Life is Good

happy 8th birthday douglas

2012-01-30T10:41:00.000-08:00

how is Douglas 8 years old? I remember when he was born like it was yesterday. We hadn't had a new baby in our family for about 5-6 years so he was a breath of fresh baby air. And 8 years later, I couldn't think of a sweeter picture than seeing him with his Papa driving his racing boat on the lake.

Douglas is smart as a whip and has such a zest for life and such a soft heart for everyone around him. I hope grady is like him 7 years from now when he's 8. And as handsome as a fox!

opening up one of his big presents and of course it didn't come easy. A scavenger hunt created by Grandpa to sweeten the deal that much more.

Grace holds Grady like it's effortless and Grady doesn't ever know what to think. He doesn't cry and he doesn't smile. Just flops around awkwardly with the deer in the headlights look. ADORABLE!!!!

"Hey, I think I really love you because you always make me feel included." -Grady Wayne, Age 1

bday girl wanna be...

i seriously want this framed 16x20 for Papa for father's day.

or this one.

these pictures are totally priceless (lol on lily's face checking him out trying to figure out how she feels about Papa she doesn't see very often)

deep thoughts by Lily Grace...

this was the fastest racing boat I've ever seen. it took off and I think it even left a wake.

Happy Birthday Douglas. We were so happy seeing you opening all of your presents and the joy on your face, but in reality you are such a gift to all of us!

hanging around...

2012-01-25T06:34:00.000-08:00

Lily still asks me everyday with a reassuring tone "Daddy is coming home tonight right mommy?" I think it was semi-traumatizing to have such a powerful figure in her life be there for her everyday for 3.5 years and then suddenly he wasn't there like she relied on so heavily. And with most kids, they are resilient so she's flying high when I say "yes, of course he is" and I can see her breathing a little lighter. And jumping a little higher.
apparently the toy box doubles as a dancing stage, a place for concerts and also as a trampoline or a diving board.

raising her hand, playing school which she does around the clock these days. she starts school next week (i've been saying that since we got here) and my feelings are all over the map about this.

she's just growing up way too fast for me. things are so different about her lately, but so the same. it's like this abstract feeling of a new kid I get when I'm with her. I can't put my finger on it. Is it her face, her voice, her expressions, her walk, her hair? I can't place it because I see her everyday that it's so gradual, but so drastic.

and Grady? he seems the same as the day he was born....happy go lucky, waving all the time, and smiles in his sleep. He sure doesn't like his new teeth coming in - that surely makes him mad, but oversized jammies don't bother him much.

the 3 musketeers - the playroom is like a family magnet for everyone. it's separate from the rest of the house and looks like a mini-classroom where the kids gravitate as soon as they wake up - we usually follow.

Lily is really into magic lately. "mommy you can't touch me because I'm going to lose my magic powers" as she prances around with her magic wand. "Unless you're going to hug me or kiss me then you can touch me." she clarifies.

Her latest trick? Disappearing. See these ordinary boxes and her assistant Grady?

tada- she disappeared, but we're so happy she's back.

"mommy don't tell anyone how I did my magic trick okay? It's a secwet."

peek a boo

another narcoleptic on our hands - randomly will rest his head wherever he can when he needs a mental break. My favorite place is when he rests on my shoulder. (happy sigh)

ready for more playing....

a lapboard in the car...best invention ever!!

Grady got a little carried away with his game of basketball. Think he was trying to sabotage the opponent.

playing peek a boo with one of his many friends he picks up along the way.

while we waited for our little ballerina and tap dancer to be finished with her class. She is loving her new studio and a dancing machine lately.

being fitted for her recital costume in June - boots are not part of the costume.

15 month checkup for the Gradester- all is healthy and happy in his world. I was a little worried because he's pretty bow-legged and I immediately envisioned him in leg braces for a year limping around trying to straighten them out, but Dr. Stout (yes, that is her name) said it's perfectly normal and will work itself out on its own. She added "you sure make them big over there in Naples" about G-money. I agree. Holding and playing with him is like playing with a 4 year old school aged child. Ready for this one? Lily and Grady are wearing the same shoe size!! Yes, I said it! Granted, Lily's feet have always been small, but come on? They're 2 and half years apart to the day!! wowsa! Linebacker, catcher or defensive end, we've got a big'un on our hands.

Life is good.

visitors

2012-01-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

We've been pretty spoiled with visitors and upcoming planned visits from family and friends to soften the fall of moving far away from loved ones. Time together was something we used to take for granted and there was an intense comfort in knowing we were always around the corner for a play date, a quick trip to see the sunset or meet for a drink just because.

We were lucky to have a visit from Aunt Jennifer and I thought she was going to swallow L&G up whole with the quality time they had together. Sometimes I felt like the 4th wheel when I was with them because they were off in their own little world. And I couldn't be happier seeing them feed off each other in the love fest. As soon as Lily and Grady woke up, they headed straight to Aunt Jennifer's room for some kisses, hugs and snuggles.

And books.

and more books...

seriously who looks happier here? I call a tie.

and we kept busy as usual. A visit to Chuck is always in order...

hugs all around...(lily insisted on the boots and I happily obliged)

and kisses too...

and for some reason the amazing zoo here has a merry-go-round in it too....not sure I see the connection between the natural habitats of zoo life and a merry go round, but Lily isn't asking any questions. Grady wasn't a fan of the ride, but felt safer in grandma's lap.

and pizza dates trying to find our favorite pizza joint in town is becoming harder than expected because we're a fan of every place...

Lily is turning into a little nerd practicing her letters, tracing, coloring, and doing dot to dots around the clock. We still think she might be ambidextrous because she'll alternate between left and right hand freely. (note use of right hand)

and a trip to Chili's is our default watering hole where someone always cries....most happy tears, but sometimes the sharing your deepest heart thoughts tears too.(mom was standing on chair taking this)

and here's 2 pictures from christmas that got lost in the shuffle of the move 4 days after the big holiday. Love this picture of her writing a letter to Santa at Flesher farms...(note use of left hand)

and this of us dancing under the moonlight. I remember both of us missing David so much on this night because we were creating memories without him, but pushing through knowing we'd be reunited soon enough and also feeling lucky enough to have dad and jen go with me to share the experience. I promised Lily in just few more days and daddy would be home every night. That was all she needed to hear. And that she got to come back with just daddy that weekend.

life is good.

normalcy

2012-01-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

They say "Home is Where the Heart Is" and i wanna spray paint that on our garage door because the hutchesons are all collectively exhaling a sigh of relief that we're back together under one roof. the kids are happier and in turn so are we because as my dad/dr. phil says you're only as happy as your saddest child and I'm gonna spray paint that on our roof. Our weekends used to be cluttered with catching up from the week, decompressing, cleaning, packing, squeezing in quality time with the few hours we had together and now we can take that time together a little bit more for granted and fill it with quality time doing fun normal stuff that families do together. Normal is overused because there's nothing normal about our family, but relief and exhaling are emotions we're all feeling. I just mean normal things like trips to target with one child for some bonding time and forgetting the seatbelt.

or trips to chuck-e-cheese which is around the corner from us and the cheapest date with kids I can ever imagine. I always assumed Chuck-e-Cheese was overpriced, but boy was I wrong. Lily asks to go almost everyday. I try to mix up our outings , but she'd go there 7 days a week if she could.

G would do anything on any given day. he's just happy to be around people. he's suuuuch a social butterfly!

he makes friends wherever we go and he's never known a stranger in his life. everyone is his friend and his life is just one big party. no idea who this boy is, but g wanted to be his friend (excuse the no shoes. he was 'supposed' to stay in the stroller for our quick trip that wasn't quick)

and he's as sweeet as he looks. blows kisses non stop, is always on a mission of exploring, but will stop spontaneously and give random kisses, hugs and says "ha" for "hi" 43x a day.

and our little diva who has to have more necklaces on than Mr. t before she leaves the house. i've seen such a cosmic shift in her too...it's a combination of growing and being back to the routine of having daddy come home every night for dinner. she still asks everyday if he's coming home even though she already knows the answer; it's like she's looking for that reassurance so she can exhale too.

having douglas and grace down the street has been awesome for everyone.

moving day playing a few more hours on our fun patio....

and kids at the park playing with their aunties while mom and dad huffed and puffed packing the moving truck.

the libraries here are off the ch-zain...it's like a quiet amusement park

with centers and stations setup like a classroom.

and a place for snack breaks...

and feels normal to have show and tell in our backyard...

and nothing better than visitors from naples to make our new house into a home...at our favorite watering hole we can't go to unless we're all together under the same jalepeno.

have i mentioned how crazy g is? i'm talking wild with no fear for anything and a little daredevil. You'd think this was chocolate pudding on his face or maybe some veggies, but no, it's a dirt pile he went face first into during one of his adventures. Dirt doesn't stop him.

or stop the smiling...

lily's reaction to grady's daredevil-ness cracks me up...she's always been such a safe, rule following kid who talks about the "manger" ("manager") at every store we go to making sure she doesn't do the wrong thing so she is horrified and aghast by his behavior.

such a cute picture of molly's 3 kids. (yes dan is one of them)

for some reason lily had the serious munchies at the zoo and ate more that day than she does in a week....digging for gold.

love this shot and i know grady wanted to be up there too - he loves to climb and im terrified when he perfects this more than he does now. he'll scale that wall in a minute once he figures it out.

although i hate the cold weather (im such a wimp) kids somehow look cuter in warm clothes...i see a lot of the back of grady as he's running off into the crowds with no care in the world where his mom or dad is...

while lily is always closeby amazed by his independence...

she used to wail at the sight of furry characters, but now she can't keep her hands off of them.

oh how we love me some monkey joes. google them. find one closeby and go. it's the cleanest bounce house place i've ever been to and bounce houses as big as the moon. we just bought a frequent swinging card so we'll be there weekly for sure!

Although I dont know what "normal" is, i just feel a sense of normalcy doing normal family things and knowing there's support here for our family and knowing our family and friends we so dearly love are only 2 hours away which feels like a hop skip and a jump these days! I wanna always remember how hard it was to be a fragmented family so I can appreciate the family time even when there's normal frustrations of daily life; i'll hold onto that feeling to help me on those put those pull my hair out moments and help put everything into perspective.

life is good.

feeling settled...

2012-01-08T17:42:00.000-08:00

our lives were turned upside down 6 months ago and we've been fighting for firm footing ever since.

it's been a rocky road for sure and a long one to get there. packing up our beloved house with a 1 and 3 year old and david away was nearly impossible, but somehow it all was finished at the 11th hour. Since then we've been unpacking like crazy people trying to attain that feeling of settled and contentment within and as a family.

i've been hyperorganized labeling everything from my jeans to my underwear and working morning noon and night to get every last box empty, piece of furniture in place and wall hanging hung. Other than a few wall hangings, we're FINALLY all moved in and feeling settled. (cue nerd chanting with the labels).

moving at the new year is great timing because you can hit the top 3 resolutions at once...1. spend less money because you find clothes and goodies you never knew you had, 2. lose weight because of the stress of moving and 3. purge and be more organized because you unearth every belonging and have to make decisions about where everything will go again and giving it away is sometimes faster than finding another spot for the crap.

lunch break from the madness using lily's tiny art table chairs.

our house was torn apart from all the packing and we lost our dining room table for a couple of days...lily was a trooper through it all and improvised mixing it up.

and grady? he just keeps running and smiling through anything.

they were so exhausted, this tasted like a gourmet meal...

our poor garbage collector at our new house as we ransacked through every box and with every pickup, we look a little more trashy

previous to our moving day, david and family would take over a load of c....r....a....p with each trip over to the east coast. we estimated about 15 trips with different SUVs, we rented the biggest truck that uhaul made

aaaaaaaaaaaand we still didn't have enough room for it all. so we had to rent a trailer to trail behind the uhaul and we still have some stuff left in naples. Not much left, but it's still unreal how much crapola we have! (man, do i wanna curse the word the rhymes with mitt)

please stop the madness...

blech.....i was disgusted with all the stuff that just didn't stop coming...

neverending schmitt everywhere....

my car jam packed to the gills with just hanging clothes. there's nothing worse that moving hanging clothes because the clothes always fall off the hangers, they all get tangled up and it's neverending....

seeing the movers gently manhandle our precious belongings left a lump in my throat....

and this sight about swallowed me whole...

when the lump and tears flowed, i'd just chant to myself, 'this is best for our family. for david. for lily. for grady. for me." knowing it was wholeheartedly.

and now we're working like mad to make our new house a home

and finding our way exploring around a new town. (my dad mailed me this handmade ruler drawn map when I told him how lost i keep getting on routine errands)

and settling into our new normal; attaining our footing again; feeling secure, settled, a sense of wholeness, content and at peace being reunited as a family of 4 under the same roof with no work trips to pack for, no goodbyes to daddy, and no counting the days until he returns. replacing those yucky feelings with dancing, family dinners, handheld prayers, bike rides, and neverending play time mixed with lots of storytime....(jen turned our energizer bunny grady into a true bookworm suddenly)

life is good.

We're Moving.

2011-12-28T04:48:00.000-08:00

What a hard post this is for me. Words fail me when I try to compose just how I feel about all this.I dont think I've ever worked harder on a post and feel like it's still not enough to describe my feelings. Sigh. After many painful and trying months of being apart, our family of 4 is finally going to reunite. We are moving to Boca to be closer to David's job. Big sigh.

I'm soooooo excited about finally be under the same roof, but I'm so incredibly sad about leaving too!! It's the most bittersweet experience ever!! I go from crying about packing our memories into boxes and then get giddy thinking about being back together. I have the most polarizing feelings all in the same minute. Essentially, we have the perfect life in Naples with our support system and fun at every corner, but without David here it's just not the same.

He makes our family complete and we have felt his absence in ways we couldn't ever imagine

and he has been left out of so many memories, laughing and loving by being so far away each night. When I'm having a hard day he'll say "I wish I could be there for that" and when we're having a mojo flowing happy day with lots of giggles and laughs, he'll say "I wish I could be there for that."

I couldn't agree more.

Like any good dad, his kids are his life; they're like his air to him and being away from them is suffocating to him.

It has affected us all.

Lily pathetically longs for her daddy daily saying things to me that are like daggers in my heart hourly. Within the first 2 minutes of waking up, "is daddy coming home tonight mommy?"
Or things like "mommy why does daddy's work last so long?" ,

"His work just keeps going and going."

or "I wanna sleep at daddy's work with him"

and looking out the window around dinner time asking "Is tonight a 'daddy night'?"

"I wanna rock with daddy because I just love him so much."

Seriously, where is the knife? Because just shove it in my heart.
She talks about him constantly, writing him notes, and when something funny happens between us she'll immediately say "tell daddy about dat okay?" while she's still laughing. He is on the forefront of her mind all the time and she's really feeling the loss of his presence. Or sometimes she'll just be more obvious about it and breakdown crying whimpering "i just miss daddy so much".

I couldn't agree more.

It's such a testament to the powerful force a parent has in a child's life. She can't wait to have daddy tuck her in every night and play chase with her. She's over the moon about moving closer to daddy and doesn't care if we moved to Zimbabwe as long as we're together. Today she said "Mommy, pack those boxes super fast so we can sleep close to daddy sooner."

You'll do anything to see your kids happy.

Anything. (meet Grady's twin lily at 9 months old, 2008)

Grady's face beams when David comes home and he won't let David put him down for anything. Grady walked for the first time and david didnt see it until four days later. It's just all too much to grasp. This is not what being a family is all about. We worked so hard to bring them in this world and not sharing it with David seems pale in comparison to the beauty of them growing up.

This is all too much for me to handle. Emotionally, physically and spiritually, Im wiped out.

I call Uncle.

I call Mercy.

Hutch out.

(waving the white flag)

It's lonely every night to experience all the joys and hardships of parenthood alone even though I have had help at every turn from so many friends and family; there's nothing like sharing it with David. And I like some me-time like there's nobody's business, but this is too much of a good thing. I've had days where I felt like a complete failure and others where I couldn't believe all I was doing, but managing the heartbreak from the kids has been the worst of it. The shingles were a direct response to all of this and my body just said this is all too much for me to handle and shut down. The 3 of us did get get a nice rhythm and grew such an amazing bond from this experience; I think I grew the most and have them to thank for that.
My already slender husband lost 15 pounds and him being a weekend dad is not in his DNA. I feel like I've been going through a divorce except I don't hate my husband. I have such a new respect for single parents and anyone going through a separation of any sort; by choice or not by choice. It's tough on everyone.

Because he can't commute any longer and having 2 days a week with the kids isn't an option we're moving to the Boca area to be closer to his job and put our family back together. Molly and Mom will be close and since I grew up there I have high school friends too to soften the fall. Thank God for that! People I love are like the roots in my tree that keep me happy. They're going to have to hold the bucket for my tears of sadness leaving such a wonderful place and I know we'll create a new wonderful place over there together. Mom and Molly are so easy and fun to be around. We got a house over there we absolutely love. I'm excited about the cousins being close and me having more time with the kids during the day and to know that David is coming home at night for family dinners, walks around the neighborhood or a game of hide and go seek make me know it's all going to be okay. But change is hard for the Hutchesons. If you know us, we like routine, predictability, and take that comfort for granted. This has rocked our Hutcheson world planning Excel spreadsheets in a big way.

Because with the decision to move, there comes a ton of really hard consequences. I have the most wonderful family-friendly job working just part-time and with the coolest people on the planet.

who love kids and work hard, but also are super fun....what a perfect combination.

I've been with the same school system for 15 whopping years. VME, BCE and NPE friends have been amazing to me. I couldn't have asked for better personal and professional experiences at top notch schools. Lily and Grady's school is ON SITE with me at VME, meaning I get to take them to school with me and pop in on them at any given moment for some snuggles, read a story to the class, drop off a forgotten nuk or spy on them on the playground. It's a dream situation.

This place is more than a school, but an extension of our home and it is utopia in those 4 walls where magic happens. I was doing lessons in their classes and am AMAZED how well behaved ALL OF THEM are! Im there for 30+ minutes and I dont have to use any of my redirection strategies, they all listen intently, raise their hand appropriately, never call out and seem to grasp the lessons. They're 3 and 4 years old people!!?? It's always like that! The energy in those rooms is calm, loving, peaceful, where fun is promoted and kindness is the highest priority.

Lily and Grady absolutely thrive there socially and academically and their hearts grow everyday while there. Academics take a back seat in my mind when it comes to school right now because all that matters is they learn to share, be kind and have a really fun time playing. All the academic stuff is gravy.Their school is too good to be true, but it is true.

And we're in love.

These are just a few of the HUNDREDS of pictures their teachers send to us on a regular basis.

they know how much we miss our babies so they send us pictures to let us know their happy, safe, and having a blast. Such comfort throughout our day.

They are super silly too which my kids love...

and being friends with all of the other moms in the class makes it feel like such a community of love where we're all looking out for one another and love each child like our own. It also helps that all the kids in the class are really good kids; such amazing role models for my kids.
and they gently pull Lily out of her cozy shell

they're always there for us when we need something. or dont need anything at all.

Last night, I went through the 100s of daily notes they wrote everyday about Lily and Grady's day. Tears flowing of course. I've saved everyone. You would too if you read some of them. They're front and back, handwritten with every little detail about their day, telling funny antedotes, and gushing about how special they are. On our last day one of the angel teachers, Kim wrote this to our family. This one will be laminated and kept forever.

"Happy Hutchesons ~ Ok...so gulp, sigh, racing heart, shakey hands. I have fallen so in love with you and you, and her and him that I think about you, pray for you and wish the best things to each of you. The memories you have given me, I cherish, the times you have filled my heart, countless. The times you have made me laugh, smile, or feel joy, also countless. I have always had such a special connection with all of you and I hope you will continue to be part of my life. Because I am so happy to see all that lies ahead for you. I can't wait to know that you are under one roof, reading books, swimming and chasing Grady around. I can't wait for Lily and David to get back to the rituals of daily life back on track. I can't wait to read your blog and delight in your family togetherness.

I love you, all of you. And hope that I can get more time with your dad volunteering at the YMCA so please let him know. I will be sending a book that I'm making for Lily to remind her how special she is to me, and all of us. So, in the meantime, give her 40 kisses and hugs for me everyday. God, I love her.

And Grady, how ridiculously cute, happy and funny can one child be? There is so much vigor and life in him. He is going to take you on such a journey. And he is so loved that he already has the world wrapped around his little finger, in just 14 months he has lived, and laughed harder than some do in a life time. And that's what I love about Grady.

He had a great day by the way so thank him for letting me journal on his daily note. Merry Christmas - Happy New Year, Happy Everything Happy Hutchesons. I love you, Kimberly.

(sniffley, sniffle)So yea, their school is beyond special and words fail me when I think about the love, blessings, and support they have shown to our family. We will always be in each other's lives that's for sure.
Then there's our friends we've had for 15+ years who have shown us loyalty, love and kindness like we didnt think possible. They're not "like family", but part of our extended family and that bond builds with time and experiences together; not something that happens overnight. So many of these wonderful people got down on their knees and prayed like a nun for Lily and Grady to come into this world and know the hardships it took. I'm forever grateful for old & new friends that have weaved their way into our lives making everything okay; celebrating the good times and helping us through the rough times. I dont know how we would've made it without all these people.

Over the years, I've discovered how much I need people in my life to make me laugh, teach me things about life and make me a better person. They're like my fuel for my life. Whether we talk 7x a day, once a week, or just see each other at gatherings, they have all played a part of writing on the Hutcheson family love slate. There's even more, but I dont have a picture of every single one. That's how incredibly blessed we are.

friendship prerequisite #1....make sure we laugh a lot.

I've learned to have a great friend, I need to be that great friend and it's a win-win for everyone.
I just adore all these people.

and like i tell my students, if you feel good when you're around that friend and after you leave to go home, then that's a sign of a true friend. I tell them to do a heart and tummy check and friends should only make you feel happy and gooey on the inside. I'm so lucky to have that feeling over and over.
15 years of friendships don't come easy, but they're worth all the work through the ups and downs; with mostly ups.

we've experienced big life changing events in life together like babies being born, marriages, illnesses, infertility, attended funerals together, big milestone birthdays, bachelorette parties, baby showers, hurt feelings, moving, and a gazillion happy hours where we pee our pants laughing.

and celebrate those tender moments that take your breath away...like meeting Lily Grace for the first time.

we're so blessed that my kids have friends their age and 50+ years old than them and learn and grow from each and every one's heart touching theirs. What a blessing.

celebrating the good times are the best kind of all

with lots of hugs (and laughter)

where we can all act like little kids at heart and in real life... and celebrate our kids together...

Grady's godparents and role models; Eric was born on Grady's birthday 10-10-1960, exactly 50 years prior to his birth. There are no accidents.

when you love our kids, you're really directly loving us...

conquering goals together and pushing each other to be the best we can be...

and our kids' budding friendships mean the world to us...

did i mention we like to laugh and party like rockstars?

getting our masters together - i would not have made it across that graduation stage without these 2; I felt like giving them my diploma when I graduated bc they helped me that much.

and then working with Julie turned from a co-worker into a friend for life.

and the love shown to our kids before and after they're born mean the world to us ...

and the comfort in neighbors who will be there at a moments notice.

The love they fill in my heart just overflows. (julie didn't want to kiss me-lmao!!)
reliving my childhood with these girls...

wow, I've noticed after going through all these pictures, we celebrate a lot.

all of these people make my heart swell with happiness...
and can almost make you float on a happy day, and they're there to pick yourself up on a heavy day.

How am I the only blonde here? These girls show me maybe just blondes don't have more fun because fun is their middle name. And kind. And loyal. And hilarious. And all that yummy stuff that makes a friend.
I'm a better person for knowing all of these people and thank God everyday for them in my life.

Leaving my dad and sister Jen is devastating. I know that's a strong word, but we are stronger than ever and since we have known about moving, we've been joined at the hip and don't take one second for granted anymore. That....and I need a lot of flipping help!

