Tantrums-we have at least one a day, sometimes several. Usually he wants something he can't have, is frustrated that he wants something he can't tell us he wants or he is just plain not getting his way. These tantrums are tough; kicking, screaming and hard to calm down. We try to do time out, but usually time is the only thing that will work and he soon just get over and move on.
The Whining-since he can't always tell us exactly what he wants he uses whining to try to get his way. It is a challenge to try to figure out exactly what he wants and stop the whining. Learning to communicate is tough.

Mack can make you grit your teeth in frustration one minute and then have you laughing and melting your heart the next. He is fearless, busy all the time and constantly on the go. We are just trying to keep up!

Many faces of Mack....

Fall!

2010-10-17T20:42:00.004-04:00

What a difference a year makes...

October 2009

October 2010

Spoiled!

2010-10-15T10:06:00.002-04:00

As if Mack is not spoiled enough, Jim came home with this "little" gift yesterday. It takes up a whole room and he loves it.

Potty Practice

2010-09-29T10:52:00.002-04:00

We haven't started yet, but just getting in little practice at our new store "Buy Buy Baby", which is awesome by the way!!

Beach Pics

2010-09-29T10:44:00.004-04:00

We went to Isle of Palms, SC several weeks ago and had a great weekend. It was the perfect time to go to the beach, not crowded or crazy hot. Mack was a little unsure of it all at first but then he jumped right in and had sand in every crevice of his body. Here are a few pics:

It's a Girl!

2010-09-10T11:02:00.005-04:00

I waited for a long time yesterday to hear those words, "It's a girl!" To make a long story short, Jim went to the wrong office for our appointment (I didn't tell him which office and he didn't ask, so we have decided we are both at fault :) so I had the ultrasound without him but did not find out the sex, and then once Jim arrived, I went back in for another ultrasound. It was an exciting and long morning! We are so happy and blessed that Mack will have a little sister.

Mack is "talking" more and more each day and it is so funny to hear him try to say things. He said "airplane" yesterday. His favorite sound to make is "mooooo" like a cow, he does it whenever he sees any animal. We took him to see the cows in my parent's pasture last weekend and he loved it, he was trying to jump out the window to touch them. He cried and waved when we left. (My mom has pictures on her camera I will have to get)

Enjoying his first Blow Pop after the fair!

He also has a new pastime of taking all the dvd's out of the tv stand and then attempting to put them all back in in. He loves to takes things out then put them back. Everytime he does this he brings me the Sweet Home Alabama DVD and points to the dog on the cover, he has done this tons of times and it is always just that one dvd. I think he knows that his Daddy's favorite movie :)

We are off to the beach today and I can't wait to see Mack's reaction, he hasn't been since he was 3 months old. Pictures to come!

First Hair Cut

2010-08-17T18:59:00.004-04:00

Mack had his first professional haircut today at Jellybeans. He did great!

Toddler!

2010-08-04T09:09:00.004-04:00

Mack moved up to the toddler room at daycare this week. He seems to really like it so far, the room has lots of climbing contraptions that he really seems to enjoy and they sit at a big boy table and chair for snack and lunch. I would love to know how they get him to sit still and eat and I am still amazed he naps on a mat everyday, he would never do those things at home.

The best part for me about this new class is the little girl that greets us as we come in each morning. She is few months older than Mack and each day she stops what she is doing comes over gives Mack a hug and kiss and then hands him a toy to play with. She did this his first day and she had never even seen him before. It is the sweetest thing, I had to take a picture this morning!

Slacker!

2010-07-23T12:31:00.004-04:00

First of all I want to thank Jim and Mack for the sweet post below. It made my day!

I have been a complete slacker lately in pretty much all aspects of my life. I have just been so tired that all I do with any free time is rest or nap. My house is a wreck and the laundry is piled up. I am finally starting to get some energy back so I hope to get back on track.

I have been awful about taking pics of Mack and documenting all of his daily changes as I should, I really need to step it up. He does something new and funny almost everyday, it is amazing how much he is soaking up and learning at this age.

Here are some 15 month stats:

Weight: 27lbs!! (75th percentile), He is so heavy, I don't know how much longer I am going to be able to pick him up.

