Spiderman

We recently signed Emma up for a formal gymnastics class. We wanted her to have an afternoon activity once a week that we knew she would love. Well she is certainly taking to her classes and has come home talking about spiderman. At first I was not sure what spiderman was so I asked her to show me (parents are not allowed in the class). Well below you will see her demonstrating her spiderman moves.

Emma showing off her leotard

I'm ready

Spiderman

Ta Da

Firsts for Abby

I feel like I am behind in my blogging about the girls. So we will start with some catch up on what little Abby has been up to.

The first being the exersaucer. One day when I was at the gym and Abby was in the nursery, I discovered the whole time I was working out, Abby was working out too. She was just having a blast in the jumperoo they have at the gym. Since she is still too small for our jumperoo, we decided to get out the exersaucer and give it a test run. Well Abby was sold right away.

The next big thing that happened for Abby, was the introduction of the highchair and baby cereal. While Andy was away one night, I decided to get out the baby cereal and have a little fun. At first I was not sure if Abby liked the cereal but when I told her we were all done and was going to put it away she started crying for more. She was very excited when I gave her more.

Papa and the girls

Here is a cute pic from the other night when my parents watched the girls. I think the girls love their babysitter.

Random Things

Just a few random things on my mind.

-I finished Pillars of the Earth. A good read but very long, especially when you have a time line.

-I am so into Scholastic Books. Every month I seem to order at least 3 books from the catalog. At least it is a good addiction and Emma's classroom benefits from it. They get a free book every time I order.

-Today I donated over 500 ounces of breast milk to the Milk Bank. I am so proud of this. Not only does Abby keep me pumping but now the encouragement of premature babies and their mommies. I know what is like to need something for your baby and you can't provide it so I am glad that I can give back. It makes me thankful for all the people that donate blood, especially the people that gave to Emma.

-I joined the Y and I am loving it. It is so nice to be able to work out (train for the Capital 10k) and know that Abby has a safe place to hang out. She just loves being with the other babies. I am also so excited about all the classes they have for the kiddos. I can't wait to try soccer and dance for the girls.

-We are coming up on Emma's annual cardiologist appointment and I am constantly praying that things go well and that her health in the future continues to be well. We have no idea what will come our way in life but I am always trying to be positive for Emma and myself. I just want the very best for her and don't ever want to see her in pain again. We are each others pillars and I pray that as Abby gets older she will be a pillar for her sister.

-I am so in love with my family. They put the biggest smile on my face. =)

Celebrating the big 3-0

I must say I think this has been one of the best birthdays ever. My husband truly spoiled me. For my actual birthday he took the day off of work so that I could have a day off. It was so nice to be able to sleep in and do what I wanted when I wanted. Then on Saturday, Andy arranged for a spa day for me and my friend Kristen. Oh it was so nice being pampered. I did not want to go home. Next, we headed downtown to our favorite restaurant, Sullivan's, where we wined (well Andy wined and I had a sparkly cosmo) and dined on steak and of course my favorite mac n' cheese. To end it all we will celebrate with my parents tonight with one of my favorite meals, manicotti. It is a special meal that I use to share with my grandma Erickson. We shared the same birthday and she would have been 80. I now share my birthday with my favorite nephew, Nolan!

Here is a picture of me when I was a baby. Now don't be jealous of my awesome hair.

My birthday cakes. My parents sent me a flower cake since they could not bake me one on my actual birthday. Andy made the real one and he did it all by himself. I am very impressed with his work.

My flower cake. It is so beautiful!

Me and my girls. The best way to celebrate!
Andy and me on our way to our lovely dinner.

Celebrating at my parent's house.

Hello to the big 3-0

Well the twenties have now come and gone for me. I must say it was by far the greatest decade I have lived, so far. I mean who really remembers much from 0-10 years of age and your tween/teenage years are just way too awkward to be the best ever. My twenties were filled with great memories and sad moments (the loss of both of my grandmothers) but all in all it was fabulous. I decided I wanted to highlight the most memorable things that happened in my past decade.

-Started the twenties off as a sophomore in college.

-Became a highly involved student at Texas State

• -Was Secretary and then became President of University Ambassadors
• -Was head coordinator of freshman orientation
• -Was Co-Chair of PAWS preview (another freshman experience)
• -Was a tour guide for the visitors office
• -Was a manager of Campus Activities and Student Organizations
• -Was nominated for homecoming queen
• -Was 1 of 8 eight students invited to a luncheon with our Board of Regents
• -Assisted in getting the name of our university changed
• -Awarded Texas State Woman of the Year

-Graduated with a degree in Business Administration

-Took on my first teaching gig in Marble Falls at the Outdoor School. This is where I truly fell in love with the outdoors.

