Abigail Kirsten Grace

Heart Day 2012

2012-02-14T13:38:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine’s Day to you!

(the picture is odd, but imagine a lollipop being attached to the picture so it looks like they’re holding the lollipop stick!)

May your day be filled with love & joy! And maybe some of those delicious chocolate goodies that find themselves out and about on this day!

Playdough – Wallace brand

2012-02-09T09:05:00.001-08:00

My Mom is always excellent about sending/bringing down homemade playdough. It’s way better than store-bought stuff. Easier to just throw in a ziploc bag (and hence not the drying out of playdough which frustrates me way more than it probably should!) – and Abi’s favorite part…you can make it any color you want.

One night last week we were in a slump. Doons wasn’t coming home until late, I was in a bit of a funk because it was cold and dark outside…you get the picture. That could be a long night in the making. But, thankfully we’ve got Mimi’s playdough recipe and it made our night go by a little more quickly and was a whole lot more fun!

OOH, purple! It is a weird process, but it eventually turns to the ‘dough’ consistency that you need!

It took some talking to convince Nate that the playdough wasn’t worth eating. He had to try it himself…

To quote Abi “this is WAY better than playdough from the store!”

Such a good little pal.

Nate the Great at 11 months

2012-01-28T19:05:00.001-08:00

For the sake of time…I’m messing up tradition…it’s just going to be a recap. But, that’s better than my performance at 10 months – because that just didn’t happen!

So for the sake of my sweet boy’s 11 month birthday being noted on their little blog…here we go.

11 months…oh my goodness. That is just one month away from ONE YEAR! What a beautiful whirlwind.

Sweet little fella, you are so much fun. We laugh more with you in our lives and it is GREAT to see the way our family is enriched with your presence. Many prayers as we see the sweet boy you are becoming, that God would graciously grow your character and your love for others. Nate, you are a great little sleeper. You have found your morning rhythm and take a solid 2-3 hour nap in the morning, followed by a 1-2 hour nap in the afternoon. Thanks for being kind to your momma. You love to eat. Never have I seen a child who loves to eat so much. And you will eat everything. It is awesome. And when we sign to you “all done” you throw your head back and whine. I probably shouldn’t laugh so much, but it is darn funny. And you come up laughing – so I’m pretty sure you’re putting on a show anyway. You are still pretty big, scale-wise. In the 75 % for weight at your last check-up and off the charts for height. Nate’s wearing 12 month or 18 month clothes (YAY for hand me downs from lots of boy cousins!!) You are so not interested in walking. You started standing on your own for a few seconds the other day, but that didn’t impress you too much. You still think crawling rocks.

Some glimpses of your 11 month “party”:

(Not post-related, but this picture of abi just makes me smile. So her.)

Sister taking care of business for you.

Nate, you are so loved! You are a special boy indeed.

Two of a Kind

2012-01-24T09:54:00.001-08:00

If one has ever doubted that they are brother & sister…doubt no more.

Nate…just has his tongue out all the time. It’s kind of weird to me. Yet, endearing as well! Abi? Well, she’s like her momma. Also weird…when we’re in extreme concentration…tongue comes out. I mean it was a big deal, Abi had to help rescue the princesses – serious stuff. (Apparently so serious that we didn’t have time to wipe her mouth off after breakfast, oops.)

Sometimes, it’s just good to believe…

2012-01-15T08:47:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite “unexpected joys” of parenting has been bringing my imagination back to life. From making up stories in the car and as she goes to sleep; to being immersed in the world of make-believe (remember, my little lady is in dress-up clothes daily) – it has been so refreshing (and challenging at times!) to have my imagination be used again. It’s probably a little sad that it had been in the land o’ slumber for so long.

So for that Abi, I thank you!

Announcing…

2011-12-13T17:36:00.001-08:00

The Children’s Museum at the Perot Museum of Nature & Science!

Abi & some of her friends from school were asked to jump out of a box (literally) to announce a large donation that was enabling the Children’s Museum to be moved/built in the lowest floor of the new (opening in early 2013) and AMAZING Perot Museum of Nature & Science. We can’t wait.

Full story here.

This obviously happened a while ago. But, we had such a good time being a part of a neat experience – that I thought it was worth documenting here in this childhood blog o’ ours.

If you have the winter blues…

2011-12-09T08:13:00.001-08:00

This is for all of our dear friends who don’t live in Texas. Even though it has been delightfully chilly in Dallas the past week or so.

Just put on your swimsuit. Then you feel like it’s 73 degrees (or whatever you have your thermostat set to!) outside – and you can’t wait to go swimming.

Now, I understand that 73 degrees doesn’t make most people want to go swimming. It doesn’t even make me want to go swimming anymore. But, if you grow up where it’s relatively “chilly” in the summer…well, sometimes you have to rally and get pumped to swim when the temps are in the 70s. Aka growing up in Michigan.

*Can you tell that Abi is excited to go to her cousin’s house for his “polar swim” party. She couldn’t wait to try on her ‘end of season and mega cheap’ swimsuit!

Oh wait! One more thing – Nate the Great 9 months

2011-12-06T09:03:00.001-08:00

Perhaps the best thing of all this month…

Nate says “mama”

Granted, it’s mostly when he’s really sad or really hungry…but it’s there!! The words that make every momma’s heart melt!

Joy!

Nate the Great at 9 months

2011-12-05T14:05:00.001-08:00

Weight: According to the Wii, he’s rockin’ it at 21 lbs.

Length: I’m estimating a solid 30 inches

Head Circumference: I’m taking this out until 10 months, when I’ll have an official stat :)

Eating: 6-8 ounces 4 times a day (wake up / around 11:30 / after nap / before bed). Nate is such a content fella (except for when I walk out of the room, we’re having some separation issues!) – however, when this boy is hungry – he is not happy. When his tummy is full, ahh pure joy. Nate loves avocado, cheese, and really doesn’t know what to think about chicken. He has a hard time with that one.

Bedtime: 7:00-7:30pm

Awake: We’re back to the sweet spot of not waking up until 7/7:30 am. Oh, hallelujah! I am thankful for the peace in the morning until 7, and he is a happier camper for sure. A lot of this is still contingent on how good of a sleeper Abi is. If she wakes up early and is not quiet, well then she wakes up brother. We really do take it one day at a time. Sharing a room has been a process, one we’re glad that we’re on…but a process nonetheless.

Naps: Morning Nap (1-2 hours) – and another 1-2 hours in the afternoon. I have been given really good sleepers for kiddos. The goodness of this is not lost on me. I am thankful.

Diapers: size 3, and the cloth are about to go up to their largest size. Buddy is getting BIG!

Clothes: 9 months or 12 months (depending on brand)/ 12 month and 18-24 month (haha, if they’re hand-me-downs and have been washed many times!) sleepers *same as 8 months

Favorites: Standing up! Nate is pulling up on everything and is always quite proud of himself. He is working on being able to stand on his own without support…but that usually ends with a quick landing on the bottom. FOOD & Abi - his ball!! Oh my gosh, nothing makes him laugh or gets him to “exercise” like this one green ball that we have. It is love. Tickles on bellies, and things that are “off limits” – for example, eating leaves / playing by the fire place / cords! Oh, these boys!!

Latest "tricks": Pulling up for sure. It is crazy to see how this little handsome man is growing up so quickly. He enriches our days to be sure.

Better late than never: Halloween 2011

2011-11-21T14:35:00.001-08:00

For the sake of memories captured…Halloween 2001 was a blast – I think that Abi managed to wear her costume at least 7 times. It seems as though there is a plethora of things for kiddos to do in Dallas that involve costumes. Gotta love office work parties / neighborhood gatherings / fall fun fest / birthday parties / and preschool celebrations…all before the actual craze of Halloween begins!

Fall Fun Fest

Our church puts on a rockin’ evening every year. We love it!

Abi with her Sunday School teacher, Miss Linda (who moved up with them! She is so wonderful, and I so appreciate her commitment to teach Jesus’ word and love to these precious 3 year olds!)

Nate changed costumes many times…it was whatever was free and weather-appropriate. We tried to keep it “mermaid themed” (we tried to find a fish or crab costume, but we had no luck with one that was age-appropriate and budget-appropriate!) Meet surfer Nate.

AHH! I couldn’t get a good one of the girls…because look at Nate’s face in the back. He needed Momma bad. Abi and some of her bestest (and stinkin’ cute!) buddies.

Preschool Festival

Complete lack of pictures. But, interesting commentary. Exhibit A: A child is grumpy because of sugar and adrenaline overload. Does not want to pose with friend. Exhibit B: Sweet child has returned, post nap, and is strangely attached to her candy bag from the day.

Halloween

Grocery Shopping

Now, normally I wouldn’t include grocery shopping into blog-worthy things to do on Halloween. BUT, when you lock your keys in your car at naptime with two children in tow…it becomes blog-able. True story. Weird hour or so. Never been so thankful for some one to break into my car.

When life hands you lemons…take pictures. While we waited…

Pre Trick-or-Treating

We have some great friends who live on a cul-de-sac. Enough said. Cul-de-sacs are blessings from the Lord during child-rearing years! Pizza, motorized toys, big wheels, and costumes…the kiddos were in dreamland!

While everyone else was eating pizza, abi snagged the lone jeep. LOVED it.

Abi and her buddy, Owen aka Blaze. I love the 2nd picture when he is so done with taking pictures and ready to be running around again! Oh, boys. Abi’s face is priceless.

The Real Deal

Meet Nate the cowboy. The mermaid’s above-sea cousin?? A bit of a stretch…

A few days before at the Arboretum…Hope everyone’s Halloween was happy!

Painting a la fingers

2011-11-12T12:45:00.001-08:00

I love it when Abi creates. Granted, I don’t always love the mess that inevitably ensues, but I love the creation. Watching her mind create and her hands obey – such a treat. I am always reminded that we serve and love a creative God. He made our minds to love making beautiful from that which wasn’t.

SO, everyone be on the lookout…coming to the Kimball in fall 2020…the child art prodigy Abigail Wallace

But, if you desire something before that…we can arrange something. We’ll just collect our royalties later. PS – can you tell the above dress is loved? Good ol’ rip down the side…that’s many a day being worn.