Teeth: he finally has more than 2! His one year molars on the bottom came in and he is cutting all four front top teeth right now, yeah this makes for some interesting days and nights.

Diapers and Clothes: Size 3 and 24 Months or 2T

He speaks his own language, Jim thinks it is German, and he is constantly "talking"

He knows and understands about anything you say, such as "take your shirt off", he pulls at his shirt or "stand up", "come here", etc. He actually knows what we are saying and sometimes does what we ask, if he wants to :)

Loves his blanket and is wanting to carry it around with him more and more, anytime he has it, he puts on the floor and lays down on it and pretends it is time to "night, night." This is one of my favorite sleeping positions:

I finally cut his hair a little in the back after so many people (my mom and dad) kept telling me he needed a hair cut, but his little curls are too cute to cut all the way off.

He likes to sit in his chair every morning and eat his breakfast and watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, he loves the songs they sing. (I think his Dad likes them too :)

Still loves to dance and pretty much bust out some moves anytime he hears any kind of music.

He is moving up the toddler class at daycare, I can't wait to see how this goes.

His favorite person is still his Da-Da, he adores him and wants to be around him all the time.

He can show you his teeth, point to his nose, mouth, hair and belly.

He is head strong and stubborn, he goes after what he wants and if he can't get it he throws a tantrum until he does. His teachers at daycare say he can hold his own.

He keeps us laughing and constantly on our toes to see what he is going to do next!

Ode to Mary Katherine Loftin Gilreath

2010-07-13T22:20:00.004-04:00

Hello to all, this is a surprise guest from Jimbo; the man, the myth, the legend ( Dave Loftin says I'm all those in my own mind, I politely disagree). I know that my followers of "Deep Thoughts with Jimbo" have been in a slight depression/withdrawl without a post in more than a year, so I figured I'd make everyone happy and put out a guest post.

In all seriousness, I'd like to take this time to brag and build up my wonderful and supportive bride Kate! As a few of you know, I've taken a new job that will take me away from the house 50-60 hours a week and out of town for a total of more than a month in the next few weeks. Throughout this time, Kate has been the most supportive wife and mother anyone can ask for!! During this time, Mack has had to do breathing treatments and ear drops and Kate has dutifully kept Mack in good shape. During a dinner party last week (which I proceded to ATTEMPT to be the life of the party) I told the group that Kate keeps Mack alive, I make it fun to be here. I hope that makes sense and comes across well on the blog; if not, disregard that. If it weren't for Kate...Mack would go to school with one shoe and a boot on, a fedora on his head, a wife beater, cut off jean shorts, and a serious mullet that I thought looked good and Elaine thought looked like a kid out of the "Seen in WalMart" email chain.

So to Kate, Mack and I thank you for all your hard work and support you give to the Gilreath boys. We know that baby #2 (which for your sake should be a girl) is in great hands and we can't wait.

Love,

Jimbo and Mack

A week is too long!!

2010-07-01T09:47:00.003-04:00

I am missing this little man so much, can't wait to see him tomorrow!

I know he is having so much fun playing with all his cousins and getting spoiled by Lainey and Poppy.

Big Brother!

2010-06-15T13:57:00.003-04:00

This little guy is going to be a Big Brother! We are due at the end of January. Mack wore his new t-shirt to day care today so he could brag to all his friends!

13 Months!

2010-06-05T16:51:00.003-04:00

Mack is 13 months going on 30! Here is an update on what he is up to lately:

Taking steps and walking when he wants to, he has to be in the mood. He is not in a hurry to get anywhere.

Giving High Fives and Fist Bumps!

Pointing and grunting to anything he wants.

Eating everything! Pizza, bananas, capri suns, cheese quesadilla, and graham crackers are a few of his favorites.

Still only has two teeth!

Loves riding in his wagon, we take a spin about every afternoon.

Is starting to really like the pool, he stays in the baby pool and loves when other kids are there with him. He gets in his float and walks around.

He also really likes his new chair! He sits in it every morning and watches Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Special Agent Oso while he eats a pop tart.