We're like the 3 muskateers in Naples and will have to define our new normal with skyping, lots of visits, trips to sawgrass mall to meet for 1/2 way for lunch, phone calls galore, and incessant texting of course. We'll have to work harder, but like jen said "a location does not define us". No truer words have ever been said.

We'll be okay and I think the anticipation of this is worse than actually living it because we'll make it work no matter what. That's what families do. you love, adjust, realign, love, connect and as Caroline Manzo would say "we're as thick as thieves". I know we'll still feel as connected because since we've been in Naples, Mom and Molly have always been 2 hours away from us now and I feel VERY connected to their families and I know they feel the same. So now we're just flipping the tables, (not like Teresa Guidice)

I cry at just the thought of leaving them behind and I know it's only 2 hours away, but when all you know is 10 minutes away, it's a huge adjustment and Boca suddenly feels like Russia.

My dad is a true Godsend. He has always been there for me and would do anything for his kids. And now his grandkids.

He's always there. Period. Always there.

for the big moments...

and the little moments...
He's such an involved dad and Grandpa; always has been. He's the kind of Grandpa who sits on the floor and plays legos for hours with the kids and doesn't want any interruptions from big people.(one of my favorite pictures ever)

(love Lily's yellow sunglasses on his shirt)
and he's super silly too which every kid loves.
always there supporting, loving and cheering us all on.

I sent him a text thanking him for going to lily's ballet show and helping with grady since siblings weren't allowed in the room. I feel like i'm always thanking him for something and never feel like I give enough in return. He wrote me this email to let me know I am doing enough. (in his mind)

Kelly -
You don't need to keep thanking me for coming to things like this dance thing . . . or to baby sit . . . like last night the kids and I took a 90 minute walk around the circle . . . cuz I consider it a privilege to have been asked . . .so I should be the one to say thank you . . .so I will . . . THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Pops

is he for real? the answer is yes and anyone who knows him benefits from his heart.

and he always manages to teach us so much along the way and never in the "overbearing-advice-giving-way", but in the "watch-what-I-do way".

Nothing more powerful in my book.

and then there's Jen....sigh.
seriously, could we be any closer and in each other's heads; we're like siamese twins without the cojoined awkwardness
what a roller coaster of emotions this has been for her, for me, and for us.

we have been so incredibly spoiled to live 10 minutes away, work together and she gets to relive her love for the wonder years through my kids. She loves them like her own. She was supposed to be their kindergarten teacher. And her kids are like my own. for the past 16 years, i got to watch her as an amazing mom. for the last 3, i've been able to share in that parenting love with her.
After many years of trying and tears shed by us both, she went running one day and it started raining. Pouring down rain and she kept running. Faster and faster. She literally cried while running, begging and yelling to God to give us a baby. I know she's part of the reason Lily and Grady are here. Miracles do happen.
How did i get so lucky?

I'm so incredibly blessed to have 2 sisters that double as my friends too. Like I really like them not because I have to but because they're awesome people. Then they married super fun guys who are the brothers I never had and together they all had amazing kids too. Bonus!

whether we see each other everyday or not,that feeling of being close is going to be hard on us both.
but we're connected no matter what

and the fun and love will continue to grow just like we're 10 minutes away; it just will take more effort.

and the memories we've made for the last 37 years will build upon themselves in the next 37 years and beyond.

that I know for sure.

It's neat that we get to go to Church with Jen and the fam and Dad every week too. We absolutely LOVE our church. We had never been there before and went there on a whim one day because of a scheduling issue and we never stopped going. We don't go to this church on Sunday because we have to, but we go because we want to and it's like a magnet to our hearts bringing us there every Sunday. They say that's a sign of a good church and boy did we find it.

Lily goes to Sunday school there and has learned so much. We were so proud of her when our little shy one took the stage for the Christmas Eve program Saturday and acted like it was no big chicken-wing-thing she was up there. Seriously I couldn't wave, smile, and put my thumbs up high enough for her.

Jen caught the moment on camera when she spotted us in the crowd.

I love seeing her confidence and independence grow everyday.
to hear my beautiful friend Andrea belt it out every week makes me cry every.single.week. Hands down, no questions asked, there are tears shed because of her singing. we catch eyes every week and usually mine are filled with water and i can barely see her. she inspires me.

Lily has been absolutely thriving in her ballet class

I've already signed her up for ballet and tap in boca, but there's nothing like dancing with your friends SammyMack and the others she loves.

Hanging with my superpal Lindsey every week and meeting the other new moms who I connect with like Ashley and Kara make it a bummer to leave such a neat place.
So we readjust, make a new normal and get more creative with how we stay connected.

I can barely talk about leaving this house....it's not just a house, but a home with love oozing out of the walls. This is the home we built from the ground to bring our babies home to. When we met with the builders 8 years ago, all of our focus was on what could be the best house for kids.
We agonized over every electrical outlet placement, light fixture and how to build our pool best for kids, making sure we had a fun waterfall and sun shelf for them to frolic. Then we moved into this house, meant for 4, we had so many big hopes and dreams for us as a couple starting a family after waiting 2 years of being married to make sure we had everything ready and in place. We threw a big housewarming party and knew we'd fill it up with babies right away.

(record scratches) mmmm, not so much! this 4 bedroom house turned into a constant reminder of what we couldn't have no matter how hard we tried and prayed. It was like a dark cloud was above it as we sat in this big house with no kids for 4 long agonizing years sitting on the couch downstairs looking up, staring up at the 2 empty bedrooms which would be their future nurseries upstairs that almost seemed to taunt us.

Then we were able to bring Lily and Grady home to their rooms and the dark clouds turned into rainbows and shone light, love, air and freedom back into our home.

We could breathe again because of them.

and their filled rooms bring me immeasurable joy and peace.

we put every ounce of our heart into creating these rooms so they'd be a tiny reflection of the abundance of love in our hearts for them.

and together it completes our dream...

then we spend the rest of the time filling it up with memories sprinkling love dust all over filling it with people, laughter, fun and memories we'll cherish forever.

To leave this home is like leaving my 3rd child behind because it has so much symbolism and memories in it. Crushes me.

I don't like to talk about moving because it's hard to articulate all the mixed up emotions I feel about it so I just change the subject when it comes up and rarely even talk about it. It feels like it's happening so fast, but it's been a long time in the works and something David and I discuss daily and everything just came to a head where we had to make a decision. The limbo and uncertainity was killing us all. Just for some perspective on me.... I have a problem leaving a simple dinner party even if we're the last one there because I feel like I'm going to disappoint the host throwing the party. Well, leaving Naples is that feeling times a gabillion. I just want to sneak out of town and tell everyone after I leave. I hate good-byes with a passion and won't utter those words to anyone. At anytime. Jen BEGGED us to throw a going away party and I/we begged, pleaded. kicked and screamed making her promise not to because it's just too much spotlight on a goodbye. we almost got into the boxing ring over it . She unhappily and begrudgingly obliged. thank you jen!!

As hard as it is to leave, its just that much harder being a disjointed family. The four of us are like a well oiled machine and David not here has taken such a toll on us in individual different ways. Its like we're driving the car w only 3 wheels. Impossible.

I 120% know this is the right decision for our family of four but still 200% hard!!!! If we were moving to a town where we didn't know anyone, I'd be scared out of my wits, but knowing that molly, mom and friends are there to soften the blow helps immensely and I'm soooooo thankful for that. Sometimes I wish I was more adventurous where I could throw a dart on a map, pick up and move there, but that's just not me. I need these people in my life like air.

I know we'll be okay.

I know this is the best for our family.

I know we're giving up a lot.

I know we're gaining a lot.

I know we'll appreciate family time more than ever being withheld it for so long.

I know we're lucky David has a job. (especially in this economy)

I know we'll make it work.

I know we'll visit a lot.

I know we'll have a lot of visitors.

I know I'll be driving to Sawgrass Mall a lot (1/2 way point).

I know things could be worse.

I know it's going to be awesome to be back together.

I know we're lucky to have so many people love us.

I know we're lucky to all be healthy.

I know it's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

I know this is a big honking deal.

I know Lily can't wait to be reunited as a family.

I know I'm lucky to be moving close to family.

I know I'm going to miss people like crazy.

I know this is the right decision for our family.

I know my cell minutes will shoot throught the roof. (thank god for unlimited plans)

I know this is bittersweet.

I know this will be a fun adventure.

I know I'm rambling.

I know half of you aren't reading this anymore.

I know I'll use this website a lot. http://www.iheartorganizing.com/

I know it'll be an adjustment.

I know people move all of the time.

I know my kids will be happier.

I know this is not a big-chicken-wing-thing.

I know this has given us all a huge dose of perspective.

I know the meaning of family and what's really important: now more than ever.

life is good.

Through the Years

2011-12-25T10:10:00.000-08:00

Here's a look back at our family growing; or trying to grow through the years. I posted something like this last year and added our card for this year.

Our first year we were married 2 months before Christmas so we used our Christmas card as an wedding announcement + a Christmas card rolled into one. I wasn't too great keeping Christmas cards, but I remember we used this picture.
2001.
2002. The next year, we thought we'd spruce it up a bit and get them done professionally. "Professionally" meaning we went to WalMart (busting out in laughter) Nothing against WalMart, but God love them with the fake Christmas tree/fireplace background. I thought these were so cool at the time though. I don't have the actual card, but remember putting the walmart picture in a frame so here it is taken in the dark from my camera at 4am. I chose that necklace carefully and made sure it showed in the picture. It was such a meaningful necklace because it said something special on it, but at this point I have no idea who gave it to me or what it says. Super special huh?
2002:2003: 2003: I can't remember what we did for a Christmas card and then Dottie remembered and sent me a picture of it. Then I lost that so it must not be meant to be that I share it.

Moving on to 2004. We started at the beginning of this year and I was convinced we'd have a baby to celebrate Christmas with or at least an announcement maybe on the card. We moved into our house that year and were more than ready. Everyone kept asking us "when ya gonna have kids" and that question tripled when we moved into our house from a condo. I couldn't find the actual card, but remember cutting it out for a Christmas tree ornament. Poor david who looks head-less. ha20042005. I almost didn't do a Christmas card this year because we had been trying for 2 years, married for 4 and I was almost embarrassed to send out another picture of just us. Felt so cheesy, but we took this picture at Skip's wedding and it was semi -decent so we slapped it into a card and sent out just a handful.
2006: Dude, enough of the not-so-Happy-Hutchesons already! 5 years of just us on the card was getting old. It felt like I was reminding all of our friends and family we still didn't have kids or any signs of them coming. It's funny because as sad as we were about the void in our lives, we really tried super duper hard to be happy in other areas of our life. Yes, it was a dark cloud over us, but we tried really, really hard not to let it suck us in to the vortex of depression and taint everything else. We didn't always succeed, but man did we try! We took this picture at Kelle's wedding which was so much fun and filled with so much love. This picture epitomizes that night. I don't remember who took this picture, but thank you if it's you!!
2007. Finally, we have someone other than us on the card! Well, kinda...Seriously, I couldn't smile big enough in this picture to show my happiness...
2008: The year we became parents. Finally! Look who made the front of the Christmas card! These pictures were taken by Kelle and they're still up on my refrigerator even though it's from 2008. I heart them that much and every time I go to exchange out some new pictures these are always skipped. I was tickling her like crazy trying to get a smile and in the process my smile is the one where you can see the back section of my teeth! Heidi bought her the shirt and it was perfect as she was our present that Christmas.

2009: These pictures were taken by my friend Katie and the forest is actually real behind us. We have this picture on a canvas on our wall and every time I look at it, it makes me smile inside. It's so odd that Grady's not in this picture becauuse I can't remember life without him.

It's crazy to think this picture was taken We didn't have any baby in the tum-tum yet and were just contemplating doing IVF#3 in the upcoming January.

2010: And then just last year we got to add the snuggle bear Grady. Yes, he's as sweet and delectable as he looks then and now.
Jen took these pictures and they capture so much of our heart and our happiness finally being a family of four.

2011: we look such a real family with 2 kids ...still blows me away. I love these little and big people so much it hurts.

We teach our hearts out to these kids everyday

But they are really the ones who teach us everything. They put it all in perspective and show us the true meaning of Christmas.
And the true meaning of love.

Merry Christmas!

Breakfast With Santa

2011-12-18T16:48:00.000-08:00

Well, folks there is hope in Santa land. Kind of. We were 50/50.

Lily has come a long way. She was about 8 months old when she had her first encounter with Santa. It didn't go too well.

December 2008

So the next year, Mommy and Daddy joined Lily for the picture because there was no way she'd let go of me with the death grip she had around my neck and verge of tears if I even attempted to transfer her to Santa's lap.
Notice she chose the farthest hip possible from Santa.

Then last year, we made some progress. There weren't any tears, but she refused to sit on his lap as she hesitantly walked up and said she felt comfortable standing next to him, but made sure even the fuzz from this santa suit didnt touch her. We even got a smile. Yahoo.

Well, this year, our church went all out with Santa's workshop and she was all up in Santa's grill. I've never seen such a transformation. I truly never thought it would happen. She nuzzled up with him, told him she wanted a brush, mirror and leappad for Christmas and was yuking it up with him about God knows what. When Santa handed her back to us, he said "wow, she sure is a chatterbug". Ummm what? Our lily? A chatterbug with Santa?? I couldn't believe my ears. Now Grady is another story. See for yourself. I think he lost oxygen in this picture. Poor little guy. (note: he sat in water and no he didn't pee himself from fear)

So we took the screamer away and left them alone for a bit to talk about Ruldolph.

Lily gets the trophy for "Most Improved Santa Lap'per" for 2011

Daddy even tried to swoop in and save the day with Grady. No such luck. (more oxygen loss)

About an hour later (and after Grady had some time to watch Santa from a distance), G and I tried it again. Clearly, as his mommy, he'll feel safe with me. Not so much. I thought I would bruise from the tight clench on my body he had on me.

So we carried on with breakfast, crafts, games and had so much fun.

Silent Night was playing in the background as I watched Lily paint independently really getting into it, I teared up at how lucky and blessed we are to have such amazing kids. We've finally arrived. Then she had a meltdown because we had to leave. Or maybe it was because the sky was blue. That girl can meltdown like an ice cube in seconds out of nowhere. Good times I tell ya.

But through it all, life is good.

cell love

2011-12-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite pictures are taken with my cell phone. I think it's because it's always with me and can take it out at a moments notice.

This is how I feel most days. Trying not to complain, but single parenting is just not for me. David being away has been harder than any of us could've imagined and our gas tanks reflect accordingly.

If I make it through December and everything we have on the calendar, then I fully expect real elves to fly over my house and the pope won't be catholic. To add to the wildness of now, Grady is crazy into everything. and i mean everything. His hair should be spiked everyday because that describes his personality to a tee. He's so full of life and wants to experience every nook and cranny of it and doesn't have a care in the world. He can pull every shirt off my hangers in my closet in seconds, tear through the tupperware cabinet in a breath and clears anything on a table in his reach like he's a magician pulling the tablecloth from under the stuff except he's not magical. And he's crazy cute during it all.

and then the polar opposite of Lily's personality who's shy and demure and emotional all rolled into one. I feel like I have the best of both worlds with their personalities.

"Mommy, water fountains make me feel calm" Lily, 3

Lily loved ballet for the first few months, then cried like a baby for a few weeks and now she's back to loving it again practicing her kicks and ballet moves to any song. For me, it's more than going to ballet, but a way for her to be independent, find her niche, feel confident she's learning something new, learn with her friends, and about trying her best. I beam with pride watching her through the window and get to finally enter the room with family during class next week. Counting the days....

see what I mean with her dance moves? like my beatboxing?

I love kayaking, but I love these people more.

Lily tried Grace's bike with training wheels to see if we should ask Santa for a new bike. After a few minutes, we think we'll shoot for her 4th birthday gift. maybe. But man does she look cute (and old) or what?

Lily didnt know who Justin Bieber was...until she met Grace who loves him more than all the bubble gum in the sky.

I should've taken a picture 5 minutes after this one because all of my cabinets were emptied all over the bathroom floor. God, I love his spirit.

Kissing daddy good night via skype. Thank God for skype to make daddy feel close, but nothing is as good as the real thing for L&G. (and mommy)

Lily kissed the cell phone today while talking to him. I can't handle how much she misses him and the knife through the heart things she says on an hourly basis about it.

Since Grady started walking, we took him to the shoe store for some new kicks....these nikes are compliments of Julie; albeit a tad big for him.

I got shingles in September from all this single momma stress and had SO much help with the kids. People came out of the woodwork helping me. People were texting me, calling me, dropping off presents, baked goods, restaurant gift cards, movies for my kids, and offers from everywhere to help with the kids. It was so humbling and touching!! L&G were so flexible as they were farmed out to different people, different schedules, & different routines. Grady wasn't 1 yet so hadnt had the chicken pox vaccination so there was a high risk he could get chicken pox from my shingles so I had to have him away from me as much as possible. An impossible feat bc all I wanna do is nuzzle my little guy. Lily just wanted to run and play somewhere. Anywhere. An impossible feat because I couldn't be vertical for more than 5-10 minutes tops. My good friend Jen took Lils for the day and Lily did great, but still missed her momma - rash and all. lol
AJ is such a sweet and funny boy I hope Grady is like when he's 4...

Jen went all out with art projects and practically had center rotations to keep them entertained. I dont think I ever properly thanked her. Words and texts didn't seem to do my gratitude justice.

snack break....Jen got lily this sweet dress too. Awww.

I love having fun with Lily and love seeing her have fun with other kids even more....

popscicles anyone?

I wish I could've been a fly on that wall.

Wylie picked lily up and took her on the play date of her life. The pictures and videos that followed were hilarious and made me feel so happy (laying on the couch) I felt like I was light in the thanks with Wylie too being there for my girl when I couldn't be. Sometimes words seem so overused and 'thank you' just doesn't suffice for the gratitude felt.

video

I think my dad has temporary custody of the kids sometimes because he spends so much time with them and I can't figure out who has more fun.

I have shed loads of tears through all of this and good friends and family have caught the tears, told me it's gonna be okay and held me up when I was feeling week. I'm so blessed.

Some days I feel like i'm failing and other days I'm proud of everything I'm juggling, but the kids put everything in perspective and only want one thing...love....and no black eyes.

D and I went away for our 10 year anniversary to the Hyatt and it was HEAVENLY! Double digit marriage sounds so old and established when we're still trying to figure each other out and what growing and learning together. We've definitely learned that distance makes the heart grow fonder because being away from each other has given us a whole new appreciation for each other. I don't recommend it, but it has been great for our marriage.

and mom and molly co-babysat while we were away...having Grace and Douglas there is like having a babysitter in itself because the kids scurry off to play with each other for hours.

Jen, Julie and Dad tri-babysat (separately) while went to see Larry the Cable Guy and can attest to the fact that Grady is into everything. This happened on Jen's watch, but Grady told her it was okay and she believed him.

we had the best seats; here's larry without the zoom lens on my camera to show how close we were. it was side-splitting laughs the entire time....

and especially enjoying it with our best of friends who's middle name is loyal and fun....holy blurry picture...

more ballet love....can't wait to enter the room next week and take real pictures (and videos)
Grady is a daredevil when it comes to the playground and I love when Lily will say things like "Grady watch me" and show off the newest trick.

another picture from the week we spent at the Taylors...it felt a little like a commune where we were all cooking dinner for each other, giving kids baths, and snuggled up for story time with all the kids and parents gathered around. I dont think we've ever spent a week at anyone's house....that's a loooong time for anyone, no matter how close you are; especially for the hosting family, but we never felt like we were imposing...other than the smelly diapers and drinks without coaster moments. Sorry Dan.

Grace had her 6th birthday party at Build A Bear (great idea btw) and even though Lily was the youngest at the party, she hung like a champ. Lily jumped out from behind the corner surprising Grace she was in attendance . We were planning to go, but Molly had to reschedule the party to a time we couldn't be there, but try explaining that to Lily after we had planned on going so we made a few adjustments and surprised everyone.. So worth it!

make a wish lily and douglas.

My gas tank is not on E right now because it's been filled up with great friends, family, awesome talks, and loads of laughs that get us through anything!!

Happy Sunday! Life is good!

We've Been School'd

2011-12-05T04:48:00.000-08:00

There are really no words to describe the love, attention, love, fun, love, and wonderous world Lily and Grady get to go to on the days they go to school. Their teachers are out of this world with the detailed stories they share, the texts they send throughout the day, constant pictures and ability to crack the code of each kid intertwining their hearts with our kids and the others in the class. Here's Grady's first day of school which also fell on his 1st birthday

Lily insists on taking a picture outside their class each day. It's so neat because they're in different classes, but being multiage they are back and forth in each other's room all day long. "mommy I hewped gwady today when he wuz fussie" she tells me. Be still my heart. I love that they have each other's back already.

i think he was a little happy to start in the "big kid class"

ummmm, what? he's finger painting? brave, brave, brave teachers and making me feel like a schlep-rock for not trying this with him.

i love to peek in on him before I pick him up and am shocked when he's sitting in a chair like he's all that and a bag of chips....they've since put chairs all around him to lock this wild child in his place.

and they like to play dress up too.

and my sweet friends come visit when he needs some snuggles....

story time...

Lily brought this cat toy to school and told me to bring it to my meetings to catch the fish that will be there. ??? It's so incredible to have them at school with me while I'm at work so I can spy when they're on the playground, have lunch with them and do lessons on friendship with the class.

the chair was wet so we did a standing pose. My godmother said Grady looked like Newt Gingrich and I tend to agree!
Grady for President?

This is a pillowcase dress Heidi gave her when she was born and now it's a t-shirt. Amazing to see how much she's grown and dresses turning into t-shirts show that crystal clear.

Lily loves to make silly faces for the camera and see the picture in the phone.

See what I mean? I'm going to make these school shots into a collage...

Getting 2 kids to school on time by myself is a TALL task; especially on the linen days because I'm like the homeless bag lady schlepping my kids and their stuff for what seems like a mile long walk to their class.

I can't get enough of these pictures.

I get grady ready first and let him explore upstairs like the wild man he is while I get Lily ready. When I say he's into everything, I mean into everything. He's a crazy wild baby who loves to explore without a care in the world of where we are, what he destructs or the mess he leaves behind. This morning he jumped into the toy basket and was tossing things overboard. Rule following Lily was horrified, envious and shocked by his craziness.

Lily's pants remind me a flower child. With her energy conservation, litter pick'r upper and organized ways, she'd fit right in back in the day.

Lily went through a headband kick where she'd choose the headband for the day, then the outfit followed.

and one of Lily's best pals, Leah! I love seeing them play together so nicely and the bond they share. Their teacher sent us this picture with a hilarious story to follow.
Lily: "weah, why are you wearing a life jacket to school?"
Leah: "Because I'm cold"
Lily: "Oh, okay"

Wylie also noticed that our girls were the class clowns in the group who wrote a little outside the box about what they thought was in the pumpkin. Hilarious!

Another sweet pal of hers, Lila who is such a great role model for everyone.

our silly girl and grady wondering what in the world is happening to her crazy sister.

show and tell Friday. yaaaa

their first matching outfits, compliments of Julie who made sure they had an entire VeggieTale themed Christmas basket of goodies for the kids before December 1st.

Like I said, there are no words to describe how blessed we feel to have such loving teachers, kids, and such a positive environment for our kids on the days that I work. David wrote an email to them telling them that some time along the way, the teachers went from teachers and became part of our family and there's nothing that could be closer to the truth.

Life is Good!

Stuffed Like a Turkey

2011-11-28T10:10:00.000-08:00

I don't care about all the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes that come with Thanksgiving because all I really care about is being with family that I love so much! I wish we could transport the family of David, Jamie, Bob and Dan in a George Jetson flying saucer and it'd be the most perfect holiday ever.

