2 Year Old (Going on 5)

When you ask Grace how hold she's about to be she will tell you 2 and sometimes 3. I feel like this little girl will always try to be older than she is. Mostly because of her bubba though. She looks up to him more than anyone and I couldn't have picked a better big brother to show her the way of life.

*The top left picture cracks me up. That's Grace after eating Herbert's in San Marcos. Everyone wants to do that when they leave that place haha!

She's almost 2 and I've been terrible at documenting the days of Grace. Her and her brother definitely keep me on my toes and when time is of the essence being on the computer or on my phone is the last thing I want to do when I could be doing something fun with them. Grace LOVES to jump on the trampoline with her bubba. Every day after work that's the first thing we do. She can jump with the big kids too. She's got her balance and jumping skills down and she loves to be bounced up high. My little princess also loves to swing next to her bubba. If he doesn't come she screams "Hudson boo boo!" And he obliges. She's most happy when he's by her side.

She really thinks she's 5 sometimes because of her bubba. He teaches her all kinds of things. Good and bad. Haha. She tries to pee standing up like her bubba and is successful for the most part. She pees in her potty before bath every night just like bubba. She's along for the ride on just about anything Hudson wants to do. She jumps off tables and couches and the arm of the couch that makes me want to turn a blind eye because I just know something is going to happen (knock on wood - she hasn't hurt herself yet). If Hudson climbs, she climbs, if he jumps, she jumps. Yes..one day I will probably be asking her that bridge question but for right now it's pretty wonderful how much she adores her bubba and how much he adores her. I don't know what other age gaps are like between siblings but this 3.5 year gap is pretty awesome. Hudson is still young enough to want to play with his sister and she's just old enough to keep up. These are truly the best years of my life.

Grace LOVES to sing Rum by Osborne Brothers (thanks to her daddy) and Buy Me A Boat (thanks to her mommy) hehe :). We listen to those two songs on repeat several times a day at her request and Hudson and her both sing it at the top of their lungs. I keep trying to video it but the song is on my phone and if anyone knows Grace the moment you pull out a camera she's onto you. Dancing frog right here. The rum song has a part that says "Dipping our toes in the water" and Grace says "Dipping toes in the wawa" it's the cutest ever and makes me want to sing it that way too.

My little princess has such different qualities that amaze me. When she's in large crowds or around people she doesn't know she can either be really quiet and observant or give out hugs and kisses so easily. It really just depends on her mood and she's quiet differnt than Hudson was. She's always made you earn her love. Which I love about her. She's hard to get but when she does warm up her love is like no other. Of course she always loves her momma. Sappy Alert...both of my babies give me a different feeling when I get a hug from them. Both wonderful but different. When Grace hugs me she makes me feel like she's healing my heart. I know that may sound odd to some people but when she hugs me my heart feels at ease and it's one of the best feelings a mom can feel. Your kids really do fill your heart with so much love that's crazy we ever lived without it. And now how much bigger can your heart grow? She is a never ending supply of love. I always wonder how I got this lucky. I'm sure I always will.

Grace cracks me up because if she gets in an uncomfortable situation you can tell. She has this look on her face like this is awkward and I'm kind of frozen from this situation. She is very expressive and you can definitely tell how she feels by the look on her face. She is so easy going but she does want to be in control of her immediate surroundings. She knows her comfort level and you can quickly tell how she feels. She also understands sadness. I don't remember when kids are supposed to express what at what age. I just thought it was the most interesting thing the other day we were watching a clip of Boss Baby on my phone and it was a sad part and it made her cry. I know she understands words and situations but for her to truly get upset at a sad part in a movie just kind of blows my mind. Having a girl is actually pretty different than a boy. I always wondered if it would be before I had Grace and it actually is. Their emotions are just different. One is not more emotional than the other though. Somehow they are just different.

My favorite part of life right now is how sweet these two are to each other. They hold hands, play together, are side by side as much as they can be, fall asleep together and are so sweet and gentle to each other in the morning. Life doesn't get much better than this. Thank you Shawn'Na for this gorgeous sneak peek of my beautiful almost 2 year old princess.

19 Month Old Monkey Jumping on the Bed

Finally posted this today without pictures because I'm so behind. I have more new things for her 20month old one. I hope to tell my babies I posted less because we are having double the fun and mommy would rather play than be on a computer or phone when she doesn't have to be. Oy.

