Mini-Me

Miss K is my Mini-Me. She looks like me, acts like me, and now talks like me.

Everyone knows that kids repeat everything you say, so you watch your profanity. Easy enough. But no one tells you that kids basically say all your "isms", you know your one liners that you say without any thinking.

So...here are the "Kristen-isms" that K repeats all the day. Can't say they are annoying, because I SAY them! But when your 3-year old tells you them, it is rather funny.

In times of distress....

"Calm Down"

"Take a Breath"

"You aren't listening."

"I don't have any hands."

"I'm not going to say it again."

"It's okay"

"That's silly."

And the sweet ones...

"I love you sooo much."

"Such a cutie pie."

"You got to practice."

"Never give up."

Good 'Ol Company Picnic

Yesterday, we headed up to Georgetown for my Company Picnic at Reunion Ranch. It was great to see everyone from work and their kiddos...not to mention all the new babies! Quite a few were born from Dec-Feb. It was a beautiful day and the ranch had lots of activities for the kids! And of course, beer for the adult kids. K enjoyed paddles boats, tug 'o war, pony rides, forts, tire swings, races, balloon popping, and more and more. We were very surprise K went with the Big Kids and Counselors to do most of the kids activities by herself...such a BIG girl now. After about an hour, we went to go check on her and she opted out of the zip-lining and just wanted a snow-cone. Daddy drank beer, Mommy socialized, K played, and MM slept...fun time had by all.

Family Photo...Maddie's foot is in the pic!

Me & K on the Paddle Boats...the wind knocked my beer and stained my white pants!

And yes, it was happened right when we got there.

K's signature face

My Lil' Pony

Maddie loves her Julie

Beautiful Day at the Fort

Tug O War...K was definitely the youngest, but not the weakest! ha! ;)

Pop my Balloon...or hold your balloon so they won't pop it.

9 Weeks Old - Times are a Changin'

I forgot how fast things change with newborns, seriously!

Last Saturday, Eric & I went to an extraordinary wedding...first time out without the kids. But what was EXTRA ordinary was...Maddie slept from 8PM to 7AM. Either my parents gave her whiskey or she is transitioning to a good schedule! SO...Maddie May is now sleeping in her crib...no bassinet!

Not only did MM make the big move, but now she is completely pulling her head up during tummy time. This is really exciting for the new parents, but the thing with MM is that she never showed any progression. She literally went from floor to 90 degree angle?! Again, this kiddo doesn't gives us much signs...always keeping us on our toes.

Last, Maddie is being entertained...getting a kick out of the mobile, playmat, dance parties, ceiling fans, yoga, and of course big sis K. It's fun to see her amused and then...back to sleep. ;)

After the past month of SA, Ft.Worth, Wedding, another Wedding...we should be on to a "normal" schedule.

Movie Outing with the Girls

When I just had K, lots of moms told me to go see a movie. I thought this was absurd, take a newborn to a movie? I could see me running out of the theater with a crying baby in the first 10 minutes. No, thank you.

However, when trying to keep a 3-year old entertained and a newborn, I thought I might give this movie thing a try. How bad could it be? I'm experienced now...I've had my moments of crying baby on the plane, potty training clean-up on aisle 9, and forehead collision to a marble table corner.

Fed Maddie, loaded up the Mary Poppins bag of food (No, I don't care), everyone went potty, and left just in time to get there right when the movie started. Not one minute early, I do NOT want to increase the time of sitting. Tickets, check. Popcorn, check. Seat next to the door, check.

Preview start. K, "I want to go home." And she hasn't mastered whispering.

This is going to be fun. Oh, previews. Why do you have to be so scary? Please stop and start Hop....fun, light, Easter Bunny, candy movie.

