Our 5th Anniversary and Father's Day 2012

What a great weekend.  Friday night we had our own little happy hour at home while the kiddos played outside with the hose and some toys. 

She could not wait to get out there!!!! 

She HATES the grass.  Sooo funny...she kept crawling to it and the minute she would touch it, the tears came.  SUCH a girl!

Saturday morning, we relaxed around the house.  Rowan took a long morning nap and we went to the FAC pool around noon.  Kids had so much fun as always.  We went in the lazy river for the first time and both of them LOVED it.  Rick and I really liked it too...much more relaxing sitting and floating rather than running and chasing.  ;)

Both kids took afternoon naps and then I took Liam to the park and Rick took Rowan out for a ride in the push car.  She sat in that car for 25 minutes just watching dada water the bushes.  She would NEVER do that for me!!!  Just adores her daddy these days.  It is super cute!

Vicki came over at 7:30 and mommy and daddy headed out for date night.  We had such a relaxing evening!  Drinks and a cheese plate at CRU and then onto the Gingerman.  We sat outside on the steps and listened to the mive music across the street while having some beers.  SUPER relaxing and so much fun.  The little band played tons of the same music that our band played on our wedding day.  It was really cool!  We exchanged cards and I did get a really pretty coral necklace from a Stella and Dot trunk show last week which was "for our 5 year anniversary".  ;)  Rick really wants to get me a new ring.  Long story but it was always the plan, but I just cannot justify spending a lot of money right now on me when we have two little ones, want a third, and still have the house in PA...maybe once that sells, if we ever put it on the market, but for now, I am content with my little silver ring.  ;)

Sunday morning, I let Rick sleep in and took the kids to church by myself.  It went pretty well.  Rowan choked on a puff as soon as we got there and puked and Liam had a meltdown throwing raisins and crayons at the end, but we survived!  ;)  The onto Target for some weekly shopping.  We dropped off the groceries and picked up daddy to head to his favorite brunch spot, Blue Goose.  It was delish!!!!

Both kids took early naps and daddy relaxed again, while I went for a run.  It was SOOOOOOOOOOOOO hot!  When the kids woke, we headed over to my friend Pat's pool.  It is just so crazy to me...he drove me to high school, my sister dated his younger brother, my brother was in his youngest brother's wedding and our parents are very good friends.  And now, he is FRISCO, TEXAS in the Trails, right down the street.  LOVE having someone here though!!!  And they are just such a nice family!!!  It was so very kind of them to have us over considering they just moved in last Monday!  Their neighborhood pool was so much fun.  Liam played and Rowan hung out with us.  They have two older kids...a boy, Colin, who is 7, and Maggie is 5 who looked over both of our kids so well.  Then, we headed back to their GORGEOUS 5000 square foot house.  O.M.G.  We are so happy for them.  The finishes are amazing and they just seem so happy.  They cooked a delicious dinner on the grill and we had ice cream and were all home in bed by 9.

Never want these weekends to end!!!  Happy Tuesday!

A Fun Week!

This is going to be very quick and without pics, but we had such a fun week this week.

Monday, we met Joy, Vicki, Zinedean, JJ, Anna, and Sophie at the park.  It was a hot one, but the kids played and played and took GREAT long naps that afternoon!

Tuesday, we played around the house in the morning and then met Kristi and Emmie at the FAC pool for some more water fun!  Liam and Emmie played so well together and I always love chatting with Kristi!


Wednesday, Liam had speech in the morning.  He did a GREAT job.  I cannot believe how much he LOVES Miss Kindall and he also did a lot of showing off for his case worker who came to observe.  She was very impressed with his progress in language skills which made me super happy and proud!!!  Wednesday night was Book Club here.  SUCH A GREAT TIME!  The group has grown so much and we loved chatting about our fifty!  ;)

Thursday morning, we played around the house again and then I took the kiddos to the pool for lunch and play.  They were SOOOOO good!  Rowan just kicks her little legs as soon as she sees the water and I really thought she was going to dive out of my arms a few times!!  ;)  And Liam did a MUCH better job listening to the lifeguards and staying safe.  Long naps again!!  Last night, I went to Jamie's house for a Stella and Dot trunk show and bought myself a nice little anniversary gift.  It was a fun time!

This morning, Zinedean and Sophie came over to play and then we went to Market Street for lunch and a few groceries.

I am looking forward to a great weekend.  Our FIVE YEAR!!!  Anniversary is tomorrow and we have a date night planned on Saturday.  Not to mention, it is Father's Day weekend and we cannot wait to honor the best dada ever!