He likes to mimic whatever others do

He loves to sit like this

We are having lots of fun this summer and enjoying all the new things Mack shows us everyday!

Tubes!

2010-05-11T21:10:00.003-04:00

The past four weeks Mack has been batting ear infections, we finally got the go ahead for tubes and he had them put in on Monday. He is a different child, so happy and so hyper! He is wearing us out! It is so sad to think that his ears were bothering him so bad that it was affecting his mood so much, we are so glad he is back to himself. Even the ladies at daycare said he was a wild man today and they could tell he felt so much better. Jim and I definitely have our hands full with a wild little BOY!

The procedure was so fast and Mack was fine about 10 minutes after. He was a little unhappy that he could not eat or drink that morning, but he played in the kid's waiting room and even road in the wagon with another little boy who was having surgery that day. Here are some pictures from our phones, we forgot the camera!

Not happy, very hungry in his little hopital gown!

Right after still knocked out..

Riding in the wagon

And after at home with Daddy enjoying a little Macaroni

Happy Anniversary!

2010-04-28T12:55:00.003-04:00

Thanks for a wonderful, exciting and fun three years, Jim! Can't wait for the many more to come.

Mack is 1!!

2010-04-26T19:48:00.004-04:00

Mack had a wonderful birthday full of family, friends, presents and cake! We are so thankful for all our family and friends that traveled near and far to celebrate with us. Here are a few shots of the Birthday Boy....

Change is a comin...

2010-04-05T22:06:00.005-04:00

After a wonderful year home with Mack, I am going back to work part time. I am so thankful I was able to stay home with him during his first 11 months with us and I would not change it for the world, but I think we are both ready for something new.

I will be working for a non-profit that supports the public school system in Greenville. I will be working about 25 hours a week so I will still have plenty of time with the little man. Mack is going to a church daycare. We took him to visit last week and he did not want to leave, I hope it is a good sign for things to come. He loves kids and I am excited for him to have lots of playtime with other children each day.

On another note, I can't believe this sweet baby is about to be a year old, where does the time go??

Spring and Easter Pics

2010-04-04T21:29:00.008-04:00

EASTER 2010

Playdate with Mack's Girlfriend, Ellison, at the Park......

Sweet Ellison...

Mack Sporting Ellison's shades

He mostly just ate the whole time while Ellison walked around

Good Friday at the Park with Mama and Daddy.....................

Easter Morning Bath...enjoying our new safety Duck cover the Easter Bunny brought, man that is one smart bunny!

Long Time-No Post

2010-03-27T10:24:00.006-04:00

It has been over a month since my last post, lots has been going on since you heard from us last. Let's see, Jim went to Vegas for a Bachelor Party, I went to Rosemary Beach for a Bachelorette Party, my mom came for her Spring Break, Jim and I went to Biloxi for my friend Dawn's wedding, Jim had the stomach virus while we were there, came home-Mack got the stomach virus, Mack finally started cutting his first tooth and he turned 11 months old! Wow!

Here are some pics from the Gilreath happenings....

My trip to Rosemary Beach with all my college girls for Dawn's Bachelorette...

The amazing house we stayed in.....

Me and Linds with the Bride to Be....

We celebrated all turning the Big 3-0 this year!~

All the 30 or soon to be 30 yr olds....

Our Trip to Biloxi......

And of course some pictures of our favorite little man.....

Damage!

2010-02-22T16:37:00.003-05:00

No, we did not get robbed or hit by a tornado, Mack did all this by himself in the span of less than an hour at about 6:00 this morning. I was too tired to try to stop him, so I just let him go and he went.

I am still amazed that he wants to play with everything that is not a toy, he loves electrical cords, magazines, newspapers, blinds, dog bowls, candles, candle holders, shoes, and the list goes on and on. I don't know why we even bought him toys! Household items are all you need for entertainment these days!

All in a day's work...

2010-02-16T16:31:00.004-05:00

Now that Mack is mobile, he seems to get lots done around the house during the day...

Making sure Bailey has food...

Opening a few packages for Daddy...

Wow, these blinds are dusty, I will wipe them down....

Doing a little neighborhood watch....

Cleaning out the fridge....

and after a long day, enjoying catching up on stocks with Daddy....