FINALLY, Hop started and I saw a smirk on K's face. She probably said she wanted to go home at least 10 times, but we were making progress. After making some headway, OF COURSE there has to be a scene of scary big dogs chasing someone. K is deathly scared of dogs. We need a dog whisperer. I thought this was going to be the end of it, but I told her to close her eyes. Phew. About 30 minutes into the movie, it was smooth sailing. She finally started to laugh, smile, and enjoy the show! M slept the whole time with a little rocking.

I survived...one hand rubbing K's back and one hand rocking M....the whole time. The Mommy Workout.

At the end of the movie there was the scene where the Dad said he was proud/loves the son. Without taking her eyes off the screen, K touches my leg and said, "I love you, Mommy."

Alright, little more effort that I would have liked, but it was worth it. And now K is SO excited for Easter! Not to mention she thinks the Easter Bunny poops jelly beans. See the movie.

"You're my Best Friend. Ok?"

Today, I walked in on K talking to M, "You are too little to ride a bike. Ok? But you grow up, you get bigger and you can ride a bike. Ok? You are my best friend. Ok?"

I was thinking this relationship was one-sided, but I can already see that Maddie May wants to be just like her big sis! Love watching this budding relationship....

Calm Down

Walk into the bathroom to find K putting on self-tinted lotion on her face.

Mommy, "K that is only for Mommies."

K, "It's ok, I'm Chase's Mommy. I need it for Daisy's party." (Note, all imaginary people)

Mommy, "Kaylee." Gives THE look.

K, "It's ok. Calm down, Mommy."

Oh no she didn't....

Big Time Rush Crush

No one told me the "Teeny Bopper" phase started at 3 years old.

Big Time Rush is a boy band that has a TV show on Nickelodeon. Their music video appeared during commercials during Dora, next thing I know we are watching the Big Time Rush TV Show. Then, next thing I know K is in love with Kendall....the blonde one, 2nd from the left.

This past weekend it was the Nickelodeon's Kid Choice Awards and none other than Big Time Rush performed! Here is K watching her favorite band....

Big Girl Swim Lessons

Today was a big day, K's 1st Swim Lessons since she was 9 Months old. K isn't scared of the water, but she isn't the one to jump off the deep end. I simply was thinking she would observe. Not to mention, hoping the teacher and the kids were good...they make a HUGE difference. But I've reach the point in motherhood where I have no expectations. I don't expect her to go and swim across the pool and I wouldn't be surprise if she didn't get in the water. As much as you know your child, you never know. However the things I do expect are simple: listen to the teacher and don't have an accident in the pool. Again, you never know.

The set-up at the pool was similar to gymnastics, a window to separate the kiddos from the parents. The nice teacher introduced herself, and K walked right in with her pink goggles and pink kickboard with the other 3 kids. At first, she hesitated to put her feet in the water once a boy said the water was ice, but the class laughed and said it was hot. Next thing I knew, feet in the water and it was her turn to kick across the pool. She didn't hesitate once and acted like she was doing it for years. She kicked, floated on her back, blew bubbles, learned arm movement, and jumped off the side of the pool. Totally impressed and the teacher couldn't have been more pleased for her first class.

Anyone that knows me, knows that I've been swimming since 2, started on the swim team at 5, a swim coach at 15, and lifeguard until I was 19. Swimming was a big part of my Texas summers and also where I met my BFF of 20 years. Watching K swim was a BIG Mommy Moment! I was so proud that she listened to the teacher, didn't have an accident in the pool, AND was a natural swimmer. 7 classes to go for the month and already succeeded in my book.

The Set-Up

This past weekend, E built his Homebrewing stands and now has a complete awesome set-up...for now. It has taken years to get to this point with his homebrewing equipment and with his recent birthday gifts...he should be good to go for awhile. Until things get bigger and better or he wants to fine-tune lagers. There will always be something, but we've come a looonnnggg way. So, thank you all...he has received lots of gift cards/money to contribute to his passion.

Next step, get a kegarator to hold 4 kegs to serve the houseguests....

When I grow up...

From K....