Oh, my happy heart

2011-10-30T19:16:00.001-07:00

A brother, a beautiful evening, and the evidence of a much-enjoyed chocolate chip cookie!

These are good days. Praying for moments enjoyed to abundance! As we begin to enter a season of more intentional thankfulness – my heart is full.

Nate the Great at 8 months

2011-10-27T09:25:00.001-07:00

Weight: Still don’t know exactly, I’m guessing right around 20 lbs.

Length: anyone’s guess again…I’ll go with 29-30 inches!

Head Circumference: 46ish cm (why am I estimating head circumference???

Eating: 8-10 ounces 4 times a day (wake up / around 11:30 / after nap / before bed). Eating is Nate’s favorite. He has a great palate (like his sister, thankfully!) We started introducing some more “chunky” foods…they produce the best faces. He can’t decide what to think about the new texture! Cottage cheese has definitely gotten the best face this month! Favorites…still really digs anything orange. Yay for fall and that means yay for squash. He’s loved pumpkin lately.

Bedtime: 7:00-7:30pm

Awake: ALL over the place…he’s been waking up at 6ish (but according to me his days don’t start until 7, so unless he’s really upset, he hangs out in his crib until 7…same rule with abi when she was a baby and she turned out OK!). Many days he finds his way back to sleep, and stays in sleepy land until around 8. However, his 6 o’clock alarm clock has led to abi waking up at 6. Not so hot. She usually sleepily wanders out of her room, and we escort her to our bed. Half the days she goes back to sleep and the other half she reads books until 7. The growing pains of figuring out sharing a room. We still think it’s worth it. It’s led to us really praying through (again) our motivations for them sharing a room. That’s probably the reason for the early wake-ups…more prayer is always a good thing!

Naps: Morning Nap (1-2 hours) – he is SUCH a good buddy in this area…as I type he’s getting to take his nice long morning nap in his crib while sister is at school / sometimes the reality is that his morning nap comes for 30 minutes in the car and 30 minutes again after errand/church/playdate/whatever…thankful for his flexibility. And then afternoon nap with Abi. This is non-negotiable. I need that bit of time when the house is quiet again. Even for a 30 minute overlap. Those 30 minutes are life-giving!

Diapers: size 3, and cloth when we’re at home. If we’ll be out all morning or afternoon– it’s just easier to throw him in a disposable. Life being simple, this is a good rule.

Clothes: 9 months or 12 months (depending on brand)/ 12 month and 18 month (haha, if they’re hand-me-downs and have been washed many times!)sleepers…this boy is LONG, and that makes sleepers a bit tricky, because of their cute “closed toe” feet. *same as 7 months

Favorites: FOOD & Abi (I imagine this will be permanent for a bit!), “CRAWLING!!” – see below, SWINGING, having dance parties, and practicing his singing and speaking! Tickles on bellies, and anything that his sister is playing with…oh, enter in the crazy reality of sharing. Life’s about to change again, my Abi-girl.

Latest "tricks": CRAWLING!! Yay, our Nate is mobile! This is a sweet time. He is not so mobile where he is discontent being held or sitting in the stroller (hallelujah on those things!) – but the boy can move around! He rocks a lot on all fours and then will start to put one hand – then one knee – then one hand – etc. SO FUN to watch and participate in. Abi is a great cheerleader and leader by example! Abi’s been crawling a lot around the house these days too, in an effort to motivate Nate! He doesn’t really do the army crawl – it’s something in between – I need to work on labeling it. Or maybe there’s no need…it’s just the way he moves!

Healing power of pictures – Sanctification through Motherhood

2011-10-25T13:42:00.001-07:00

Have you ever noticed that? No matter what the day (or days) have held…there is something so calming for me to reflect on pictures. To remember the beauty. To focus on joy. Not in a way that takes us away from reality – and I’m not suggesting that conflict or issues aren’t tackled or dealt with…but that sometimes I need a refresher on what lens I should be looking through.

Our kiddo blog is largely for our family and friends who don’t see these two lovelies most days. But, it’s also a little journal for them. That as they grow up being in this family…they can look back on the comical – on the great – on the crazy – on the lovely-- look back on lessons learned. They can gain some insight into our life during these years. A look back on the REAL of life. The lens of honesty. Some times this little beauty just gives me a run for my money. Oh goodness. And I’m a bit scared for what life will look like when she’s 13. Oh wow, do we know how to push each other’s buttons. As I often joke with my momma, I’m sure she has NO idea what I’m talking about! Being a mother to a daughter makes me so much more thankful for my momma!

But, as I look at pictures of her, her goodness shines through. I see the sweetness, the innocence, the beauty. My lens isn’t tainted by my own frustration or anger…it’s just quiet and still. These pictures heal.

*more of Texas State Fair 2011 pics to come soon!

Trip II – Fort Worth Zoo

2011-10-21T13:29:00.001-07:00

We love making the short jaunt down I-30 to visit Fort Worth. Good people, good sights, always a good time! This time we made the journey with a class load of 3&4 year olds!

Our welcome to the Fort Worth Zoo: Abi had been saying that she needed to go to the bathroom (my fault for the coffee shop stop on our way out of our neighborhood)…I asked her if she could make it to the cool zoo bathroom – and that seemed like a good idea to her. Which was a relief to me, because we have an annoying tendency of running late, and stopping at a bathroom wouldn’t help that situation! So…we made it to our parking spot…I was popping up the double stroller…and Abi peed on the front seat. Thank God for leather. Seriously. I literally stood there with my mouth open. I didn’t know what to do. I don’t bring extra clothes with me anymore – and we were in FORT WORTH. And this girl had been drinking a lot of fluid that morning. Amazing solution: her phenomenal teachers had thought ahead and brought a change of clothes for girls & boys. Oh happy day. We were back in business.

Oh silly me once again…left the good camera in the car. Thank you, iphone. You have come to my rescue yet again.

I mean, I just love her…we’re two peas in a pod…we both just love the zoo. I love sharing that with her. As silly as that sounds, it’s just a momma-daughter thing.

Nope…not gray flamingos…flamingo babies! They’re at the Dallas Zoo too! (You knew I was going to get a plug in somewhere!)

Two bonobos…they were awesome! They just played in front of the window while abi & I watched, what a treat!! (What’s a bobobo? Think chimpanzees, and then add in a bit more interesting – in my opinion)

Always in for a good time…such a trooper!!!

I was so excited to visit the MOLA (Museum of Living Art…they’re ROCKIN’ reptile & amphibian building)…it did not disappoint! We’re so excited to take Donald out so he can share in the awesome-ness. I know he is just as excited as we are.

Abi and her friend, Abigail…they were in parakeet heaven.

Oh sweet darling Abi…sharing these memories with you is such a treat. You just make me smile and appreciate goodness.

Painting Pumpkins

2011-10-14T12:44:00.001-07:00

I so desire contentment and thankfulness to be a hallmark of our family’s life. OH so much prayer over that. Because let’s be honest, it can be dang-hard to have those things mark our days. But, it is what we are called to do. I smile over the moments where I can see that the Lord is extra gracious – he makes contentment and thankfulness go hand in hand – and they come easily. How undeserving I am of these times, yet I am so grateful.

Last week was one of those times for our family – thankful for fall / content to live in a place of beauty and alongside community. A treat of a day!

Our Early Childhood PTA met and had the kiddos decorate pumpkins (and not just pie pumpkins, legit pumpkins!). One of the things I love about my girl – she is a pumpkin lover. As soon as Christmas is through, this child begins to ask about when the pumpkins will return to the arboretum.

Starting out the day right: eating tacos, I mean wallets.

Getting their workout in! I just casually walked with my friend while the big sis’s did all the work. Now, there is the beauty of family!

Paint and Pumpkins – yes, please!

It is exhausting work…and so little understood. Naturally, the girls needed to just relax.

And then the nerve…they had to give up their sweet spots. Content to go with the flow. I should learn some lessons about contentment and the beauty of not needing to control things from these two!

Class Fieldtrip? Check.

2011-10-12T18:16:00.001-07:00

I was telling a friend today that I had one of those strange, out-of-body experiences this past Tuesday…because I took my son and chaperoned my daughter’s fieldtrip. I took who and did the what now?!?! Surely I’m repeating a sentence of my mother.

(oops, forgot camera – thank goodness for phones!)

When the State Fair is in town, Abi’s school 1) visits the fair during the first week 2) Takes field trips during the second week and 3) has no school during the third week! We’re in week two of the good ol’ Texas State Fair and so we’re fieldtripin’!

Destination: John Bunker Sands Wetland Center

SO GREAT! The school has done a great job finding (additional) really interesting places that promote nature and inquiry based learning. This little gem was just 40 minutes away and we felt like we got a little retreat from urban living. Wide open spaces / Horses & Cows on the side of the road / country music at the gas station – it was a treat.

We started our time with a discussion of habitats and each picked an animal (abi was a butterfly, a monarch I believe) and stood in the state of Texas (as represented by a large rope in the shape of Texas). When different events happened (drought, farming, etc) their habitat shrunk – and they either had to squeeze or leave. Pretty cute to watch (I was squeezed out early due to my initial pan handle location)

Then into the classroom to talk about insects and different tools they’d be using to collect them!

Then back outside to do the good stuff – getting dirty and collecting water samples!

Mr. John & Miss Linda (who is from Michigan!) taught them what to look for: things on top – things swimming in the middle – and things that have sunk to the bottom. These sweet 3&4 year olds were way into being field scientists!

Back in the lab…Nate was such a good buddy. Just along for the ride.

I highly recommend going. Such a cool place with a great staff. Our last outing before we headed out, a bird watch/walk out in the wetlands.

{Today}

2011-10-11T14:43:00.001-07:00

Waiting for Daddy to get home…

Nate the Great at 7 months

2011-10-06T14:30:00.001-07:00

And yet again…the 23rd of the month has come and gone. And I continue to be surprised. OH, how I love this little fella! He brings such joy to our family and such a tenderness to my heart. Love.

I love all of these pictures b/c they show him how he is…BUSY! So, they’re all blurred. But, there’s something wonderful in that!

Weight: Don’t know exactly, I’m guessing between 19.5 and 20 lbs.