Would you believe me if I told you my princess peed in the potty on 12/7/16? She did. She’s been watching her bubba do everything. Every time we go to the bathroom with bubba she wants to put on underwear just like him. She’s been asking to sit on the potty on her own. Then tells me to sit together. I can see all the bonding bathroom times in our future haha. She wanted to sit on the potty before bath time like she sometimes does and I didn’t believe it but she pottied. She showed me and maw maw and boy was she proud when we were in shock. Mommy is going to get her some underwear for Christmas to wear on the outside of her diaper. I have no doubts she will be a quick learner when she’s ready. She’s so smart and watches everything her bubba does. She amazes me.

Every night I give the kids a bath they both jump out of the bath and run for bubba’s room to jump on the bed. Yes…I let them jump on the bed. Daddy doesn’t agree so he stays away from the room (haha) but I prop bubba’s rocking chair and make a “secure” side for Grace to jump on and they both go crazy like they are getting away with something. It’s really cute. They do it together and laugh the whole time. Grace won’t go do it without bubba either. If he stays in the bath just a little too long after she gets out she starts screaming “come on bubba.” 

I can already tell the two of them are going to be partners against crime. Hudson is always telling her to live dangerously “come on sissy let’s go jump on the bed when mommy is working” or “come on sissy let’s go outside.” Boyee she follows him everywhere and he loves to lead her. 

Grace loves bath and bed time. After dada gets her dressed for bed she quickly gives her kisses then heads into her room and says “night night.” Even if the light is off she will go in. If I don’t quickly follow she tells me to “come on.” 

Grace is still a huge eater. She will try anything but she is getting to the picky stage. She doesn’t like ranch dressing at all. Her bubba has been a huge fan forever. She LOVES candy and yes…mommy lets the babies have candy. It’s terrible, I know but when your 18 month old goes up to the pantry and says “Candy” in the best way she can it’s hard to say no. I always make sure they have normal meals before I allow the crazy to set in but what’s life if you can’t have a little fun. Plus I’m a HUGE sweets person so I know the struggle with life LOL. 

This month Grace has really started to kiss a lot more. Before it was always Hudson she would kiss but now we’re lucky enough to be part of the clan. She kisses me in the morning, at night, when she gets hurt and when I ask for it. It’s the sweetest ever. She even loves when mommy kisses her booboos now. Which I LOVE. Hudson still has me do it and it’s one of my most important jobs that I will hopefully get to do for many years to come. She gets hurt she walks over and blows me kisses so I know to kiss her booboo then she goes about her business. 

We have a little tough princess. One minute she’ll take a knee to the head from jumping on the trampoline (I try to hold her to make sure she feels ok but she doesn’t slow down) the next minute she grabs polish and wants me to paint her toenails. She loves lotion on her hands and feet and a tiara on her head even if it’s for a few seconds. It’s funny because I’m not a princess at all (I don’t think haha) but my little girl loves to be pampered and I love to do it for her. The moment she sees maw maw she wants lipgloss. And she LOVES to reapply a lot lol. 

She still doesn’t like to hit the ground running when she first wakes up. Which I love because I want to cuddle. Hudson is always trying to take off too fast. She gets moving when she’s ready and she’s in no rush. 

5 Year Old Best Bubba

I’m finally getting a chance to tell you about my precious boy. Meant to write a blog when my baby boy turned 4 but well…time…doesn’t want to slow down at all. It’s a miracle I kept up with Grace’s posts.

My most proud thing about Hudson is how much of an amazing big brother he is. Ever since Grace was born bubba has loved her more than anything and vice the verse. He hangs the moon for her. He teaches her so much. And not just by example but I really wanting her to come along with him. He is protective of her, proud of her and loves her more than anyone. He is the best big brother.

Bubba started school this year and his teacher brags on how good of a kid he is, teachers saying “is he really that good?” She tells me how well he pays attention to their lessons, helps the other kids out when they need it and plays with anyone who needs someone to play with. He fills up his good behavior chart pretty quickly too. Yes you could totally say I’m a pretty darn proud mommy. He’s so smart, so caring and such a good boy.

Now at home, where he feels safe and comfortable to be himself don’t get me wrong he is a smart butt sometimes. Takes his sister’s toys out of her hands if he was playing with it first and other sibling whatnots but even then, he’s still a super good kiddoe. We’ve been most definitely the luckiest parents ever.