-Played bass with some guys jamming out in Lukenbach, TX.

-Took our first camping trip to Big Bend National Park.

-Met and fell in love with Andy.

-Worked for the American Cancer Society and decided right away that the non-profit sector is not for me.

-Took my first trip to NYC.

-Took on my first attempt at snowboarding in Colorado.

-Went back to school and earned my Master's in Education and my EC-4th grade teaching certification.

-Married my awesome husband.

-Vacationed twice in Hawaii.

-Got my first 2nd grade teaching position.

-Andy and I built our first home.

-We welcomed our first daughter Emma.

-Quickly learned my inner strength by supporting an ill child. Proud to be a mother of a little warrior princess.

-Started a playgroup with some of the greatest moms I know.

-Created a bunco group with some fabulous friends.

-Joined a bookclub with some great women.

-Ended my twenties by welcoming our second beautiful girl, Abigail.

Just Swinging Around

Not Again

After being defeated by the corner of the bed, Emma decided to take on the kitchen table. Well by looking at the picture I think you can tell who won. Though the table had the upper hand by teasing Emma with her juice cup on it.

Who Needs a Maid...

when you can delegate certain chores to your toddler, like...

sweeping the floors


doing the baking



and assisting the handyman

Abby Laughing

Here is a video of Abby showing off her latest talent, laughing. I will apologize now for the bad video skills. I was trying to make her laugh by giving her kisses while video taping with my iphone.

Triplets?

Recently Andy's parents were in town and they brought with them some pictures of Andy and his sister Amy when they were babies. The moment I saw the pictures I thought that Abby really resembled both of them. When we were showing Emma the pictures she kept saying that it was Abby in the pictures. So I thought I would post a picture of each of them.


Abby


Andy


Amy

Who knows, maybe Abby will grow up to look like her beautiful aunt Amy.


Speaking of Amy, we would like to send her a big birthday hug!!

Emma's 3rd Birthday Party

This past Saturday we had a belated birthday party for Emma. With Emma's birthday being so close to Christmas, we have decided to have her party in January to make it easier on everyone's schedule. We are thankful for all our friends that came out and celebrated with us. It was wonderful being able to catch up with all our buddies, especially since it is hard seeing everyone due to our preschool schedules.

For Emma's party we decided to keep it simple and just play with all our new backyard goodies. The kids had a blast playing on the swing set, playing in the playhouse, and kicking the soccer ball around.


The birthday girl!


The kids having some fun.


A group shot of the kiddos, plus one momma. =) Our kids are growing up so fast and now all of our original playdate buddies have siblings.


Cupcake time! Emma was so in awe of everyone singing Happy Birthday to her. It was so precious seeing her reaction.


Time to blow out the candles.


Emma and Allison, her newest buddy. Allison is my good friend Kristin's daughter. We don't get to see each other very often since they live in Buda. So happy they came.


A family photo.

Happy 4 Months Abigail Marian

Our little lady is now 4 months old! I just love this age. Abby is so in love with the world and it shows. She is constantly watching everything and wants to be part of the group. Her smiles are nonstop and she is busy talking to us. She just melts our hearts and we cannot get enough of her. I am trying to enjoy all my snuzzle time with her b/c soon she will need to learn to fall asleep on her own. Something that is no fun for anyone in the beginning. We love you Abby!!

Stats:

Weight: 14lbs 10oz (75%)
Height: 24.5 inches (60%)
Head Cir: 41cm (60%)

At 4 months:

-Her hair is growing and some days it looks strawberry blond and other days it looks dark blond
-Still has big blue eyes
-Wearing size 3-6 months
-Wearing a size 2 diaper
-Eats 4 ounces every three hours
-Sleeps through the night most of the time but every once in awhile wakes up to eat
-Her daytime sleeping is not as good unless she falls asleep in the car or in our arms
-Transitioning to the crib and slowing being sleep trained (Something I am not good at. Breaks my heart to hear her cry)
-Has a tooth coming in but it is taking its sweet time
-Loves to smile at the world
-Talks up a storm
-Enjoys grabbing at things and trying to put them in her mouth
-Cannot get enough of having her fingers in her mouth
-Loves watching Emma play and trying to talk to Emma

Jungle Gym Fun

Abby is now at that age where she truly enjoys her little jungle gym. She loves to try and grab all the toys and put them in her mouth. She gets the biggest kick out of this activity.




Emma needed in on the fun too!



This is Emma after she fell out of the bumbo. Silly girl!