Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Chef Lucy
One of Lucy's favorite things to do is to help cook. Over the past several months, she has made pancakes, pumpkin bread, pizza (including making the crust!), brownies, cupcakes, guacamole, noodles, rice, and helped with quite a few other meals and desserts. She is already planning her menu for the twins' birthday party.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Dear Nolan – 10 months
Dear Nolan,
Your daddy has come up with so many nicknames for you. He calls you “Benadryl”, since just about any new food seems to give you a rash. He calls you “Captain Spit Up”, since you choke and vomit up well cut up, small foods. He calls you a “Mama’s boy”, since well… let’s just say your mama is your favorite person on Earth.
You are such a snuggler too. While your sisters want to go play, you prefer to be held and snuggled. You’ll let a complete stranger snuggle you (if they’re your only option). Miss Taylor (our nanny) loves when you just want to sit and snuggle. And you usually are more than happy to oblige.
You are such a happy little guy in the morning. You have finally started to sleep better at night too.
You got your first two teeth… finally. For a few days you kept grabbing your ear, so (assuming you had an ear infection) I took you to the doctor. They asked me if you had any teeth yet, and I told them “no”. Well we opened your mouth, and there were two bottom teeth. The teeth must have surfaced that night. Obviously, I’m not in the running for any Mom of the Year award. Maybe 2015 will be better.
You do make me feel loved and needed. You cry… a lot. Especially when you want to be held. I will be trying to potty train Lucy, or feed Audrey, or run a load of laundry. You will just crawl (and cry) and follow me around until I turn around, bend down and pick you up. You will smile, and give me a big hug and lay your head on my shoulder. When I hold and hug you, it reminds me that all of those little things in life don’t really matter. Thank you for the reminder. And thank you for loving me.
I will always love you anyway,
Your mama
Your daddy has come up with so many nicknames for you. He calls you “Benadryl”, since just about any new food seems to give you a rash. He calls you “Captain Spit Up”, since you choke and vomit up well cut up, small foods. He calls you a “Mama’s boy”, since well… let’s just say your mama is your favorite person on Earth.
You are such a snuggler too. While your sisters want to go play, you prefer to be held and snuggled. You’ll let a complete stranger snuggle you (if they’re your only option). Miss Taylor (our nanny) loves when you just want to sit and snuggle. And you usually are more than happy to oblige.
You are such a happy little guy in the morning. You have finally started to sleep better at night too.
You got your first two teeth… finally. For a few days you kept grabbing your ear, so (assuming you had an ear infection) I took you to the doctor. They asked me if you had any teeth yet, and I told them “no”. Well we opened your mouth, and there were two bottom teeth. The teeth must have surfaced that night. Obviously, I’m not in the running for any Mom of the Year award. Maybe 2015 will be better.
You do make me feel loved and needed. You cry… a lot. Especially when you want to be held. I will be trying to potty train Lucy, or feed Audrey, or run a load of laundry. You will just crawl (and cry) and follow me around until I turn around, bend down and pick you up. You will smile, and give me a big hug and lay your head on my shoulder. When I hold and hug you, it reminds me that all of those little things in life don’t really matter. Thank you for the reminder. And thank you for loving me.
I will always love you anyway,
Your mama
Dear Audrey – 10 months
Dear Audrey,
My little Audge Podge, you are getting so big, too fast!
You love to do whatever your big sister is doing. When she is coloring, you like to hold a marker of your own. You instantly go to the refrigerator to take down whatever picture she just hung up. You are already trying to walk and talk just like her.
On the other hand, you fear whatever your twin brother is doing. When he starts crawling towards you, you look at him, and then you look at me, and give me this look of “, please save me!” And I don’t blame you. He likes crawling ON TOP OF YOU. He pulls your hair. He nudges you off the furniture that you both are holding onto. You are definitely much nicer to him than he is to you.