Oh yea, and we love the football part of Thanksgiving.

We spent the WHOLE WEEK at Molly's house so David didn't have to commute back and forth to work and all that unlimited time together as a family of 4 was priceless reminding us of what we're missing every week and taking steps to change that. Difficult steps, but ones that need to be taken to be reunited. Sometimes I wish life came with a manual and steps to follow to make it easier, but we keep trudging along, praying, hoping and wishing for guidance along the way, leaning on people to be our rocks more than ever before.

If I say it once I'll say it 100x, but seeing the cousins playing together is like having Leave it to Beaver and Wally with us because it feels so wholesome, bonding and genuine. It's like I get to witness the early stages of what family means , knowing these will be relationships that will last in their life forever and the loyalty, friendship and dependency on each other will never waiver. Our kids are so perfectly separated with every age range represented (1, 3, 6, 7, 13, 15) but even though some are just a few years apart, but it's like 100 years in kid time.

I still can't believe Jordan and Katie are considered the big kids because they are still so little to me and I remember where I was when Jen and Jamie told me they were pregnant with each and it seems like just yesterday, but also like 200 years ago. They seem 200 years older than my kids because I can't fast forward to Lily and Grady as teenagers. My screen just goes black. I love the age of my kids so much and also like to peek at what's to come knowing it just gets sweeter and sweeter with every year.

Before the big kids got there, we headed to Monkey Joes which is like a bounce house place on crack. Except there's not drug dealers and is probably the coolest place on the planet for kids (and adults). Monkey Joe decided to stop by and say hi. All the kids were excited except for one little 13 month old.

speaking of that cute little 13 month old, he's walking (and falling and crashing) everywhere causing me great angst as he looks like Rocky Balboa most days. Then the bruises and cuts heal and more are to follow. We've rescheduled our family picture a gazillion times because of the black eyes, but I think we're just gonna have to snap and go with it signing his name as Mike (Tyson) on the card.

The weather screamed at us to go to the park so we take the obligatory trip where the kids had a blast until Grady choked (again) threw up everywhere, freaked everyone out and left in just his shorts with no shirt looking like a trailer park baby. My family used to live in a trailer park so no offense to trailer families. They're the bomb-diggity.

pre-choking-vomit attack...

I wish I had a secret mic on the kids where I could listen in like the secret service to find out what goes down with these little ones...

or the big ones...

and we came home to decorate our own house to make a memorable Christmas for the kids. I know I should love putting up Christmas and sing we wish you a merry christmas caroling all the way from the attic to the lighting of the tree, but I dont enjoy one moment of the mess, lugging, organizing chaos, and clutter until it's all up and then I want to leave it up for 365 days. The kids make all the work worth it though. Lily is gung ho about Santa this year and everything Christmas. We're introducing our Elf on the Shelf in a few days and he'll rock her little world. Kids make the holidays sparkle in ways I never expected and each year it gets sweeter and the pressure for a memorable holiday rises just a little more as the understanding and memory rises through the roof.

life is good (and tricky)

fall and summer everyday...

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

A lot has changed in a year....here's our family of 4 just last year.
Grady was a mere 2-3 weeks old tops.
.

and now look at our family of 4... we look like a real family with 2 big kids which is crazy cool....so much to be thankful for this year. and every year.

and Grady took a trip to the patch with his best pals Ross and Elliot...Kinsley too, but she was too shy to join the boys. Ok, maybe she wasn't there yet. Or maybe she was putting on her lipstick. Or maybe she was intimidated by all the chest bumping going on. can u handle the cuteness? Ross' shirt having charlie brown on it really shows the resemblance between Grady and his other identity.

switching gears a bit with the weather which is what we do in FL almost every other day, we visited our 2nd favorite water park when it was warmer. David has been gone a lot more than we're used to with his new job and so the quality time has gone through the roof when he is home and I especially see how unique and strong his bond is with lily because of the joy they have together and the sadness when they're apart. She is a lucky little girl to have a daddy like him and i feel like it's a gift she'll be able to use everyday of her life. She just doesn't know it yet.

and so will our little boy Grady who smiles from sunrise to sunset just because he gets to breathe our air....he exudes joy.

although he wasn't so sure about this waterslide...you can barely see him in the waterworks...

I love that my kids are surrounded by love wherever they turn by such strong role models; people with hearts of gold molding them along the way subconsciously chanting
"you are special. you are important. you matter. you mean a lot to a lot of people" in their ears every single solitary day.

Grady just turned 13 months yesterday, but he looks just as cute at 11 months. Spiked hair and all...

and our little ballerina is such a meditator of sorts lately...she'll suddenly declare she wants quiet time, insist on shutting off every single light in the house so it's pitch black only illuminated by the sliver of the moon and say "i just wanna wewax (relax) for a couple of minutes". I think she's gonna be a granola girl because she will race across the house to shut off a light left on ; she's hypervigilant about it saying she's saving 'ewectwicity" and scold me if i let the water run too long, she obsesses about picking up litter when we're out and about, shuts off fans religiously, and would never leave a room without shutting off a light. She even likes to unplug her nightlight to save some ewectwicity.
Guess who turned 1 together? (Not so)Baby Ella and Grady...they're connected in ways they'll never quite fully comprehend, but they sure like to babble together.

and share toys...

and play chase...

and share their hearts with each other...

and play peek-a-boo...

speaking of peek-a-boo, guess who wants to play hide and go seek around the clock? Good thing I played the game well into my teens and stopped only because no one would play it with me in college so we're a match made in heaven. I can't wait until Lily and Grady play it together on their own instead of Grady on my lap babbling like a crazy baby giving us away in seconds.

oh, there's our little Kinsleycakes....see? i told you she was quite the flirt.

Grady likes to play hard to get....

i'd pay big money to see what's going on in their cute little heads....

budding friendships are the cutest thing on the planet...

our little schoolgirl is thriving and loving school (other than the fact that she has to say good bye to me no matter how many times i kiss her hand)

Grady just takes it all in stride watching and observing all the while...

and unrolling 347 rolls of toilet paper, and (trying to) splash in the toilet water like he's in the bathtub...

no matter the weather, life is good.

Our little peanuts

2011-11-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

i dont know how to contain my excitement when they look this cute...

a few months ago, molly mentioned g looked like Charlie Brown with his pumpkin sized head and striped shirt he was wearing. I immediately went online and bought his adorable Charlie Brown costume. Thanks to mom for help turning his black pants into shorts!!

Still searching the Webster's dictionary to describe this boy and his happy heart. I don't think those words exist...

and Lily was super jazzed to be Snoopy...

even Snoopy likes the Ipad...she'd correct us every time we called her Lily and say "i not yiyi, me snoopy" so we happily played along.

I seriously love seeing all the kids dressed up at Halloween and think we should make it a monthly tradition; like the 3rd saturday of every month is dress up and go get candy from our neighbors. we could all trade costumes because they're all so darn cute and creative.

and it brings the neighborhood in such a wholesome, leave it to beaver way...thanks Heidi for insisting on this picture and corralling everyone together....so worth the effort!

Thanks to Heidi and Jeff for hosting their 4th annual chili and hotdogs party....lily loved the hotdogs so much she had 2 of them! Say what?

and brings out the crazy drivers. I saw Peyton cruising around and i complimented her cool corvette car commenting on how spiffy she looked all dolled up...

she said "thank you, actually, it's a Mustang" and zipped off into the sunset. hilarious!

and I dont think I've ever seen a cuter newborn baby costume ever. the peapods were bigger than his sweet little head.

Snoopy snooping around for some sugar for herself...and Charlie Brown....woodstock too

About an hour into trick or treating, Lily complained of ear pain and we thought it was the costume. Brought her to the doctor today and it turns out she has an ear infection and sinus infection. Poor little snoopy-woopy! Good thing she got a bunch of houses under her belt and in her candy bag before it hit her out of the blue. Too bad Im eating it all since her appetite isn't up to par. Grady just smiled and then smiled the whole night...

life is good.

sc lovin

2011-10-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

Some very special people came to surprise David for Grady's birthday. They wanted to teach him to walk and sign more by the end of their visit. They came close and Grady claps for more so I'd say it's a win-win.
They're the cool type of grandparents who get down on the floor with the kids, play jokes with them and are always present when they're with them. They are just as fascinated by the little and big things they do like they're the actual parents. I feel like I've always had a great relationship with my own parents and David's parents, but since having kids, I feel like the relationship, bond and connection has sky rocketed into another atmosphere.

Lily set up school with them and was the student during the read aloud.

Man, do I love this picture! This is what life is all about. Our job nurturing kids is to do the teaching and supporting all along the way. This picture says it all. So symbolic.

Lily and Grady seriously have the coolest set of grandparents. They're all still so young at heart.

and I know David was on cloud 9 having them here loving on his most prized (people) possessions.

these are pictures we'll treasure forever. the little things make a big impact on kids.

I love how Lily is checking out her grandma...

Dottie got Lily this apron and it couldn't be cuter or more Laura Ingalls unless Nelly Olson gave it to Lily herself.

life is good!

Grady (doesn't like) Cakes

2011-10-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

Lily's favorite song of all time is a good ole' belting of Happy Birthday. She sings it regularly and changes the star of the song. Whoever puts her to sleep and does prayers with her, she sings happy birthday to the other parent who is waiting downstairs with an enthusiastic "yaaaa". This happens nightly without fail. She likes routine and traditions and sticks to them like it's her toddler oath. Apparently, Grady doesn't like the song as much.
I saw the lip quiver as we began the song and wanted to stop the singing mid song but I was in slow motion in my mind going through it when the dam broke. I was so surprised bc he's Mr. I Wanna Be the Center of Attention Kid who waves and seeks smiles from any person he meets.

He does the cutest thing ever when he cries. When he stops and composes himself, he always takes this GIANT audible sigh like "woah, that was a rough go at it, but I'm cool now". It is so sweet!!

So are the cracker jacks and peanuts (7th inning stretch song) and the upside down sign.

I got these adorable party favor bags from Glenda who does any type of favor bag you desire. the backs said "Grady-1" and they were adorable!!

A few weeks ago I asked David his most prized (non people) possession and without skipping a beat, he said his no-hitter baseball. Bingo! I found it and it was part of the display. Made sure not to get any salsa on it. Holla!

and my super talented friend Jessica made this banner for Grady and will make one for you too for the holidays.

Check out her shop and send her some love. Use the coupon code HutchesonIsCool and nothing will happen, but it'll make her smile. I have this Happy Halloween banner just waiting for tape to be hung made by her.

Order one here just for giggles and screams.

our little bat girl had a blast too but not for sale...

I have more big league gum then my dentist would ever care to know about....

things got a little crazy thanks to Jamie....

Grady was running a fever days before his birthday and not sleeping (youch!!) and although he was on a healthy streak before his birthday, he wasn't his normal happy- smile -at- his- shadow- self, but he sure looked cute and was that much more snuggly.

i can't say enough about the joy i feel when i see the cousins together....feels like we're the Duggars with all these kids who are close enough to call siblings....I want that to last a lifetime. I'll do everything in my power to always foster these relationships.

David's gear acted as a the springboard to most of the decorations.

these water bottle wraps I got from Etsy as well and love the concept. My dad was kind enough to wrap them and chill them in his refrigerator. I thought they were such a nice touch, but everyone, including me was afraid to drink from them bc they were so pretty.

These 2 lead the pack in being the oldest, coolest, sweetest kids that our kids all strive to be like one day. Crazy to think they're 10-12 years old then our kids. That seems like a million years from now, but I remember when they were just little toddlers zipping around running circles around us all.

This picture CRACKS me up because it looks like Grady was an Oops baby after their own kids were grown. He sure fits in! Seriously, what a cute family they are!!

I love this picture and these people SO much I had to re-post it.

life is good.

PS David got me the Apple TV for my birthday and it is one of my most favorite gifts ever. I can't say enough good things about it and I only know about 1/200th of what it does. My favorite part about it is that it streams ALL of your pictures from your PC to your tv as a fancy slideshow and plays all of your music from your itunes. All wireless. Somehow you hook this tiny box to your tv, it reads anything on your computer in another room and plays it through the tv with your music. I'm going down every memory lane possible since feeling an overabundance of gratitude from all the ups and downs we've experienced in the last 10 years. We have 20,000 pictures in roughly 10 years so it'll jump from our dating days to Grady being born to nieces and nephews at Halloween to our IVF days to buying this house to weddings to 1/2 marathons to pool parties to vacations to days in our old condo to our bridal shower to sunsets to every other memory you can possibly think of all set to our favorite music. I'm brought back to that moment in time in a nanosecond. If I'm in the picture I can sense the emotions I was feeling during that time; especially during the TTC years; it's like I can see an emptiness in my eyes or maybe I just remember it when I see those pictures. Our friends told us about it, but thought it was only for mac users or it'd be hundreds of dollars and you'd need fancy equipment to go with it. Um, not so much! It's pretty much plug and play and easy peasy. I think I'll be up all night seeing our life unfold in slow motion set to music. If you don't have one, go out and buy one or ask for it from Santa or for ask for it for Thanksgiving. Or give it as a gift to anyone who lives in your house. Gift it to your pet; just get it. It's really a must have and I think I'm going to start selling them on the corner so everyone can experience this joy and gratitude seeing your life in lights. It does a million other cool things, but this is by far, my most favorite-ist part of it thus far. Go buy one. Mention the coupon code KellyIsTheBombDiggity and they'll hang up on you.

crazy for cubbies

2011-10-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

Pssst, there once was a cute little baby boy born on 10-10-10 and guess what?

He grew up really fast.

so the family came in town from all over to celebrate.

And dance.

Even G joined in.

and his grandma hand made a really cute crown that fit him like a glove. Until his super cool 15 year old nephew put it on...

and then it was a little big even for his big noggin'...

and he was all smiles on his special day and lapped up all the attention...

but then Grandma fixed his cute crown because he was the prince for a day...

and he was our MVP; awarded the game ball for his heart...

he even got his own water bottles when he needed to take a water break from all the crawling...

and he tried to eat some peanut batter up and jelly sandwiches...

he even flew in his grandma from SC to help with the cake and she went all out...

they were offered a $500 voucher to be bumped on their flight by 3 hours on the way here, but declined it because they had to decorate the cakes. I made them sign their name in blood they are never to do that again and we'll buy a cake at publix if need be. Dot worked her fingers to the bone and wanted it just perfect for Grady...

and it was just that...

absolute perfection for Grady...

thank you Dottie for your talented hands and putting all of your heart into his first birthday cake.

almost too good to eat...

almost, but not quite as I nailed a few of these...

and I think it was a full circle moment for David as he played for the Cubs back in the day

Grady barely touched it and didn't eat a bite of it which surprised me because he's such an explorer and destroyer in one...not with this cake though; I think he sensed its "special'ness"

it's been a beautiful year thanks to this special little boy who exudes love and happiness...

and asks for nothing from anyone other than some snuggles

and he's just hours from walking I can just feel it. He'll stand in one place for 5-7 seconds like he's surfing an air wave and think it through and plop down and zip away like he escaped a bank robbery. He's walking around furniture like a crazy baby and I know he's days away from this big milestone, but I love the anticipation of the big steps and he can take his sweet time in actually doing it.

not quite sure what happened here or who took this picture. I didnt hear any meltdowns from her so Im assuming it's a game of hide and seek because if it was a meltdown, the neighbors and neighbor's neighbors would have heard it. ha

our little bat girl...

I can't say enough about how sweet Grace is and what a grea role model she is for Lily on all aspects. She takes money out of her piggy bank every week for the church offering without prompting from anyone. That's the kind of kid she is and I love that Lily gets to rub elbows with her. They are attached at the hip when together and tears are shed when they leave each other. And today is her pretty momma's birthday. Happy Birthday Mollycoddle! We love you so much and the kids you're raising. (Dan too:)

A few weeks before Grady's birthday, I debated buying Cubs shirts for David, Lily and me to wear to match Grady, but it ended up being $75 online for 3 shirts plus shipping so I passed, but regretted the decision the closer his birthday came. It was too late to find some for all of us at the mall so I just chalked it up to a small disappointment in the grand scheme of things and promised myself I'd do it next time because it'd be worth it.
Then Dottie arrives and pulls Cubs shirts out of her suitcase like Mary Poppins. It was as if she was a walking panhandler selling Cubs shirts. She didn't know any of the backstory of my looking online either! Can you say fate? Not only did she have a shirt for David and me, but she did for both sets of grandparents too. These were the shirts they used to wear watching David play back in the day. Allison let me borrow one for Grady, but I used it for Lily and it made for a perfect day for Grady.

somehow I think this picture will be blown up poster size and hung proudly.

Having all of our family in town to celebrate Grady's life one year later was a perfect bow to a wonderful year with this sweet little soul.

life is good.

(more to come if you can believe that one)

In One Year...

2011-10-10T16:54:00.000-07:00

I can't fully express what this last year has meant to our family and the love, joy and happiness Grady has brought into our lives since he entered this world on 10-10-10 at 5:52pm. I never thought it was possibe to love this much (times 2) and feel eternally grateful that I've been trusted to raise, love, support, nurture, enjoy, cherish and guide this beautiful little soul.

Sometimes, I dont feel like I can smile big enough for the happiness he brings into this world and since words escape me, cute pictures will take its place.

I can't wait to watch him grow and see his personality unfold before our very eyes.

I have about 7,002 more pictures to share, but family is here loving on our babies so it's still time to celebrate family and all that it means to us.

Grady, you are loved beyond measure because of your sweet, smiley, happy heart. I dont know what we did to deserve you, but we're thanking those lucky stars every single solitary day for you.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy.

need ritalin for this post.

2011-09-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

There's a mod podge of pictures with no semblance to the order, but strung together equal a lot of fun. I keep waiting for life to slow down, but then when I think about it, this is like the college days when everyone tells you it'll be the best time of your life and you look back on those days with such adoration and great memories wondering how you ever made it through the all nighters studying for a test and you remember only the good times. I can see that being true about our long years (but short in reality) time with Lily and Grady. It'll be this beautiful blip on our radar of life. Everyone tells us it happens in a flash and you wake up and they're off to college. Trying to capitalize on this time with them is awesome and an overwhelming task all at once. So we push through, focusing on the positives and ignoring the tantrums along the way savoring every sweet bit that comes our way.

Lily acting like one of the big kids...

Grady hanging back with his sweet, wonderful, amazing godmommy...

this makes me laugh because Abbey could take lily down in seconds flat, but is gentle as a newborn kitten. we were dog sitting for Jen's sweet pups, but my mom may have misplaced 1 for a couple of hours. Dog's name rhymes with Snabby. I wont tell you where she found her.
Little ms wants to be independent, but not sure she's ready for it, insisted on sitting at the bar away from her family while she 'consatwated' (ala concentrated) on what to order.

another beautiful sunet - i could do this 7 nights a week. minus the rain.

and this boy doesn't stop moving. i never understood why they sold toilet locks and locks on doors. Lily never tested any of that; it was all nonsense to her, but I could buy stock in the locks now because he's on the move and suuuuuuuuuper fast! He tries to splash in toilet water, clears tables of any nicknacks and takes toys from lily like a bank robber and zips off in flash. It's like he's playing a contstant game of hide and go seek, but doesn't tell us to close our eyes and count. I swear he's going to be on the track team in a few years. his hands slap the tile so loud you can hear it around the block. This boy is on a mission when he goes places. Smiling the whole way there.

I had my hair in 5-6 buns to lighten the roots in the sun. I took them out and this is what happened. This is how I feel most days internally so might as well my hair shows it too. Some days are like a well oiled machine, while others I feel like I'm on the next episode of Punk'd. Hence the hair.

if Grady's not on the track team, he'll be fighting fires...

and miracle Reed born at 2 lbs, 3 months early turned 3. Seeing him blow out those sweet little candles made my heart melt.

Taylor Swift concert this summer that blew my expectations out of the water. I went so I could watch Katie and her friends going nutzo until I realized I was one of the people going nutzo too. It was incredible!!

an old video, but these smiles and giggles brighten our everyday so much...

here

vroom, vroom, off to the races to see what tomorrow brings. All the while looking for Ashton Kutcher around the corner...

life is good.

Gretta and Zoo

2011-09-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

Met up with my cool college pal and her fam when she was in town and it was one of those haven't-seen-you-in-forever-but-was-just-like-yesterday-we-were-at-fazoli's-pizza-laughing-until-spaghetti-almost-came-out-of-our-noses. She's one of the funniest people I've ever met and I full expect to see her at Charlie Sheen's roast tonight doing an act.

and her four kids and hubby Micah are adorable too...good ole cracker barrel is like synonymous with good friends....

and if I wasn't present during the ivf treatments, I'd think there was some funny business going on in the lab because Grady looked scarily similar to Gretta's kids. Micah looked like he had 2 wives and 6 kids.

Grady was the photo prop everyone wanted to hold...

then we switch gears to the famous giraffes at our zoo....when I was a kid, my mom said it was her favorite animal so I remember drawing them almost daily as a gift to her. Crazy the random things you remember from your childhood. I can do the whole LeePress On commercial verbatim with the same tone and intonation used 25 years ago in the 30 second commercial. Insert a quarter and I'll do it for you too...people rent me out at parties.

oh, this boy. No words. Can't describe the sweetness that oozes from his every pore.

and the smile that never stops. since this picture he now has 8-9 teeth...I think he's ready for braces.

these 2 are so sweet together. I remember the day Katie was born like it was yesterday and she is now officially a teenager as of yesterday. Not only is she the most incredible, thoughtful, kind, sweet, loving, beautiful, and FUN niece, but she's just as special as a cousin. What a gift that keeps on giving that my kids (and molly's too) get to benefit from her heart too.

ok, maybe this is from June, but at least it was posted. Ironically, I just took his 11 month picture a week ago! I'll probably post that in February.

I think Lily wants to be a mini-teenager like Katie because she gabs on the phone, pretends to text and email her buds at school and wants her "pwi-va-si" (privacy) when she's doing these tween things. Thank God she's not mentioning facebook yet, but I bet she'll want an account at 7! Thought it was hilarious the way she was lounging, but the even funnier part was when I saw this picture on the computer and saw the horrific sliders! It's like someone finger painted on our windows. I used to cry to the angels in heaven for fingerprints on my windows. Boy, did that prayer come true!

life is good.

giggles and dustpans

2011-09-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

gigglepuss. Seriously this boy does not have a serious bone in his body. he's. just. too. much. a highlight is when lily comes out with an announcement around the minute mark from the bathroom finishing up bath time.

can't see it, click here

a guessing game before a trip to the water park - hilarious that she has no idea she looks like a ghost while giving me clues. Have I ever mentioned she's obsessed with cleaning and anything domestic? Believe me, it's not from our modeling. I don't know my ass from my elbow these days and our house looks like there's a sale at Toys R Us most days.

She walks around the house making sure every light is turned off to save "wektisity", hates if i leave the water running too long (in her opinion), closes all doors, hides toilet paper rolls from grady, wipes counters down like she's in a contest, asks for the sponge in the bath to scrub the tub, puts every possible toy she can find up high away from Grady, puts all waste baskets on the 3rd step so he can't get in them(yet), begs for a disinfectant wipe at the checkout at publix and proceeds to wipe the entire checkout down, the wheels on the cart and surrounding walls. I have to put a limit on how manywipes because she'd go through a whole tub if she could. I asked her what she wanted to do for a job when she grew up...she replied "I wanna cook dinner for my job".

or click here to view
She craves order and clean and is hilarious about it. She's like a Mother Hen and especially since Grady has been on the move. But, watch out if something isn't orderly or clean (in her opinion) Let the sparks fly. Ooftah! Well, that's a whole 'nother post in itself.

