May Recap

What a month! Last day of preschool, Daddy went to CA, Jack turned 18 months and Gma and Gpa Bawk Bawk came to visit. And best of all- the weather is finally turning around. Ahhhh summer is right around the corner and we could NOT be more excited. 

I'm quickly finding out that summer time with a little boy = scraped up knees. Here was his first knee injury of the season.

He took it like a true champ. He fell down, Mommy held her breath and he got up, blinked a few times and then away he went. I couldn't believe it. That would have been a day ruining injury for Sis. Amazing to have two kids that are SO different. 

Jack is learning how to blow bubbles and it is absolutely the most precious thing you have ever seen. Those CHEEKS!! For some reason Jack seems to wear a lot of green and I can't help but see Theodore the chipmunk in him.  FYI- we have to hold his hand or the bubble wand becomes a sucker. Again...that never happened with L. Not one time!

We were so excited to see Gma and Gpa Bawk Bawk last week. They came all the way from Missouri! We know it was a long trip and really appreciate the help while Daddy was gone. Here they are watching Frozen with the kids.

Jack really loved cuddling with Gma!

And GUESS what they made us...our favorite meal! Layla LOVES the fish now but won't eat the sauce on the fish or spaghetti. Jack spit everything out because he's not human.

Jack got to enjoy some Gpa cuddles too. So sweet!

Gma and Layla made Daddy surprise cupcakes for when he came home. L wanted sprinkle cupcakes with blue icing and LOTS of sprinkles. She is such a big help in the kitchen and loves to cook. Jack loves to eat cupcakes.

We were sad when Gma and Gpa left but I knew it wouldn't be long until I found a little piece of them left behind.

We also have BIG news on the bike front. Layla finally decided she'd like to try a big girl bike. This is after a year of trying to get her one on. We were going to get her one for Xmas and went to try them out. She sat on one and it wobbled and she was DONE. She was "NEVER doing that again". Well she woke up and decided she wanted a bike one day and guess what Daddy bought her...

She has been whizzing around the neighborhood all week on it. She is doing amazing and has even fallen a few times only to get back on. Yesterday she took a hard turn and fell over and did cry vowing to "never get on 'that bike' again!!" and saying she didn't "love 'that bike' anymore". But I have a feeling she won't stay away for long.

Jack was officially named the most destructive kid on the planet this month. He has broken 6 of Mommy's necklaces in the last 4 months. Just rips them clean off my neck. Thank God I don't wear earrings!

And here is a quick family selfie to ring in summer. A few things I love about this picture- there are leaves on the trees, I can practically smell the sunscreen on my babies, there is a smile on ALL our faces because it's WARM OUTSIDE!!!!

Jack is 18 months!

I know I say this every time but...18 months? Really?! I feel like Jack has always been a part of the family. Maybe that's because the last 18 months have gone by veeeery slow for me. This baby stage has been really tough. Apparently we don't breed children that can perform basic life functions like eating, sleeping, breathing and pooping without help. As we all know, Jack has struggled with sleeping. And by struggled I mean that he never slept.

I'm SO happy to report that we finally (queue clouds opening, angels singing and heaven's gates shining) are sleeping through the night AND taking LONG naps. Oh AND we are SLEEPING IN! I seriously have tears in my eyes as I'm writing this. That might make me a bad Mom but I don't even care. I can finally clean my own house, spend time with Layla and work all in the same day. You guys...this is major. I have become a much better person and Mom over the last few weeks. Thank you GOD!

Jack seriously has the best personality. He loves to make you laugh! He also has one heck of a tempter. His fits even put his big sis to shame. He is one strong boy and trying to hold him during one of these has got to be compared to wrestling an alligator. Whew! Here is his "onry" face-

Speaking of holding him...This little guy LOOOOOVES to be on my hip. He is becoming more independent at home which has been wonderful but in public he is so bashful. He will ride in a stroller for a bit and then wants right in Mommy's arms OR to run wild screaming up and down aisles at the grocery store. And going out to eat? Forget it! His energy can not be contained to a simple high chair. He is starting to prefer a normal seat anyway...oh boy.

Jack has been struggling over the past 2 months to get rid of a nasty cough. It started as a cold and we have not been able to get rid of this terrible rattling in his chest. We've spent $10 million on breathing treatments that he will no longer sit through (seriously...20 minutes 4 times a day? For 3 months?! Nope) but I came across some essential oils that seem to really help him.

Jack is saying LOTS of words and making lots of animal noises now. He loves Doggies and Owls most of all. He's getting really into trucks and trains...I LOVE IT! He's still not communicating basic needs which is enough to drive me nuts. He likes to act like a caveman and bang his hands on his chest (or mine) when he needs something. And the whining is out of control. Who said little boys weren't dramatic?! This boy knows what he wants, when he wants it and he thinks I should know too. He's so stubborn and probably won't really start communicating until he's 2 like his sister...they've got this "Mommy is a slave" thing pretty well figured out.

