Lexie Loo, Lily Boo, & Dylan Too!

Kickoff to Birthday Week

2012-02-19T23:02:00.003-05:00

It is so hard to believe that Lexie is going to be turning 5 in just a few days! Wasn't she just born?!?

We kicked off her birthday week by having a party with our family! Lexie chose a Monster High theme, and was thrilled with her decorations. I plan on leaving them up all week, because we're having a party with friends next Saturday!

The party went really well, and Lexie had a great time!

Lexie loved all her presents! She got a pink Nintendo DSi and a DS game, a Monster High car, a raincoat, a Monster High Sketchbook set, a stuffed monster, a Zooble set, a Lalaloopsy mermaid, books, a Polly Pocket house, a blue Xia Xia, a savings bond, pajamas, a wooden cookie baking set, and earrings.

After opening presents, we sang to Lexie. She thought it was hilarious!

The rest of the party was spent playing with cousins. Lexie was so excited to play with her cousin, Aubrey. She's always surrounded by boys, so it was a welcome change. Those two are adorable together!

The other party guests were cute, too!

There was a very funny incident involving a drink, a balloon, my sister, and Lily. The results?

I only wish I had taken a picture of my sister. She looked much worse!

The guests began to filter out. Dylan went home with my sister for a sleepover with his cousins, and Aubrey decided that she wanted to spend the night with Lexie.

The party girl fell asleep while her friend, Tyler, and Aubrey played next to her!

The fun may have ended early for her, but she was so happy when she woke up to find Aubrey next to her!

Party #1 was a success, and there's more birthday fun to come!

365 Project: Week Six

2012-02-16T15:15:00.002-05:00

{February 5th}

Visited Grant's parents and Nannie. Followed that up with a superbowl party!

{February 6th}

The school/work week started back up. Back to routine. After school, Lexie had a playdate at the library. Dylan was home sick from school, thanks to bad stomach cramps and diarrhea. Spent the rest of the day at home.

{February 7th}

Stayed home all day because it was my babysitting day. Dylan stayed home again, because his stomach still hurt really bad. He started to feel better in the afternoon! Had friends over for dinner, and we celebrated Noel's 8th birthday!

{February 8th}

Back to school for Dylan. While Lexie was at school, I met my sister for a Starbucks date, and then took Lily to her 6 month checkup. When Dylan got home from school, we spent 2 1/2 hours doing makeup work and projects.

{February 9th}

Mornings are rough for Dylan. I don't blame him. It's hard to wake up early! I tried a new method of carrying him out to the couch and turning on the TV as soon as I woke up, but it didn't help. Stayed home with my girls all day. Dylan celebrated his 100th day of school and brought home a straight A report card again, along with a glowing report from his teacher! I'm so proud of my boy!

(Oh...THOSE EYES.)

{February 10th}

Went to visit Papa and Nina after school. Lexie gave her Papa a haircut, and then we had dinner together. Drove home on some crappy roads, thanks to the snow coming down faster than they could clear them. (Driving on snow covered roads gives me serious anxiety now, thanks to a previous 12 hour drive through a blizzard.) I was happy to get home!

{February 11th}

Went to my niece's surprise 16th birthday party, followed by an evening at my best friend's house!

My Valentines

2012-02-15T18:42:00.003-05:00

It all started with the two of us.

Then we were three...

...and four.

Now we're complete.

His heart is full.

My heart is bursting with love.

It was a wonderful Valentine's Day! A day spent with the loves of my life. A day full of goodies. Baby's first Valentine's Day. A blessed day, indeed!

A Day With My Sweethearts

2012-02-14T11:11:00.003-05:00

I had a great time celebrating Valentine's Day, a day early, with my little loves!

First up was the Sweetheart Tea at Lexie's preschool. I was her special guest!

We had our picture taken together, and then she escorted me to our table. Handmade Valentine's Day gifts awaited me, along with a delicious dessert! As we ate our dessert and drank our tea, the class sang 5 songs to us, and then presented us with tissue paper flowers and hershey's kisses!

I had such a wonderful time with my sweet princess! I sure was spoiled!

Next up was Dylan's Valentine's Day party at school! I was lucky enough to be chosen as a parent volunteer at this party. Dylan was so excited to see me!

The kids decorated foam photo frames, wrote out compliment hearts to each other and the teacher, snacked on Italian Ice, and participated in relay games. As the party neared an end, they delivered their Valentines.

It was fun to see my sweet little man interact with his classmates! He had a great time, but was most excited about getting to come home with me, instead of riding the bus!

Last, but not least, I can't forget all the cuddles and smiles my littlest sweetheart showered me with!

I am one lucky mama!

Sweet Sixteen

2012-02-11T17:36:00.005-05:00

This afternoon, we attended a surprise party for my niece, Courtney!

She was quite surprised! She doesn't like to have her picture taken, but I did manage to snap one!

It is so hard to believe that she's 16. Even though she was my 8th niece/nephew, she was the first one I could appreciate. She was born when I was 15, and I still remember when I first saw her in the NICU. I remember thinking how sweet and tiny she was! And now? She's learning how to drive!

We had a lot of fun celebrating her birthday today! She comes from a family of volunteer firemen, so the party was held at a local fire station. The kids loved seeing the trucks, and I had a great time with my family!

Looking at the pictures of Lily, I can't help but remember the blond-haired, blue-eyed, chubby baby Courtney once was! How fast they grow!

Happy Sweet Sixteen, Courtney! We love you!

Superbowl Party

2012-02-09T12:04:00.005-05:00

Despite the fact that our beloved Steelers weren't in the Superbowl, we still attended a Superbowl party.

Unfortunately...it was a Patriots themed party. BOO!

My brother-in-law, Daryl, is a huge Patriots fan, and even though my sister was born and raised in Pittsburgh, she converted. Traitor.

When I was pregnant with Dylan, one of the baby shower presents from Daryl and Andrea was a Brady jersey. Grant's Steelers-obsessed grandmother almost fainted on the spot.

Lily doesn't know any better yet, so she willingly wore the Brady jersey in support of Daryl's team.

Grant was almost disgusted when he held her.

In the end, the Patriots lost, and I did feel sorry for Daryl. He took it like a champ, though. It was a fun night spent with family and friends!

And just so I don't get killed for allowing my baby to wear the dreaded Patriots jersey, I have to add a GOOOOOOO STEELERS!

365 Project: Week Five

2012-02-08T12:00:00.004-05:00

{January 29th}

A Sunday spent at home, complete with a visit from Grandma!

{January 30th}

Beginning of the school week for the kids. Lily and I attended a party planning meeting for Dylan's Valentine's Day party. Went to the library after picking Lexie up from school.

{January 31st}

Stayed home all day, because it was my regular babysitting day. Noticed that Lily was not breathing too well.

{February 1st}

And just like that, February began! January flew by! Took Lily to the doctor right after dropping Lexie off at preschool. Sure enough, she had RSV and an ear infection. After picking up her medication and picking Lexie up from school, we spent the remainder of the day at home, since Lily was feeling sick.

{February 2nd}

I woke up really early to babysit. Spent all day at home, so Lily could rest and get better! Lexie convinced me to sew her a Build-a-Bear from a kit she got for Christmas. My sister, Pam, came by that night for a visit.

{February 3rd}

Went to visit my parents after Lexie got off of school. My mom, the girls, and I went shopping, and then I had dinner with my parents before heading home. My precious baby girl turned 6 months old! We celebrated by giving her puffs for the first time!

{February 4th}

Grant spent the afternoon with his friends while I got some projects done around the house. That evening, we went over to our friends' house for dinner, and then Dylan got to have his first sleepover with his friend, Jack. I was told that they stayed up until 3 AM, but had a great time!

Tuesday Tidbits

2012-02-07T10:56:00.003-05:00

*Sorry I have been MIA. Our internet hasn't been working for over a week. The last fix attempt didn't work, so hopefully it will be fixed tonight! I apologize for my lack of blog visits, but am hoping to get caught up this week! I miss reading everybody's posts!

Tuesday is my day to remember all the cute and funny things my kids say and do!

{DYLAN}

-He told me, "February is my favorite month because it's all about love!"

-He tells me everyday that I'm "the best mom ever!" One morning, he also added, "I love living with you!"

{LEXIE}

-She said, "My hair is going to be as long as Rapunzel's when I'm a teenager!"

-While looking at pictures, she spotted an old picture of my dad. She told me, "Papa just looks like the same old Papa."

{LILY}

-Dylan and Lexie ended up in our bed last night. When Lily woke up this morning, I pulled her into bed to feed her. Grant woke up, took a look at the 4 people crowded in bed next to him, and said, "Whoa." Lily heard her Daddy's voice, whipped her head around, smiled up at him, and repeated, "WHOA!"

Six Months

2012-02-03T23:49:00.000-05:00

Six Months Old.

Time sure does fly.

Happy half birthday to my precious baby girl!!!

RSV

2012-02-02T14:19:00.002-05:00

My sweet Lilybug is under the weather.

It all started with what I thought was a minor cold last week. It is difficult to tell how Lily is feeling, because she is always so happy! But on Saturday night, I knew something was bothering her. She began to stand up, arch her back, and grunt, over and over again.

She was very restless on Sunday night, which is also odd behavior for her.

On Monday, she was grumpy. I had a party planning meeting, and even though the other moms assured me that she was acting fine, I knew something was wrong. Later that morning, she nursed, then proceeded to throw up her entire meal all over me. The rest of the day, she was fine.

On Tuesday, her breathing sounded off. It was rapid, and she sounded wheezy. I knew it was something more than a cold, even if she wasn't acting like something was wrong.

That night she was completely restless, couldn't breathe well, and had a difficult time eating. Even though she didn't cry, I knew she was sick. First thing Wednesday morning, I made an appointment with her pediatrician.

My instinct told me that she had RSV and a possible ear infection. I wasn't surprised when the pediatrician confirmed my suspicion.

Lily's pediatrician listened to her lungs for several minutes, completed the exam, and then returned to listen to her lungs again. He said she was on the edge of needing breathing treatments. Had she been just a bit worse, he would have sent us to the hospital. Thank God she wasn't!!!

I absolutely love her pediatrician. He owns the practice, and even though I love the other doctors, he is my favorite. He is older, and reminds me of Mr. Rogers! He is incredible with kids. All of mine have responded so well to him. Lily was mesmerized by him during the entire exam. She locked eyes with him and just kept smiling.

As he walked out the door, he shook his head, and told me, "My, is she is cute! I can tell she's sick just by looking at her, but she definitely isn't acting sick!"

Unfortunately, she is sick. She is on medication for the ear infection, and we're doing everything we can to ease her discomfort, and praying that she kicks this RSV! Right now, she sounds like a baby Darth Vader!

Even though I did manage to capture just how sick she is, my sweet girl keeps on smiling! Nothing stops her!

Tuesday Tidbits

2012-01-31T22:04:00.002-05:00

Tuesday is my day to remember all the cute and funny things my kids say and do!

{DYLAN}

-Dylan brought home a paper from school. It said, "My New Year's Resolution is to be nice to every one."

-Dylan lost his tooth on Saturday night, and the tooth fairy only had a $5 bill. On Sunday morning, he came into my room to show me what he got, but he was still sleepy, and ended up falling asleep with the $5 clutched in his fist.

-Dylan learned all of his first grade sight words before the first half of the year was over, so he moved on to the second grade list. When I told him how proud I was of him, he smiled, nodded, and half-winked at me.

{LEXIE}

-Lexie was playing with a Zoobles toy that she got for Christmas. She took the tiny baby zooble, and put it in the hole in the mommy Zooble's belly. She told me, "Look, Mama! The baby is in the baby born!" I asked her what the baby born was. She replied, "The baby born! You have one. You know, the one you strapped to your belly!" Ohhhhh...the baby bjorn!

-She tells everybody that Lily has "Funder Fighs." AKA Thunder Thighs.

-She also calls Lily "Lily Bo Peep."

-Lexie is learning about different races and nationalities, so she's been asking a lot of question. One question was, "What color will Lily be when she grows up?"

-Lily was playing on the floor and tooted. Lexie yelled, "Mommy, Lily farted!!! Her butt said, 'Change my diaper please!'"

-Lexie flopped on the couch and said, "I'm bushed!" Then she looked up at me, and asked, "What does that mean?" Now, it's her new saying.

{LILY}

-I gave Lily a small taste of ice cream the other night. At first she seemed shocked at the coldness, and then began saying, "Yummm...mmmm...mmmm...mmmm."