Water Park Junkie

2011-09-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

So I'm borderline obsessed with water parks. Okay, I'm obsessed. I could go to them every day and I'm sure Lily would too if she could. I've passed on this addiction to her and soon Grady will figure it out too. Growing up, I used to go to Six Flags, but it was 30+ minutes away so when we went it was such a treasured gift. We're lucky to have one just down the road from us that we frequent at every opportunity, but my dad said we could go with him for a soccer tournament he was reffing. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. So did the girls. Lily was calling all the shots and the big girls were doing all they could to keep her happy to avoid a 3 year old public meltdown. She had a lot of say how things went down at this water park. Yo.
When I asked her, Lily was a stubborn one refusing the green slide because it was too dawk and fwast, but once Katie works her magic, she was whipping down that like a true water park junkie.

this ginormous bucket would unload it's fury every 70 seconds alerting everyone with a bell.

I had to bring out the inner child in me....

don't worry, we made sure we were safe in the hot sun.

someone who's really sweet and smiley is about to turn 11 months next week, but look at the cuteness spilling from his heart a few weeks ago on his 10 month birthday. Usually, taking this monthly shot is a 2-party deal; David sets him up, runs away quickly so i can snap in a nanosecond before he crawls off the cliff at the end of the chair. David was in the pool with Lily so I thought I'd try it by myself. Never. Again!! A half a millisecond after his picture, he lunged forward and I caught him mid-air. Not only is he a true crawler now, he can lap you if you're walking around the house. He's super quick and into everything investigating like a private detective. He places no expectations on anyone around him and is happy just to be alive. He inspires me daily with his heart. I can't believe he's real.

I think I had mistakenly stereotyped boys before I had Gradycakes. I truly never, ever, ever (insert 387 more "evers") thought they could be this sweet. For realz! I heard it from every mother who had a son about that special love from a son, but after having a girl I never dreamed it could be that good again. He happily proves me wrong everyday! This is the boy we get to be with everyday and I still can't believe lightning struck twice in our house.

and this little Lily who won our hearts back in 2008 is turning into a funny little girl. She loves to be on the go at. all. times. asking where we're going if we're home for longer than 5 minutes. I love to be out and about so it's a match made in heaven. She was playing with her imaginary friends at the restaurant (exusing herself from the table, walking over the empty table to report back what they talked about) so naturally I asked to be her friend. "Will you be my friend Lily? "She looked shocked and almost annoyed at the question. She thought about it for a good 7 solid seconds looking for an out and replies "Ummmmm, well we can be just pwetend fwends bekaz, uhhhmmm, my reel fwends are at skool. okay mommy? okay." letting me down gently. Just like that I was rejected and sent packing by an adorable 3 year old. I put my head down laughing and she asked why I was sleeping at the restaurant. She has strong opinions and can turn her emotional switch on and off like a lightbulb; where she's wailing like her life is about to end one minute, then 30 seconds later asking me where her pink baby doll is nonchalantly like she wasn't shrieking the world is ending seconds prior. She may not wanna be my actual non-pretend friend, but she's got a serious fan club groupie in me then. With the tantrum stress, she brings way more love into our lives and heart than I ever thought possible. She's adjusting (alongwith me) now that David is not home as much as we're used to. When she misses us, she asks us to kiss her hand like in the book Aunt Jeffer read her weeks ago she still talks about. She loves to boss Grady around suddenly now that he's crawling for whatever reason. She still talks about a nightmare she had 4-5 months ago with a lollipop that said boo. every nap and every night asking us to make sure the lollipop doesn't say boo when in actuality she's asking if she's safe. She is diligent about making sure every light is off that needs to be. She gets major heartburn when Grady unrolls the toilet paper or eats cat food because she doesn't want him to meow like cat. She thinks that David and I hung the moon and if it'd make her happy, we'd die trying. She feels every emotion with all of her heart from her head to her toes and we're just along for the ride watching her from the sidelines cheering her on like the groupies we are. I now know what my mom and dad wanted for us when they'd simply say they wanted us to be happy. It seemed too simple, but now I get it. I really get it. Sometimes I feel like I'm actually inside our kids' body feeling everything they are feeling times a gabillion.

"Yuk, mommy, i'm widing my twicycle in the rain". I felt like I was on the back step riding along with her watching her feel so happy. Nothing better.

life is good.

SC Continued

2011-08-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

somehow these pictures were left out of the south carolina trip and too cute not to post...
hello, deep in thought picture...
run, forest, run...

nothing cuter than a baby in a diaper...

see what i mean?

david and duane rocked in this chair when they were a baby. Dottie and her mom rocked in it too. Okay and you ready for some more history? Dottie's mom's mom rocked in it too. Woah!

some Japanese lovin....as in the food, not us....

Happy Birthday to my sweet hubby who is out of town today on his special day. He'll be gone a lot more with his new job which will be an adjustment for everyone. Having many mixed emotions about it all realizing that distance really does make the heart grow fonder and really putting the word quality in the time when we are together.

life is good.

keys on crack

2011-08-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

See these people in the picture you don't recognize? That's David's Cousin Sandy and hubby Bill. They live in Tampa and are the nicest people on the planet.

For real, I think everyone in the Hutcheson family are all so nice, wholesome, and kind. All of them. If we had a reunion of just David's side of the family, there'd be so much kindness swirling around, I'm not sure I'd fit in. They're like Little House on the Prairie nice people. I thought I was a nice person until I met all of them. Whew doggy,they put me to shame.
Grady was pretty happy to take this picture.

For years, they've been saying "you should stay at our house in the keys whenever you want", but we've never taken them up on it. They built it with their very own hands and heart. He's a contractor and a whiz with all that building stuff so they decided to build an actual house in the Keys. Don't all people do that? Well, it took a few years to finish and we'd hear the play by play, but never knew what it looked like.

Did I mention how nice these people are? Like salt of the earth nice.

Well, this summer, we decided to take them up on a visit down to the Keys for a week. They're very humble people. Apparently, when you're a Hutcheson you're not allowed to brag because this is the house they built with their very own little hands.

wait for it....

we pulled up and were like "Ummmmm, say what? "

we were gasping for air and called them immediately to ask why they never mentioned they were gazillionairres. My dad saw this picture and asked if we shared the pool with the neigbors. I said, Um, no, that's all the same house!??

and it was as quiet and as peaceful as it looks.

and the house is a good luck charm too because David was standing right here when he got a new job offer. Ya David! Talk about a shot in the arm of happiness on vacation!

Inside was just as peaceful and heavenly

and it was just a short drive to Mallory Square for sunset

and close to Duval street

where Lily wanted (insisted) to pretend we were sleeping on the street for some reason. Maybe she saw a bum or 2 when we weren't looking. It took us about 7 takes of this shot because we were laughing so hard.

and there's a super cool free aquarium in Key West that gives you a welcome AC break....

or you can watch people juggle fire. Doesn't everyone do that as a side hobby?

so much to do, but you always make time to dance.

and watch in amazement.

or float all your troubles away....

this little boy smiles from the time his knees hit the ground in the morning until his head rocks to sleep at night. I know a tantrum or 200 are in his future, but it's so hard to imagine so I'm soaking up all the smiles for now.

nothing better than family time...for realz

and I found a new love down there. Like fall to my knees, think about it all the time kinda love. Kelly, meet Mr. Kayak. Mr. Kayak, meet Kelly. (romantic music playing, slow dancing ensues)

It gave me peace of mind like yoga would if I liked yoga. I could've kayaked all day and all night. It was so relaxing and rejuvenating exploring all the beautiful canals, houses and open bay areas. I watched and felt nature like I was the president of Greenpeace. I've already looked at places to do it in Naples. it was off the ch-zain!

and we caught a fish or 2

and Grady learned to really crawl the day before we left. He had been 'precrawling' for so long and then suddenly it clicked and he hasn't stopped since. Lily can't believe it herself ...she even took pictures for her own scrapbook.

so we're seeing a lot of this lately...

this is what we are greeted with each morning.

we had a visit or 4 from our friend Leona the Lizard. I was more scared of him then Lily. After a few days, Lily would say casually "Hey Leona" while jumping into the pool like he/she was an old friend.

can you find Grady in this piccutre?

there's the cutie

wasting away in Margaritaville has different meaning with kids. we were busy passing sippy cups, coloring, feeding babies, shuffling playdoh out of Grady's mouth, eat our own meal, while testing others for heat safety

how can you ever pass by this store in life anymore?

Everyone thinks Lily is a shy and reserved child and she is as first, but once you get past that tongue twirling, quiet disposition, she turns into a wild dancing fool and I love that part of her more than I can ever express. Sometimes I wish she'd share it with the world, but it's also cool to see this secret side of her like a little surprise present.

somehow I don't think Grady will be doing any shy smiles at new people in his future.

they both love their daddy with such a passion that inspires me.

the feeling is mutual times a gabillion for sure.

we were lucky enough to hang with the Boes while in the Keys. They love our kids like their own and give them attention like they're fighting for the role of best babysitter. I seldom get to hold Grady when they're around and every time I turn around Lily is being whisked off with one of them for a mini field trip somewhere. They love our kids and they love us. That's a win-win in our book. Oh, and did I mention they're super fun to be with? Holla for the laughing nonstop factor. There's nothing better than splitting your gut with people you love.

they've been married 30+ years and constant role models for us in every sense of the word what it means to be happy together.

This is what happens when you ask someone to take your group picture and they forget to tell you that the toddler is practically missing.

Janet teaching Grady a few new walking moves. His synapsis were probably exploding at the opportunities in store for him because he just learned to crawl and we're already sending out the search parties looking for him.

his life jacket looked more like a straight jacket, but you'd never hear him complain

Lily gets lost in the picture again.

da' boyz in da' hoodz...

We were clueless of what to do in the Keys because we were newbies , but Heidi H helped us find this place called Robbies in Islandmorada where you can dine on the water, then feed tarpon that are bigger than me! and they were everywhere.

a duck decided he/she wanted in on the action and somehow I captured it on the camera....

apparently at Robbies, they find a lot of lost cell phones and sunglasses in the water. ummm, what?

this display went on forever and they said they have hundreds more to hang, but don't have the space.

i got a new pair of shades and made sure to hold onto them with both hands. lily helped me.

and mr.-i-choke-on-everything-even-a-quarter-of-a-cheerio-Hutcheson is just starting to be able to handle the wagon wheel , but you gotta watch him like a hawk because he'll shove the whole thing in his mouth and smile at you like nothing is wrong.

So after all the pictures ,and this is just a sampling of them if you can believe that, it's hard to answer the question when people ask about our trip because there are no words or pictures than can fully capture up the fun, relaxation, bonding, rejuvenation, and memories made as a family. Seeing all these pictures make me miss the escape from the real world mode, but there's something sweet about having both....vacations to look forward to and look back on and also home sweet home.

If you ever wanna escape for endless relaxtion and fun, then click here to rent this beautiful getaway in the Keys. You'll be glad you did. So will your happy heart.

life is good.

Ella

2011-08-07T05:35:00.000-07:00

psst, david and i had twins 9 months ago. a boy and a girl. here's the picture to prove it. While pregnant with Grady I was TERRIFIED of twins bc they implanted 2 embryos, but after Grady arrived, I think it would've been UBER COOL.
Since that didn't happen, we have Ella to fill in the gaps.

Ella and Grady sitting in a tree...

p-l-a-y-i-n-g.

and l-a-u-g-h-i-n-g.
Lily loved the company.

and so did Julie

Ella's mom and I both struggled for years to have babies and prayed so much for each other and somehow divine intervention struck and they were born just hours apart from each other 1 day apart.

there are no accidents.

connected forever in each other's hearts and in their story.

babies together make me giddy

and happy babies make me even happier.

these are pictures and memories we'll look back on in years to come and gawk at just how little they once were. Ella is as adorable on the inside as she appears on the outside. and her family? to die for.

we'll look back wanting to preserve that sweetness in a bottle and sprinkle it around the world.

and I think these pictures will be the closest we'll get to that wholesome goodness. mmmm

life is good.

cell love

2011-07-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

This is my profile picture on facebook. I'm not even in it. It's grainy and blurry, but the cell can sometimes capture the best moments. It makes me smile every time I see it; especially the way Grady is tuning in...
This video also makes me smile ear to ear....took her awhile to get up the courage to jump and there were even a few trips to the end of the board, tears and a u-turn down the steps, but once she did it, she couldn't stop and has probably jumped 324 times this summer.
i almost like the nervous stutter steps walking to the edge of the diving board more than the actual jump. This whole jumping off the diving board is so symbolic of how we all raise our kids. Watch them figure this world out one step at a time; some harder than others while we coach and cheer like cheerleaders on crack from the sidelines.

It cracks me up seeing her in line with all the big kids. She doesn't understand the line concept so much; in that she has to step up and stay close to the person in front of her.

our little cubby in training; thanks for the hat Allison...means so much!

another camera phone picture which I love...there's such a delay on the cell camera, but still managed to capture this shot...Grady is in a cloth swim diaper which we LOVE and no he's not naked.

Somehow I was lucky enough to win a $200 gift card to Publix. Holla! They decided to send me 20 $10 gift cards. I'll take it.

Lily's new favorite toy from her pals Chase and Cal...the ball rolls around the ramp then air shoots it through the top like it's a blowhole from a whale. Rinse. repeat.

Grady hanging with the boys...

and Lily hanging with the girls (before she mastered swimming this summer)

the big boys doing chest bumps....

and Grady with one of his favorite friends Elliot ...Grady's head is about twice the size of Elliot's but Elliot doesn't mind. I love seeing babies interact and wonder what they're thinking when they finally see someone "their kind"
Hey, look Grady has a new mom

Okay, that's better, here's the real deal, super cute son Rossy Boy with Elliot's cute momma

Grady went to see Jordan play Lacrosse in bfe (so far I cant remember the name of the town right now) and the boys did some serious bonding. I swear Grady is like a magnet for love.

and a great lure to get a teenager outta bed.

Jordan is such a stud on the lacrosse field. Seiously he's like a gazelle out there with his fluid moves. I think I'm supposed to say he's blazing. Or dope. Or chill. Or hot. Or a bro. Can't remember the adjective teens prefer, but I think he's awesome. And super cute too... just don't tell him his Aunt Kelly said that.

I had a particular rough day and David was out of town so I whisked the kids to the beach for sunset at Lily's request. I think she knew I was in a funk and needed a change of pace. Thanks for that Lil. It was a magical night.

It seems like any problems in life literally wash away at the beach and worries float away. And I love that I found these pictures on my camera the following week Jen secretly snapped.

having friends impromptu there help too of course. text it and they shall come.

When I see people love Grady and Lily I am a complete pile of mush. I would give them a million dollars in that moment of gratitude.

we missed daddy, but lily told me to look in my heart when we talked about him not being there. Lily is turning into a serious daddy's girl the last few months and it is so sweet to witness. I've always trumped daddy in the lily department, but I've suddenly turned into chop liver so I'll happily watch from the sidelines.

Today Lily and I were having a deep discussion on our pizza date; topics ranged from gumball machines to her new flip flops from Rayna that finally fit her feet, then favorite colors, where she wondered why black wasn't allowed in the rainbow and might have his feelings hurt. Then we changed topics to our (not so) little guy Grady. I told her my favorite part about Grady was his happy heart and I asked her what her favorite part about Grady was and she said "My favorite part about Grady is his daddy"

I seriously can not believe lightning struck twice in our home and we're lucky enough to raise these 2 beautiful souls under our roof. They're like a double shot of perspective everyday laced with unending happiness. Even on the toughest of tough days..

life is good.

Sweet Thelma...

2011-07-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

Some heartwarming videos...

Look at sweet Thelma loving on her Great Grandbabies...this is the first time meeting Grady and she's like a magnet to him. It's hard for her to talk, but you can tell her arms just long to hold him...

can't see thelma? click here

Grady loves to play with any type of ball possible; he one hand palms it and investigates every nook and cranny of every ball like he's inspector 47 about to send it to the toy stores. This boy is too sweet for words. I really didn't think it was possible to be this sweet.

can't see Grady, click here

We have 4 kids...

2011-07-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

We were able to add 2 kids to our family for a few days and yes, it was busy, but the fun outweighed the busy. What helped matters was the kids were Douglas and Grace, the sweetest kids on the planet. Molly and Dan went on a mini 2nd honeymoon so we got to hang with their awesome kids. I can't wait to do it again. I love to be busy so this was right up my alley.

lots of bonding over dinners discussing if they wanted to use the noodle or the water rings next...

a few mishaps where we gathered together to discuss the misunderstanding, talk about feelings, apologies and hugs exhanged, and carried on despite the wedgies.

and this boy just took it all in....I can't wait to see what's going on inside that big , cute head of his.

David with 2 of his 4 kids....

it was the most comfortable parade ever. It started at 10:00 so my dad said he'd go down early to get a shady spot for everyone with our chairs. A new job for him was set for sure. It started at 10 so I thought 9:30 would be appropriate for him to get there. He got there AT 8:15 lugging all of our chairs setting them up for us!! 8:15 people!?! I can't imagine how early he's going to get there for St. Patty's since it's one of the biggest in the state.
I'm smelling a tent in his future.

here's the herd minus a few...

the cousins...before we left it was amazing to tell 2 of the 4 kids to go get dressed and they walked off, dug something out of their suitcase and came out 5 minutes later all dressed and ready to go. No diapers to change, no wiggling to wrangle. They came back with teeth and hair brushed. Talk about easy peasy?

our little firecracker

and she made the front page of the local paper. Go Lillers.

Grady was all smiles before the parade started...once the first gunshot went off, there were tears heard for miles. He'd calm down and compose himself, sighing to himself like "hey that was scary, but I'm cool now. I got this" and then the fire siren would go off and it would start all over again. Rinse. Repeat.

the original 2 kids...

after naps, we headed to the beach for the fireworks....I was nervous Grady would cry through them all after the parade debacle, but he was all smiles.

flying high...

our little narcolepsy girl didn't fall asleep, but said she needed to "west her body" for a couple of minutes before the big show. She insisted on bringing her "cozy pants" to wear after swimming.

and Grady fell asleep mid-pop...

post fireworks sparklers....

Lily is a tough nut to crack. She makes you put your time in. She needs to know your ss#, DOB, full life story, spend unlimited hours with you, scoping you out to make sure she can trust you and once you cross that threshold of trust, you're as good as gold with her. She'll talk your ear off and talk about you behind your back nonstop. Bob is one of the many who has crossed over to the other side. She got to choose any lap to sit in for the fireworks and he was the chosen one.

Grady has been in the pre-crawling/rolling all over the room stage for weeks and I keep saying he's days away from crawling, but he keeps tricking me. Still doing the up-on-knees-rocking-back-and-forth precrawl. Here he's getting a lesson from Uncle Dan....

The Briggs were in Georgia so our herd shrunk a little. Jen, close your eyes and don't look at this next picture.

It may be already the 15th, but the 4th was still lots of fun. life is good.

Happy Birthday Allison

2011-07-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

There are friends you know you'll have forever no matter how much you talk or see each other. You can go a year without talking or seeing each other and when you do, it's like you spoke an hour ago. The good thing about Allison is we don't speak once a year and the girl has a memory stronger than an elephant. I'm not kidding, she'll retell HILARIOUS stories and I'll be laughing so hard because it's the first time I heard it and I'll say "omg, that's hilarious, who were you with when that happened?" and she'll exclaim "YOU"!!!! She will even have pictures to prove it. We met in 6th grade at Boca Middle and I knew she'd be in my life forever. I trust her with everything and I do think she knows more about me than I do myself from the above illustration. Well, we took a road trip to see her and it wont be the last of many. Oh, and today happens to be her birthday so go wish her a happy birthday on her facebook. If you're not friends with her on fb, become one here because she's the sweetest, funniest, most resourceful person ever. Your life will be better for knowing her. I know mine is. She turned me onto blogging, facebook, miracle blankets, couponing, Club Med, and a million other things. I swear if I had a question about flying rocket ships in outer space, she'd pull one out of her garage in 5 minutes.

Oh and did I mention she has the cutest kids on the planet?? Meet Cal and Chase. Yummy boys!

and
Oh and Guess who took these pictures of these delish boys?

I've never had a brother, but I think it'd be pretty neat to have after seeing these two together.

A future geologist...

and the next president...

Cal's baby pictures are uncanny similar to Grady - I felt like I was with an almost 3 year old version of Grady the whole time together, like a kid time machine.

and Allison's hubby Dawson's twin; like an adult time machine...

if you're ever in Orlando, you must visit this restaurant everyday...the turkey sandwich is to die for.

and go to Downtown Disney afterwards for some more fun...

Happy Birthday Allison, I'm so glad to know you and thanks for being the best hostess with the mostess. It was like our high school sleepovers... except this time we were allowed to drink. I love you!

Grady in Cal's shirt looking cute as a button. Grady is only 9 months old, but this is a 3T shirt. I checked Grady's birth certificate and under ethnicity, it said "Part- Moose".

I wish I could describe this boy in 1,000 words or less. It's just not possible. His face tells it all. We were at lunch today and 12 year old Blane said "that boy is the highlight of my day". I couldn't agree more.

Allison is coming to Naples in a few weeks and we'll be taking the trip back to Orlando so we can pick up right where we left off and Allison can tell me more stories about my past. Apparently I have amnesia and didn't know it. Happy Birthday ZimZim! xoxo

Busch Gardens Explosion...

2011-07-07T04:48:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love Busch Gardens...whether we go for a quick day trip or stay at a cozy hotel , it's a place we are going back to a few more times scheduled on the calendar and open for more. Buying the year pass was the best money ever spent. I swear seeing the kids happy, like the smiling from their toes happy is like a drug. I've never done street drugs, but if I did, seeing them like that would be my crack pipe and I'd need rehab worse than Charlie Sheen. WINNING!

Are you kidding me with the cuteness of Grover? Lily loves all the characters and a little hesitant at first to go up to them, but always ends up touching them with such big eyes like she can't believe they're real. Oh wait, they're not. I get so caught up in the moment sometimes I forget. Grady looks at them like they're a ghost....albeit Casper the friendly one.

Grady and David are camoflauged together...

Grady doesn't prefer to sit on laps, sometimes when he does, he gets so wiggly like you're trying to hold a wild animal. He prefers his own seat all to himself. And when he gets it, he sits there like he's happy he finally got his way.

Lily helping to navigate the park where we find something new every time...thanks Dana for these adorable shoes!

and she has her favorite rides, but won't try the motorcycles again after a tearful first ride on her birthday where they had to stop the ride to get her off. Although she was tall enough this time; just a few months later to ride the Grover roller coaster and loved it. She told the ride attendant very confidently, "i've been eating my growing food" as he allowed her to climb in.

I love people watching at theme parks like this because there is one common theme. Families everywhere. Big and little. Different dynamics. Some parents have their kids on a short leash figuratively, while other parents are being walked by their parents running wild. Everyone is schlepping strollers, kids, diaper bags and a hot sweaty mess, there's cameras clicking everywhere you turn, tantrums on every corner, but the common theme is how much these parents love their kids and will do anything for them. It's cool to witness because this feeling of overpowering love we feel for our kids is the same exact feeling shared by every person there

and every parent is doing the excited wave from the audience like it's their first one..

and the characters play along with the love fest...

I love walking up on my family and seriously can't believe we're here when I laid awake so many nights thinking we'd never have a baby and now to have 2 healthy beautiful souls staring back at us is too much to bear in gratitude. Being withheld from them for so many years helps me to gain perspective on a daily basis

feeling like a kid again....oh, how I loved me some Big Bird when I was a kid. I wanted to ride me some Snuffaluffagus

Cooling off Gradycakes...

I get very sick on rides, even some Merry Go Rounds, but I can handle the kiddy ones ok. I pretend to be nervous getting on and Lily says, "it's okay mommy, i'll show you how" as she guides me holding my hand...

no way I could do these swings ...

Ok, I could handle the car ride, but was too largemarge for it...

