What is going on in the Ginn house??

There has been so much going on in our house these days. Over the last two months or so, AJ has grown up so much! He has experienced so many firsts, which makes me happy and sad all at the same time.
In February, Andrew and I got to attend our very first marriage conference.  My parents came over to keep him and hang out with him while we were the conference.  AJ nursed for the last time on February 19.  We got home late the Friday night of the conference so he didn’t nurse.  He did not ask for it the next night, and I didn’t offer.  I rocked him and cried happy and sad tears while putting him to bed in his big boy bed for the first time, with the idea that he’s not starting the night in our room anymore.  He loves sleeping in his own bed, but at some point during the night, he comes to our room.  (First number 2-big boy bed every night!) I was ready to be done at 2.5 years old.  However, I followed AJ’s cues and ended earlier.  It was a smooth transition for both of us, and that’s all I wanted.  I never dreamed I would have made it to nursing for almost 2.5 years.  It truly was an amazing experience despite all the bouts with mastitis, clogged ducts, and over production of milk.  However, I was able to bless and give so many ounces of milk to needy babies.  

Our couples photo from the conference!! 

Also in February, we had a lot of fun family experiences.  We took AJ to his very first hockey game.  The local league we have is the Birmingham Bulls.  AJ was terrified of the Bulls’ mascot, Toro, but loved watching him from afar.  

It was a great game! The Bulls came back and won in over time! It was very exciting! This was a lot of fun, and we can’t wait to go back.  So, I noticed before the beginning of the game that Eli Gold was the announcer for the Bulls.  I was so excited. For those of you who don’t know who Eli Gold is, let me tell you! He is the amazing radio announcer for Alabama Football! He has been the radio announcer since 1989!  He is AL football royalty.  I told Andrew that I would love to try to meet him after the game if given the chance.  If you really know me, you know I am NOT afraid to meet new famous people.  After the game, Andrew and AJ went to the souvenir stand while I went to ask Eli for a picture! He was very nice and told me to call my boys to join in for the picture! I will cherish this photo forever.  I need to print, frame, and place it in AJ’s room.  It will go perfect with his vintage AL bedding! 

Now the next famous Alabama photo we need is with the GOAT, Couch Saban! 

So March rolls around and then Spring Break, Carlie comes to visit and stay a couple of days with us.  When it came time for Carlie to go back home, AJ ran to the door crying and saying “I go with Cargie!” I called my family to figure out how we could work this out.  My parents agreed to bring him on on Saturday.  This was first number 3.  

AJ was packed and ready to go as you can tell from the photo above!

Some fun with Carlie while she was visiting! AJ had a blast with our families during his first time away from home.  He played with all of his cousins, Zoey, River,  Jessie, and Jaylee and was able to to see Grandma Lee! He was exhausted by the time he got home.  Andrew and I loved having the time to ourselves.  I was able to Spring Clean the house and relax somewhat.

After he came home, we went to Tupelo the next week to visit PawPaw Mike and meet the new puppy Walter!  We loved getting to see them and the family!

Walter is a Boston Terrier.  While visiting, Gimmie asked AJ what kind of underwear he wanted to wear.  AJ said Mickey Mouse.  Gimmie ordered them, and they were delivered the next Monday.  

This bring us to first number 4.  On Tuesday, March 24, AJ started using the potty.  He has had a few accidents (not making it to the bathroom in time and once deliberately pooping on himself); he has done very well.  He has even done well at night.  AJ was ready to potty train which helped the potty train process run rather smoothly.  I am a firm believer in not using Pull-Ups and going straight to underwear.  AJ is even in underwear at night with a mattress cover of course.  

There have been a lot of firsts in these last few weeks before everything got crazy with COVID-19.  We have spent more days at home than we did when AJ was first born.  We miss our two small groups and going to the local library.  Here are some of the pictures of what we would do on those days: 

We have spent a lot of time outside riding his tractor and playing drums.

We pray all of our family and friends are doing well.  We can’t wait to see them all again in person! 

I want to get AJ’s words down for things so I can remember them later.  

Cheeto’s are Cheerios

Cargie is Carlie 

LaLa is Laura

Ranguhtang is Orangutan

What have we been up to?

Wow! 2019 went by so fast and with a lot of changes.  Andrew and I have learned so much about each other, AJ, God, and life in general.  Christmas has come and gone.  Here is a preview of what our Christmas was like:

We were able to go to ZooLight’s.  It was a blast and will definitely make it our new family tradition. We also went to the Oxford drive through lights.  It was not our favorite but will keep it in mind for next year.  We took two trips to see Santa.  The first trip ended early due to Santa had already left for the day.  The second trip we finally got to see Santa.  There were a few tears, but we were able to get a good photo.  I hate we didn’t get many photos at Grandma’s this year.  I will do better next year. AJ and I love going to the Moody LIbrary every Tuesday.  The Christmas party has been our favorite event so far! I love being able to spend these special moments with him.

We also experienced our first Christmas at Highlands.  I was so excited that my family was able to join us for a Christmas service.  Andrew and I started another new tradition of spending time together worshiping at the Christmas Eve service.  It was amazing! 

The candle light singing at the end was my favorite.  It was so beautiful and peaceful.  

I love Christmas and scored a great new tree for next year.  I have always wanted a huge tall tree and was able to find one on our neighborhood page.  I’m so excited to put up my new 9ft tree.  Christmas is only 332 days!