Sugar & Spice

Dear Daughters,

2012-01-29T16:38:00.001-08:00

I hope you always share the bathroom this well.... Ya think? Maybe you could do that?

Loving Life

2012-01-29T04:35:00.000-08:00

It always amazing to sometimes sit back and try to reflect... It seems like just a few years ago I was a total kid and was having the time of my life with my best friend. Now I'm still a kid and I have a three year old and a almost one year old. In the last couple of weeks some pretty heavy shit has been going down, and its been great to watch how my little family is coping with all the news. I'm so proud of Tara, she and I have been able to communicate clearly to each other about how we feel, what we think, and what we should do as a family to proceed. For those that aren't married or dating, or don't know what I'm talking about... Sucks to be you. For those that are lucky enough to have married their companion in life, good for you. Tara blogs so we make yearly books and save them for the girls later on, I think its amazing, we talk about what she posts most the time, however I usually don't get my lazy ass on the blog. Well girls (Preemie C, Friv-0-lous, and Hazy G) I guess I've got some things to say. Your Mom and I decided not to make any resolutions this year but just change some lifestyles.... So far Mom is doing awesome. I'm not really one to talk myself up a whole bunch, but I'm still at least maintaining... Your Mommy on the other hand is TCB-ing. I want you girls, and the rest out there to know how happy, proud, and truly privileged I am to have Tara. I may not show it all the time, but Tara completes me. I tend to have a very analytical approach to life. When Tara and I are together I take the extra three minutes to look in the clouds for dinosaurs, or realize if I'm ten minutes late somewhere it shouldn't completely freak me out. Tara, you give me the chance to be free, have fun, laugh, sometimes leak from my eyes (of course out of anger) and most of all you help me be a good father to my children. Through your eyes life isn't a job, it play-time with moments of responsibility, and that is something that no-one else I know has figured out... I guess what I'm trying to say is that I love you, I cherish you, and I can't live without you. Your girls are pretty cute too! Happy Birthday GunZanga!

Mama gots a brand new phone

2012-01-26T20:30:00.001-08:00

Jake gave me my birthday present early... iPhone!! Woot woot. I'm having lots of fun getting aquatinted with it and am actually posting from it now.

Here are a few of the Many pictures I've taken today.

Here's to ringing in my 28th year.

iHappy... HarHar ; )

You put de lime in de coconut.

2012-01-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

You mix dem both together...

You put de lime in de coconut...

Den you feel better!

My little coconut wasn't too crazy about de lime : )

The Prettiest...

2012-01-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

These girls of mine!

Wordless...

2012-01-10T14:04:00.000-08:00

Fast times at Casa de Bolin

2012-01-05T18:30:00.000-08:00

Phew... we're about half way through our crazy, busy, wonderfully filled with celebrations of all sorts season. Jake was in Hawaii for work (I know, right?!) during the first part of December. We celebrated my Dad's Birthday and Hazel got the croup.

We spent Christmas Eve at John and Cristi's like we do every year and it was fantastic, like it is every year. We made a point to leave a little earlier than normal so we could get a little Christmas Eve magic at home with the girls. As we were getting ready to leave Charlotte got some serious anxiety about Santa Claus. It totally blind-sided us because she had been so hyped up about it all up until then. She was very specific about not allowing Santa in the house while she was asleep. We wrote up a note and left it on the front door step with his cookies, milk and the magic reindeer oats. The letter said, "Please don't come in mys house, Santa." Santa, being the gentleman he is respected her wishes and left her and Hazel's choo choo trains by the front door.

Christmas morning was AWESOME! Charlotte loves to unwrap gifts and pretty much dominated our living room. Hazel got in on a little bit of the action but was mostly interested in mouthing the paper and trimmings. Charlotte was sincerely excited about every gift (even the flannel sheets for our bed) and said "Merry Christmas and Thank You" countless times... sweet, sweet girl!

Instead of a big Christmas tree this year we set up Fort Christmas; a pink teepee that I made last summer. We strung that bad boy with lights, attached a couple ornaments and hung a big silver snowflake from the ceiling above. We also had a little artificial tree set up on the breakfast bar...all motivated by Hazel's into-everything-ness. It worked out so great that I am thinking Fort Christmas may turn into a Bolin Family tradition.

Ever since I was a kid my huge and growing-ever-huger extended family have spent Christmas breakfast together at a local restaurant. It is a cherished memory of mine and I am blessed that Grandparents treat us all (we're talkin' upwards of 50 or 60 people?) every year. It was wonderful but also a lot of work to get our two little ladies out of their Christmas comas and into the car... I'm thinking next year we may switch it up to pajamas and cinnamon at home just the four of us.

We had both sets of parents and Gramma Freddie over for Christmas dinner and Yatzee and it was the perfect way to wrap up the holiday. It kinda felt like we had four Christmases when it was all said and done! We are so fortunate to be surrounded by so many loved ones!

Birdie's 3rd Birthday was five short days after Christmas. We try to rid the house of all evidence of the aforementioned holiday before her birthday party... maybe we're just weird but we decided it makes it more special and just about her. Soooo, our winter wonderland was transformed into a Birthday Fiesta-Land : ) She got sick the night before so we just took it easy on her birthday. We started the day with chocolate chips pancakes and heart-shaped bacon. .. and it stayed down... woo-hoo!!

She requested a pinata so we just kinda went with it and did a taco party, fiesta birthday. We had a bunch of friends and family over and it was fantastic! Just like on Christmas she was like a little tornado unwrapping her gifts. She said thank you often and also repeated "Happy Birthday" when anyone said it to her. Hazel decided to start walking at the party which made us all super happy. She had been taking little steps for a couple of days but really started moving that night. After the guests left she jumped on the mini trampoline. Not kidding! The morning after Charlotte told me it was "the best birthday ever!". Success!

The next day was Gramma Freddie's Birthday and New Year's Eve. We celebrated low-key at John and Cristi's place.

On New Year's Day Cristi watched the girls for us and Jake and I went snowboarding at Anthony Lakes. We stayed the night at their house when we got back that night and I got sick. ugh! I spent the following day in bed. All day. Thanks Jake! The sickness is now weaving it's way through our home and Jake is the current victim... at least it is fast passing!

We're hoping to get in another snowboard trip in this weekend then Tuesday is my brother's birthday. My birthday is at the end of the month and then Hazel and Jake are in February. Phew!!
Woah!... That was a lot of words. Just pictures next time. Cute ones; I promise!

A Very Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-27T16:15:00.000-08:00

Santa Baby

2011-12-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

Charlotte was super excited to meet Santa this year! Suuuper excited but when we got there she was a little star struck and a lot cautious. Jake and I greeted The Big Guy with hugs and hellos to show her that he was our buddy but she still wasn't really feelin' it. Baby Doll and I figured we would go first in hopes that she would realize it was okay.

Looks like I'm all hyped-up on mini candy canes... I actually might be.

My Mommy antics worked out and both girls decided that Santa is pretty cool... the aforementioned mini candy canes probably helped.

Thanks Santa!!

An overdue update for Baby Button

2011-12-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

Oh, Sweet Button!

Time has entered warp speed ever since you showed up.

I can hardly believe how big you are getting!!

The things you can do just blow my mind... you may have super powers, come to think of it.

You stand. Stand! It's amazing how sturdy you are already. Last night, while I was trying to get a picture of you standing you jumped. Jumped!... and landed it. Landed it! Seriously Little Girl... you are Amazing!

You have learned how to climb the stairs (arg) and you know to scoot backwards off the couch.

You are incredibly curious and learn quickly. You play a mean game of peek-a-boo with anything that can hide you.. couch cushions, people, blankets or even the shirt that you are wearing.