First Snow

2010-02-13T13:04:00.002-05:00

Splash!

2010-02-12T11:02:00.006-05:00

I was having trouble finding a juice that did not cause Mack to have trouble going to the bathroom-if you know what I mean. I asked my doc about it and he suggested V8 Splash. It has a serving of veggies and less sugar than fruit juice, and Lord knows chunky does not need extra sugar. I still mix it with water but it taste great and there are lots of flavors. If you live in South Carolina, Bi-Lo has it buy one get one free right now also.

YUM!
Speaking of Splash, here are some pics from big boy in the bath last night...

Still Sick

2010-02-11T09:50:00.004-05:00

We went back to the doctor yesterday and now Mack has an ear infection with a blood blister on his eardrum. He doesn't seem to be in too much pain and is still playing and getting back to his old self. We are just going to stay in our pj's and ride out this cold weather until all this sickness goes away.

He slept hard on that hair last night!

Pulling up!

We are still doing breathing treatments three times a day. And yes, I know I am letting him play with two sharpies but anything to get him to sit still for 5 minutes.

Crazy Sleeper

2010-02-11T09:45:00.004-05:00

Lately Mack has been falling asleep in the craziest positions. He literally falls asleep sitting up in his crib or with his head leaning on the side of his crib. He fights going to sleep so hard and then he just crashes. Here is how I found him at my parent's house in the pack and play...

Sick Baby

2010-02-06T12:34:00.002-05:00

Mack and I came to Mississippi on Tuesday. He was fussy the whole ride and I just thought he was getting used to his new car seat. I was so wrong. Right when we got to my parent's house, my mom said he felt warm, he had a fever. We called around on Wednesday morning and found a pediatrician in West Point that would see us. They did a flu test and strep test, both were negative. The doc told us it was just a bad cold and it would have to run its course. Well, by Friday he still had a fever and was just getting worse. We took him back to the doctor and they suspected RSV. We had to go to the hospital for an x-ray to make sure it was not pneumonia. The x-ray was clear, so they sent us home with a breathing machine to do breathing treatments 3 times a day. Today, Saturday, he is feeling a little better and close to being back to himself.
My mom took off work planning for us to have a fun time with Mack, but this trip has definitely turned into us both nursing Mack around the clock. Please say a prayer that Mack gets better soon and we have a calm ride back to South Carolina.

Our Chunky Monkey...

2010-01-31T10:29:00.002-05:00

9 Months and Dancing!

2010-01-28T13:25:00.003-05:00

Mack had his 9 month check up yesterday. Here are his stats:
Weight: 23.9 lbs. 88th percentile
Height: 29.3 in. 80th percentile
Head: 96th percentile

He is starting to crawl, babble and laugh a lot more, and still does not have any teeth. His most favorite thing to do is dance. Check it out!!

Ode to Jimbo!

2010-01-25T15:08:00.003-05:00

As we start Jim's birthday week, he turns a mere 28 on Saturday, I wanted to give him a shout out for being such a great daddy and husband! Just this weekend he took me to my favorite sushi resturant, got me a massage, and took morning duty with Mack so I could sleep in. He works hard, plays hard, spoils us like crazy, is always positive and in a good mood. Thanks, Jim, for all you do! Happy Birthday Week, Love Kate and Mack!

The man, the myth, the legend....Jimbo Gilreath....

Look-a-Like?

2010-01-14T18:25:00.006-05:00

Mack and I are in Aberdeen while Jim is sunning and golfing in Phoenix, AZ (he is really going to meetings and talking work stuff). I found this picture of me around 1 yr. old and I think it looks a little bit like Mack. Everyone we see, even people who do not know Jim, say Mack looks just like his Daddy. So I got a little excited when I saw this picture, it is a picture of a picture so not good quality. Will someone else please say he looks a little like me, it will make my day. :)

2009: Year of BABIES!

2010-01-01T13:12:00.004-05:00

I was thinking yesterday at the close of the year how many of my friends had babies this year, it is crazy how many friends Mack could have if we all just lived in the same place! High School friends, college friends, Blog friends and family, here is a shout out to all the 2009 babies that share Mack's birth year....