Ever since sissy has been in his life he’s been willing to try new foods. I would say it’s mainly because she eats anything and there’s a slight competition going  on lol. He will try most things but some he still won’t.

Changes in bubba since he’s started school. My bubba used to be shy. If he came across a situation that made him uncomfortable he would back down and not really be sure on what to do about it. Now if he doesn’t like something he tells the kid no, you can do that but I’m going to do what I want to do. I know that might sound silly to be happy about but he’s not rude he just learning to tell people he doesn’t have to do what they do if they are bossy. They can both just do what they want. And that’s ok to want to do different things.

One of my favorite things is I’ll call him baby. If a friend is over and they tell him, “you aren’t a baby” because they are just being matter of fact he tells them no but I’ll always be my mommy’s baby. And I say dang right bubba. I still rock him to bed sometimes when he wants me to and we talk about how I’ll do it even if his feet are hitting the floor. Think what you want about that. No one will ever take that sweetness away from me. It’s already fading away because he can’t get comfortable. So the end is near. Just trying to hang on as long as I can.

 Bubba started Tee-ball in September and it was the cutest thing ever! So fun to see them go from clueless rascals running all over the field attacking each other to get the ball even though they were on the same team to eventually getting the process of the game and going through 2 innings or more. I loved watching bubba. And while I’m bragging because I’m his mom he totally seems like a natural. So focused and ready to catch a fly or ground ball. Being show how to step into his swing and totally owning it. We asked him if he wanted to play tee-ball or something else and he was already ready for us to sign up for his 2^nd season. Who knows…we may have the next generation cubs player in our house. We’ll see. Hudson also loves to dance and he’s good at it too. Ok sorry yes I’m his mom and could brag on just about anything. He sings great too. Have him sing “One Call Away” for you. Made me cry the first time I heard him sing it. All in all he’s just one amazing child to me. I’m so lucky to be able to call myself his mom. We may bicker like brother and sister sometimes but he’s my best little friend and I couldn’t be any more lucky than to call him my son.

Bubba I can’t believe you have been in my life for 5 years. Feels like I’ve had you my whole life. A huge part of my life began when you came into this world. Thank you for making mommy’s heart feel much larger than I could have ever imagined. I love to watch you shine and I’ll always be your biggest fan. Go get ‘em my little ball player!

16 month old 4 Year Old

So I'm super way behind on writing about my princess...and I'm going to say that's because I have two 4 years olds. Grace thinks she's 4. She does everything her bubba does and it's keeping me on my toes 24/7. He leans on a wall, she leans on a wall. He goes down a slide, she goes down a slide. He sits at the table in a normal chair she has to be in a normal chair.  He jumps on a bed, she jumps on a bed. Pretty soon I'm going to be singing 2 little monkeys jumping on the bed, but no call to the dr yet. Please knock on wood for me. All doors are closed during the day so she has no access but she can reach the door handles now. Again...please have special thoughts for me.

Little girl loves to swing and be outside at all times. You can't even say out, walk, swing, slide around her unless you are ready to go outside. Every day after work we swing, slide and then walk around the block. I guess you can say she's use to that routine and wants to do it every day. She loves to swing high too and when mommy twists her swing so she spins around really fast. She tells me "go" and I let her go. All smiles as her head is leaning hard to the side. Nothing scares her. She is seriously trying to keep up with her brother. Has been for a long time now.

Grace loves to read. Will hand you book and turn around and plop her little tush on your lap. We have this book that I read to Hudson when he was little and she does all the same things. Touches her nose when I say nose, toes when I say toes, hair, etc. Says "Pop" and "Bubble." She's definitely the talker when Hudson allows her to speak LOL. He's always talking so sometimes when you get her to herself she will talk a lot. Some of her newest words are "Hot Dang" from uptown funk LOL, bird, bug, pop, bubble, actually saying the words bye bye instead of just waiving, bath and more. Another one you can't say unless you are ready to give her a bath. You say bath and she immediately heads to the bathroom. She loves bath time. She also loves to say row row boat, belly button, choo choo, mickey mouse, poo poo, night night, juice and so much more. They aren't super clear words but as her mom I know what she's saying. Most words she has the first part down. She amazes me. Hudson said Mickey Mouse around this same age too. It's so fun to see their similarities.