Messes. You love to make them. You'll empty drawers, clear out cabinets, pour snacks on the floor... anything in the name of exploring.

You are the embodiment of happiness.

Seriously, Babe. So happy : )

I brought you to the doctor on Thursday because you developed a really spooky cough and it turns out that you have croup. Aside from a booger-nose and raspy voice I would hardly know it. Even sick you are just a bundle of joy.

Also, we call you SnakePit. This originated by an off handed comment Auntie Celeste made about how you gravitate to the most dangerous thing in the room at any opportunity.

"Really?... I didn't even know there was a snake pit filled with knives over there!"

You may also be the perfect combination of adorable and mischievous... How could anyone get mad at a face like that?!

It's hard to exclaim how exactly an almost ten month old is funny but you are and the best part is that you know when you're being funny. Even the tiniest grin illuminates your whole face. Your happiness is addictive... so is your baby breath.

I'm extra lucky right now because you happen to be addicted to me. There are times when not being allowed to put you down or leave your sight is frustrating but I know that in the blink of an eye you'll be onto the next chapter so I try to remind myself of that when you're following me to the bathroom, yelling at me.

I love you, Button. So much!!

I would tell you to slow down but I'm too intrigued by watching you grow.

*kisses*kisses*kisses*

Mama

Also known as...

2011-11-28T19:12:00.000-08:00

Charlotte ReeAnn
Charlotte. Charly. Char Char. Lottie. Lot. Birdie. Birdie Girl. Charly B.

Hazel Gwendolyn
Hazel. Hazie. Hazie G. Gwedolie. Z. Z-zel. Button. Button Baby.

Both
Punkin Head. SugarPlum. Stinker. Sweetie. Sweetheart. Baby. ...

One lucky Mama

2011-11-15T20:56:00.000-08:00

Double Dose of Darling

2011-11-11T16:20:00.000-08:00

Answers by BubbleBeard

2011-11-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

What's your name?

Sha-let

What does Daddy call you?

Lottie

What does Mommy call you?

Birdie

What do you like to be called?

Bubble Beard (interview conducted in a bubble bath)

What's your favorite color?

Blue.

What's your favorite movie?

Puss in Boots. (seen yesterday on Daddy/Daughter Date)

What's your favorite animal?

Tigers.

What's your favorite toy?

Mys tiger.

You have a tiger?! (knowing she doesn't)

Ya! We need to go to the store and get one!!

What's your favorite food?

*giggle giggle* Tiger : )

You're silly.

Yah, I Silly GooseHead.

Do you have a favorite book?

yah, Hiking Boots. (Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots)

Is there anything you don't like?

No. I don't like tigers.

Really?! I thought you really liked tigers.

I really like tigers.

10-4 BubbleBeard.

Well... that figures

2011-11-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

You feel like having your picture taken, Little Lottie?

Picture update

2011-10-31T21:52:00.000-07:00

Beautiful sisters. They're feautures look so similar to me!

This little scrunched-nose smile melts me!

Lottie made a new friend (and so did I... yay)
and broke into said new friend's make-up stash.

... and nail polish.

Charlotte's Halloween costume... more picture soon!

Hazel teething.

Typical afternoon at home.

So many fun things to get into at Gramma and DunTah's house.

Charlotte requested that we all be panda's for Halloween.
Her wish is my command... sometimes.

and then HIS heart melted : )

2011-10-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks goodness for modern technology!... I was able to capture these special moments within seconds of hearing them for the first time because my cell phone was by my side : ) So Happy!!

And then my heart melted.

2011-10-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

The one where she called me a penis....

2011-10-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

Charlotte is always very interested while I do my make up and lately, per her request there are many mornings that a little bit of liquid eyeliner and some blush transform her into a beautiful kitty cat. She sat on the bathroom counter admiring her little pink nose and whiskers and said, "thank you, Mommy!" along with little meows and scratching motions. (and yes... she IS the cutest thing eVeR!)
"You're a nice boy, Mommy." I thanked her and corrected her saying that I am actually a nice girl. We went back and forth for a minute, her teasing that I was a boy and me giggling at her funny joke but reminding her that I am not a boy. We listed the boys we know and the girls and I said something about boys having penises when she said,
"Mommy, you ARE a penis."

When something is funny I can't help but laugh! And this was FUNNY! She totally knows the physical difference between boys and girls and knows that I am not, in fact a walking, talking penis but she also knows it made me laugh when she said it. I can only keep a straight face for so long ~~not long at al~~l when that tiny, playful voice calls me a "teenis". It's my weakness, I laugh! And it only encourages her.
Why are the funniest things often the things I know I shouldn't be laughing at?!
Meow.

The Cutest Story Ever Told. Ever.

2011-09-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

Charlotte, Hazel and I were laying in bed before naptime. It's always a favorite part of my day; the girls roll around together and laugh, we talk and I usually tell a naptime story before watching them drift off and cuddling them both for a couple hours. *bLiSs* Something got us talking about babies and I asked Charlotte if she wanted another baby in the house someday. (Just talk... nothing more.) She excitedly (whoops!) said "Yes! Like Hazel!" I asked, a boy or a girl? "Girl! Like Hazel!" She then proceeded to go feature by feature through Hazel saying that's just what she wanted another baby to be. "Eyes. Blue. Like Hazel!" Pointing as she exclaims "Hair, like that, like Hazel!... hands, like this, like Hazel! Ears, like deez, like Hazel!" She went on and on describing her perfect baby; the baby she already has : )

I'm not sure if we will or won't have another baby someday but I know that Charlotte is right:

Hazel is absolutely perfect.

First Day of...

2011-09-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

Charlotte Says:

2011-09-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

Birdie has been chatting up a storm lately and so many of the things she comes up with, or how she puts it all together is adorable! I want to remember her tiny voice and I imagine her and her sister giggling over the things they said when they were little.

"Me find that no." (I didn't find that) but "Me looked everywhere!" (in a dramatic and exasperated tone)

"Me hungry no." (I'm not hungry)

This form of sentence for basically any and everything she's not interested in.

"Me dirty hands."

"Me get on my nightgown no, see?"(I didn't get my nightgown wet while washing my dirty hands!)

"Smells like poop in here, Mommy." (after I somebody farted : )

"Another poop brownie, please."

She repeats everything and at one of her Daddy's softball games I overheard her saying:

"Nice single, Beav!"

"Way to go, Dirtbags!"

"Keep you eye on the ball."

She also loves to sing songs like; "Hoooome, home on the range." "You are my tunshine" and "Twinkle Twinkle" and repeats songs as she hears them like; "Rumor has it" and "From the wiindooow... to the wall!"

I'll do more "Charlotte Says" as things strike me funny or cute.

Oh, also. When I got my tattoo we put a temporary on Charlotte and she LOVED it. The best part is that she would ask for lotion and care for hers just like I did mine. Occasionally she would say; "I needs losh, mys tattoo kinda hurts."

Little Sweetheart : )
I love when she says "ut-oh, Debbi-O" and "oh-tay, Mommy".
This little lady is just hillarious.

Sleepy Sisters

2011-08-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Just for kicks

2011-08-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

The good, the bad and the ugly

2011-08-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

Jake was out of town working for more than two weeks and we all missed him so much! Lottie talked about him constantly and always saved him bites of her meals and cups of water during bath time tea parties. He's been home for a couple of days so we are re finding our normal and we like it : ) While he was gone we had some good days, some bad days and some just plain ugly days.

The good:

Play dates with friends and family.

Community night out at the park.

Pool time with Celeste.

Lottie acting like a two and half year old.

Cleaning and organizing the house.

Realizing I have an AMAZING support system.

Jake met Woody on the streets of NYC and Charlotte talking about it constantly. "Daddy meet Woody?"