We went to lunch where they had live entertainment with old time rock and roll and Lily took over dancing like she was possessed with some serious dance moves..

Life is good...especially at Busch Gardens.

story time...

2011-06-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

I'm inundated with pictures so let's take a story break story from Lily...I love this little voice and I know I'll yearn to hear it one day in a few years so I run the video camera around the clock trying to capture the cuteness, but know it'll never do it justice; there's nothing that can quite replace this voice matched with her big blue eyes staring right through you at the same time..

same video; different upload process...

if you can't see it click here

and since I'm an equal opportunity employer (ala parent), here's our cutie pie who does this from the time he wakes up until the time he goes to sleep and I simply can't believe our luck that we get to be with him everyday.

can't see the cuteness, click here

life is good :)

The Triple Crown

2011-06-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

My dad.

There are really no words to fully summarize the impact he has had and still does to this day. If you know him, you know what I mean.

He has a heart of gold, openly cares about his kids and grandkids and nothing makes him happier than being with his family. I have probably 100 special emails from him he's sent to me on my bad days, my good days and just so-so days. That's 100 just in the last year. He knows and remembers every detail about my friends, my friends' kids. my friend's family and will send articles from the newspaper, websites or videos if it has anything to do with any topic we're remotely interested in.

Like Julie's son Nathan just started a new soccer team and I probably know more that Julie does about the team, the fees to be on that team, their travel schedule, and how many goals each player on the team has, and the coaches.

We always bonded over soccer growing up; I played since I was 5. When I got older, we went to Taco Bell after each practice, then to McDonalds for an ice cream cone and sometimes he'd have 2 in his hand while driving with his knees. He loved them that much. We had the best talks even though I couldn't recite one topic discussed, but looking back now I realize how much I took those talks for granted and couldn't wait to get home to call my best friend to discuss the topics of the day. He drove to and fro each practice, which was about a 42 minute ride one way so I could be on the most competitive team in our area. He never missed a game, even when I sat the bench my freshman year at UCF, he'd take off work at Motorola and drive 3 hours just to see my ride the pine. If that wasn't motivation to train extra that summer, I don't know what was.

In high school he was the manager of the club soccer team and while we were at the hotel horsing around staying up past curfew with the girls, he was in the laundry room washing all of the super smelly uniforms for the whole team. When people would thank him, he'd smile and say it was the best time ever. And now I know how much he meant it. All he wants is to see his girls happy and will do anything in his power to make that happen.

To say he's always there for his girls and grandkids is an understatement. To drive you to the airport, help you move a refrigerator, wait for the furniture guy, to hang with the kids while I run to the store, no matter what he's there and only a phone call away to be there in 10 minutes. One time when David and I were out of town he wanted to surprise us by running a cable to our patio so we could have cable tv outside. He went from the front of our house to the back of the house IN THE ATTIC! Crawled through a tiny space like he was a navy seal in the middle of a hot day, but had to turn back around because of heat exhaustion and almost passed out in my attic. I shudder at the thought if he wouldn't have been at the airport to pick us up and we would've all been puzzled where he could be. Okay, I'll stop there.

He's a staple at every kid event then and now and nothing is more important than being there for us. He comes over just for every one of Lily's swim lessons and I swear if Grady takes up underwater basket weaving, he'll be the first in line buying the twine for him and will know every technique under the sun that would put Longaberger out of business.

And God help you if you're driving anywhere you might not be familiar with because you will get a full dissertation of how to get there, alternate roads that may work, every gas station along the way and I promise you he brought me this map for our park play date when I told him I got a little turned around in a solo trip to Tampa when i-275 and i-4 met me with a question mark.

Other than the obvious extra giggles and time I get with Grady and Lily, the other best part of being home with them has been all of the quality time I've had and the kids have had with him.
He's ready at a moments notice for any type of field trip with the kids. He'll do anything . anytime. And we all benefit from him.

He had eye surgery and didn't have any other sunglasses other than the ones he got from the doctor's office so Stevie Wonder it was. How can he still embarrass me at 36 like when I was 14?

He got some new ones for dirt cheap through his insurance and said "do you know anything about Maui Jims?" and said it like it was a different language, hard to pronounce. He's also taught us how to respect money and not to indulge. We got just a little taste of that one and not the whole ladel of that lesson.

If you know my dad, you love him. Gentle spirit. Nice. Always there. Cute. Funny. Sweet. Thoughtful. Caring. Always there. He's the perfect balance between always there, but never overbearing.

We go for runs every week with Jen. He's on the bicycle while Jen and I huff and puff through our endless stories. He listens like he's taking notes, studying for the bar exam. We've cried, laughed and bonded over silly or important stories that mean more to me than the miles we've covered. He's heard of every heartbreak and heart filling story and I bet he could retell them at a moment's notice. Actually it'd probably take him an hour to retell it, but all the details would be in there.

When I graduated from college and stopped playing soccer, I know he missed it , but referee'ing was a way to get back in the game from another perspective. He was never the calm, quiet spectator and once got thrown out of a game for yelling at a ref "HEY REF GET IN SHAPE" when the portly guy couldn't move quickly enough out of the way of the play of the game. I was 12 and MORTIFIED. I wanted to dig a hole in the field and bury myself alive from embarrassment. I say his ref'ing days were his penance in apologies for his sideline behavior when I was younger. He loved ref'ing as it filled the void, but he was sidelined for a few years with a knee injury that lead him to have knee replacement surgery. We didn't know he'd ever recover fully enough to get back on the field, but he never gave up. He rode his bike like Lance Armstrong, ate healthy and got up at 4:15am before our runs to go to the gym to lift weights. And you know what? He's back out on the field now better than ever! Guess what he got for Father's Day? A framed picture of his studliness.

Happy Father's Day Dad. I hope you feel celebrated today and everyday.

If my dad wasn't enough, rewind the tape to David's dad, Larry who I affectionately call LareBear. He's as sweet as he looks, loves to play practical jokes, and as wholesome as they come. He's like the salt of the earth.
Larry doesn't gush with his feelings like my family does because we're like a hallmark commercial when we meet for 5 minutes at the grocery store, but you feel it when you're with him. It's unspoken, but spoken with every word. And it always feels good.

He's a wealth of knowledge about everything, loves baseball, hunting, fishing, yardwork, his rocking chair, cheez-its, peanut butter on ritz crackers, and race car driving like his life depended on it. I love when someone has a passion for something. No matter what it is, Larry loves deeply with intese loyalty and always puts his family first.

He teaches me (and the kids) to slow down, savor the important things, put away cell phones and just be present. It's as if he doesn't own a watch because he's never in a rush to be anywhere, but where he is at the present moment. And that's together with his family.

I love that our kids get those lessons for free like they're going to the best private school in town, but we get an all expense paid tuition to the front desk in the classroom.

I love that I married someone who had Larry playing such an incredible impact on his life that trickles down into our kids.

I see so much of Larry and my dad in David. He's like a cross section of the 2 people. Our kids get the triple crown with dads. David is such a family man. I see it with his loyalty. With his patience. With his be there for every moment attitude. His responsible ways. His stable personality. He doesn't gush with his feelings, but when he does it's like a dam broke. He shows it in his actions. Always tidying, cutting the grass, cleaning the pool, playing catch, scrubbing the shower, making detailed spreadsheets for budgets, doing laundry, packing the kids lunch bags, calling for kid updates, and endless reading of stories to the kids. I see it in his love for seeing his kids happy and I thank God everday I have a partner for life raising Lily and Grady with the same ideas and values we want them to learn.

They say you marry someone like your father and that's fine by me, but I think they took it a step too far when they showed up to dinner in the same shirt and shorts, down to the belt and sneakers. I love that David and my dad are buds and sometimes I feel like the 3rd wheel when we're altogether, but this was a bit much even for me.

And since David played for the Cubbies back in the Pre-Kelly days, (can you believe there's such a thing?)I thought it'd be neat to take Grady's 7 month picture in his alma mater jersey. Please note; Grady is 8 months old now, but wearing 18-2T clothes. GASP. And Grady knows one emotion and one emotion only. Happy.

And nothing makes us happier.

Happy Father's Day to all the influential dads out there that are there for your kids as babies or adults. And the role models like Uncle Jamie, Uncle Duane, Bob, and Uncle Dan who capture the fun loving, hard working, always there, awesome all around dad trophy, you'll never truly know the impact you're making on your kids and mine, but it's sure a powerful force. Feeling so lucky to be surrounded with such love and devotion from all the dads to our kids and theirs too. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Bouncing and Sliding

2011-06-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

One of Lily's favorite things to do is go in bounce houses. So when we heard of one in town in SC, we zoomed on over.

And exploring it with all the big kids makes her nervous, but not with Anna holding her hand.

and little gradycakes sat curbside smiling the whole way through...

seeing him happy makes my heart do a somersault and it does a lot of it because the boy eats, sleeps and breathes the open faced smile at any passerbyer. Yes, I just made up that word.

I love seeing Lily bonding with other adults so they can see the side that David and i know and love everyday.

Lily went from being their little baby doll to a friend they could play with and have fun together.
Grady now took the place of the baby doll that they just added a quarter to the jukebox and smiled like his life depended on it.

but they didn't want him to miss out on the fun either. (and I managed to snap the post office in town. note, it's the only one and probably the size of my house)

Anna and Allison were like 2 older sisters to Grady and Lily.

and even David joined in the reindeer games. Who knew teeter-totters even existed these days?.

I love this picture.

lily was insistent that David go down the slide and insisted on teaching him proper technique. Anna actually got this shot.

and this one too.

Life is confusing right now, but going through these pictures and the thousand others we have helps to resonate that we never thought we'd have kids and now I'm blogging about a family vacation allowing me to restore my faith that everything will work out the way it's supposed to. But, boy is it tough going through the roller coaster ride. Say prayers it's a short and not so bumpy ride. xoxo

I'll Have Seconds

2011-06-06T04:48:00.000-07:00

Lots of loving (and yummy eating) in SC so a hefty dose of seconds is always a must. Too many amazing pictures from SC so it might be a multi-post of goodness. These 2 got along swimmingly!

I love having role models for my kids in the kid form. Yes, it's great to have positive adult role models for all kids, but there's something like our kids watching others within their same decade of life that makes such an impact. These 2 are the the rockstar supernova of role models. Wholeseome. Sweet. Kind. Loving, Guiding. Helpful. I can't think of enough adjectives for them.
We went tubing on Lake Wylie and the kids had a blast while the adults took in the scenery. Say what with this house? These were at every turn.

Our cautious little Lily joined the fun too and didn't even blink an eye at the fear factor of it all. I can't put her personality into a box if I tried; she's always surprising me.

Allison's feet made me laugh. I like to laugh.

Allison would marry the tube if she could; she got on it as soon as we started the day and never got off of it for a second all day long!

poor lily couldn't see above her life jacket.

for realzzzz she couldn't see. this picture made me laugh too.

Anna was SOO hesitant to get in the water because it was too cold and afraid of the fish - spent about 30 minutes contemplating and stalling the inevitable. Amazingly cool that our 3 year old talked her into it and helped her along the way. Look at the way Anna is holding onto Lily for support. Moments like these take my breath away.

super cool shot ...

ok , if this picture doesn't make you laugh I don't know what will. Our little narcoleptic Lily was hit by the tranquilizer gun again. Funny thing is she was sitting right next to me and we realized she was sleeping. sitting up. like a horse. So I grabbed her mid-snooze for some snuggles. (her original life jacket was soaking wet so we had to have plan b when we went to dry clothes)

PS I assumed most of you heard via facebook, that Grady's surgery went awesome, but guess it didn't hit everyone! He smiled through the whole thing even if his parent[s] (ie me) were a nervous wreck. It wasn't attached to anything internally, was removed switfly and he has a follow up appointment this week as a formality where we should be home free. PHEW! (wiping brow profusely) Thanks for all of the love and support!!!!

life is good.

Thanks for Everything!

2011-05-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

We just returned from an awesome trip filled with so much southern lovin this side of the mason dixon line! Tummies are full, hearts are dripping with extra love and feeling so blessed to have these amazing people in our corner helping to raise and guide Lily and Grady on their way through life. As we were leaving, I kept saying "thanks for everything" because it encompassed everything I was feeling, but really came up short when words fail me to tell them the gifts they give us everyday...just for being them & loving our kids. How does one articulate that to another? This is David's side of the family, but we all just mesh together so well, I hate to even decipher it into "sides". They're my family too by golly. They ooze goodness, wholesomeness and everything good we want for Lily and Grady. And for ourselves.

(sweet Thelma, Allison, and dog Rusty are missing)

They teach me to slow down, shut off my phone and get back to basics of living.
How do you ever thank someone for that and saying yes to the 100th game of tag or racing?

and letting them win every time to make them feel good on the inside...

or saying yes to the 200th game of catch and praising them like when they catch the ball like they just got accepted into Yale; just to fill them up...

Sitting back taking it all in can be overwhelming and I wonder how we got here. Then I smile extra big knowing the answer...

Anna stood on the side of the road holding up a handmade "Welcome to South Carolina" for 30 minutes before we arrived. She practically waited by their doors while they napped and spread her love evenly between the 2. I don't know who had more fun?

And Grady became one of the boys in no time. New tongue trick for all to see. Look at me guys.

He was either smiling or making this face the entire time as he studied a new face holding him, not sure what to think, but then putting down his guard once he realized this was just another person who was going to kiss, hug and nuzzle him.

I think Lily would've been happier if David and I had dropped her off in SC so she could have them all to herself. I dont know if it was the crazy sleep schedules, the air mattress vs the crib, or all the new people, but she just wasn't herself and wasn't that into us. Maybe it's because she's 3 and asserting her independence, but i know it heightened the moment we arrived and curtailed itself when we left so I think she wanted us to stay back in FL this trip so she could have them all to herself.
She asked Anna "Pleez, will you pay with me?" at least 98 times. and even when they were playing together, she'd keep asking. I think she was so excited and comfortable with her she didn't know how to quite articulate it. Hide and go seek was a favorite game but Lily had a hard time understanding the concept because once Anna would yell "ready or not here I come", Lily always yelled out "Okay" from her secret hiding spot..

One of the highlights of the trip for me was visiting Lily and Grady's GREAT Grandma who will be 99 in September! 99 people! That's 63 more years of living for me and I'm already exhausted at age 36. She has been alive for 99 years. I don't know if you realize it, but that's pretty freaking close to 100 and being on the Smuckers Jar with Willard Scott. Her memory is poor, but seeing her face LIGHT UP like a Christmas tree when she saw Grady for the first time made me a pile of mush.

I excitedly anticipated seeing Lily and Grady with Thelma when planning this trip. If my camera cwuld've broken after getting these priceless pictures, I would've been a happy camper.

Yes, she is as sweet as she looks. I promise.

Lily went over all the pictures in a scrapbook Aunt Sandy made for Thelma and I could barely see through the camera as I snapped.

I'm a big fan of the cheesy shot when everyone looking at the camera, smiling and posed, but this is one of my favorite pictures from our trip. We're laughing and interacting while she just takes it all in smiling with her heart.

So even though, thanks for everything are such shallow words in comparison to all of the time, effort, planning, noise, chaos, and love that went into our trip, those are 3 little words that really have a bigger meaning and the only way to show them our gratitude is to pay it forward to our little miracles. This is just a fraction of the 200 pictures I'm wading through, but gives you a sweet taste of the southern charm we were lucky enough to savor while together.

Life is good.

Pretzel Tummy

2011-05-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

I think I could make up a term for Dr. Google to be used when searching the internet for symptoms you feel and coming up with a diagnosis. We've all done it and I know I have a million and 1 times; especially when we were ttc.

Well, this emotion every mother feels on a regular basis. It's the "Pretzel Tummy Syndrome". Because once you have a child/dren, your heart has left your body and safely tucked inside another body and your happiness and sadness is now derived from that other body. In college, if I was in a funk, I would go straight to the book store and buy every self help book I could find on that related subject and usually feel better after reading some comforting words and anecdote.

It doesn't work that smoothly with kids. When things are "off" with your kid(s) and the planets aren't aligned with them, your tummy begins to take the form of a pretzel feeling anxiety for whatever they're going through. Well, I've been feeling that way for awhile about little G-man!

(Guess who took these awesome pictures?)

Well, he's having surgery tomorrow. Our little 7 month old SWEET baby boy is going to be admitted to the hospital, given an IV, and put under anesthesia. I could throw up if I really thought about it. So I have a big case of the Pretzel Tummy Syndrome and there's not antibiotic for it.

And I went to the bookstore, but no self help book about it either.

His belly button still has that suspicious growth coming out of it and they're not quite sure why 4 chemical treatments didn't obliterate it so they have to remove it surgically.

The specialist said the growth could be attached to his bladder and when the dr. said those words, I literally felt weak in the knees and didn't hear much of what he said after that. They wont know until they "go in" tomorrow (hurl) at how involved it'll be.

He is such a happy little guy....all. the. time. (with 2 bottom teefers)

and he just oozes goodness and happiness from his every pore. And I know all babies do; it's just neat to experience it again and can't believe that lightning strikes twice when you have a 2nd baby and the love & adoration you felt for the first one happens all over again. I didn't expect that.

and to think he'll be in such a vulnerable state while there's nothing we can do to help him...it's just not fair.

and I know these surgeons could do this routine surgery in their sleep, Grady is safe in their hands and they're experts in their field. I know they do this everyday on hundreds of kids. And yadda-yadda-yadda; It just feels different when it's your baby. And they're putting your heart on the table.

But, like everything else in life that is icky, we'll be there for him holding his hand the entire time. And his heart.

Lily talks about his boo-boo on his belly button all the time lately and I think she senses it's turning into a bigger deal than usual.

Please pray for our little guy tomorrow and everything goes quick and smoothly. Thank you for all of your support and love leading up to this point. It is SO comforting. It means so much. My phone was blowing up with thoughtful texts, missed calls, emails during his consultation appointment last week and with every bling of the phone translated as an "I love you guys", it was an awesome reminder that we are so loved and supported during stressful times. I guess that's the antibiotic that works best for the Pretzel Tummy Syndrome. It's definitely my favorite.

Mommy's Day

2011-05-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

People say that being a mom is a tireless and thankless job. Yes, it can be tiring at times and overwhelming because of the emotional investment that's attached to the hoping and praying you're making the right decisions along the way. And the tantrums and whining? Whew doggy they can be not so pretty.

But thankless? I couldnt disagree more!

They show their thanks every hour of everyday with their smiles, giggles, hilarious stories, endless kisses and hugs for no reason. I can't believe there's a day to thank me for this incredible job of being their mom. I feel like I should be thanking them because they teach me more than I could've ever imagined. I think it everyday, I can't believe I get to be their mom. There were many mother's day that people tiptoed around me not knowing what to say as this day was like a giant heaping of salt in the wound of not being a mom. But, this year, we were all smiles celebrating with a different type of salt. At the beach.

Grady has brought more joy into our hearts than I ever thought possible. Ever. He smiles and happily kicks from the moment he wakes up until he sleeps. I think he smiles in his sleep. Lily asked the other day why he doesn't cry a lot because she thought babies were supposed to cry all day.

My camera didn't make it in time for Mother's Day (weep, weep), but my cell phone did the trick and I tried not to give it power that I was missing it on such a special day. The frizzis joined us to toast motherhood and all that it means. that was a gift in itself!!!!

and of course there was a game of ball going on at all times...

and bonding...

Neatfreak Lily used to be turned off by the texture of sand and always would want it off her hands/feet immediately, which was a neverending task, but she has embraced the grains in between her toes and fingers.... Lily read me her mother's day card to me about 23 times that day. She read aloud proudly like she could read every word. Funny part is that she recited it the same way each time. She said (opening card proudly with shy smile) "Happy Muvers Day to my mommy. Mommy is so beeaful. Mommy loves me win im happy. mommy loves me when im angry. mommy loves me win im sad. mommy doesnt wuv me sumtimes, mommy wuvs me all da time. Luv Leelee" (closes card)She said the same thing in a different order everytime.

and forget the water! she used to be so uncomfortable with the water even touching her baby toe and would only go in if we held her....now she takes a bath in it. I guess I should believe everyone with older kids who tell me "it's just a phase". I swear when I am told that, I think to myself, "no this one is not a phase, it'll last until she's 10 and she'll never like going to the beach" or whatever the phase of the week/month is. It's hard to see the forest through the trees.
Got this suit at once upon a child for $3.50. Can I get a woop-woop?

she liked playing tag with the water and Grandpa. I watched and heard the play by play from Grandpa the next day of what was happening. And the day after. And the day after that. I truly don't know who is having more fun.

he looks like a lifeguard.

the cute one you want to smile at every time you see him...

I feel like my connection with my mom and david's mom has taken on a whole new deeper level since becoming a mom because I have such insight to everything they did, everything they feel, and try to pay it forward everyday. It's a huge responsibility and such an honor that God has trusted us enough to fill these beautiful souls up with love, goodness, and ooey-gooey fun!
So to have a day to celebrate this seems bizarre to me when I should be thanking them for allowing me to even be a mom. That is a gift worth its weight in gold. And never thankless.

I can't believe how much I love this picture. I can't get it blown up big enough because it captures their heart. And mine... in one snap! Thank you thank you thank you Jen!

Life is good.

a broken flash, leftover birthday cake and prayer requests to the belly button gods

2011-05-06T04:48:00.000-07:00

So my camera is in the shop for a faulty flash and I'm praying to the UPS gods that it'll be back before mother's day, but in the meantime, thank goodness for cell phone cameras. much easier to send pictures to family and friends too...like this one where it was borderline cute and borderline white trash to let her have lunch while barefoot running around. Not very ladylike or rule abiding, but that's how we roll.

I can't tell you the full circle happy feeling I get seeing Lily and Grady in Jen's classroom. Who would've thunk it all those painful years of praying for our babies that they'd be psuedo students in her room one day??

and this boy has more happiness in his pinky than I can bottle up...I love this picture of the 2 of them...Jen sees a lot of Jordan in Grady so I think it's neat for her to relive those days through Grady....the more loving he can get from his family the better.

see what I mean?

We told Lily she could go anywhere she wanted for her family bday dinner and I was hoping for a little cheese fries action at Outback or bread/oil at Carraba's, but she said "I wanna go to Welcome to Moes". When we'd say we were going to Moes, she'd correct us and say "no we are not going to Moes, we're going to Welcome to Moes". God I love this little 3 year old more than words can express.

She wanted a brownie birthday cake in the shape of a 3. So she got just that. she had to glam up for first before the big moment.

told her to make a wish...she said she wished for a hundred dollars.

I had built up our trip to build a bear like it was going to be birds flying singing and put it off for the perfect day. Since her bday fell on a Monday we met daddy there for lunch for the big shebang. She chose a doggy and named it "heart". I love this store and the positive messages it sends to kids. Genius marketing too if you ask me and I didnt study marketing and you didn't ask me either.

washing and drying Heart was her favorite part...hey that rhymed.

she had to make a wish on her heart for the heart they were going to put inside him...wonder if he's going to be rolling in the $100 cash too?

personalized pancakes are a must. easy to do with this

Lily got pretty sick the night of her birthday with a ruptured ear drum which only lasted a few days, but we were SO thankful for the timing if it had to happen. Only lasted a few days, but nothing worse than seeing your kids sad. Grady has to go to a pediatric surgeon next week to have his belly button looked at because it may need surgery. He has a umbilical granuloma which is a growth out of his belly button from his cord not healing properly. Trying not to fast forward, but it's kinda wiggin' me out. It's been an ongoing issue for the poor little guy - here's what it looked like at its worse...

it's gotten significantly smaller with multiple treatments of silver nitrate, but not gone or even flesh colored like it should be. here's what it looked lke after one of his treatments that helped to shrink it :(
no, i wasn't freaking out when i went to change him and saw this. (dripping with sarcasm) Anyway, curious what the specialist will recommend and the last thing I/we want is for him to have to have surgery where he'll have to be put under anaesthesia. Lily was put under for her MRI around 9 months and it was a scary feeling to be so little and vulnerable with those heavy drugs in their system even though I know it's super safe and common when necessary. Just hoping he can have it done later in life than at all if need be. So say a prayer or 5 that everythign will work itself out and it'll go away on its own magically so he can pick up chicks on the beach when he's 22 and not be called the 3rd nipple boy all his life. Looking forward to a weekend with my 2 favorite small people who let me celebrate a holiday that caused me so much angst for many years.

life is good.

sailing around the house

2011-04-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

We didn't sail around the house, but I combined the 2 ideas in one post.

