November Little Things

Whoah. November is over. Let me repeat that. November is over. We are now into my favorite time of the year. Christmas + my birthday- what could be better?  November is always good, but let's be honest to me it is always kind of like the month that has to happen before it is December.  Do you agree? Or are you more of a November person? Are you ready to read a recap- I sure hope so, this time there are 80 plus pictures :). I sure do hope you like these posts- they are a lot of work, but my absolute favorite to read back over :).  Wow that was a lot of questions to read so bright and early!

November 1st- Halloween decorations came down bright and early and Mr. Turkey went up! Oh, how we loved Mr. Turkey this month.  Emma took her monkey out to say hi to the turkey.

We had to run to Target to pick up a birthday party present for later that night and I picked myself up a present- the new Taylor Swift CD. Ok, I never buy CD's. Like never ever. But, I am so glad that I let my sister talk me into this one (there were a few persistent "I think you would really like this CD, Lauren" from her) because I LOVE it. Like listen to it everyday on my way to work LOVE it. Go buy it for yourself. I am sure you will love it too!

Holding hands when we were leaving Target :). Swoon :). All the heart-eye emoji's.

After Target we stopped by our church playground to play a bit. Tip for new parents, check to see if your church has a playground. Ours does. It's close to our house and no one is ever there so it is like our own little private playground. Love to catch her in action.

Emma wanted to slide while holding Everly. Ev's did not like this idea :).

Ok, maybe she liked it as long as Emma wasn't holding her ;).

Sister secrets. The very best kind of secrets.

The park wore her out. This month my obsession with taking sleeping Everly pictures continued. I feel like this could stop any day now, so I am just as obsessed as ever with taking pictures of her sleeping. Those little lips get me every time!

Later that night I took both girls to a birthday party. Everly was elated she got to play with all of the "big" kids.

Emma was front and center when it was time for her sweet friend to blow out the candles. I have to admit, I was a little nervous as to how this was going to go. If you have been reading my blog for long, you know that anytime anyone in my family has a birthday, they pretty much let Emma help them blow out the candles.  I was afraid she might want to get in on the action at her friend's party- but no, she just sung happy birthday and watched her blow out the candles!

Ev's tried her first cupcake at a birthday party.

And told me it tasted a little funny to her ;).

I took a picture looking into the mirror- taking two kids to a birthday party by myself was chaotic to say the least :).  Look close, they are both standing! on chairs, no less!

Besties :).

Seriously, though, I love toddler friendships- aren't they cute!

I had sent Wes a recipe for monkey bread (that I found on a blog!) a few months back, and one morning I woke up and he was making it- it.was.yummy.

While waiting for daddy to give blood at church, we snatched up and shared his donut for participation :).

Sleeping Everly with a side of milk dribble :).

Later that afternoon, we went over to visit my parents.  We were trying to get a picture of Nonni with both of her grandkids :). Obviously it was a smashing success.

So we gave a try at some individual pictures :).

I love the shirt that Ev's is wearing. Like love love love it. It was one of my favorites for Emma and I am so glad that Everly gets to wear it this year.  While over, my mom mentioned that I had an outfit with the same colors when I was about 6 months old. She found it so I could compare myself to my mini-me! Check out my arm rolls!!

The next Monday or Tuesday, I came home and the Christmas tree was up!  In case you are wondering, I am a yes to putting up the Christmas tree before Thanksgiving kind of girl.

This was the day that I came home and Everly asked for a 'prise! Imagine mine and her excitement!!

I never post pictures of me wearing outfits, but I was just so darn proud of this outfit I had to share.  I read several different fashion(ish) blogs and was pretty proud of this look: stripes + plaid blanket scarf + military jacket.

Up next, we got hit with the dreaded stomach bug. And man, was it dreadful. It took out almost every member of my immediate family and extended family. I think poor Everly got it the worst! One night, we had to change our sheets four times!!

The next weekend, we went to the Arboretum with my family (post coming soonish!) where the stomach bug continued its ripple effect.  The Sunday after, we spent lots of time sleeping and snuggling our still recovering Everly.

Em's worked on her golf game with dad!

We wrapped up the weekend with a visit to Nonni and Papa George's house.

Nonni and her girls :).

This picture is not great, but it has a funny story.  My mom had been trying to get Everly to sit in her lap all afternoon.  When my dad got home, my mom was inside, he scooped up Everly and started reading to her! When my mom came back outside, she was just as surprised as me to see Ev's sitting in Papa George's lap!  Maybe Emma will be a Nonni's girl and Ev's will be a Papa George's girl?!