The bad:

Missing Jake.

Lottie acting like a two and a half year old.

Locking myself and the girls out of the house.

Feeling like I wasn't keeping up in any aspect of life... the house, working, even parenting at times.

An ever shortening fuse.

Missing Jake.

The ugly:

Projectile baby vomit.
Doggie diarrhea.
Lottie acting like a two and a half year old.

There are good days and bad days no matter what but having my best friend home sure makes my heart happier. I already find myself laughing at the good, the bad and even the ugly. Welcome home, Jake!

6 Months Already!

2011-08-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

Sweet Baby Hazel is SIX months old today!! It is amazing just how quickly time is flying. She has been very busy this month: training for her first marathon, learning Latin and teaching a Zumba class. Juuuust kidding... obvs. But she is sitting all by herself now, eating baby smash everyday and learning to use her sippy cup! Her third tooth just cut through and she is constantly babbling. Her Daddy is the king of getting giggles and she is completely enamored with her big sister. I swear she is already saying "Mmmmmama" too and it is apparently not just in my imagination (although I wouldn't put it past me)... I have witnesses : )She is a super snuggler and got in the habit of nursing to sleep and being held constantly... oh well, I figure I'll enjoy it while I can... I know how fast everything changes. HAPPY HALF BIRTHDAY, BUTTON!

I love, love, love you!!

Forever,

Mommy

Dear Jake,

2011-07-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all of your hard work and sacrifices, Babe.

We love and appreciate you more than I can express!

Mwa*

Photo Dump

2011-07-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

Shadows

Bubba Bath

Pink tootsies

Sweet potatoes for the Sweet Potato : )

Classic Hazel shot... oogling the food source ; )

She's definitely my girl : )

Fell to sleep sitting up.

Two little chompers.

Zonked out on Daddy's shoulder.

Mies

2011-07-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

...all mies.

Sweet Child of Mine

2011-07-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

"Ut-Oh" she said as she pointed at my tears. "Mommy sad?"

"Yep" I said with a smile, "even Mommies get sad sometimes."

"I sowee, Mommy" said the sweetest little voice.

Her eyes were concerned and she gave me a soft hug and a little kiss.

"You make me happy!" I said while holding her close.

"Happy Mommy?"

Oh yea... I am a happy Mommy!

Happy Fourth!!

2011-07-04T23:27:00.000-07:00

Love,

Our Little Firecrackers

Photos taken on our back porch while playing with Pop-Its and watching "snakes" : )

Happiness is...

2011-06-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

The Curious Case of Button's Noggin

2011-06-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Hazel's 4 month well-baby check up. I have come to look forward to these appointments because 1.) I like our doctor and 2.) it's always fun being told by a medical professional that your baby is perfect. The appointment was mostly good... baby girl is doing everything a four month old should: laughing, cooing, tracking, reaching, rolling, ect. She even has two teeth and got the go ahead to start trying mushy foods!

I pointed out to Dr. Munn that the back of her head kinda has a bump on it. She was surprised that it went unnoticed at the 2 month check up and after man-handling it a bit went to get a second opinion. Another doc came in and suggested that we go right to St. Luke's to get her some x-rays and spouted off a lot of information about growth plates and their concern that Z's may have fused too early.

I kept it together until I called Jake to have him meet me at the hospital and then I totally lost it. I stuttered and cried but eventually got it out that the bump (which we had talked about before) was cause for concern.

We showed up at the hospital with an order for x-rays to check for craniosynostosis and head assymmetry... I made the mistake of googling both these things before we were called with the results... dumb.dumb.dumby.

She hated getting x-rayed and I don't blame her! Bright lights, head Bumbo-like contraption and being totally restrained... not fun things for a wiggly little baby (or Mama)!

After a night filled with both anxiety and immense gratitude for having two beautiful and healthy daughters I got a fantastic call. She's totally fine! The sutures(assumingly in the growth plates) are open and normal. Her head is a little misshapen but within a normal range... whatever that means : ) It's something she will potentially grow out of/into to and we'll keep an eye on it.

I took this picture for reference.

Sweet little Button....

worry is the worst; you are the best.

Daddy's Girls....

2011-06-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

♥ I have always had the funniest, silliest, goofiest and most loving and amazing Dad in the world and I thank him for showing me how to find the very same for for my daughters. HAPPY DADDY'S DAY to the best out there!!

We are very lucky girls ♥

Teething Bites

2011-06-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

There are a million and a half things I should be doing to get ready for our vacation to Montana ... instead I am being held captive by my teething baby girl who is only happy in my arms. Not gonna lie; I'm kind of embracing it :)

Sweet Dreamers

2011-06-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Big sister holding little sister's hand...

Little sister enjoying bedtime breastfeeding...

Two sets of little eyes getting heavier by the second...

One camera-happy Mama thrilled that cell phone is within reach : )

Sweet Dreams, SweetHearts.

Even though you're the big sister...

2011-06-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

You are still my baby.

I kinda look like a Muppet in this picture but it was too sweet of a moment to forget.

All about Button

2011-06-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

You are growing so fast! Just shy of four months old you are a bundle of joy! A cooing, giggling, slobbery little bundle of joy :) You have had incredible control of your head forever it seems and you just started rolling from your back to your tummy.

You love your big sister and are truly captivated by her. She likes to give you hugs and kisses and if you ever cry she rushes to your aid. She'll say things like "hey, hey, hey" in a soft, nurturing voice, give you your binky (aka: ginky) and you settle right down for her.

I adore you. Everything about you! I kiss your sweet cheeks constantly, hold you while you sleep and sneak sniffs of your baby breath anytime you yawn. I even like the smell of your little baby poop... there, I've said it.

*sigh*

Everyday when Daddy gets home you greet him with a great big smile : D

Why do sleep with your face stuck right into the mattress?!

That's just cute.

I love you so much little Button!

You are a true joy.

You bring happiness to anyone you are around. One of my many favorite things about you is that your happiness affects your whole body... your smile starts in your eyes before it reaches your lips and squishes your cheeks up and then squirms through your body all the down to you perfect tiny toes.

You are a ray of sunshine.

Sinks aren't just for cleaning dishes...

2011-06-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

They work for cute little girls too!

HoNk hOnK

2011-06-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we brought some hot dog buns down to Ann Morrison Park to feed the ducks, ducks... one of my favorite activities from my childhood. Twenty-something years ago my Dad would bring us down to the same pond and we would feed stale pieces of bread to a bunch of ducks. There would always be a goose or two in the mix and I remember being terrified of them! In my eyes they were just big bread hogging bullies and they hiss. Seriously, hiss! Not much has changed except that now it is a friggin' goose pond with one or two brave ducks holding strong.

Charlotte was super brave! The geese were like as big as her.

Sweet little goslings that my sweet little husband made sure got plenty of hot dog bun.

His bun-throwing skills are a pretty big deal : )

Being immobile didn't stop Hazel from participating ; )

Some things never change.
#1.I still love going to this pond and feeding the *geese*
#2. Geese freak me the freak out!

Sometimes we're beardos.

2011-05-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yaarrr!

Rocks Rock

2011-05-31T08:26:00.000-07:00

Charlotte likes to find rocks while adventuring and bring them home. I love it! It's actually something Jake used to do for me when he traveled a lot. It doesn't cost a thing to let someone know that you were thinking about them at a certain time and place. We're getting quite the collection together. I think we'll head to craft store for some colorful paint, paint these treasures and have a beautiful little rock garden out front : )

I took these pictures on Mother's Day. We took a nice family drive (nice, meaning the girls weren't screaming, crying or whining in their car seats) up to Lucky Peak to see the "rooster tail". It was pretty cool. Lottie was super pumped about the "waa-waa"! On the way home we stopped to let Lottie and the dogs get some fresh air and awesome rocks!