Feel so truly blessed to make these memories with my beautiful children every day!  The countdown is on for our trip up north too!!!  This time next week we will be packing up for our early flight Saturday morning.  YAY!!!!!!

Happy Friday everyone!

The pool and stuff...

Another amazing family weekend!!!  Always so sad for it to come to an end! 

Friday night, I babysat for Vicki and early Saturday morning I ran in the Race for the Cure.  I did a personal best of 26:08 and felt pretty great.  It was already kinda hot, but a very flat, fast course.  So happy to honor my Aunt Patti, my dad's youngest sister, who is a survivor of about 10 years.  She had a double masectomy and is a true model of courage, strength and a POSITIVE attitude!  Love and miss her lots, but cannot wait to see her in 2 weeks!!! 

After the race, we went to a splash park and then headed home for naps.  After the kiddos woke up, we headed out to Frisco Athletic Center for some pool time.  OMG!  It is awesome.  Liam had so much fun and Rowan warmed up to the water by the end. 

This pool is sooooo perfect for Liam!  Just the right depth with all of the fun fountains and slides.  He is a pro in the water this summer!  Totally amazed me and he has not even had swimming lessons yet! 

After an hour and a half at the pool, we headed out to dinner and then home for bath a bed.  This morning both kiddos woke up super early. I went out for a run and then we all went to the 9:30 mass and to McDonald's for breakfast (my BIGGEST guilty pleasure!!!).  Rowan fell asleep on the way home and we got her into her crib to take a pretty long hour and a half morning nap.  While she slept, Liam and I went to Target.  LOVE those special times with my little man.  He was SOOOO sweet and good all day today and we really had fun shopping...if that is even possible!  ;) 

Then, was lunch, and back to the pool for another 2 hours!  It was another very fun day there.  Rowan LOVED it!!!  She splashed and played for 45 minutes and cried when we tried to get her out.  ;)  She took another nap when we got home.  Liam just played upstairs (but was asleep at 7:00 pm tonight).  We grilled pork chops and had a yummy dinner and went out for some ice cream after.  ;) 

BEST part about the pool--LONG naps and early bedtimes.  ;)  And of course lots of smiles from my favorite two munchkins.

On a sidenote, as I was typing this, Rowan was trying to put herself to sleep.  A mere two days ago, I mentioned she was not standing up in her crib yet...

Not the greatest pic of the monitor, but there she is...STANDING UP!  ;)

Have a great week everyone!!!!

Rowan Carley is 8 months old!!!

I cannot even believe you are 8 months sweet girl!
You are so busy now I cannot even keep up with you!!!

You are pulling up on EVERYTHING your little, chubby hands can reach...the tv stand, the couches, the activity table, the bathtub, your highchair, the stools at the kitchen table...yet, you have not pulled up in your crib.  Mommy is very happy about that!  ;)

You are saying mostly dada.  But have also babbled mama, nana, and baba. 
You wave hi and LOVE to clap.
You LOVE attention from other people or to be held by them which will be a great break for me on our trip in a few weeks!

Not a huge fan of the water.  Your first time at the splash park you did okay, but once your brother poured a cup of water of your head last week, you decided you pretty much hate anything to do with water.  We will keep trying!

You are about 20ish lbs I am guessing and no idea how tall you are.  We were at the mall yesterday and a woman commented that you were really tall for 8 months, so we will see what your next appt. shows.  You were also called a boy 3 days in a row--even when wearing pink AND ruffles!!!!  SHEESH!  We need to get some more bows in that hair of yours!!!!  ;)

Your hair is really thickening up.  It has a reddish tint and is light brown in some light and blonde in others.  Not even close to the white blonde your bro was, but maybe dirty blonde.

We moved you into a size 5 diaper last week.  You still fit in a 4, but the 5 is just more "spacious".  ;)

You wear anywhere from 9 month clothes to 24 month clothes!  It is just crazy to me how much the different brands vary.

You give lots of great open mouth kisses and are so active these days, my snuggles are becoming less and less. :(

You love being around big kids and really enjoy interacting with others your own age as well.  I cannot wait until the Fall.  While you brother is in school, I have lots of great stuff planned for us...library story hour, little gym or gymnastics, gymboree...I will keep you busy and social little one!

You have been all about dada again.  Your little face LIGHTS up when you see him!

