Two Years Ago Today.....

June 30th, 2010 at 8:18 am. 8 lbs. 3.7 oz. 19 inches long. Perfect in every squishy way. Happy birthday Emily Kay. We love your silly, sweet, rowdy, beautiful, stubborn self. Thank you for bringing so much joy to our lives, Emmy Kay Doodle.

Right now, your outside under the sea theme has hit a snag. We've gone weeks with hot sunny weather and last night? Is when Mother Nature decided to wreak havoc with rain, wind, hail, trees down, a mess. It's looking ugly out there. But? We're still going to celebrate you baby girl, one way or another. (Interesting I'm sure) party pics to come!

does this cape make my butt look big?

When Emily was 10 days old, I took her and a 22 month old Brookie to a 1 year old's birthday party. I was still very sore from surgery. I was tired. I was engorged. I was chasing around a toddler while wearing a Moby & Hooter Hider so I could nurse discreetly hands free.

A friend came up to me and said "You? You are Super mom." I've been told this so many more times since that day. From random people at a restaurant when I by myself take both girls to sit down and eat. Or take them both to the grocery store alone.

And when people say this to me, I'm pretty sure my face looks a little something like this....

And then I choke back a boisterous guffaw. Super Mom, I am not.

Like any and all moms, I get flustered too. Aggrivated. Overwhelmed. Have 'wave the white flag' moments.

I take more pictures with my iPhone and use filters to improve them instead of using my Canon on manual in the perfect light.

My kids are lucky to get a bath every other day.

I hide in the bathroom even though nature isn't calling just to have 2 minutes alone {well, more like 45 seconds.}

I bite my husband's head off.

Sometimes don't brush my teeth until 3pm. Or put on deodorant. Or wear a bra.

Get angry when bath water is splashed all over the bathroom floor.

When I hear a whine/moan/groan after the stories are read & the night lights go on, I get tense because all I reeeeeeally want to do is lay on the couch & watch Barefoot Contessa.

We don't eat organic. Processed food is consumed 'round these parts (Taco Bell is delicious and you know it.)

I shudder to think what's lurking inside our couch cushions.

Team Pampers here.

And somehow we're all still alive & well, despite my initial thinking that I could only ever use Dreft detergent on the girls clothes & they couldn't possibly ever eat a Happy Meal. Sure my inner OCD flares up when things don't go exactly how Pinterest makes them out to be, but that's okay. Mess shmess, right? It's okay to have days when you don't feel like everything in life is swell. It's okay. "Perfect" isn't what makes my girls smile. Makes them laugh. Makes them happy. They're content with the best that I can do.

To them, I AM Super Mom, frozen pizza for dinner and all.

Emily's Birthday Date

Yesterday Dustin and I celebrated a very special soon to be (how can this be?) birthday girl. Even though we only have two children, so they each get a pretty good amount of one on one time, we like to have a mommy/daddy/girlie date to celebrate their birthday. We started this last year for Brookie's 3rd birthday, and it was great for all three of us. She got our full undivided attention and we got to enjoy every minute of it.

So since Emily's birthday is Saturday (again, how?!), we decided to have her date yesterday. Forecast? 90 degrees, sunny, and windless. There goes our zoo plans. What's better {than Daddy lovin's of course}?

Lunch out at The Cheesecake Factory...

Followed by her first trip to Build A Bear, where we could've seriously spent three digits on a single stuffed animal {holy cute outfit/accessory options.} She finally settled for a Minnie Mouse bear, affectionately called Minnie Bear, complete with a hot pink tutu (even though Dustin was pushing for the Cleveland Indians cheerleader uniform) and birth certificate. Overpriced cuteness at it's finest...



And then a trip to the Disney store to find her birthday present. You know how bummed I am about how much 'Tangled' is viewed in this house {and by bummed, I mean totally ecstatic because I think I love this movie more than an adult should}, so when Emily ran right to bride Rapnuzel & Eugene and had them make kissy noices, I fell even more smitten with her. 

At the end of the day, I think she enjoyed herself :) We had a few hitches in our giddyup thanks to the beginnings of terrible two's and no nap, but an awesome day was had by all.

And I do mean by all. Three guesses at what big sister went to see & if she liked it or not. {That's a drawing of her crown, so she can be "just like bwave"}

Hope you all had an equally great weekend!