Lily is becoming quite the little beach bum lately. She used to prefer to stay on the blanket and the little neat freak wasn't a fan of the gritty sand between her toes. But not anymore...

seriously, she could take a bath in the sand these days when it used to be a big deal if she had a fleck on her elbow. I've always preferred the pool over the beach, but the scales are starting to tip back the other way just a tad.. we spent almost 9 hours at the beach and didn't want to leave. makes me excited for this summer and a beach vacation too.

and playing hide and seek under Janet and Steve's sailboat sweetens the deal even more...

Yes, that is Steve and he's a total stud on kiteboarding. Does jumps 20-30 feet in the air, crowds gather, people are taking cameras out to capture his skillz in amazement, and always a ton of questions from all the passerbys....

we stayed on the shoreline to cheer and watch in amazement...

and we went sailing like we were Jacques Cousteau

Lily didn't like all the bouncing around once we got going, but she sure liked to jump on it like it was a trampoline when it was parked.

Grady slept most of the day on and off on the beach, but we got some cute ones of him going to church the next day...

I love this one of Julie and her godson...

someone who's name rhymes with shady is now sitting up on his own and boy does it look like a lot of work...

Lily prefers to push than swing herself these days...

Little Grady seems to look through me with these sweet little eyes right into my heart. His eyes are always fixated on the people in the room. And when a connection is made, he goes into a fit of kicks, smiles and total joy takes over his face. If you kiss him on the cheek or neck, he takes this sweet happy heavy sigh like he's so filled up with love and needs an outlet somehow.

and the 2 of them together? please someone get me a heart doctor stat.

I took this same picture with Lily around the same age and the shirts say it all. Thanks Steph! This is how they make me feel everyday.

I love his watching his little eyes taking it all in.

This shirt says it all too...

Lily will play hide and seek and hide like next to a chair with her eyes closed like I can't see her. She was yelling from behind the curtain "come find me mommy" as I was in the room looking for her. Reminded me of the witch from the Wizard of Oz. She likes to read books like this too.

and sweet Dottie came to see us and helped us fill up our kids' love cup too...she's a natural. She took them on a walk by herself that was so long I thought she was lost.

storytime is still everyone's favorite time of the day where the hustle and bustle of the day evaporates and slows down to a turtle pace where we all take turns reading a story...my favorite will always be when Lily reads them aloud to us...

Lily loves taking pictures too and INSISTED on the photo. She set both of them up, told me her vision for the photo, told me where to stand, gave me the countdown of when to take it, told me how to take it, and had to preview it before she gave the okay.

this may sound dumb (ok I know it does) but I never knew why this was called the bouncy seat. Lily used to just sit in it happily observing, but Grady makes it bounce and rock so aggressively, smiling and kicking wildly, I swear he's going to break it. Warning Wylie, but it hasn't happened yet while it's on loan to us, but it could. :)

life in and out of the house is so good.

Cousin'ly Love

2011-04-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

We've hosted Easter the last few years because it usually falls around Lily's birthday. It works out well, but it always feels right when my mom hosts Easter. Not quite sure why, but it just does. She did it years before Lily was born and since Easter was so late this year it worked out like a charm. We counted down the days to see each other like we hadn't seen each other in months, talked about all the preparations, and didn't go to sleep until 1:30am because we couldn't stop talking once we were there. I have no idea what topic was discussed, but we were like college kids after a frat party.
And hanging by her lake feeding the birds leftover pizza that somehow wont give them indigestion or heartburn, spinning in the swing and skipping rocks like they're in the movie Stand By Me. There's nothing better than seeing lily and grady with their cousins. She's going to see her other 2 cousins in SC in a few weeks and I'm giddy with excitement. They all get along famously and there's a different and unique dynamic between each one of them. Lily's shyness is dropped at the door and she becomes this silly little giggly school girl in seconds. How in the world my sisters and I all had 1 boy and 1 girl with almost every age range respresented is beyond me. But it's pretty darn cool if you ask me. I love them all like my own and would jump in front of a bus for all of them. By far, my favorite picture of the weekend.
and yes, we have a kid table. I remember them well as a kid and can't believe I get to glance over and see this while i'm at the 'adult table' . How did that happen? I still feel 23 (ok, maybe 27)

and no one forgets this one because each time you glance his direction he acts like a professional bug catcher...you just have to say Grady and this is what you see. He blows me away. Dad, you're pretty cute too.

getting a picture of both looking in the same direction is like solving the Pythagorean theorem (yes, I had to google the spelling of that one)
discovering their treasures...

my little poser...

i couldn't pick a favorite and had about 32 to choose from...

ok, one more...
I lied...last one...

see what i mean? my mom seems like a simile for Easter...

she made these adorable cupcakes and I added the licorice from a magazine idea I had to make them into baskets so I could say "we" made them when people inquired. So for the record my mom and i made these.

Ok, not so much, but they're super cute.

and so is she...

and so are they...

and our little fishies...

lily has never been bothered by a wedgie nor does she know how to officially pick a wedgie after multiple lessons on the art of picking one...

lily insisted she go down the slide with grady - boy, i can't wait to see the 2 of them run and play together.

until then, her grandma will have to fill that role...

woopsie...

they went to an Easter egg hunt that was the most over analyzed easter egg hunt I've ever seen with probaly only 100 eggs and 75 kids ( you do the math), but the kids didn't know any different. Lily only got 2 eggs and saw Grady's basket was empty and gave 1 of her 2 to fill his basket so he wouldn't be sad. Be still my heart.

and back home they carried on like usual...

and thank you Allison for this ADORABLE shirt...makes my heart smile every time he wears one of your creations...

Jen and Molly's kids are older and I literally have a brain freeze when I imagine our kids being 5, 7, 12 and 15 because it seems like a lifetime away, yet i remember them @ 2 like it was yesterday. I love to see the bond they have and that it only gets sweeter with age.

for more pictures of the fun, check out Jen's blog who actually know what the hella she's doing with a camera..after seeing her skillz with a camera, I'm sure I was adopted.

life is good.

blast from the past...

2011-04-20T04:48:00.000-07:00

with so many bags with 2 kids, I don't take my camera bag with me as much as i should so i rely on my camera phone a lot...doesn't take the best pictures, but captures them just the same...showing off her matching stella and dot necklace and bracelet

hanging in lily's crib together...

visiting her friends at her school...

meeting the newest friend everyone loves immensely...

this picture is my wallpaper on my phone - i love it so much i want to kiss each time i see it...

g-money sporting the exersaucer for one of the first times...

love this picture from the fair when lily made a basket - there's such an annoying delay on my camera phone, but this time it worked in my benefit...

Lily and grandpa (she officially changed his name to Grandpa from Papa) have such a special connection..

David sent this to me when I was in Tampa for a baby shower with G...

getting caricatures done with one of her favorite gal pals Gracie Pie...(the only name Lily uses when referring to her)

and the finished product...
we couldn't leave out Gradycakes...the artist actually had this picture as his home page on his site....

this boy can't stop smiling...i wish i could drink his milk and be this happy all the time...

Lily had to get goggles like her cousins...

and Grady decided to chill out with his homies...

can you tell im terrified of skin cancer?

Lily had this same picture taken when she was a bambino too...

starting solids in the highchair for the first time....this boy can eat...good thing I like to use coupons or we'll be in the poor house when he gets to high school...

oh, this face...

Lily loves to help and thinks she has her very own baby doll now...

they were in the jacuzzi one dayuntil a man at the pool said kids' organs can shut down from the water'sheat so we quickly departed...dont know if that's true, but you mention my kids organs shutting down and i'm running for the hills...

lily patiently waiting while the 7 managers checked me out with my 75 coupons

this was taken minutes after she had thrown up all ove the place at Joe Cool (and some on the shoes of the man in the gray pants ) after she threw up, she said i had a bug in my tummy, but i shoo'd it away...she's not crying here, just reeeeeeeally wincing like the scissors are about to draw blood...

some breakfast (hence waffle/milk on the couch) while catching up on her latest nursery rhymes... blurry, but cute picture of her at bounce house with her friend Sara... http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" wmode="transparent" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvid649.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu216%2Fstoutie18%2F2011-03-28_11-34-05_603.mp4">

Being a counselor, we talk about our feelings a lot...

can't see video? click here

never too early to start...

can't see video? click here

I dont know how these pictures got overlooked...

I love this one because there's so much joy in their faces...

this one too...

after church one day only 2 months ago, but they both look so different now!

and one day beckham came over for a play date and showed lily all the stuff big kids do... he is soooooo handsome...

be still my heart...

feet painting with Ella...

he's so cuddly...

some oldies, but goodies that i wanna make sure make it on the blog so they're there for the blog to book printing....

life is good...

A Busch Gardens Birthday

2011-04-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe it when I was printing this sign for her to sit on her chair.... in honor of turning 3, we headed to Busch Gardens to celebrate... and boy did we ever... (photobucket deleted 4 pictures in previous post so my apologies if these are duplicate) Lily brought along some of her best pals... and then a few more too...part of the herd took over the park (and every restaurant we visited)... and our little cautious lily is quite the daredevil on rides...it helps to have Grace there too, but she'll do most she sees... awwwwwwwwww they had to stop the ride and kick me out because I was inside the fenced area snapping away... stroller is key at any park for all the walking - Lily wanted nothing to do with ours and only wanted to be next to Gracie Pie... Busch Gardens is more like an amusement park these days with random animal themes throughout...I thought this was pretty cool... I had a little Joey of my own...oh how I love this sling Kelle told me about when Lily was 7 months old...I use it all the time... rest break... Lily was in a funk just before her nap and this picture was just around that time. she took a game changing nap that made the rest of the day so much fun. phew I had my back to them and when I turned around, Lily had the wand and Abby Cadabby was trying to get it back from lily who was toddling off with it. No idea how that happened and not sure I wanna know. Look how cute Grace is..thanks for the hat loan Lindsey.... change of wardrobe for some water fun... and this boy? I can't express his disposition and how much fun he added to the mix because every time you make eye contact with him, this is what you see... and tickle his ribs or palms of his hands and he's a fit of giggles... he was playing with my necklace so my dad took it off my hands, but looked like a granola boy in the process. he kept it on a little too long... ummmmmmm, what?? This was a fun ride and some on the boat get wet and some dont. Well, Grace and I wanted to get wet the least, but got wet the most. Murphy's Law I guess.. This stroller helped cart Grady around, but acted as a shopping cart even more. Thanks for letting us use this Theresa. Too bad we looked like a homeless family. just before the train ride through the jungle...Douglas won this spongebob pillow and they became fast friends for the rest of the day...even posed for the picture... I love this picture...and these people so so so so so much! this was at the end of the day just before the park was about to close...we'll all looking a little rough, but the lighting was good. ha and some pool fun...Lily is having a bad hair day. Dad and David saw the new USF baseball stadium which was remarkable....even snapped a picture of David's tile which took some time to find, but was in a very appropriate place; the dugout where he spent countless hours growing up and at USF Our trip to Busch Gardens was a sneak preview to a trip to Disney which we weren't quite sure when we could pull that off, but this helped us realize how much it'd be for everyone. Seeing the kids so happy was like wearing an endorphin filled oxygen mask all day watching them take it all in and the joy in their faces at every turn. Nothing better in life than seeing your kids happy. nothing. life is good.

THREE!

2011-04-04T00:48:00.000-07:00

we're changing our vocabulary from "she's almost 3" to "she is 3" when people ask her age and that's a crazy shift. 3 sounds so old and mature, but I guess that's what happens year after year... she's come a long way from this ...

to this...

and a trip down memory lane as she's grown up literally before our eyes...

her 2nd year...

3 years ago today still gives me the nervous feeling in my tummy if I really think about how she entered this world; it was scary and traumatic as we almost lost her, but that just fuels my gratitude and thanksgiving into this universe because she has brought such immeasureable joy to our family. We worked like dogs to have her here with us, but it seems like no work at all in hindsight because she was worth that much; we would do it all over again and then some just to be together. She had an incredible time in Busch Gardens for her birthday celebration surrounded in so much love. (there's about 300 more pictures where this one came from)

Lily, here are some of the things you're doing right now off the top of my head:

You love to sing Happy Birthday to inanimate objects like your crib, chair, dresser, etc and always reaches an unusually high pitch for the second verse of birthday.

You love to watch Supernanny and are aghast at their behaviors.

You are crazy sweet to your brother and don't like when he cries. The other day he was crying in the house with David and you were outside in the pool. Somehow you heard it with the doors closed. You looked stunned, stopped playing, raced inside like road runner, soaking wet, bringing him his favorite giraffe toy and pacifier. You begged me to make him a bottle and stood by my side tapping your toes as I got it ready then ran it to daddy.

Actually, you don't like when anyone cries and will ask a million questions when you hear someone crying or in trouble. It goes from empathy to nosy in seconds.

You love when I call for you and say "Lily Grace, I need to see your face" and you come running. Usually.

You love to climb into your carseat and have me knock from the inside of the house so you can scream you're ready.

You officially changed my dad's name from Papa to Grandpa the other day, but want David's dad to still be Papa.

You tell us everything that has happened in your past happened yesterday. Like you were born yesterday, you went to the water park yesterday, you had your birthday party yesterday, you went to grandma's house yesterday.

When we tell you to wait 10 minutes for something, you slowly count to 10 and expect time to be up. Same for 5 minutes counting to 5, 2 minutes counting to 2, etc.

When you're sick you tell me there's a bug in your tummy and you say "shoo fly" to make yourself feel better.

You have a shy personality, but surprise me all the time...like with the man at the pool you walked over to and played catch with for 30+ minutes and started up a conversation with out of the blue. He was about 85 and spoke broken English, but you two had a ball.

You remember to pray for everyone in our family and are like detective cluesoe if one is missing.

You get to watch TV in the car as a reward after we leave some place when you're a good listener at the store, play date, church, etc. You usually tell me when you have or have not earned the privilege.

You love to teach things to us that they already know how to do like you taught me how to use the kickboard yesterday and read a book. "come heer mommy, i show u" as your waving your hand in the air to lead me in that direction.

You exude happiness from every pore and teach us everyday about balance and perspective.

Your hearing is incredible. You heard grandpa's watch single tiny beep on the hour during the loudest song at church last week and it took us forever to figure out what you were saying as you were explaining what you heard. The ironic part is you say "what?" a lot when you are processing an answer to a question. I only know this because when I say "you heard me" you can repeat the answer.

You sleep like a teenager. Always have since birth; we can't figure out why you need so much sleep, but we're not complaining.

Being home with you (and Grady) has meant more to me than you'll ever know.

You like to sing your ABC's while going potty and tell me which letter you landed on when it comes out; you laugh especially hard when it comes out at the letter P and exclaim "I went pee-pee on the letter P. Dats so funny"

Grandma made you a brand new taggie blanket which is the exact replica of the 3 extremely worn blankets you use interchangeably now, but you don't like it because it's too soft. ??

You ask "where we going?" as soon as you wake up, before and after your nap and before you go to bed each night. You love to be 'on the go' like me, but it's probably because you don't know any different.

You act up the most around people that are new to you. You have a warm up period for sure. Aunt Jen says it's like the first day of school feeling for you where you feel nervous and don't know what to do with that feeling so you become more tempermental, crying over silly things that wouldn't normally bother you. You used to cry when the UPS man would come to our door when you were a baby so you've come a long way.

You do not like to be the center of attention, but danced like a wild woman in front of a group of 50 strangers at a party during the Super Bowl half time show so just when I think I have you figured out, I'm wrong.

You don't like when people say hi to you, but will often say bye to people when asked. You barely like to say hi to us when we come home bc it has to be on your terms. Oh, and you love to wave to people as they're leaving our house. You wave so hard like you're in a parade. You especially like when they honk. Sometimes I see you through the den window waving to me and daddy says you're inside begging for a honk or 2.

You fell the floor in puddle of tears at Moes in the doorway when Julie was excited to see you and said Hi while waving wildly.

You voluntarily wave to 85% of the cars as they drive by if you're playing outside.

Every time we ask you why your baby is feeling a certain way it always the same answer. "Baby is sad because she misses her mommy and daddy. Baby is happy because she is with her mommy and daddy. And baby is mad because she is in time out. "

You LOVE with a capital L to read books. You love to read the pictures and would do it for hours straight if you could. It is darling with a capital D!

You said you don't like to say hi to people because you're afraid they'll eat your toes.

Playing catch is probably your favorite game. You might get a tee-ball set for your birthday and you'll pretty jazzed about that. If the ball hits you on the head, you laugh like you're about to lose your breath and each time is like the first time it happened.

Driving your Barbie car and riding your tricycle are favorites too.

You refuse to call it a ''nap'', but you will ''rest your body'' each day without a fight.

You call going to bed at night your nap time.

You are a people pleaser at the young age of 3.

You are unbelieveably brave when it comes to roller coasters, slides, any sense of adventure which doesn't fit into your cautious personality either, but I completely trust you when you tell me you do or do not want to do something. You are sure so I'm sure and I don't push either way because you're always right. So far.

Last year I told you, in passing, you could have bubble gum when you're 5. If you see someone chewing bubble gum, you tell them you can chew it when you're 5, which isn't the case, but still funny to hear you reiterate what you heard so long ago.

The other day you were so excited at the dinner table to show me how you learned to eat green beans with your feet. I didn't know if I should laugh or be horrified.

Someone asked your brother's name the other day and you said it was Ralph. You also said you were 3 going on 4. Liar, liar, pants on fire.

You love to role play different scenarios of what you would do and what babies would do like if someone takes a toy or hits.

You don't like crunchy peanut butter. You love green beans and eat them like potato chips. You will only eat meat if it's off the grill. ??

You don't care what you wear each day so it hasn't been a struggle. Yet.

You LOVE to talk on the phone, play with my phone, look at my phone, dream of phones or anything phone related.

You love to count in Spanish like Dora. You love to for me to wait until you count to 3 in Spanish for me to turn off the car, but you always stop at "quatro" thinking that's 3.

You are loved unconditionally beyond measure by SO many. Thank you for bringing more joy into our family then we ever thought possible.

Happy Birthday Little Person.

memory lane

2011-03-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

Scrapping away the last months in preparation for Lily's 3rd (gulp) birthday. I hope these books turn into a keepsake they pore over as they get older and read the words of how loved they were at every stage of life letting them know how important they are to so many people in this giant world. NOVEMBER 2010 Grady, Grady, Grady, what can I tell you I haven't already whispered 100 times in your ear while nuzzling your sweet neck. I just love your sweet little old soul. You are always so calm and happy no matter what the circumstances are around you. Your sister could be having a tantrum, having a dance party, singing in your ear, reading you books or we could be cooking in the other room and you just look around so innocently asking for only one thing and that is our love. Your needs are so simple, yet so complex because we want to fill you up with everything good and yummy to pay you back for all the delicious gifts you give us everyday. You love to eat and can guzzle down mommy's breastmilk in 6 minutes flat and let out the biggest burp of your life then return back to your normal chill state. And when you do cry, you give us so much warning that it's going to happen that if you ever go into a full wail (which is rare) then it's our own fault. Thank you for filling us up this month and being the sweet soul that you are. lily, life is starting to settle down for you this month as you are adjusting to becoming a big sister. It was a bit difficult for you in last month when you saw mommy and daddy giving their attention to Grady, but we kept reassuring we still love you to the moon and back and finally you believed us. You are having so much fun being a big sister and being such a good listener to mommy and daddy as you're delineating the difference between what babies and big girls do; all the while imitating both at all times. Sometimes you forget the rules like when you slammeed your bedroom door like a teenager and said no to going on the potty or your meltdown in Target because you couldnt play with the registry computer. But, you always apologize, kiss our heart and remember the rules for the next time and that's the most important part is that you are learning. You are 2, but have the heart big enough for 2 kids because you always want to do your best and try so hard to be a big girl. You embarrassed mommy in the WalMart bathroom telling the entire bathroom that I had "big poo-poo" or when you pointed to the lady walking with the cane and said "what's wong wit that lady leg mommy". You love to paint, are obsessed with glue and just started with a new fascination with scissors; cutting paper into tiny pieces then meticulously coloring each piece with marker. You also can't stop dancing. You beg for music and stand in front of us bouncing up and down cracking yourself up. And us too. Spending our days with you is like a gift everyday and we can't imagine life without you! DECEMBER 2010: Lily, You are so excited about Christmas this month and you finally get it. You know that Santa is your friend and even though you wouldn't sit on his lap, you stood next to him for a long while for the picture and mommy helped you tell him what you wanted for Christmas. All you wanted was a Barbie car. You wouldn't put anything else on your list, but that. And boy did your face light up when you saw it...it's about the cutest thing ever to see you zipping around in that little hot rod like you're Mario Andretti. You also fell in love with board games and will sit forever playing CandyLand, Hungry Hungry Hippo or Chutes and Ladders with anyone or even by yourself. You've become this amazing color'er this month; insisting on coloring in the lines even though we've never encouraged that. You tell us that babies scribble (with demo) and big girls color pretty (with demo). You say things wrong lately like "Oh Me Goodness", "Here Me Is", "Where is Him?" and "batter-berries" for batteries. You love to do things independently like getting in and out of the car, cleaning up, and are trying to master undressing alone, but you can get your head out, but not the arms quite yet so your shirt is stuck behind your neck and you look so proud regardless saying "yuk mommy". We don't want you to ever change and are holding on to your goodness with every fiber in us and thank you for teaching us how to be the best version of ourself that we can be. You prayed with mommy today at church kneeling on the pews, clasping your hands together like a big girl and said the 3 little words that sum up how we feel everyday.., "Thank You God". Grady, you are all smiles and laughing this month. You coo a little here and there, but mostly like to observe and take it all in. You slept through most of your first Christmas, but were still showered with gifts and so much love by all of your family and friends. You love to sleep on your side or your stomach which we let you do for naps, but watch you like a hawk to make sure you're safe. You're growing like a weed and eat like a football player and sleeping great at night. We couldn't ask for anything more. You love to stand in laps and your head isn't so bobbly anymore either. You love taking a bath, going to the park, riding in the car and are happy with just about anywhere we take you. We never worry about having to settle your fussiness because you're always so chill and filled with goodness. January 2011: Lily, You are so much fun to be with and ask “why?” every other word. You also think everything happened “yusturday” like your birth, going to the park, crawling, and Grady being in my tummy. You love to say “bless you” when people sneeze and even bless yourself which is adorable. We thought you were sound asleep in your crib when mommy sneezed and you yelled out from your crib “bless you mommy” which made us double over laughing. You put all your babies down for naps face down, pat their back for 20 minutes and make us all use whisper voices while they sleep. We went to a Super Bowl party and you got up in front of everyone and danced like a maniac in front of 30 strangers during the half time show. Just when I think I know you like the back of my hand, you do something that surprises me and shows me how much you’re growing up into a beautiful little girl with a heart of gold. Grady, how did we get so lucky with you? You are the wonder baby. You have turned into this smiling & talking machine that asks for nothing from us. You stare at everyone trying to catch their eye to flash them a smile or a giggle. You moved to your big boy crib this month which you were more than ready for because your feet were practically hanging out of the bassinet weighing in at 15 pounds. You go to bed smiling and wake up in your crib just laying there looking at your mobile chatting away to those bears even though you’re probably starving from not eating for 12 hours. You are such a chill baby and don’t ever wince when you hear your sister crying or when she awkwardly tries to hold you because she loves you so much. She tries to help you roll over every night and wants it for you so badly. You are genuinely loved by so many people for your amazing heart. FEBRUARY 2011 GRADY'S BAPTISM. MARCH 2011 MARCH 2011 phew, that was a lot of work, but so much fun it didnt feel like work at all. it's neat to read back the last few months and see how much has changed and nothing has changed at all at once. life is good.

the teen years

2011-03-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

can u not see her looking for privacy to talk on the phone when she's a teenager? this is one of her favorite past times...

can't see video? click here

the herd

2011-03-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

When we all get together we're affectionately called the herd....David came up with the name years ago because getting us from point A to point B is a tall task and long stretches of time are spent in parking lots either planning our next meeting place or long lasting good byes...

we also take up a huge area of land and restaurants are tough for us because long stretched tables don't work well; we prefer the half shaped semi-circle...

and of course we had to do the famous beach shot, which is such a pain to get everyone together amidst the moans and groans, but always worth it afterwards..there's always one who has their eyes closed or not smiling and they get boo'd by everyone so we try again....