365 Project: Week Four

2012-01-29T13:38:00.004-05:00

*DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!!!*

{January 22nd}

Quiet day at home. Realized it was exactly one month until Lexie's 5th Birthday. How on Earth is she turning 5 already?!? Lily is starting to rock the baby mohawk...her hair looks just like a dandelion puff!

{January 23rd}

The start of the school week. Library playdate with my best friend and her boys after preschool. A typical night with my kids: Every evening, after getting ready for bed, we all cuddle up on my bed and read books!

{January 24th}

A crazy day! I babysit my best friend's nephew every Tuesday. This day also happened to be parent-teacher conferences for Lexie and my best friend's son, Tyler, so we each needed a sitter. Jocie came to my house first, and watched all 5 kids, while I had Lexie's conference, and then we switched! I am so grateful to have her as a friend! Lexie's parent-teacher conference went great, and she is ready for kindergarten! *sob*

{January 25th}

Yet another crazy day! I drove Lexie to school, came home, fed Lily, drove to pick Dylan up from school, took Dylan to lunch, took Dylan to the dentist (great checkup, as usual!), picked Lexie up, drove Dylan back to school, then returned home. Once Grant and Dylan got home, we went to our friends' house for dinner!

{January 26th}

Finally!!! A quiet day! I had the girls bathed and in pajamas by 3:00!

{January 27th}

Dylan had off from school, Lexie did not. This did not go over well! After dropping her off, I took Dylan to Barnes and Noble to use a gift card, and then we went to toys r us to use my rewards to get some birthday presents for Lexie. After a brief stop at home, we picked Lexie up, and went to visit my parents for the afternoon. That night, we discovered Lexie's hamster was missing from his cage, but luckily, we found him 5 minutes later. Of course, he was in the same spot we found him the last time he escaped!

{January 28th}

A relaxing afternoon at home, followed by an evening with friends! I managed to finish a book and get out Lily's 6-9 month winter clothes before everybody came over. It was a fun night! At the end of the night, Dylan finally lost his top front tooth. Lots of blood was involved, but he was rewarded with a $5 bill. The tooth fairy was all out of ones.

And just like that, January is almost over! Time is flying by!

GIVEAWAY: MyMemories Digital Scrapbooking Software

2012-01-28T14:01:00.003-05:00

Giveaway is closed! The winner is Rachel, chosen by random.org.

I am so excited to host a giveaway for MyMemories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software!

I recently won a copy of this software, and I absolutely love it! Shortly after winning a copy, I was presented with a review/giveaway opportunity for My Memories Suite. I was already so impressed with the software, and I'm excited to give a copy to one of my readers!

The MyMemories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software is so easy to use. I can create a cute photo collage in just a few minutes! Recently, I created individual photo collages for each student in Lexie's preschool class.

There are so many ways to arrange your photos, and the free background papers are adorable...anything from solids to plaids to stripes to polka dots! There are layout options for anywhere from 1 to 12 photos.

I love how my photo blog posts have gone from drab to eye-catching! It is so easy to do with My Memories Suite!

Even though I mainly use My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software to create photo collages and scrapbook pages, there are many other things you can create with it! My next attempt will be at creating photo cards! I know there's a lot more to discover with this program!

My Memories can also be found on twitter, facebook, and through their blog. Follow along, because they often post step-by-step speed scraps on facebook!

Blog- http://blog.mymemories.com/
Facebook-http://www.facebook.com/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593
Twitter- https://twitter.com/#!/MyMemoriesSuite

I am excited to offer one of my readers a My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software download!

To enter this giveaway:

Visit My Memories and then come back to tell me what your favorite Digital Scrapbooking Kit is!

Giveaway will end on Saturday, February 4th, at 11:59 PM EST. I will pick one winner using random.org.

As a special for my readers, here is a Share the Memories code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value)!!!

To do this, click on this link http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software and enter this code: STMMMS17417.

I will contact the winner by email once the winner is chosen. Good luck to all that enter!!!

Homemade With Love

2012-01-26T12:55:00.002-05:00

When I was pregnant with Lily, I decided that I was going to make all of her baby food.

Let me preface this by saying that I have nothing against store-bought food. That is all I fed to Dylan, and mostly what Lexie ate. I did make a few purees for her, but never really put much thought into it. I even have a few "just in case" containers of store-bought food for Lily.

After much thought and reading up on it, I made my decision. I figured that I already make homemade dinners for my family 5 nights a week, so why not hers?

I began making her food shortly after she started solids, and have quite a collection stored in the freezer now!

I can honestly say that it's easy. It's incredibly inexpensive. It's healthy. I know exactly what goes into her food.

I've been making her food for almost two months now, and I have learned quite a bit!

{1} You do not need an elaborate baby-food making system. All you need is a blender, BPA free ice cube trays, and freezer storage bags.

{2} It's not very time consuming. I can make a batch of baby food in ten minutes or less.

{3} The vegetables have to be steamed before pureed (as do some fruits). If you serve steamed vegetables with dinner, set aside a portion to turn into baby food, before serving. Many times, I have pureed some vegetables while preparing our dinner.

{4} It saves SO much money! I can get the equivalent of 16 jars of stage 1 baby food from one bag of organic frozen peas, bought for $1.00 (with a coupon). If you know somebody with a garden, ask for extras. That's "organic" gardening at it's finest. I received a bag of home grown sweet potatoes for free!

{5} You can adjust the thickness and amount of cubes your child will eat as he/she grows.

{6} You thaw out only the amount of cubes your child will eat. If he/she wants more, it's easy to just thaw one more out. Less food waste!

{7} Most food can be stored in the freezer for 3-6 months. Because of this, you are likely to always have a wide variety to choose from!

{8} Food should be thawed in the refrigerator or it can be microwaved. Leaving it on a counter to thaw promotes bacteria growth.

{9} Homemade food looks a lot different than store-bought food. You can make it thinner by adding breast milk, formula, or water, or you can just simply puree it as is to make it thicker. A lot of store-bought food seem gelatinous in comparison.

{10} Soft foods such as bananas, berries, and avocados do not need to be steamed first.

{11} Think outside the box! There are many different flavors and combinations to try: Pumpkin, Avocado, Blueberry/Banana, Apple/Blueberry, Apple/Strawberry/Banana, Carrots/Apples, and Squash/Pear to name a few! Lily's favorite food is pumpkin!

There are many different ways of making your own baby food. After much research, I found a method that works for me.

I choose the fruits or vegetables I'm going to use, and then steam or boil them. I strain out the cooking fluid into another pot, and then transfer the food to the blender. I begin to puree, and add some of the retained cooking fluid to adjust the thickness. In the past, I've also used pumped breastmilk, but more often, I use the water the fruit/vegetable was cooked or boiled in.

Once the food has reached the desired consistency, I pour into BPA-free ice cube trays, and freeze.

After several hours in the freezer, I transfer the cubes to freezer storage bags. I write the date and flavor on the outside of the bag.

When it comes time for Lily to eat, I transfer the cubes to a glass bowl. Sometimes, I will do this in the morning, and allow the food to thaw in the fridge, but most of the time, I do heat the food in the microwave.

I typically microwave for 30 seconds, always in a glass bowl, and then stir to dissolve the remainder of the frozen sections. The food is the perfect temperature for Lily!

It took a few weeks, but Lily is finally starting to enjoy solids! She loves apples, pumpkin, and apple/strawberry/banana blend. I love the fact that I have a freezer full of healthy baby food to feed to her!

Pretty Pretty Princess

2012-01-25T15:37:00.004-05:00

What happens when a 4 year old girl and a Great Dane live together?

Thank goodness Bailey is so great with the kids! Poor dog is going to have another little girl dressing her up soon!

Tuesday Tidbits

2012-01-24T16:53:00.002-05:00

Tuesday is my day to remember all the cute and funny things my kids say and do!

{DYLAN}

-I walked by Dylan's room and asked him what he was doing. He replied, "Just growing my hair right now."

-Speaking of said hair, he has been practicing his hair flip daily.

-Dylan's pajama top was inside out. He asked me, "Mama, can you inside out this?"

-He informed me that a sheet of homework that came home was "JFF." I had to ask him what that meant. He looked at me, and matter-of-factly replied, "Just for fun."

-One of his top baby teeth is just about ready to fall out. So far, he's only lost teeth on the bottom! I took a picture of his snaggle tooth before it falls out!

{LEXIE}

-She told me, "I love you more than ice cream!" That's a pretty big compliment, but I got concerned when she told me, "I love you more than pickles!" She's never tried pickles!

-One morning she told me, "I need a hug and a kiss. I'm sad."

-After a particularly trying afternoon with Lexie, in which she said she hated me, she had her own way of apologizing. She sang to me, "I love my mommy! She's my best friend! I never say I hate her! She loves me and I love herrrrrrrr!"

{LILY}

-Lexie wanted me to take a picture of her and Lily. Lexie had on a pair of sunglassses. As I took the picture, Lily turned her head toward Lexie and licked her sunglasses!

-Grant was talking to Lily. Lily smiled at him and said, "Ha Ha!" in a sing-song voice!

-Lily is trying so hard to crawl the right way. She is fully mobile using a series of rolls and pushing herself around to get to where she wants to go, but is starting to attempt crawling. When she's on the floor, she lifts her arms, legs, and chest off the floor and then throws her arms forward in a crawling attempt. She looks like she's flying!

365 Project: Week Three

2012-01-22T18:00:00.001-05:00

{January 15th}

We went to visit Grant's family on Sunday afternoon. We hadn't seen them since Christmas, which is rare for us! After I uploaded pictures, I was shocked at how big Dylan seemed sitting next to his great-grandma. When he was born, he was her first great grandchild. She would sit in her chair, rocking him for hours. Now, he's so grown up and she has 4 great-grandchildren! That evening, Grant's brother came over for dinner and to watch another playoff game.

{January 16th}

Dylan and Lexie had the day off from school. It rained all day, which washed away the snow, but that didn't stop the kids from trying to play in it! I admit, I stayed in my pajamas all day. We needed a lazy day at home!

{January 17th}

We stayed home all day because I had to babysit. Even though we were home, it wasn't exactly a quiet day!

{January 18th}

It was a busy day! While Lexie was at school, Lily and I got some groceries before heading home. I made 2 batches of baby food, cut up some fruit for dinner, and made some homemade iced tea. After picking Lexie up at school, we had our weekly library playdate with my best friend and her sons. After the library, they came over to play at our house. Once Grant got home from work, we headed over to our friends' house for dinner.

{January 19th}

The kids and I spent a lot of time together on this day! I love my babies!

{January 20th}

After Lexie got out of preschool, we went to visit my parents. Later in the afternoon, she and Dylan visited my sister while my mom, Lily, and I shopped. Right after dinner, we hurried home so we could beat the snow. Dylan and Lexie had a sleepover, Lily hung out with Grant and I for a bit, and we watched the snow fall.

{January 21st}

Our usual, busy Saturday! We woke up to several inches of snow, but the roads were clear. Our day consisted of a trip to Target, a combined birthday party for our friends' sons, Dom and Jack, and a visit to my best friend's house!

A Word To Live By

2012-01-19T18:40:00.003-05:00

Enjoy.

Such a simple, common word. A word that didn't really make me think until this morning.

This morning was rough. I climbed out of bed, exhausted and not quite ready to face the day. From the time I wake at 7 AM until Dylan climbs on his bus at 7:50 AM, I am in constant motion. The only thing that makes it easier is the fact that Lily sleeps well and usually sleeps until 9-9:30.

Not this morning. Fifteen minutes after I woke up, she began screaming. I tried everything, but ten minutes later, my unusually cranky baby was awake and in my arms. And we were running late.

I struggled to dress a still sleeping Dylan with one hand, while urging him to please wake up. I struggled to make a one-handed breakfast for him. Then, I had to get 3 of us bundled up to wait for the bus. By the time Dylan's bus arrived, I was stressed.

As usual, he turned around before he boarded the bus, flashed his big grin and told me to tell Lexie he said hi. With a "Love ya, Mama and Lily!" he was off.

As I turned around to cross the road to our driveway, I noticed an elderly woman sitting in her car, waiting for the bus to leave, smiling at me. She rolled down her window and commented on how adorable Lily was all bundled up in her snowsuit and how it made her morning to see such a cute baby. I smiled and thanked her, and she smiled back, quiet for a few seconds. She told me, "These are the best days of your life. Enjoy."