"When I grow up I want to be a Baby Doctor. And Dancing Girl. And Baby Doctor. And a Cooking Girl. And a Princess. And a Baby Doctor. And a Mommy."

"When Maddie grows up she be a Dog Doctor. And Singing Girl. And maybe she wants to be a Mommy too."

Ok, melt my heart with wanting to be a Mommy. Love.

Maddie May at 8 Weeks

Maddie May is 8 Weeks Old today! Time flys by...wow.

She is quite the lanky baby, she is 24 inches long (97%) and 11 pounds 12 oz (81%)! Long and skinny!

At her check-up everyone kept saying how laid-back and content she was, and the day before at yoga she smiled and giggled the whole time. Someone asked me if I gave her happy pills. It made me feel bad that I said she was ever a cryer, she really isn't...she is a baby. I think we just aren't used to having babies around, and there are a lot more disruptions in the household than when K was a baby. IE. KAYLEE!

Maddie is definitely expressive. I've never seen a baby smile and coo for such a long period of time. But then she has her witching hour too, which is around 5-7PM when Eric gets home, cooking dinner, etc, etc. But of course, normal with the little ones, they just want to go to bed for the day. K was much more even keel, but as a 2nd child myself, I think Maddie fits right in as the expressive one! ;)

She has been sleeping a good solid 6-8 hours, again I shouldn't be complaining. She's a great eater, sleeper, and happy lil baby. She is sooo loved. K is smitten with her...just today she randomly went up to a couple with twin babies and said, "That's my sister Madison, she's a baby too!" Because we are always on the move, I do catch myself staring at her forever when it calm and quiet. Taking it all in. Enjoying this time watching my 2 month old and this unconditional sister love grow. I love babies and sure do love my girls.

Picnic with the Girls

So yesterday was K's last day at her school, and will be spending girl time with Mommy & Maddie for the next 2 weeks before both start at a new school together. We kicked off our "Girl Time" with a Picnic at a Park with "No Boys", but Daddy can come next time....all according to K. I received an adorable Picnic Basket as a wedding shower gift and this is the first time I used it...it is awesome and more picnics to come. I had a blast talking to K...and for once she devoured her veggies. Of course, Maddie slept. K keeps surprising me with her imagination, she basically turned the playground into a pirate ship and well, all the stories to go with it. Funny part is Maddie made an "Errrr" sounds, and K was happy Maddie was playing along. Oh, I heart my girls.

Apparently you need an umbrella for the Car Wash...

Bust a Move

I love her first expression when the music starts playing...

Kaylee Counts to Ten in Spanish - Funny Ending

1st Place Black Opal Stout

So proud that Eric won 1st Place for his Black Opal Stout in the Bluebonnet Brew-Off in the Smoke Flavored & Wood Aged Beer Category! There was 74 entries, which is insane to me. You have to submit 3 bottles and send them to Dallas, so it is a lot of work to even enter. Also, Eric only entered two beers and to come out with a first place...hello, that is awesome. He is definitely making a name for himself in the Homebrew circuit, when we stopped in at another competition drop-off in Dallas this weekend...he knew people!

Black Opal Stout is oatmeal, chocolate, coffee stout infused with bourbon soaked oak cubes. His beers are for people that appreciate beer, no Dos Equis here. Very proud wife, I got a pretty good gig myself....drink beer and give feedback.

Wedding Weekend in Dallas

My brother from another mother...(and father), Tim, got married this past weekend! Tim is Becky's brother, which she is my BFF of 20+ Years, so it felt like it was a family wedding. Becky is currently living in beautiful Santa Barbra and everyone else but Tim is living in Florida. So, it was great time to show-off baby Maddie May and growing Kaylee to my second family.

