These Little Moments...

I love my kids. I love how they bring so much happiness to every day. They are so unpredictable and fun, and even when I'm overwhelmed with handling both of them while out running errands at times, I am almost always smiling. Sometimes I'm smiling because I'm actually laughing at myself and how I must look to other people as I struggle along. :) Yesterday morning, while checking out at the grocery store, a little boy (who looked a little younger than Gracie) sitting in the cart in front of us kept pointing at Ethan and talking about him to his mother. Gracie was not amused and responded by asking, " Why is that little boy looking at my brother?" I explained to her that he must think Ethan is cute, didn't she think the little boy was cute, too? She told me that no , she did not think he was cute and she wished he would stop because he was "really irritating" her! I had to laugh! My girl speaks her mind, and I love that she feels so protec...

I get excited when weekends come around and we have absolutely nothing planned. It's fun to sort of create what your day will become as you go. On Saturday, the kiddos and I went to my mom's house to play. She was watching my nephew Austin for the afternoon, and since Sean kind of needed some quiet time (he's been obsessively studying for an upcoming certification exam), it worked out well. After "playtime", which consisted of Austin throwing almost everything he could get his hands on, Gracie crying because she'd hurt her foot on the walk from the car to the front door, and Ethan shooting me looks that said, "I don't feel safe, please get me off the floor", we went out to lunch... I'm not sure why we thought taking the three little ones (one throwing, one crying, one who would inevitably need to nurse in the middle of the meal) out in public was a good idea, but we did it, and while it wasn't the most relaxing lunch I've ever had,...

I took the little ones to the park earlier this week. We were greeted with the perfect park weather. It was a warm morning, but there was also a nice breeze to break through the heat as we played. Ethan is usually napping during our park visits, so this has become a nice way to spend time with Gracie. She loves being pushed on the swings and I think it's hilarious when she slides, landing at the bottom with a huge smile and hair that's sticking straight up. I am grateful for this time with her. After my girl was all played out, we drove around until we found a nice shaded spot in the grass for our picnic. This was Ethan's first one. I think time moves a little slower on picnic blankets, or at the very least, they possess a calming quality that brings even the busiest of us to stillness, if only for a short time. In the end, Ethan decided picnics really are worth smiling about... ...a secret that his momma and big sister already knew.

Gracie's first day of preschool was today! She was so darn cute this morning, dressed and ready for her big day! I almost cried just seeing her in her outfit with her monkey name tag around her neck! We had to wake her up to make it on time this morning, but she went from sleepy to excited quickly. As we were getting out of the car to walk her in, I started getting a lump in my throat. There were so many precious little ones walking into the building with their parents, I couldn't believe my baby was one of them! By the time we made it to her classroom door, I was ready to burst into tears. There was a little boy (who is in Gracie's class) clinging to his mommy, crying. I couldn't even look at them, because I was sure I would breakdown. I kept telling myself to keep it together for Gracie's sake and at least make it to the car. Sean and I both got hugs and a few kisses. Gracie gave Ethan a kiss goodbye, too, then walked right through that door like she owned t...

I'm so proud. My little sweetheart is all ready for her first day of preschool. Her clothes are laid out, ready. Her tote bag is beside the door, waiting. She's going to meet new friends, encounter new adventures, learn lots of new things... She's going to be one of many little sweethearts, gaining independence, taking this big step... I'm so excited for her, but I have to admit... ...I'm a little sad for me. I find myself torn at times between the enjoyment I find in watching her grow and the pain of realizing how quickly this is happening. I'm ready to give her the freedom to experience life separate from me, but fighting the urge to just yank her back into my arms. I know that she's going to be perfectly fine tomorrow morning. She may be cautious as she enters that classroom for the first time alone, but she will quickly find her place in this new little world waiting for her. I am sure of this, but... ...I'm not so sur...

I laid my sweet babies down for their afternoon naps. Gracie was snuggled up in her bed, Ethan cooing happily in his crib. I walked into the kitchen, although I no longer remember why, and I felt it. The floor under my feet began to shake. I stood, paralyzed, trying to process what was happening. I looked at my dog, who was cowering low to the ground. He felt it, too. I could hear my house shaking, which was perhaps one of the scariest things of all. Was the ceiling going to collapse, was the floor going to crumble underneath me? Within seconds, I pulled myself together, assumed we were experiencing an earthquake, and took off for my childrens' rooms. As I made my way from the kitchen, through the living room, to the hallway where their doors are, all I could think was, which child do I grab first? The thought was nauseating and I'm just overwhelmed with gratitude to our God, because I didn't have to make that choice. I didn't have to rescue my children an...

