Mother's Day 2014

Oh how I look forward to this holiday every year! This year I got to share the day with Harper because she turned 2! I will always love to share this holiday with my sweet baby girl, and when she is grown up it will give her double reason to come see me (rather, double reason for me to guilt her into coming to see me, heehee) 

A few days before Mothers Day, I was invited to Avery's school along with the other mothers, for a special Muffins for Mommy's day. She made me a flower and filled out a questionnaire about me. The best was just hanging out with her in the classroom for a little bit as we read stories and played games with her friends. I marvel at how confident and happy she appears to be at school, I couldn't be more proud. 

Before the birthday festivities began, it was all about me! I got flowers from my mom, a foam roller and some non-contingent $$ from Alex (yay!) and the sweetest homemade, hand painted card from my three wonderful babies.

Avery was embarrassed because she hadn't put her princess crown on yet ;)

yay! happy me day!

Then we packed for the weekend, got everyone dressed and in the car and headed up to Newport Beach to our annual Mothers Day brunch at the American Legion with Alex's family (because what mother doesn't love packing for 4 people, getting 3 kids dressed and keeping them clean, then driving for an hour all while breastfeeding and changing diapers on Mothers Day?? Haha, just kidding Alex was VERY helpful as always). It was so great seeing everyone, especially John Paul who was in town from San Francisco. The girls loved harassing playing with their uncles! Joe is always so sweet with the kids and Patrick pretends to want nothing to do with them but is so clear that he loves them the most of all.

  I relaxed in the shade and enjoyed several a few straight champagne mimosas and ate delicious food that gets better there every year! Grandpa Al is so kind to treat us all to this meal and I truly love being a part of this amazing family and this awesome tradition. 

There was a wedding at the Legion the night before so there were still decorations up in one area, and the groom was there cleaning up. I saw this sign and cracked up, asked if I could take a picture of it. He says "is that your husband? He should hold it in the picture!" Couldn't have agreed more :)

All in all, it was a wonderful day that ended with my little Fiesta of Five at California Adventure where I got to ride a REAL roller coaster all by myself! I haven't done that in years, so fun.

My little rugrats are the reason I am a mom and it has been the most profound thing I have ever done in my life. My heart bursts with love and pride for my kids and my family (that's the reason why I share so much!). 

Special thanks to my INCREDIBLE husband for providing me the opportunity to realize my life-long dream of becoming a mommy, and allowing me to stay home with them as they grow to relish every momentous and irritating moment. And I know for a FACT that I irritate him 100 times more than he irritates me. :)

I am one LUCKY lady!

Harper is TWO!!!

Oh Harper Joy, how do I even begin to describe what you mean to me and this family?? While I could write a novel on the subject of my second daughter, the baby who was a middle child long before her brother came along, the blue-eyed girl I had always dreamed I would have, I will simply say this: You are a gorgeous little spit fire who challenges me as a parent to no end, but whom I love with such ferocity that I find myself welling up with pride and adoration at the mere sound of your adorable little voice. When I was expecting you, I was worried I wouldn't be able to love another baby as much as I loved your sister, my first born, before you. I felt so guilty that Avery was no longer the center of my world that I cried real tears for weeks before you arrived. But on your due date at 40 weeks exactly, on May 11, 2012 you began your life by showing me an incredible strength I had no clue that I possessed. After 4 exciting and terrifying hours you were in my arms, FINALLY, and every fear I had ever had about not loving you enough or worsening Avery's life, melted away with your little cry and the grip of your hand on my finger. Every day since then I have wanted to tear my hair out as I fall deeper and deeper in love with you.

However, all that being said, you are indeed a second child and for that, in addition to the fact that your birthday fell on Mother's Day this year, we did not have a birthday party for you. Instead, we took our little family to California Adventure and Disneyland!

Meeting Flick!

Birthday ice cream treat

They serve beer at California Adventure. Best $14 ever spent. Ever.

I AM TWO!!!

Dumbo ride 

Meeting Merida!

Grady was such a trooper, of course

First Mickey ears!

Sweets for my sweet

You are incredibly articulate which is a blessing because you are able to use your words to express your feelings, desires and EVERY SINGLE observation you have, and so far you are easier at 2 than you were at 18 months. You ADORE your big sister and you are happiest when running around after her doing whatever she does (good and bad!) Harper, you are so sweet to your little brother and he loves watching and listening to you all day long.

Now that you are two, you are demanding to do things all by yourself, and can put on your own clothes (mostly) on your own. You are so helpful with Grady and in general you enjoy doing things to help mommy. Daddy can do no wrong in your eyes and you miss him when he is at work, and melt at night when he scratches your back and sings you songs to sleep.

Happy birthday my Harper Joy!! We love you to the moon and back!

Nana's 60th Birthday

This Cinco de Mayo was a special one! It is always my mom's birthday, but this year she turned the big 6-0! We threw her a party at El Torito and invited family and friends to celebrate my mom. It was a wonderful day and we love her so much! Happy Birthday Mom/Candy/Nana!

The Birthday Girl!

Lauren (with baby Hannah in her belly!) and Corey

Nana with 2 of her 4 (almost 5) grand kids

Friends of mom's

Sue and Penny Lou

Oma and me!

Uncle Corey bonding with Grady

Make a WISH!

Family

My brother and I and the birthday girl

My mom has been friends with these ladies for 50 years!

Me, Oma and Corey

Cousins!

Grady is 7 months!

My little man is closer to one year than he is to his birth! He continues to be the light of our lives and doted upon by everyone who meets him, family or stranger alike. Grady doesn't seem to have any teeth yet, enjoys the purees he has for breakfast and dinner, continues to enjoy nursing though he is more and more distracted. He is constantly smiling and giggles occasionally. He says "mamamama", wears size 6-12m shirts, 12m pj's (he is LONG!) and size 3 diapers. Love our growing boy more each day!!

Super Grady!