The water rushing from dam was incredibly powerful!...the picture really doesn't do it justice.

Blue-Eyed Hazel

2011-05-30T23:23:00.000-07:00

This top picture is Charlotte around the age Hazel is now. Her baby blues were quite blue!! Gradually over time they morphed into a beautiful shade of hazel. Sometimes the brown is more prevalent and other times it's the green that shines through. However they are always flanked with the most beautiful, long, dark lashes you will ever see!

The bottom picture is sweet baby Hazel. Her blue eyes are so incredible. I find myself wondering if they too will change. Only time will tell...

Also... You might be at the starting phases of teething.
CHOMP.CHOMP.

I love these sweet sisters sooo much and am kinda blown away by how similar they look!

I guess we only make one model : )

Daughters...

2011-05-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure they're the best thing EVER.

Squish!!

2011-05-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

Interview with a Birdie

2011-05-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

What's your name?
Lottie (sometimes she'll say Daddy because she's a jokester)

How old are you?
Two! (both index fingers up)

What's your favorite color?
Blue, Geen, Yelwee, Puhple (always a new favorite)

What's your favorite animal?
Taaah-tah (this means Elephant... long story)

What's your favorite food?
COOKIES!

What's your favorite book?
Raaaah!! (monster noise for Where the Wild Things Are)

What's your favorite movie?
Heee Heeee (that means Tangled...but she also likes Yee-Haw aka Toy Story 3)

What's your favorite drink?
Jus.

What's your favorite toy?
Blue Jack (news to me!)

now she's over it...

What's your favorite thing to do?
*silence*

Do you have a favorite activity?
No.

Interview over... back to watching Heee Heeee ; )

Recent and Random

2011-05-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

Playing IN her kitchen.

Chocolate cake batter on her face : o

Cheesin' with Daddy

My mans' got skillz... with a z!

Teary eyed but smiling : )

Pretty Baby Button

ADORE.

It's not enough to rock Mama's heels... she's got to hop in them.

Upside down shades is all the rage right now.

Refusing to model her new mama-made dress but enjoying the bribe anyway.

Serious snuggles.

Poured out all the trail mix to pick out the "M's"
&
Z zonked out in the baby swing.

Could someone please tell these two that it's naptime?!

3 months

2011-05-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Sweet Baby Button,

3 months old already... in some ways that seems impossible. It's like you've always been with us but you're still so new. You are such an angel! Always happy (unless you're in your carseat) and smiling and cooing. I spend hours making ridiculous noises and faces to try and get you to laugh. I've only heard that sweet sound a couple of times but you do this cute thing where you throw your head back and kinda silently chuckle when something really gets ya : ) You still spend most of your time sleeping and you are such a snugglebug. Daddy spends extra time in bed with you in the mornings after Charlotte and I get up. You have wonderful control of your head and love to "stand" at any opportunity. We try to keep you from watching tv you seem mesmerized by the glowing box. You are beautiful and funny and easy going. It's a joy to see your personality emerging.

You are so loved Baby!

April Showers

2011-05-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

Bring reason to wear darling rain gear : )

A snapshot of Mother's Day (night)

2011-05-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

*The reflection of the laptop in my glasses, piles of papers beside me and my beauties sleeping in my arms.*

After a wonderful and relaxing weekend enjoying my family I decided to sit down and get some work done. It's at least 11pm and Hazel won't stay asleep unless she is in my arms. Charlotte has an ear infection and keeps waking up coughing : ( She eventually finds her way to the couch and decides that Hazel has the right idea... Mommy's lap is the place to be! I think about the moment; breathe my little girls in. After asking Jake to take a picture I decide that the work can wait : ) We all went to bed together.

It's nice to be needed.

Oh, and they're wearing matching shirts that say "My Mom Rocks!"... very nice touch, Jake!

I am Mommy...

2011-05-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

The kisser of boo-boo's, singer of lullabies and reader of bedtime stories. I've carried you within my body and slept with you on my chest. I've kissed your little toes & wiped away your tears.Sometimes I am your human pillow and other times your napkin :) I've been pooped on, peed on and puked on. I AM MOMMY....

..and I've never felt so truly fulfilled in my whole life!

Thank you for being my daughters.

And Happy Mother's Day to a couple of other very special mommies.

We love and appreciate you and hope you know how much you mean to our family!

Just been hangin'

2011-05-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well Baby

2011-04-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

Beautiful, healthy girl.

Hazel had her 2 month well baby check on the 18th and is, just as I thought, still perfect : )

She weighs 15.5 pounds (off the charts) and is 23 and a half inches long (90th%). She also got her first vaccination... like with her big sister we are following an alternative schedule.

Leaving the doctor's office after being poked she is back to her mellow little self :)

Easter Pictures

2011-04-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

Brunch at Gramma and DunTah's house.

Lottie has chocolate dripping out the side of her mouth... makes sense :)

New favorite picture!
Rockin' their Mommy-made skirts.

Egg hunt in the park with cousins.

Practice egg hunt the weekend before Easter with cousins and friends.

Eggs-cellent!

HAPPY EASTER!!

2011-04-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

We have a busy day of brunching, bbq-ing, hamming and chocolating. More on that soon but for now... this...

Oh hai!

2011-04-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

That's all : )

Spring is springing

2011-04-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

Spring time weather in Boise can be a confusing to say the least. One day it will be beautiful and sunny and the next can look like December all over again. We try to really take advantage of the sunny days (even if it's still a little chilly). We are very fortunate to be walking distance to a new library and our community park... makes for some fun adventures!

She lovingly calls this slide "Tiny".
The bigger slide spooks her a little bit.

Even Baby Sister had a couple of turns on Tiny... with Mommy and Charlotte's help, of course.

Loves to dangle and make little monkey noises when she does...
hoo-hoo-hoo!

"dirdu"

Aside from some exhilarating trips down the slide (which she actually slept through), Hazel stayed warm and cozy in the stroller.