You are sleeping better.  8:30 to 5 and then back until 8:30 or 9!  Naps have been all off because you are sleeping in.  One VERY short one around noon and then an hour or so around 3.

I am nursing you 1-2 times a day still.  My body just does not want to stop producing milk I guess!  :/  But I still love every minute of it!

You are eating 4 small meals per day.  Cereal with a half a pouch of mixed fruits and green veg in the morning, orange veg (sweet potatoes or squash) for lunch, half jar meat/veg or half of a greek yogurt pouch for dinner, and cereal with a fruit or veg mixed in before you go to bed.  You seem to be drinking about 22-30 oz. per day.  You will not drink water.  :(  I keep trying though!  And you have refused a few sippy cups but love your brothers.  I got you one just like his and you do not want it.  ;)  But again, we will try and try some more!  ;)

You catch on to things VERY quickly.  I only have to show you or tell you once and you pick it up.  Sooo different than your sweet brother!

You are nearly impossible to change your diaper and/or get dressed.  You flip ALL OVER the place and I can give you every toy in the world to hold, but it does not make a difference!  ;)

I have started to try to read to you and you want no parts of it.  That is okay...just too interested in other things.

You love when your brother plays rough with you even though it makes mommy very nervous.

You and Liam can sit at the table during meals and just giggle and laugh forever at each other...mommy has not a clue what is so funny, but it is the cutest thing ever!!!

You will have your first plane ride in a few weeks and your first beach experience so an exciting month ahead.  We also get your hips rechecked in early July, so I hope all is still good with that!

You are a joy and your smile lights up our world.  I know we are totally partial, but your dad and I could sit for hours and talk about the little things you do and how we think you have THE.BEST personality.  Could never imagine our lives without you!  Happy 8 months beautiful!  xo

Croup ruined our plans but not our weekend!!!

Well, Liam started with a fever last Tuesday and it turned into the worst case of croup yet, but he survived with many breathing treatments over the weekend and tons of steamy bathroom time with mommy.  Nights were the worst, but he is such a little trooper.  We are PRAYING Rowan does not get it, but she is very cranky today which I hope does not mean it is coming.  :(  Anywho, we were not able to do a happy hour playdate with the Algors or go to Rick's boss's party on Saturday night, but we still had a pretty great weekend!

Friday night, we went to Applebees for dinner.  I did not have much of an appetite, but Rick always knows just what I need when I am sad!!  It was so great to get out of the house and Liam was pretty good until we were leaving and he started a coughing fit.  Poor guy!  After, we did bath and bed.  I went up to read at 8:45 and was out by 9:15.

Saturday morning both kids slept til 8:30...well, Rowan was up once at 5, but that is a GREAT night for all of us!  I went to the gym to get a long run in and Rick took them for a walk and on a few errands.  When I got back, we all headed to Cool Cuts so Liam could get his haircut.  We used to go to Sharky's but the woman at Cool Cuts does SUCH a great job with Liam's hair; and he really responds well to her also.  Rowan took a quick nap in the car as Rick drove around and waited for us and then we went to Bonnie Ruth's for a late brunch.  It is our new fave.  BEST bloodies and such good food!  We sat outside pretty much in a corner by the fireplace ;) so we did not spread germs all over.  After, Liam loved looking at the fountain.

Yikes!  Thought we had a diver!  ;)
We headed home for naps and relaxation.  We decided to go to the 5:00 mass and stand in the back by the entrance so we again did not spread germs!  Rick wanted to go out to eat AGAIN (which since I am not a huge fan of cooking, I cannot complain too much!!!) so we went to La Hacienda to share some fajitas.  Liam and Rowan loved it there...so kid friendly!
Bedtime came early again and good thing because I was up a lot with Liam getting his breathing straight.

Sunday morning, we relaxed for a bit and then I went to the gym to get another run in.  After, I picked Rowan up and we did our weekly shopping at Target.  I wish I got a pic but she was sooooooo excited to be IN the cart.  Usually, I carry her in the bjorn and big brother sits in the cart, but this time she was the big girl.  I cannot even explain how proud she was!!  Her personality is sooooo much fun.

While we were at Target, Rick took Liam to the big pool at Frisco athletic center...dr said he was not contagious anymore, so we felt ok doing so.  Rick totally forgot the camera as well, but let's just say Liam was in heaven!!!  They went to that Bahama place around the corner after to get a snowball...such a fun boy date!