Length: 29 inches (at 6 months…let’s say 1/2 inch more!)

Head Circumference: 45 cm (at 6 months – probably the same?!)

Eating: 8-10 ounces 4 times a day (wake up / around 11:30 / after nap / before bed). This boy still LOVES to eat! And he is quite impatient! He will start to get a.n.g.r.y if he does not receive nutrition at the proper time (according to Nate). He loves sweet potatoes the most. And he prefers them baked (just like the animals at the zoo).

Bedtime: 7:00-7:30pm

Awake: 7-7:30-The glory days have gone away. There is an occasional 8:00 or 8:30 thrown in there, but they are not the norm. Oh well. Those mornings with Abi really are special and we treasure them, when it is just the two of us. We are still working on them sleeping consistently in the same room. They’ve both been battling colds – which makes for more frequent wake-ups in the night – which leads to the pack ‘n play being brought out of retirement.

Naps: Morning Nap (1-2 hours), sometimes a little catnap still if he’s in the car / afternoon nap with sister. No more evening cat naps. Just grumpy if he woke up from the afternoon too early!

Diapers: size 3, and cloth when we’re at home. If we’ll be out all morning – it’s just easier to throw him in a disposable. So, we try to stick to the organic ones. But not all the time…our house is always in “reality” mode!

Favorites: FOOD & Abi, jumping in the jumperoo, being outside! and “singing.” Bouncing on knees (remember “the Noble Duke or York?!), snuggles with his momma , laughing and doing shenanigans with his daddy

Latest "tricks": Eating more complex food, sitting for longer periods of time, and working on the crawling motion. I think I’m an enabler. Hopefully that’ll be in our 8 month report (that’s when Abi crawled) – but if not…it’ll happen eventually. And let’s be honest – they’re pretty easy when they just hang out. The crazy starts when they can move on their own!

It’s grocery time!

2011-09-29T08:25:00.001-07:00

The first of many to come…

First time shopping just with momma (we both missed Abi and thought it was kind of nice just the two of us!)…

First time sitting up in the cart the big boy way…

Oh, brother bear…you’re growing!

We Americans call it ‘Soccer’

2011-09-27T14:23:00.001-07:00

I’ve always thought it strange that we call this great sport something different than the rest of the world…I’m probably over thinking it :)

Abi is playing soccer. With other 3 year old cuties. Oh my, they are so sweet. You knew it was going to be a good time when you signed up a bunch of three year old ladies to play a sport that requires mental thinking that is probably beyond their attention spans…but it is just priceless. And they learn about being part of a team. Oh, and about winning and losing. Oh, and just about having fun with a bunch of friends. Umm, yes, we will sign up for that!

First practice:

God bless Brian & Coach Dave (and when needed Jess!) for teaching these little beauties about soccer!

Nate & Fyn – just there to have a good time. I would love to know what they’re thinking in their minds…

First game. Quite an experience. I’m too loud. I kind of knew I would be though. It’s in my genes. You should have heard my mother when I was growing up. Such a positive, wonderful woman…but, she was loud!! I never doubted someone was rooting for me though.

The girls didn’t entirely grasp the concept – but again, it was precious to watch. And Abi scored a goal! Oh, wow!! I think I had a sore throat after that series…

Oh! There they are again!

How they keep the girls from crowding the ball right away. Pretty genius idea, actually!

And here it comes…

She’s breaking away…

And going…

And then I got too excited and stopped taking pictures! GO ABI!

More to come (because how could I resist more posts with these adorable girls?!)…we’ll leave you with the “tunnel” shot.

First Day of School!

2011-09-12T12:43:00.001-07:00

So very hard to believe! Abi began her sweet little preschool last week – what a big girl! We were pumped for her, and were so pleased to pick up a happy lady at the end of the day! (And by the end of the day…haha, I mean just the end of 3 1/2 hours!)

It is pretty funny how fears can sneak up on you! Fears for little friendships not forming or fears of cruelty occurring. I can see how easily worry can creep into the parental role. Not that care and concern shouldn’t occur, but I am convicted that we are called very plainly NOT to worry. She is in far superior arms than mine.

*Don’t you love that the goofy pictures are the ones that did not blur?! Oh boo. Gotta document it anyway!

Nate the Great at 6 months

2011-09-09T11:26:00.001-07:00

So, here’s the good stuff. The info and the pics of our little man as he ushered in the 2nd half of his first year.

AMAZING. Our wonderful friends are so kind to take pictures of our Nate! If you know someone getting married in the DFW area, send them C&L’s way! I know I’m biased, but they’re fantastic.

Nathanael’s 6 Month Stats

Weight: 18 lbs 14 ounces (75th %) – I guess this is a common phenomenon for breastfed babies who start out quite large. Around 6 months they start to even out…it’s gotta start sometime!

Length: 29 inches (>97%)

Head Circumference: 45 cm (90%)

Eating: 8-10 ounces 4 times a day (wake up / around 11:30 / after nap / before bed). Nate began to eat big time food! He LOVES it! I mean really, really loves it. This boy can polish off food. It is his favorite activity. Maybe that should make me sad, but it doesn’t. Apart from smiling, this boy loves to eat!

(I was really trying to show him how it’s done!)

Bedtime: 7:30pm

Awake: 7:30-8:30 PRAISE JESUS! We would be praisin’ him anyway, but we’re super thankful that Nate has found his “sleep rhythm!” A good sleeper is such a gift to our whole family! He has hit his sweet spot and we’re really happy about it!

Naps: Morning Nap (1-2 hours), sometimes a little catnap still if he’s in the car / afternoon nap with sister. Depending on when he goes down, he still needs a little 30 minute nap in the evening too.

Diapers: size 3, and I think I’ve figured out cloth diapers! I tried out some prefolds and like them when we’re at home. I’m not a huge fan when we’re out and about. I think I just need to realize that I’m going to have to strip my diapers a bit more b/c they’re one child down and tend to get stinky quicker. But, I’ve come to peace with that and we’re finding our rhythm. NOW, if we could just get daddy on board all the time :) He tends to sneak a disposable in…

Clothes: 9 months or 6-9 months (depending on brand)/9 or 12 month sleepers…this boy is LONG, and that makes sleepers a bit tricky, because of their cute “closed toe” feet. *Same as 5 months

Favorites: FOOD & Abi, his momma (yay!), his daddy’s tickles, still Sophie, food, abi’s friends, trees, food, and his jumperoo (I know that’s not a word, but I don’t know how to spell it!), being outside, bouncing on knees, and food.

Latest "tricks": Eating food, Rolling both directions!, sitting up!, and lots of teeth! He had a tooth explosion this past month – baby boy is sportin’ 7 teeth in his little mouth right now! What a fella.

His 6 month birthday celebration was supposed to include an apple tart…yet when I started to get going…Nate started crying. I didn’t think I’d be a very good momma to birthday boy if he was mega mad while I was preparing something that was supposed to be celebrating him. Didn’t make sense :) So, they stayed as apples. Oh well. Managed expectations!

How they spend most of their day…just looking at each other. They make me smile. (Oh, and drive me crazy too!)

Toy Story IV??

2011-08-30T20:40:00.001-07:00

In case they come out with some sort of real life version or maybe a musical of some sort?

Abi & her buddy Owen. They have so much fun together. They are ridiculously cute.

(apparently the serious side of Jessie)

(or maybe in Toy Story VI there will be Buzzetes)

6 MONTHS

2011-08-24T13:34:00.001-07:00

More to come…but our little man celebrated his 6 month birthday yesterday! WHAT?! I am totally speechless. How did this happen? To sum him up…he is a darling delight. Happy 1/2 birthday, sweet boy.

A WATER party…

2011-08-12T13:24:00.001-07:00

We love parks. We love parties. Right now in life, I love having parties not at my house. The three loves fit together nicely!

So,our firstborn’s birthday approached…and we thought a water party at the Spray Park would be cool. We also thought that it’d be SUPER cool to help kiddos who needed help and clean water with her party. I love this girl’s heart.

Check THIS out. We love our family and community.

So, her party – she had so much fun. The girl was so excited about it. All of her friends in one place. Holy Moly. Too much goodness for one day!

Brother thought it was a good time too…

*Thanks to my mother-in-love for taking the pics! I brought my camera and it never made it out of the bag…

Our girl is 37 months…

2011-08-08T14:39:00.001-07:00

Haha, because, well I failed to celebrate ‘36 months’ in the blog-world for our dear abi – so here we are on her 37th month birthday! Such a significant one :)

Abi = delight. Obvious bias, of course, but she is a special girl whom we are beyond thankful to be a part of our family. She brings laughter, joy, thoughtfulness, and a multitude of other blessings to this house of ours!

Her year was marked with an explosion of verbal skills – we love having insight into this mind of hers – which brought about an entire new level of joy in mothering. We have these wonderful conversations together, she is truly such a delight for me to spend my days with. Then there was that brother…being a new big sister has revealed tenderness, compassion, frustration, and a whole slew of emotions that needed developing! She has handled it like a champ! She is thoughtful. Often I am left being encouraged by her simple love towards others. She is honest, not trying to hide who God made her to be or what makes her different. I love that. Abi is generous. She doesn’t hoard or think about the risk to her later, but loves to share (of course, this is at times NOT the case!) and thinks about making others happy. She embraces life fully and I am reminded to pursue my daily happenings with equal zeal!

My darling girl – you make us so happy. You are cherished and you are loved. Happy 37 months!

Nate the Great at 5 months

2011-08-07T13:04:00.001-07:00

Nathanael’s 5 Month Stats

Weight: 18.7 lbs. (90%)

Length: 27 3/4 inches (>97%)

Head Circumference: 44.5 cm (90%)

Eating: 8-10 ounces every 3-4 hours during the day. Nate is VERY interested in “big people” food. He just stares at the fork – to the plate – to the mouth “motion.” I’m excited for 6 months to arrive – isn’t that silly? He would be just fine to start eating simple foods now, Lord knows he’s the same size as some 6 month olds…but I still want to wait. I’m such a rule-follower.

