Random Family Dinner

Ally and Travis decided to come to Arlington for dinner at my parents house on a weeknight.  My mom invited Bobbob and my family over for dinner (Austin and Craig were in Colorado)- it was a fun way to break up the week!  I am a believer that the more pictures the better- I mean I want to be able to look back on this crazy time of our lives of having two kiddos under two and remember everything.  However, I also think it is important to live in the moment so I didn't break out the camera until after dinner.

I am in love, love love with this picture- I think this is the first picture we have of Everly where she is actually smiling with another person (of course we have caught her smiling on camera by herself!).

This picture totally cracks me up because I can totally see this being Ally in a couple of years with her own kiddos!

Emma going in for the kiss :).

Nonni and Everly hanging out on the porch while Emma chased tennis balls!

Me, Ally and Everly

I love these pictures that my mom got of Everly on my shoulder. 

And asleep!

Ally and Bobbob- giving the Gig'em.  When asked if Bobbob was going to watch the Aggie-Alabama game on Saturday, Bobbob responded "of course, that's like asking me if I am going to go to church on Sunday!".

Ally and Travis :).

This was one, tired, tuckered out little girl!

So daddy did this to keep her entertained and peaceful while we finished up chatting. Of course- she loved it!

I love family dinners- especially mid-week, surprise family dinners :).

Overwhelmed With Love

Tonight I was sitting here snuggling my freshly bathed newborn and giving her kisses all over when suddenly I became overwhelmed with love for my little girl.

Sweet Everly Grace, I love you to the moon and back.  You have washed away all of my fears and concerns as to whether my heart was big enough to love you and Emma the same.  I could not love you more if I tried.  Sometimes my heart is feels like it is bursting when I think about how much I love you and your sister.

Thank you for making me a mamma for a second time.  I love you dearly.

Happy Birthday Dad (Grandpa George)!

My dad's birthday was August 25th- since it was a Sunday we were able to celebrate on the day of his birthday!  We decided to head over to Highland Park to take a family walk and then head to brunch at Breadwinner's.  Side note: Wes thinks it is hilarious that my family will drive to a location to take a walk rather than walking in our neighborhood- does anyone else's family do this?  I never really gave it any thought until he mentioned it to me :).  Ready to head out on the walk :).  In case you are wondering, Emma stayed at home for this part of the birthday celebration.  Since Everly and I are still pretty much attached at the hip boob, she came with me and since Emma is unpredictable at best while eating out, she stayed at home.

And here is the same gang a lot sweatier about three miles later :).

And with mom!

Love, love, love this picture of Austin and Everly!  Everly's facial expression cracks me up :).

Austin, Dad and Everly.

We walked a little over four miles and worked up a good appetite.  We headed to Breadwinners for brunch and it was AMAZING.  We split the chicken fried steak and eggs, an egg and tortilla dish (migas?) and a bananas fosters waffle.  It was all so very yummy- especially the waffle!

We headed home and reconvened later that evening at my parents house- Emma included :).  My parents have a great backyard for picture taking so I took the opportunity to get some family pictures.  Dad and Everly.

My parents with the girls- I think this is the first shot that we have of all four of them together!

Now if we can ever get everyone smiling just looking at the camera, it will be a small miracle!

Then, I tried to get a shot of Emma and dad, but Emma was clearly over this experience.

That is ok Emma- now I have a baby to take pictures of (kidding, kidding).  You can see how thrilled these two were :)!

Ok, now that is better you two!

Next, it was my turn.

Then, some kissing on the lips pictures.

By the way, I still am totally in love with kissing my girls on the lips and I think it is very endearing that Emma kisses everyone on the lips!

Love Everly's facial expression in this picture- she looks scared of my kisses.

I didn't get any pictures of dinner- but we had my dad's favorite which is stuffed peppers.  Then, it was time for the cake. PS- this is the part where I mention that my dad made excellent watermelon margaritas, I was so happy I could participate!  However, no one in my family including the hubs told me that it stained my lips.  Therefore, in the rest of the pictures my lips are watermelon margarita stained :).

After my dad blew out his candle, I realized that we had somehow forgotten to wear our party hats during the celebration.  No kidding, we had to have a re-do.

Ahhh, much better!  And we got to re-sing happy birthday!

And Emma got to help blow out the candle this time!

Patiently waiting for her piece of the cake.

Love this girl and her facial expressions and her party hat!

Then, it was time to open up presents!  Emma got to help and she was really into tearing off the wrapping paper although it was at a very slow pace!

Love the focus and determination.

We love you dad and hope you had a very happy birthday!!!!

Splash Park

In an effort to keep crossing things off my maternity leave to do list, a few Friday's ago we headed to the splash park.  We got there fairly early and there were two other kids there that I figured Emma would observe and then follow. Observing, yes; following, not so much!

I thought she would love it, but I would say she liked it moderately.

She spent a lot of time watching and trying to figure it out.  I think maybe she thought it would be more like a swimming pool?

This is the most excited that she got- and I believe it is because she was pointing to the playground.

Wes and I decided that we wouldn't push it and we just let her play on the playground.  Everly got a little agitated so Wes took her on a walk and caught this adorable sleeping smile!

Emma thought it would be a good idea to eat dirt.

As long as it is not dangerous, we try to let her learn by doing (ex. eating a jalapeno even though we know she wont like it), so we let her eat a little dirt- love the facial expression!

Everly trying to get cool on the bench watching her crazy sister eat dirt!

Time for a group shot!

Where all Emma wanted to do was kiss her sister :).

Still can't get over the cuteness of this bathing suit!

Everly Grace: 7 Weeks

Likes: first trip to Ikea, family trip to the zoo, breastfeeding, being loved on by sister (most of the time), hanging out with my grandparents

Dislikes: smiling for the camera during our weekly pictures, taking a pacifier, taking a bottle, being hungry :)

Tummy Time

Everly loves tummy time.  No, seriously, she doesn't mind being on her tummy.  Of course being the second child means that Everly can't do anything without her trusty sidekick.

I am continuously amazed at the differences between the girls- Emma hardly tolerated being on her tummy!

Whenever I am trying to gauge whether Everly is hungry or not, I often stick my finger in Everly's mouth to see if she suckles on it (of course she always does whether she is hungry or not :/).  Emma will imitate this from time to time.

Oh, hi sweet Emma.

Side shot of Everly- contemplating whether she is going to lift that sweet head up.

Eeek- spit up break!

Finally!  Able to lift my head :); bonus- sister is not around!

Love this sweet shot of her hiney in the air :).