Presley Gaskin
Banks Still
Sanders Rhodes
George Menetre
Taylor Marshall
Cooper Lyon
Matthew Williston
Ford Lamar
Camille Calcote
Carter Kulp
Frances Hollingsworth
Simon Reynolds
Price Miller

Surprisingly, there are only three girls on this list. Lots of boys in 2009!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-01T12:51:00.007-05:00

We had a wonderful first Christmas with Mack. We got to see lots of family and friends in Mississippi. Mack loved all his gifts and really started getting the hang of opening. Mack also turned 8 months old on Christmas Eve. He is growing up so fast

!

Mack with all his gifts Christmas morning!
Loving his new basketball game from Lainey and Grumpy!

So excited!

With Lainey and Grumpy Christmas Day!

Our little family!

Mack and Papa

Mack and cousin Aubrey

Mack and Ben Ramsey in their matching jackets!
Proud of Grumpy's deer!
With Daddy...
with Uncle Chrissy...

Playing with cousin Presley!

First Christmas Gathering!

2009-12-21T16:06:00.006-05:00

We had our first Family Christmas gathering at Grandma Gilreath's yesterday. We had a great time and Mack loved opening his gifts and playing with his new toys! Here are some pictures from our day....

Daddy's Home!

2009-12-17T09:33:00.005-05:00

The most exciting part of Mack's day is when Daddy comes home. Mack is for sure a Daddy's boy and is always smiling when Jim is around. They are two of the happiest people I know...

Santa Round 2

2009-12-17T09:23:00.006-05:00

Round 2 with Santa did not go as well as the first. One of Aunt Lizzie's friends had Santa come to her house and invited lots of kids to come see him and take pictures. Most of the kids were scared of Santa including cousin Charlotte and Mack. We had high hopes of getting a cute picture of them in Santa's lap but they both screamed at the sight of him.

We took some pics on the couch instead...

No more pictures!

2009-12-05T22:52:00.005-05:00

Mack is usually a happy baby unless he is doing something he doesn't want to do, gets this from his Mama I think. Well, he did not want to try to capture that perfect Christmas card picture today like his parent's did. Here is an out-take from the photo shoot.

Also, we have a new address. If you need it to send us a Christmas Card (please do!), email me and I will send it to you...kateloftingilreath@gmail.com

We're Back!

2009-12-04T20:01:00.005-05:00

We have been MIA in the blogging world lately. Our computer crashed just a few days before we moved and we are just now getting back online. Mack is gearing up for his first Christmas. He helped us unpack the ornaments for the tree...

And today he went to meet Santa for the first time....

We are so excited about his first Christmas in just a few weeks!

Other things going on in the world of Mack...
-still no teeth but he is drooling like crazy and puts everything in his mouth
-he is learning to use a sippy cup and starting to try to pick up foods on his own
-he is trying so hard to crawl, he wants to so bad but can't seem to get his stomach off the ground
-he hates wearing socks, pulls them off every time I put them on him
-loves to scream and babble all the time, even makes the sound "Da-Da", which Jim loves

Moving!

2009-11-11T15:50:00.002-05:00

We are moving for the 3rd time in 13 months this weekend! The funny thing about this move is that we are moving back to our home in Simpsonville that we left 13 months ago. Along with packing this week, I have been cleaning like a mad woman. We are renting a home now and our landlord is not necessarily the nicest or most sain person you have ever met. That being said we have to leave the house just as we found it to receive our deposit back. I want that deposit!!

Let me first say that I keep a clean house, or so I thought. If you know my mom, you know I get this honest. Well, I have realized this week that there are so many places in a house that need some cleaning attention that I have not been giving. I challenge you all to take a look at your baseboards, under your stove and frig, your bathroom drawers, behind your washer and dryer, the tops of pictures on the wall and your tv, I could go on and on, it is just plain disgusting. I thought my house was clean until I started this project. Well it is all clean now and I guess I will be doing the same thing next week to our home, as I am sure our renters were not as thourough.

Please think about us this weekend as we move!