Hazel's Birth Story

2011-04-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

I have been putting off writing this for too long already so it is time to write it out before the somewhat fuzzy details get fuzzier:
Sweet Hazel,
Your pregnancy was wonderful. It is so so magical that you grew inside me. I hope I never forget the way it felt when you kicked, punched wiggled, turned and hiccuped... the headbutts to the cervix I wouldn't mind forgetting ; ) We had a very normal and healthy pregnancy (until the last few weeks). I am so proud of you for staying as long as you did and apologize for the somewhat early eviction notice. Since your big sister surprised us by showing up 6 weeks early we were prepared (not expecting) for you to do the same. I literally drove around with our hospital bag in the back of the car for more than a month!
Towards the end of our eighth month I started to get really swollen and uncomfortable. I assume most women would say the same however along with that my blood pressure was steadily rising. Our doctor had been on maternity leave so we were seen by other docs at her clinic. Every appointment there was increased concern about the early signs of pre-eclampsia. Dr. Munn got off of maternity leave on Valentine's Day and we were happy to have her back! She ordered some blood work and a 24 hour urine sample to see what the levels of protein in my pee was... lovely. She called me at home around 9pm to tell me that my blood work did indeed detect early/borderline pre-e and she wanted us to come into the office the following morning to have you monitored. A heart rate monitor was strapped around my big belly and I laid in a weird little medical supply room and listened to you for about a half hour... sigh* Such a sweet sound! Your Daddy was there keeping me company and playing a handheld video game : )
Afterwards we had a consultation with Dr. Munn and while you were perfectly healthy and content in there they were concerned about me. I remember her saying, "I think we should just get this show on the road." After a moment of stunned silence I said... "you mean like... have a baby?" I was almost 38 weeks along so we knew you were fully baked and it was time to get you out to keep Mommy healthy.
We came home so I could shower and throw a few last minute things together... oh yea and go to Best Buy to get a new camera because our old one seriously broke the day before. It felt so strange to be able to prepare like that. So different than our other experience! We checked in and Dr. Munn broke my water with a medical device that she described was a lot like a crochet hook. It took longer than she expected and she said she could get through one layer only to find another. It didn't hurt me at all and once it was broken there a TON of warm water that just gushed out. I had more gushes when I got up to use the restroom and walk around.
Since we didn't want a medical induction we walked and walked and walked the halls of the hospital to get things moving along. Charlotte was hanging out with her grandparents (all 4 of them) and they came for a visit. Everybody ate in the cafeteria but I wasn't aloud to. I snuck some chicken broth anyway... rebel. The more I walked the stronger and closer the contractions became. By the time they were strong enough to stop me in my tracks and I wasn't able to talk through them we headed back to our hospital room. Your Dad was timing them and also kinda driving me crazy by this point. He would know when one was coming based on his clock and was kind enough *dripping with sarcasm* to tell me to expect one in 3...2...1.... ugh!
The pain was intense and after bouncing on the birthing ball, breathing with purpose and listening to my hypnosis Cd's I decided it was all bullshit and I was more than ready for an epidural. It took the dude two times to get it right which he was very apologetic for but he was my new best friend... how could I be mad at him?! For me this was a GREAT decision. The relief was almost instant and I was able to relax and rest and get ready for when my body was ready to birth. It took awhile for sure. I half napped on one side and that side went completely numb so I was rolled to the opposite side in hopes it would even that feeling out. Daddy still there by my side, always : )
I started to get te shakes and asked the nurse about it. She said that it probably meant I was complete and it was time to push. *Yay*Exciting*Confident* She checked to confirm what she suspected and called Dr. Munn to let her know it was time. Pushing sucks... that's really all I can say about that. Pushing for about 3 hours really sucks. This is where the details are the fuzziest... you were kinda stuck behind my tail bone or something so I would get you closer and you would kinda go back where you came from. The nurse told me it was like taking two steps forward, one step back. At one point your heart rate caused concern so they put an oxygen mask on me to help you out and it did. Push, push, push, scream, curse, push, flick the brim of Dad's hat, cry, panic, push... we got you out! Your shoulders got stuck (I.KNOW!) and you were literally pulled out. Dr. Munn later told me that it was the hardest birth she has ever done... really? Me too! All the trauma kinda sent you into shock and there was a look of "oh shit" in the eyes of the doctors and nurses. We wanted to let your cord blood finish pumping, have Daddy cut your cord and give you and I skin to skin contact right away but it just wasn't possible. You didn't cry and I heard a nurse say to another nurse that you were "gray and floppy". It's so hard to even think about that moment again... crying and typing... okay. So the doctor's and nurses took you right to the little warming bed and roughed you up... and I mean roughed you up! They rubbed you with towels and patted and shook and suctioned you until you finally let out a little whimper. It may have only been a minute or two but it honestly the worst minute or two of my life. I was so worried about you! Your poor Daddy was there worrying about you too and even worse, he was worrying about me as well. I was losing too much blood and so in addition to the standard bag of pitocin they give after birth they gave me a shot in my upper thigh as well. I wasn't even kinda thinking about me... I just kept asking if you were okay... and kept being told that you were, thankfully : )
The fun isn't over yet; now I'm not birthing the placenta. It was apparently not detaching like it should and I had to really push it out... with assistance. I didn't think I had the energy left to do anything but get my hands on you. I'm not sure if it was the whole placenta thing or the fact that there two pieces of gauze that were unaccounted for but I then endured a "roto-rooter" as Jake so eloquently worded it.
Sigh... I finally got to hold you Perfect Little Angel and everything that was painful is so far gone. Everything that was scary is just a horrible memory already. You took to breastfeeding instantly and I was so impressed and filled with pride! That was something that your sister and I took weeks to learn and here you were less than a half hour out of the womb and breastfeeding like a champ.
There are probably a handful of reasons that I put off writing this out but I am glad that I finally did. You were quite the experience Little Button but sooooo worth every everything.
You complete our family Sweetheart and we all love you so much! Thank you for choosing us! I am so lucky to be your Mom.

Random things from the birth room:
I was a little verbally abusive to Sweet Daddy during Charlotte's birth and I promised myself (and him) that no matter how much I was hurting I would try to stay nice. Aside from the swatting of his ball cap I think I did pretty well! I remember telling him that I loved him so much but needed him to be the strong and silent type. AKA.. no talking : ) Anytime he said anything that frustrated or bugged me I would cut him off by saying, "strong and silent!" Haha.
After pushing for God knows how long I told the nurse that I had about 20 more minutes in me and kept asking... "20 minutes... that's reasonable... is that realistic?!" I think you were born about an hour later.
More than once I thought and surely said "I can't do this." but I did!
and..
drum roll please...
I think that the highlight of the evening was when a nurse offered to show me what was going on down there. I was hoping that if I saw how close you were it may motivate me to push harder or something... I was clearly out of my mind by then. Dr, Munn asked if I could see your head and I replied...
"All I can see is my butt hole and it is terrifying!" the mirror was taken away but I kept whining about "my poor little butt hole"... ahhhh, jeez. You babies!! We give you our hearts and bodies... I would give you the sun, the moon and the the stars if I could.

Inside Jokes....

2011-04-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Between these sisters...

Start young!!

Happy Happy to...

2011-04-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

My BeAuTiFuL Mommy!!

This picture is from my cell phone and not edited at all....

Look at those beautiful blues!

Sleeping Beauties

2011-04-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

Notice there are no pictures of Mama sleeping.... not a coincidence ; )

Toddler in the Kitchen

2011-03-30T17:31:00.000-07:00

The girls and I picked up a take-n-bake pizza for dinner. We got home, I put it on the counter and got Charly a bowl of olives because they are her favorite and I knew seeing them on our to-be-baked pizza would put her in the mood for some. When I got a little distracted with Hazel Charlotte took the opportunity to personalize our za.... eat the toppings off half, dump her bowl of distraction olives on and add just a dash of hand sanitizer. Pizza perfecto ; )

Yummy!

Nah nah nah nah nah nah

2011-03-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

The onesie is purely coincidence!

The first picture is Charlotte around 4 and a half months; the second is Hazel today at a month and a half :)

I agree with the onesie... they are the cutest ever!

Off the charts!!

2011-03-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

We had the girls well-baby check-ups on Monday; Birdie's 2 year (a little late) and Button's 1 month. According to the averages Charlotte is in the 50th percentile for height and not on the graph for weight... still little. Hazel is in the 75th percentile for height (22in) and also not on the graph for weight, just on the opposite end of the spectrum : ) Our girls both perfect and healthy so off the charts?...eff the charts!

Happy Anniversary!

2011-03-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

Two beautiful daughters in three years... not bad, eh? I think I see the the twinkle in your eye ; )

Thank you for such a magical life, Jake.

I'll love you FOREVER and a Tuesday night.

Wiff

Fastest.Month.Ever...

2011-03-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

..but also one of the best! We adore you Sweet Button!

Made Up

2011-03-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

Someone learned how to open Mommy's mascara... The proof is in the pucker :) But she's not all make-up and tutus... here's a picture from her Monster Truck date night with Daddy and Papa.

That's our girl!!
Rawr.

Bloggy Baby Book

2011-03-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

I have always thought about how special it will be for my kids to have this blog someday. To be able to see what our life is like and read about it in Mommy's words. I kind of think of it as our cyberspace baby book. I have decided to have the past two years of the blog printed out in a nice hard cover book and will print it off once a year from now on. Once I receive our little bloggy book I plan on totally redesigning the on-line blog to be a little less Birdie-centric :) Excited!