Grace can out eat her brother. He's a grazer and she is too but she can just eat all day long. She's growing super fast too. Climbing up the marks on the wall she's getting taller pretty fast. Little girl doesn't say no to most food. Last night she ate 4 slices of pizza. Totally surprised me. She didn't want to stop eating it. We just got over an extremely bad stomach bug and so now her and bubba are eating as much as they can. Catching up I guess. I never want to experience that stomach bug again. Telling your babies they can't eat is one of the hardest things ever.

My little princess cheers on her bubba at his t-ball games. When she sees her bubba she points to him and says bubba. Then claps for him. I have no doubts she will love t-ball too when the time comes.

Grace loves to jump on the trampoline. Thankfully for nets she can bounce all around the trampoline. She loves it. And it's so extremely adorable to watch a baby jump. I feel like I wouldn't have let Hudson do that at this age but with Grace she wants to try everything. So momma obliges.

My favorite things right now is she snuggles so long in the morning. She has the best hug in the world. She lays her head on your shoulder and just melts into you. I wish I never had to let her go. She loves to play by herself a lot but never wants to be left behind. I go to the stairs to go down and she runs to my arms. She also loves to follow her bubba. When he gets mad I just remind him that he's her best friend and she loves him so much. He quickly changes his mood and tells her to follow. I know things will change in the future but right now their little hearts amaze me. She wants to do what he does and he takes her along.

She is my princess. I love to dress her up. I always said I never would dress my little girl like a princess and here I am buying her silver glitter shoes and she loves them. My little angel princess. She loves to have her hand kissed, she tilts her head and smiles at you. She's more perfect than I could imagine. She's fearless, fierce and unbelievably beautiful.

Grace I'm sorry mommy can't write as often as I wish. You two munchkins keep your momma super busy with all things fun in life. I love you my little princess. You make your momma's heart feel like it's going to explode.

Icing on the cake that you are mine..you laugh when I burp...hehe...that's my girl :)

We got to trick-or-treat with our sweetest neighbors ever. You didn't want to wear your costume but still wanted candy haha. Next year will be your year!

Love,
The luckiest mommy in the world.

13 Month Old Growler

My precious princess that I dress in dresses as much as I can roars like her brother. She picks up toys and roars with them. She makes me laugh. 

She's so beautiful but yet she acts just like her rambunctious brother. In fact she's a little crazier than him if that's possible. She's flipped over our couch (she's ok) at least 3 times. Now I've added pillows everywhere besides on the couch where they belong. She's climbing, jumping, and trying to run. She's trying to keep up with a 4 year old boy. She's one tough little princess. 

She's so smart. Totally amazes me. She listens to me when I tell her to sit so I can put her shoes on. She understands "no" and doesn't like the word lol. But when it comes to falling over the back of the couch she's starting to agree with "no."

When I ask her if she wants something she tells me yes by shaking her head. She shrugs her shoulders and lifts her hand when she doesn't know something. It's so adorable. If you ask her where someone is that's not around she says I don't know with her shrugging. 

She's mastered going upstairs and she understand mommy saying wait for me to go up. Every once in awhile she runs up giggling knowing she's doing something that's going to give momma a heart attack. We worked on her coming down and she sits and scoots but oy that scares me. Will keep working on that. 

Cutest thing ever right now is she loves to wiggle. If you tell Grace to wiggle wiggle she just wiggles so much. Makes you laugh. She loves to see you laugh. 

We've been singing if you are happy and you know it song a lot. And the other day from the pool she was upset. Bubba and I started singing it and she would say hooray in her own way every time we got to that part. It was adorable.

Grace is our little copycat right now. If bubba dances she tries to mimick his moves. If I walk backwards she walks backwards. She's learning so much right now and trying to do it all. Slow down little girl. You are so unbelievably adorable to me. 

Grace is still a great eater. Baby girl loves good tasting food :). 

She loves her bubba and wants to always be by him. She snuggles up to him as often as she can. She is so in love with her bubba. And he is wonderful to her. He's always looking out for her. Almost like being a little 2nd mommy. He makes me laugh. I hope they stay that way forever. 

Grace also loves to walk. She can walk almost half a mile. I think I have two great running buddies in my future. 

