One new baby pool (with a slide or headrest, seen below). Sleepovers and soccer games with our cousins Tommy (go #17!) and Wyatt. Handy Home Depot outing. Posing for a pic in a new Old Forge t-shirt from Aunt Lisa (thank you!) and cute head bow from Auntie Crystal. Days at the park. A first “Mad Hatter” birthday party for our baby girl cousin. And too many wet towels all over the house.
It’s almost summer!
The single best part of holidays nowadays is that I have a family of my own. Hiding eggs, putting together baskets, and being completely tired when our four-year-old pounces on me to wake us up at 6:30 a.m. are all part of what makes these days so much more special. We are the parents now. We get to be on the other side of the excitement.
Our weekend was full of fun, family, and a lot of Easter egg hunts.
Saturday, we woke up early to watch Blake play soccer. This kid is competitive. But, if a bossy girl is near, he would much rather hold her hand and follow her around than run after a ball. Some of the moms and I joked about it. Doesn’t every man love a bossy woman?
Right after, we went to a house nearby where our friends, from these soccer games, were holding an Easter egg hunt. Blake had such a great time! Later that day, we went to Papa and Grandma’s house to enjoy the pool and too much ham!
And today, Sunday, was full of more Easter egg hunts with the neighbors and then finally, in our own home. We ended the day with Blake reading books to his sisters in their pjs and, for us, a glass of red wine in bed while watching Game of Thrones. Another holiday over but so much more to look forward to.
Wishing all of you a very Happy Easter! xoxo
I still can’t believe how fast this year has gone by! Such little things when they were born. Looking almost identical at first but now have their own distinct look and personality.
Brooklyn:
Officially took her first steps on March 8. Her first word was Da Da. Has six teeth! Loves her books–favorite one at the moment being DwellStudio’s Goodnight Owl, a gift from Auntie Peggy and Crystal before she was born. Thinks it’s funny to wear hats. Never has a problem going to bed. Plays peek-a-boo every chance she gets. Loves to eat bananas and pasta.
Bryn:
Took her first steps on March 13. Her first word was Mama. Has six teeth too (and for awhile now)! Loves to climb the stairs at home and the park. Pushes the limits and knows it (oh yeah, I can ride my brother’s tricycle, no problem). Cries when you tell her No! Has the best laugh. Hates bows in her hair. Has these gorgeous big, blue eyes that remind me of Mike’s mom. Eats her food very dainty-like.
Happy First Birthday to our baby girls! We can’t wait for the many years ahead!
As always, pic courtesy of our good friend Rich Lander at their first birthday celebration.
Months ago, I noticed that Blake was going crazy on the days he didn’t have school. The twins needed even more of my attention. The house was becoming more of a disaster (still is). And, my poor guy was acting out in a bad way.
So, I searched and found some really cool websites (here and here) that featured crafts for kids. Some activities had to do with upcoming holidays and others had to do with just plain learning and teaching him something new. Nowadays, we spend at least an hour or two sitting at the kitchen table tracing, writing our name or learning our letters. And, if the weather is right (which it usually is) we play store or water our plants.
It’s amazing to me that he knows how to write a ‘B’ or knows that his friend, Cash’s name starts with a C. And how to set a table?! Gosh, he’s growing up!
I’m finally getting around to this. I swear life is getting so hectic and crazy that I just found time to type this up while on vacation. More on that later!
Weeks ago, our baby boy turned four years old. Our Blake. So full of energy and life. Testing our patience (alot lately) when he wants more attention. Cracking us up with his little language. Just a few of my favorites over the past few months:
– Let ME watch MY sisters. You guys go in the other room!
– Mine is going to be the biggest beanstop (beanstalk).
– Mommy, you have to cover your mouth when you hiccup.
I live for the moments when he wakes up and is this little angel who wants to sit in my lap and watch cartoons. Or when he hugs us both and says, “You guys are my best friends.” He’s wild and crazy but I couldn’t imagine having a little boy who wasn’t just that.