P.S. ohmygodmybabyisalmosttwo!

can i get a do-over?

"If I could go back & do it over, I would've...."

We've all said it 100 times. Something you wished you said. Something you wish you didn't say. Something you wish you did do/didn't do. Sometimes it plays in your mind over & over again.

Well this is mine. My do-over moment.

June 6th, 2003. My 18th birthday. I was free! To do what I wanted, when I wanted, wherever I wanted. Two of my girlfriend planned a night out in Columbus to celebrate and I was all for it. First place we went? A tattoo parlor. For my 1st tattoo. I didn't need my mommy's signature. I was "an adult".

And of course being the "adult" I was, I didn't think ahead. Didn't think about the placement of the tattoo. Or how much it would hurt. Or the lack of significance. Or the placement (did I mention that already?)

So after 2 hours, a friend with a very sore hand, and many curse words later....

Yep. A butterfly (original, I know.) On my lower abdomen, right by my left hip bone. In the ugliest sequence of colors known to man & thickest outline {really sir? this shouted feminine to you?}  Why are his wings so huge? Why is his body so tiny? And what is on top of his head?! ::sigh::

9 years has taken it's toll on this guy. 2 pregnancies, 2 c-sections, gaining weight, losing weight.....it hasen't been very pretty. Dustin affectionately called this "the eagle" during my pregnanices with the girls. And as you can tell, the eagerfly has a few new squiggle friends flying with him.

So there you have it. My do-over moment. I'd totally go back and un-do it if I could. Unlike me, the Frigidaire Gallery™Dishwasher gets dishes fully cleaned the first time, so there are no dish do-overs. Nearly half of adults admit to re-washing and/or re-drying dishes after the dishwasher cycle has been completed. To prevent dishwasher do-overs, Frigidaire® is stepping in with its new Gallery® Dishwasher featuring the OrbitCleanTM Wash Arm, ensuring dishes are cleaned right the first time.

What's your do-over moment? A glorious tattoo like mine? Perhaps the dolphins around your belly button or an ex's name on your bum? Do tell.


I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All the opinions expressed here are my own.

Link Lovin' Friday

+Adore this little mason jar & lemon flower arrangement.

+My hubs is a grillaholic....and a pretty damn good one at that. On the menu for tonight? Everything grilled---lemon garlic chicken kabobs with a side of cheesey avacado and honey pineapple with ice cream for dessert. Don't slip in my drool.

+I'll take this bag...

+And these shoes....

+And while we're at it, every single thing in this shop.

+My friend Katie wrote the most hysterical post ever......about a crying stripper. Yes, a sobbing beefcake. In her lap. Trust me, read it.

+This reminds me I should probably clean my makeup brushes, since I haven't um, ever.

+$8 skinny mint jeans? Yes please.

Welcome to the weekend, friends! With Miss Emmy Kay's birthday & party just 8 days away, we still have lots of planning to do {translation, Momma still has favors to make/decorations to craft and Daddy still has alot of ESPN to watch.} And on Sunday, we're taking her out for her birthday date. Just the three of us while Brookie spends the day with my mom. Still debating on where to take her {zoo? COSI?} but you can guarentee a trip to the Disney store will be included (to please my 29 year old child, of course.)



Dear Max

Maxers,

    Look how much you've grown in 3 short months, boy. From a little soft blondie who I could carry with one arm to a big brisly haired rascal who I can barely lift off the ground....and you're only 5 months old. Not even close to being done growing yet, ya big galoot.

It feels like you've been with us for much longer than just 90 days. We were so excited to get you & so excited for the girls to play with you and grow up with you. We also didn't realize the work a puppy took {better yet, we didn't want to realize the work it would take.} The sharp puppy teeth. The peeing every 5 minutes in every corner of every room of the house. The whining at night. The poop. The midnight, 3 am, 4 am, and 6 am calls of nature. The chewing. The ripping. The mess.

Add two toddlers to the mix.

It was like being in the sleep deprived 'don't even look at me or I'll cut you' newborn phase again. I believe I even said I'd rather have newborn twins than a puppy. A baby? Could be popped onto the breast, swaddled, then put in swing for a nap. A puppy? Scratches you, chews a hole in your blanket, and won't sit still for one single minute.

For a little while there, I thought we had taken on too much. Made a mistake. It wasn't the right time to get a puppy. Thought I should take you back to the family where your mom, dad, & other brother were. It was too much work & I already had my hands full with the girls.