Both kiddos took late afternoon naps and then we grilled burgers and hot dogs and played out back in the evening.  We filled up the pools and those storage bins that Liam loved so much last year.  We thought Rowan would love the small space, but sure enough as soon as she got in, Liam dumped a bucket of water over her head and she was DONE after that.  She sat completely still on my lap under a tree for the rest of the time.  ;)  Poor second child!

Crying in the bucket ;)
She did love the swing though!

 And Liam LOVED the water...

Great family weekend!!!

Some sidenotes...I did give Liam some breast milk mixed into his juice..just about an ounce on Sat. and an ounce on Sunday and I think that is why he is doing so much better today!  I was supposed to be done as of this week, but I am going to keep it up (just one feeding a day) until our trip.  Any extra can go to Liam!
We went shopping for Father's Day this morning.  Hope Rick likes his gifts...underwear, t-shirts, 3 polos, and a gift card to Ross (that is what he requested!  ;)  I did by accident get a new pair of running shoes for myself while we were out.  But SHHHHHHH!  ;)

Happy Monday!!!!

Five Faves for Friday!

Today has been an interesting day to say the least but I need to remember the importance in my life and how much I have to be thankful for!!!

Fave #1:
Rowan's kisses.  She opens her mouth super wide, dives in, and gives me a big, slobbery kiss at least a few times per day.  The.sweetest.

Fave #2:
Family and that we will be packing to go see them in 3 weeks!  Our agenda is as follows:  Flight to Philly June 23rd..staying at my mom's.  Rowan's baptism on Sunday, June 24th....taking everyone out to lunch and seeing lots of family!!!  Monday, June 25th-Wednesday, June 27th...heading to the Jersey Shore for some beach fun.  We will be staying at Cass's house in Sea Isle.  Cannot wait!  Thursday, June 28th...renting a car and driving to York, PA (kid free!) to see some friends and check on our house.
Friday, June 29th...drive to Bel Air, MD to stay with the Kennedys!  Rick's sister, Kallie is graduating high school and the party is on Sat.  Seeing lots of family again!!!  YAY!  Sunday, July 1st...driving to Ellicott City, MD to stay with Rick's grandmom and to see his dad and the Blake side of the fam.  My sister lives 5 minutes from there now too, so we will get to see her and my sweet nephew again too!  Tuesday, July 3rd, flight out of Baltimore back to Dallas.  SOOOOOOOOO LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS!

Fave #3:
Kind of appropriate for today....true, lifelong friendships.  I am sad for what happened today, but I guess it is what it is. In short, I have always had a very easy time making acquaintances.  It takes so much to build a true friendship.  I know my real friends have always valued my loyalty and thoughtfulness.  I know I am a genuine person and always have been.  I care deeply for others and truly appreciate those who make me feel special as well.  No matter what happens in the future, I need to remember these things and always be proud of the person I am, as well as thankful for how many wonderful friends I have.  Am I perfect?  NO!  Far from it.  But being a good friend is something I take to heart.  I cannot wait to see Laurie, Kate, and Caryn in our travels.  I need some of them in my life right now!!!  :-)

Fave #4:
Parks...we have been getting out in the mornings as much as possible before it gets too hot.  I love taking the kiddos to the park.  We meet my friend Vicki there at least once a week and both kids always sleep so well on those days.  There are so many great parks around here and we are trying to expand our experiences!  ;)  Zinedean and Liam play so nice together...well, WILD, but they ARE boys!  And we cannot wait until Sophie and Rowan can run around and play too!

Fave #5:
How much Liam is talking!!!  It truly is amazing.  We are so proud of all of his hard work.  From the time he wakes up in the morning until the time he goes to sleep EVERYTHING is "cool".  "ommy, cool fishies"..."ommy, cool shoes"..."ommy, cool ack" (snack)..."ommy, cool baby"...you get the picture.  He is saying 3 and 4 word phrases A LOT!  He is also calling people by name..Zinedean was De-de today...BIG STEP!  A lot of things are "no, _____" but it is so cool to see the way his mind is working.  He has a really cute personality!  He is counting to 14 (not all clear, but with one to one correspondence), can name all of his colors and calls letters "wetters" if he does not know the name of it, but can name E, P, Z, J, H, O, and a few others.  I always have nursery rhymes playing in the car.  He is FINALLY singing along with them.  Sheesh!  I have only had to listen to them for 2.5 years!  ;)  Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes is a fave for him this week and he touches the body parts as he sings it.  Again, HUGE gains for him!
So thankful and pray this continues.  GREAT signs!!!!  :-)

Happy weekend!