You can take about 8-10 steps in a row. You have excellent balance. You also like to applaud. Whenever someone says “Yay!” you instantly start clapping. You are Lucy’s personal cheerleader. She likes to cheer you on too. She will tell you “Audrey say ‘mama’” and you will respond with “, ma-ma-ma-ma”. Then you will both start laughing and cheering :)
You like to help load the dishwasher, and you are still such a little sweetheart. You’ve started to develop a “stranger danger” and you prefer to be held by your mama, daddy, nuna, or nana. When a stranger says “hi” to you, you just turn to me and cry.
Everything instantly goes in your mouth. You will try to eat anything. When Auntie Chris and Maeve were in town, you would make Auntie Chris laugh so hard with your “closet eating”. You had found a cup of cherrios that Lucy didn’t finish. You hid behind the chair eating them. You are awfully skinny for how much you eat. You get very angry if I give you a “taste” of something and not give you the entire plate. You have put your hands into a lot of your daddy’s plates of food, and spilled a few cups of beverages trying to get to more food!
I love you so much little Audrey. From you whimper and quivering lip to your belly laugh and cheerful smile. You are the most beautiful little girl. You light up my life.
I will always love you anyway,
Your mama
My little Audge Podge, you are getting so big, too fast!
You love to do whatever your big sister is doing. When she is coloring, you like to hold a marker of your own. You instantly go to the refrigerator to take down whatever picture she just hung up. You are already trying to walk and talk just like her.
On the other hand, you fear whatever your twin brother is doing. When he starts crawling towards you, you look at him, and then you look at me, and give me this look of “, please save me!” And I don’t blame you. He likes crawling ON TOP OF YOU. He pulls your hair. He nudges you off the furniture that you both are holding onto. You are definitely much nicer to him than he is to you.
You can take about 8-10 steps in a row. You have excellent balance. You also like to applaud. Whenever someone says “Yay!” you instantly start clapping. You are Lucy’s personal cheerleader. She likes to cheer you on too. She will tell you “Audrey say ‘mama’” and you will respond with “, ma-ma-ma-ma”. Then you will both start laughing and cheering :)
You like to help load the dishwasher, and you are still such a little sweetheart. You’ve started to develop a “stranger danger” and you prefer to be held by your mama, daddy, nuna, or nana. When a stranger says “hi” to you, you just turn to me and cry.
Everything instantly goes in your mouth. You will try to eat anything. When Auntie Chris and Maeve were in town, you would make Auntie Chris laugh so hard with your “closet eating”. You had found a cup of cherrios that Lucy didn’t finish. You hid behind the chair eating them. You are awfully skinny for how much you eat. You get very angry if I give you a “taste” of something and not give you the entire plate. You have put your hands into a lot of your daddy’s plates of food, and spilled a few cups of beverages trying to get to more food!
I love you so much little Audrey. From you whimper and quivering lip to your belly laugh and cheerful smile. You are the most beautiful little girl. You light up my life.
I will always love you anyway,
Your mama
Monday, October 20, 2014
Well look who's 30!
Two very special people are turning 30 this week.
Unfortunately my sister lives too far away to throw her a party.
However, Lucy threw uncle Jason one heck of a party on Sunday.
As Lucy likes to tell the story...
First Nini and mama went to the store to buy balloons. We bought ones that Lucy thought uncle Jason would really like... An Elmo balloon and a purple balloon with white polka dots.
Then we picked out a birthday present and wrapped it in green paper. We practiced singing the "happy birthday song" at least 20 times. Then Lucy made uncle Jason a really nice birthday card. Our family then loaded up the xterra and headed to nana and papa's for the party.
Daddy, papa and I took Lucy, Nolan, Ben and Jacob to the park while Audrey stayed to help Nana cook dinner. We ate a yummy meal, opened presents and blew out the candles on the birthday cake and sang happy birthday. Lucy told uncle Jason happy birthday at least a dozen times and welcomed everyone to "the birthday party". A fun time was had by all.