But I couldn't.

The joy you brought to Dustin, to the girls. It was magical. We kept saying that it would get better. That this was just a phase. An adjustment. Like the newborn phase, this too shall pass. And it has.

We realized (moreso I realized) that you weren't just a "love me while I'm cute and small and convenient pet". You were OUR pet. Our boy. You loved us all unconditionally. You deserved the same. And you started to take your business outside. That in and of itself was worthy of you stickin' around, kiddo ;)

So while you weren't my favorite person for awhile and still piss the bejesus out of me when I see another pair of the girls flip flops shredded on the floor, I love you so much, Maxamoose. Your cuddles and breath are pretty great and I can't imagine our little family without you in it. You made our four into a solid five and gave a big ol' dose of testosterone to the bunch. Dustin is forever grateful for that.

Now if you could just sweep up your hair, that'd be great. Oh and stop farting.

xoxo

Just a sneak peek

{Dimple Prints design}

Oh the cute. I can barely stand it {except I totally can & love to stare at her.}

Y'all know how I get with birthdays, and this year is no exception. This girls love for the bath tub, Bubble Guppies, Octonauts, and swimming all pointed to one party theme--under the sea. I can't wait to show you guys all the fun little party ideas I have in mind.

Oh you want to see something now? Won't take no for an answer?!

Don't have to twist my arm.

{Max & Bella design}

These will go perfectly on sand pail favors filled with yummy goodies. ::minisquee::

Just checking---it's totally normal for a mom to be this overly excited about random Etsy purchases & Pinterest finds for a toddlers party, right?

I thought so :)



steppin' out 6-17-12 // happy fathers day!

shirt, earrings, & necklace--f21//maxi skirt--target//invisible but super cute & comfy turqouise sandals--kohls.

Happy Fathers Day to all the daddies & grandpas out there. Ladies, I hope your men got some extra zzz's this morning and an awesomely sloppy card from the kiddos (check & check for my guy.) And to Dustin--thank for you being such a devoted, hard working, attentive daddy. Thank you for coming home at night after working all day & unloading the dishwasher or patroling bathtime. Thank you for telling our girls they're beautiful everyday. Thank you for being the father I unfortunately never had to the daughters I always wanted. And thank you for being hot.

After a lazy gray morning, we decided to get out of the house & drive away from the rain clouds. Lunch at BW3's (guess who chose) & a trip to Kingwood Center while the sun was out made for a pretty great not so shabby day.

As soon as we finished up playing on the swings & going down slides at a nearby parks, the thunder rolled in and it just started pouring. And hasen't stopped.

So now? We're back home in our jams with a pot of coffee brewing contemplating between chinese or Subway for dinner. And my current view is Dustin sitting on a toddler Boots chair putting together a Toy Story puzzle with the girls with 'Tangled' on the TV. After that? The 3 of them are going to make lemon cake cookies with cream cheese frosting. If that doesn't shout Daddy (and zomgcarbs!), I don't know what does.

Linking up with Mandy at The Haps.

Links to Love this Week

+Colorblock maxi dresses scream summer (and style) to me. Like this one and this one.

+As a recovering Sprite and current Diet Pepsi addict, these delish flavored water recipes are EXACTLY what my skin needs.

+With our Color Run in 5 weeks, this kind of motivation is necessary.

+As a twice a week (three times max) hair washer, I'm loving this blogs dirty hair month tutorials.

+These Father's Day printable questionaires are hilarious. I'd love to see the answers Brookie would come up with. Bonus--there's one for all the Pawpaws too!

+Christian Grey. 'Nuff said.

Happy gorgeous weekend, frands! Yesterday Dustin got offered two Indians tickets 10 rows {scratch that--ahem FOUR rows} behind home plate for tonight for dirt cheap, so yay for that (and beer. and nachos. because obviously.)

Brookie Says // Emmy Says

"It's hot like salsa outside today"

{Just waking up when she heard her sister making 'coooo' noises from the other room} "There's owls in the house!"

"I peed first so my poop has somewhere to swim. Because I'm nice like that"

{Laying on the floor together waiting for her nails to dry} "Do you have anything fun you wanna talk about?"

