Happy Valentines Day 2013

Gus Theodore is 10 months old

Our favorite baby boy turned 10 months old today. Gus is the best. We're all having so much fun with him. Sam and I often find ourselves laughing at the cute things he did that day, at the end of the night. Mabel loves to say, "He's so cutie, Mama" and I couldn't agree more. 

 

 

His personality has blossomed and he's the sweetest boy. He's very sensitive and most of the time, very timid, until his sister riles him up. Gus has become a very fast crawler, if you turn your back for a moment, he's gone. He has said a few words like "Mama" (only when he is whinny), "Dada" all the time, "uh oh" and a very enthusiaastic "Hiiiiiii".  He is standing on his own but no steps yet. Mabel has been trying to teach him to walk and it's so fun to watch. I love the fact that he has a sibling he can look up to and learn from, even at such a young age.

 

I love this boy. His big blue eyes, those cheeks, and that smile are my favorite. This guy brings nothing but pure joy around here. I can't believe he will be 1 in two months. Time sure does fly.

 

Gus's first words. Dada. Of course. 

 

 

happy holidays. our card.

 

Our holiday cards were quite easy this year being that we just had our wedding in October. We loved our wedding photos and there was no question when I came across these two photos that they were perfect for a holiday card. I love the fact that the kids were all dressed up but Gus is eating grass and Mabel had stolen my flowers. I chose a simple design from Peartree Greetings and I'm very happy with the results.

Polar Express 2012

In the spirit of continuing traditions, last night we headed to Williams, Arizona to board the Polar Express, aka the Grand Canyon Railroad, en route to the North Pole. This year with an extra baby in tow of course.

  

Gus didn't really say much about the experience other than a few moans and cries when it was well past his bedtime. If I had to speak for him I would say he mostly enjoyed the sugar cookie he stole from his sister that I was too preoccupied to take away from him.

Mabel on the other hand enjoyed herself so much this year, she's still talking about it. It's quite an experience really. Santa, kids, cookies, hot cocoa, Christmas carols, dancing chefs, kids, and more kids. She was adorable and I cant wait until next year when both of them will be able to understand and enjoy it. It's such a great kickoff into the Christmas Season for us.

Both babies came away with their very own Polar Express bell from Santa himself (that's the point of the whole thing really, see photo above) and of course we bought Gus his very own Polar Express ornament so that he'll remember it always :) Tis the Season!

 

An Elmo cake with Dorothy too!

 

 

 

  

 

Mabel turned 2 and the celebrating continues. We had a little gathering at our house this afternoon complete with dear friends and of course an "Elmo cake, with Dorothy too!" When we asked Mabel what she wanted to eat at her party her response was "Soup!" I made french Onion which is her favorite. She received a play kitchen from Mama and Daddy and that took care of the entertainment. After singing and cake the kids played in the freshly fallen leaves from our apricot tree.

It was a lovely afternoon.

Breakfast with Santa & not one tear was shed!

Sam and I took the kids to a "Breakfast with Santa" event this morning. To my surprise both kids sat perfectly on Santa's lap. Gus was in complete shock when I handed him off to the big guy in red. Mabel told Santa she wanted, "a piano, OK!?" She also said, "Thank you Santa, see you soon" right before she jumped off his lap and ran to me. They are both so cute.

Mabel Rose Turns 2

Happy Birthday to our sweet Mabel. Today is bittersweet for me. Don't get me wrong, I love celebrating today and what it is about. After all it's the day Mabel came into this world and also the day I became a Mom. It's been 2 years since our eyes first met. 2 years feels more like 2 months. You hear it so often and everyone knows that time flies but sometimes it's just too hard to deal with that.

Last night as I thumbed through photos of the last 2 years with our girl on this planet, I was overcome with emotions. I was sad. I was happy. I was proud. I felt blessed to call her ours. She is so much more than I ever imagined she would be and I can't imagine my life without her. She has grown into a beautiful, smart, quirky, lovely little girl who captivates those around her and never ceases to amaze me. You can't help but smile when sister is near. 

 

 

This morning Sam and I woke up and put all of our emotions to bed except for happy, proud, and excited because it was time to celebrate our girl. We had a special pancake breakfast with lots of balloons and Justin Bieber. We spent the morning at the library with friends where Mabel proudly announced to everyone "It's my Birthday" and "I am 2!" We stopped to take some pictures, it's getting harder and harder to capture this girl on the go. We had a special picnic lunch in the living room while watching Elmo and then went down for a nap after reading 2 extra stories rather than our usual 2. Tonight she has requested to eat dinner at Daddy's work so that's what we'll do because it's her day.

 

This girl is special. We love her and couldn't be more proud. We can't wait to see her grow even though it will be tough on this Mama. 

Happy Day, Happy Year, Happy Always and Ever!