And what's a post without a bunch of cute pictures? These are from Hazel's first week.

My personal heaven

2011-02-27T21:13:00.001-08:00

Two little angels sleeping soundly in my lap.

Excuse the boobs... I've been lounging around in my nursing bra a lot lately :)

Sister Loves

2011-02-26T10:09:00.000-08:00

Our first week home with Hazel has been a surprisingly smooth transition for everyone. Hazel is a little angel and Charlotte has taken to the big sister role amazingly! She looooves holding her little sister and gets right up in her face to say "hi" or "hello" in a sweet little tiny voice that she must think is the only way to talk to a baby :)
This is a little sleep positioner that Hazel sleeps in in our bed. The idea is that it's plastic frame makes co-sleeping safer because it gives Baby her own little space within yours... Charlotte just can't get close enough! Cute but contradictory! Charlotte sleeps part of the night in our bed also so the arrangement is Charly (by the wall), Daddy, Hazel (in her SnuggleNest) and then Mommy. Good thing we have a king sized bed!!

This is one of my favorite pictures of the girls! Hazel is 4 days old. I was laying the girls down for a nap and let them snuggle because I knew I wasn't going to fall asleep. As I was getting up to rearrange them I noticed this sweet moment. They're holding hands!

I thought that bringing a new baby into our home was going to be an earth-shattering, life-altering, potentially challenging situation for Charlotte but she has shown me otherwise from the moment she laid eyes on her baby sister. It was like she was just waiting for her all along and has this sort of "oh good, you're finally here" attitude about it all. I am so proud of you Charlotte! We all just adore our sweet little addition and are so happy that she is finally here :)

I have been taking a TON of pictures with our new camera (the old one decicided to die the day before I went into labor!) but am having trouble getting them onto my computer. Once I sort it out there will be cuteness overload! These pics are all from my cell phone.

Welcome Baby Hazel!!

2011-02-18T13:21:00.000-08:00

Hazel Gwendolyn Bolin arrived on February 16th, 2011 at 1:34am.

8lbs, 10oz and 21 inches long

She is perfect in every way and we are enjoying every little coo and whimper.

Big sister is so happy and wonderful... lots of stories to be blogged soon... for now though,

baby cuddles :)

A letter for Charlotte

2011-02-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

Sweet Charlotte,

As we get closer and closer to welcoming your baby sister into our world I am very consciously cherishing our one on one time together. For more than two years now I have had the amazing honor of having you all to myself during most days, and you me. Our Mommy/Daughter bond is one of the greatest relationships I have ever known and strongest loves I have ever felt. Part of me feels like I should be easing you towards more independence but instead I feel myself holding you tighter and just soaking you all in. Things will be changing soon... we'll be sharing our days with Baby Hazel. You are going to be the best big sister there ever was your baby sister is a very lucky little girl. I am so looking forward to seeing you two get to know each other and have no doubt that your relationship is going is going to be just beautiful. I grew up with a big brother and while Uncle RyRy is wonderful I always wished that I had a sister too.... maybe even instead at times through our adolescence ;) In my mind a sister is someone to share secrets with, someone to steal clothes from, a permanent playmate, partner in crime, and a shoulder to lean on. I imagine the two of you giggling together in the car, fighting over toys or other silly things, running around in our backyard and creating a world all your own. You'll have to let me know someday what a sister is to you! We are such a blessed little family... surrounded by love. It is crazy to think that that love is about to grow exponentially again, just like it did when you arrived. I love you Birdie and you'll always be my baby girl,

kiss, kiss, kisses!

We made it...

2011-02-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

Full term, Baby!!

These pictures picture were taken about a week ago at 36 weeks.

I am so proud of little Hazel for staying in as long as she has! I was worried that she would come too early and we would have another NICU experience... one was plenty!

that being said :) Now that she is officially full-term I am SO ready to meet her!! We all are!

At my appointment on Wednesday I was 3cm dilated and 20% effaced. Yay for progress but who knows what that could mean... it's different for everyone but I am hopeful that I'll be holding my sweet babe sooner than later.

This picture is from yesterday... 36 weeks, 6 days.
Woo-hoo!

A week in cell phone pictures

2011-01-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

In no particular order nor with a particular purpose here is a look at a week of our lives through the fuzzy lens of my camera phone :)

We got Baby Hazel's crib all ready and Charlotte loves to bounce, bounce, bounce!

This cardboard box has given us hours of entertainment :)

Charly colored on a paper bag that I then turned into a vest. Worn here with her Mama-made tutu.

When we (finally) took our Christmas tree down it broke C's heart so we decided to put up a little all-holiday tree in her room. Ready for Valentine's!

Officially more pregnant than ever :) Past the 34 week mark when Charlotte was born.

Rockin' her feel-better tutu at the doctor's office.

Little Birdie's tummy has been upset :( She holds it with her sweet hands and says "turt"... which means "hurt"... break a Mama's heart!

Bathtime always makes her feel better!

Daddy went for a late-night trip to Walmart for sickie supplies and came home with Tigger too.

Sleeping soundly with a lil' lasagna on her face.

Hard to tell but this is Cowboy snuggling Charlotte in her carseat... she's a his too!

Jake has been working so hard lately! After a little preterm labor scare he decided to take nights off from his second job and we have been LOVING having him home with us more!... thanks for the psyche out Hazel ;)

Good pickins'

2011-01-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

I'm not big on resolutions but if I were to make one this year it would be...
Be more like my daughter :)

CHEERS!!

TWO??!!

2010-12-30T06:36:00.000-08:00

Happy 2nd birthday Sweet Girl!

You have already changed the world in your two short years. You made me a mommy and us a family.... for that I am forever grateful! I am so lucky to be your Mommy and am honored to watch you grow. Your personality has been blossoming before my eyes. You are sweet and considerate, playful and funny, determined and even a little stubborn :) I cherish our special time together and love you, love you, LOVE YOU!

Mwa* Sweet Bird,

Thanks "Tanta"!

2010-12-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

We had ourselves a very merry little Christmas!

30 Weeks

2010-12-17T06:47:00.000-08:00

I am officially 30 weeks along with Baby Hazel. This pregnancy seems to be flying by! It's been way different than my pregnancy with Charlotte... especially during the beginning! With Big Sister I was very sick and thankfully never got that way with this one... I just remember being super tired in the first trimester. I've literally gained half as much weight thus far than I did with Charlotte... I guess that I learned that eating for two doesn't mean eating for two linebackers :) Charlotte was our little early bird, born at just 34 weeks. There was really no explanation for her prematurity so I can't help but worry about little Hazel coming early. I try not to let myself think about it much but it is always in the back of my mind. Positive thoughts everyone... I will get to "enjoy" the end of pregnancy this time around :) Everyday is a good day and I am so so happy to have this little girl thriving inside me!... I know she is thriving because she is strong!

kick. thump. twist. wiggle.

Charlotte loves to talk about her baby sister "Haish-Haish". Whenever we see a baby she says "baby!" and then says "Haish-Haish" :) She does the same with the crib, my belly ... really anything baby related. She knows that Hazel is in my tummy and if you ask her what is in her tummy she'll tell you "noonools!" which is usually true. Noodles morning, noon and night!

It's begining to look a lot like awesome

2010-12-05T08:39:00.000-08:00

It has been a very white December in the city of trees and we are just loving it!! Last week I got all of our Christmas decorations out while Jake was working in Sun Valley for a couple of day so he came home to a nice surprise :)
This may appear to be a darling picture of Charlotte helping decorate the tree but it is actually a picture of our darling undecorating the tree :) I filled the bottom three feet or so with kid friendly ornaments and she just loves rearranging them.... all the way into the playroom. Ha!