We headed up to Arlington on Thursday. It took forever to get all the "stuff" in the car, but Maddie slept the whole way and K napped and played with the iPad. Smooth trip for the most part. Eric was a Saint, while I headed to the Rehearsal Dinner, he ordered pizza with the girls. It was my first real night out without the girls, it was weird, but I was with my other girl Becky. Did I mention Kaylee loves hotels? She assumes the whole hotel knows her and kept asking to go "see the people". She loves the attention, especially when Becky's Aunt painted her nails. And Becky gave K makeup, so of course she put lip gloss on every girl, no boys...that's silly.

The rest of the weekend we spent a lot of time in Fort Worth shopping and visiting friends. The fam and extended fam all went shopping after margaritas, which I think Becky and I just like to see how many cities we drink Margaritas and go shopping at Anthropologie. I can count 6 cities. Also, found my new favorite kiddo store...Zoe+Jack...to die for. I'm still dreaming of a few outfits right now. Next, we met up with Alicia and her boyfriend at Joe T's, which is my new favorite place. Gorgeous patio and yummy margaritas! My sister, Caitlin, was also able to stop by to hang out with the whole HP crew. And last, we visited Tim & Erika at their adorable house, where they are getting ready for Crawford James's arrival in July!

Eventful weekend and not even the wedding yet! The wedding was fun, just had some logistics issues with the girls. IE. we left and then I came back 3 hours later to continue the night. It's hard work to keep a newborn and 3 yr old all happy. But hey, at least we made it.

Tired to say the least...and we didn't take many pictures. Hands were full with little ones and their "stuff".

Love my 2nd Family

How cute? They are so wearing these Easter, don't judge. ;)

Me and the Girls

BFFs - Westside

Kiddie Park

Kiddie Park is one of my favorite childhood memories and couldn't wait to take the kiddos! It has 1920s-era park rides and is the oldest kid's park in the US...opened in 1925! Most every San Antonio native has had their birthday party there at one point. The rides are perfect for younger kids, so Kaylee was ready to go!

This ride was the most "scary" going up and down and round and round.

K's face was priceless...she loved going high!

Again, loved going high. But not so sure about the boys with her...

Of course, she picked the PINK airplane!

Oh, and we rode the Carousel at least 6 times!

She pouted the whole time on this one and we couldn't figure out why. Later that night, K said she didn't like the girl with the red hair. We asked what girl with the red hair, and the girl with the red hair took the pink train leaving K with the green train. She didn't have fun on this one...

San Antonio Getaway

Last Weekend, we packed the 2 kiddos off to San Antonio! We are pros now...

I first headed to one of my dear friend's adorable baby shower and I can not wait to meet Noah Christian in May!

Saturday night, Maddie got to meet her Great-Grandparents on my side and Uncle Tyler, who was on Spring Break from Texas Tech. They got to see some cooing, smiling, and crying...so it was a complete visit. ;) Of course, Tutu made some yummy food. And my father provided the entertainment for the night by catching the BBQ Pit on fire...and almost the house.

On Sunday, Eric and I took to K to one of my favorite childhood memories...Kiddie Park, see next post. In the afternoon, Maddie and Kaylee got to see my old High School friends Lindsey and Julia. It was so nice to catch up!

Overall, it was a very eventful and fun weekend! Most of all, I enjoyed taking the kids to where I grew up...I absolutely love my neighborhood with big yards, big trees, old houses, and deer all in the perfect location. I want to buy a house like that in Austin...but can't afford a 1M house at the moment. One day...

Maddie May with the Great-Grandmas!

Grinning Ear to Ear

Uncle Tyler with the Girls...I love K's face in this one

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

I like any Holiday where all you have to do is wear green and drink beer.

Yes, I had a Guinness.

Yes, K opted for the PINK shirt with green writing oppose to a green shirt.

And yes, M is adorable.

Representing my less 10% Irish with a little Strawberry Blonde tint?

OK, maybe a stretch...but we're celebrating St. Patrick's Day!

For those who don't get to see K often, this is one of her signature looks.

Sisters...