The Circus

Papa loves the Circus.  

And for his birthday this year, he wanted to take Caroline to see the show for the first time.  

It was precious and I am not sure who loved it more.  

We talked with Caroline the days leading up to the show to tell her all she would see.  

But, I am afraid there was no way we could accurately prepare her for all the lights, animals, clowns, music, and dancing she would see.  Talk about being over-stimulated. 

She was glued to her chair for the better part of 2 hours.  Didn't even think to take off her jacket and never once asked for a snow cone, cotton candy, or any of the other junk they sell.  

She was in total awe.  The animals were for sure her favorites.  In fact, I do not even have pictures of the animals because I was watching Caroline's face as she saw them.  

Although she looks frightened, this was her mesmerized look all night!

When I asked her what was the best thing of the night, she said "The elephant went poopie!" 

And that it did.  Directly in front of us.  

What a special memory.  Happy birthday Papa! 

Bachelorette Extravaganza

I have just returned from a much needed girls weekend.   I have 2 college friends getting married in the next couple months, so perfect opportunity to celebrate and head to the beach, of course! 

The weather could not have been better in St. Pete

Bachelorette #1 - Kimberly

aka Lil' Kim

Tailgate style

Bachelorette #2 - Hannah 

Kim and Hannah's sisters did an amazing job planning the parties to be perfect for both of them.   

I felt completely naked at the airport Friday.    

No diapers, wipes, paci's, snacks, bottles, baby, or toddler in tow. 

Not mention how amazing it was to not make a decision, not have an agenda, oh and sleep 8 hours at night.     

It is always refreshing and good for my soul to spend a little time away.  These girls are such a joy and encouragement in my life.  Miss them already.      

Now it is hubby's turn to have a weekend hunting with the guys!

Two Months

Annie went to the doctor for her two month appt last week.  She weighed 11lbs. 10oz. and was 23.5 in.

We are loving our time getting to know this sweet girl.  Annie is as chill and laid back as they come!

Can you tell from the picture below?  This is how she looks at me most days.  

"Really, mom, where do we have to go now?"  

We are slowly getting into a groove, but I will say the jump from 1 to 2 kiddos as been a big one for us.  Even though Annie has been an easy baby, I wasn't prepared for how adding just one little one would impact our family dynamics.  I have definitely been more exhausted than I every imagined.  

I could not have made it without the community around us over the last two months.  We have had meals   brought to us three nights a week from friends for the last 7 weeks!  They just kept coming and coming!  Those meals are truly some of the biggest blessings to us in this season.  So, THANK YOU to all our wonderful friends and family!                

I am trying to not take for granted these sweet smiles and enjoy this stage.  Even though it is exhausting, I do really enjoy the newborn stage and I feel it slipping away quickly.   

Annie, you are content to just run errands with me, take big sister to preschool, watch her play at the park, and pretty much go with the flow to what everyone else's schedule demands.  Some days you are exhausted and fussy in the evenings from all the activity though.  I don't blame you!  

You could sit in your swing for hours.  You do not like to take a bath. You love Caroline and she already knows how to make you smile.  You are starting to stare more at your mobile and your mirror in the car.  You are trying to let your voice be heard too by cooing more and more.     

You have given us so much joy already.  Happy two months sweet pea.

We love you.  

February

February has been a busy month around here.

John and C had a daddy-daughter date night at Chick-Fil-A.

As if we didn't already love this place enough?!   

John and I had a "mini celebration" for our 5 year anniversary on the 17th.  This is still crazy to me.  We hope to take a small getaway in a few months once I stop nursing. 

Little Annie is growing and changing everyday!  She is now 10 weeks old.  

2 month posts and stats to come soon.

Caroline's beloved Ducky celebrated a birthday on Feb. 10.  I had no idea it was his b'day until I woke her up that morning and she said, "Mommy, today is Ducky's birthday!"  I asked her how she wanted to celebrate and she said, "with cake and a birthday hat!" 

Incase you were curious, Ducky is now "Two years old , just like me, Mommy!" Well, of course.

Conveniently, someone brought us some cupcakes that day, so when John got home from work, we had a little birthday party.  It was a priceless memory to see Caroline's excitement from it all. 

She has a great imagination and knows how to get some cake!  

Valentine party at school

Looking through our Valentine cards from friends.

First trip to the circus! More pics to come on this one.  

We have also just spent a weekend in the mountains with the triplets!  

Much more to come!