Happy birthday uncle Jason! And happy birthday to auntie Chris too. We love you both :)
Unfortunately my sister lives too far away to throw her a party.
However, Lucy threw uncle Jason one heck of a party on Sunday.
As Lucy likes to tell the story...
First Nini and mama went to the store to buy balloons. We bought ones that Lucy thought uncle Jason would really like... An Elmo balloon and a purple balloon with white polka dots.
Then we picked out a birthday present and wrapped it in green paper. We practiced singing the "happy birthday song" at least 20 times. Then Lucy made uncle Jason a really nice birthday card. Our family then loaded up the xterra and headed to nana and papa's for the party.
Daddy, papa and I took Lucy, Nolan, Ben and Jacob to the park while Audrey stayed to help Nana cook dinner. We ate a yummy meal, opened presents and blew out the candles on the birthday cake and sang happy birthday. Lucy told uncle Jason happy birthday at least a dozen times and welcomed everyone to "the birthday party". A fun time was had by all.
Happy birthday uncle Jason! And happy birthday to auntie Chris too. We love you both :)
Monday, October 6, 2014
Dear Kyle - 7 years
Dear Kyle,
7 years ago my roommate convinced me to go watch the LSU-Florida game at her boyfriend’s place. He had a roommate that I “would totally hit it off with”. I met her boyfriend, I met his roommate, and I met you (the roommate that she failed to mention). You and I “clicked” over things like sports, Nintendo, and not doing drugs. About a week or so later, you asked your roommate if it’d be ok to ask me out on a date. You showed up for our first date right on time. I had gone in to work at 3AM that morning, and took a nap after work. Right during the middle of my nap, you showed up, and I rushed to get ready.
I would say that since then we’ve had our share of “ups and downs”, but really there haven’t been any “downs”.
You have always treated me with respect. You make every effort for me to be able to pursue things that interest me (even if they don’t interest you). You’ve been supportive of my career. You make me feel beautiful, even when I haven’t showered for 3 days. I’ve never once had to question your loyalty or love. And most importantly, you have blessed me with the three most amazing little people on Earth.
7 years ago, I knew that you were nice, good looking, and funny. But I had no idea what an amazing husband and father you would become. Our life has become complete chaos. And no one truly understands other than you and I. Each day that we keep all three kids fed and alive, is a win in our books. Lucy tells people that she is “daddy’s little princess”, and she is. You make her feel loved and you respect her, just the same way you treat me.
The last 7 years have, without a doubt, been the best years of my life. I look forward to growing old and spending the next 7 decades with you too.
I will always love you anyway,
Michelle
7 years ago my roommate convinced me to go watch the LSU-Florida game at her boyfriend’s place. He had a roommate that I “would totally hit it off with”. I met her boyfriend, I met his roommate, and I met you (the roommate that she failed to mention). You and I “clicked” over things like sports, Nintendo, and not doing drugs. About a week or so later, you asked your roommate if it’d be ok to ask me out on a date. You showed up for our first date right on time. I had gone in to work at 3AM that morning, and took a nap after work. Right during the middle of my nap, you showed up, and I rushed to get ready.
I would say that since then we’ve had our share of “ups and downs”, but really there haven’t been any “downs”.
You have always treated me with respect. You make every effort for me to be able to pursue things that interest me (even if they don’t interest you). You’ve been supportive of my career. You make me feel beautiful, even when I haven’t showered for 3 days. I’ve never once had to question your loyalty or love. And most importantly, you have blessed me with the three most amazing little people on Earth.
7 years ago, I knew that you were nice, good looking, and funny. But I had no idea what an amazing husband and father you would become. Our life has become complete chaos. And no one truly understands other than you and I. Each day that we keep all three kids fed and alive, is a win in our books. Lucy tells people that she is “daddy’s little princess”, and she is. You make her feel loved and you respect her, just the same way you treat me.
The last 7 years have, without a doubt, been the best years of my life. I look forward to growing old and spending the next 7 decades with you too.
