Lucas is Here!

My nephew is finally here! Lucas James was born on Saturday at 7:41pm -- a good week after the little stinker's due date. His stats: 8 lbs, 13 oz; 21 inches long; a good amount of hair; a sweet little nose; and the broadest shoulders ever seen on an infant. ;)

Jenni and Todd are already totally in love, and who can blame them? He is so darn cute. Well, you can all see that for yourself!


Flexing his biceps right after delivery



Mommy in love


First family photo



Grandma gets her baby fill

A Year of Smiles

Kendall is officially 1 years old, and I am still in denial. The letter is in the works, but until then, here is proof that my peanut is indeed 12 months old. Her smiles only hint at the happiness she has brought to our lives.

Love you, baby!

Fashion Friday: And So It Begins...

We have officially entered Princess mode. I can't believe we are here, but we are. Emma is obsessed with role playing the Cinderella story. We read at least four princess stories a day. YouTube sing-a-longs are begged for daily. And I must sing a princess song before nap and at night. Whether I know the real words or not. Even at 4am potty breaks, I'm expected to spout out "A Whole New World" before either one of us can head back to sleep. It's not pretty, people.

And she's pulling Kendall in as well. Both wear crowns most of the day (Emma gets the silver, jeweled Cinderella crown, while poor Kendall gets the cheap plastic Jasmine crown), and dresses are put on at least two to three times a day. Magic wands are in hand, adorning us all with the "most beautiful gowns I have ever seen." And glass slippers of course.

We are not, however, being a princess for Halloween. Instead, Emma has decided to be a ballerina. Probably because at this point, dressing up as a princess wouldn't really classify as a Halloween costume, seeing as it is our normal attire.

Lately, we've been also sporting a bit of a princess attitude, which I am REALLY not fond of AT All. Three year old princess tantrums are not fun.

Life as queen certainly isn't all it's cracked up to be, but I suppose it's worth it. Now would someone just tell me where the maids are?!!!

Let's Talk About It: Duh!

Sometimes the things that come out of Emma's mouth take me back because they are so right on. It's even better when she has that "tone" that tells me she clearly thinks I should have already known the answer to my question.

A few examples:

* Emma is notorious for putting things in her mouth (still!). One day, her cheeks looked a bit "full," so I asked her what was in her mouth. Her reply: "Spit."

* In the middle of playing "people," Emma decides she must take her socks off, N.O.W. When I ask her why, she replies, "So my feet can breathe."

* Kendall is nearing the fireplace ledge for the zillionth time, so I am a little annoyed and tell her, "No, no, no Kendall!" Emma steps in: "Mommy, she doesn't know any better."

Yeah, I am pretty sure I'm going to be put in my place more than a few times as these years go by. (Somewhere my mom is grinning from ear to ear.)

Happy Birthday Daddy

Your girls love you VERY much!

Let's Talk About It: Heaven

So the other day, Emma and I are driving in the car, and we start talking about Heaven...


Emma: When I go to Heaven, Mommy, I'm going to give Jesus and God a big hug.

Me: That will make them very happy.

Emma: And it will be a party, right, Mommy?

Me: Yes it will.

Emma: And all my friends and family will be there!

Me; Well, sure. But it's your job to tell them about Jesus to make sure they are there with you.

Emma: I will, Mommy. And then all my family and friends will take an airplane to go all the way up to Heaven.

Me: Sure, sweetie. Something like that.

Tooth Number 4...

...is here. Top left middle tooth. Lots of crying going on around here!

Fashion Friday: K is for Klimbing

Okay, so I am taking some creative license here, but as of right now, I can't think of a more fitting title.

Miss Kendall is quite the climber. She gets into EVERYTHING. Emma has always been curious, but as long as it was off the floor, I was safe. Not the case with Miss Monkey. Hence, the huge gash down the middle of her forehead.

Although to be fair, that actually happened on the way to climbing. As I tried to stop her from climbing Emma's wooden stool for the billionth time, she ran away from me (an often occurrence, even at 11 months!) and tripped on a rug. She fell right into the corner of the stool, leaving a huge goose-egg that scared me half to death. But after ice and lots of crying, she was good to go.

This little peanut constantly has some sort of bruising on her head, butt, and legs at all times. Seriously.

So much for my relaxed second child. :)