Bedtime: 7-7:30pm

Awake: 6:30-7 am *Ugh, he is VERY convinced that he should start his day between 4:30 and 5:30. For too many nights I just caved. Because it is WAY easier to feed him for a minute or two (literally) and then he’d sleep until at least 7:30 than to rock him/calm him down and then listen to him disagree for 10-15 minutes. And by disagree…you know what I mean. But, not good for our family overall. He was becoming used to that wake up call – it’d throw Abi off – she’d end up in our room…it was a bad pattern. So, we’re trying to break that cycle currently!

Naps: Sweet buddy sleeps for about 1-1/2 hours in the morning / sometimes a quick 30 minute catnap in the car if we’re out / and then goes down for about 2 hours in the afternoon. The Lord is SOOOOO good to me – most days Abi and Nate overlap for about 1 1/2 hours. YAY! Nate is boycotting an evening catnap.

Diapers: size 3, and the cloth diapers are back! But, I need to find some new tricks for boys…cloth diapering is a bit easier with girls, in my experience!

Clothes: 9 months or 6-9 months (depending on brand)/9 or 12 month sleepers…this boy is LONG, and that makes sleepers a bit tricky, because of their cute “closed toe” feet.

Favorites: Abi (I think this will be the permenant favorite – that’s what everyone else says!), stroller-rides, sharks at the aquarium, jumping in the johnny-jump-up (nifty little contraption that hangs over the door frame), Sophie the giraffe, snuggles, and his cool bouncy chair – it doesn’t bounce…it slides, and therefore he can “kick off” and glide upwards…you just gotta see it, too hard to explain.

Latest "tricks": Giggling, big sweet tummy laughs; feet in mouth; growing in that coordination; being really loud when he’s not being held and feels that this act is an extreme injustice; rolling over half-way…we’re still working on this one!; TEETH – his two bottom teeth came in about a week after his 4 month birthday. PS – have you seen this boy’s mohawk?

Looking forward to: Rolling over all on his own (he says he’s still looking forward to this!), being more understanding that his momma’s arms get tired around 5:30 PM, FOOD.

Those doctor visits…

2011-08-03T14:34:00.001-07:00

May I just say that I love joint doctor visits…make life a bit easier for this one. One and done…yes, please.

The Nate-ster:

(stats to be repeated in his 5 month post)

Height – 27 and 3/4”
Weight – 18 lbs, 7 ounces
Head Circumfrence – 44.5 cm
Poor buddy, 4 vaccines: 1 orally and 3 in the legs. He was quick to forgive; and that made the nurses happy!

aren’t those cute little legs!

Our Abi-girl:

Height – 39 and 1/4 “
Weight – 34 lbs, 4 ounces
Blood Pressure (big girl, look out!) – 90/60 (this one especially made doctor Grandpa and nurse Mimi quite happy!)
She also had to go #1 in a cup; which she was quite fascinated with that step the entire appointment. Thankfully, all is well in that department too!
One shot – she did great – big curled lip and watery eyes. She didn’t want to cry, bless her.

So, we decided to start a tradition. Doctor’s Appointments = cupcakes. A good relationship, I think!

Sportin’ her spanish-speakin’ Elmo sticker with the cupcake remnants…

PS – I love our pediatrician, I need to remember to grab a picture of her in action. Not only is she a zoo member (automatic like-points from me) but she has Abi’s respect and admiration! Abi loves to pretend to be Dr. Halsell – right down to the red stethoscope.

Summer {Pool Time}

2011-07-25T13:03:00.001-07:00

I am oh-so-sick of this summer. Now, hear me out. I am trying my hardest not to wish time away, and to cherish every day for what it can bring to our family and what our family can bring to it – but I am so tired of the heat. This northern girl has not (will I ever???) adjusted to the endless Texas heat. Yet, this summer is an exception - 20+ days of over 100 degrees – that is rough even on the native southerners.

But, I’ll tell you what I do love…

And that is pool time…

My amazing hubby…

And precious family…

(they’re just relaxing now…look out world when these two hit the pool, mr. nate already has a power frog kick and miss MC swims in the ocean!)

Out of the mouth of our babe…

2011-07-15T19:17:00.001-07:00

Abi & I were driving in the car this week – talking about how daddy is now at work, and no longer at SMU. (Update on that – she’s done amazingly well with the transition to donald being gone for most of her day. Thank you to so many prayers and God’s graciousness in the ease of it all!). Abi just busted out with “I will go to SMU when I grow up.” I think the ‘when I grow up-isms’ are just the cutest in little ones. I told Abi she was free to consider A&M as well. Also, I asked her what she wanted to do after SMU. What did she want to be after SMU? I told her I think that she’d be a really good teacher – she is full of patience and grace (well, as much as her age allows her!). “No, I’ll just go to SMU like daddy – maybe I’ll teach him.” So, look out donald – if you’re pursuing your doctorate say, in 35 years, you might have your daughter as your teacher. You’ve been warned.

Visiting the DMA

2011-07-13T07:02:00.001-07:00

We are so grateful for so many fun museums to explore so close to home! We are also so grateful for indoor, air-conditioned activities in the summer – hooray that the two are synonymous!

I will also add in a ‘hooray’ for creative friends. My kind friend, Valerie, is so talented. We explored a current visiting exhibit at the DMA (Dallas Museum of Art) and the kiddos discussed the different shapes and colors that they saw. I loved watching the people’s faces who were there for a quiet afternoon. Oh well, come again friends, come again.

The kids area was great – lots of room to explore and create. I especially appreciated this as “artsy creativity” is NOT my forte, thankfully here I just got to be an entertained (and educated too!) bystander!

Valerie also organized the kiddos recreating what they had seen in the gallery earlier. Pure mommy genius.

Friends that stick together…

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stay cool together

and eat popsicles together

Photos

Nate the Great at 4 months

2011-06-25T14:00:00.001-07:00

Nathanael’s 4 Month Stats

Weight: 17-18ish lbs (I think) – we haven’t had his 4 month appointment yet. He’ll head to the doctor’s with Abi in early July for her 3 year and his 4 month. Life simplified: joint appointments.

Length: 27(ish) inches

Eating: 6-8 ounces every 3 hours during the day, we’re going to start working to 4 feedings during the day (every 4 hours)

Bedtime: 7-7:30pm

Awake: 6:30-7 am

Naps: We haven’t found our rhythm here yet – still a work in progress! On our “all is right with the world” days, Nate goes down for a morning nap at 9ish and sleeps until 10:30-11 / goes down around 1:30 and sleeps until 4 – and then a little 30 minute nap after that in the early evening.

Diapers: size 3, and the cloth diapers are back! But, I need to find some new tricks for boys…cloth diapering is a bit easier with girls, in my experience!

Clothes: 6 months and 6-9 months /9 month sleepers

Favorites: Abi, jumping in the johnny-jump-up (nifty little contraption that hangs over the door frame), my Daddy’s tickles, snuggling with his momma, being pushed around in his walker by Abi (this is probably one of her favorite things to do right now too!), his fingers (in his mouth ALL the time!)

Latest "tricks": Giggling, showing off his coordination (you know, fingers to mouth, toys to mouth, etc.!), rolling over! (with help…we start him on a slight incline and he – and his sweet big ol’ head – do the rest!

Looking forward to: Rolling over all on his own, letting his momma make dinner without being fussy the whole time!, those sweet little teeth coming soon!

Out of the mouth of our babe…

2011-06-13T16:03:00.001-07:00

I just think it is the cutest thing when Abi combines words she’s been hearing in ways that make sense, but might not always be the word of choice.

For example, we were having a bit of a tickling war the other morning, and Abi kept saying (don’t worry, it didn’t really hurt!) “Ahh, stop that is horrible!” “No, really, it’s really really horrible!” Oh my goodness, I was laughing so hard. She was saying those phrases over and over in her darling, laughing voice – and my heart just felt good.

Then today: the word was ‘adorable.’ She has been saying all day, “Mommy, is this adorable?” She’ll do something goofy, or sweet to Nate, and then “Mommy, isn’t that adorable?” I just laugh and tell her that yes, indeed, SHE is adorable. Which she followed up with “well, you’re adorable too.” Oh my, 2 year old girls are just the best!

They’re Back!!!

2011-05-13T13:23:00.001-07:00

Well, these fine little fellows have made it back into our drawers / washing machine / diaper pail!

And don’t they look cute on this little bottom?

Nate the Great at 2 months

2011-05-02T12:42:00.001-07:00

And yet another month has passed by. How am I surprised each time?! Such love for this little man. He makes my heart happy, I see goodness of our Lord through him.

One thing that a friend wrote on her blog, that I loved, was giving each month stats – fun for friends to read, and a really sweet way to remember some of those little details that slip from memory too easily.

Nathanael’s 2 Month Stats

Weight: 16 lbs (I think) – we haven’t had his 2 month appointment yet. I wrote it down wrong on the calendar, so we missed it! In my defense, we did not receive a reminder call from the doctor’s office! (I know, I know, no excuse!)

Length: 24(ish) inches

Eating: 5-6 ounces every 3 hours during the day

Bedtime: 7-7:30pm

Awake: 6:30-7 am

Naps: Still figuring this out, as he is no longer a newborn, but still fits somewhere in-between that and “big baby!” He loves to take a good 2 hour nap in the morning / a 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon / and then little ones before and after that. Always ready for bed at 7ish though – I am thankful for that!

Diapers: size 2

Clothes: 6 months and 6-9 months

Favorites: Abi, Mommy’s silly dances, Daddy’s handsome face, bath (but does NOT like to be cold!), bumble bee and giraffe toys. being snuggled, his mobile

Latest "tricks": SMILING!!, beautiful little “coo” noises

Looking forward to: Holding his handsome head up! Moving into his crib in his new room with dearest sister!

Being Crafty {Abi Style}

2011-04-29T12:12:00.001-07:00

While the messes (and messes, and messes) do at times drive me nuts –- I am no perfect-always-patient-momma –but, it is so sweet to me when I watch her wander into the office and hear her being creative. I’ll clean up those messes (and messes, and messes) time and time again.

Smiles

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Oh, they are so precious!

Oh, they make life so sweet!

Thank you, Jesus, for this amazing little man!!!

Just because…

2011-04-18T12:56:00.001-07:00

Just because sometimes you need some Great-Grandma lovin’!