This girl was giving me a serious run for my money this day, but then she asked to take a picture with me and seeing that sweet smile and getting those sweet kisses made me (temporarily) forget about her being a toot!

I was so excited about Everly's third tooth coming in, so my mom and I brainstormed how we could get a picture of it! Sorry you have to see up her nose, but just focus on that third tooth in all it's glory!!

Then of course Emma wanted her turn :). You have very nice teeth too, Emma ;).

Emma helped Papa George load up for their night away, unbeknownst that the killer stomach bug would soon take him and Nonni out too.

Picking out their outfits is seriously the best part of my day sometimes :).  I was particularly in love with the coordination/outfit choices :).

Love these three. Especially when they leave me sweet photos like this on my photostream.

Still rocking out her duck hat from last year!

Sister hugs (especially where Everly hugs back) are my absolute favorite :).

Emma has helped me bake in the kitchen from time to time; on this particular day, she cracked an egg and for the first time none of the egg shell ended up in our concoction (pumpkin bread just in case you were wondering).

This is super dark, but this was the first time we put Ev's hair up in a ponytail.  Doing this just made her look so big and grown up!

I never thought I would be this mom (pushing this huge contraption!)!  Emma is pouting a bit because her straps weren't working correctly ;).

Ev's was all smiles though :).

Emma fell asleep on the couch when we got home and I remedied the fact that I don't have enough sleeping Emma pictures on my phone.

Sweet Ev's had her 15 month well visit. I think this picture shows just how nervous we both were!

In between the doctor part of the checkup and the dreaded vaccines- Emma gave Eberleah her own personal checkup.  I am so glad Ev's eyes are ok ;).

Later that day, Ev's was all smiles hugging our family turkey.

My best girlfriend at work got married on a Friday night- on the way we stopped and picked up a Starbucks; my first red cup of the season was worth documenting :).

This girl was all smiles that we let her have a piece of chocolate :).

The girls shared some sweet moments- Emma was obsessed with standing by the fire that you see in the background.

Amy and I :) it is a little wonky because I was holding a cranky child in my left arm.

The work girls and the bride :).

This scene happens almost every time before weekend naps. I am nursing Everly, Emma finds her way over to us and just wants to love on Everly. I mean how can I say no to kisses, pats on the back and hearing "he my best sister".

Then (after we can get rid of Emma for a few minutes), she promptly passes out in my arms.

After naps, the girls stayed with Nonni while my dad and I had a Starbucks date :). When we got back Nonni was helping the girls play piano :).

Then, Emma got us together and made sure we were following the line :).

Morning bed-head snuggles with my mini me. She figured out how to give "real" kisses as opposed to her open mouthed kisses so definitely a document worthy moment ;).

All dressed and ready for church- one of my favorite outfits she wore this month :).

After church we went to Home Depot for a new facet- clearly Emma was thrilled about the facet search.

A piggy back ride helped liven up the whole ordeal :).

This is the Emma face you get when you ask her to say cheese!

After we bought a facet, I took the girls over to Nonni and Papa George's house and Emma had an early morning ice cream treat.  Here she is "sharing" with Nonni!

This girl :).

More weekend napping with my girl! Those lips!! I warned you, the obsession is still strong :).

We went over to Bobbob's house to say hello!

Then, I tried to do round 1 of matching Christmas jammies- although, at this time I didnt know it would be round 1 :).  I had two willing reluctant participants.

The other participant was "too busy being a goat".

Might be the sweetest goat I have ever seen :).

"Mommy, we just going to sit right here and eat our cranola bars!".

Anytime she actually wants me to take her picture, I typically oblige :).  I normally get the cheesiest of cheese faces like this one below!

All three girls :).

After we helped my parents pack for the coast, we headed to Chick-fil-a for our iced coffee's and some playtime! Love getting right at the end of the slide and capturing those real smiles :).

Sister love or sister torture?

Regardless, it was adorable :).

Can't stop. Won't stop ;).

Saturday afternoon, we went to my good friend Kelli's baby shower!  We played the most fun game I have ever played at a baby shower. Seriously. And I am just not saying that because we won ;).  Each couple had to put a diaper on a stuffed animal blindfolded- serious hilarity ensued!!

We cannot wait to meet baby C!! The sweet soon-to-be parents tackling the game :).

They had the best cake of any wedding/shower I have ever been too!

When I was packing all of our stuff up on Monday afternoon, I found my sweet girl playing peek-a-boo!