I nodded in understanding and wished her a good day. She waved while pulling away and I continued on my way. As I climbed the steps to my house, my long to-do list ran through my head.

And then it hit me.

This woman took the time to wind down her window to talk to me, even though it was freezing outside and even though there was a car behind her. It was a simple lesson, one I already knew, but she felt compelled to remind me.

I needed to hear that.

Enjoy.

With a deep breath, I let go of all my expectations for my day. I smiled at my precious baby as I took her out of her snowsuit. I took off my coat, kicked off my shoes and changed back into my fleece pajama pants. I climbed into my bed and snuggled with my baby girl.

Instead of just checking things off of my list, I enjoyed the moment.

These moments are fleeting. How long will Lily be this small? Weeks? Days? I can't even remember what it was like when she was a scrawny newborn. Before long, I'm not going to remember what it was like when she was a chubby 5 month old. So enjoy it I will.

Yes, life as a mom can be stressful. Incredibly stressful! Those moments will not go away. But I will spend more time enjoying my children, instead of just getting things done. Because years from now, everything will be done, and I'm going to wish for my crazy, chaotic life to be back. I'm going to wish my children were still small enough to be held. I'm going to wish that my children were back home.

So we cuddled. Then Lexie came in and I cuddled with both of them. I ate breakfast with Lexie at her child-sized table. I spent more time holding Lily. I baked cookies with Lexie. I read books with Dylan.

Those are the moments I want to remember.

Enjoy.

That is the word I'm going to live by.

Tummy Time

2012-01-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

Lily has become a squirmy, busy baby! There's no keeping her on her back anymore. She immediately flips to her belly and then rolls or scoots to where she wants to go. She grabs at anything that is in front of her and babbles constantly!

Tuesday Tidbits

2012-01-17T20:00:00.004-05:00

{DYLAN}

-Dylan was playing with Lexie and Grant's mom. He suddenly pointed at Grant's mom, like he was holding a remote, and said, "Wait, MawNaw, wait! Pause the game!"

-Dylan told us that he wanted to grow his hair long, like Justin Bieber, so he could swing his hair around while playing his drums. He pointed to a spot on the back of his neck. "I want it to be this big."

{LEXIE}

-After watching a commercial, she asked me, "Wouldn't it be cool if they had Twilight squinkies?!?"

-Dylan and Lexie were playing with their toys. Lexie said, "Stick that knife in his head...please." She is incredibly polite.

-We were eating dinner one night. Lexie shouted, "It's SuperMAMA! She does dishes! She cleans up things! She takes out the garbage! She wears a ponytail! SuperMAMA!" I'm glad I'm appreciated.

-While watching a movie that kept freezing, Lexie yelled out, "This keeps frozing!"

{LILY}

-While we were visiting my parents, Lily spotted the pendulum swinging from the clock on the wall. Her eyebrows lifted, her eyes grew wide, and her lips formed into an O shape. Immediately after, she yelled out, "WHOA!" My mom and I cracked up as she did it over and over again. It's her new trick!

365 Project: Week Two

2012-01-16T16:00:00.000-05:00

{January 8th}

19 years ago, on this day, my parents gave me an amazing gift: my horse, Cherokee! He is still a part of our family! We cheered on the Steelers in the playoffs. It was a close game that ended in a disappointing loss. We took down Christmas, and put up Valentine's Day decor!

{January 9th}

Monday already?!? Lexie had a playdate at the library, after preschool. Lexie took a very rare nap. She actually fell asleep mid-bite! I took down Lily's bassinet in our room and replaced it with a portable crib. My baby is growing so fast!

{January 10th}

I babysat all day! What's one extra kid when you already have three? I don't have any pictures, but that evening, I had a moms night out with Tracy, Amy, and Amy. We had dinner in Pittsburgh. It was so nice to go out with friends! It was a bit of an adventure on the way home. We couldn't find the car in the parking garage, and then Tracy's GPS system took us to a mall on the opposite side of the river that we needed to be on! Always an adventure!

{January 11th}

Wednesday was a low key day. Grant was home from work, due to his cold. After taking Lexie to and from school, we hung out at home.

{January 12th}

Dylan stayed home from school, thanks to his bloodshot eyes. Later that morning, they had cleared up, but I just kept him home, considering he never misses school. That afternoon, we visited my parents and had dinner with them and my sister and nephews.

{January 13th}

This was a cold, snowy, windy day. The day started out with a 2 hour delay for Dylan and the roads continued to get worse throughout the day. Driving was an adventure. I was thrilled to finally come back home after picking Lexie up from school! By late afternoon, we had gotten about 3 inches of snow and the temperature never made it out of the teens! We decided to skip Grant's company Christmas party and chose to spend the evening with our best friends instead. At midnight, I looked outside, and the roads were clear. We bundled up and were ready to walk out the door around 1 AM, and noticed that the roads were no longer visible and the snow was coming down so hard you could barely see in front of you! So we had an unexpected sleepover at their house and the kids were thrilled!

{January 14th}

We left my best friend's house around 10:00 in the morning. As soon as we got home, the kids decided to go play in the snow. Lily got to "enjoy" snow for the first time! With the exception of Dylan, we all took naps that afternoon. That evening, Lily tried her mesh feeder out for the first time. She loved it! The banana was gone in no time. Shortly after, we had some friends over to watch the playoff games. It was a fun night!

First Snow

2012-01-15T12:12:00.003-05:00

Yesterday the kids got to play in their first (measurable) snow of the season and Lily got to experience feeling snow for the first time!

Lily's reaction to snow was very similar to her reaction to laying in leaves!

I'm sure it won't be long before she enjoys playing in the snow! Her big brother and sister sure do!

For now, she's content to stay indoors, where it's warm!

Ups and Downs

2012-01-13T13:08:00.003-05:00

I only have one explanation for all of this: Friday the 13th. Even though some of it happened yesterday, I'm sticking with it!

Down: Lexie was miserable from the moment she woke up yesterday. Her 4 year old drama, sass and attitude were in full swing. My ears are still bleeding from all the shrieking, screaming and tantrums.
Up: She is full of joy today!

Down: Dylan stayed home from school yesterday. On Wednesday, he came home with bloodshot eyes. I immediately started him on an antibiotic eye drop, just in case. They were still red yesterday morning, so I kept him home. Sure enough, by 10:00, they were all clear. He so could have gone to school. I always struggle with keeping him home, but I'm justifying it with the fact that he's only missed 2 days of school ever.
Up: He went back to school today.

Down: A bottle of fabric softener fell on the floor of my garage and broke.
Up: My garage smells fantastic!

Down: It took me forever to figure out how to use the deluxe blender my mom gave me last night.
Up: Lily has a delicious batch of pumpkin baby food in the freezer!

Down: The call from Dylan's school, announcing the 2 hour delay, woke me up at 6:35 AM. It woke the baby, too.
Up: I got to lay in my bed with my chatty baby girl for an extra hour!

Down: Lily had a massive poo-splosion, and I only noticed it as I went to buckle her into her car seat. I had no other choice but to put my poopy, smelly baby in the car, and deal with it when I got back. Otherwise, both kids would have been late.
Up: She didn't complain, and the outfit was dark brown, so no stains. YAY!

Down: The roads are horrific. I slid so much going to and from Lexie's school, and then again while picking her up.
Up: I'M HOME!

Down: I forgot about my Toys R Us Rewards that expire today.
Up: Grant to the rescue! He's going after work to use them on a birthday present for Lexie! Score! I don't have to! AND...free money!

Down: We're skipping Grant's work party tonight. Which means, I have to cook.
Up: I don't have to make small talk with a bunch of people I have nothing in common with! Plus, we get to hang out with our best friends instead!

Happy Friday the 13th!

Me Time

2012-01-11T21:34:00.004-05:00

I'm reading...A book by Linda Howard that I picked out at the library on Monday. I can't remember the name!

I'm listening to...whatever is on the radio as I drive. I have to charge my iPod!

I'm watching...Season Two of Breaking Bad.

I'm creating...an organized house! Even though I nested like crazy while pregnant with Lily, I'm ready to do it again!

I'm cooking...a few new recipes over the next few weeks. Crockpot macaroni and cheese, crockpot ranch chicken and crockpot swiss chicken.

I'm shopping for...birthday presents for the many upcoming birthdays! I also need a new blender. I killed mine in the baby food making process. Then again, it was a wedding gift...from 11 years ago. ;)

I'm staying healthy...by taking my prenatal vitamins, drinking lots of water and running 5 days a week! I feel great!

A product I use everyday...Blush. I'm so pale without it!

I'm obsessed with...Making my own baby food for Lily. I have a freezer full of it! Chocolate truffle coffee with french vanilla creamer is a must have! Also, finding cute clothes for the girls. Then again, that's a constant obsession!

Around the house...Grant is sick with a bad cold. Dylan is getting straight A's in school and is ready to move up another reading level! I got Lexie's kindergarten registration papers. *sob* Lily is becoming very mobile. SO...the house needs to be baby proofed!

Today...Grant stayed home from work, due to his cold. Lexie had school, but we spent the rest of the afternoon at home. I started working on organizing Lexie and Lily's room. I have yet to find a location for all their Christmas gifts!

Plans for the rest of the week...We're going to visit my parents tomorrow. On Friday, we are going to Grant's work Christmas party. (A little late, huh?) We will probably hang out with friends on Friday night and Saturday night. We'll definitely visit Grant's family on Sunday! We haven't seen them since Christmas!

Tuesday Tidbits

2012-01-10T20:00:00.000-05:00

Tuesday is my day to remember all the cute and funny things my kids say and do!

{DYLAN}

-He was watching Lily sleep on our way back from seeing Santa. He noticed Lily was sucking and said, "Lily is either dreaming she's eating or dreaming she's a fish."

-At his 7 year check up (he's just under 48 lbs and 4'3"), he actually asked for a shot, and was disappointed when he heard he wasn't going to get one. Weirdo. :)

-He calls ice cream "frozen cow juice."

-"Join the ancient Yule of Jolly" is one of the lines in "Deck the Halls." That is, according to Dylan!

-After burping loudly, Dylan exclaimed, "I must have the burp fever or the burp headache!"

{LEXIE}

-On Christmas night, she was talking about what she thought when she saw all the presents under the tree. She said, "I had the great reaction!"

-Lexie screamed, "Mommy, there's a stinkbug on you!" and then burst into tears. Oh, the drama!

-Lexie asked me what was going to happen when she was a big girl like me. She asked if she would outgrow her bed. I told her she wouldn't, but would probably get a bigger bed someday when she was married. Her eyes got wide, her jaw dropped, and then she started giggling. I guess the idea of being married was funny!

{LILY}

-Dylan and Lexie were making gorilla noises. A few minutes later, a third voice joined in. She wants to be just like her big brother and sister!

-She gets so excited while jumping in her jumperoo. She starts bouncing really high and squealing! It is so darn cute!

-While watching Dylan and Lexie last night, Lily's eyes lit up, and she began grinning at them. Every so often, she would stop, a puzzled look would cross over her face, and then she'd begin smiling again!

-She is so close to really crawling. When she's on her belly, she kicks her legs out and reaches with her arms, and begins rocking. It looks like she's swimming. Today, she made it from one side of the living room to the other. She was so proud of herself. I missed it, but I'm assuming she did with a series of rolls and scooting like an inchworm!

-I was cleaning up the girls room yesterday, and Lily was playing in her crib. I picked up Lily's fuzzy blanket, and draped it over her crib. A few minutes later, I looked over to find this:

Melting!

365 Project: Week One

2012-01-08T22:31:00.001-05:00

I decided to join in on the 365 day project, in an attempt to take a picture of each of my children every day. I made this my goal last year, and didn't follow through! I want to capture the everyday moments, and write little snippets from our days. Here's to 2012!

{January 1st}

The kids had a sleepover on New Years Eve with a friend they don't see often. They didn't get to bed until New Years Day! Celebrated by having dinner with friends later in the day.

{January 2nd}

The last day of Christmas break. The entire family spent a lazy day at home!

{January 3rd}

Dylan returned to school. I babysat. Dylan's bus was a half hour late coming home, which worried me. Lilybug turned 5 months old!

{January 4th}

Back to school for Lexie. Lily and I ran some errands, and she zonked out! Playdate at the library. Lexie played in the snow while waiting for Dylan's bus. Dylan was excited that he could finally play a game on his TV. Captured a rare moment: Lily's tears.

