We Love Summer!

Miss Stella's 1st Birthday

Happy Birthday America!

Stella's Birthday Bash!

Ten Tiny Toes

Summa' Time

Miss Stella

Well, as of today, we officially have a preschooler and a toddler on our hands! Will it be easier or more challenging than a baby and a toddler? probably moments of each I suppose. Jack has definitely been throwing in more challenging moments as of late, but on the other hand Stella has been such a happy little girl and fairly easy going. I had to pause and think for a moment before I used the term "easy going" because there was a period of time that I never thought I would be able to describe her that way (like the first 7 month of her life!) She has been such a joy lately, and don't get me wrong she's still an aggressive little spitfire, but she's also an extremely happy, giggly & fun girl who likes to cruise around the furniture and scoot on her booty from room to room. Stella has still bucked the crawling for the most part, which is completely fitting with her personality. Stella can say about 8 words, which include: Aaa Dun (all done), Uh ohh, Dak (Jack), Waa waa (water), Buh bye, Mar (more) and of course Momma and Daddy. She loves to show you she's "sooo big!", loves to clap, can wave bye, and points at things she wants. She's just started to become more mobile this past month, she's an expert cruiser, can pull herself up and sit back down again (and repeat this again and again.) She's been so busy lately we've caught her having a party in her crib a couple times recently, and by party I mean throwing her nuks, stuffed animal, blankie out of the crib, banging on the rails and having a ball pulling herself up and then plopping back down on her little butt. Stella loves to swing, loves her musical toys and has always had a knack for dancing, she's developed a colorful personality during her first year, that I'm sure will always keep us on our toes. It's been a joy having a little girl and watching her grow and develop over the past year, and as always so amazing to watch your child evolve. We love you so much sweet baby Stella!

Party On

I'm sure I'm starting to sound like a broken record over the past few years on here, but I can't believe how fast time flies once you have kids! We are now the proud parents of a funny and caring little 3 year old boy, yes Jack is 3 already - crazy. Jack is very into playing games at the moment, which I secretly enjoy. He still loves his cars, and has recently gotten to try bumper cars and go-carts for the first time - no surprise, both a big hit. Jack has so many funny little phrases lately, such as referring to everything as "last weekend." His latest example, "mom, I told you I just took a bath last weekend" or "we just went to the park last weekend." He has been getting up a little earlier than he's supposed to the past couple days, and when I asked him why he's been getting up so early, he looks at me and with a very matter of fact tone states, "mom, Stella woke me up." Hmmmmm, blaming his little sister already! Jack is becoming more and more independent, brushing his teeth, putting on his clothes and shoes by himself (when he's willing of course.) He's such a funny little boy and says at least one thing that makes me crack up and one that melts my heart daily.

Below are the pictures from Jack's birthday party - we hosted many of our friends and their 13 little ones at our house - the adults are almost getting outnumbered by the kids! It's so nice having summer birthdays for outside parties! Jack was in heaven, with all the friends, presents and birthday treats. He had a little trouble coming down from the birthday high the following week, but who could blame him, afterall, a year is a long time to wait for another one. although i'm sure birthday #4 will come way too quickly for mom & dad!