Looky who... turned 32!

Since Brian's birthday officially ends when Eden's begins (March 3rd)... I thought I should quickly honor this wonderful man, husband and father before I've lost my chance.

Last year I listed the 31 things I love about him, so this year he received the 32 most memorable moments we've spent together. In addition to... a day of skiing, a Peruvian dinner, and Avatar in 3D. What more could he ask for? Well, the evening did end with him getting stuck in an elevator and being rescued by the fire department (lights and sirens and all!) But we've chosen to focus on the fun stuff!

Happy Birthday, Love! Thanks for choosing to share your years with us.

Month Two... little Roo

Dear August, you turned 2 months old this week and I can't believe how fast the time is going. Although this last month has been a whirlwind, I am consciously soaking it all in - rather - I am DEVOURING every moment and savoring the little things as to not waste a second with you. Your MeMe (my mom) makes fun of me because she thinks I can't leave your side... and she's right... luckily you are just as smitten for me.

You have changed so much in the last month. The most obvious is your stellar growth! At your two month appointment this week, your weight and height were 50% and 75%, respectfully. It literally took my breath away and has almost made all of this breastfeeding misery worthwhile. You are easily wearing 3 month clothing. You've outgrown the bassinet and moved into your crib. You are even growing out of the need to be held all of the time (right when I discover your love for all things sling or pouch-like... hence your newest nickname... Roo).

You've also found your voice and are making the cutest sounds... like "Aah Oooh" which Eden says is your name and she finishes it with a "Gust"... and "Haaie" which Eden responds with a "Hi!" . You are sleeping better at night, including one glorious "all nighter", and becoming a bit more predictable. This added sleep has created many more smiles around the house, but none that compare to your full face, open mouth grin. Speaking of your smiles, I was told that they weren't "real" when they began because it was much too early for a baby to be capable of reciprocal smiling at 17 days old. Well, you never stopped and they were obviously wrong. Eden's infancy taught me to be grateful for the little things, so I probably won't ever be as appreciative of advanced reading/writing/or arithmetic like I was of you being an advanced smiler.

Your hair is a consistent topic of conversation. It is still dark, although, the new blond roots are very suspicious. It is also quite long and wild, much like a mad scientist, but when wet it curls into tight ringlets. Oh the possibilities of your future "do". Your eyes are still bluish/gray (I was hoping for one green-eyed kid!), your fingers are long (basketball or piano player... humm?), and your butt dimple (sorry, was that a secret?) is an obvious family trait as it is a perfect match to your sister's.

...Oh, I could go on and on kid... until next month. Thanks for letting me be your mom. It is such a pleasure.

P.S. Happy Birthday Aunt Dana!! We love you.

Eden and August are...

Wishing their favorite "Tia" a very happy 30th birthday!

Erin, I hope you know how very special you are to us. Today we celebrate your life, a wonderful aunt and sister, and look forward to many years to come.

We love you bunches!

Moving on up!

Look who...

Moved over to the crib...

Moved into cloth diapers...

Moved up to 11.5 pounds!!

Winter Olympics 2014?

If only we could get her to wear the skis outside... where the snow is!

A Miracle on Kearney Street

August Redding, my adorable 8 week old, slept 7 consecutive hours through the night! I woke up with the most amazing feeling, like I'd been given a gift... no more than a gift, an AWARD... "First and foremost, I'd like to thank my son for honoring all my hard work with a couple extra hours of sleep; I'd like to thank the Baby Wise book and my sister-in-law for encouraging me to read it; and last, I'd like to thank the glass and a half of wine that probably made it all possible." Ha!

Oh, and I got both kiddos to smile for a picture... I guess than makes 2 miracles!

A little late, but....

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Dancing Queen in Action

Eden and I enjoy a nice dance party every once in a while, but Kate and Hudson's visit took it to a whole new level. Add costumes and Beyonce and these kids go wild.

Check out Eden's hip action (and her facial expression) ... a little bit scary, a little bit hilarious.

The funny things she says

teach her to drive:

Mornings are a little rough around here. I usually stumble into Eden's room with forced motivation to get her ready for school. Sometimes I just crawl into her bed and catch a couple more minutes of sleep. One of these mornings, Eden rolled over and said, "Mommy, I can dress myself and make my own breakfast; if you would just teach me to drive you won't have to wake up." Tempting, Eden, tempting.

turn off the TV:

On the night of Lost's season premier, I sent Eden upstairs to prepare for bedtime. The time obviously got away from me because, the next thing I know, Eden is yelling at the top of the stairs (in her biggest "mommy" voice), "Mommy, it's time to turn off the TV and put me to bed!"

princess or queen:

Eden over heard me explaining to a friend that she has not shown much interest in the "Disney princess phenomenon" like other girls her age. At one point in the conversation, my exact words were "Eden doesn't want to be a princess" and she chimed in to say, "I don't want to be a princess; I want to be the QUEEN".

Here's a picture of my Dancing Queen.

Dear Eden... Dear Moms... Dear Me,

I love these ladies - and frankly, they took the words right out of my mouth. I have watched this video every morning for a week. It gives me energy and keeps me going throughout the day. Such a great image and reminder of this stage in my life - the most important thing I'll/we'll ever do. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!


(Not quite sure why the image is cut off. You can also watch the video here. Sorry.)

P.S. Turn off my music on the side bar so you can hear the video.

Six weeks of sisterhood

Week 1:

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4:

Week 5:

Week 6:

... and she's loving every minute of it!

If I were to have any complaint it would only be that she is a bit smothering... good thing he loves that, right Susan?