{January 5th}

Stayed home all day, getting stuff done around the house. It was wonderful! My favorite time of day is when Dylan gets home from school, and the kids are so lovey with each other!

{January 6th}

Lexie had a gymnastics field trip, which I photographed. We visited my dad for his birthday, shopped with my mom, and had dinner with my parents.

{January 7th}

Our first Saturday spent at home in months! Grant had something to do, but the kids and I stayed home. That night, they had a sleepover, while Lily played in her ball pit.

Month Five

2012-01-05T13:31:00.006-05:00

Dear Liliana,

On January 3rd, you turned 5 months old! The half year point is so close. Too close!

Watching you grow is bittersweet. I'd love for you to stay tiny and cuddly forever, but I love watching you grow and learn and change.

You are an incredible baby. You are so sweet and laid back, but most of all, full of joy!

I giggled my way through your 5 month photoshoot. Between the rolling, squirming, and the eating of your 5 month decal, I had to work hard to get the "perfect" shot.

You are such an expressive baby. You go from laughing to wide-eyed to blowing raspberries to smiling...every expression that crosses your face makes me smile. You even cry cute! Life is entertaining with you around!

This month was a big one for you! You got your ears pierced, participated in lots of Christmas activities, tried solids for the first time, and celebrated your very first Christmas!

It was also a month full of milestones. Your two bottom teeth are now visible. You were able to sit very well with support, and toward the end of the month you began to attempt sitting on your own! You learned how to blow raspberries (thanks to your sweet friend, Charlotte)-and do it a lot! You move all around your crib while sleeping. You are easily rolling all over the place. You began to crawl like an inchworm. You pull your knees up, plant your face into the floor, and push forward! You are now a mobile baby! It takes some effort to get to where you want to go, but you are determined.

You continue to grow well! You are tall and chubby. You wear a size 2 diaper and mostly 3-6 month clothing. I'm not sure what you weigh, but I'm going to guess around 17 lbs and almost 28 inches long. Your hair is light blond and fuzzy. It sticks straight up in the air, and is now long enough for a bow! I adore your fuzzy head, your perfect lips, your chubby hands and feet...You are thoroughly smoochable!

Most of all, I adore your big, blue eyes. They are always so bright, so curious, so full of wonder.

You are curious about everything around you. You are always taking everything in. You reach for anything that is in front of you, and try to put it in your mouth!

You are such a sweet little girl. This month, you began to prefer your thumb over your binky. I know I may have some expensive orthodontic bills in my future, but I can't bring myself to break you of that habit just yet.

You continue to be a social baby. You love people, and your smile is contagious! You stare until you get some attention, and then flash a huge grin!

It is rare to see you cry! You only fuss when your diaper is dirty (you are the blowout queen), or when you get tired. Your crying is reserved for when teething is bothering you. Instead, a happy smile is usually plastered on your face, and you giggle so much, especially when we say, "Ahhhhh.....BOO!" and nibble your cheeks.

You are still sleeping well. You only had one bad night of sleep, when you weren't feeling well. You sleep through the night, only waking to eat occasionally, and take plenty of long naps in your crib. I still snuggle you a lot at night, and I'm happy to do so! I know you could easily sleep through the night in your own room, but I like having you in our room for now.

You are a good eater! You are exclusively breastfed (you refuse the bottle), and prefer nursing over eating solids. You started solids a few days after you turned 4 months old. You showed all signs of being ready, and although you eat well from the spoon, you aren't a huge fan. I make all of your food, and have a huge stockpile in the freezer. So far, your favorite food has been an apple-strawberry-banana blend!

You are an easy, laid-back, happy baby. Your favorite thing to do is jump in your jumperoo. You will jump for well over an hour, and often jump for 90 minutes before tiring! I love to see you bouncing with excitement. You start babbling, and jumping really high off the ground. I also love to watch as the bouncing relaxes you. You suck on your thumb, watch what's going on around you, and give tiny hops every few seconds.

Just to give another idea of how easy-going you are, I'll tell a story of how you fell off the bed for the first time. I sat you on Lexie's bed, and walked away, knowing that it was possible for you to fall off. I should have known better, but only left the room for a few seconds. In those few seconds, I heard a thump and a little yell. I raced back into the room, to find you facedown on the floor, reaching under Lexie's bed. I yelled your name, and you looked up at me with a smile on your face!

I have to say, I am one lucky mama! I love spending my days with you, and snuggling with you at night. As long as you are in my arms, I am happy! Your snuggles make my day, and your smiles light up my world. You are a blessing! I thank God every single day for giving you to us!

Lilybug, you are loved. I love you with all my heart. Your daddy loves you with all his heart. Your brother and sister adore you! Your Nina, Papa, MawNaw, and PapPap can't get enough of you. You are loved by so many...Great-Grandma's, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. You are surrounded by love, and someday you will learn that love is what truly matters.

Happy 5 months, my sweet Lily. I love you forever.

Oh S(no)w!

2012-01-04T15:01:00.003-05:00

Winter has finally arrived in Pennsylvania! On New Year's Day, it began to snow, and then it got really cold. I think it's pretty, but I'm not a fan of winter. It's too cold and I hate driving on snow-covered roads!

There is one person in this house who is thoroughly fascinated with it, though!

When she tires of standing, she likes to lounge on her boppy and keep watching the sky!

She may like it from afar, but I have a feeling her reaction may be different when she sits in it for the first time!

Out with the Old, In with the New!

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe 2011 is gone, and 2012 is here!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas break! Sadly, that came to an end today. Grant returned to work after a 10 day break, and Dylan returned to school. I miss my boys!

We finished out 2011 with a much needed staycation! We spent a lot of time with each other, and with our family and friends, had sleepovers every night, and enjoyed staying up late and sleeping in!

The day after Christmas, poor Lilybug woke up with a cold. She woke up screaming every hour Christmas night, and in the morning, she was not happy at all. When my baby doesn't smile, you know something is wrong!

Luckily, it was a quick bug, and she was smiling by that evening. We decided to skip our traditional day after Christmas shopping, and stay in all day. Dylan and Lexie spent a few hours with my dad. He took them to visit my uncle, and then took them out for lunch!

We spent the rest of the day getting Christmas presents out of boxes and playing with new stuff.

Is that not the biggest bag of garbage EVER?

On Tuesday, we spent the afternoon shopping, and got some great deals! That evening, we had some friends over to visit. Wednesday was another laid-back day. Grant visited his brother for a bit, so Dylan and I did some toy organization in his room. I'm pretty sure we stayed in our pajamas all day!

Speaking of pajamas, Lily has been the blowout queen lately. 3 pairs of pajamas in 12 hours? CHECK!

On Thursday, I visited my parents, and finally got to see my great-nephew, Gio. He was born 6 days before Lily, but at 28 weeks. He has grown so much, but is still a great deal shorter than Lily, and about 5 lbs less!

On Friday, we had a lazy afternoon at home, and then had to run a few errands, before visiting friends for the night. Unfortunately, there was a little snag in our plans. When I came out of Target, Grant informed me the SUV had no power. It had been acting funny occasionally, when I would start it, but now there was a big problem! We tried jumping it twice with no luck, and finally decided to just deal with it in the morning, and go on with our plans.

While Grant got a ride home to pick up his car, I pushed the kids around in the sit and stand stroller. The total combined weight of the stroller, Lily's carseat, and my three kids exceeded my own weight, but I did it in heels AND rain. When I grew tired of that, we stopped at the Target food court for an Icee Treat. We got to our friend's house a few hours late, but still had fun. Despite the stress, it was still a good day!

Finally, New Year's Eve arrived. It started out with good (inexpensive!) news. The car just needed a new battery. Grant's uncle, who works for GM, picked him up, and replaced our battery. We lounged around for the rest of the afternoon.

This year was the first year, in over a decade, that we just stayed home. We usually celebrate with a big party with my family, but everybody had their own plans this year! We invited some friends over to celebrate, some of which we haven't seen for two years!

Everybody had fun, and I'm still finding party popper string all over my house!

In another surprising turn of events, we didn't spend New Year's Day with our families, as we traditionally do. Instead, we spent it with good friends, eating Chinese food and plenty of snacks!

It was a great, fun start to the New Year!

2011 was an amazing year for us, and I'm really looking forward to spending 2012 with my loved ones!

Here's to a great, happy, healthy, safe 2012!

And...today my sweet Lilybug turned 5 months old!!!

Year In Review: 2011

2011-12-31T21:33:00.002-05:00

2011 was a fantastic year!!! I'd have to say it was the best year yet, thanks to the newest member of our family!

In January, we rang in the new year with my family. We started the weekly baby updates. We cheered the Steelers on in the playoffs. We played in the snow.

In February, we cheered on the Steelers in the Super bowl (they lost). My belly shrunk. Grant got a new car. My sweet baby girl celebrated her 4th birthday!

In March, my belly continued to shrink (Thank you, hyperemesis. I wouldn't wish you on anybody.)! We saw our healthy baby at the big ultrasound, and chose not to find out the sex for the third time!

In April, I celebrated my 31st birthday. I lost even more weight. The kids welcomed a new pet into our family: Toby the hamster. The kids attended their first Pirates baseball game and went to the circus for the first time...and loved it! We had a wonderful Easter with our family! Dylan moved up from T-Ball to baseball, and our days were filled with practices, followed by opening day at the end of the month!

In May, little Nugget finally started to grow! Our lives revolved around baseball games. Dylan got the game ball after one game! We had a big family wedding, and I got to see my family from Texas, and they got to meet Lexie for the first time. We kicked off summer at the end of the month with birthday parties and picnics!

In June, our sweet friends threw us a baby shower for little Nugget! Dylan got a new pet (a hamster named Madison). Dylan "graduated" from Kindergarten, and finished out his season of baseball. It started getting really hot in May, and June was scorching, so we swam a lot! We had a preterm labor scare, but Nugget hung in there!

July was a busy month! We celebrated 4th of July. Lexie gave up her crib for the new baby, and got a big girl bed. I saw my Texas family again. Sadly, we lost our chihuahua, Pepe. That was very difficult for us. Grant celebrated his 32nd Birthday, and we had "dates" with the kids. Grant and Dylan went to a big convention, and Lexie and I got ice cream.

August was the best month! I miraculously made it to 39 weeks, but went into labor right after! We welcomed little Nugget into the world...a perfect baby girl! We became a family of five, and fell in love with the newest family member! Lily came home and fit in perfectly. Lexie went to the dentist for the first time and did great! Lily was tongue tied and got her tongue snipped at the end of the month. We enjoyed the end of summer break, and life with our new baby girl!

In September, summer came to an end. Dylan started first grade, and adjusted quickly to being in school all day. Lexie started her first year of school! Lily turned 1 month old. Grant and I celebrated 11 years of marriage. My family from Texas came back for a third time and got to meet Lily. Dylan decided he finally wanted to learn how to ride a bike, and learned right away! The month ended with a bang on the last day, when a speeding car lost control and landed in our garage!

October was filled with Halloween activities. Lexie had her first field trip to an orchard. Lily turned 2 months old, and got her first shots. The kids enjoyed a rare October snowfall. Lily had a great first Halloween, as the sweetest little pea (and pumpkin!).

In November, Lily turned 3 months. The kids enjoyed playing in the leaves. Dylan had two birthday parties. We had another sad incident, when our cat, Cosette, and Dylan's fish died on the same night. The month got happier with Dylan turning 7, Thanksgiving, and the start of the Christmas season!

The month of December was filled with Christmas activities. Lily turned 4 months old, started (and hated) solids, and got her ears pierced. We celebrated the best Christmas yet!

We were very blessed this year. This year was amazing! Here's to an incredible 2012!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-29T01:05:00.003-05:00

Christmas Day was just as wonderful as Christmas Eve! I felt so blessed all day!

After the encounter with Santa, a few presents appeared under the tree!

Our morning began shortly after 9 AM. We heard Lexie wake up in her room, and begin moaning and whining. After a few minutes, the house went silent, and then I heard little feet running down the hall. She dove onto the bed, eyes wide with astonishment, shrieking, "Presents!!! There are presents UNDER THE TREE! PRESENTS!"

She was crazed! She dove onto me, yelling, "Wake up! There! Are! Presents!" She leaped off the bed, and ran into Dylan's room shouting the same thing!

Best Christmas morning wake-up EVER!

Dylan and Lexie were super excited, and Lily was super smiley, so we got right down to business, opening Santa gifts!