I am overjoyed and thankful that my sweet Grandma has these times with my daughter – I am thankful for the memories.

Out of the mouth of our babe…

2011-04-07T10:25:00.001-07:00

On our way to the Arboretum…

Discussing what we’d do when we got there – we love the great lawn because it is perfect to just RUN and in the mind of a two-year old, the lawn is endless. I love watching her here.

“I’m going to race Daddy – and I will win – because God made me really fast.”

Happy

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“How HAPPY are those who know their need for God…” Matthew 5:3

Weekends are good…

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for gaining confidence in the arts…

and for sleeping…

Happy Tuesday! We hope that your weekend was filled with things good and lovely!

Nate the Great: One Month

2011-03-25T20:15:00.001-07:00

Oh my oh my – where does the time fly! Wednesday marked one month since our sweet little one has been with us! As I’m sure will continue to be my cry for the rest of their wonderful lives: the time seems to fly by and yet at the same time, beautiful moments are forever captured in my mind and heart.

My darling Nate: You have been growing non-stop! Will this be a theme of your life? You came bounding into this world big and you continue to pack on the pounds! You, thankfully, are a good eater and can take care of business quickly! Like your sister before you, you tend not to go #2 too much – preferring the cleaner/easier variety for which your daddy & I are so grateful! You are beautiful, and have taught me so many lessons on pure and true beauty in your life. You react differently to your sister already – I love that. Wonderful boy, you are staying awake for longer periods now (if we’re not in the car or in the carrier) you’ll stay awake for about one hour of our three-hour “segments.” Our days operate in 3 hour increments currently! I am more relaxed with you as a momma, and I have enjoyed the grace in that so much! You toot ALL the time! You are a snuggler. You’d prefer to be held all of the time. This can be very tiring and yet very perfect all at the same time! Your eyes are just lovely. I love to imagine what you must be thinking. I think you’re laughing with your daddy already. You are more peaceful outside, and this brings joy to my heart.

This month has been significant for our family. Nights and days look different. Normalcy and comfort have been shaken a bit – and we’ve lived in the moment a bit more! Our hearts have grown and we are LOVING loving you, Nate the Great.

Sissy’s just can’t get close enough…

How do you know if you like princesses??

2011-03-17T13:46:00.001-07:00

I think it must just be engrained to DNA or something for little girls. A love of princesses and all things dress-up. I must admit; I am often caught smiling at Abi’s constant requests for Donald or I to be her prince and dance with her / the daily dress-up rituals / the crown and princess shoes adoration – oh yes, it’s all there! But, in a way, it’s really wonderful. There’s something so basic about Abi wanting to be a princess. She is a little girl, and little girls want to feel beautiful and adored. They want to have their prince to dance with them and to tell them how much they are loved and how lovely they are. I love that she enjoys being rough and tumble at times, getting dirty, being outside and loving creation – but how lovely that this is where she is right now. Just a little girl, dancing around in circles with her arms outstretched – sure of how much she is loved and adored.

And to leave you with a little something to smile about! (Usually when she is playing she is Princess Abi or Giselle – and we are always asked to be Prince Edward – Now you know why!) Dearest Jess, thank you for letting us borrow Enchanted for such a long time! Abi is in love!

2 weeks with Nate

2011-03-10T12:47:00.001-08:00

Yesterday marked 2 weeks. 14 not so sleep-filled nights; lots of dirty diapers; a few “rain showers”; lots of feedings (joy); much snuggling; feeling oh so loved by our dear friends and family.

Yes, they were a wonderful 2 weeks. He already seems so much bigger to me. I am here and now trying to remember and heed the advice from the amazing mothers in my bible study who encourage us younger mommas to cling to these times and be slow to wish small inconveniences such as a lack of sleep or answering the same question a million times over or feeling like your house is a MESS – well, not to wish them away. They are fleeting. Yet, they are FULL of life and joy!

Oh this boy! We are in love! He is a snuggler (eek, yay!) – as donald would say – a momma’s boy already. Quite pleased with that, actually!! He will sleep and sleep if someone is holding him! He is a good little eater – and quick too! Our doula, Kirsten, brought over a baby scale so we could weigh him – and this boy will down about 4-5 oz. in just 10 minutes! Oh my! I am thankful, as this will be much easier with our dear abi running around like a banshee! He is strong! I suppose we could have seen this coming with a 10’ 3 baby – but he is already getting that little head up. Quite a curious one, we think! Our 2 week doctor appointment is tomorrow, and I am anxious to see how our little man is doing all around!

Little Nate has proven to be a blessing to our family already in the two weeks he has journeyed through life with us. Already a teacher of lessons; I am thankful!

*my amazing friend Lauren came over to take pictures of our little Nate – she let me play around with her camera(s) – the edited ones/ones that she took to be posted soon!

Sister meet Brother

2011-03-03T13:43:00.001-08:00

Eeek!! I am so excited for our love bug to grow as a little girl through being a big sister. Oh my goodness, is she so sweet! She is tender, caring, gentle, loving – all such beautiful feminine qualities that I delight see growing in her! She is of course two years old, and adapting as her world has very much changed in the past week – and there have been some hiccups, but overall…ahh, beauty.

I know they will have a wonderful relationship. I am cherishing the moments as I watch the beginning unfold!

Our Mozart in the making…

2011-02-08T18:24:00.001-08:00

Well, I would actually vote for Mendelssohn – he’s my favorite. But, that is neither here nor there. Now I just sound like a piano nerd…

Don’t you just love 2 year old minds?! Oh goodness, I just wish there was some sort of way that I could plug into it sometimes! Abi will just come up with funny things, or remember ideas that I barely remember, and bring up conversations that I would have thought already left her mind. And imaginations – what a beautiful thing. During “crazy wallace house” phase of life a few weeks ago (pictures will come eventually!) Abi had her stuff EVERYWHERE. It was a child’s dream and a parent’s nightmare. She grabbed one of her dolls, Martin, stuck him on the piano – wound up the little music box underneath the piano – and began to play herself.

See, free pass inside her mind, please??

*after re-reading this post, I realize that I sound “momma-insane” – but I imagine that is OK – to be enthralled and drawn to greater wonder because of our sweet blessings.

Out of the Mouth of Our Babe

2011-01-26T11:57:00.001-08:00

So, it’s no lie that we have a pretty extraordinary cat. Whether we’re talking about size or personality! Sweet Oslo has always been a “pack cat” – more of a dog really. He’d rather be with everyone – to a fault, at times. But he is so fantastic with abi. We couldn’t ask for a better kitty for her. He is patient (until he gives her the “all done, thank you” sound – which she is quite talented at evoking AND thankfully pays attention to it!), and really does seem to enjoy her too!

(Pictures, at random…just a taste of our silly cat-dog – and what he puts up with!)

So, here’s the latest in our abi-isms.

Scene: we’re all hanging out, and Oslo is trying desperately to lie on my belly. He is quite confused at its size right now. And I’ve never been one to love him being up in my face (although he does try very hard!) – so especially when I’m preggo – Oslo is usually confined to snuggling with my legs and feet.

“Oslo, you can’t lie on momma right now because she has a baby in her belly. But, you can lie on me though. I no have a baby in my tummy”

And he did. Too cute. Now Abi doesn’t understand why he doesn’t always desire to snuggle on her.

Scene: Donald is playfully teasing Oslo – and encourages Abi to tickle Oslo. Donald would have gotten a scratch (or the infamous ‘all done, thank you’ – but not Abi, she just got a weird look from the kitty and a very indignant “walk away.” Her response…

“Oslo, it’s just a game.”

Our big boy trying to get into the recycling cabinet…

Oh, what a beauty…

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And we stand excited for the little girl that she is and the darling that she is turning into. We wait to see how our two little wallaces will love one another and form such a special bond. Her zest, laugh, emotions (can be crazy at times in the life of a 2 year old!), tenderness, creativity, and genuine nature make it SUCH a humbling and rewarding blessing to parent her. We are thankful for this little/big bundle!

Photo Credit

Out Of the Mouth of Our Babe / Salon 6789

2011-01-13T19:39:00.001-08:00

The ‘Out Of the Mouth of Our Babe’ idea – well, us parents just think that our kiddos are hilarious and sensitive and brilliant and thoughtful and many other combinations all at the same time, yes?! I’ve been advised by many a mom-friend to keep track of these little wonders that they utter. Because simply: we forget. I have a little journal, but I thought it’d be fun to blog as well. So, roll your eyes if you please. There are going to be many an abi-ism a-comin’!

“Momma, that candle is very beautiful.” (She loves the word beautiful, I smile) “Let’s sing Happy Birthday and I blow it out.”

Where is this salon 6-7-8-9 you ask? Oh, that’s just the name that Abi chose for her little hair parlor that we had operating tonight. (I don’t know where it came from, but I laughed out loud when she said it!) Thursdays always contain so many emotions for me. I am excited to be at the Zoo. I miss my Abi something awful. I am tired and thus ready for the little love bug to head to bed. I am sad to have missed her day, so I keep her up late. Oh, being a woman!

Tonight we decided to fix each other’s hair. We talked about how divine it felt to have someone comb your hair. We made silly hair-do’s. We laughed. At one point, I was giggling thinking how very “mom and little girl” these precious moments were. And I just sat there on that sweet pink rug being thankful. Because it’s pretty darn awesome to have those idyllic moments with your baby. I just love her.

Upon Abi doing her hair – and my hair. I’m not going to lie either, having her brush my hair felt amazing!

From her view – she’s so funny. She told me to “be happy” , “now be sad”, “now be silly mommy.” Maybe a photographer in the making??

Out Of the Mouth of Our Babe

2011-01-11T19:31:00.001-08:00

Setting: Donald & Abi playing in the main room.

Abi: “Daddy, you’re the best daddy ever.”

Tear. Smile. All of the above. We are so humbled and undeserving of this little gift.

(Can’t you just see this shot on a slide show in about 25 years!!)

Abi & the story of Goliath

2011-01-01T09:01:00.001-08:00

So, we just had to post another one. I still laugh out loud every time I watch the video of Abi (please see below). She is too funny. This particular morning’s story was David & Goliath.

Meet our Goliath:

(you understand why the Israelites were so afraid, just look at how intimidating he is!)

