Fashion Friday: Keeping Us Cool

Thanks to my stylish friend Mama C-ta, my girls are hip in these awesome alpha tees. Not only does she sell these shirts (which I think I have purchased for everyone I know), she and her hubby actually designed them. You can check out their web site here and her store here.

I admit that I haven't really developed a "style" for Emma or Kendall. This is mostly because we have been blessed with many, many hand-me-downs that are of good quality, are in great condition, and save us tons of money.

Now that we have two girls, though, I asked Jeff if I could splurge and actually buy Emma a decent amount of spring/summer clothes. Obviously, these could be worn by Kendall in a mere 2 years. He was all for it.

Needless to say, I am so excited, I don't even know where to start! But I do have a few items already lined up, so stay tuned...

Preggers!!!

No, not me, silly... my sister! You can check out her blog here.

With a due date of Oct. 17, Baby E will be almost exactly 1 year older than Kendall. Needless to say, we are so excited for her and Todd. God is so good!!!

Let's Talk About It: Tummy Talk

We are at lunch, and Emma has just finished her "dessert," which is a cup of peaches.

Emma: (Stomach growls.) Mommy, did you hear my tummy?

Mommy: No. Did it make a noise?

E: Yes, it did. It said it needs some pears.

M: Oh, really. But you just had some peaches.

E: Yes, Mommy. My tummy needs some pears. And then it will feel better.

M: Oh, well, I better get you some pears then.

E: Oh 'shank you, Mommy!

Fashion Friday: Sleepy Sisters

Success!

Overall, a pretty good day...

Achievement #1: Mommy ventures out of the house with both kids during the crucial lunchtime/naptime window, and everyone survives.

Achievement #2: Emma falls asleep BEFORE 2pm for the second time this week. This is HUGE since putting her down for a nap has recently become a 2-hour Olympic sport.

Achievement #3: Kendall rolled over from her back to her tummy for the first time, and then decided that wasn't fun enough. So now she's barrel-rolling across the floor.

Now if only I could top it all off with some pizza or chocolate! More on that later...

Let's Talk About It: Phew!

Lately, Emma has been into "taking a break" after her usual busy activities, complete with a plop down onto the floor/chair/couch, etc. and an exasperated sigh or two.

The other day, after running in circles (literally), she plopped onto the floor, put her hands behind her head and said, "Phew, I'm taking a break. I've been playing hard all day. Phew!"

If only her breaks lasted a little longer than 10 seconds.

Fashion Friday: Fashionably Late

Let's Talk About It: Time

Emma's concept of time is a little off, but totally adorable. A few examples of her "units of time"...

"Mom, let's go play for a-couple-whiles."

"I'll go get it in a second-minute."

"I just want to play with my peoples for a couple days!"

That last one, I might add, is pretty darn close to the truth...

Fashion Friday: It's About the Accessories, Baby!

I'll give you one guess as to who Miss Kendall's stylist was...

Let's Talk About It: Dreams

I've always wondered what Emma dreams about. In fact, I can't wait until she understands what a dream is so she can tell me all about it. Still, I ask her every morning. To my surprise, I've been getting answers lately...

Mom: Did you sleep good last night, Emma?

Emma: Yeah!!!

M: What did you dream about?

E: Ummmm, nothing. [sigh] Just angels and butterflies.

Now, I'm not banking on the fact that she really knew what she was saying, but it was still so sweet to hear. Angels and butterflies... if you ask me, that's what every little girl's dreams should be made of!


And then I ask her again this morning, and she tells me she dreamed about "horses, pigs and cows."

"What were they doing?" I ask.

She replies, "Eating grass."

Doesn't have quite the same ring to it, does it?

Mommy Moments

**Submitted as part of 5 Minutes for Mom Mother's Day photo contest...


After 2-1/2 years of being a Mommy, I often find myself still amazed that I am a mom. Most of the time, I'm not sure how we've managed to make it this far. And now that there are 2 kids under my care?! Well, let's just say I'm winging it!

BUT then there are the moments I like to call "Mommy Moments." The times when I really feel like a Mommy. Times when I feel like I know what I'm doing. When things feel natural and "right."

New Year's Day was one of those moments. There was tons of snow on the ground that day, and Jeff really wanted to take Emma outside. So after a quick trip to the store for some snow boots, I bundled Emma up and sent her out to play with her Daddy. She was so excited, and I just loved watching them make snow angels and stomp through the snow hills. I think Emma face-planted into the snow a half-dozen times -- and she loved every minute of it!