6 Months Old!

2009-11-03T11:35:00.003-05:00

Mack was 6 months old on Oct. 24th, but we just had his well check-up today. His stats are:

20lbs-90th percentile

28 inches long-90th percentile

He has moved up to 95th percentile in head size (taking after his Daddy yet again

Here are some pictures from our recent visit to the South Carolina State Fair...

Twins!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T16:57:00.001-04:00

Mack's Baptism

2009-10-29T16:25:00.005-04:00

Last weekend we had Mack's Baptism in Aberdeen at St. Mark Methodist Church. It was very special to me to have him Baptised in the church where I grew up, this is also the church where my parents met when they were in high school, where they and most of my other family members were married. Jim's family made the trip from South Carolina for the special day and we had a great weekend with our families.

My parents had everyone over for lunch afterwards, the food was great! Thanks to all of our family for making this such a special day for Mack.

Pumpkins

2009-10-19T20:20:00.003-04:00

Just a few pics from the Pumpkin stand....

First Clemson Game

2009-10-17T21:09:00.006-04:00

We took Mack to his first Clemson game today. He was great, the weather was not. We had Mack all bundled up and even took him in the game for about 1 minute before it started raining on us, so we spent the rest of the day at the tailgate and in the car. Despite the weather, Mack got to see lots of friends and family and meet some of his Daddy's college friends.

Clothes!

2009-10-09T14:57:00.003-04:00

I love buying Mack clothes, but I do not love how fast he grows out of them. I cleaned out all his summer clothes yesterday and still had some stuff with tags and things he only wore once. I guess when I was pregnant and buying him everything I saw, I did not realize that he was going to be such a LARGE child. I am hoping to do better this winter and just buy as we go, or as we grow.

Also, on the subject of clothes, I was looking at all my pictures I put on facebook of Mack. I realized that most of them are of him wearing some kind of get up, for example, a Nascar jumpsuit (that his father bought him), several Ole Miss outfits, two Atlanta Braves suits, a Clemson t-shirt and a few hats. I just want everyone to know that Mack does wear normal clothes most of the time and it is not all sports related. We just like to capture all those moments.

So, here is a picture of him not advertising his favorite sports team or squeezing in his summer duds!

Just Mack...

Braves Game!

2009-09-21T09:32:00.004-04:00

We took Mack to his first Braves game this weekend in Atlanta. The Braves hold a special place in our hearts since that is how Jim and I met-both working for the MS Braves and we both grew up Braves fans. Our old boss in MS got us tickets and our seats were awesome, 20 rows up right behind home plate. We had the best time, Mack was so good. He sat with Jim and just took everything in for 6 innings, then it was bedtime. I was worried the noise may be too much for him, but he did fine. Even thought it rained on and off the whole game, it was lots of fun!

Sleep, Carrots and Football

2009-08-31T19:21:00.003-04:00

3 Months ago I really thought I would never sleep another full 8 hrs. in my life. Everyone kept telling me that I would eventually sleep again. They were right, Mack is now sleeping about 11 hrs. a night. It is amazing!

Yum Carrots!! We finally found something our big boy will eat, after he rejected the rice cereal and the green beans. He is still a little unsure what the spoon is all about but we are working on it.

Mack is ready for football season! He will be cheering on the Clemson Tigers and the Ole Miss Rebels this Fall. Lots of infant-fan team wear coming soon!

Spoon Fed

2009-08-26T09:44:00.005-04:00

Mack had his first cereal from a spoon last night, he was not a fan. I don't think he swallowed any of it. He has been taking cereal in his bottle for a while now, but the spoon was just not working for him. We are going to give some veggies a try next time.

Here are a few pics from the event...

Fripp Island

2009-08-16T15:46:00.004-04:00

We just got back from a week at Fripp Island with The Gilreath clan. It was so fun and relaxing. Mack had lots of fun playing with cousin Charlotte, Papa Trip, Bebe and Aunt Elizabeth.

Here are some pics...

The deer would come right up to the house each day and even eat out of your hand!

Beba and Mack

Cousin Charlotte and Mack

Playing with Charlotte

Jim and Mack with Aunt Lizzie and Char Char

3 Month Stats

2009-08-05T14:06:00.006-04:00

Mack is a little over 3 months old and we had our doctor's visit today for more shots and a check up. Everything was fine and healthy. The doctor said Mack is the size of an average 7 month old! He is outgrowing all his clothes so fast.