I will always love you anyway,
Michelle
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Dear Hattie
Dear Hattie,
I met you just 4 days ago. I said goodbye to you the day before yesterday. This is one of those times that I'm not sure if it was harder to say hello or goodbye.
It doesn't make sense. I once heard a quote that "time heals what reason cannot" and that's what I keep telling myself. Because I cannot make reason of why you were taken from us.
I struggle to understand why God chose this. It doesn't take away the hurt, but I am comforted knowing that your life had purpose. And you fulfilled His purpose perfectly. And for that, I am so very proud of you.
When I said goodbye to you, I sang you "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". It's one of my children's favorite lullabies. When I look up at the night sky, and I see a star shining bright, I shall forever think of you and how you are looking down on us, watching us.
Goodnight my little star,
I will always love you anyway,
Auntie Chel
I met you just 4 days ago. I said goodbye to you the day before yesterday. This is one of those times that I'm not sure if it was harder to say hello or goodbye.
It doesn't make sense. I once heard a quote that "time heals what reason cannot" and that's what I keep telling myself. Because I cannot make reason of why you were taken from us.
I struggle to understand why God chose this. It doesn't take away the hurt, but I am comforted knowing that your life had purpose. And you fulfilled His purpose perfectly. And for that, I am so very proud of you.
When I said goodbye to you, I sang you "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". It's one of my children's favorite lullabies. When I look up at the night sky, and I see a star shining bright, I shall forever think of you and how you are looking down on us, watching us.
Goodnight my little star,
I will always love you anyway,
Auntie Chel
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Dear Nolan and Audrey - 9 Months
Dear Nolan and Audrey – 9 months
Your Mama has always done these letters for each of you
separately. But I thought I would do a
combined 9 month letter (even though you two have very different
personalities).
You both have started to notice each other more and seem to
enjoy playing together. It feels like we
are having to pull you guys apart a lot less often! We used to not be able to leave you two
together because there would be immediate hair-pulling and crying (usually
Nolan was the instigator). But lately
you have been playing with the same toys and having fun together. I’ve noticed that sometimes you will be
looking at one another and “talking” to each other. I also love to get you out of your cribs when
you wake up in the morning or from a nap.
You both look so happy to see me and it makes me feel very loved. You also run a play I call “The Ben and Jacob
Play.” This is where one of you gets
into something you’re not supposed to play with, and as soon as the first
perpetrator gets carried away by Mama or me, the other moves in and starts
playing with it. Ben and Jacob were very
good at this strategy and you two have started to master this move also!
Nolan, it is fun to watch you play. You’ve started playing really well by
yourself. But we’ve noticed that your
main way of playing is to see how much destruction you can cause! We’re in trouble when you start walking,
which won’t be long. You’ve finally
started to do an actual crawl instead of your usual army-crawl/scoot, but more
often, you’re standing up, holding on to furniture or trying to walk behind a
push toy. This is usually done with a
big grin on your face. You are a happy
little guy most of the time, and have a great smile. No teeth showing yet, but there’s two that
close.
Audrey, you are such a little sweetheart. You just keep getting cuter and cuter every
day. I love your hair and the way it
curls on the sides. You have become such
a little talker lately. You try to mimic
our sounds and then you start laughing.
We were cheering on Lucy the other day and you started clapping your
hands every time we cheered. There have
been a few times when we’ve realized that you’re standing up without holding on
to anything. You then usually lunge
toward us. You’re very brave and really
not scared of anything. I love your
smile too, with those 2 perfect little bottom teeth!
One other similarity between the two of you is the amount of
joy you bring to our lives. While you
are your own, unique individuals already, you came into our lives together and
have brought so much love and happiness to our family. You also have a big sister who is always
looking out for you both and concerned that you have everything you need.
I love you both so much and love watching you each grow and
learn every day. When I get home and you
both start crawling toward me is always one of the highlights of my day.