Her favorite place to play is behind the doors that you can see through!

With that, we finished out much of our November at Port Aransas (posts coming soon!) celebrating Thanksgiving with my family. The day we got home, Mr. Turkey went to sleep until next year (try explaining that to your 2.5 year old) and out came all the outside Christmas decorations.  There were hugs all around for our new family members :).

We finally wrapped up November with some much needed nap time! Vacation wears us out!!

Onto December :). And definitely my favorite month of the whole year!!

Christmas Jammies

This year, I was bound and determined to find the girls matching Christmas jammies (last year they coordinated but did not match!).  The first set didn't work out so well, they were made very cheaply (I am looking at you Target :))- the elastic waist band was not really elastic and they sagged very quickly and the arms were super tight and hard to get on Everly.  When we got home from the coast, I returned them and settled on these pink ones :). 

Now, if I just showed you this picture of the jammies- you wouldnt get the full story :).  After we bought these jammies, we promptly went home, changed into them, and started decorating the tree!

I thought the girls would be totally into this idea, but they much preferred dumping the ornaments everywhere as opposed to decorating with them :).

Or hiding behind the Christmas tree :).

Or you know, just generally not helping.

Oh, hi, there sweet Everly. You were a nice distraction to the Christmas ornaments that were scattered everywhere!

While mommy did most of the decorating :).

I kept encouraging them to stand in front of the tree and say cheese and then before I knew it, there was sweet Everly standing there saying "cheese".

And showing us her blue tounge!

And then she took my request one step further and decided to accessorize her outfit :).

Then, Emma decided it would be alright to say cheese for the camera :).

When I determined that I was not quite getting the pictures I had envisioned inside decorating the tree (like a nice, quiet little family where the sisters held hands), we moved the party outside "to see Santa".  Could you see what I was going for below? (haha). Sometimes, even I, have to laugh at my attempts :).

Although, I did get this sweet picture of Ev's.

Then, once again, when I was least expecting it- they blew me away with their hugs and kisses!

Emma's face :). Then, Everly's face :).

And I fell in love with them and their matching Christmas jammies all over again!

Emma (2.75)

Emma is now 2 and ¾, but who is counting, right? Oh yeah, this mama that is just about as obsessed as can be with her baby.  I don’t do monthly updates on Emma anymore, but every once in a while I do get the urge to jot down some notes about my sweet girl at this sweet (but oh so challenging) age.

… I often refer to Emma as my petite spitfire.  At her last checkup, she is still rocking anywhere from the 10 – 20^th percentile for height and weight, but man, she packs a punch in that sweet little frame of hers. She is quick as a whip for her age and has a bounce-off-the-walls, always on the move personality.  This girl is going to keep me on my toes for sure and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

… She can count to 10 (sometimes a little higher, sometimes she skips a few numbers) and is actively working on her abc’s (but we have a long way to go!).  Her favorite combination to say is M & N, but she quickly turns that into M&M (one of her favorite candies) and then starts laughing thinking she is so funny!  She can identify all body parts and likes to help Everly out (as we teach her).  She talks in full sentences and says phrases and words that have us laughing so hard.  It is just so funny (to me- and clearly I am biased) to hear her say “I’m shivering” or “it’s going to be delicious” or “that puppy is dor-able”.  She is full on talking and there is hardly ever a quiet moment with this girl- we tried to tell her about the quiet game and I think she lasted about .7 seconds. Similarities to her mama, maybe?

… Has shown a few OCD tendencies- she is obsessed with putting things in a line whether it be her snacks or making sure Everly and I are walking in a line.

… Takes on multiple personalities all.the.time. Seriously, we never know if she is going to be “just Emma”, “baby monkey”, “Ms. Karen” and her personal favorite “baby Eva”. Anytime she doesn’t want to do something for herself, be it walk, make a snack, open a door- she instantly reverts to baby Eva and says something along the lines of “I’m just baby Eva. Baby Eva can’t walk.”.  She also loves to be Ms. Karen- her swim school teacher.  To this day, she will reenact her swim school lessons with her baby dolls.  It is weird and frustrating and sometimes hilarious.  I really don’t know what to make of this stage, as I certainly don’t remember going through anything like this myself. 

… Emma is obsessed with waking up and hushing people.  I think this stems back to my sister Austin’s birthday party, but I am not 100% sure.  Emma was walking around hushing people because her baby doll was sleeping. Then one of my sisters was pretending to sleep and Emma has been obsessed ever since.  If someone is fake sleeping, she will inevitably walk over and tell them to “WAKE UP!” in her loudest/gruntiest voice she can muster.

