Happiest Baby on the Blog

I didn't read "The Happiest Baby on the Block" when Blake was born, but I did finally get around to it after Emma came along (thanks for loaning it to me Jessica, I still need to return those books) and I thought it was pretty good and realized I was already doing most of those things. So either the book's suggestions are extremely effective or God has just blessed us with the happiest baby I have ever known (I tend to think it's mostly the latter). The true extent of Emma's good nature and joy for all the little things in life has been starting to show more and more over the last couple of months. She's always been a good baby and super sweet, but lately she's just all smiles and squeals of delight. I think most babies at 8 months are pretty happy. Life at this age is all about new discoveries and they finally seem really comfortable with their environment and routine (by the way, Emma has been sleeping a wonderful 12 hours at night now for about 2 months), but I'm telling you Emma is especially happy. It's heartwarming and contagious. She brings a smile to every new person she meets. Everywhere we go we make new friends. I remember telling Chris once when we found out we were having another girl that poor Emma might feel like she has a lot to live up to with such an amazing big sister, but even though Blake is smart and charismatic, Emma has certainly been able to charm her way into everyones hearts too. She will have no trouble making her big sister share the spotlight (which is saying a lot because we all know Blake commands plenty of attention). They are both so remarkable and I'm constantly in awe of them and thankful that I get to be their mother. I don't want to go on too much about my amazing girls, but what better place to brag on your kids than your blog, right? In fact, when I first started the blog, my single BFF, Rhandi, said "yeah, I guess I don't need a blog since I don't have a husband or kids to brag about yet", and I thought that's not what it's all about is it? Well I guess a lot of times it does seem like I'm blagging or brogging (blog-bragging, get it?), but it's nice to share what the girls are doing with everyone since, after all, our friends and family are also responsible for them becoming who they are and deserve some credit too, right? I also like having a record of my thoughts and feelings about the girls while they're little that I can look back on later. Here are some pictures of my sweet, happy girl making friends with her rocking-lamb in her room a few days ago.


"Hi lamby, you're pretty cute."

"Wow, you're soft too. I like you!"

"Did you see this thing, Blake, it's awesome!"

"No I mean really, I'm soooo excited that this amazing toy is in my room!!!

"Excuse me, I may have gotten carried away. I'll try and contain my excitement... at least until I discover the next new thing to cross my path."

Our Weekend in Del Rio

Last weekend we had so much fun visiting with family in Del Rio. The car ride was a little grueling, but the kids did really well. We got there late Friday night and stayed until Monday. We celebrated Chris's grandpa Stuart's birthday and Father's Day while we were there. We also went 10 miles across the border to Acuna and had a great dinner in Mexico. A big highlight for me was our day on the boat Sunday. What an awesome boat! Plenty of room for a huge group of us and a cabin underneath with a bed (for Emma to take a nap) and a table (for Blake to color at). Such a great set-up for little kids (or anybody for that matter). I'm in love with that boat. We swam in the lake, had some beers, got a little sunburned and had a great time. It was so nice to catch up with everyone over the weekend.

It's been a whirlwind of activity since we got home. Tuesday was Chris's birthday and my mother's birthday (yep, they have the same birthday... weird, huh?) HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you both!!! Of course, unpacking and trying to get the girls back on schedule is a little bit of a challenge so here it is Thursday night and I'm finally getting to posting this and looking at our pictures (and there's still a suitcase laying on the living room floor).

I feel bad for not devoting more blog time to Chris for Father's Day and his birthday. I hope he has had a pretty good week. The girls and I love him so much and appreciate him more than I can say. I can't believe he's 31 (or that I'll be there in November). I still think of him as the 17-year-old he was when I first fell in love with him, but I love him so much more now for the man and the father he has become (in his old age). His biggest Father's Day gift will be his day of having fun and goofing off with no responsibility in a couple of weeks when he goes to play poker with his best friend Jeremy at Winstar casino. I hope you have fun honey!

Dinner in Mexico

                                                                                                         

Here Emma looks like she's about to punch me if I try and take the puffs she's now learning how to eat

Daddy and the girls on Father's Day morning

Out on the boat

A Playful Goodbye

Our friends Meredith, Kyle, Caden and Reese are moving to Budapest, Hungary this month and they will be there for two years. I always admire people who make big, exciting, adventurous moves like this. I think it would be so amazing to live in another country for a while. Our friends Alex and Laura moved to London a couple of years ago and are still living there. I love getting their e-mails and pictures of all of the fabulous trips they take. They have traveled throughout Europe and beyond a lot over the last couple of years. Seeing the world and how other people live is so fascinating to me. I love thinking about what people are doing in some other country right now. It's so easy to get caught up in my own little world and forget just how big and diverse this planet is and how many other people are living lives right now too. I look forward to doing much more traveling in my future. I would love to live abroad as well, but I don't know if I could ever handle being away from my family and friends for any extended period of time. Meredith and Kyle are going for a pre-determined amount of time at least so they know they will be back in two years. I think that would be the perfect way to do it. We wish them the best and we'll be looking forward to hearing all about it. We had a good time Wednesday wishing them farewell as we played and had lunch at Willowbend. Chrisse and Claire, Kori and Sadie and Jessica, Barrett and Kyle joined us in saying goodbye.

  Tickle, tickle, tickle

A chilled out Kyle

Goodbye hug

Barrett and Caden saying their goodbyes (I missed the photo of the hug, of course)

Welcome Baby Barrett

Sunday morning, June 1st, Jeremy and Tammine (some of our very best friends) welcomed their precious son Barrett to the world. We are so excited he is here and Jeremy and Tammine are now parents. They are going to be great at it. Barrett is adorable and we had so much fun visiting him Sunday and Monday. We already can't wait to see him again as soon as possible. I'm also already looking forward to all the fun family vacations we will be taking as our kids get older (and the ones we will continue to take without the kids). Blake really enjoyed meeting the new baby and likes to call him "Baby Barrett", not just Barrett, I think to distinguish him from our other buddy Barrett (Starr). So welcome Baby Barrett and congratulations to the new parents! We love you all!