Love Always.
Your Daddy
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Dear Nolan - 8 1/2 months
Dear Nolan,
It has been less than 48 hours since I last saw you, and I miss you terribly. Your daddy and I went on vacation for the first time since you were born, and we left you with Nuna, and left your sisters with Nana & Papa.
My love for you is stronger than any love I've ever experienced. You can be a total butthead, and climb on top of Audrey, and make Lucy so so so mad, but if there's one consistent thing about you, it's your love for your mama. Seriously, you think I'm awesome...
As soon as I come home from work, you army crawl full force in my direction. You are bummed if I pick up Audrey first (she is pretty darn quick!)
Even though you love to cruise from furniture to furniture, your favorite mode of transportation continues to be in a carrier, extra close to your mama.
You have the most amazing toothless grin and it melts my heart. You enjoy playing by yourself, unless Lucy is playing with something you're not suppose to have. She has gotten very good at saying, "Mama, please move Nolan, please" when you are causing trouble.
I really don't think any letter or blog post could ever describe my love for you, but I can promise you, it's the greatest love I'll ever know.
I'll always love you anyway,
Your Mama
It has been less than 48 hours since I last saw you, and I miss you terribly. Your daddy and I went on vacation for the first time since you were born, and we left you with Nuna, and left your sisters with Nana & Papa.
My love for you is stronger than any love I've ever experienced. You can be a total butthead, and climb on top of Audrey, and make Lucy so so so mad, but if there's one consistent thing about you, it's your love for your mama. Seriously, you think I'm awesome...
As soon as I come home from work, you army crawl full force in my direction. You are bummed if I pick up Audrey first (she is pretty darn quick!)
Even though you love to cruise from furniture to furniture, your favorite mode of transportation continues to be in a carrier, extra close to your mama.
You have the most amazing toothless grin and it melts my heart. You enjoy playing by yourself, unless Lucy is playing with something you're not suppose to have. She has gotten very good at saying, "Mama, please move Nolan, please" when you are causing trouble.
I really don't think any letter or blog post could ever describe my love for you, but I can promise you, it's the greatest love I'll ever know.
I'll always love you anyway,
Your Mama
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Thursday, August 21, 2014
"Nana come get you"
Last night before bed, we told Lucy that Nana was going to come get her in the morning. I'm pretty sure she dreamt about that last night.
This morning, around 6:00, Lucy emerged from her room and came out into the living room. She usually says hi or sometimes leads with a request for apple juice. This morning she had one thing on her mind. Her first words of the day: "Nini (Lucy) go Nana Papa home." "Nana come get you."
Lucy then hurried around searching franticly for her owl backpack. She found it and raced over to the dresser and told me she needed her Elmo PJs. She pulled two Elmo PJ tops (no bottoms) out of the drawer and into her backpack. She found an unopened container of baby Puffs snacks and added that to her bag.
By 6:30, after taking a brief break for some apple juice and a few minutes of Sesame Street, she was in the living room wearing her backpack, holding the handle of her suitcase, and waiting patiently for Nana (even though I tried to tell her Nana wouldn't be here for a few hours):
I'm sure Lucy has had a great day at Nana and Papa's house. When we Facetimed them this evening, Nana asked Lucy to tell us what she had for dinner. Lucy excitedly screamed, "Candy!" I think (hope?) there was more to the meal than that. But I know she's very happy to be there.
This morning, around 6:00, Lucy emerged from her room and came out into the living room. She usually says hi or sometimes leads with a request for apple juice. This morning she had one thing on her mind. Her first words of the day: "Nini (Lucy) go Nana Papa home." "Nana come get you."
Lucy then hurried around searching franticly for her owl backpack. She found it and raced over to the dresser and told me she needed her Elmo PJs. She pulled two Elmo PJ tops (no bottoms) out of the drawer and into her backpack. She found an unopened container of baby Puffs snacks and added that to her bag.