… Has an imaginary friend named Boca and we still totally endorse this idea.  Boca has really become like a family member.  The other day Emma told us that Boca was having a birthday so we did what was only natural and threw Boca a birthday party.  Boca calls Emma on the phone all.the.time.  It was so sweet to hear her say “ok, Boca, you can come to my house” or “I’m so excited to see you Boca”.  I thought that Boca might be a phase, but after 5ish + months, I think he is here to stay :).  By the way, Boca is a boy.  Once established, that fact has never changed- although his age changes on a daily basis.  As a result of his birthday parties, obviously.

… This goes along with the above, but Emma has the best imagination.  Here are a few examples.  She refers to the arm on our couch as her horse named Oats.  Over FaceTime, Austin asked Emma she could ride her horsy- but Emma said Oats was “too busy”.  She runs a petting zoo at our house- she will let us know when the monkey, elephant, goat and frog have arrived. She will also make the animal sounds as they come in.

… To go along with the imagination, she also has the most animated facial expressions.  She uses her eyebrows to their fullest potential :).

… Is bossy by nature.  Her favorite person to boss around is obviously Everly, but when she will not cooperate the grandparents, aunts and even Wes and I can be subject to her bossy nature.  We have all succumbed to following the line or standing in a particular place one time or another.  I have the feeling I need to channel this energy and cultivate her into being a leader- she is definitely cut out for it.

… Likes to “do it by me-self” to everything. Putting panties on, taking her dress off, cracking the eggs, getting in her car seat, climbing up the playground equipment, you name it- she likes to do it by me-self. This has been a lesson in patience for me J.  She is becoming more and more independent every day.

… She has really embraced the whole nursery rhyme thing.  Her two favorites are ring around the rosies (sp?) and three little monkeys jumping on the bed.  When she sings ‘Ring around the Rosies’, she likes to grab mine and Everly’s hands.  As a side note, she does not love it when we sing “ashes” and all fall down!  Also, sweet Eberleah is not always a willing participant ;).

… Is the most ticklish under her chin.  I love when we tickle her- the real, belly laughs that occur are infectious.

… Still asks for prizes every.single.day.  There were a few nights that she forgot, but once she woke up in the morning she remembered and asked for her prize.  “Really big chocolates” are her favorite, followed my grapefruit pieces from Central Market.

… Daddy rocks her to sleep each night.  As she is settling in his arms (in the recliner), she always says “hold hands”.  I really think this is just about the sweetest thing.  In those moments, she is still my baby.

Mommy Emma Date

This week is crazy. Definitely one of the craziest I have had in awhile. I was in Chicago Monday and Tuesday. Right now, I am blogging from College Station.  For the next two days I will be in meetings all day long (think 9pm end times!).  I am not complaining, it's just crazy.  This morning I had a few hours before I needed to leave for College Station so I dressed Emma up and took her to Vandergriff park for some pictures followed by some playground time sans Eberleah. We had the best time.

Seriously.

I just love this girl so much.  After we took some pictures (in record time because she was not messing with her sister!), we headed back to talk to the ducks before changing clothes for the park!

She was all smiles and kisses and I could tell she was really relishing her one-on-one time :).

We hit up the slides first- just love capturing her face when she comes down!

She was just running from activity to activity so happy to be at the park.  Since it was a little overcast and chilly, we had the whole park to ourselves!

This park had a few new to us activities.  I am not sure what you even call this thing, but she loved spinning around and around screaming "i'm so dizzy!".

Just look at that smile!

This activity was also a bit hit.

This picture is slightly blurry, but I just love the look she is giving- it is very Emma.

We wrapped up our morning with the swings where she insisted that she ride the "big girl wing".  I am not going to lie it was one of those moments that I realized my baby is growing up and she is not going to be this little forever.  I just want to savor every moment with this little one :).

Love our mommy Emma dates- this girl is so special to me :).

Everly at 16 Months

... received her THIRD tooth this month! You probably don’t understand what a big deal this is, but Ev’s has been rocking the two teeth look since her 1^st birthday and I was really starting to wonder when those other teeth were going to come in; well, the third tooth finally arrived earlier this month!  I am a little sad about the end of the two teeth smile days, but mostly I am just happy she finally got another tooth!!

… started to ask for a ‘prise when I get home from work.  The first time this literally took me by shock; I walked in one day with my purse (like I do every day) and all the sudden I hear this sweet voice saying ‘prise, ‘prise.  It is seriously the sweetest thing- she always says ‘tank you’ after I give it to her (as an added bonus, she doesn’t care about how big her chocolate is- she is just happy with an M&M).