After the piles of Santa gifts were opened, it was time to open the Santa bag. Every year, Santa leaves a special present for each kid (typically what they asked for) in a cloth Santa bag. This year, Lexie got a Moxie Girl, Dylan got a Star Wars:Force Unleashed 2 DS game, and Lily got Sophie the Giraffe.

Finally, the kids emptied out their stockings.

Dylan and Lexie were extra good this year, and received everything they had asked for, and more!

One of the biggest things I love about my kids are their big hearts. They were SO excited to exchange gifts with each other and give Grant and I our presents! Dylan bought for all of us at his school's Santa workshop and made a gift for Grant and I at school. Lexie made a gift for me at school, and bought a small gift for Grant, Dylan, and Lily. Lily bought for Dylan and Lexie. I think this gift exchange was the most memorable, and all the gifts were loved!

After the gifts were exchanged, we set each kid up with one gift, and then Grant and I exchanged gifts. I'm a lucky lady!

We opened presents for over an hour, and then set to work opening boxes while waiting for my dad to arrive for Christmas breakfast (my sweet mom usually joins us, but she offered to work so a single mom could be with her 6 year old on Christmas morning).

Papa entertained the kids while Grant and I cooked a feast of eggs, bacon, and toast.

Our sweet baby girl was so worn out from the excitement of her first Christmas morning!

After breakfast, we headed over to Grant's parent's house to open presents with them!

And once again, Lily was worn out!

We headed back home to exchange gifts with my parents!

The kids were thrilled with their special gift from Nina and Papa!

We opened gifts for a grand total of 5 hours! It was just a bit insane, but there's nothing better than giving presents to the ones we love so much!

We had an early dinner with my parents, my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. It was quieter than our normal chaotic dinners, but everybody was still busy with Christmas. To be honest, the quiet was nice!

By the time dinner was over, my kids were getting tired, so we went home and had a quick, hour-long, family nap. That was a first for us, but everybody ended up refreshed and happy for our last stop of the night!

We spent the remainder of Christmas evening with Grant's family at his Nannie's house.

I think Lily had a wonderful first Christmas! She was definitely my favorite gift of the year!

As Christmas neared an end, I counted my blessings. It was an incredible Christmas spent with the ones I love most! I was surrounded by love and happiness, and that's what Christmas is all about!

Twas The Night Before Christmas...

2011-12-28T00:49:00.004-05:00

We had such a wonderful Christmas! I can only hope that every Christmas is just as good as this one was!

I'll begin with Christmas Eve...

Christmas Eve morning began with cinnamon rolls and chocolate truffle coffee. It was nice to relax with the family before all the chaos began!

It was extra special this year, thanks to a jolly baby girl celebrating her first Christmas, and my sweet big kids!

Every year, the kids leave food for the reindeer in our yard. We decided to move it up to before the festivities began this year, so nobody missed it due to falling asleep in the car! After the Steelers game ended, Dylan and Lexie sprinkled our front yard with reindeer food.

We then headed to my sister's house to celebrate with my family. Good food, good conversation, lots of baby hogs, and a great time spent with family! What I love most about Christmas Eve is the love, the happiness, and the togetherness.

All was going well, and then I glanced over and saw Dylan holding his head, screaming. I thought Lexie had accidentally hit him with a present, and then I saw blood streaming down his cheek. I frantically asked him what happened, and he pointed up at the mantle, and then I realized a stocking holder had fallen off and hit him on the head.

I rushed him to the kitchen, and put a towel on his head. There was so much blood that I began to get woozy. By that point, everybody else had caught on to what had happened, and surrounded him. I had a feeling we'd be heading to the ER, but we managed to get the bleeding stopped, and realized it wasn't necessary to get it stitched up. Dylan was a trooper, and recovered quickly!

Our evening with my family ended too quickly, but it was time to continue the fun with Grant's family! I love spending time with them. On Christmas Eve, after church ends, we spend time together at Nannie's house. We eat, listen to Christmas music, do a small gift exchange, drink homemade eggnog, and enjoy our time together!

Every Christmas Eve, the kids get one small gift to open from us, followed by new ornaments from MawNaw and PapPap, and then new Christmas pajamas to open and wear! I love our traditions, and they really seem to get excited about it!

We had fun with Grant's family, although it was much quieter than the time spent with my family! We have so much fun on Christmas Eve that it always flies by too quickly!

Finally, it neared midnight, and the kids grew tired, so it was time to head home.

Lexie fell asleep on the way home, so Dylan put out the milk and cookies for Santa, and hung up the Santa key, with "help" from Lily.

After a long, happy day, the kids were all snug in their beds...

...and soon after, I ran into a special visitor...

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T13:28:00.002-05:00

On Christmas Eve last year, we shared our photo card on this blog, which announced our pregnancy! This year, our little miracle is here!

From our family to you and yours: Merry Christmas!

Christmas Time Is Here!

2011-12-23T11:00:00.002-05:00

I'm in astonishment over the fact that Christmas Eve is tomorrow! When you're a child, it seems like it takes forever for Christmas to get here, but as an adult, time flies!

We've been participating in last minute Christmas activities over the last few days!

On Wednesday, we made our gingerbread house. We made one for the first time last year, and it went so well, that Grant opted out this year. ;) Lexie really wanted to make one, so my mom bought her a kit. Since Grant had enough fun last year, I got to be the builder this year. Let's just say that I'm passing on that tradition to my parents next year. OR buying a pre-assembled one!

Sweet Lily laughed at the chaos.

After multiple house collapses, and icing getting everywhere, our house was complete!

Yesterday, Dylan had his last day of school before Christmas break. He had such a fun day complete with a Christmas party and a Christmas program. Right after he got home from school and Grant got home from work, we ate a quick dinner, and loaded into the car.

Our destination? Hartwood Acres Celebration of Lights!

We go every year, and it is gorgeous! Christmas wouldn't be the same without seeing the lights first!

Here's the description:

Enjoy a spectacular 3.2 mile stretch of twinkling holiday displays through Hartwoood Acres Park in the North Hills, all leading up to the beautifully illuminated Hartwood Mansion. More than 2 million lights and over 400 displays ranging from 3 to 40 feet tall are used to create this dazzling spectacle. The Hartwood Celebration of Lights helps raise money for WTAE's Project Bundle-Up benefiting the Salvation Army, which provides new coats, gloves and other cold-weather clothing to children and senior citizens. Suggested contributions by visitors also help to support the Woodlands Foundation which serves children and young people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

Dylan and Lexie were so excited to see the lights! They look forward to it every year!

We always try to get there before the gates open, because if you don't, you end up waiting in traffic for hours to drive through the light displays. This year, we got there ten minutes before it opened, and drove right in!

Dylan and Lexie loved it! Dylan's favorite display was the man shooting a bow and arrow, and Lexie's favorite display was the big snowman blowing air out of his mouth!

Baby girl slept through it, though. I was SO tempted to wake her!

The lights were just as beautiful as ever, and there were even a few new displays to enjoy!

After we left the park, we surprised the kids with a tasty treat! We got ice cream cones and milkshakes at McDonalds!

Once we got home, the big kids had a sleepover, and my jolly baby watched me wrap a tower of presents. I think she was surprised by just how much there was!

The excitement level in this house is high! We can't wait for Christmas!

Month Four

2011-12-21T09:18:00.003-05:00

I'm taking a break from all the Christmas fun to write Lily's very belated (by 18 days) 4 month update!

Dear Lilybug,

You are 4 months old! All traces of the newborn you once were are now gone. In the blink of an eye, you have changed into a mobile, alert, chubby baby! If I could describe you in just one word, it would be joyful!

You are such a blessing. I say it every month, but that's only because it's true! You are so sweet, so content, so easy-going, so happy, and so good! I am so lucky to be your mama!

This month has brought many changes. For one, it was nearly impossible to photograph you! You are constantly moving! I often find you completely turned around or at the opposite end of your crib after naptime.

You have grown SO much! At your 4 month check-up, you weighed in at 15.5 lbs, and were 26.5 inches long! You wear mostly 3-6 month clothing, although a few 0-3 month items still fit. We finished out this month in your last pack of size 1 diapers. You have some serious thigh chub! (No worries, baby girl! You are going to end up tall and thin, like your siblings!)

This month (November 15th, to be exact), you found your voice. In addition to the babbling you had already been doing, you discovered you could squeal. Really loud. You also began to blow raspberries!

You teethed like crazy this month. Your days were filled with drool (you are my first drooling baby!) and chewing on anything you could get your hands on!

This month, you became so curious. You had to explore and look at everything!

Your eating and sleeping habits remained the same. You nursed every 3-4 hours during the day, and the stretches between feedings were much longer at night. You continued to (mostly) sleep through the night, and you took marathon naps! Often, you would take 5-6 hour naps! All your naps are in your crib, but I admit to falling asleep while feeding you at night. What can I say? You are a little snuggle bug (Daddy calls you that!), and I can't resist cuddling with you! I know just how fast you'll grow up.

Some of your favorite toys this month were your Taggies Elephant, your duck ball, and your jumperoo! You love jumping in it, and you have really strong legs from using it so much! You also love it when we hold you in front of a mirror. You can't stop smiling when you see our reflections!

You began rolling much more this month. You knew you could do it, and you did it often!

Another new thing is the thumb sucking! You began to give up your pacifier at night, and choose your thumb, instead.

You are one of the most easy-going babies I've ever met. You go with the flow, and are happy to do so.

What I love most about you is your happiness. You wake up with the biggest smile on your face, and that smile never stops! You love to interact with people, and are quick to offer up a big grin! Keep smiling, baby girl, because that smile lights up our lives!

Happy 4 months, Liliana. I hope one day you will realize just how much you're loved!!!

Let The Christmas Fun Begin!

2011-12-19T18:51:00.004-05:00

Today was the start of our very busy week leading up to Christmas!

This morning, I photographed Lexie's preschool Christmas party! The kids played Santa bingo, made ornaments, had a book exchange, and decorated their own cookies.

Lexie is now finished with school until January 4th! She was all wired up when we got home, and decided to play dress up!

When Dylan got home from school, we had our annual cookie decorating night. This year, I had the sense to cut out and bake the sugar cookies ahead of time! The kids did most of the cookie decorating, and the end result was sugar overload!

After the cookies were decorated, Lily woke up, so I attempted the light pictures again. They never go well, because teething baby+enticing lights=baby trying to eat the lights.

Although I wasn't there to take pictures, Dylan also had a fun day at school! Santa came to each class, and delivered a small gift to each kid!

I can't believe Christmas is less than a week away!

Gearing Up

2011-12-18T19:36:00.003-05:00

We've been so busy getting ready for Christmas this weekend! There were lots of last minute things to do, but we still managed to have some fun, too. I hardly touched my camera, though!

On Friday morning, Lily and I finished Christmas shopping while the big kids were at school. She is the best shopping sidekick. She slept through the entire shopping trip, and didn't even complain, despite the fact that she went over 5 hours without eating!

After picking Lexie up, we drove to the nursing home my mom works at. Lexie had a few pictures that she had made to hand out. She and Lily brought smiles to the residents faces! We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening visiting my parents.

That night, we let Dylan and Lexie have a sleepover in Dylan's room. They didn't last long!

On Saturday, Grant went Christmas shopping while I got some stuff done around the house. That evening, our best friends, Jocie and Tom, and their boys, came over to visit. Jocie and I exchanged Christmas presents. I love the Scentsy warmer and scents that she gave me. I have been wanting one!

Today, we spent the afternoon visiting Grant's family. His mom watched Dylan and Lexie for a bit while we finished up some shopping. Then we came home, put up some more outdoor lights, and watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with the kids!

Lily spent the day teething (and growing hair-I swear, it gets longer everyday!)! Both of her bottom teeth broke completely through, and she is not very happy about it!

We have such a busy week ahead of us, and we are so excited for Christmas!

A Visit With Santa

2011-12-15T20:51:00.003-05:00

Dylan, Lexie, and Lily visited with Santa tonight!

Every year since Dylan was born, we have gone to my hometown to see Santa. Santa sits in a little house, in the middle of town, and greets his visitors! It is free, and you can take as many pictures as you want. My dad "filled in for Santa" for many years at this place!

This year was the quickest and warmest visit. We've never had to wait more than ten minutes, but it's always in the bitter cold. Tonight, it was 55 degrees, and we pulled out of the parking lot less than 5 minutes after we arrived!

Last year, Dylan and Lexie's visit with Santa landed on the front page of the newspaper. This year, Lily got to meet him!