Lily curled up on Grandpa's lap while it rained a bit, but didn't want to get down once it stopped and stayed for extra snuggles...

I love, love, love, love this picture! :)

and seeing Lily learn from her older cousins never gets old to me...

Lily is a bit of a shyasaurus around new friends and usually has a warm up period that lasts a little longer than the average, but all shy walls collapse immediately when she's with her cousins. She's playing with them, not looking back within seconds of seeing each other. They've cracked her code for sure.

Brian brought his girlfriend Tara with him this visit and these two lovebirds were a perfect addition to the herd...

I swear I have 10 more shots like this where it looks like Lily is with her 2 baby dolls...
look at this little face trying so hard to roll over with the help from his sister....

r u kidding me with this weather? perfection. if I could kiss the air I would...

Life is oh so good!

Bumbo, bed and pool videos

2011-03-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

What a combo of video title! They're only 2 minutes in total, but will leave a smile on your face. I know it did for me. Oh, I how I love being with these kids. I know I'll look back on these videos 10 years from now and not be able to believe they were this little with their coos, mixed up grammar and little voices. So I keep the tape rolling...

He looks so little on this big bed...oh maybe because he is...I love this boy.

Molly let Lily borrow her "super suit" and she looks like the Michelin man! I have so much freedom in the pool now with 2 kids. Heaven sent. I got another one that's like a tank top from WalMart.

life is good.

Baptism Day

2011-03-07T22:10:00.000-08:00

If you know me then you know I love numbers and think everything is a sign. Well, today is my 500th post (gasp) and it just so happens to fall on Grady's Baptism day!! Words will cheapen the love and magic I felt during his baptism so pictures will have to do. I can't believe I've written 500 posts, but the even crazier part about it is that this blog started off as a infertility blog and was called "Life Thu IVF" because I thought it rhymed (doesn't) and I needed support through the toughest trial of my life thus far. My first post was written on December 1, 2006 and when I read it back, it's like another person was writing those words and I'll sometimes skip back to a random post and remember the angst and worry that I had then to help put the angst and worry of today in perspective and my heart is so filled with gratitude for Lily and Grady I could just cry thinking about it. Oh and did I ever cry during the baptism. People watching me must've thought I was a lunatic with all the tears; not to mention the entire section that should've been roped off like at Sea World called the Splash Zone for all theh waterworks. It was a beautiful hour out of our life that will be cemented in our hearts forever.
Pastor Ted walked around holding Grady showing him off like a trophy and my heart almost melted right there on the stage....

How did we get so lucky?

times 2? (uncanny resemblance here)

It felt like my wedding day being up on stage professing our love and commitment in front of God and the entire packed congregation; except this time it was to Grady and promising how we'll raise him with love, laughter and faith all intermingled.

All the while Julie and Eric his Godparents, praying and helping to guide him on his journey through life. If you've ever met thier kids. Nathan and Erica, it speaks to what amazing parents they are. Julie and I worked together when I was going through the worst of the worst so to speak. Many tears were shed together. Within a month of working together I had my first miscarriage and things went downhill from there , but she was always there helping, healing, guiding, loving and most of all praying the whole way through practically in my body going through it with me. I felt like Whoopi Goldberg from Ghost with so many people in my body feeling the same things I felt. Since then we've been able to celebrate and share in all the wonderment of motherhood; albeit our kids being at different stages, but still the parallels are there. Eric is the sweetest man on the planet and happiness seems to follow him everywhere with his big smile. Eric has the same birthday as Grady and it just so happens that the day Grady was born, Eric turned 50 on 10/10/10 so Eric will always be exactly 50 years older to the day than Grady! Another sign. My heart was so happy standing there with them.

And the highlight of the day was my dear friend Andrea sang at the service. She and I both struggled to conceive, but then we both got pregnant and delivered within a day of each other. Another sign. Not only did she sing the baptism song to Grady as Pastor Ted walked him around the congregation, but she sang the special song we had playing the exact moment Grady was born. And when I tell you I was crying, that's an understatement. Andrea and I couldn't meet eyes during the song or she might've forgotten the words. I don't know how she got through it with such grace. My head felt like it was going to explode as I held Grady listening to her sing Hallelujah and it was as if my life flashed before my eyes during that song.

My mind was going off like rapid fire as snapshots of the last 6 years literally fired off in my brain; one half of a super split second I was in the delivery room and David was telling me Grady had blonde hair,

then the next millisecond, I was looking upstairs into 2 empty bedrooms that should be nurseries,

then the next I was watching Lily about to walk,

then I was at our wedding,

then I was getting shots from David,

then I was finding out there wasn't a heartbeat at our ultraound,

then I was at happy hour crying about not being pregnant,

then I was pushing a stroller for the first time at CPK,

then I was crying in David's arms,

then I was painting Lily's room,

then I was at Grady's shower,

then I was hugging a tearful David finding out we were finally pregnant,

then I was singing this beautiful song that I have listened to 124 times since Grady has been born, but never has it been more meaningful than hearing Andrea sing those words that we all feel. Her voice is just breathtaking. Listen for yourself. I know I have about 53 times since yesterday.

Beauty...

Can't see video? Click here

Even Lily sang along...

I wish i could put that hour in a bottle and sprinkle it around the world. I knew it'd be special, but never dreamed it'd be that special...

Ella and Grady reunite...

and of course he was dressed for the occasion. We skipped the sweater vest this week and went with a bowtie.

And Lily, of course, had to have a new dress paired with her Stella and Dot jewelry and her baptism bracelet. Thanks Trish! :)

These 3 are like sisters without the sibling rivalry and fights about sharing clothes...

Jen almost recreated her octomom shot, but came up a bit short this time...

Ella was making the moves on G-Money and we caught it on camera....

I had to do a double take with this picture because I expected Eric to be standing next to Julie. LOL

boys will be boys...

Steve is going to be a Grandpa in a few months so he was getting a little practice in early...

All the singing and bowties tuckered little Grady out and he was passed around like a hot potato. Feeling full and fulfilled knowing that my reason for living is finally here and my heart could fall out of my body when I look at Lily and Grady knowing the amazing responsibility we have been given to raise them. It won't be a perfect ride, or even close to it, but it'll be our very best we can give and we have the whole world of love surrounding them helping to make that possible.

Happy Baptism Day to you sweet little Grady - you are loved beyond measure.

sleeping babies

2011-03-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

If you come into our house and the babies are sleeping, then you must speak in a whisper voice and practically tiptoe around the house. This isn't a request made by us, but by Lily when her babies are sleeping. Always face down and she'll pat their back like an assembly line, often 2 at a time, tending to each of them as she shooshes them peacefully. The same rules apply for when Grady is sleeping even though he could sleep through a rock concert.
this boy. this heart. this rugby shirt. triple the love. I wish everyone could spend a day alone with him to see what I mean. Even an hour. I'm sure we'd have a tug o war to get him back. He oozes sweetness from every orifice...

Im SUCH a sucker for him in sweater vests! I'm going to see if they can make them as a bathing suit for this summer.

this is what I saw when I peeked on the patio the other day...she looks like Picasso hard at work taking a short break before she goes back to the drawing board...chug-a-lug...

our little lefty hard at work...

she was so focused on what she was doing she didn't even look up or notice I was above her snapping...

Santa brought Lily a EasyBake oven and she thought it was the coolest thing ever...she put a cake out on the table for dinner even though it was like 10:00 in the morning. they were actually pretty good cakes and this picture reminds me to bring it out again for another round...

this boy loves to smile...

and loves to snuggle on anyone's lap...

and look cool at the park...and like a doll too...(dad's idea for a picture)

and cool at the beach too...(lily's idea for a picture) This is Jordan's jacket and been worn by Douglas through the years too. Jordan is 15 years old! It's like a family heirloom at this point.

speaking of baby dolls, look at lily and her 2 dolls going to the pool...

and look what our little boy is now doing and even surprises himself...

my dad loves his Sport Trac almost more than his kids....he heard they were not making them anymore so he went out and got a new one just to have one that would last even longer. I think he's trying to pass that love onto his grandkids...this is brainwashing at its finest.

omg, what's even worse is I just noticed the peanut butter on the spoon in the picture - if you know my dad, that's his signature snack and apparently now it's Lily's too. (lily always travels in carseats btw)

and our visits to Aunt Jennifer's classroom are so full circle to me. She's usually holding Grady while reading story to the kids and guess who gets a front and center seat for storytime? Lillers! Her students are SOOOOO excited and sweet to Lily and Grady - they pat them on the head like they're puppies and are so giddy with them. She has the sweetest class!!

it doesn't get much cuter than this imho...this is taken with my phone so if you can't see it just picture an open mouth smiling 4 month old on Jen's lap the whole time. I'm bringing the Flip next time for proper documentation. :)

bullet train

2011-02-22T10:10:00.000-08:00

I wish there was a bullet train to get us from Naples to the east coast because I'd be on it every weekend. I love the time for cousins and seeing others love on my babes makes my heart skip a beat. Then it gives me a time to peek into the future of what our kids will be doing in just a few short years. Everyone I meet says "enjoy it, it goes so fast" and I couldn't agree more because we were there to celebrate Douglas' 7th birthday! SEVEN??! He's still in the 4 range to me because I have a hard time letting kids grow up in my mind. It's pretty cool the way my sisters and I have our kids so evenly spaced out popping out a kid every couple of years so all of the stages are represented from 4 months to 15 years old! 3 boys and 3 girls and lots of love between all of them. Here's Douglas blowing out his candles in his Karate shirt in which is quite the pro lately!
I can't believe how nice "Gracie Pie" is to everyone. Lily follows her around like a little puppy dog and you hear "Gracie Pie, where are you? Come here" over and over and Grace is so patient and SUCH a great role model for Lillers too. And stunningly beautiful too. She was talking to me and I just thought "omg, you're stunning" so I snapped a picture. Beautiful heart too. My favorite part of Gracie Pie.

and the backyard swing is always a favorite - especially spinning round and round so fast making lily stumble all over the yard afterwards like she's had too many drinks.

and feeding the ducks is a tradition everyone loves... i have a picture of me fishing with my gpa out by our lake in our backyard when I was Lily's age...it's a precious picture to me and I can't help but to think of that when I see this picture.

and going for walks. Lily prefers to do the walking and pushing of the stroller instead of being the passenger.

oh and this little wonder...I can't say how hard we have all fallen for him...it's indescribable! Never did I think there was that much love internally ...he makes my heart feel soft and gushy. Truly. especially when he flashes that smile...
and Lillers is growing up right before our eyes trying to do everything that big girls do...she's obsessed with calling people on the phone, says "Bless You" to anyone she hears sneeze within a 2 mile radius, loves to kneel at church to pray, asks "where we going?" as soon as she wakes up in the morning and after naptime, asks to drive her barbie car about 126 times per day, asks to ride her tricycle about 87 times per day, recites rules back to you like she's reading them from a book, has a tantrum then will say "Why me do that mommy?" 5 minutes later, desperately tries to count to 10 in spanish like Dora and it comes out hilariously different everytime, loves to dance which looks more like a bounce, talks all of the time in multiple sentences with wrong grammar which we love, and she's LOVING for these sticker charts for being a good listener....and so are we! (thanks Tina) They're themed by characters and she's blown through a dora, mario and hello kitty one and displays them proudly in our house.

enjoying picnics at the park with the big kids...

i heart this picture...and these kids so much!

taken a few weeks ago...

Lately I've been having overwhelming feelings of thanks that these babies were placed in our arms, in our hearts and the responsibility that goes along with it leaves me in awe and inspired. I just want to do right by them and I learn more from them everyday. In the grand scheme of things, it's really all that matters.

Life is good.

My Heart

2011-02-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

I love love! Sounds cheesy, but I do. When I taught first grade, my kids always knew that was my favorite word in the dictionary and would write it all over their drawings of rainbows because I would never pick a favorite color when they asked. Feeling the love, the love cup and love is in the air were themes plastered in those 4 walls. I especially love the song by Brad Paisley All Because Two People Fell in Love because that's all I can think about on Valentine's Day. There are so many people out there that fell in love and created their children from that love and marinate in their family love everyday. It's hard work day in and day out to not let the daily grind take over and work to appreciate each other every day, focusing on the positive. On Valentine's Day, it's time to celebrate that love and I can't believe we are 2 of those millions parents out there that get to celebrate their children today too....

Jen took these pictures and I've looked at them a million and 2 times. Not because they are beautiful with perfect lighting and adorable clothes, but because she captured our heart and put it into photographs. I sometimes sit back and can't believe they're here, they're healthy and they're ours to laugh and cry with everyday. I saw these pictures after a particularly hard morning with the Lillers and was a puddle of tears...this is the true Lily I see and love every day and just what the doctor ordered even if she wasn't herself that morning. Thank you for these gifts Jen; i know you know what they mean to me.

This little guy shows us his heart everyday with his infectious smiles, chill demeanor and giggles over anything under the sun. I'll see him scan the room looking for eye contact from anyone and then kicks wildly with his wide open-mouth smiles when he makes contact. It's like he plays laser tag with his smiles and tries to hit as many innocent bystanders as possible in one day. He melts them. And me. He's sitting in my lap right now and I think he has narcolepsy like Lily because he was just cooing and kicking away minutes ago and suddenly I just started to hear him snoring and now he's slumped over laying in my lap. Maybe I'm boring him. Whoever said boys are hard to dress cute has never put them in a sweater vest. Are you kidding me with this? (gnawing on monitor) Vests are a must have for every Sunday at church..I have one in every color and pattern..

peekaboo...

I had to do a double take on this picture because I almost didn't recognize my own daughter! She looks about 7 years old here! And a lot like me!! First time I can see it.

if you take an x-ray of my heart and this is what you'd see...

Jen snapped this when Grady was crying to eat...Lily had her hands up in the air saying "why grady crying mommy?"

Our almost 3 year old is growing up right before our eyes...such an amazing transformation. I dont know who's having more fun...her or us?

And Grady's soul mate Ella. Andrea and I tried desperately to get pregnant and prayed like crazy for each other. Turns out God wanted them to be born together; as in one day apart. As were our showers and their baptism without even planning it She is as sweet as she looks. This is Grady's first friend and I can see the prom pictures now.

You might remember this picture from the hospital when we snuck over to Ella's room ducking past security who don't like babies to float around the hallways for some reason.

and now they're awake to finally see each other face to face...

Life is good.

Cribbin' It...

2011-02-08T04:20:00.000-08:00

This Grady is too much. I can't get enough of his sweetness. Look at him as he's going to sleep every night...we just moved him to his big boy crib last week and he's all smiles. He's actually sleeping better there than in the bassinet because I think we were waking him up when we woke up in the morning and his room is A LOT darker...kinda like a cave! The only problem it feels like he's 7 miles away being upstairs and looks like a tiny ant in this big crib. Especially looks like an ant when he's in his miracle blanket which is truly a miracle. We thank Allison every night for buying this for us! Have I mentioned how much I love this blanket? And especially the little boy in it. He goes to bed and wakes up like this! All smiles. All he wants is to be loved and it's such a powerful lesson. He doesn't care if the laundry is caught up or the house is tidy, he just wants to be loved. How simple, basic, and beautiful is that?

life is good.

playing and what babies do...

2011-01-30T10:47:00.000-08:00

Some more video fun...i can't get enough of these two together...

same video of them playing just different upload steps...

can't see video? Click here

We are always telling Lily what big girls do so she thinks that babies do the exact opposite. Like big girls use nice words, then that must mean babies are mean and yell. If big girls use nice hands, then babies hit their mommy and daddy. If big girls clean up their toys, then babies must throw them across the room. Poor babies get a bad rap in her mind. She likes to act out both versions. For example...

can't see video? see here

Around the House

2011-01-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

I think I have the record for most posts titled "around the house" or "random pictures". I can never think of a clever'er (yes, that's a word I just made up) title because my pictures are always so random

I had to take a breather from pictures and videos because I thought I'd drown and still feel that way, but here's just a little taste of life. Probably more like 10%.

I can't say i "looooooved" lily's newborn weeks/months because I was SOOO overwhelmed with caring for our first newborn, trying to breastfeed and feeling like I was failing her because she was losing weight, post tramautic stress from her delivery and a few health scares we had with her (that turned out ok) so I don't remember that time with a lot of carefree adoration. I remember saying "next week will be easier" which was the mantra Colleen told me tell myself and it was SOOOOO true! It did get easier every week. But with Grady, I havent felt that way at all and I feel like I'm enjoying newborn phase for the first time with true appreciation for how sweet and fleeting it is. I feel like a broken record, but I truly can't believe how sweet this boy is. I tell him all the time, but I wish he could understand. I dont think kids ever truly understand or grasp it until they have their own. I think Lily is a big fan too! She is so gentle and sweet with him which makes me love her even more which I didnt think possible. And Grady flashes these big open mouth smiles to anyone which makes me think he's hung the moon. And then the 2 of them together? It's like heart combustion explosion time. And when I talk to other parents, it's crazy because they feel the exact. same. way. about their kids which is so uber cool I can't stand it. Whether they're kids are young or old, the feelings are universal.

I've taken his monthly pictures on time, but haven't posted them on time. Here he is in MY FAVORITE jammies ever known to mankind on him!! Thank you Janet. I'll keep these forever and he's in them as soon as they come out of the dryer. The little feetsy have faux baseball shoes on them!

Lily got really sick right before I did over break and spent some serious cuddles in bed with us. It was heavenly even though I felt so badly for her.

Grady was busy being an elf making presents for family at our local pottery joint....look at those little feetsy! oh my goodness! Did I say "feetsy" 2x in one post?

My Godmother Jan sent us this in the mail as a surprise and it made me cry when I opened it. Never did I think this would happen to us that we'd be able to have an ornament like this. When I read back in my diary while TTC and I can't tell you how I BEGGED the universe for this.

Thanks Lindsey for telling us about this awesome neighborhood park I didn't know about that's right around the corner from us! Lily was all smiles, but I can't say she's really a park snob since they're all the same to her and she could go to the same park 3x a day and she'd be a happy camper. I never knew kids loved parks so much, but holy moly this girl is a true addict! Grady just chills on the sidelines taking it all in.

Not sure if i posted this picture bc it was in photobucket, but look how cute he looks on the scale with his little hat. It's worth reposting if I already did.

My dad was waiting for Lily at the bottom of the slide and kept saying over and over "Ready, set, go! I'll be here for you to catch you if you fall." I was so taken aback by that because it is so symbolic of how our parents raised us feeling they'd be there for us no matter what and now we, along with all the other parents out there who think their kids hung the moon too, are paying it forward to their own kids.

Truly amazing!

life is good.

videos

2011-01-09T13:54:00.000-08:00

Lily usually asks for our help on the potty, but lately wants to do it all herself even though she can barely manage it all. Usually she realizes this mid-pee and calls for our help. But, there's always an announcement or declaration of some sort to let us know it's about to commence. Well, this time, she came bounding into the den and said she had just already gone poopoo in the potty. I barely believed her, but she kept insisting and then grabbed my hand and proudly escorted me to the potty. She didnt want me to flush it because she wanted to show daddy. When he got home, she wanted to save it to show Santa. lol

(if u listen closely, when i ask her what she did, she reenacts the deed and even throws a grunt in there)

can't see video? click here

Here's Grady ala Bob Marley. He's so chill and happy all of the time I swear he sings "Don't Worry. Be Happy" in his sleep!

can't see video? click here

This is before Christmas when all she could think about was that stinkin' Barbie car.

can't see video? click here

And here she is for the first time in it. I love how her head jets back after she hops in the first time.

can't see video? click here

life is good.

holiday break

2011-01-04T13:36:00.000-08:00

I love when everyone is off work together at the same time; it's like a giant game of Senior Skip Day except no one gets in trouble. And I think this would be an example of "parallel play". Holy good posture Lillers.

she's obsessed with computers and can't put down her new LeapTop. We finally just took the time to personalize it tonight, added her favorite songs and can't wait to see how surprised she is tomorrow when she logs on and it says "Hi Lily" then gets emails from Grandma, Papa and Daddy. She'll freak out!
She was talking to Grady showing him how to play her computer. This pic is pre-leaptop and look how focused she is. I want to wake her up just to show her all the new tricks we added.
I was sick as a dog few weeks ago. Like really sick. Like couldn't get out of bed and be vertical for longer than 30 seconds without almost fainting or crawling to the bathroom. Seriously, can't remember a time I felt worse, but thankfully it was short lived! Since I was worried DCF was going to my house and take my kids due to neglect, Dad took Lily to the park and Grady slept while I moaned. Finally, I had to call David to come home from work. It was that bad. I told Dad to take Lily for an hour or so while i santized the house, but he missed that detail and was waiting for me to text him that it was okay to come home. He was at the park for over 3 hours! OMG! They both had a blast...not sure who had more fun! THANK YOU DAD/PAPA!!! Isn't he so cute?

Brian and the little cuddlebug G-Money...

Lily the multi-tasker. She was playing Candyland with Grace and Katie while playing on the computer. Then Daddy called so she kept doing both and discussed the events of her day.

Somehow Molly talked me into a last minute trip to the east coast by myself! As in with 2 kids, but without David. David and I have a nice rhythm when we travel together and to do that with 2 kids alone seemed impossible, but with all the helping hands over there, it was a cinch. Packing, on the other hand, was not. Midway through packing, I texted Molly I was going to borrow everything of hers because I ran out of brain power to pack for myself. So glad I did it and will be doing it again soon for sure! We took the herd bowling and I can't believe I have a kid old enough to bowl. Well, kinda...

Tonight, Lily randomly asked "where's bob"? and I said "do u mean Grandma's Bob?" and she said "No, not Grandma's Bob. Where is MYyyyy Bob?" awww.
I have no understanding for how Bob was able to pull this bowling move off. Seriously, this picture could be put next to Gumby and he'd have some competition.

one of the cutest bowlers I've ever seen...

The Wii was under our tree this year and oh what a fun family game this is....Lily sat with Brian forever watching intently and pretending to play along. She especially liked the "Just Dance" game. OMG! I just realized David is in the background cleaning up spit up on his brand new t-shirt. David and spit up don't go together. David always looks at it like he's scared of it when it happens to him.

and the budding artists...

My mom bought the book "Guess How Much I Miss You" where she recorded her voice reading the story to Lily and Grady. It's super cool and Lily has listened to it about 100 times! It seemed a little ghost-like at first, but it's kinda nice having Grandma around all the time. haha I love the way Grace is looking her Grandma.

love this picture...Tara, you have a keeper...just sayin.