Look who's talking

2010-11-30T15:13:00.000-08:00

Charlotte has always been a great little communicator and it is so exciting to hear her start putting words and thoughts together. The first sentence (of sorts) that we heard was around Halloween time. I had put a sheet over our outdoor lamp and glued on some ghost eyes and mouth. Every time we pulled up to the house Charlotte would point to our ghost and say "boo!'. One day silly Dada put a headband on our ghost that had kitty ears and after staring at it for a minute she laughed "Boo. Meow. Nooo." Awesome first sentence :)

Her second sentence might even be awesomer...

(and yes, made up words totally count, haha!)

Lately she has really taken to little Cowboy. She always tells us that he is hers... remember "mine" is a favorite word. She loves Lily too but if you ask her who's dog Lily is she will tell you "Dada's". She insists that Cow (aka Tao Tao) is in her bed with her for naps and bedtime and if Jake tries to bring him to work she loses her mind! Cowboy is very tolerant of all this new attention... hugs, loves, pets, body slams, the constant hollering of his name :) Anyway.. the other day our neighbor had stopped by and told Charlotte that "he's a good boy", referring to little Tao. Charlotte immediately said "he's a mine". So cute!!

Can't wait to see the next thing she comes up with.

Gobble Gobble

2010-11-28T19:52:00.000-08:00

My little family has so much to be thankful for! We enjoyed a wonderful holiday together and with our big family too :) One of the things I am most thankful for is motherhood. This little lady has given the world to me. She constantly amazes and entertains me, challenges and teaches me. Everyday is so beautiful being Charlotte's Mama!

Fun with little cousins...

Fun with big cousins :)

This was my posse growing up and I am so personally thankful that Charlotte has a little cousin posse of her own. Laila, Mate, Charlotte, Timo, Eisley and soon to be Hazel (among others sure to be added.. not by me :))are going to make many memories growing up together.

I am thankful for Jake! Not only because he is an awesome best friend and husband to me but also because he a wonderful, committed and fun Daddy to Charlotte. His girls (all of us) are the luckiest in the world... and we know it!

Here is a picture of our little turkey looking tired but refusing to relax... too much fun to still be had.

like spinning off of the sit-n-spin and playing with the other side of the family big cousins :)

There is a lot of love in this family and we are thankful for each other everyday!

Looks like Mama needs some practice taking pictures of people taller than 3ft :)

Potty Party

2010-11-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

We have had an upstairs and downstairs potty for Charlotte for a couple months now, not because I thought she would potty train super young but because I wanted her to be familiar with them. Up until yesterday they have pretty much been dust collectors that she occasionally pees in :) BUT yesterday was a glorious day! She had a little diapie rash so she was having naked time and randomly used her potty while she playing pants-less. We were so excited and made a really big deal out of it. She even got a chocolate chip as a reward. They rest of the day she used the potty with only one accident on the carpet. Amazing! This morning I woke up without expectations but offered her the potty. She tried (which is kinda darling) but nothing came out. We carried on with our normal morning routine (pants-less... just her, haha!) of breakfast and Barney and sometime during Barney's song and dance she darted off and used her potty!... I didn't notice her leave but she brought me the proof :) She kept using the potty and when she went down for her nap I put a diapie on just in case. After her nap we decided to go get potty training supplies... stickers for a potty chart, big girl panties, piddle pad for the car seat, ect. It's funny.. the smallest training pants that I could find are waaay to big for our 22 month old, 21 pounder. I'll just alter them a bit with my sewing machine and look around on-line for a smaller option. She finished out the day using her potty and getting stickers as a reward. I am so so proud of my little girl! She seems very proud of herself too which is the best thing ever! Looking forward to day 3 tomorrow. Yay Charlotte!!

Chillin' with my Gnomies

2010-10-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a bunch of pictures from Halloween... in reverse order, starting with our last stop of the night. Our home :)

I lOvE Halloween! It was really nice being settled in our home to celebrate this year. We had a Halloween/Birthday Party this afternoon where Charlotte got to see a bunch of family and little friends. Then we stopped by Gramma Great's and Grandpa Great's where Charlotte got to see my folks and charge up with a juice box. I made a big pot of soup and invited a bunch of family and friends over to our place but due to sick kids, other obligations, ect. the only people that came over was the Bolin's. After dinner Jake, Celeste and I brought Charlotte trick-or-treating. It was so amazing... that sounds weird but it really was :) Charlotte, our little gnomie totally understood the concept! She carried her little bag door to door, knocked, said something along the lines if Ta-ta-ta and collected her candy... we tried to convince her to also say her version of thank you but she was pretty quick to be on her way to the next house. It was a really nice night!

Here are some pictures from last year that somehow never made it onto the blog:

Halloween has always been my favorite and now, with my family it is such a joy! I am seriously already brainstorming ideas for next year with my family of four :)

Happy Halloween!!

Cookie Dough, Yo.

2010-10-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the help with baking Birdie! You hand me the eggs and pour the ingredients. You test the chocolate chips and even the dough. And you are the best little mixer cleaner I have ever known!... well, aside from myself of course ;) You're the greatest!

Lottie

2010-10-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that you are growing up so fast! Everyday it seems like you are getting bigger. The other afternoon your Granny looked at me and asked "when did she get so big?". I think that you might be preparing yourself for your Big Sister role. You are so caring and sweet, I know that you are going to be the best big sister for Hazel. Summer just flew by, we got to go rv-ing and play in the pool, you, Mom and I went for a bunch of evening walks with the dogs, and you really like riding bikes with us. Some of my fondest moments of the summer was mowing the lawn with you. You decided that it was kind of our job, because you knew that I needed the help. You never really enjoyed mowing the front yard but tolerated it because you know that after we are done with the front we go to the backyard. I will always remember how we play in the backyard. You really like to walk in the fresh cut grass, getting your little feet all green and dirty, and we play ball almost every time we are in the backyard. You are a really great helper too, mostly walking around the yard telling me where the poop is. Hopefully here in a couple of years you will start doing poop patrol, for allowance, or something. . . Well I just wanted you to know Charlotte that I adore every moment with you and cherish you, for I know that you might not always want to mow the lawn with me.

Thank you for being you Lottie.

Love,

Wordie Birdie

2010-10-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

Charlotte, you are a word a minute these days and will repeat just about anything! (This bit me in the a*s the other day when I thought the washing machine was broken and you repeated a not-so-cute four letter word... somehow, still pretty cute... haha) Anyway... here's an updated list of some of your usuals.

Haish-Haish ~ Hazel (your baby sister)

Other people's (or dogs) names you say are Mama, Dada, RyRy, DunTah, PaPa, Laila, Eise-Eise, Tao-Tao, Lila, and while you try both Gramma's it ends up sounding a lot like Mama... we know what you mean though :)

Barba ~ Barney (your FAVORITE tv show)

Nools ~ Noodles (Favorite food)

Doooood ~ Dude!

Papa (or something VeRy close can mean PaPa (Dada's Dad), paper, pretzel, pizza, popcorn or even pumpkin depending on the situation.

TruhTah ~ truck

Bahl ~ ball

Mo ~ more

Beesh ~ Fly ... you must think they're bees

Appa ~ Apple

Banana you say pretty accurately

Tashh ~ trash (you love to throw stuff away and now you know how to operate the foot-push on the trash can... awesome!)

Dogs say rawf-rawf and cats say maow. Cows say mmmm, owls say hoohoo. Tigers and monsters both say rrahh and ghosts say boo!

Oh, and I can't forget the most toddler-ish words that you use ALL the time:

No and Mine... ugh. Both said beautifully of course.