Dylan and Lexie were so excited to see Santa!

Lily got to sit with him first. She glanced up at him in confusion, and then looked away and grinned!

She spent the next few minutes clutching Santa's beard, while watching Dylan and Lexie talk to Santa!

The kids all listened intently as Santa gave them an important message: make sure they go to bed early on Christmas Eve so he can visit!

Two very excited and happy kids (and one happy baby) left Santa's house with coloring books and candy!

After our visit with Santa, we always drive a few blocks away to look at a Christmas display. The people who live in the house collect donations for the food bank. They have raised over $17,000 over the past 3 years for charity. The displays all have moving characters and music.

After driving around to look at some more lights, we headed home. Apparently all the excitement overwhelmed my girls!

Dylan and Lexie are now very eager for Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve!

Blogger/Twitter Moms Unite!

2011-12-14T20:26:00.003-05:00

I met up with some local blogger/twitter moms today for a cookie exchange and playdate! It was so much fun!

Tracy, Amy, Steph, Cari, Amy, and I all have baby girls close in age. Another Amy was supposed to join us (also with a baby girl), but her car broke down. This was my first time meeting Steph, and Cari brought her friend, Amy, for us to meet. They were so nice!

It's funny how much we have in common! As I mentioned, we all have baby girls. Lily is the youngest, and Steph's Lily is the oldest. Two ladies named Steph/Stef both with babies named Lily, three girls named Amy, and a few of us have older boys as well!

I've known Tracy for almost 12 years, and I'm so glad she invited me to the last playdate! We all began talking on twitter and through blogs, and I feel so lucky to know these ladies in real life now!

Amy hosted the playdate/cookie exchange at her house. The babies had a great time tearing up the place...or as my husband likes to say, causing a toynado!

There were so many girls in the room. Poor Logan was the only boy and his face said it all!

While the kids played, we talked, and had tacos for lunch. Afterward, we attempted a Santa hat picture with all the babies. Yeah. That didn't go so well. Logan ran off, Charlotte leaped into Tracy's arms, and the rest of the babies started screaming. (Although check out Steph's Lily. How cute is she?!?)

My sweet girl loves babies. I lovingly refer to her as the baby wrangler! She's such a big help!

After the pictures, we attempted a book exchange for the kids!

Today was a lot of fun, and all the baby girls (and Logan and Lexie!) are so adorable!!! I hope they continue to have fun together as they grow up!

After so much excitement, all the babies began to meltdown. It didn't take long for Lily to fall asleep! I have a feeling Victoria, Bre, Harper, Lily, and Charlotte soon followed!

Before leaving, we exchanged cookies and Amy handed out little stockings to the kids. She had them all strung up along the sliding glass door. It was so cute, but I didn't think to take a picture!

I have to say, I've been snacking on those delicious cookies all night! Thanks for hosting, Amy! I can't wait to see everybody again!

Tuesday Tidbits

2011-12-13T13:31:00.002-05:00

Tuesday is my day to remember all the cute and funny things my kids say and do!

{DYLAN}

Dylan is growing up so quickly! I miss my boy. Now that he's in school full time, I don't get to spend much time with him.

-While shopping on Sunday, he touched the front of a pair of tight, satiny boxers, and said, "Look! It has a pocket!"

-My little man can be too honest at times. We started giving him a small allowance every week once he turned 7. When I went to give him his allowance one day, he said, "But I haven't done anything to earn it!"

-He is still so sweet. He loves it when I leave a little "love" note in his lunchbox. Yesterday, I took the note out after school, and started to throw it away. He snatched it out of my hand, and said, "I want to keep that!"

-When he was little, he called Cool Whip "Cool Mip." Even though he can say Cool Whip, he still lovingly refers to it as Cool Mip.

-He calls his baby sister Lilla. As soon as he gets home from school, he runs to see if she's awake!

{LEXIE}

Lexie continues to be our comic relief! She's a great combination of sweet and sassy with (quite) a bit of drama mixed in.

-Her body wash had a picture of a smurf on it. She asked me, "Will this body wash make me smell like a smurf?!?"

-In one of her uber-sweet moments, she gushed, "I love EVERYBODY IN THE WORLD!" She always says, "I love Mommy! She is my best friend!"

-She put on a sweater she hadn't worn in a long time. She asked, "Is this a sweater with love in every stitch?"

-She calls the hallway the "holeway."

-One night at dinner, she turned to me and asked, "Are you going to have another baby girl?"

-Lily has some messy diapers. One day, she had a blowout, and Lexie shouted, "It's like a bomb!!!"

-Lily got two shots last week. The doctor left the room, saying that the nurse would be in to give her the shots. Lexie's eyes got really big, and she asked, "Is the doctor going to shot Lily???"

-While putting on her shoes, she asked, "Are these the right foots?"

-Lexie was digging in rocks yesterday. I was quizzing her, and asked her what her full name was. She replied, "Lexie Rock Digger."

-Lexie walked out of her preschool class yesterday, wearing a cute reindeer hat. She excitedly said, "Do you like my hat? We cut out turkeys for the antlers!!!"

{LILY}

I say it often, but Lily is such a sweet, happy baby! We're smitten!

-My favorite time of day is in the morning when she wakes up. She gives us the biggest smiles!

-She already mastered the devilish grin.

-Her nickname is fuzzball. After a bath, her hair sticks out like a dandelion puff. I can't stop kissing her fuzzy head!

-At the doctor, she was full of smiles. All the nurses had to stop in to visit. She smiled as she was weighed and measured, smiled through her exam, and even smiled during the first shot! She loves people!

-She is so talkative! Last night, she woke up in the middle of the night and spent and hour cooing and giggling in the dark. Even though I'm exhausted today, it's hard to get mad at all that cuteness!

Sugarplum Saturday

2011-12-11T22:42:00.003-05:00

We had a busy weekend full of Christmas fun!

On Friday, I had to read to Lexie's class. She was the Shining Star student last week, and it concluded with a book reading. We spent the afternoon visiting my parents, and my mom, the girls, and I did some shopping. We didn't get home until 10:00, and by the time I got everything put away, it was past 1 AM!

Saturday was our busy day!

Every year, some of the women in my family get together for Sugarplum Saturday. We spend the afternoon making candy and talking. This year was a lot of fun! I love this tradition!

There was a lot of wine drinking, so I dubbed the day Sugarslummin' Saturday. I, however, don't drink, so I took over production! ;)

While we made goodies, the kids played. They had fun dressing up!

One word. Blackmail.

Our afternoon came to an end too quickly, but we had another party to attend! We picked Grant up at home and drove to our friend Tracy's house for our annual Christmas party with our friends!

Tracy and Gary were great hosts, and Tracy put together a fun party for all the kids! The kids had a gift exchange, decorated cookies, and made adorable handprint ornaments!

We had pizza and snacks, and then the kids had fun playing while the adults talked.

These two baby girls are ADORABLE! They had a great time yelling at each other! Lily doesn't realize it yet, but she is so lucky to have a sweet friend close in age!

We always look forward to this Christmas party, and this year did not disappoint. Thank you, Tracy, for making it so much fun!

After the party, we stopped at another friend's house to visit. It was a great day!

Today was supposed to be our day to kick back and relax, but honestly??? We don't know how to do that!

By 1:00 in the afternoon, I had made a roast for dinner, baked cinnamon rolls, brewed homemade iced tea, and made a batch of organic sweet potato baby food!

After that, we decided to go Christmas shopping with three kids in tow. It was insanely crowded, but the kids were good, and we managed to finish our shopping for everybody on our list! We just have to finish up shopping for each other and the kids.

After we got home, Grant's mom stopped by to visit and joined us for dinner. By the time she left, it was time to get the kids to bed. Grant and I finally got to put our feet up and watch "Christmas Vacation." It's one of our favorites!

We have so much to do over the next two weeks! I can't believe Christmas is just two weeks away! We are all so excited!

A Mug O Baby

2011-12-08T22:35:00.002-05:00

Once upon a time, a super cute little dumpling was born. On her first Christmas, her mama shoved her in a mug.

It was so cute, that it had to be used again the following year!

And again....

...and again!

Just like that, a tradition was born, and the tradition is being carried on!!!

C'mon. Who can resist a mug of adorableness?

Ba-Da-Bling!

2011-12-07T22:57:00.003-05:00

Liliana got an early Christmas present today from her Nina and Papa...pierced ears!

It's tradition! They took Lexie to get her ears pierced, when she was 9 months old, for her first Christmas present. When Lexie had hers pierced, Dylan and I walked to the other side of the mall, because I didn't want to watch. I was a bit apprehensive about it, but my mom really wanted to have it done. Lexie never touched her earrings, so I knew we'd get Lily's done early as well.

Lily is a bit younger than Lexie was, but she did great. I actually stayed to watch this time! Lily may not remember it, but she had a special day with her Nina!

Lily started screaming before they even pierced her ears, because she hates to be restrained. I just may have shed a few tears with her.

The technician finished quickly, and the screaming stopped.

Within seconds, something in a store window caught her eye, and she was mesmerized. She hasn't cried since!

Dylan and Lexie got a little treat, too. They waved to Santa and then rode the train!

Lilybug watched them go around and around!

Dylan, Lexie, and Lily loved the mall. We have pretty much every store and restaurant near us, so we only go to the mall once or twice a year, even though it is nearby as well. They loved seeing it decorated for Christmas and exploring all the kiosks!

It was a fun night for my kids, and my mom was so happy that Lily's ears are now pierced!

It was a special day for Lily! Baby girl is rockin' her bling!

Yum Yum

2011-12-06T19:39:00.002-05:00

Today was a big day for Lily! She tried solids for the very first time!

Lily had been showing all the signs of being ready over the past week. She seemed genuinely interested in food. She began to watch me eat, and reach for my cup and utensils while I was eating. She has been gaining weight steadily, and is able to sit in her highchair. I had originally planned to start her after her 4 month check-up on Thursday, after I got the go ahead from the pediatrician, but my instinct told me she was ready.

I had planned on starting her on avocado, but I decided on rice cereal instead. Once she was strapped in, it was go time!

She immediately slurped it off the spoon and swallowed. She was off to a great start! And then the taste hit her.

I tried another spoonful. Once again, she ate and swallowed, and then reacted to the taste!

Only one word can describe her reaction to solids. Horrified.

I don't blame her. I tried what I was feeding her. And, frankly? It sucked.

At this point, it's all about teaching her how to eat solids. She will still be exclusively breastfed, but I'm going to start making her baby food, and offering a few spoonfuls once a day. She is eating off the spoon well, and not gagging, so I think we may try something with more taste!

I hope she reacts better the next time. Because??? I've never seen a baby so relieved to get her face wiped off!

All Aboard!

2011-12-05T10:24:00.003-05:00

Christmas is in full swing here, with lots of fun activities to do!

Saturday was a busy day for us! My kids attended a Polar Express Christmas party at our local library. My best friend and her family came, too! A train conductor read them the story, they got their tickets punched, they decorated Christmas cookies, listened to two other guest readers, then had a visit from Santa Claus. Well, a helper for Santa Claus, as we refer to them in this household. He didn't look much like Santa Claus!

The kids had a great time! As they left, the librarian gave them a book and gave Lexie a Christmas mug. They also got to hang a spaceship ornament on the Christmas tree!

My baby girl turned 4 months old on Saturday! Where has time gone?!?

That afternoon, I decided on a quick, spur of the moment photo shoot for Christmas card pictures! I'm glad I did!

The rest of the weekend went well, too. We went to my best friend's house on Saturday night, and spent Sunday afternoon with Grant's family, watching football. It was a great weekend! I can't believe Christmas is less than 3 weeks away!

The Gift of Life

2011-12-02T22:58:00.003-05:00

Last year, on this day, I woke up with a smile on my face.

Typically, on that day, I wake up missing my Grandma so much. December 2nd was her birthday.

But last year was different. I woke up with a strange feeling, and just knew I had to do something.

I tiptoed to the bathroom, through the cold, dark house, careful not to wake Grant and the kids. Those two minutes felt like an eternity, but when that plus sign showed up, I felt my heart soar.

I kept that test, and the positive result is still there, one year later.

It amazes me how much my life has changed in a year. For the better. Our third baby truly was a gift from God. She was our miracle. She made us stronger than ever. She completed us.

This morning I woke up feeling so thankful, so blessed, so incredibly lucky.

Instead of feeling an emptiness in my heart on this day, my heart now feels full.