Look! We all survived Senior Skip Day and no one was suspended. Life is good.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-30T00:38:00.000-08:00

If I could put all my pictures I've taken and received in the last few weeks and put them in a pile, I'd be buried alive in them. I'd be buried with the ones I love at least. I'm swimming in pictures I've taken; actually drowning because there are so many good ones, but here's just a taste in this post. I feel like I've been running and going for weeks now and although it's overwhelming at times, I absolutely love and thrive on it. It's what life is all about and I keep thinking of this song "You're Going to Miss This" by Trace Adkins every time it gets to feel like it's too much. I seriously sung this song in my head last week when Lily was having a full fledged tantrum in the middle of Target because I wouldnt let her play with the computer customers use to register for weddings and babies. Of course I was in the middle of checking out so there was no quick exit, but had to mentally sing this song to try to keep my cool. And I wish I could leave this wall up all year long because I feel so loved every time I walk by it.

and feeling the love when I see my kids with their cousins (missing Allison and Anna) acting like they are siblings without the rivalry...Jen took this picture and I just love how almost every age is represented and they all learn from each other in so many different ways.

and my little guys on Christmas morning was enough to make my heart skip a beat. Lily opened her favorite gift first (Leapfrog computer) and wanted nothing to do with the 30 gabillion other presents under the tree and it was like pulling teeth to have her tear into the next present when all she wanted was scissors and batteries (pronounced "batter-berries") to play with her new computer. My fault for handing her the first gift I saw, not thinking what was inside of it, instead of strategizing better. I think she's actually holding the computer in this picture because it was the first one taken of the day.

David-Mr.-Never-Takes-a-Picture-And-We'd-Have-No-Pictures-If-Kelly-Didn't-Take-Them-All wanted this posed picture of the kids so I happily obliged. Kinda cute how they are camoflauged in the picture. Kinda sick how many presents they got this year. My house looks like Toys_R_Us threw up in our great room.

Oh and the Barbie Car! We had her go on a scavenger hunt to look for the big present. We did this as kids so of course have to repeat the tradition in our house. She was losing steam after the 4th clue so I reminded her of what she wanted for Christmas and she said "Barbie Car" to keep her enthusiasm up, but she thought presents were over and she got sad saying "Me No Get Barbie Car fwum Santa". One more clue later and she was zooming away.

Seriously, this is one of the cutest dam things I've ever laid eyes on and to see her zipping around not able to steer going through the grass makes my stomach hurt from laughing.

I told her I wanted a picture of her looking at me in her new car to show Santa and she INSISTED on posing like this. As I was about to take it she gets out and says, "No, no mommy. Wait. (holding up her hand) Me do it like dis' mommy".

Where does she get these ideas? HILARIOUS!!

Is there anything better than seeing your kids happy? Seriously! It's like a high and I don't even like drugs.

And Little Grady just took it all in just asking for cuddles which he gots TONS of. I swear everyone should have a newborn to snuggle with on Christmas - they're extra snuggly for sure! It's the weather, the sentimentality of Christmas, the smells, the families gathering, the newness of a baby all combine for extra yumminess. And yummy he is. I saw some people gnawing on his cheeks for good luck, but they're not edible.

Bob's son Brian joined us this year and he's not like part of the family; he is family. Hands down no questions asked; he fits in with this nutty bunch like a glove. And what a natural he is with kids...all of them at any age!

and what can I say about Katie Bug? She's perfect in every way and hope my kids turn out just like her when they're her age. She can do it all. She'll play a game of CandyLand with the little ones then join us on the patio and talk to all the grown ups about the latest tween fads.

I. LOVE. THIS. PICTURE!! Jen must've taken it because I didnt and it was on my camera when I was loading them all on. This shows his sweetness times gabillion. Those eyes and cheeks melt me like an ice cube. (gnawing on computer screen)

I think Grace and Lily are sisters separated by birth. They go off and play for hours and have so much fun. Grace is such a great role model for Lily and shows her how to play nicely, take turns, and have lots of fun all the while being so patient and loving towards her. I could spy on them forever! & maybe I do. :)

My house still kinda looks like this right now; minus the people. This is the same shot taken the last couple of years, but we have a few more wrinkles and that much more love for each other.

and the famous pool picture that just seems to fit everyone just right. The setting is kinda like our family; this crazy puzzle of different personalities that all mesh together and are there for each other no matter what curve balls are sent our way. That's a super cool feeling.

more to come...

life is good :)

Through the Years...

2010-12-24T01:48:00.000-08:00

It's 4am and I can't sleep. Everyone is asleep, but me! I feel like a kid again waiting for Santa except Santa isn't coming for another 24 hours, but I'm too excited to sleep! So much to do still and my mind is just whirling with it all because it stirs up so much in me and I become SO reminiscent around the holidays. Here's a look back at our family growing; or trying to grow through the years. :) Our first year we were married 2 months before Christmas so we used our Christmas card as an wedding announcement + a Christmas card rolled into one. I wasn't too great keeping Christmas cards, but I remember we used this picture.

2001.

2002. The next year, we thought we'd spruce it up a bit and get them done professionally. "Professionally" meaning we went to WalMart (busting out in laughter) Nothing against WalMart, but God love them with the fake Christmas tree/fireplace background. I thought these were so cool at the time though. I don't have the actual card, but remember putting the walmart picture in a frame so here it is taken in the dark from my camera at 4am. I chose that necklace carefully and made sure it showed in the picture. It was such a meaningful necklace because it said something special on it, but at this point I have no idea who gave it to me or what it says. Super special huh?

2002:

2003: I have no idea what we did for a Christmas card this year and am totally annoyed I can't find it and kicking myself for not documenting better around this time. grrr.

Moving on to 2004. We started at the beginning of this year and I was convinced we'd have a baby to celebrate Christmas with or at least an announcement maybe on the card. We moved into our house that year and were more than ready. Everyone kept asking us "when ya gonna have kids" and that question tripled when we moved into our house from a condo. I couldn't find the actual card, but remember cutting it out for a Christmas tree ornament. Poor david who looks head-less. ha
2004

2005. I almost didn't do a Christmas card this year because we had been trying for 2 years, married for 4 and I was almost embarrassed to send out another picture of just us. Felt so cheesy, but we took this picture at Skip's wedding and it was semi -decent so we slapped it into a card and sent out just a handful.

2006: Dude, enough of the not-so-Happy-Hutchesons already! 5 years of just us on the card was getting old. It felt like I was reminding all of our friends and family we still didn't have kids or any signs of them coming. It's funny because as sad as we were about the void in our lives, we really tried super duper hard to be happy in other areas of our life. Yes, it was a dark cloud over us, but we tried really, really hard not to let it suck us in to the vortex of depression and taint everything else. We didn't always succeed, but man did we try! We took this picture at Kelle's wedding which was so much fun and filled with so much love. This picture epitomizes that night. I don't remember who took this picture, but thank you if it's you!!

2007. Finally, we have someone other than us on the card! Well, kinda...
Seriously, I couldn't smile big enough in this picture to show my happiness...

2008: The year we became parents. Finally! Look who made the front of the Christmas card! These pictures were taken by Kelle and they're still up on my refrigerator even though it's from 2008. I heart them that much and every time I go to exchange out some new pictures these are always skipped. I was tickling her like crazy trying to get a smile and in the process my smile is the one where you can see the back section of my teeth! Heidi bought her the shirt and it was perfect as she was our present that Christmas.
In looking through old files, I found this one of Lily on Santa's lap that year. I guess you can say we've come a long way since she'll stand next to him as long as he doesn't touch her. I can't wait to show her this picture!
wow, she's really going to town here...
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

2009: These pictures were taken by my friend Katie and the forest is actually real behind us. We have this picture on a canvas on our wall and every time I look at it, it makes me smile inside.

It's ironic that we have "Love Can Build a Bridge" on our Christmas card last year because we sing that song every night with this book. It comes with the song on tape in the back of the book, but because we don't have a cassette player, we listen to it by playing an old Oprah when they were on a few weeks ago singing this song. I can't believe this was just last year! We didn't have any baby in the tum-tum yet and were just contemplating doing IVF#3 in the upcoming January. I keep thinking I skipped a year somehow in my files. Wow, what a difference a year makes!!

2010: And then this year we got to add the snuggle bear Grady. Yes, he's as sweet and delectable as he looks. His neck is heavenly and is such a sweet little soul. The 2 words that always pop up in my head when I describe him are 'sweet' or 'heavenly'. They don't do him justice, but they come close. He'll probably sleep through most of Christmas, but we'll have pictures to remember it as he will watch his sister maybe or maybe not get the Barbie car she's been dreaming of. She's never been attracted to the Barbie brand yet, but saw a real life Barbie car in a Kmart catalog and has been carrying it around like the bible. If you ask her what else she wants, she just says the Barbie car and that's it. All Grady wants is more of Momma's milk and lots of snuggles. I think Santa will make our kids very happy this Christmas. (still feels odd to say kids plural btw)

Jen took these pictures and they capture so much of our heart and our happiness finally being a family of four. It's odd to long for something for so many years and it hangs over you like a heavy dark cloud, then it's finally here and I find myself looking for pieces of that cloud or for the other shoe to drop. Dam, that other shoe. Then I realize there's no other shoe and our family is complete. Our family isn't perfect by any means, but man o man it's sure easier to deal with the daily stress and struggles when you have these 2 little ones in planted in our lives. They put everything in perspective and show us the true meaning of Christmas.

And the true meaning of love.

Merry Christmas!

Southern Lovin'

2010-12-20T04:50:00.000-08:00

David's parents came from SC to meet Grady and boy did we have fun! If you know David's parents, you know they just exude love and are the kindest, sweetest souls. They never have a bad word to say about anybody and will help any stranger on the street. We were busy with fun filled activities from morning til night (with a spreadsheet to prove it) and they went home exhausted from all the running around we did, but this was my favorite thing to see at every turn. And we saw a lot of it. Look how cute Grady looks in this picture smiling away with his Papa! you look cute too Lare-Bear! ha
We went to the Shark Shootout and had this picture taken at the Geico tent. I think it's meant for 1-2 people, but we all crammed into the picture window. No idea what happened to my eyes, but we had one shot at it and look what Geico man caught Grady doing? LOL!! Love how Lily holding up the golf ball unsolicited. Dad looks like a Giant.

shhhhh....we were right next to the green and golf is the quietest sport on the planet....the average age in the crowd was 75, but luckily we didnt get kicked out...
(i agree with Grady's shirt btw:)
and

little Miss Thang was never short of attention. Oh boy did she soak them in. And a big vice versa...
Speaking of helping a stranger on the street, they were at ChickFilet and the man next to them, started choking and they had to call 911. David was there with his parents and I was just driving away with Grady to go to a luncheon and saw all the ambulances, cop cars and sirens/lights zooming to ChickFilet and I could see the paramedics rushing to the area of where we were sitting. I can't tell you how my heart stopped and my life flashed before my eyes seeing that sight. I didn't know if I should jump out of my car, grab Grady and leave my car in the middle of the road which was my first inclination, but I quickly called David and found out it was the man next to them and he was okay after the heimlich was performed. Heavy sigh just thinking about all that again.

How do you segueway from a choking-almost-dying-man-where-I-thought-I'd-lost-someone-real-important-for-a-few-seconds and then go into making brownies?

Well, here I go...

lol...
she made 4 batches of brownies and even had her face painted when she saw Santa....

and this outfit from RayRay was the hit of the day we saw Santa. Someone actually took out their cell phone and took a picture of him bc it was so stinking cute!

love her mesmerized look where she looks like a frozen sculpture...

This is what your car looks like when you have a special parking pass for only one car, but 7 people going. They all did this while I was still inside and no one would switch with me so it was quite the funny ride. No idea how they even got back there climbing over all the shizzle in my car!

the obligatory park visit is always so much fun...even though it was freezing....and freezing for us is 50's and 60's! Actually that's freezing for ME!

oh, what a classic picture....

and another. I think I took almost 200 pictures while they were here. My camera was on FII_AHHRRR!!

Umm, Larry missed the age requirement sign for the equipment...

ok, stop yourself right now! Grady will be in this picture in no time. Actually, one of them could've held him. Dam, I just thought of that!

and if I had to fill out a questionairre that asked me my favorite hobbies, I swear "going out to eat" might be first on my list. I love it so much and it could be Don Shula's (ya right) or Taco Bell, I just love being out and about eating yummy food talking with really neat people. Always has been a fav of mine and always will be.

and our visit with Santa was a success. In the last 2 years, Lily has cried (I mean wailed like she's on fire) at the thought of sitting on his lap so I said I'd die a happy woman if I could get them both on his lap, looking at the camera and no tears. Well, I got pretty stinkin' close. Both are looking and both are in the shot. David and I have been in the picture previous years so I was able to pull this off. This year, she'd stand next to him, but wouldn't let him touch her. She kept looking over her shoulder to make sure his knee wasn't even close to touching her. It was hilarious!!

Then I wanted to show off Grady's face a little more with Santa because he covered it with Lily...

can he be any cuter? Santa too of course. I put the camera down after this shot and quickly grabbed Grady because for some reason his leg was turning bright blue the way Santa was holding him. Umm, what???

Then I wanted to get some with Lily and Santa alone, but my battery died!! OMG! Although I was bummed at the timing, I was relieved I got the shots above and had Dottie's camera to help capture the rest of the day....

dinners at home are pretty fun too...despite the cleaning up part....

we did a lot of playing around the house too...

and probably read 75 books. (per day)

I walked out to this site of Grady all propped up and couldn't get my camera fast enough...

We went on the Naples Princess for a sightseeing trip which was a blast. Lily turned into a dancing machine and that's all she wanted to do. Major fits when we stopped or had to do something else. Hard to find a place for a time-out to blow off her steam and reset herself that's not going to disturb others when you're on a yacht!! Holy trapped batman! But, I'd never seen her so into dancing. Thanks Leah for the suggestion!

and we managed a picture in front of this beautiful vessel! I've never used the word vessel before, but it just spilled out. Boat sounds too little and yacht sounds too fancy....
As you can see Lily just wanted to dance - I could barely hold her she was wiggling like she was in the middle of practicing her routine for Dancing with the Stars....

another great picture where you can see I'm wrestling with my 2 year old telling her "dance later" and she's trying to peel off my hand. lmao

and Grady just goes with the flow whereever we take him...

this was a family picture we got before the dance party began...

holy stripes batman...

did I mention we played a lot??....when the kids napped the whole house napped for hours...i actually scheduled naps on the agenda...naps for adults mainly. ha

It was a great time had by all and they say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but I think those people are wrong. Distance makes my heart sad and especially with little kids growing up right before our eyes and want all the family to just buy one big house so we can all be together and share in watching them grow up right before our eyes. Until we buy that mansion, lots of trips are planned where we jam pack all the fun and all the love we can pack into a few days. Lily woke up the day after they left and when to the den and asked "where papa and gramma?". Be still my heart.

LOOVE LOOVE this picture! Katie got bonus points for making Grady smile on cue.

see the close up??

and Jamie gets points for making Grady cool and funny like he is.... "who's been throwin coasters??"

Life is good and overflowing with love....

Gobble, Gobble

2010-12-09T00:10:00.000-08:00

We went to the east coast to celebrate turkey day and Grace's 5th bday. I can't believe she's 5. I remember Molly telling us she was pregnant outside of Best of Everything when she asked us what we were going to be doing that November and wondering if we would come to see her around then. It was 9 months away so we had no idea what she was talking about until she made the announcement. Fast forward 5 years! WOW!

It was one of my favorite Thanksgivings together. I dont know if it was because there was a lot of excitement in the air because of Grace's bday, celebrating Molly and Dan's new house or because everyone just seemed to be in that fun-loving, easygoing mood and meshing together like spoons in the silverware drawer. Whatever it was, it was magical. I think of the people on Survivor and how they can be given a choice of thousands of dollars or a visit from a loved one and the visit always wins. Just cements the fact that the relationships in your life are thee most defining and important factor in this wild world; the meaning of life and enriching those is the most satisfying experience for anyone small or tall.

And they have really cool parks there too where the football was tossed, lacrosse sticks were in motion as Jordan gave lessons, and tons of running around. (evidently I can't let go of this vest that I just love on Lily even if it's 4 sizes too small; it's amazing how attached I am to certain pieces of clothes and the memories made in them; like it's a piece of expensive jewelry with so much sentimentality attached to it)

and tons of snuggles for the little man. I need help loving Lily and Grady. Not with the daily tasks of caring for a newborn and a toddler. But, with the mushy gushy stuff. I wish I could articulate to them how much they are loved, but it's not possible so we show them. We tell them. And that's where we need help making sure they feel it from every turn. I feel like we fill up their love cup as much as we can, but there's all these people holding out their bucket ready to pour their own love into their hearts and it helps. It's like their special recipe of their love potion with their own unique spices and ingredients. It's like an assembly line of love and there's nothing that makes me happier than seeing them loved on by someone else; there's just something about family and friends loving on your kids who know their hearts

and I think Jen took it to the extreme. She was standing there holding out her love cup dispenser and everyone came running. This was not setup, but everyone literally wanted a piece of her all at once. Or maybe they wanted a piece of the little man so they knew they had to go through her first. They were crawling all over her like ants. I love how snuggly her kids are even though they are in the tween/teenage years. She has filled them up so much over the years that they can't get enough; no matter how old they are. Seriously, this picture sent us into fits of laughter just looking at it in the camera. To see it even bigger makes me wanna laugh even harder. She's like the octo-mom, but i guess it'd be the pentagon-mom!

There was plenty of food and boy did we pack it in. I was full even the next day! Grace looked so cute waiting so patiently for us to get all the food ready for consumption.

and mom and lily fed the birdies and duckies which is a favorite pastime while we're there.

and we went to a fair where there were pony rides, face painting and bounce houses. My mom and dad went in the bounce house people! The bounce house! These people are grandparents I tell you. My dad has a knee brace for goodness sakes! But there they were hopping around making Lily laugh from her belly. They get so much joy in seeing their grandkids happy and that just translates down the ranks! Thanks for the help in loving our kids; it's a tall task and we couldnt do it w/o your help; even if you didnt go in the bounce house.

Grady decided to show off some serious smiles for the first time on Thanksgiving Day. We think he's pretty thankful to finally be here too. The feeling is mutual.

oh, and did i mention we had turkey that we were convinced had extra Tryptophan (the sleepy chemical in turkey that they say makes you tired) in it because we all made time for this.

And I promise you, none of these pictures were posed; especially this one. Molly took this with her cell phone and I couldn't believe my eyes; especially Dan who apparently is part-horse and can sleep sitting up. He was OUT; like deep breathing and all! Jamie and Jordan too while the girls yukk'ed it up in the next room.

and David was changing a very awake and alert Grady....he was smiling and cooing. Then he turned away for a second to put the diaper in a bag and when he turned back to button him up, this is what he saw. Apparently G-money has narcolespy like Lily. ha

And there's lots of excitement in the air around here because David's parents are flying in from SC to meet Grady for the first time. We have a packed schedule when they're here; so much so I had to put it all into a spreadsheet as a schedule of events. ha. Lily is pretty excited too. Look at what her art table looks like right now. Markers, glue, paper strewn everywhere and some onlookers that she can't wait to see. Please hurry...we need help loving our kids.

life is good.

little slice of life

2010-11-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Life has changed so much, but not really much at all since this little guy came into our hearts. I still can't believe we have two kids, but yet I can't remember life without him.

This is 1 of 2 onesies that Kelle made for Lily and love to see him in it too. The other one says "I'm a Little Miracle" and it's so true about every baby born into this world that they should pass those onesies out at the hospital with the handmade booties and hat.

And our little guy likes to sleep thanks to the miracle blanket. We wrap him up like a burrito every night and it truly works like a miracle. I don't know how or why it works, but I think they should pass these out at the hospital too. Momma and dadda need their sleep! Thanks Allison and Stephanie for letting us borrow your blue ones so he didn't have to wear Lily's pink ones every night. ha.

Lily went to meet Elmo and Dora for lunch last weekend and when it came time for a picture, she gave Dora's big head a little kiss I caught on camera. So sweet. I happen to know Amy who was inside Dora, but she couldn't talk so it was hilarious to see her in character. Check out David and how it looks like he's for sale for $24.99. LOL!

I love this picture; especially because a code 5 tantrum followed minutes after this picture when she saw us packing up our stuff getting ready to go. We weren't actually leaving just yet, but I was putting some stuff in my purse/stroller, but she lost it anyway so needless to say it was a quick exit stage left.

So we went home to calm down for some r&r...I love this sweet picture of Grady - it epitomizes his nice little heart. And how I love this blanket made for him by my friends at MOPS.

and Grady has been welcomed with open arms from his cousins. It's crazy that my 2 sisters and I all had 1 boy and 1 girl each! What are the chances of that happening? Grace is like part of the family when she's here and she kept whispering to Molly "he's so cute" all weekend.

Lily and Grace of best of friends too. Grace got her face painted so Lily was next in line which I didn't think she'd do, but the positive peer pressure of seeing Grace do it got the best of her.

This picture was taken at Baby Kian's fundraiser. He's a 9 month old baby boy who needs 3 open heart surgeries and is having his first one tomorrow, 12/1! Please pray for him that everything goes the way it should! He's a sweet little baby with such amazing parents who have been incredibly strong through all of this. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

We sing "Love Can Build a Bridge" with the book at night and Lily wants to hold hands at the end in a circle; she insists on holding Grady's hand while I grab the cat's paw. It's 2 parts cheesy to see, 3 parts funny, and 5 parts adorable. I'd love to get it on video, but Lily probably won't let me leave the Kumbaya circle. ha

I love taking pictures of little people in a big space to show how little they really are.

Here's a close up of the little guy in trucks! Honk. Honk.

See? I like to do it a lot. Where's Grady?

He's a little doll inside and out...

This is one of Lily's favorite past times. She'll go through the hundreds of loose pictures I haven't put into an album yet, talk about each one, place them methodically out in front of her then stack them back together like a deck of cards and start over. Rinse. Repeat.

Going for a train ride at Taste of Bonita with daddy. This was a highlight for her.

She wanted to go up a pretty big gerbil-like playground, but got stuck at the top. She literally froze in fear and couldn't get down no matter how hard she tried and we coached from below. I was in a skirt so Daddy was the next choice to rescue her. I can't tell you how funny it was to see a 6'3" David scurrying t hrough the different tubes and netted ladder to get her.

ahh, rescue caught on camera, but now we have to get out of this place...

the tube part of the playground was definitely the most challenging...and funniest. Ahhh, the memories we're making!

life is good.

Scrappin Away...

2010-11-23T00:20:00.000-08:00

So I'm just doing random pages and not sure how I'm going to package them quite yet as I go back and forth and over and over more than I should and my OCD rears its ugly head. Actually OCD and I get along pretty well for the most part, but when it comes to things like this, I wish I could let go or kick its booty into the corner. I really thought Lily was going to be an only child so I went all out on so many levels with her and want to do the same for Grady so he doesn't get the short end of the stick. I was the 3rd born so I think I'm overcompensating in the process and WAAAAY overanalyzing the equalness of everything. Everything!! Holy balance batman! Like if I take 3 pictures of Grady , I need to have 3 of Lily and I could give you 1,029 more examples like that where I try to keep it balanced like a scale and its next to impossible. No, it's impossible. Well, here's a little look at October and not sure what will happen from here on out, but I'll just keep scrapping away and figure it out later.
thanks for the awesome B&W picture Kelle. I love it!

still have to add captions to these pages which is the hardest because my heart just explodes thinking about what I want to write and feel like words somehow cheapen it, but it's better to write anything rather than nothing at all.

.

These seems like 6 months ago and not just 2 weeks ago. Life is flying by way too fast!

here are 2 cute videos from just before Grady was here. Lily gets so excited when daddy comes home and he knocks like he's a visitor and she has to go find him. I love her spirit. dont think embedding is working so just click blue link ...

Click here to see video

and this is of her practicing to be a big sister...
click here to see the video

life is good.