Kelsey's Blessing Day

Since Michael's parents were coming for their spring break we arranged for Kelsey to be blessed on Sunday.

 I made her blessing dress, headband, and "barefoot sandals", My mom sent her bracelet.

(Funny, I wanted NOTHING to do with making Rylee's dress - the difference being blessed at 11 weeks instead of 3 makes when you have a 'surprise' gender baby)

 (I coudn't resist a pair of ruffle bloomers either)

My inspriation for the dress was none other than Fancy Nancy, and pre-ruffled fabric

 Its funny, Kelsey isn't a big smiler, but the times she does smile is usually when I'm putting on her headbands/bows or a ruffly dress. . . . . makes me laugh.

 I was really excited about the sandals, and think they turned out pretty cute.  

Perfect foot accessory for the Texas heat.

 We had a little photo shoot before church.

 Poc and Nana with their Texas Grand-daughters

 one with the lady of the day.

 Michael's youngest sister and brother came too.

 I wish I could say that the day went without drama or tears, but I would be lying.  Good thing I have a testimony to lean on when things don't go as smoothly as I would have liked.

But, the blessing was beautiful!

I feel really blessed to have such wonderful men in our lives, including those who weren't physically present (who were dearly missed). 

 

That baby girl is loved by many.

Stock Show 2012

As we talked about things we could do as a family for Rylee's birthday we contemplated taking her to the zoo (she's never been).  Then I remember that it was rodeo time (which lasts about 3 weeks) and Friday's are dollar days:  one dollar entry and one dollar rides at the carnival.  So we decided to do that instead.  Michael took the day off so we could go during the day and not fight the crowds at night (we didn't even have to pay for parking! that never happens downtown)

The fam inside the little petting zoo.

 Rylee was a little scared, and didn't want Daddy to let go of her.

 She liked looking at the animals.  Didn't care too much to be close or touch them (maybe the zoo would have been a better option after all . . .. haha)

 Kelsy thought it was boring.

They had a fair amount of stuff for kids to do.   There was one tent that handed out baskets at the front door, then there were stations to learn about different aspects of farming and gather items into your basket (milk a fake cow get a plastic jug of milk, learn about chickens, put an egg in your basket) something to keep her hands busy while we read up on how to improve our Texas gardening.  They had this box of gravel where you were to plant and water a pretend seed.  Rylee loved digging and dumping, she's was there for a while.  Then at the end you turned all your loot in for actual milk and a toy.

 At that point Rylee caught a glimpse of the Carosel and headed straight for it.  It was too cute.  Though interestingly enough, she didn't want to ride it again.  whatever.

There were a couple mini rodeo events we watched, and lots of walking around shops. 

We had a fabulous day together!

Been a little while

A few days ago Michael commented on how I hadn't blogged in a while, as I usually don't go a month without posting.  Its not that I lack content . . . . I do have a little one that is growing and changing by the mintue {if you want daily updates on THAT you can always move closer . . . . . there's several homes for sale on our street) I've been busy doing other things. . . . .

like reading.

The Hunger Games to be precise.

Michael read it last fall-ish and has had the book on my nightstand since.  It took a couples book club deadline for me to start, and then not doing any household duties for 11 days while I finished the series.  I loved them.  Another 'teen' series that after hearing the plot thought I would hate (similar to Twilight) and ended up enjoying.  Because I read them so close to each other (finished Catching Fire in 3 days - a personal record) it really felt like one book.  And although many warned me the ending was lame, I thought it was PERFECT!! I don't get why so many disliked it. . . . so if you happen to be one of 'them' feel free to explain it to me :)

At any rate, here's a few pictures.

 I love catching Rylee staring and smiling at Kelsey, its the sweetest thing, though I havn't been able to capture said moments on camera.

 The weather has been fantastic! Oh how I love a Texas winter!

 I have a billion pictures of Kelsey sleeping as that is still basically what she spends 80% of her time doing, gotta love a sleeping babe.

 And I've been experimenting with Rylee's hair. . . . .  shorlty after this hair-do I realized just how thin and fine her hair is, and she has a forehead that goes for miles.  seriously. she looked pretty boyish from the front which prompted a big milestone for that toddler:   Her FIRST hair cut.  Granted I just trimmed her bangs up a little so they're not in her eyes.  I'm not entirely sure I love them, but I didn't want to pay somebody to do it just yet.

I'll get to further details such as the birthday and other milestones another time, but that seems like a pretty good re-cap for now.

found one more

I found one more picture from our visitors last weekend.

yep. that's THREE carseats in the back seat. . . . . all rear-facing (gotta keep those kiddos safe).

It was a tight fit, but it worked without having to slam the door closed - even if we had to slam them into their respective bases.

Friday Favorite: Modern Medicine

Who says you can't take anything while breast-feeding?

This is my daily dosage.

(fyi none of these are pain meds either - been off those for several weeks, though I'm thankful for them as well)

The ladies in the house are all a bit under the weather - yes, all three of us.  Hopefully we'll be on the up soon.  Michael has been busy working late nights so either he hasn't been around long enough to 'catch' it, or it really is allergies. . . . . {curse you mountain cedar!}

This is the sickest Rylee has ever been.  She's had a runny nose and allergy issues before but nothing that affected her eyes/mood/or energy like this week.  She even fell asleep watching Elmo, poor girl.

So this week I am particularly grateful for medicine to help us get through it . . . . . as well as do many other things a bit more comfortably.

enough said.

Aunt Missy and Bridger Boy

My sister and her baby came last weekend to visit.

I was excited to see these little ones side by side.  See, her sweet Bridger is 6 months and the cutest, chunkiest, sweetest, CHILL, thing. {seriously, he's the BEST baby}.

I was really surprised that while yes, Kelsey is smaller, she doesn't look as tiny as I thought she might. :(  Its like she's not even a newborn! Yes, Kelsey is tall and Bridger's short, but COME ON!

{On a side note the nurse at MY appointment said the same thing 'that can't possibly be her newborn, she's BIG!' - take THAT Dr Littlefield - our ped that said she's not gaining enough and suggested I feed her more frequently and wait out her making her own schedule.  easy for you to say at 3pm . . . . . ending random rant}

cousin time!

 If the purpose of the trip was to hold a newborn,  mission accomplished!

We did throw in some shopping, brisket, blue bell, and laughing. . . . . . lots of laughing.  Thanks for coming Aunt Missy.  And thank you Southwest for mishandling your stroller helping another autie come in a few months.  Have I mentioned we LOVE visitors?

Papa, Mimi, and more

As you know, my Mom came down when Kelsey was born, and few days later my Dad joined us.  Rylee was pretty good with them, as long as hugs and kisses were her idea she was ok with it.  Rylee ended up being Papa's litte shadow.  She was in heaven hanging outside with him all day, going for walks and being pushed in the swing.  The day they left I was outside with her for a minute and when it was time for me to go inside she immedately said "Papa?!"  She knew he would have stayed outside with her, but not her momma. sorry sweety.

 For the most part Rylee has done really well with the extra body in the house.  Some days are certainly better than others - and I'm not sure if we should 'blame' Kelsey, or that fact that she is nearly 2.  Maybe some of both.

One of the more 'difficult' moments for Rylee was when she realized the chair/bouncer that was in her room was moved to the living room.   Not only was the location changed but Kelsey had the GAUL to be laying in it.  Rylee whined and complained to anyone within hearing distance and after no one obeyed her plight she walked right up to Kelsey and adamantly commanded her "OUT!"

Sharing can be difficult.

 aw. swaddled sisters :)  Kelsey likes being swaddled a *teensy* bit more than Rylee but we had a good laugh anyway.