SUCCESS!

I had a doctor's appointment last week and I started the morning by patting myself on the back because I had successfully packed the diaper bag, dressed myself and Sadie, and left the house on time. The drive to the appointment was uneventful and we arrived right on time...or so I thought. When I arrived at the office I noted how unusually empty the waiting room was; and when I signed in the girl behind the counter looked confused when she couldn't find my file. I quick check of the computer confirmed that I did have an appointment on the books for Thursday, I was just early. Arriving early is a major accomplishment with a kiddo in tow, unless of course you are 7 hours early. That's right, 7 hours! Turns out my appointment wasn't until 4pm - FAIL!


It didn't really make sense to drive home just to turn around and come back, so I set out to run some errands.At some point I drove over a dead skunk which wouldn't really be noteworthy except that when I got out of the car several miles later the scent of skunk was still really strong. Again I stress that I drove over the skunk, I did not hit the skunk. 20 minutes of shopping later I was dismayed to find that my car still stunk... I could smell it before I even got close :( trust me when I tell you that od 'de skunk and 100+ temps are not a good combo. A car wash, several hours and several stops later the car still stunk FAIL!

By the time I got home I was certain that the day held one more 'FAIL' (these things come in threes ya know) and I braced myself. Instead of another challenge the universe gave me a gift. I got to see just how much Alyvia loves Sadie. This was the first time the girls have spent more than a few hours apart since we brought Sadie home, and Alyvia missed Sadie. She spent all day looking for Sadie, asking about Sadie and only played with her baby doll (wrapping her up, feeding her, pushing her in her stroller and walker). When we got home Alyvia didn't even acknowledge me, instead she ran straight for Sadie and stayed by her side the rest of the night. She simply adores her little sister. SUCCESS!

Weekend Wrap Up

Yes, it's Wednesday and I am just now posting about our weekend. What a great weekend it was!

On Friday I got to see a college friend and her boys while they were passing through town. The original plan was to meet at the park and let the kids run while we visited, but the Texas weather had other plans.  It was way too HOT for the park so we met for lunch at Chick-Fil-A. Between organizing the kiddos and eating we didn't get to visit as much as we would have liked, but it was still great to see her.  (Sad that we didn't get a picture together)

My mom and dad came over on Friday evening to play with the girls.

We met up with them again on Saturday for a trip to the Aquarium. The Aquarium was awesome!  Lyvi's eye's lit up the minute we walked in and she loved watching the fish.

 When we came to the 'hands on exhibits' she showed off just how fearless she is.  She squeeled with glee each time she touched one of the little sharks or stingrays in the pool. 

She was equally mesmerized by the white tiger.  She would motion for the tiger to come to her (what we call 'grabby hands') but anytime it came close she'd get wide-eyed and put her hands behind her back.

After the aquarium Chris and I reminised about our time as Houston residents as we drove down Westheimer to grab lunch at Texadelphia (one of our favorite places). With full tummy's we headed back to The Woodlands for naps and then a little splashing at The Market Street Splash Pad and a few laps around the green.  (I can't believe Alyvia had the energy for this....I was pooped!)

We recovered on Sunday with a very low key morning before I loaded up Sadie and headed to Tomball for a Tupperware Party with some old friends and Chris took Lyvi to Home Depot! We met back up for dinner and called it a night!

Hope everyone had a great, fun-filled, memorable weekend!

60 Day Photo Challenge [Day 4]

Day 04 - A picture of your night

Most nights 4:30pm - 7:30pm leave me (and Chris) feeling like we've run a marathon. Sometimes it's hard to catch a breath between playing and cooking and dinner and bottles and diapers and baths and bedtime stories and one more bedtime story so after the little ones are in bed and the kitchen has been straightened up we collapse curl up on the couch for a little quality time with the DVR

Photo Friday [Sweet Sadie]

Such a sweet, alert, laid back girl. What a joy she is.

As Promised...

As promised here the Father's Day surprise and the presents that I mentioned in Monday's post.

SURPRISE!

I got the idea for this ca-ute Father's Day banner at Shindig Parties. Unfortunaltly my printer was out of ink so I turned the free printable into a template and whipped out my own necktie banner from scrapbook paper.  I hung it acroos the wall behind our couch where it could easily be seen when Chris walked down the hallway to the living room. I am really pleased with how it turned out! I

PRESENTS!



When I saw this Father's Day Footprint Craft I knew exactly what I wanted to do for Chris for Father's Day. Due to some unforseen circumstances I didn't get around to making the footprints until Saturday, and as a result I had to trick Chris into helping with this part of his present (oops!).  He was still totally surprised and I love that I was able to create this special gift for him.

  

For my dad, I framed pictures of him holding me, Alyvia, and Sadie.  I love how similar the pictures look, especially the one of me and the one of Alyvia and I think he was really touched by the gift.

60 Day Photo Challend [Day 3]

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

So You Think You Can Dance has to be my favortie TV show.  Each season I fall a little more in love with this show.  I really enjoy watching the performances each week, but it's more than that. I think the show really puts some good role models out there, while teaching the audience about different styles of dance and choreography. Entertainment & knowledge all in one nice, neat package!

Weekend Recap

We had a very busy, yet very relaxing weekend around these parts.  Chris and I had plans to join my MOM group for 'date night' at Lupe Tortilla on Friday night, but those plans fell through.  Luckily we were able to make last minute plans with some dear friends in Houston who we have not seen in far too long. So I got all gussied up (a rare occurance), we dropped the girls off with my parents (so lucky to have them) and headed to Houston. We made a quick stop to pick up a double stoller (one of Chris's Craig's List finds) then met our friends at Barnby's Cafe (the original). The restaurant was cute, the food & wine were great, and the company and conversation was even better.  In fact, it was so good that we lost track of time and ended up picking Sadie up a little later  lot later than planned.

Chris got up on Saturday and headed back to The Woodlands to pick up Lyvi and to do some grocery shopping, leaving me to putter around the house and spend some time with Sweet Sadie. They made it back just in time for lunch and a nap. The rest of Saturday was pretty low key, which was just perfect.



I got up bright and early on Sunday to finish up a few Father's Day surprise* and let Chris sleep in while I fed the girls breakfast, and fixed coffee and blueberry muffins for us.  After Lyvi had said 'Da-Di?' for the billionth time we went in to wake him up, climbed into bed and snuggled for a bit (ie, as long as Lyvi's attention span would allow)  

Then we moved to the living room for breakfast and more cuddling and presents*!



 After and early nap for Lyvi we were all set to spend the rest of the day celebrating and relaxing with my parents (Nonnie & Pop).  We ate, played, bubbled and kiddie pooled away the rest of the day...it was perfect!

 The Daddys (what is the plural of Daddy?) even managed to squeeze in a nap!

 All in all it was a great weekend and I hope that Chris and my dad know how very loved and appreciated they are.

*more on the surprise and presents later.

Happy Father's Day

My Dad & Me

I am so blessed to have a Daddy who taught me the importance of dreams,honesty, faith, family, hardwork & perserverance. I have so much respect for his integrity and attitude. I am thankful for the lessons he taught me (and is still helping me to learn) and for the friendship we have developed now that I am an adult. I feel priveleged to watch him making memories with my children.
I would not be the woman that I am today with out this man.

Chris & Alyvia (09-26-09)

Chris & Sadie (05-05-2011)

I am also blessed to have a husband who is an awesome dad! Parenthood has been quite a ride and I cannot think of anyone I would rather be on it with.  I know that our girls adore you and that together we will teach them to be independent, self-assured women with strong values and love of family. Even though they are too young to say it, know that we appreciate all that you do for 'your girls'.