By 6:30, after taking a brief break for some apple juice and a few minutes of Sesame Street, she was in the living room wearing her backpack, holding the handle of her suitcase, and waiting patiently for Nana (even though I tried to tell her Nana wouldn't be here for a few hours):
I'm sure Lucy has had a great day at Nana and Papa's house. When we Facetimed them this evening, Nana asked Lucy to tell us what she had for dinner. Lucy excitedly screamed, "Candy!" I think (hope?) there was more to the meal than that. But I know she's very happy to be there.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Dear Audrey - 8 months
Dear Audrey,
I love love love love your worried little face. You have the cutest expressions. You give out a warning cry just before Nolan climbs on you and tries to attack you. You take a few spills here and there, but not too many, as you’re a little more reserved on going from furniture to furniture.
Your first tooth came in while you and Lucy were spending the night at Nana and Papa’s. You gave them a scare as your temperature spiked and you just weren’t your normal, content self.
I’ve never seen a little kid love TV as much as you. You will turn your head so far, to find any television that is on (just the thought of it, makes my neck hurt). You love when your sister watches Daniel the Tiger or Sesame Street. You like the parts with music the best.
You continue to pay attention to details. You do a good job picking up small pieces of food and putting them in your mouth. Daddy needs to use an extra spoon when feeding you baby food, as you like to commandeer one for you to hold yourself. You don’t eat a lot (compared to your brother), and you either love or greatly dislike most foods.
Your favorite noise to make is “ma-ma-ma-ma” and it melts my heart. You’re not a mama’s girl or a daddy’s girl either. You’re an independent little girl, and I hope you always stay that way. Don’t get me wrong, your mama and daddy both love you very much, but you just don’t “need” us in the way many babies need their parents. You fall asleep on your own and continue to be our best sleeper. You insist on holding your own bottle. There are times that all you want is to NOT be held. You know what you want, and once you get it, you’re a happy little girl.
I’ve started to call you “Audge Podge” and Lucy loves to call you “Audge Podge” too. She’ll say it and then laugh. Then her laughing will cause you to smile and laugh. And the whole situation is one that I want to try to remember forever. I love my children so much. Thank you for all the joy that you bring to our lives.
I’ll always love you anyway,
Your mama
I love love love love your worried little face. You have the cutest expressions. You give out a warning cry just before Nolan climbs on you and tries to attack you. You take a few spills here and there, but not too many, as you’re a little more reserved on going from furniture to furniture.
Your first tooth came in while you and Lucy were spending the night at Nana and Papa’s. You gave them a scare as your temperature spiked and you just weren’t your normal, content self.
I’ve never seen a little kid love TV as much as you. You will turn your head so far, to find any television that is on (just the thought of it, makes my neck hurt). You love when your sister watches Daniel the Tiger or Sesame Street. You like the parts with music the best.
You continue to pay attention to details. You do a good job picking up small pieces of food and putting them in your mouth. Daddy needs to use an extra spoon when feeding you baby food, as you like to commandeer one for you to hold yourself. You don’t eat a lot (compared to your brother), and you either love or greatly dislike most foods.
Your favorite noise to make is “ma-ma-ma-ma” and it melts my heart. You’re not a mama’s girl or a daddy’s girl either. You’re an independent little girl, and I hope you always stay that way. Don’t get me wrong, your mama and daddy both love you very much, but you just don’t “need” us in the way many babies need their parents. You fall asleep on your own and continue to be our best sleeper. You insist on holding your own bottle. There are times that all you want is to NOT be held. You know what you want, and once you get it, you’re a happy little girl.
I’ve started to call you “Audge Podge” and Lucy loves to call you “Audge Podge” too. She’ll say it and then laugh. Then her laughing will cause you to smile and laugh. And the whole situation is one that I want to try to remember forever. I love my children so much. Thank you for all the joy that you bring to our lives.
I’ll always love you anyway,
Your mama
Thursday, August 14, 2014
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