Abi played David (of course) – here is her sling:

And the release – she was freakishly good at this, oh yikes.

The end game – don’t mess with the people of God, Goliath.

And the hilarious sweetness. (She’s saying, “My name is David, you stop messing with my people!”)

The Ultimate Showdown

2010-12-20T12:26:00.001-08:00

VS.

I don’t know if you remember this as a kiddo…oh, who am I kidding, we all do. Momma says “No” and that is not the answer we were hoping for/feeling entitled to…so what’s a girl to do except go and ask Dad?

Oh, yes, Abi has started the process of pinning DW against AW. But, we won’t have it, dearest one! We just laugh, as our house is small enough that we hear her ask the other one and then come ask us the exact same question if she is not satisfied with the first answer. She’s gotten pretty creative, I’ll give her credit. And her tenacity doesn’t fade easily. But we just smile, and repeat the answers that we heard our parents give us time and time again. Oh, how history repeats itself.

Abi’s Reward Chart

2010-12-09T19:21:00.001-08:00

Houston, we have a problem. Our champion of a sleeper, little Miss Abi, is having some issues with Mr. Sandman. I can feel the eyes rolling in my direction – for most of the wonderful 2 1/2 years of our lovey’s existence – she has been such a great sleeper. Long nights, full naps - “sleep life” was good, very good. But, then we introduced that silly toddler bed. I war between daily regretting that decision and then having to remind myself that it had to come sooner than later. Sooner in our case, because that crib is going to have a new resident in 2-ish months! That delightful sleep I was talking about? It’s not been so good.

Wonderful Donald gets up with her most nights (the multiple times we hear that little door open and the pitter patter of little feet down the hall into our room) so that preggo here doesn’t have to lift and then struggle to go back to sleep. What a man! But, he’s tired too! And we know that sleepless nights aren't that far away.

So, we started a reward system. A sticker for every time that she stayed in her bed until 3 for her naps, and a sticker for every time that she did not come out of her bed in the night – and that meant right after putting her down or in the middle of the night. Abi picked her treat – a “really big, special” sucker (you should hear her say that, it’s so darn cute), decided on the colors of the chart, and off we went!

Taking ownership of that chart down to the placement on the door!

I guess I forgot to take a picture of the completed chart, it is safely stored away in a memory box…that’ll probably be one that gets nominated to be recycled, but it seems so precious now!

Notice the half stickers – this was a change to keep her motivated during the night. If she stayed in bed during the “falling asleep” time, but awoke during the night – she still got a 1/2 sticker :)

The wonder of gummy ‘ABC’s’ ousted that really big, special sucker! Here she is after her last nap to complete her chart…love that bed head!

We’re now on reward chart #2. No credit for naps this time around. Only staying through the night earns you a sticker. Momma & Daddy are laying down the law! Her motivation this time is to go see a movie – she’s pretty stoked! We’ve sat at 4 stickers for about 1 weeks now…oh goodness.

I’m thankful for…

2010-12-08T12:42:00.001-08:00

Sweet Friends with Creative Mommies!

The Happiest of Birthdays…

2010-12-06T21:57:00.001-08:00

Two of Abi’s most favorite people celebrated their 3rd birthdays today!

We are thankful for:

Our dear cousin Joshua. He and Abi have such a beautiful little relationship. They truly love each other and are so excited by any time that they get to spend together. We love Joshua’s spirit and delight to see him grow into such a wonderful little boy!

Sweet Emory. Thankful to be neighbors once again, Abi has the special privilege of living just down the street from one of her dearest friends. We love Em’s darling laugh and are thankful for the friend that she is to our abi.

Happy Birthday, Josh & Emmy!!

A little lesson on Jericho

2010-11-17T19:00:00.001-08:00

When we are reading our bibles, we try our best to get Abi to read hers too (haha, doesn’t this sound so serene, I wish it was always this perfect of a scene!) The other morning she had stopped on the battle of Jericho. So donald spear-headed the effort of doing what any Dad would do…we made props and acted it out. So much fun.

The city of Jericho and its citizens…

Abi & Doons marching around the city 7 times…

And the big moment!!!

(and baby too)

And then we rebuilt…straying a bit from the story!

In search of the last green acorn…

2010-11-16T06:10:00.001-08:00

Abi loves acorns. It is a real bummer that among the small forest that we have growing in our yard, not a single tree is an Oak. But, this lends for great motivation during walks. We look for oak trees, we try to spot where the squirrels are running, it’s great! For whatever reason though, Abi is quite particular with her acorn hunting. She does NOT like the brown ones (unless they are nearly black, then they are worth holding on to) and will gather them only to throw them into the street. Curious one, that abi. We do not like acorns to “wear hats” – this warrants a street destination too. BUT, Abi lives for the green acorns. We will hunt and hunt until we find them. And then in the last few weeks we’ve declared that surely this must “be the last green acorn” and get all excited about the find. I mean, wouldn’t you?!

Just a snippet into the daily chronicles of our abi.

A peak at the peacock…

2010-11-09T13:44:00.001-08:00

More to come, but isn’t she darling?!

Sanctification Through Motherhood

2010-11-06T18:58:00.001-07:00

These posts are often the hardest for me to write, and the most fulfilling. They require reflection, usually a decent dose of humility, thankfulness, JOY, frustration, and at times sadness.

Recently, Abi has been in a mega daddy phase. It is very different from the daddy phases of earlier times. If she is in the “daddy zone” there is absolutely no room for her momma. Oh goodness, here it goes…I get my feelings hurt! Can you believe it?! The thoughts of “Precious child, I choose (insert humility…I am so thankful I’m given that choice) to stay un-showered for longer than is desired, eat at strange times, sacrifice sleep, put (or try to put!) my needs on a back burner, and at times have great angst over “trying to do it right” (ahhh, yep another dose of humility) – and you’re actively choosing to snub me?!” constantly flood my mind when she is in this zone. But why?! (Yes, I do understand that she is only 2, but these feelings are unfortunately very real at times!) But, I’ve lately been convicted of how I will 1) love this child with everything in me for as long as I shall live. She is a beautiful treasure that I’ve been given the greatest honor of steering and shaping and 2)In a strange (very ridiculous and silly) way I want some sort of appreciation…I want to feel loved in return. Perhaps my motivations are not what they should be.

How many other relationships do I (on some level) do this in? Do I think of my input and expect some level of that returned to me? Why am I not joyfully giving simply because of the grace that I have been given.

Watching our Abi video…

2010-10-27T20:34:00.001-07:00

(Isn’t she lovely?! I had a necklace on today, so the pearls must come out!)

OH! If I could just bottle up moments – I think I’d choose to save some of this afternoon for sure. Abi’s been feeling a bit under the weather, so we just took it easy today and stayed close to home. One of the things we did was watch some “little abi” videos – on the computer, you know the way we did when we were kids! We would watch one and Abi would say “More! More abi videos!” It was such a delight to just sit with her, snuggling, and reflect on the goodness that we so don’t deserve, but our hearts are thankful for.

Hehe, here’s one of the clips that we had fun watching!

Oh the joys…

2010-10-17T12:57:00.001-07:00

of being 2 !!

There is a richness that I’ve observed in being 2. Life is grand, it is lived fully…as what point would there be in living life in only a half effort?

what abi waddled out in one morning…

I imagine that being dressed as a princess just might make helping momma clean that much more wonderful!!

Oh, these shoes. These were a most precious gift given to abi from her sweet friend emmy (and her momma!). They are loved. Truly. She wants to wear them everywhere. everyday. I just don’t think their presence could elude the blog!

Once again…

2010-10-08T14:11:00.001-07:00

It’s that time of year – when the arboretum sounds amazing and not like insanity in the heat. Oh, thank heaven for this weather! I so sincerely missed being outside this summer, that I feel like I practically could live outside right now. First thing in the morning – windows open. Second thing – what are we going to do outside today?! The Arboretum answers that question on a weekly basis.

And it’s pumpkin time. Oh, glorious pumpkin time.

Unforuntately we have developed a bit of a hay obsession. It dates back to visiting with Josh opening weekend, they had so much fun with the hay…oh cousins!

Trying to get 3 two-year-olds to look at the camera is pretty much impossible. Great effort was given though.

No pumpkins, oh but the fun!!

The reality of a long day – Sanctification through Motherhood

2010-09-29T12:36:00.001-07:00

I feel like at times long days have become synonymous with Abi being 2! Oh my goodness, I love this girl so much – but I am realizing that tending to a child’s soul is not the easiest task in the world! At times I am oh so tired. At times Abi is oh so not impressed by my attempted “stellar mothering skills.” One day at a time. I am so thankful for the lessons of humanity, grace, humility, and patience that loving this little heart have given me (even though sometimes I do not recognize them as a gift, and I fight the learning of these lessons!). Recently, I just had to take pictures….or I might have gone crazy.

Yep, that’s my awesomely clean kitchen…looking good, huh??

Did you want a closer look??

No…I did not strap my child in…she did that willingly, although she might have been exhibiting telepathic abilities. Why is her carseat in the house, you ask? Oh, that’s right…she went potty on the way home. Ahhh.

And because I needed some downtime and this is something that I really believe in PLUS there is that little addition that we’re expecting in February…we have been working on mandatory reading time. Where both Abi & I read for 10 minutes…Abi wanted to read in her tent…that' sounds great – oh wait, except she just wanted to play in her tent. The books were just an accessory. Try forcing a 2 year old to read. It’s pretty funny. Please note: there is no abi in this picture…just books being unread.

“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” II Corinthians 12:9

Just singin’ in the Rain!

2010-09-22T20:01:00.001-07:00

These are the moments when I wish that I more frequently had the heart of my 2 year old daughter. Good times are to be had by just being outside when it rains…and I too frequently have something else to do / don’t want to get wet / am too lame. Not her – oh, goodness, when the opportunity arises, the girl seizes the day!

Testing…one does not want to commit too quickly.

The next morning – it was still raining. Good thing daddy is more fun than me!

’The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.‘ ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Oh, my happy heart

2010-09-19T11:49:00.001-07:00

How many moments do we get like these once our little darlings begin the transition into these delightful, crazy kiddos – and slowly walk away from the toddlerhood/infancy that was so precious?

