To wear..or not to wear

So, my sister Amy and I were having a conversation today.

Both of our girls are princess crazy. They want to wear the costumes, the crowns, the shoes.

Every time we are at the store, Brooke tries to convince me that she NEEDS a t-shirt adorned with all of her favorite girls.

 

As soon as we hit up the swim department, the drool starts when she views the princess selection.

I pick up the pace with my cart. You see, I will not buy her anything that has licensed characters. Amy, on the other hand, is WAY nicer. Although it is not her favorite apparel for Lily, she knows how much Lily loves it...and how happy she is when she gets to wear it. So, her thought is....why not??!! I, on the other hand, just can't bring myself to pay the $15.00 for something that I really don't like the look of...although it is Brooke's DREAM to swim in a Disney inspired number. Why can't she see the value of the monogram??!!!

Minus P.J.'s and undies (no picture needed). We are ALL about these.*

*all rules go out the window when bribery assistance is needed with potty training and bed time.



Our New Friend...Baby Jack!!

On Monday, our friends Matt & Katie welcomed their first baby, John (Jack) Robert into the world!! We couldn't be happier for them. And baby Jack...well, he is GORGEOUS!!

It is SO fun having our friends have kiddos! Before we know it...we are going to be having massive play dates instead of nights out (but maybe there will still be wine??)

:)

Not going to lie, seeing an handsome baby like Jack makes the 'fever' even worse.

An Early Valentines Day

Last week, my sister Tracie (from Sassy but Classy) surprised Brooke with an early Valentines package! Brooke was SO excited. As she put it, "my fairy god mother sent me a present ALL THE WAY FROM OHIO!"

Brooke was so pumped.

Who doesn't like getting a surprise in the mail?

She wanted me to take a picture with each and every item she pulled out of the box.

Heart Bracelets.

Does this fairy god mother know her god daughter or what??!!

The highlight of the package.....

It's a pillow....

It's a pet....

It's a PILLOW PET!!

Hasn't left it alone since.

Thanks FAIRY GOD MOTHER...all the way from Ohio.

AND...we're spent.

Ok, enough is enough. I am O.V.E.R. the snow/sleet/wintry mix. I have even found myself having a serious dislike towards our local meteorologist (who I obviously only have a relationship with through my television). I change the channel when they appear on the news...because right now they just tick me off.

This week was bad enough. I stayed home from work on Monday only to become housebound until Thursday morning. To make it even worse, Gary worked from home Monday afternoon through Wednesday (which would usually be a good thing) banning us from the basement. I pulled our entire playground upstairs to attempt to entertain my children. It worked...for maybe 25 minutes.

Needless to say, it has been quite the week. I have never been so happy to go back to work get out of the house on Thursday. I may or may not have even stopped by Target to pick up things that I didn't need. I missed my friend.

The girls and I were looking forward to the weekend. Saturday, we had plans to meet up with some of my friends and their kiddos at the City Museum. I have never been there outside of wedding receptions, so I was excited. We wanted to be there bright and early when they opened at 9 a.m. When the girls woke up this morning, I got them dressed, hair brushed and shoes on. When I opened Brooke's shades I was immediately annoyed.

SNOW. The once cleared roads of last night were again covered with a blanket of white. I mean, are you SERIOUS!?!? Had our destination even been remotely close to our home, we would have plowed through. That is what 4-wheel drive is for right? Knowing that it was at least a 30 minute drive, though, I didn't think it would be a good idea.

So now we wait. For the snow to stop (edit: just stopped at our house!) and the roads to be cleared. I will make it out of the house today. Even if I end up walking around the mall, Target, Walmart...I am not picky.

Did I mention that Gary is gone for the weekend??

Oh, Hello 14 Months

Can you believe it people??

We are at 14 Months of Caroline!

So, what is our little gal up to??

Brooke has always been our more serious child. Caroline, on the other hand, is full of smiles-all day long! She has a belly laugh that can get anyone smiling :)

She has also become SO busy. No longer can we keep her contained. She has learned to climb on her chair, our couches, outmans - you name it. Just this week she attempted to pull down her first piece of furniture (my night stand) much to my horror. She is quite the strong little lady!

Caroline has also developed quite an attitude towards what she likes and what she doesn't like. Whether it is a toy or food, she has a mind of her own. If you try and get this food lover to eat some green beans and she is in more of a carrots mood-better duck your head. She will toss them at you-quickly.

Carolines current favorite toy-stacking barrels.

 She is also starting to use her words WAY more. Her all time favorite is still 'Mama' and is said at least 100+ times daily. She is starting to incorporate more words, though, and sometimes two in a row. She is also using more gestures (pointing, etc) to get me to give her what she needs wants. Brooke is still waitng to hear Caroline say her name...but that will be here soon enough.

Sleep is still an issue for our girl. She is still waking up (on average) 2 times per night for water. As soon as she gets her 2 oz, she is back to sleep world. We have tried to put the bottle in before bed, we have tried to let her cry it out (I lasted 1.45 hr) but nothing has worked so far. It is hard for me. She never took a pacifier, doesn't have a lovey...but her ngihtly bottle of water that makes her happy. It is difficult for me to take that one thing away! I almost wish she took a paci!! I am giving her until 15 months, though. That was the magic age for Brooke where she really seemed ready to commit to her sleep routine and she has been pretty great since! We shall see :)

All in all 13-14 months have been FAB.

We (as always) are looking forward to 14-15!!

Caroline at 14 Months

Brooke at 14 Months



No More Jamaica

There was a bit of an issue with the layover's involved in the Jamaica trip which led to it being cancelled...

But, don't feel sorry for me just yet. Instead of Jamaica, we are headed to Cancun! The trip is a bit later in  (originally planned for early April), but who am I to complain! I cannot wait for the sun...and perhaps a good tan...that Cancun will bring!!

 

The countdown begins...

Pig Tails

Guess who's wearing pig tails!

 and eating apples...

and obsessed with being upside down...

No more 'baby' trays for this girl! She is all about the plates.