My Grandma would have thought that the news of a new grandchild was the best birthday gift ever.

Looking at Liliana today, I am struck by how much she reminds me of my Grandma. The same blue eyes and constant, sweet smile. But even more so, her spirit. She has the same sweet, easy-going, friendly personality.

It's amazing how a person can live on, even when they are no longer with you.

My Grandma's birthday was a special day, and finding out we were expecting the baby we wanted so much on that day, has made it even more special. Her birthday became the birth of our new life.

One year has flown by, and that little baby is now one day shy of turning 4 months old. She is our blessing.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

2011-12-01T23:29:00.005-05:00

Tonight, we put the tree up! Lily got to hang her very first ornament, and Dylan and Lexie had a great time rediscovering their favorite ornaments. It was hard work, and a bit chaotic, but well worth it. All that's left to do is hang the garland!

Oral-B Stages/Winnie the Pooh Movie Viewing MommyParty

2011-11-30T20:13:00.004-05:00

This afternoon, I hosted my first MommyParties event which was sponsored by Oral-B Stages I & II!

When I was first contacted by MommyParties to host this party, I was so excited! It was the perfect thing for me to do. I have so many friends and family members with children, and we have a lot of playdates together. It was so much fun to do something different! My kids were excited, too. They are obsessed with brushing their teeth and get so excited over new toothbrushes and toothpastes!

The guests for the party ranged in age from 4 months old to 4 years old. The party was so easy to set up, thanks to the awesome party kit that MommyParties and Oral-B supplied. I had everything I needed to make the party a success!

Before the guests arrived, I blew up the balloons and tossed them on the floor, I put out the snacks for the moms, set up a Winnie the Pooh coloring station, set out the goody bags, and put up a makeshift concession stand complete with popcorn, fruit snacks, and juice pouches. The Winnie the Pooh DVD was in the DVD player and ready to go!

Once everybody arrived, I put on the new Winnie the Pooh movie for the older kids to watch.

We took a short break to look over the supplied flashcards. Those kids were quick with the answers! While I'd love to say that all the guests sat still through the entire movie, that simply isn't true. The 2 year old guests didn't have the attention span! Us moms, however, watched most of it! After the movie, I asked them who their favorite character was:

MommyParties and Oral-B stages provided each of my guests with a wonderful gift bag to take home!

While the kids were watching the movie, I handed out the gift bags. The moms I invited were already fans of Oral-B, stating that they had "quality products." They were impressed by what the bags contained!

I thought the movie was going to be the most exciting thing at the party, but the kids were most excited about trying out their new toothbrushes! A good brushing was required after all that popcorn eating!

Even the youngest guests, with the newest teeth, joined in!

Our afternoon playdate was a big success! Thank you, MommyParties and Oral-B Stages for giving us a chance to have so much fun!!!

Tuesday Tidbits

2011-11-29T20:00:00.003-05:00

Tuesday is my day to remember all the cute and funny things my kids say and do!

{DYLAN}

*While writing the word don't, he wrote his d backwards. He looked up and said, "Oh, wait, that's a bon't!"

*While picking out a present with a gift card he received for his birthday, he insisted on buying a Lego set that Lexie liked. He told me, "I love to make my sister happy."

*His band with Lexie is called "The Kilr Men."

*He handed me a card, and said, "Here is the invertation to my band."

*On the morning of his 7th birthday, he woke up and insisted that he grew overnight! He just may have. Suddenly, all his pants are too short!

{LEXIE}

*She loves to wear her hair "sticking out." That means down, and free from braids or ponytails.

*She has a bit of trouble with the "L" sound, but I love it. She loves to say, "You have dewicious wegs, Wilwy!

*She is an awesome big sister. She always says, "I never had a baby like her before!" or "I'm so happy that our baby was a girl!"

{LILY}

*Lily will smile at anybody that looks at her. She will watch people, and then grin the moment they look her way!

*She just started scooting out of her bouncer. Time to use the harness! She pushes off with her feet, lifts her butt, and slides until she's on the floor!

*She had a major hair growth spurt this week! She's also working on some fabulous leg chub!

{The Rock Star}

*Last night, the little rock star slept peacefully. All that drumming wore him out!

*Somebody else in the house was eager to take his place.

Happy Tuesday!

Me Time

2011-11-28T22:00:00.002-05:00

I'm reading...The Help. Parenting/Parents/American Baby/Baby Talk magazines.

I'm listening to...Christmas music all the time!

I'm watching...Once Upon A Time, Dexter, Terranova, House, Glee, Raising Hope, The New Girl, Criminal Minds, American Horror Story, and Grey's Anatomy. Grant and I are also catching up on Season 4 of Mad Men, and watching Christmas movies.

I'm creating...photo collages for Lexie's class and editing my October pictures.

I'm cooking...Ham and Potato Casserole, Chili, Chicken Enchiladas, Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, Roast, and Smothered Pork Chops for this weeks dinners.

I'm shopping for...Christmas presents for my kids, my husband, and our families.

I'm staying healthy...by running 4-5 days a week and taking my vitamins!

A product I use everyday...Vaseline for my lips and under my eyes.

I'm obsessed with...taking the perfect Christmas pictures for our card!

Around the house...I'm decorating for Christmas. Most of the indoor decorations are done, but we have to decorate outside, and put up our tree after my party on Wednesday.

Today...Dylan and Lexie were off school. I picked up a ton of pictures from CVS to turn into photo collages for Lexie's preschool class. We went to the library, and I got suckered into buying books at the book fair they were having. I eased the pain by reminding myself that I was supporting our library. We ran into a girl that rides Dylan's bus, and her mom asked me if he was the "infamous Dylan from the bus." When I informed her that it was, she told me he is all her girls talk about. I took Dylan to Target to spend a birthday gift card. He chose a Lego set that Lexie liked, because he likes to make his sister happy, and some Pokemon cards. I got a holiday tutu for Lily and more clear lights for our tree (the LED ones from last year gave me a headache). I finally hung up a picture of Lily in our house. After taking a week-long break from running, I started back up, and I feel so much better! I did massive amounts of laundry thanks to Lily's blowouts.

Plans for the rest of the week...I'm babysitting tomorrow, hosting an OralB stages party on Wednesday afternoon, putting up the Christmas tree on Thursday, visiting my parents on Friday, taking the kids to a Polar Express party at the library on Saturday, taking Lily's 4 month pictures, hanging out with the inlaws on Sunday, and probably other plans will pop up, too!

It's the Holiday Season!

2011-11-27T18:31:00.003-05:00

We have been so busy over the past week!

On Tuesday, we celebrated Dylan's 7th Birthday!

His morning started with birthday presents from Lily and Lexie: a Beyblade and Beyblade battle arena!

I sent my 6 year old off to school, and a 7 year old returned!

When Grant came home, we gave Dylan our gift!

He was thrilled!!! He was planning on asking Santa for drums, so he was very happy to get them from us!

Dylan chose The Deck House for his birthday dinner! He loves their shrimp basket and he loves to spin the birthday wheel!

When we returned home, Grant built Dylan's drums, and the house got very noisy!

Dylan chose Dunkin Donuts for his birthday treat!

He ended his day with some snuggles!

My little man had a great 7th Birthday!!!

Dylan had school on Wednesday, but Lexie was off. I had a lazy morning with my sweet girls!

Later that afternoon, we took a birthday treat into Dylan's classroom. It was so nice to see all of his classmates and see the class in action. We hung out in the classroom until school ended, and I took Dylan home with us. He always rides the bus home, so it was an extra special treat!

On Thanksgiving, we had a great, relaxing morning! The kids loved watching the parade on TV!

We always have a busy Thanksgiving, and the kids love to play with their cousins and visit with relatives we don't see very often!

We ate Thanksgiving dinner at Grant's grandma's house.

From there, we went to my sister's house for dessert.

We ended our evening at Nannie's house.

My sweet girl was worn out, and fell asleep on the way home. I had time for a bit of snuggle time with my big kids before they headed off to bed.

Grant and I attempted to watch our first Christmas movie-Home Alone-but were too tired to finish!

On Friday, I visited my parents, and my mom and I did some shopping. I'm not a big fan of black friday shopping, but the stores aren't too bad by late afternoon! I scored some great deals on pajamas!

The little miss was a trooper. She is always so good!

On Saturday, we began to decorate for Christmas. That evening, we went to the town's Christmas parade/light up night! The past few years it has been freezing on the day of the parade, but this year it was warm!

The kids were so excited to see Santa. Well, the older two were! Lily was more interested in her hands!

We visited Grant's family this afternoon for some food and football! We typically do that every Sunday afternoon. The kids look forward to it, and are always so disappointed if we don't go to Nannie's house.

Just like that, Dylan's birthday and Thanksgiving are over! We're not too sad, though. Christmas is on it's way!!!

To My Baby Boy On His 7th Birthday

2011-11-22T12:12:00.003-05:00

Dear Dylan,

Today, at 8:54 AM, you turned 7. I can't believe 7 years have passed since I first met you. This was the first year I wasn't able to hug you or kiss you at your birth time, because you were in school. Instead, at that very moment, I closed my eyes and thought of the morning you were born. That morning was the most special day of my life. It was the morning you made me a mom. I closed my eyes and whispered a happy birthday to you.

I was so excited to meet you and find out if you were a boy or a girl. When you were born, I sat up and watched as you entered the world. You were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, and I fell in love the moment I saw you. When the doctor announced "It's a BOY!!!" my heart swelled with pride and love for you.

The past 7 years have flown by, and I find myself wishing time would slow down. As you grow up, you also grow away from me. I know that's supposed to happen, but I don't have to like it. I can't believe my tiny baby boy is now a mature, smart, independent first grader.

This past year brought many changes to your life. In many ways, you were forced to grow up. You had to become more independent and help more as I dealt with extreme morning sickness. You became a big brother for the second time. You started to attend school all day. Even though these things were forced on you, you have thrived.

Dylan, you are an amazing person. Even though you've been rebelling a bit more (which is natural), the good continues to shine through. You are an amazing big brother and an amazing son. You are special to everybody that meets you. We are all so lucky to have you in our lives.

Many times, I find myself in awe over the fact that we are raising such a wonderful son. In awe over the fact that we actually knew what we were doing, and did it right. We are so proud of you.

You are so smart. You always give your best and strive to succeed. You are so curious, and you love to learn. Reading is one of your favorite things to do. You are doing so well in school, and ended up with straight A's during the first grading period.

You have an incredible imagination. You have daily adventures with your sister and your cousins. You prove that you don't need toys to have fun...just a good imagination!

You are so sweet, kind, loving, caring, respectful, and polite. People always comment on how sweet and polite you are. You know manners are imporatant, and you use them well.

The best thing about you is your compassion. You possess a maturity well beyond your years. You put others before yourself. You recently cashed in your tickets from playing arcade games, and the first things you chose were rings and squinkies for your sister. When Lily cries, you stop what you're doing and race to help her. You truly care about others and their well-being.

I always say that you're the sweetest boy I've ever met. You are constantly hugging your family and friends and telling them how much you love them. You aren't afraid what others think of you. You still hug me and kiss me before you climb on the bus every morning, and blow me a kiss from your seat. You smile and run to me, and grab my hand when you climb off the bus. I will savor every single moment of sweetness you offer.

From the moment I met you, I thought there was something extra special about you. And it isn't just me who notices it. You are an old soul. You are filled with goodness and light. Please, Dylan, hold onto that quality which makes you so special. You will go far in life, and will continue to touch the lives of everybody you meet.

There are many nights that you pray for me, just before I leave your room. You always say, "Dear God, Please watch over mommy and let her live a long, happy, healthy, safe life with all her loved ones." I wish the same for you. I pray for it every single night.

I tell you everyday how much I love you and how much you mean to me. I don't think I can truly express just how much I love you. My heart swells so much, it almost hurts, when I think of you. I love you with all my heart, all my being, and more.

Dylan, you were one of the best things that ever happened to me. I didn't realize it when I found out you were coming, but after you were born, I knew you were an answer to a prayer. 7 years have gone by in the blink of an eye, but in many ways you have always been a part of me. You have always been here. It's true when I say you lived in my heart before you were born. On the day of your birth, I finally experienced the most amazing kind of love. The love between a mother and her child.

I wish nothing but the best for you. I pray you live a long, happy, healthy, amazing life. I pray that you love your family just as much when you are grown as you do now. I pray that each birthday is better than the last. Reach for the stars, Dylan. You can do anything if you put your mind to it.