We did his 18 month pics at Dow Gardens when Gma and Gpa Bawk Bawk were here (post on that later). Layla was a total rock star but Jack wasn't really on his A game. This is probably one of my favorite pictures EVER though-

And I had to share one of this gorgeous girl. I just don't know how we got so lucky to get such adorable AND smart/funny kids. I love them.

And Mr. Jack with his Daddy. He's really starting to prefer Dad when he's around which is TOTALLY cool with me. That boy was literally attached to me for 13 months, it can be Daddy's turn for awhile. I swear they look exactly alike...

I can't wait to see what the next 6 months brings for our little guy. We are really looking forward to doing more traveling, staying up late and spending lots of time together this summer. Life is SO good!!

Layla's last day of preschool

I can't believe Layla's last day of preschool was today. It was supposed to be last week but our snow days pushed it back which meant Daddy couldn't be here (he was in CA for work). :( Luckily Grandma and Grandpa "Bawk Bawk" were here to help out!

Here is L on her first and last day of school. I can't believe how much she's grown this year. Preschool has been so good for her. She told me today that she's really going to miss it this summer and miss her teachers too. She was sad about the break but excited she will get to go 3 days a week next year.

Layla got to go to school at her normal time and do some fun things in the morning. Then it was time for the families to come and watch them receive their certificates for completing their first year. Jack loved watching their story time!

Layla was so sweet and clapped for all her friends as they got their certificates. Then it was her turn!

Obviously she was thrilled. 

 

 Jack got to swing in a big kid swing for the first time. He loved it but wasn't so great at holding on. LOL

We adore Layla's teachers. They are both so sweet and you can tell they really love their kids. We are so happy to have them again next year. Here is Layla with Mrs. Carpenter- 

And with Mrs. Silvas- 

And one with both of them.

Layla's favorite things about school this year were the craft time and going outside to play. Can't wait to see what her favorite part of school is next year! :)

Mother's Day 2014

Happy Mother's Day! Today really has been a typical Sunday minus the fact that we didn't get to church this morning. L has a mystery rash and J has still be coughing so we have been trying to keep him away from other kids/germs...I will completely loose it if he gets worse again and who knows what's up with L. I've become one of those Moms that sprays their kid with sanitizer the second they even look at another human being under the age of 10. On a happy note- J has improved in the last couple of days so there is a light at the end of the tunnel (2 months now...we've been dealing with this for 2 MONTHS). 

We decided some fresh air would be good so we took a trip to Dow Gardens this afternoon- 

This guy. I love him. That dimple kills me and I'm so glad he's finally getting better. It's no fun to watch your kid cough all day long. And the lack of sleep isn't fun either. :( Today was the first day he has been able to go outside and run without stopping to cough. YAY!!

This this girl and those blue eyes. What a personality...she will be Queen of the Universe someday. She is so smart and so sassy. Watch out world! 

Layla did NOT want to get her picture taken with Jack which was the only thing I wanted for Mother's day. :( Little stinker is getting harder and harder to photograph. She's too smart for her own good and bribing is starting to not work. I got evil eyes during every attempt. And these aren't even the worst of them! 

  But she did cooperate for a picture with Mommy. Well we THINK she did...she could be giving evil eyes behind the shades. 

Maybe next year we'll get a cute picture of the kids together. For now I'll just enjoy the sun shine and warmer weather! 

A general update and Mommy's birthday

Story of my life- I'm running behind. So for Mother's Day I thought I'd just take a chance to get caught up on some stuff. Mainly on our personal blog and our pictures. So here's a quick catch up-

Mommy has been super busy with photography and her blog. I had a local orthodontist office contact me about pictures several months ago and I almost didn't accept the job because it was a bit out of my comfort zone. I decided to take the job because my contact was wonderful and really liked my style...I had complete creative control. 

Holy Cow. I'm so glad I took this. It gave me a huge confidence boost and will open doors for me to grow my business. I'm so proud of myself and am so thankful for the opportunity falling in my lap. And for Bryan and the kids helping me out with this! Layla helped us open the canvases when they arrive...they were MUCH bigger than her! 

And here was the finished product. I'll go visit the office in a few weeks and take pictures of them hanging. 

Then my birthday happened right in the middle of all this. It wasn't a big deal...but it IS my last birthday in my 20s! I've had a busy decade...graduated from college, got married and had 2 great jobs/careers. Then the girl came and I became a stay at home mom, opened 2 businesses and completed our family with the little guy. It's been a crazy, busy and WILD ride but here we are and I'm not sure I'd want things any other way. 

Layla picked out my birthday presents again- I got new headphones, an armband for running and an airplane. Guess which one was from Layla. 

I got to take Layla to tennis by myself which was WONDERFUL because I got to watch her WHOLE practice. It was amazing. She loves it and does really well. So thankful we found something she actually enjoys! 

While we were gone Daddy decorated the dining room with the decorations L picked out. Angry Birds...

Layla served the cake. She was so proud of herself. Can't believe how big she's getting...she is such a HUGE help. 

Jack wasn't feeling well (still) but he did enjoy some cake. I was glad to see a few smiles out of this poor sick guy. 

Then we went outside (still in our winter coats!!) and played with "my" airplane. I can't wait to see what I get next year! Haha