You have always been an amazing little communicator and now that you are using actual words, or at least your version of them :) I am constantly amazed by you. I bet that I've left plenty of words off of this list but I'll try to do these every once in awhile because I always want to remember they way you talk or the way your sweet voice sounds.

Here's a picture of Girl's Night In. Peanut butter bodypaint, popcorn (aka: pahpca) and Barba. Best girl's night EVER :)

Big Love Funny Baby,

Sister Sister

2010-10-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

We had our big ultrasound appointment on the 6th and found out that our baby is growing wonderfully, healthy and big... oh yeah, and she's a GIRL : )

Here is a picture of her beautiful profile. It's her head/face and her little hand rubbing her eye : )

Here's a shot of how the outside of the package is looking. Charlotte took a magic marker to belly the other day... I love it!

I think that we're naming this bundle of joy, Hazel. I adore the name and think I have Jake just about convinced : ) He'll choose her middle name. She is weighing about a pound and measuring about a week and a half big. The appointment was wonderful! We got to stare at the wiggling image of our daughter for like an hour while the tech took all of her measurements. It was amazing and Baby Girl is PERFECT!

I feel so so blessed to have the little family I do and am excited to bring this little lady into our home. I am so happy that Charlotte will have a sister!... these are two lucky little girls and their parents couldn't be prouder.

Human Pilllow

2010-09-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

When the Birdie doesn't feel well she is the. biggest. cuddle bug. Today the Birdie doesn't feel well at all :(

This is pretty much how we spent the whole day. Poor little thing. The extra cuddles have been a dream but I hope she starts feeling better soon!!

OPERATION: Sleep Over...

2010-09-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

Fail.

Last night was our first attempt of having Charlotte stay the night away from home and Mama and Dada.

I picked her up around 12:30am and she had yet to go to bed!!

Today we are all catching up on some much needed rest : )

Summer Time, the livin's easy.

2010-08-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun things that have been keeping us busy this summer:

Weekends in McCall.

Alive After Five

Tour de Fat:

We also had a great time at the Steve Miller concert but I need to bum some pictures : )

This weekend should be another great one! We're headed to the Fair... yee-haw!!

Charly things

2010-08-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

Oh Charly Bird...

I think it's time for another "those things you do" update. I feel like I could do one these every week because you are picking up new words and tricks by the minute lately. Here are just some of those cute things that make me smile everyday: When asked to smile you wrinkle your nose up and show all of your teeth... you do something similar when asked to wink ; ) You walk on your tiptoes all the time and have the calf muscles to prove it! Dress up has taken over as a favorite past time... yesterday morning before I even changed your diaper you had on a tutu and pearl necklace. After weeks of stomping around the house in my heels I got you a four pack of Disney Princess heels... coming from a Mama who wasn't even going to dress you in a bunch of pink this boggles my mind : ) You have your own agenda and it is pretty pink! On the days that I do my make-up you insist I do yours too, or at least pretend to! The face you make while I brush the empty blush brush across your cheeks says "I'm so pretty". You really like pocket change and try to "money"... but it sounds a lot like Mama : ) Your version of juice is jusss, shoe are shusss, bath is baff, book is buuff and pillow is poopa. You are still my little cuddle bug and give the best hugs and kisses EVER. You are sunshine Baby... you light up everything!

Love you,

Wahhhh...

2010-07-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

There is no crying over spilled milk... But there is splashing it!

BIG NEWS!!

2010-07-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

We're pregnant!!... and so excited : ) I am somewhere between 9 and 10 weeks and feeling great. Tired and not so hungry but great. Here's a picture of the little bean from our first appointment last week. You kinda have to squint to see the funny little leg buds but it's worth it, they are just so cute!! Charlotte came to the appointment with us and was a very good, patient girl but also very entertaining : )

She made herself at home and crawled in the drawers and Dada wrapped her in some fun medical tape.

She promtly unwrapped herself.

It's hard to be so busy and be trapped in a tiny room but she did great!

I have no doubt that she is going to be a wonderful big sister.

By the end of it all we were ready to get home : )

It was amazing to see a healthy, thriving baby in there and the tiny heartbeat was incredible. We feel very very blessed and are thrilled about our growing family.

Estimated due date is Feb. 28th, 2011. About 2 months after Charlotte's 2nd Birthday.

More Cowboy Love

2010-07-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

These two are just so dang cute together... Lily too, I just don't have the photo proof : ) I like to imagine someday showing Charlotte that Cowboy used to be taller than her!!

Lil' baby Cowboy

2010-07-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

Charlotte and I had to run to the store really quick to buy some stamps and thought Cowboy (or Tah-Tah as Charly calls hims) would like a ride in the car. We found a shady spot, cracked the window and told him we'd be right back... this is what we came back to : ) Looks like the little guy is due for some baby-ing.... and a haircut : )

We love you Tah-Tah!

Happy Half Birthday Birdie

2010-06-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

18 months old... wow, Baby! You are getting to be such a big girl. We had a well baby check this morning and you are just perfect... thanks Doc... already knew : ) Out of 100 kids your age you are taller than 75 and weigh more than 3 of them. We joke that we are going to start feeding you sticks of butter... haha. You really are a great little eater though. Some of your favorites include hot dogs, bananas and popsicles. It seems like you're learning a word a minute and it is so fun to hear all of the new things you come up with. You call Lily "Lil-lah" and Cowboy is "Ta-Ta". You love when we blow bubbles and ask for them if you see the bottle... "buh-buh". You're also good at saying water and cracker. You have been off the boob for a whole week and I am so impressed with how easily it went. You have a very good understanding of what you are told so I just told you that it was "all gone"... you are such a big girl you drank it all and wow, good job : ) You run everywhere and love to be outside. Your little knees are always scratched and you like it when I put Neosporin on them. You also like to wear sunscreen and shades... little smartie! The swimming pool is a new favorite place. You bounce all around the pool and dip your face in to blow bubbles. You bring so much happiness to your family and we feel blessed to have you. Happy half birthday little sweetie!

All my love,

Happy Father's Day!!

2010-06-19T20:38:00.001-07:00

Jake,

I was looking for a good daddy/daughter picture for your Father's Day post. I spent hours scrolling through pictures and loved any picture of you two, there are a lot of them.. my Loves : ) I got all the way to an album called "birth" and my heart just melted when I found this one. Our daughter is only minutes old and has already been through so much.... she is premature, weighs less than five pounds, is in a crazy new environment and has been poked and prodded by a team full of doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists. She has every right to be freaked out and maybe even pissed off but she isn't. Her tiny face is as calm as can be because you're beside her. She found comfort because you were right there and she's clearly not letting you go anywhere... holding Dada's finger tight! I remember how special it was when she was so little and would calm instantly to your voice... really even before she was born she responded to you in my belly... you and orange juice ; ) It is amazing to watch your relationship grow and I feel very blessed to witness it. Happy Father's Day Jake! Thanks for being our rock.

and a note to my Daddio:

Thanks for showing me exactly what to look for... I am a lucky lady!

Happy Dad's Day.

Guess what...

2010-06-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

I love this little girl!

Parkin' It

2010-05-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Our favorite way to spend time is playing together and now that the weather is nice parks are usually where you can find us. Follow me Dada!

Nature babe chasing her shadow and being shadowed by Mama.

hmmm... I would have thought this wonderful dirt would have tasted better that!
Sweet, cold little face on a morning trip to our neighborhood park.

Who is having more fun here? (look up in the castle)

Up & Over.

Swing break to cheese with Mama.

Lovin' on Lottie.

Peek-a-boo!

This was priceless. She looooved being upside down and kept leaning back as far as she could while sqeezing her happy little eyes shut.

View from the bottom.

View from the top.

Thanks for all the fun Charlotte.
I will always catch you!!