~Lessons From Big Sister~

Before I was a Mommy, I was always told several things by people that were parents already.
*Get your sleep now...
*I hope you have a strong gag reflex...
*You think life is crazy now?.....
You know, the things that come along with parenthood.

But, the one thing I heard over and over after I had my daughter and was pregnant with Tyler was, "...when you see your kids playing together, you will melt..." and I did.

The other night while I was cooking dinner, I suddenly heard Katelyne talking so softly and sweetly to Tyler saying, "push the 1... good job!" I look over and she is holding his hand "helping" him push the '1'... and then she says, "this is how we call on the phone." She was so kind, gentle and loving toward him. It really was a melting point.


Then my Ty-Ty got hungry and took matters into his own hands... I am guessing he was hungry - he could have made a prank call and been doing some heavy breathing into the phone! Maybe?


But, at the end of the day...prank call or teething, he is adorable...

And the love that was in my kitchen that evening while I cooked was amazing. My two little ones, playing together and enjoying each other. Everyday is just that...amazing.

Bring on the teenage years!!! I got this!!! >:-)

~4th of July Camping Fun~

Fourth of July weekend we headed out West... well, not really so much West as North West. Our destination was Fernwood Resort in Big Sur California. Camping with Grammie and PopPop! We were nestled in the redwoods of the coast, with quiet, starry nights, cool summer days and TONS of fun. Everyday was constant play. Daddy and Katelyne took to the rapids of the river...


Katelyne played on shore looking for an endless supply of rocks to toss into the river...


Tyler napped... when it was time for dinner and Tyler was sleeping so soundly, we have to improvise as to where to put him.... who hasn't slept cozily in a tote???

Every night ended with a roaring fire compliments of PopPop and Daddy. Katelyne had her first taste of s'mores. Yummy!!!

We had a blast! Eric and I have such fond memories growing up and camping with our parents, that we just sit and smile at all of the similar memories we are building for our kiddos. Being out together, with no television, no cell phone and really nowhere to go, gives us the chance to talk, play and enjoy each other to the fullest...


Thanks for the opportunity California - Happy America Day!!!

~My Growing Babes~

My little Hammie is well on her way to being a teenager. She needed a new swimsuit for summer and had to have this 2-piece. When we decided to go swim in the back yard she insisted on wearing it and struck this pose after asking me to take her picture... She is soooo huge.
I have to say it again though, such a good kid. Lately we are having more of the sassy "I do it!" independence, but she sure does shine 99% of the time.... Love her...


Yesterday Eric, Katelyne and I had the most amazing, fun filled water fight in the backyard! We were running all over squirting each other with the little fishes Katelyne has from the tub, until Eric traded up for a cup FULL of water! Such a cheater, but Katelyne squealed constantly with laughter, I headed indoors, heehee - SUCH A BLAST!

We are headed off to go camping with Grammie and PopPop this coming weekend and last night during our shower we were talking about how much fun we had all day and about how we were going to have fun camping... almost instantly, Katelyne looked up at me with this evil little crooked eye and said, "I squirt Grammie with the fish!" So look out Grammie!!!! We are all practiced up - and we are coming for you!!!!

And my Tyler. He is now 12 weeks (Tuesday) and a shade under 18lbs. As you can see from the picture below, we are already fielding offers and keeping our options open....We will only negotiate with the Yankees (or the Giants if we have too...).

Oh,... Love my babies too much!

Happy 4th!!

~Fur Babies~

So, aside from having 2 scrumptious kiddos, we also have a 'fur baby' - RoxyAnne. She is a fantastic Golden Retriever whom my kids over-love on a daily basis.

A week ago we headed out to my parents house and the whold family showed up... the WHOLE family and all of our 'fur babies'!

Meet, from left to right:

RoxyAnne, Jackson, Joan and Indiana

RoxyAnne is my fur baby. She is too precious for words and most often my 'favorite' child. Yup, I picked a favorite. She doesn't talk back, say sassy things, roll her eyes, require midnight feedings, no constant diaper changes.... you get it right?!

Oh, ....Jackson. He is my Mother's Morkie. He is a complete terror and trouble maker. It is 100% 'little dog syndrome'... enough said.

As if Joan and Indiana weren't adorable enough, their names go together... together they are Indiana Joan...... Awwwww. Indiana is the biggest love you would ever meet - even though he is really scary looking by shear size alone. And Joan... she is in charge - of everyone/everything. She puts Indiana in his place and I have seen her pin Jackson down several times... to which he replies by hiding under her chest and barking as if to tease her "you can't get me! Nanna nanna nanna!!!"

:-P

~And In This Corner...~

Weighing in at 15lbs 10oz.... Oh, Yeah. You read it right. My son is in the 100 percentile for his weight - what does that mean you ask? He is the same size as the average 5 month old. He was 2 months old yesterday. (I will let that soak in for a bit....)

Katelyne was so excited when we picked her up from school the other day that when she came home she asked to hold him... yup, you are 100% correct when you imagine that my 2 month old is near the size of my almost 3 year old. Amazing.

So, Eric and I have been beyond busy in the work department in recent weeks and as days have started running together we get work in while we can. Well, today my Tyler fell asleep in his crib (a whole other mix of emotions) I decided to be a bad Mommy and sit Katelyne down for some Sesame Street time... after a few minutes it was a little too quiet.

This was my discovery...

And so I went to check on "little man".....

I got sooooo much work done - Whoo Hoo!!!

;-)

~Tyler's Bathtime~

Ok, so let me brag a little about my 2nd born.... He is sooooooo adorable!! Lately he smiles and coos and laughs at just about anything. He loves his baths and is completely enamored with his big sister. Oh! And he is brilliant! ;-)

We had a bath the other day and here are a few shots from it.... Can you argue that face?!

He does look like the Micheline Man, but at exactly 7 weeks today can you argue with him as he can only fit in his 3-6 month clothes!!!! What a beefer. He is now weighing in at 13lbs 7oz.... wow.
Go me!
:-) Nicole

~Happy Mother's Day~

I must say this was a fabulous day. My dear husband and precious daughter cooked me a delicious breakfast of pancakes and bacon with a glass of OJ. I recieved my first silouette of Katelyne and was given a rather sweet card from my hubby too!

After breakfast Katelyne and I took off for a little girly shopping and then we had lunch. I LOVED spending the one-on-one time with her. She so deserves it. With it being just the two of us she was an angel. She was polite, talkative and just so darn cute. She held my hand the entire time. So, I took her to pick out a toothbrush holder for her bathroom:

I was shocked and pround when she was so concerned with Tyler liking it too, that I let her get the cup to go along with it:

I guess I am a sucker for my daughter being so thoughtful and aware of the very person who in the blink of an eye turned her world upside down. Katelyne is a fabulous Big Sister.

So, my ulitmate feeling this Mother's Day is pride. Pride in my two beautiful, giving, loving, children. They are my greatest accomplishment..... I am a Mom.

And a special "Thank You" to my Mommy. You taught me to love, nurture and grow babies! I hope they have the love and admiration for me that I have for you...