We threw him a pirate party with a few friends and a lot of family. Ate pizza, “planks” (celery and carrots), “shark bait” (kid snacks), “swords” (fruit kabobs) and “fish and chips” (goldfish crackers and potato chips). I got most of my ideas from this site, including the food labels. We dressed up as pirates and took pictures. Jumped around in the bounce house–his one and only request. And opened way too many presents. Thanks Mom and Mal for taking pictures all day. They turned out great!
Happiest Birthday Blakey Boo. You make our life a great adventure!
It’s time to eat! Today, the girls tried rice cereal for the first time. We threw down our big beach blanket, grabbed their Bumbo seat, and got started! As you will see from the pictures, one baby was all in to it and the other didn’t understand what was going on. We attempted to take videos of each girl taking their first few bites with a wild Blakey in the background. He was so excited to be a part of this momentous feeding (shoving the spoon into Bryn’s mouth) occasion. Next up–more rice cereal, veggies, and homemade biscuits!
Another month older and both are full of personality! Brookie loves to laugh and smile…if you’re laughing and smiling with her. If you just sit there and stare at her, she usually won’t budge and will give you that stare right back (it happened a few days ago to the very serious Target cashier). Bryn, although more laid back, can not get enough of her brother. He could be jumping off the couch, riding his bike or brushing his teeth and she sits there just giggling away at him. I’m excited for the day when they can all play together.
Cheers! To another month older!
Every year around this time, I always find it hard not to reflect on my relationship with my younger sister. As she turns another year older, I think back of how lucky I was to have a sister growing up. I always have admired her positive outlook on life and year-round Coppertone tan skin (I got the burn/freckles skin…yay). But even more than that, I have someone to share life with. To share memories with. Who knows who I am no matter what is going on.
And I hope that my babies have that same relationship because I really do think it’s important.
Thanks B for being such a huge part of my life. Love you!
The girls are growing up! Four months old and so much fun.
Brooklyn…
Bryn…
They are both now sleeping in their room, together. Each in their own crib and almost through the night. They love being around each other and holding hands or talking. They can’t get enough of their loving brother Blake who lets everyone know that those are HIS sisters and to be gentle with them. Everyday is such a fun ride of busy.
Happy Four Months, Girls!
It’s been awhile since I posted anything because we’ve been busy. A lot of good busy and a little bit of bad, with a quick stay in the hospital for Brooklyn. Thankfully, she’s back to her happy, chatty self. What better way to relax than a holiday like Fourth of July.
At 10am, the water slides went up in the middle of the street and music started to play. Blake had a blast playing with the Smith boys and Brookie and Bryn were excited to hang out with their newest cousin, Madilyn (solo pic of her below in her cute little dress). When the day ended, we had finished 18 hot dogs and three large pizzas (really?!), tried on one Baby Bjorn, encountered a few meltdowns, and played with every water gun on the street. This holiday is becoming one of my favorites!
Today was a great day. The beach was perfectly crowded. My skin is now a pale shade of pink thanks to the Southern California sun. Mike spoiled me. I enjoyed sipping on wine while chatting with my mom and sis. Blake made new friends. And, most importantly, I spent the day realizing how lucky I am to be a mom of three healthy babies.
Not too long ago, my father-in-law stopped by to help me watch the kids. As I sat in the kitchen, I said something like, “I’m sorry I look like such a mess.” I didn’t have any makeup on. I probably hadn’t brushed my teeth. There’s a good chance I was wearing a tank top from the day before. Definitely no deodorant. And, his reply was something like, “The moms that look all pulled together, with their makeup and hair done just right, are probably not the best moms to their kids. It shows you put your kids needs above your own.” Thank you Nello for making me feel like the best mom in the world that day.
Here’s a few little snapshots of my lovely Mother’s Day!