Here are his stats:

weight: 17lbs. (97th percentile)
height: 26 inches (90th percentile)
head: 17 inches (75th percentile)

Right now Mack loves:
-Grabbing on to anything and everything, his clothes, my clothes, my hair, stuffed animals, etc.

-He loves to lay on his play gym and laugh and talk to the animals

-He is starting to watch a little tv and Sponge Bob seems to be his favorite show, taking after his big cousin, Charlotte.

-He loves to laugh at his daddy. Jim can get him smiling and laughing like no other.

He is almost holding his head up and we can start trying some stage 1 foods, which I am sure he will love.

Where has the time gone? Here are some pics of our handsome little man:

Vacation!

2009-07-22T19:37:00.005-04:00

Wow, it has been 4 weeks since my last post. Mack has been keeping me busy, busy. He is awake much more during the day now, so I have to keep him entertained. We went to Destin for the 4th with my family. It was so much fun and very relaxing. Mack was not really a fan of the beach, too bright and too hot, maybe next year!

Here are some pics!

Mack and Presley at Louisiana Lagniappe

Walking on the pier at Baytowne

Mack and Daddy at Graffiti

Look at those cheeks!

Mack and Presley-not loving the beach!

Mack with Grumpy and Lainey

Beach attire!

Big Boy!

2009-06-23T16:03:00.002-04:00

We went to the doctor today because Mack has been fussy the past couple of days. Not a thing was wrong with him, the doc said he was probably just adjusting to being back home. We did find out he wieghs a wopping 14lbs. 10 oz!

Mack's Sip and See

2009-06-22T20:12:00.004-04:00

Jim's Parents, Bebe and Papa Trip, hosted a sip and see for family and friends in Greenville to meet Mack. It was so nice and so much fun! I am sad I did not take enough pictures. Thank you Bebe and Papa Trip for a great day in Greenville!

The Bennett Cousins

Cliff's friends, Heather, Paula and Aimee, I miss yall!

Mack Visits Mississippi!

2009-06-22T19:42:00.005-04:00

Jim, Mack and I took off early last Friday morning for Lainey and Grumpy's house. Mack did great in the car ride and it only took us 8 hours instead of our usual 7. That night we had a family party for Mack to meet all his family and a few friends. Jim left on Sunday and me and Mack stayed for the rest of week. We had so much fun and I think Mack met just about everyone in Aberdeen. It was so great introducing him to so many special people.
Lainey also let me get lots of much needed rest as she took every single night feeding with a little help from Grumpy on those early morning feedings. It was great to get some sleep.

Here are many pics from our week!

Lainey and La La with Mack and Presley

Mack and Presley- Best Cousins!

Mack and Papa

Mary Clift came to meet Mack!

Wow how times have changed!

The Gilreath and The Gaskins

Kate and Mack (8 wks), Darby and Aubrey (6 mos.) and Jade and Presley (10wks)

Mack and Aubrey- 2nd cousins!

Mack with his Cook Cousins

The newly engaged couple, Nick and Leslie!

Cousins Abby and Kirby

Mack and Grumpy

Smile!

2009-06-03T22:28:00.003-04:00

Mack is really starting to smile at us and make lots of new noises. It is amazing how fast he is growing. We go to his 6 week check up on Tuesday and I can't wait to find out all his stats.
My mom has been here this week helping us out lots. Jim and I got to have a date night and tonight we went to the gym together. Jim has been doing spinning class for the past couple months. I attempted to join him but wow, that is some hard stuff!

We will be leaving Mack overnight for the first time this weekend. Jim is in a wedding out of town. I am glad he will be in good hands with his Aunt Elizabeth, Bebe and Papa Trip.

We are off to Mississippi next week. I am anxious to see how Mack is going to do on the 7 hour car ride and also on our flight back. I am very nervous about flying with him by myself. Jim is driving us down and then we are staying the week and flying back. Mack can't wait to meet all his Mississippi family!

One Month Old!