This morning, we woke up with a mission: Get to Gracie's preschool on time... The mornings can be tough sometimes when you have a toddler that prefers to wake up slowly (and doesn't appreciate being pushed along), a baby to nurse, breakfast to fix, children to dress, teeth to brush, shoes to track down... and somewhere along the way, two adults have to get showers and get ready, too. We managed okay, pulling out of the driveway only 3 minutes later than planned. We arrived at church right on time, ready and excited to join Gracie for her "short visit". Her teacher greeted us at the classroom door, then sent Sean and I on a journey with Gracie around the room. We stopped by each learning center and explained to her what she will likely be doing there. After that, the teacher asked Gracie to paint two monkey parts (they will be completing the monkey this coming week) with a toothbrush (of all that we've painted with at hom...

We've had such a nice week! I was a little nervous about how it would go after Gracie's week away getting spoiled alongside her cousins at Memaw Camp. :) I thought she may come home and give me a hard time, but she has been really wonderful! We've gone out almost every day and I am finally feeling like I can handle this two kid thing. I've tackled Target, Petco, and the grocery store alone with both kids, which may seem simple to most, but to me these outings are accomplishments! We even made it to the park on Tuesday morning, something we haven't done since I was pregnant. Gracie had a great time and I also enjoyed playing with her while Ethan napped close by in his stroller. Ethan has been a little fussy, and little sleepy, since his shots on Wednesday. Gracie has been very helpful with him and does a great job making him smile. She gets so close to his face, and is often so loud, but he seems to just love whenever his sister pops into view! We're looking ...

Gracie came home on Sunday. We were so excited to have her back after a whole week away! We enjoyed hearing her tell us all about "Memaw Camp" and the fun things they did while there. She talked on and on about a butterfly exhibit they visited, as well as her first roller coaster ride at Busch Gardens! She had bags full of prizes and crafts to share, too. Among the many crafts she made was a mug she decorated and an adorable butterfly magnet she painted. They even personalized tote bags, which will come in handy for preschool! Photo taken by Will Cole Photography It's obvious that Gracie had a wonderful week and I appreciate all the time and love Sean's mom put into this event for my daughter and her cousins. I am sure each girl is already looking forward to next year! ______________________________ Monday night, Sean came home from work, we ate a quick dinner, then headed to our church for Gracie's first ever Open House! It was honestly hard for me to belie...

I miss this little face, but she is having a wonderful time in Virginia! I spoke to her briefly yesterday (she's been much too busy to talk for long...) and she told me about her day. She doesn't seem to be missing us too badly, but we miss her!

I'm not sure I can even count the number of times that I have prayed for one minute (heck, I'd have even taken 30 seconds) of peace and quiet over the past week or so. My darling daughter has worn me out and truly tested my patience. Between our out of town trip to Maryland and Sean's second work related out of town trip to Georgia, all in the past two weeks, we're all tired, schedules are off, and I'm lacking the energy to do the things Gracie is used to doing during the week. Even with the extra sets of hands last week (thanks to Sean's little brother and his girlfriend), I have still been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and in need of a break... But even during the toughest moments, when I wanted to hide in the bathroom and cry, I knew there was a light just ahead... "Memaw Camp". Sean's mother mailed out invitations to Gracie and her older cousins, inviting them to a fun-filled week away with her in Virginia. Swimming, boating, and a trip to ...

My children are very lucky. They are not only blessed with multiple sets of grandparents, but they also have many great -grandparents to love on them, too. We stopped in Virginia, home to many of Sean's relatives, on our way to Maryland. Sean's grandmother had dinner prepared when we arrived, even though it was well past dinner time. While we ate, she was able to cuddle her newest great-grandson, and because trips to Virginia don't happen often for us, I was so thankful for this opportunity. Gracie twirled around their living room and kitchen, stretching those legs and showing off a little at the same time. She then requested that Grandma read her a book, a request which Grandma, who was once a librarian, was happy to oblige. Our break from the road was proof to me that even short visits are worth the time. We hit the road again with full bellies and happy hearts. I love love , and there is always lots of it around when family is near.