Baby girl was O.U.T. We had to wake her up because we’d already pushed back our very important date of Yogoland with friends by 1/2 hour. I mean really, she needed to get up! But, truth be told, we just watched her for a while. Donald and I would look at her, look at each other, and smile. Thankful. Amazed. Humbled. Happy.

The next master chef?

2010-09-14T13:27:00.001-07:00

So, Donald and I really are addicted to this show. It’s brilliant – take a chef show, which were previously aloof on channels such as Bravo and the like (which do not come free on HD antennae, so consequently are not watched in the wallace casa) and bring them to mainstream prime time! Hooray! Even though we think that Chef Ramsey is one crazy cookie. I am always inspired, always humbled by how much I do NOT know about food or preparing it, and always encouraged to keep my little lady with me in the kitchen. Food truly can be something beautiful. It is about the relationships that are enriched through food that make it beautiful. Sitting around a table with dear friends, sharing it downtown or wherever with those who are in need, baking in the context of your home with your daughter. Beautiful memories of which I am thankful. This girl loves to cook. As soon as I start to prep the kitchen, you better believe that the middle drawer is pulled out, apron X2 are in hand (she likes for me to wear one too), and a stool is being scooted around the island so that she can be at the proper height. A peek into our recent conquests…

A very easy job for abi (and one that keeps her busy, which is easier for me!) is whisking. So, that’s frequently the duty that she is assigned, and does so with great gusto!

The mess that inevitably follows…but I am always smiling when cleaning these messes up. They are precious.

Because we all need a really good and honest “taster” in the house.

Take a peak at our back patio

2010-09-12T12:35:00.001-07:00

Oh goodness, this patio could tell countless stories. It was once covered, and dark, rather tomb-esque if you will. When we bought this house we had such plans for this patio. Some of them have happened. Some are still in the works (why can’t house projects just be free?!). In the fall it is covered with an insane amount of leaves ( 3 large trees are able to drop their leaves on this patio) Currently it is being stained by our little platoon of squirrels dropping and breaking pecans on it as they prepare for cooler weather. Often there are bubbles and chalk stains. This patio brings our little family quite a lot of joy. Simple and fun JOY!

Abi using the timer for a self-portrait…

Oh, my little artist – being inspired by nature (at least that is what I like to think!)

Dear Patio – we’re thankful for you. For the memories, for the frustrations, for the reminders to be content and to find beauty. Who would have thought all of this could come from a patio?

Movin’ on up!!

2010-09-07T12:22:00.001-07:00

To the Big Girl Bed! WHAT?! How can my baby be old enough for this?

Well, continuing in my annoying tradition of updating 2-3 weeks late…here’s the biggest change to rock the Wallace household (and I do mean rock, since this addition my little lady has begun waking up at 6:30 AM and only taking 1 1/2 hour naps) – if that doesn’t fit the definition of rocking one’s world…well then, I just don’t know what does!

As we were working on fateful Saturday morning, Abi was way into the transition!

See, this is how she knows it’s really hers…

All ready for nap time! Which did NOT go well that first day – poor thing cried for almost 1 hour (with steady 15 minute checking-in from mom & dad). We tried the pillow route…don’t believe her face. She liked it at first, but since this picture, she has not laid her head on a pillow unless it’s on our bed!

Blame it on the pregnancy hormones, but I cried putting her to sleep for that first nap and bedtime. I just couldn’t believe it. How can she be so big to already fit into this big girl bed. Oh, this child is growing and molding quickly. Lord willing, may this progression lead her to a love for her God and others that is matched with equal excitement and fervor as reaching new milestones in her beautiful life.

(Oslo wanted to check it out too, sorry for those who are currently grossed out!)

I know you’ve wanted this kind of education…

2010-09-06T19:53:00.001-07:00

**Meant to post this on our blog...oops!**

Please meet Mr. Dragonfly. He resides in our yard – he’s been the subject of many-a-made-up-adventure for Abi & I (really, thought of writing a children’s book – you’d buy it, wouldn’t you?!). And we think he’s wonderful and beautiful. On to that education we were talking about. Scientific name – Anax junius (or the common green darner, green is not specific to species color) – they are awesome to have in your backyard as they eat all of the annoying insects – think of them as the hawk of the insect world!

These handsome little buddies can fly between 25 and 30 mph!

I saved the best for last…those amazing compound eyes…up to 30,000 facets (nope, not a typo!) can sense blue spectrums and UV light (the top facing ‘eyes’) and orange and green spectrums (bottom facing ‘eyes’).
See, now you can go about your day fully satisfied that you will know something more about dragonflies the next time that you see them! (And thank you for humoring me!)

Art Class

2010-09-04T12:41:00.001-07:00

I can not say enough great things about Abi’s art class this summer. I loved it. She loved it. The grandparents loved it. The whole shebang. If you’re looking for something delightful…the Museum of Nature and Science Education Department. We headed down there every Wednesday morning this summer for some messy, inspirational fun.

Our teacher, Miss Margie (who, in my complete lack of memory totally forgot to get a picture of with abi!) was wonderful and did a great job of having a mini lesson about the artist (from Claude Monet to Andy Warhol to Vincent van Gogh) and then artwork that was inspired by them! We both learned so much – truly!

It’ll probably make it on our calendar again in the Spring – but who knows. Isn’t it silly how many things you can get a 2 year old involved in? Kind of makes me sick to my stomach, as I can see I’m tempted to put her in everything – the type of parent that you read articles about. But it’s hard, isn’t it? You want them to get a taste of every little thing this beautiful world has to offer. I want to see her eyes light up in gymnastics, her beautiful and awkward grace in ballet class, her fascination for the natural world grow in Miss Jenna’s (now Mr. Faizel’s – both former coworkers at the zoo) Birds of Play class at the Audubon Center, goodness, I want it all for her. Plus, I want her to be that child whose mind is creative while she sits in her backyard and finds great comfort just from being at home. And I want her to learn to take joy in simplicity so that she can give generously to others. But, this is neither here nor there. Just my ramblings.

We’re talking about art class.

A few samplings – we had such a fun summer in the basement of the museum!

(our friends Tracy and Zach – they seriously looked like this after every class. Often when abi didn’t have a drop of paint on her. Oh, the difference between a boy and girl!)

They always had so many little things for them to work on. They understood the mind of a 2 year old well. There was easel time, and usually at least 3 other projects for them to be working on. And each week they added something more to their canvas, which was then sealed for the last day of class.

The sweet canvas. It is already a treasured “Wallace Original.” Miss Margie hung each child’s canvas around the room, like it was a gallery showing! Such a thoughtful touch.

Nanny & Grandpa came for the last day too. Isn’t she just too cute holding up her canvas?! (Even with eyes closed!)

Someone told me once to save all of their artwork in one place, and then every 6 months clean it out. That way it is still fresh in your mind – you know what was most meaningful – and you are able to throw some stuff away! Seriously, I can already imagine the boxes upon boxes of papers!

Goodbye summer of art class! Thanks for the good ideas, the messiness, the memories.

“Yummy in my tummy!”

2010-09-01T13:36:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it just pays off to have a pregnant momma. Because when she gets a craving, you get to reap the benefits too!

Here’s what baby W wanted today:

Hehe, on the way home in the car, Abi kept saying “It’s good” (what she says all the time when she really likes something, it’s so darn cute) and then she even busted out “It’s yummy in my tummy!”

Pineapple Delight

2010-08-30T13:11:00.001-07:00

A little of this and a little of that…

(eeek, isn’t that just a sweet little pony…abi didn’t like it much)

And you’ve got the making for the ‘pineapple delight’ – but don’t ask us to make it again, because we didn’t take good notes. It was derived from the desire to use up some pineapple and bananas before they went bad. What it turned into…oh, so good.

Sweet baby was a fan!!

Summer Catch-up – Mimi & Grandpa’s Visit

2010-08-24T18:36:00.001-07:00

My parents have an annual July trip each year – because each of their grandbabies are born within 5 days of each other! This year my brother and sister(to the amazing city of San Francisco), plus donald and I (to the not so amazing city of Houston – but for an amazing wedding!) all headed out of town on the same weekend…leaving my parents have the kiddos all to themselves! Scenario on Sunday evening: they were tired. But loads of fun were had!

Abi learned about a little movie called Toy Story…

Seriously one of her most favorite people in the whole world!

As if any trip to see us is complete without a trip to the zoo. In all honesty, it was silly hot – BUT, they hadn’t seen our new savannah exhibit – and my momma loves her some giraffes!

This is happy…

Walking the lake…

The memories are delightful – thank you mimi & grandpa zo for coming to spend time with us!!

The Swing

2010-08-11T17:52:00.001-07:00

There are many a good thing about having a swing in your front yard.

1) It brings you out front more – aka you get to play with your awesome neighbors on a pretty much nightly basis

2) It is an excellent landmark for people when they haven’t been to our house before “The brick house with brown shutters, oh and a red swing in the yard.”

3) Swings are just fun. Especially when the limb that the swing used to hang from was trimmed resulting in a new version of the rope being about 5-6 feet higher. We call it extreme swinging.

Please stop by for some joy.

She makes us laugh

2010-08-09T13:11:00.001-07:00

One of the sweetest blessings of abi getting older is just getting greater insight into her darling – and sometimes quirky – mind! The things that she comes up with sometimes are just hilarious and precious. I am excited as I know that these things will only grow in strength and number as she grows!

This was the pairing the other day…

Play on, dear abi, play on!!

Summer Edition: The Spray Park

2010-08-06T12:21:00.001-07:00

Cuz we all know we’ve got to do something to try and stay cool when it’s 105 outside…every day! We are ever thankful for this free little gem down the road.

Sweet little Zach looking all sneaky…

Hard to believe when we started getting together with some of these little ladies, Abi wasn’t even walking/some weren’t born!

Summer Catch-up – The Josh Part

2010-08-02T12:10:00.001-07:00

We love cousin time!!! Aunt Jenny & Josh came to Dallas for a week to spend some time with our family! We always have so much fun. There really needs to be an invention that can make you travel at warp speed on I-45 to Houston and back! We’ll look into it…

They met us on Nanny’s birthday at the Museum of Nature & Science after art class:

We dug for dino bones…

and learned about physics…

They were ready for the nap upon returning home! We love you, sweet Josh!