Last but not least. When I leave her briefly she runs to my arms. And kisses me when I ask. How in the world did I get two angels who make me feel like my heart will explode? Grace you and bubba are the lights of my life. I can't believe I get to be in your life. I love y'all more than you will ever know. Slow down little girl. You are my baby. 

1 Year Old Princess

Boy has this year flown by. I remember not too long ago I was crying thinking about when will my princess arrive. This year has gone by way too fast. I know people say that all of the time but that went way faster than Hudson's first year. So much going on so fast.

I missed sissy's 11 month old post so once again I'm catching up. You know it's harder to keep up when you have two babies running around. I'm guilty of a little less pictures taken but our year has been a wonderful one with my little princess.

What's my little angel up to these days? She's climbing on everything. You know how there's that stereotype out there that boys are the wild ones? Well...if your baby girl has older brothers like Hudson they run, they jump, they dive, they climb...fearlessly and boy has she got me on my toes. She stands ontop of a little chuggington train jumping. Really sissy? Why do you want to give mommy a heart attack? She stands on the fireplace seat, she climbs on chairs.

Grace loves running to the side of the pool stepping in at the shallow end. She would just crash on in if I let her do what she wants but mommy catches her every time to put her in the water. She loves riding the trike (new this week). So cute. She puts her hand on the seat like "take me please." She loves riding with mommy on runs. I ask her if she wants to go and she stands by the stroller waiting for me to put her in.

She LOVES music. She dances at any sound that slightly resembles music and she has a sway. The most precious sway I've ever seen. Grace is so friendly too. She waves at everyone and every car. She blows me kisses at the pool and makes my heart want to explode. If I pretend like I'm sleeping when she wakes up she kisses me or says "mama" when she wants me to get up.

She still absolutely loves her bubba. Kisses him when he first wakes up and really any chance she gets. She wants to be where he is at all times. Bubba resembles all things fun. Like a little Grace magnet. He's a wonderful big bubba. Has been from day 1.

Poor baby has got way too many teeth. She has 4 front top 4 front bottom and a molar. And just this week she has 7 new teeth coming. 7!!! So in a few weeks little girl should have 16 teeth! Wowsers! She doesn't normally get upset with teething too bad but this week 7 has pushed her to her limit. She's been super attached to mama which no complaints here. I love it but wish she didn't feel so bad.

Grace is so independent, playing most of the day close to bubba. However, if you try to go anywhere without her, even if it's for a quick minute she will scream. She so wants to be wherever we all are at all times. She just loves to be near everyone. I'm so unbelievably lucky to be able to work from home and be near her all the time. She sits on my lap while I work and then plays most of the day near by. She LOVES playing by her bubba. He's her main squeeze for sure.

Her favorite foods? Cheese. Little girl could eat so much cheese. Chicken, breakfast sausage, bacon, bread, guacamole, grapes, maybe I should list what she doesn't like. She pretty much loves everything. She has recently not taken a liking to eggs but that's ok. She eats everything else. This one makes me laugh. She likes to eat ham and cheese sandwiches with mayo. She definitely has enough teeth so why not. It's so cute to watch her push her food to the front of her mouth to chew it. She's so smart!

New words these last 2 months? She says maw maw, taytay, pawpaw, nana and my new favorite, moon. I was walking with her the other day and kept saying sissy look at the moon and I kept repeating it like a crazy person. She ended up pointing at the moon for me (smart cookie) and saying moon! I have discovered if you actually give Grace a moment to say something she tries hard to say it. I think mommy and bubba do a lot of talking so given the chance to speak she will.

I just love my beautiful angels so much. There's not a day I don't feel like the luckiest mommy in the world. My favorite part of every day are the snuggles I get from my babies. There's truly no better moment. Days can be hard some times. The best reward is a heart to heart hug from my angles.

Today we had a blast for her birthday and I think she did too. Voodoo donuts to have a different donut experience. It was fun :). Randomly exploring the Hilton Austin. Hudson's always wanted to go to the highest floor. So we did. Ended the night with some fancy Chick Fil A since sissy loves the chicken and fries. Birthday party is on Sunday so the whole family can make it. I can't wait to have my angel surrounded by so much love.

Happy 1st Birthday my beautiful princess Grace. Mommy loves you more than you will ever know.

Sleeping Beauty

Day 3 of playing in water and this little girl has been worn out every night. What a fun summer ahead of us. I can't believe my baby will be 1 in less than 2 months. 

My sweet beautiful princess.