"That is CHALK, not a snack."
"Ahhh, no shoe eating!!"
"Leave your sister's nostrils alone."
The list could go on forever, honestly. There are so many times throughout the day where I stop and wonder how many other moms have said the words I've just spoken. Probably quite a few. I love that there is a surprise around every corner in this house; oh, how boring my life would be without my three little nutcases.
I suppose we have some catching up to do here, as it's been a while since I've
I was so excited to get a picture of the three of them in their adorably coordinated, yet not matching, Easter get-ups. This, ladies and gents, was the best photo I managed to get. They had zero interest in sitting down and getting their picture taken. Will was nervous about his uncle's dog running around, Kennedy only wanted to crawl over to (and eat) the fallen grapefruit blossoms in the background, and Kate couldn't stop trying to pick up Kennedy and fling her all around.
Kennedy got her chocolate cupcake on after a little candle/ "Happy Birthday" business. Imagine the "Mmmmmmm!!!" sound effects to go along with the pictures. My tiny loves chocolate. LOVES.
Cliche and unsurprisingly enough, I cannot believe how quickly the last year has passed. I can't wrap my mind around it all. It feels like Kennedy has always been ours, always been a special part of our family. It's only been 12 months, but hot diggity- it's been a great 12 months.
She has a delightfully snorty laugh that I cannot get enough of- I will stop doing almost anything to keep making her laugh that snarfely little giggle. It's perfection!
And because we all know that I can't just take one out for photos without capturing some of the others...
My sweet and amazingly talented friend, Mandi, made Kennedy THE most beautiful cake for her birthday! Honestly, it was a work of art. It's hard to cut into such a beautiful creation, but I wouldn't have wanted to put all of her hard work to waste. Really, though- look at this thing.
So amazing! And delicious. Absurdly delicious. Also, if you never have the chance to sample Mandi's lemon curd, then I feel sorry for you.
Perhaps you noticed in the tractor photo that Katie got a bit of a haircut? Several weeks ago she came home from school declaring that she wanted to have her hair cut and donate it to Locks of Love. How proud was I? A year ago, she would've run screaming at the mere thought of cutting her Rapunzelesque locks (because after all, her beloved Disney Princesses all have long hair). Her heart, though wanted to give a gift and THAT, my friends, was a big moment.
Eleven inches later, this pretty, blonde ponytail was banded up and put in an envelope!
She looks like such a big girl now! Kills me!!
The end of March/ beginning of April were slightly rough in the wellness department for all of us, but we powered through and I feel like the beautiful, warm spring is finally here and we are enjoying our phenomenal backyard!
The backyard was the cherry on top when we first looked at our house back in December of 2009. I remember falling madly in love with the layout, the atmosphere, the natural light in the breakfast nook and the giant living room windows; then came the backyard. I was early in my pregnancy with Will and immediately upon walking through the back sliding door, my heart jumped at the thought of my babies riding tricycles and playing with the hose in the beautiful backyard. It's quite a gem in the sea of South Orange County concrete patios.
I'll finish up with a thought about each of my little ducks that I would love to remember forever (and hence, I have to write it down).
This guy. He's sweet and charming; a real clown. His kryptonite: my camera. He sees it come out and usually just declares, "No." while walking away. I'm learning to embrace this fact and to love the reality of his ornery, 2.5 year old self.
Tiny is a student of her sister and brother. They make her laugh in a way that I cannot. They urge her to do things she shouldn't be doing, and she loves every minute of their mischief. Her personality is really blossoming and methinks she is going to be a little firecracker!
My sweet faced girl is developing a delicious smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose and cheeks that make me melt when she crinkles her nose and laughs! They ALSO make my heart give out when I'm trying to be serious/ discipline. How do you lay the law down on a face this precious? Sigh.