2009-05-29T00:22:00.003-04:00

"Hey Ya'll! I am one month old and my mom is a slacker for not taking many pictures of me lately!"

I am a little late on this post, Mack turned a month old on Sunday. I have been awful about taking pics these last couple weeks but I am going to try to get better. Mack has been keeping us pretty busy! He is growing so fast. I already had to put away most of his newborn clothes because he is too long for them. Here are a few pics of him this week...

You may notice the little red bump under his right eye, Mack had his first pimple. I think it is called baby acne, who knew? It is all healed and we hope it is not a sign of whats to come in his teenage years :)

Bath Time!

2009-05-17T20:08:00.004-04:00

I think we are safe to say that Mack will never be a streaker. This little guy hates being naked! He screams at the top of his lungs every time we change his diaper or change his clothes. Today was the first day we could give him a real bath since it took his belly button a little bit longer to heal. I knew it was going to be bad and he was going to hate it and he did. Here are a few pics...

I want to give a shout out to our loyal companion, Bailey! He has been a trooper since Mack got here. He has forgone his #1 spot in our household and been very sweet to his new brother. We have trouble remembering to feed him and take him out as much as we used to, but he doesn't seem to mind. He even took a little nap in Mack's boppy. (Yes, mom, I washed it after this)

Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T20:46:00.003-04:00

We had a great Mother's Day! My parents left early Sunday morning and it was the first time in four years I got to see my mom on Mother's Day. Later that afternoon Jim's family came over to visit with us, Mack enjoyed being held by all his family.

Jim and Mack gave me my first Mother's Day cards and I had already received my present in the hospital, a beautiful David Yurman ring. Mack did good on his first Mother's Day!

Later that afternoon, Jim's cousin Stewart and his family came by to meet Mack. It was fun to see Parker and Bennett with him.

Also, Mack had his two week check up today and everything looked great. He is up to 9lbs. 6 oz. It only took me about two and half hours to get us both ready to go, I have got to work on that!

Lainey!!

2009-05-09T14:50:00.003-04:00

My mom (Lainey) has been here for two weeks helping us. For those of you who know Lainey, you know she is a cleaning machine! I don't know what I am going to do when she leaves, and I actually have to do laundry and make our bed again. She really spoiled us! She also got up at almost every feeding with us and changed lots and lots of diapers. Mack is going to be so sad to see her go, but we hope to make a trip to Mississippi in June! I also want to give a shout out to Jim, he is a trooper for putting up with his wife and mother-in-law and a newborn for two weeks all the while going to work everyday and getting up for lots of early morning feedings.

Also, since Lainey can't drive farther than Tupelo or Columbus by herself, my Dad and Uncle Chris came to SC to spend the weekend and pick her up. Uncle Chris was not able to get here for Mack's birth because of school so here are some pics of them.

Mack is getting ready for the baseball draft in 2027!

Schedule

2009-05-07T11:17:00.003-04:00

Sleep, Eat, Poop, Burp, Occasional Hiccups, Paci, Rock, Sleep again for 3 hours and REPEAT.

Who knew that such a little body could be on such a strict schedule? I didn't! I admit I did not know much about babies besides the stuff I tried to read before Mack arrived but nothing prepared me for how much of a schedule he would adopt. It is like clockwork and as long as each step goes smoothly we are sitting pretty. He wakes up at almost the exact time for him to eat again and we start the cycle all over. I am just trying to keep up!

But, every now and then he throws a kink in the schedule. Last night was one of the those nights. Mack had a stomach ache that would not go away. He was so frustrated and uncomfortable and I felt so bad for him. It led to a sleepless night and threw us all off course. He seems to be feeling a little better this morning so I hope we are getting back on track.

Here are a few pictures from this week.

New Blogger

2009-05-06T19:19:00.004-04:00

Following in Jim's footsteps, I have decided to start a blog for our family. I hope this will be a way for all of our family and friends near and far to keep up with us and our new adventures with Mack. The past week and a half has been such an exciting, overwhelming, sleepless and rewarding time. We have already learned so much and it is true what they say, you just learn as you go. Here are a few pictures from Mack's first week and half. I hope you enjoy!