But then I saw my baby's cheeks getting rosy, and I knew it was time to come in. So I peeked my head out the door, and told Emma to come in and warm up, and I'd make her some chicken noodle soup.



After shedding the layers, I bundled her up on the couch with some warm (rice) milk while I made her soup. When it was ready, she came to her chair, but the soup was too hot. Remembering my mom's trick, I got an ice cube out of the freezer and put it in her soup to cool it down. It was ready to eat in no time. There was such a wonderful peace inside me when Emma took that first slurp of soup and smiled at me with her rosy cheeks. All felt right with the world.

The only thing missing? Hot chocolate. But not to worry, I finally got around to ordering these, so Miss Emma may get a treat before this cold weather leaves us for good.

Any other Mommy Moments out there?

Fashion Friday: Dressed for a King

Here's our little doll on her baptism day. Although I love the simplicity of the dress (thanks, Grammie!), I have to admit the little shoes are my favorite part of the outfit. Emma wore the same outfit, so it has real sentimental value. Jeff's mom had both their names and baptism dates embroidered on the slip, which makes it even more special. (Don't worry, there's room on the back IF there is ever a third girl... ;)



Of course, the dress has nothing to do with the point of the whole day... the day we placed our beautiful little girl into her Father's care, promising to teach her all about the love and peace only our Lord and King can offer. It is an honor to do that, and I pray she will truly become the "woman who loves her Maker" that our family friend sang about on her special day.

In all seriousness, God doesn't care what we wear, as long as we come to Him with pure hearts. In fact, He prefers that we bare our souls -- not hide behind the masks the world makes us feel like we have to wear. That's the best part about God -- He loves and accepts us as we are -- broken, battered, and ugly. He understands that we question and doubt. Unfortunately, it is our nature. The good news is that He loves us anyway. And He forgives us.

My prayer is that as Kendall comes to the age of understanding, she dresses herself in His righteousness and lives her life knowing that He will protect her and love her no matter how many times she questions. In the end, His love covers all. It is enough.

Let's Talk About It: Polite Introductions

Emma's latest little quirk is that she politely makes sure you know everyone in the room. Once Kendall was born, she quickly decided that it was her job to present her to you: "This is my sister, Kendall," she would say, as she stretched out her right arm.

Now the introductions have extended to Grandmas and Grandpas, Aunts and Uncles, and anyone else she thinks you might not know. She also considers the fact that you may have forgotten who you met last time, so she does this every time someone enters our home or if we arrive at a destination first. I think my Mom has "met" Kendall at least two dozen times!

Fashion Friday: My Sweethearts

Let's Talk About It: In Check

Today, Emma and I are having our usual chase and catch game (aka: getting dressed!), and in an effort to get out the door, I sternly ask her to sit on the stairs so I can put on her snow boots.

She does, but then adds, "Don't be crabby, Mom."

And you know what, she was right.

Fashion Friday: e is for energy!

*UPDATE: For those of you who asked, the shirt was a gift, but I know it was from The Red Balloon. Kendall actually has the "K," but we'll have to wait a few months before she fits into it! :)

Thank you, Lord...

...that I have two kids sleeping now AT THE SAME TIME. Even if it is only for 20 minutes.

The perfect opportunity to get a little work done. Or eat a meal. Or get some sleep.


(Or watch last night's American Idol... :o)

Let's Talk About It: Clothes

Mommy: Okay Emma, it's time to get dressed.

Emma: Pink pants, Mommy.

M: No, those don't match your shirt. Let's put on your jeans.

E: No jeans Mommy! Comfy pink pants!!!

M: We can wear those pants for nap. Right now, you can wear your jeans.

E: No, I'm not.

M: Um, excuse me. Yes you are.

E: (Rolls around on the ground as if her life has just ended.) No, I'm not!



I'll let you all imagine how the rest of the conversation went... :o)

Thanks 'Bampa!

While most men were excited to watch "the Big Game" yesterday, Emma's "Bampa" (my dad) was just as excited to built his first granddaughter a snow fort. A few weeks ago, he promised her he would build her the best fort ever when it snowed again. Well, after a snow-filled Friday and Saturday, we got the call that Sunday was going to be The Day.

I'd say he more than outdid himself. He was out there for over an hour on Sunday making the hugest mound ever, and then came over this morning to dig it all out.





As you can see, Emma can stand in it!


The man is totally butter around her. Anything for his "pretty girl, Emma."

Fashion Friday: Mommy's Favorite Jammies

Here they both are, wearing my favorite hot pink velvet pjs.




Emma (top) is only 6 weeks old, whereas Kendall (bottom) is 13 weeks, but oh well. At least I have a photo of each of them!