… in similar fashion, she knows when Emma is getting something (especially when it is a treat) and wants whatever Emma gets too.  Her favorite is one of those skinny little Popsicles; the other day I was getting Emma’s Popsicle all ready for her and I noticed that Everly was walking about the kitchen saying ‘pease, pease, pease’ while moving her arms in dramatic fashion over and over again

… can walk down the stairs going forward; as her mama, this scares me like crazy, but she is so so proud of herself! And I am proud of her J

… had her first stomach bug this month. It was horrible and nasty and took down every member of the immediate family (and some extended family!) like crazy.  It seemed like there was gallons of throw up and that it would never end. One night, we had to change our sheets four times. Yes, you read that correctly, FOUR times! So glad she recovered quickly.

… had a huge developmental month vocally.  She will repeat several words we say and also has a variety of new words she will use when trying to communicate(including, but not limited to: ‘prise, ribbit, hot hot, pretty pease, Nonni, bear, bird, boat, water, more, all done, mine, yesh and cheese)

… is able to identify people other than mom and dad! She will say Nonni when we are at her house, Blake and Brent when they are over, and while we were at Thanksgiving in Port Aransas she said Ally and Austin!

… is starting to warm up to people, but I would say it’s hit or miss depending on the given day and most of the time it is a miss L.  She has been staying with my in-laws once a week and will now walk right over to her grandma and give her a kiss.  Also, she stayed with Austin and Craig one night this month and did surprising well after we left and even gave Austin a hug when we were leaving.

… looks at family pictures and says baby; to her Emma and herself are ‘babies’ no matter what picture she is looking at or what age they are in the pictures. Her favorite pictures to point at are the ones in the living room- she will point and say baby, baby over and over again.  In case you are wondering, she is still into baby dolls. And by into, I mean obsessed.

… is definitely not a dare devil like big sister Emma, but she has started to get into a fair amount of things- she will climb up to the highest perch on both couches, try to push all the buttons on the tv, and loves to pull anything and everything she can get her grubby little paws on out of the refrigerator.

... has become a ham in front of the camera (when in the right mood); she will wave hi!, say cheese and especially likes to point out any animal she may see along the way

… can point to her teeth, nose, eyes, belly, hair and titty toes on demand. When she is sitting on my lap and I say ‘where is your belly, Everly?’- she will lift up her shirt and point to her belly and then she will lift up my shirt and point to my belly and start giggling J.  It is one of my favorite things about her.

… has the sweetest roar when asked what noise a lion makes; she opens her mouth up in an ‘O’ shape and belts out a meek “roar”.

… has the weirdest habit; whenever we are driving and she is tired, she takes off her right mocc and then promptly falls asleep.  I have never figured out why it is only that mocc or only when she is tired, but I think it is adorable.

… loves loves loves to play in the dog food; it is so strange to me, but both of the girls have loved this.  Whenever they are playing together and quiet for more than five minutes, I inevitably find them hovered around the dog food.  On a similar note- she loves Bailey.  She knows that his name is Bailey and calls him that from time to time, but mostly she still affectionately refers to him as ‘dog dog’.

… went on her second, annual trip to Port Aransas and did so well for the most part- much more to come about this in future blog posts.

… likes to play peek-a-boo. Several times a day. She also likes to look for birds. Several times a day.  Babies are seriously so funny sometimes.

… has mad dance skills. Ok, really they are not ‘mad’, but they sure are cute. She will move her hands from side to side and up and down and sort of shake her hips at the same time! I need to get a video of her dancing before this stage is gone. In case you are wondering, she prefers to dance to Taylor Swift ;).

… is still breastfeeding up a storm. All night, every night.  Little to no change from last month; I don’t have any indication that she is anywhere near ready to be weaned, but I know as we approach the big 18 month mark we will need to re-evaluate.  Of course, this has me all sorts of emotional.

… has still not slept through the night a day in her life. I know this is just a phase and it will pass, but man, oh man, I cannot wait until she sleeps through the night. 

… is wearing size three diapers and 12 – 18 month clothing; with all the walking and running she has been doing, she has considerably slowed down in the weight gaining department- I am afraid the chunky baby thighs are finally thinning out a bit.

… is seriously just the best baby. I am more than obsessed with my mini-me and relish every minute that I get to spend with her.

** bonus picture, because I am just obsessed with that profile (those cheeks!) **