Papa and Granmo

We had an amazing time with my Dad and Step-Mom.  Leah is head over heels in love with Papa and Granmo.  When her and I went to the airport to pick them up, the second she saw Papa she ran right to him and snuggled in.  It was so cute.  She was so excited to see them.

We enjoyed their visit so much.  We played lots of games including my new favorite, Banagram, played with the kiddos until we couldn't play any longer, and even went on a few shopping trips.  We went out to eat at P.F. Changs... ohh it was so yummy, and made pizza loaf one night.  We honestly couldn't have enjoyed their visit any more.

We went to the neighborhood pool on Sunday (their last day here), and the kids enjoyed it so much.  Leah isn't afraid of the water anymore, with the help of her puddle-jumper, her frequent phrase is, "No, let GO!.. Let go!!".  She is Miss Independent and swims as good as a fish.  Brayden enjoyed crawling in the shallow end and floating in his blue boat.

Leah and I ended up dropping them off right after her nap.  She was so excited to go to the "arport" with Granmo and Papa.  She didn't realize we were leaving them there.  She cried almost the entire way home... she wanted to go back and pick them up or go with them.

Brayden spiked another fever.  The third one within a month.  He started diarrhea that night also.  He woke up in the morning without a fever, but now with a runny nose.  His immune system is being put to the test!  Thankfully it is passing with flying colors.  I think we are going to take it easy for the rest of this year though.  No more community pools, and I am going to make sure he gets his naps at the exact time he needs them.  Poor kid!  Speaking of the Bubs... can you believe he is going to be ONE in 2 weeks???  Oh my boy.

Enjoy the pictures.

So excited.

Thursday cannot come soon enough.  We are beyond excited for Papa and Grandmo (my Dad and Step-Mom) to visit us.  Leah will not stop talking about everything we are going to do together.  We can't wait!!!!!

Bailey and Penny can't wait either!

Pirate Princess.

My adorable, girly, sweet, frilly, tiny little girl loves pirates.  Weird, I know.  Every morning we let her watch cartoons while we are getting breakfast ready, and every morning Jake and the Neverland Pirates is on.  Leah shrieks in excitement the second she hears the opening music.  She is hilarious.

Now, every time she sees a girl with a crown she tells me that girl is a pirate princess.  It doesn't matter if it is a baby or Mary Poppins, if she has a crown, she is a pirate princess in Leah's eyes.

She even likes to dress up as a pirate.  She will try to squint one eye and then say she is a pirate.  Oh Leah...

Quick Stats...

Leah at 2.5 years old - 27lbs 36" tall
Brayden at 11 months - 17.4lbs and 27" tall

My little peanut children.

I love.

I love how much she is growing up.  I am so proud of the girl she is becoming.  I have a hard time grasping how big she is getting until she does something like this...

yep, she really did it all by herself!

I love how even though she is a "big girl" now, she still needs my her Momma sometimes.

I love how proud of herself she is.

I love how sweet they are.

this kid was seriously so dirty

when Leah has to go potty while we're out and about.. this is how we do it. - she likes it. haha

 we wore this little man out, and he worked up an appetite.. he ate 1/2 cup of fruit and rice, then I nursed him, then he ate 1/8th of a hot dog, 1/4 cup of mac and cheese, 3 slices of cucumber, and a couple tablespoons of watermelon... I hope he sleeps well tonight! 

We had a few rainy days and I tried to keep the kids occupied.. we made up a few games, played "cooking show", and did lots and lots of coloring...

 pan + toasted oats = about 45 minutes of fun... as you can see.. Brayden enjoyed eating all the extras.

 everyone enjoyed eating the toasted oats

 She wouldn't stop talking the entire time.

I love being their Momma.

11 months.

This is the last month I can say I have a baby and a toddler.  Next month, I will have two toddlers.  That is weird.  It's kind of sad too.  I can't get over how quickly this last year has gone by.  I was enormous last year at this time, and so ready to be done with pregnancy.  I don't miss many many things about being pregnant, but I do miss a few things.  I miss being able to feel him move, watch my belly stir around like crazy, and the fact he had all his needs met by my body instantly.  I miss that.

He is amazing.  He is a determined, sweet, snuggly, wonderful, and hilarious little boy.  He is pulling himself up on everything, and although he doesn't seem to be interested in walking, he gets himself around quickly and efficiently.  He weighs in at a whopping 16.7lbs, and is jabbering so much more these days.  He hasn't said any real words yet other than syllables like dada, mama, baba... ect.  He loves balls, cars, and drums.  He enjoys clanking pots and pans together, playing in the pool outside, and climbing on everything.

I started getting things ready for his birthday.  I can't even believe it.  He seems so much younger to me.  I am treasuring his littleness for as long as I can.  Even though it is a little bittersweet, I am so excited for what is to come.  He is growing into such a wonderful little boy.  I couldn't have asked for more.

Photo by Paula Player Photography