Tennis!

2010-07-28T11:55:00.001-07:00

I mean, just look at the size of that little racket!! Isn’t that just sweet??

Abi has been very into the sport of tennis lately. We’ve really had fun with it…as she is a stellar ball girl, and donald and I actually get to hit for a few minutes until abi realizes that being a ball girl isn’t nearly as fun. Our main deterrent? The darn texas heat. I don’t like being super active too much in it. I’m getting old or something.

Here she is in action:

Haha, look at that face. Eyes closed, racket turned the wrong way. Classic. She does not give up though. I will give our girl that. She always gets quite a few good hits in until she is satisfied. A few have even made it over the net!

On her 2nd birthday

2010-07-25T19:21:00.001-07:00

What a special day! We were so thankful to celebrate with our family to reflect on and be thankful for our dear abi’s life. She is such a beauty and a gift to our family to be sure. We love you, dear abi!

What would a birthday be without lots of yummy food for a birthday brunch!

Snippets of our lovely day…

Sweetest girl, you are a delight and a blessing to so many. We are so thankful to be able to so intimately walk through your beautiful life with you! LOVE!

Happy 2!

2010-07-08T20:12:00.001-07:00

We are just so beyond words for the joy that this one brings to us.

More to come of our 2nd birthday celebration!!

And the baby went swimming…

2010-07-07T13:32:00.001-07:00

We signed up for swim lessons through the Park & Rec department (awesome deal…$30 for 2 weeks) with some of our friends and fully expected our abi to be a mini female version of Peter Vanderkaay (we choose him b/c he went to high school with me and was on the gold medal winning relay with Phelps)…but alas, we seemed to have had our hopes set too high. But, she does love the water. And we’re working on the bubbles. And one day she’ll love to jump in on her own. And then…watch out!

(I was really trying to teach abi the art of bubble blowing here)

I mean, really??!! The girl is too cool. Love. Her.

Reflections of the Eternal: Summer Edition

2010-07-04T19:05:00.001-07:00

Baby locks be gone!

2010-06-28T19:51:00.001-07:00

Ahhhh, I feel like the scrapbook mommy patrol must be shaking their heads in extreme disappointment because of my extreme tardiness in this post…I mean really, late on posting baby’s first haircut?? I feel shame…

BUT, we did it! We said “adios” to her darling little mullet (even though she is a southern baby) and cut off some of her sweet (not so red anymore, BOOO) baby hair. Lucky for us, donald’s momma (Abi’s Nanny), was a hair dresser in her former life – making these memories all the more sweet.

A few before shots:

The during (trying to keep baby entertained):

The end product!

Downtown Playdate

2010-06-23T13:06:00.001-07:00

“The lights are much brighter where, you can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares, and go DOWNTOWN.”

Hehe, I’m laughing at myself while writing this (and singing along in my head) – but I guess it’s because I grew up where going downtown was highly unlikely (it is Detroit after all) – but I never cease to get giddy about going downtown. And I do this at least once a week. And we lived down there for 3 years. It’s silly, I know.

BUT, after our art class last week (more on that later) Abi & I met up with some friends to checkout the new City Gardens park downtown. I always try and pass on my giddiness to abi (“see abi, look at all the big buildings” “Big building, momma!”)…and we were quite excited to explore something new.

(yes, sunscreen is a MUST in this dallas of ours)

(are they not just the cutest?! Poor baby Emma was too busy hanging out with her momma and missed out on the photo op!)

Ohhh, wanting to be big!

2010-06-17T20:17:00.001-07:00

One of the many things that tickle me about my abi are watching her stare at older girls with this admiration. She just thinks they’re amazing. Wonderful. Inspiring. There is a lot of responsibility there! It stirs something in my heart as I realize how I crave the modeling from older women, how easily I can be influenced by those that I admire, those whom I watch from afar. I think as women we never really outgrow that.

This “ooohhh” and “awwww” moment revealed itself this past week as we drove to our small group with our delightful babysitters in tow. One of them had a certain pop-culture phenomenon with them – and abi was smitten. Have you seen these crazy rubberband-type-things? I wish I would have thought of that…

Summer is…

2010-06-13T18:52:00.001-07:00

Knowing you’re too cool…

Yes, summer…you’ve arrived.

Launa’s Little Library

2010-06-10T05:08:00.001-07:00

Lake Highland Residents – be advised, this place is just darling. We have heard about this mysterious “home library” for some time now, and finally got around to trying it out with the Dess family. Oh my gosh. I was blown away by its quaintness, its comfort, even the book selection was great!

Sweet Mrs. K began and still runs Launa’s Little Library– and is there for every check-out that each kiddo participates in (plus a really great group of volunteers, from what I hear). She even lets the kiddos scan the books. Abi thought this was fantastic. And as if this adventure could get any better – there was a sticker awaiting them after the checkout process. Good ol’ Mrs. K. All in the name of getting our children to love opening a book. Wonderful.

(hehe, Abi just loves baby Gabe – her attempt to try and read to him / my attempt to not have her squash him)

Awww, shucks.

2010-06-08T11:32:00.001-07:00

Shucking corn, that is!

To remember the past…

awaiting Hood’s arrival for dinner!

To many more…

2010-06-01T13:10:00.001-07:00

Baby girl, here’s to many more times when we just drink in the yummy-chocolate-malt-tasting times of life. You, darling girl, make me smile.

Chairs

2010-05-30T12:56:00.001-07:00

Because apparently you need that many to watch Sid the Science Kid.

Summer is here

2010-05-25T11:08:00.001-07:00

And this is a delightful event that marks summer’s arrival…

It was/is a goodie. A good omen for the watermelons to follow, we hope!

We’re giving Abi another go at the wonder that is watermelon. Last year she loved it, but it did not love her (her digestive system, specifically). But, we’re following the rule of giving foods a 2nd try – and keeping fingers crossed that her little stomach has matured a bit!

Clearly good to the last drop…

Hello, Goodbye

2010-05-23T12:43:00.001-07:00

Well, Mr. Hippo Chair…it’s been a long run. A good one. I adore you. I think you’re one of the coolest inventions in the vast world of baby gear...but I’m glad that you’ll be taking a permanent leave from our kitchen table until next baby comes, and we will need your services again. (Hippo will live in the trunk of the car for restaurants and at friends’ houses) Mr. Hippo – you’re not the easiest to clean – abi finds ways to get foods in the smallest of crevices, I am tired of that. But Mr. Hippo – you’ve offered a clean space for baby in public places, a 5th chair so that all adults had a real, grown-up chair at the table, and you are a hippo chair! You know that’s big in my book.

(I told abi to wave bye-bye)

And Hello Mr. Blue! You have big shoes to fill. But you look delightfully easy to clean. Welcome to the table.

Sweet Buddies

2010-05-21T07:29:00.001-07:00

We are thankful for our dear friends who are raising beautiful little ones who are a source of joy and laughter in abi’s life.

(Confession – I need to bring my camera more – sorry to those who bless abi’s life and I was too lazy!)

Our prayer is that these sweet and simple friendships will grow into relationships that will be “mutually encouraging to each other’s faith.”

Mama, Abi too!

2010-05-07T19:25:00.001-07:00

The other night, me and my little lady were hanging out – and I think Abi caught a silly-bug. All of a sudden she jumped up, ran to the toy room and grabbed the four objects below and insisted on taking them to the study:

Then, Abi decided that she missed Elmo and Abby Cadaby, so they came too

But, surely they couldn’t have an enjoyable time without Pablo…

And I had to get her in there!

I said there was a silly-bug…

And finally, Abi put the little friends to sleep on top of the table (they were tired, apparently) – and abi joined in “Mama, Abi too!”

A snapshot of 7:45 PM

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While they are lovingly doing this:

I get to graciously do this:

Don’t entirely know why – but I love prepping abi’s room for bedtime. Maybe it’s the peacefulness that is in a baby’s nursery. It is as though there is a sphere protecting it from troubling thoughts. It is a joy to hear her giggle and chitchat with her daddy while laying out her PJ’s, getting her crib ready (the girl is in a blanket phase…need to make a post on that!), grabbing some good books, and getting the “abi mood lighting” down. Treasuring these times.

Grandpa Zo came to town

2010-04-30T12:31:00.001-07:00

With the event of my brother and family moving from Austin back to the dallas-area…Grandpa Zo paid us all a visit! We all love retirement for this reason – more visits from Grandpa!

A good start to the day with Grandpa!

And a nice end…

Hanging out with my cousins (getting harder to find those good pics with all of them looking!)

And a staple favorite…the zoo of course! (Will zoo pictures ever get old on this blog…nope!)

At the kangaroo exhibit…hard to tell, but Abi’s hopping like a kangaroo! One started to hop (which is a small miracle, they’re an old group of guys/gals!) as soon as abi got to the viewing glass!

Up close with Gypsy elephant…

And to remember that play time is important time…Grandpa Zo, resident chauffer.

Thanks for all of the fun, Dad!

Fynley

2010-04-27T13:01:00.001-07:00

We are just so excited that abi’s newest friend Fynley McKee is finally here! She is just beautiful. I wish you all could see her and her beautiful self. Lovely. It was quite funny though, as we were driving to meet her, I was asking Abi if she was excited to meet Fynley – and she kept saying “no” – what?! After a bit more questioning – I think she was really concerned that Fyn’s big sister, Rylan (abi’s good friend), wouldn’t be there anymore! So sweet. Sure enough, Abi just loved her! She is in baby fever too! Little girls = little mommas = so precious. Fynley, we are so glad to welcome you to this world!

Treasuring a milk-burp

2010-04-13T20:28:00.001-07:00

OK mommas – you know what I mean. Those precious moments when you’re snuggling with your child right after they’ve finished their milk – snuggling on your shoulder – and then…the milk burp. In your face and up your nose. The smell of milk. Not meaning to make anyone’s stomach flip here, this is just my experience this afternoon with my darling. It’s happened so many times before, but there was something special about today’s milk burp. It just made me laugh and smile. And sigh. Because one day she won’t be snuggling with me in a way that I’ll be close enough to get “burped on.” I just love her so.