I thank God every single day for putting you in my life. For making me the mother of the most amazing little boy. I accepted that gift, and will put all my heart and soul into taking care of you and loving you.

Happy 7th Birthday, Dylan! You have my heart, now and always. I love you forever.

Love, Mommy

November 22, 2011 12:12 PM

Tidbits on a Monday

2011-11-21T22:00:00.002-05:00

*Lexie had her Thanksgiving Feast at Preschool today! It was so cute. The kids got their faces painted, made Indian headdresses and bead necklaces, played games, and had a great snack! One plus of being the class photographer is that I get to attend all the parties and events!

*I got to spend some quality time with her after the party, too. We stopped at the library, the bank, and at Target so she could buy Dylan a birthday present. And, uh, some more Christmas outfits for Lily.

*While we were gone, Lily poop bombed my dad. Massive. Poop. Explosion. Good thing she's cute.

*Lily had a massive growth spurt, too. The arms are now too short on all her 0-3 month footies. It makes me sad when I have to pack away baby clothes! The two footies she wore today were ones that Dylan and Lexie both wore. *tear*

*Hard to believe my baby boy wore those pajamas almost 7 years ago. Hard to believe this is his last day as a 6 year old. *sob*

*He was home sick from school today. This was only the third day he's ever missed. He had perfect attendance his first year of school, and only missed 2 days last year. I feel guilty when he misses, especially when he possibly could have gone in later. Like today. But, instead, he had a date with his brand new dsi.

*I'll just consider his day off an early birthday present!

Party Weekend

2011-11-20T22:22:00.002-05:00

This weekend, we had Dylan's 7th Birthday party with our families! It is so hard to believe that my boy is going to be 7 on Tuesday!

We woke up early to get the house cleaned, go shopping, and set up for the party. The kids were so excited for the fun to begin!

Our family is so much fun! Our parties are always extremely loud and chaotic, but everybody has a great time!

Dylan was thrilled with his presents. He was saving up for a dsi, and was so happy to get some gift cards, and was really excited about the Lego sets he received!

Dylan chose a Transformers theme for this party. My mom makes every birthday cake for the parties, and she was a bit stumped by this one. Dylan loved the transformers on the cake, though!

Lexie is usually surrounded by boys, so she was happy to play with her girl cousins and Great Aunt Jackie! She just may have held my aunt hostage in her room for over an hour!

Lily enjoyed being passed from guest to guest, and got plenty of attention from her cousins and friends.

And, of course, we had a special guest. No party is complete without a request for Apollo to join in the fun.

The birthday boy had a great time!

He was sad to see his cousins and friends leave, but he got to stay up late with Grant and I, and build his Lego sets!

We had so much fun with our wonderful family! We all had a party hangover today, but it was worth it!

I managed to escape for a few hours to go see Breaking Dawn with my best friend, and Dylan was delighted to cash in his gift cards and birthday money for a new dsi, case and stylus set, and 4 games! His new gadget kept him busy all day!

We had a wonderful time celebrating our baby boy's upcoming birthday! He is so excited for his big day!

Month Three

2011-11-17T16:29:00.002-05:00

Dear Liliana,

You are now 3 months old! I can't believe that 3 months have passed since you were born. When I write the next monthly letter, you will no longer be considered a newborn!

You have changed so much over the past month! You went from a constantly sleeping lump of a newborn to a laughing, grinning baby!

You are deliciously chubby! You haven't been weighed this month, but I'm guessing you are over 13 lbs and over 25 inches long. You wear a size 1 diaper and mostly 0-3 month clothes, though some outfits are 3-6 months. Your hair is really starting to grow in. You have the sweetest light blonde fuzz sprouting. I love your fuzzy head! Your eyes are still blue, and your dimples more prominent now that you're smiling bigger. You got your first tooth the day before you turned 3 months old!

You still sleep so well! You usually go to bed between 7-8, then I nurse you before I fall asleep between 11-12. You sleep until your next feeding, which is between 6-7 in the morning. After you eat, you go back to sleep until 9-10. You take several naps throughout the day. Some are long, lasting 3 hours, while others are just a short 1 hour nap.

You are still being exclusively breast fed. You are a very quick eater, unless you happen to fall asleep while nursing. Over the past month, you decided that you didn't really like the occasional bottle anymore. We really need to work on that, because Papa has to watch you once or twice a month, while I do things with Dylan and Lexie.

You are a strong baby! You love to stand up, and you are so good at pushing your chest off the floor now. You hold your head up steady. You manage to scoot around in your crib by pushing off with your feet. You know how to roll both directions, but you don't do it very often. You prefer to roll to your side and play.

You are teething like crazy. You constantly chew on your hands and anything else you can get in your mouth! I've never had a drooling baby, but I think you may be my first!

Your favorite things right now are your hands, your binky, your puppy bouncer, and your jumperoo!

You are the happiest baby! You are so sweet, smiley, and content! You smile so much, especially when you wake up. That dimply smile makes my day!

I was told that you would be an easy-going baby, since you have two older siblings. Everybody was right! You go with the flow, and smile through it! You are the BEST shopping sidekick. You sleep or people watch through all our excursions!

You love people. You are quick to offer a smile to anybody that talks to you! I love that you are so happy and easy-going. I can already tell that you're going to be a charmer!

You resemble Lexie, but the truth is, you are the girl version of your big brother. You look like him. You have the same coloring, the same dimples, the same nose, and it appears that you are going to have the same baby mohawk that he had! You have the same happy, loving, laid-back personality. You are very much like your sister in the sense that you already love to "talk" a lot!

Now that we're 3 months in, I can honestly say that it feels as if you have been with us forever. You comlete our family. You are so loved by so many. You melt my heart every single day, and I can't even remember what my life was like before you came into it. I am so lucky to be your mom, and to call you my baby! I love you so much, Lily-girl!!!

A Very Wordful Wednesday

2011-11-16T16:01:00.003-05:00

Liliana learned how to squeal and "talk" nonstop yesterday. Yep. I've got another chatterbox.

Tuesday Tidbits

2011-11-15T17:52:00.003-05:00

Tuesday is my day to remember all the cute and funny things my kids say and do!

{Dylan}

*We told Dylan that he would start getting an allowance once he turned 7. He insisted that he had to start his chores today, because a week was too long to wait!

*He is so responsible. As we were eating dinner tonight, he said, "I'm going to eat, then dry the dishes, then make my lunch, then shower, then pick my clothes for school, then do homework, then read, then go to bed." I should mention, this was after he thoroughly cleaned his room without even being asked.

*His favorite song is Pumped Up Kicks. He sings, "All the nother kids with the pumped up kicks..."

*He is a great big brother. He loves his baby sisters. As soon as Lily cries, he runs to help her.

*He was off school yesterday, but Lexie had preschool. As we dropped her off at her classroom door, he hugged her, kissed her, slapped her five, and said, "I love you, Lexie. Have a great day!"

*This is his last week as a 6 year old. The next time I write this post? He will be 7. *sob*

{Lexie}

*Upon seeing her rotten pumpkin on the front porch, she declared, "My pumpkin is serious dead out there!

*She calls running on the treadmill "treadmilling."

*While watching A Baby Story, she asked, "Was I in your belly like Lily was?" "Was Dylan?" "Was Daddy in your belly too?" Hmmm...time to explain that one!

*She really likes weird things! She found a drawer full of New Orleans souvenirs we've received, and claimed them as her own.

*Lexie: "Did you see that kitting?" Me: "What's that?" Lexie: "A little baby cat!"

*Lexie: "Do you want some turds?" Me: "WHAT?!?" Lexie: "Turds. They're delicious!" And then she handed me a box of purple nerds.

{Lily}

*This picture sums up her personality:

*Her new trick is peeing out the front of her diaper. Awesome.

*She is constantly chewing on things!

*She learned how to blow raspberries and thinks it's the funniest thing ever!

*Today, she learned how to squeal!

*She is the happiest, smiley baby! (And she slept 14 hours last night!!!) She is so squeezable!

I love my three little blessings!

Time Management

2011-11-14T16:30:00.000-05:00

Adding a third child to our family was an easy transition. Let's keep it real, though. There simply aren't enough hours in the day to do everything that I want to do! It's difficult to balance time with my kids, time with my husband, time for myself, and time to meet all the other demands in life!

I'm not happy about sacrificing time with my kids in order to get other things done, so I had to get creative! I realized that I didn't have to be on the floor playing with them in order to spend time with them. The truth is, all kids really want is to be noticed and to be loved! When they get that, they're happy!

So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorite tips (obviously not all, because that would require me to really think about it, and I just don't have it in me right now!):

*During that boring, ten minute wait for the bus (because it comes anywhere from 5 minutes early to 5 minutes late), Dylan and I read one of his library books. He loves the one on one time with me, and we get all those library books read.

*As soon as I come in from putting Dylan on the bus, I sit at the kids table with Lexie. We either have breakfast together, or we chat as I sip my coffee or tea.

*While Lily is still sleeping in the morning, I go for a 30 minute run on the treadmill. Lexie loves to narrate her books, so she reads to me as I run. Once she tires of that, we turn on A Baby Story and discuss the episode while we're watching. This usually leads to some really funny conversations!

*Before feeding Lily, I spend some time holding her and talking to her. Because, really, who can resist a gummy baby smile?!?

*I try to do most of my cleaning while Lexie is at school and Lily is sleeping. If that isn't possible, I put Lily in the Moby wrap while I clean. It holds her tight against me, and I tell her everything I'm doing while I'm doing it. If I have to clean while Lexie is home, I set her up with an art project, and check on her every few minutes. I give her a kiss or a hug, and let her show me what she made.

*I make sure to stop what I'm doing a few times during the day, no matter what, and read a book to my kids or snuggle with them.

*I try to include Lexie in whatever I'm doing. She helps me clean, cook, bake, organize, and do dishes. The same goes for Dylan when he's home.

*One or both of the girls keep me company while waiting for Dylan's bus to come home.

*Dylan and Lexie tend to keep each other company when Dylan gets home from school, but Lily is usually awake at some point while I'm cooking dinner or cleaning up. I sit her in the high chair next to me while I cook or do the dishes. She loves to "chat" with me while I get things done.

*We eat dinner together every night. It's really important to us to spend time together as a family.

*Dylan and I spend ten minutes together every day after school, doing his homework and talking.

*I clean the bathroom while Lexie bathes.

*We spend a half hour before bed reading books. We usually lay on my bed to read. Lexie picks one, Dylan picks one, and I usually pick a Holiday/seasonal book. If Lily is awake, she sits with us while I read.

*I make sure to spend a few minutes of alone time with each kid before bed. We talk about the best/worst/funniest parts of their day, cuddle, and then pray. Dylan and Lexie go to bed really early on weeknights, so Lily is still getting quite a bit of time with Grant and I before she goes to bed.

*And, finally, Grant and I aim to have all of the household chores done by 8, so 8-11 is "our" time.

As it always is with parenthood, things are constantly changing. I'm sure I will continue to learn new time management tricks, while having to adapt some of the old ones. For now, this is what works, and I'm sticking with it! My days are running much smoother now!

What are some of your favorite time management tricks?

Leaping In

2011-11-13T22:45:00.003-05:00

It's official...the Holiday season has hit us full force!

We kicked off our weekend with a Thanksgiving Feast at our library!

I know I've mentioned it before, but our library has a fantastic program for kids! The feast included a turkey dinner, turkey cupcakes, pumpkin pie, crafts, and storytime. Dylan and Lexie had a great time!

On Saturday night, we had Dylan's birthday party with a group of friends. We have such a large family and large group of friends that we need to have two parties!

Dylan decided on a soldier/camo theme for this party!

Dylan said he had a great party, and it was nice for us, too, because we got to spend time with our friends! It was actually an enjoyable time, instead of the usual party chaos!

Today, we spent some time with Grant's family, and cheered on the Steelers to a win!

We are having gorgeous weather in the 60's, and we're enjoying every moment of it. The kids were thrilled to discover a ginormous leaf pile at MawNaw's house!

They really wanted Lily to check out the leaf pile, but Lily was not a fan.

Once she realized she was out of the leaves, she calmed down!

We ended up having last-minute dinner plans with some good friends. We had a great time, and it was a wonderful way to end our weekend!

Dylan is off school again tomorrow, and is wide awake still, but my girls were exhausted!

This weekend was wonderful, and there is a lot of birthday/holiday fun coming our way!