Missed.

Grandma Lynn--the girls miss you! Presley and Stella spent some time yesterday drawing pictures of you on their Magna-Doodles.



Maybe when you come home you could bring the warm Vegas weather with you?? It is snowing here, again.

North Carolina.

Ok. Here it is--proof of our fun trip to NC. All pictures courtesy of Krista (I brought my camera and never once even pulled out to use).

Poor Stella, so tired after a day of travel (no direct flights and a very squirmy child, thanks to the Skymiles for an upgrade to a wider first class seat). Look at those lashes!


Getting to know the boys, Jonas and Elliot. Stella was unsure at first but then loved giving the boys their binkies and making sure they had their blankets.



Of course, I loved holding them--all the time. They are so small and cute, even at nearly 3 months. Jonas top, Elliott bottom.



The trip would not have been complete without visiting our favorite places to eat. Steak'N'Shake, Waffle House, and the best ice cream ever at Bruster's (I consider myself a chocolate person but lately I am in love with the Key Lime Pie ice cream).



Uncle Matt is such a softie!


Stella really seemed to grow up on this trip--away from her big sister. More talking, more of an opinion, and wanting to "walkie" everywhere. I can't believe she is nearly 2.



Krista and the boys are coming out to visit at the end of may and Presley can't wait to meet them.

On our way!

At the airport--off to North Carolina to visit the twins (and my sister)! After 2 flights, a LONG layover, and one tired Stella, we arrived late last night at Krista's house.

We are loving it--Stella is warming up to Jonas and Elliot but she hates the pack'n'play, she screams herself to sleep and today at nap time I rocked her to sleep in my arms. More to come . . .

Finally.

So, after being sick for the better part of February, I think we are ALL finally on the mend. And not a moment too soon. Stella and I are off to meet the twins in North Carolina for a week while Presley will spend a "Presley & Daddy" week at home.

Here's to a week of hopefully* better weather, sister time, some fun pictures, and time holding new babies!

*I think it is supposed to snow in Charlotte tomorrow.

Guinevere Josephine.

Newest (and first!) baby girl niece/cousin. Born 01.27.10, weighing 7 pounds, and 19 inches long. Reddish-blonde hair and adorable!



If you can't tell--we LOVE her! Though Stella was very jealous.

Faces.

Stella is not one to smile on cue--like Presley always has. Instead here are a few of her faces:




I can't believe she is growing up! Update--she is still on pancreatic enzymes but we have her up to 7 foods. Despite a bad case of diaper rash she is happy and we will just continue on the slow path of adding foods and seeing how she does.

By the way, Stella looks just like my sister Krista at this age--pig-tails, eyes, lips, everything. I need to post a picture of Krista so you can see for yourselves!

Quiet Time update.

Though Presley needs a nap (made evident by her falling asleep in primary today while singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes"), she still finds a way to have a little fun in her room before she falls asleep.

Resolve.

This year (because writing it down and sharing should make me more accountable) I will:

• Spend more time having FUN (no-stress, easy fun) with the kids
• Go on a VACATION with Chris
• Loose myself to find myself--I am not sure how . . . .
• Exercise (my body, mind, and soul need this again)

What are you doing?

Life saver.

Last summer Presley stopped taking an afternoon nap--to everyone's dismay. Once preschool started I figured she would go back to taking one, because she really DOES need it. No such luck, until Monday when this arrived:


I am in heaven! Presley is happy to sit in her room for quiet time (for which 5 of the last 6 days she has taken a 2 hour + nap). She loves being able to know when it is "OK" to get out of her room in the morning and when it is time for quiet time to end.

I recommend everyone buy this. I first saw this clock on a friend of a friend's blog and thought it was a good idea--I wish I would have purchased it a year ago. $29.99 "OK to Wake" from American Innovative (they make a similar model that is more expensive that is also supposed to help kids tell time).

Winter = Snow.

Our life in the winter is consumed by the cold, white stuff. But the girls are following in their father's footsteps--they love the snow and ask to play in it everyday.





Stella is still trying to get used to the gear you have to wear--she can hardly move around she is so bundled up.