Baby Bear

My Baby Bear,

Saturday afternoon I took you on a day date, just the two of us to go and get your first hot chocolate.  You left with a full belly, whipped cream on your nose, a few chocolate stains on your shirt and a Mama who was smiling ear to ear.  On our way back home we spent a few extra minutes outside.  You love the weather now that it is getting cooler and I can never get to you come inside, regardless of how chilly it feels and how cold your hands get.  While I don't like the cold as much as you do, I don't mind coming inside to snuggle on the couch together.  You push my long hair off my shoulders to make a place for your head right underneath my heart while we try and keep each other warm.  If only you knew how much that makes my heart pitter- patter.

Love you to the moon and back, and even farther... much, much farther.
Mama Bear

So Thankful

I asked Chloe this week what she was so thankful for... she replied "unicorns and Santa Claus."  I didn't ask Yates, but I am pretty sure if he understood my question his response would be monster trucks, trains, food (corn and spaghetti) and football.

What am I thankful for?  I am thankful for two healthy, happy children.  I am thankful for my husband who provides more than I ever could have imagined for our little family.  I am thankful for a mother, Granny, who takes care of (me) and my children three days a week.  I am thankful for a father, Papa, who my children adore, and who continues to spoil me and my family.  I am thankful for an incredible church, a place where we can call home every Sunday.  I am thankful for a job that leaves me (exhausted) and satisfied at the end of the day.  I am thankful for friends who keep in touch and love me unconditionally.

I am also thankful for the moments in the grocery store where my children are screaming... because without those moments I wouldn't appreciate the time I get to shop by myself.  I am thankful for the hectic, busy weekdays - because without them I wouldn't appreciate the weekends and the time I get to spend with my family.  I am thankful for frozen chicken nuggets, fish sticks and boxed mac-n-cheese - because without them I wouldn't be able to get through most weekdays... and that you can buy them labeled "organic" and "all-natural" because it makes me feel better feeding my children.  I am thankful that I can provide for my children, give them love, a safe and happy home and warm food to eat - because I know all parents can't.  I am thankful for Chloe's strong-willed personality because it shows me she will be able to hold her own in this big and sometimes intimidating world.  I am thankful for Yates's ability to light up the room and make everyone smile because I know the world is a happier place with him in it.  I am thankful for a husband I can look up to, who has the best work ethic of anyone I know and always works hard at anything he does... because it makes me strive to be a better wife, a better mother, a better friend, and better person.

Story Time

He searches all of the books in the library for the ones with trucks, trains or diggers.  We read them over and over again at home, and he often has parts memorized before the books have to be returned.  Lately he has been learning his colors and to hear him say "yellow" will make you giggle and swoon all at the same time.  He loves to read, maybe even more so than Chloe, and when I ask him to go get a book, he eagerly picks through to find his favorite of the moment,and then comes running back to fit snug in my lap.  When we begin reading he points to everything on the page, proudly naming all of the pictures.

He's such a big boy now, or at least he thinks he is... but when I see him snuggled up in my lap reading a book with his blue baby blanket I know he will always and forever be my baby boy.

My Little Leopard Love

outfit details: // vest (Target) // tights (Target) // jean dress (J.Crew crewcuts - old) // boots (Old Navy)

My little leopard love.

You are getting so big and becoming more and more independent.  Your little brother is your best friend and the two of you are so very close.  Lately you love to lean into me and whisper in my ear "I love you Mommy" ...and that melts my heart every single time.  We spend most Sunday afternoons baking together while Yates is taking a nap and you insist that we wear our aprons - you love any excuse to dress up.  You are a bear to wake up in the mornings, literally.  I have to start nudging you about 30 minutes before your feet even hit the ground.  One of your favorite new foods lately are cold green peas - and fresh mountain apples.  You are so incredibly smart... and a bit sassy, well maybe a lot sassy - and you certainly have an opinion about everything.

I love watching you grow up into an incredible little girl with a big personality.  You are going to do big things in this big world little girl, I just know it, and I am already so proud of you.