"I don't want to get married. People will stare at me & I might have ketchup on my face"

B: "When will I get to be the boss?"
Me: "When you become a mommy"
B: "When I have kids?"
Me: "Yes"
B: "Yeah! Then they'll be all like "yeah but yeah but" and I'll tell them "I.SAID.NO." Because I'm the boss"

{Looks at man with an earring at Chipotle} "Is that a girl?"
Me: quickly shushing her telling her no
B (loudly): "But Daddy said only girls have earrings when I asked to pierce his ears!"

Em: "Mommy I yuv ewe"
Me: "I love you"
Em: "So much"
Me: "So much"
Em: "Fer-eder"
Me: "Forever"

Me {after she hit her sister}: "Emily Kay, what do you say to Sissy?"
Em: "You're welcome"

Me{midst loaded diaper change} "You stink, kid"
Em: "Shoooooooey"
Me: laughing
Em: "I funny!"

Me: "What's a cow say?"
Em: "Moo"
Me: "What's a pig say?"
Em "Oink oink"
Me: "What's a giraffe say?"
Em {thinking for a second} "Hello my friend!"

{Catching her soaked splashing in Max's water dish} "SWIMMING!"

{Climbs in Max's crate, shuts door and tells me} "I sleep here"

Me: "Emmy Kay, do you love mommy?"
Em: "MmHmm"
Me: "Who's your best friend?"
Em: "Chokit milk"

You Again?

Well well well. We meet again, Monday. Lucky for you this weekend was pretty righteous....Gas station stop before a dollar theater showing of 'The Lucky One' with the only friend who understands your weird (but totally legal) obsession with manboy Zac Efron. And also doesn't believe there were enough shirtless scenes. Aaanywho.....Summer attire. Workin' for dinner. Fun package in the mail. An entire day out with my momma, including some F21, DSW, Mongolian BBQ, and the Michael Jackson Cirque de Soleil show {amazing music, of course, and talented howinthedirtyhellaretheybendingthatway people. but wowza, talk about a trippy experience.} Lazy Sunday poolside. Hello Kitty mafia. And a rowdie (yes, I was a cheerleader) pup in humid heaven.

So while I'm not thrilled to see you again, Monday, I'm still on an awesome weekend high. But when I get my daily case of the 2 o'clocks, I still have a shit ton of contraband in my purse to keep me going.

"Abba-Zaba, you my only friend"...{C'MON! I know you know this one!}

america's rockin' roller coast

I woke up the morning of my birthday to Dustin's work alarm going off at 6:30. He did his usual shower, get dressed, smooch on the cheek while I layed in bed drifting in and out of sleep. Then at 7:30, I had two girls bouncing into my bed and a dog downstairs whining to go out. I walk downstairs, into the kitchen....

And saw Dustin standing there in swishy pants & hoodie holding coffee and donuts. SURPRISE!

He took the day off work to spend the day with me for my birthday! I found it hilarious that he actually got up, dressed nice for work, and then snuck downstairs and changed to get breakfast, just to keep this all extra hush hush. And got me my favorite coffee from one shop & favorite donut from another. But before breakfast came presents! Maxers got me a card that said Mommy on it {lol}. The girls got me a sweet card where Brookie wrote her name inside AND a beautiful silver Pandora bracelet with the everlasting love charm. So excited to keep adding little charms to this beaute.

Best of all? Dustin got him & I tickets to go to Cedar Point for the day. I squeeed like a 9 year old meeting Bieber. I LOVE Cedar Point. Always have since I was a little girl. The 3 summers where I was either pregnant or breastfeeding and didn't go were big bummers for me. So yeah, birthday girl was pumped. Especially since we were going on a Wednesday in the beginning of June AKA lines would be short & sweet. My mom, who told me that we were spending the day together for Target and brunch, was in on the mission and took the girls for a fun day of the park & movies at home.

Dustin & I had such a great day together. Lines that on a Saturday mid July would be 2 hours were 20 minutes. We took pictures, held hands, laughed, ate, squealed, posed for the coaster pictures, made fun of each other, got nauseous a few times (guess our stomachs have changed since we were kiddos.) Routine days and weeks make you feel like you're in a rut. Days like Wednesday make me get those first few month butterflies in my tummy. I had a permasmile all day. And we came home just in time to put our girlies to bed for the night.

So 27? Pretty spectacular so far. Thank y'all so much for the birthday wishes here and on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Now if you'll excuse me, this leftover birthday cake isn't going to drench itself in milk and be gobbled up.