14 Months!

Audrey, our sweet baby Audrey, you are now 14 months old.  I am not quite sure how, but time does get exponentially faster when you have children.  Maybe it is because life's so busy.

Audrey you bring so much joy to our family.  Within just the last month, you walk everywhere - you are so done with crawling.  This means you are higher up and now see that climbing can get you even higher... on top of the picnic table, into whatever bin happens to be out (toy bins, boxes, laundry baskets, you name it), on top of kids chairs, on top of ride on toys (on your knees!), crawling into your doll's pram and shopping cart and even your wagon. I love the look on your face when you're settled in - so accomplished and with such a clever smile.  We cannot leave you alone for a single minute.  You are so adventurous.  We catch you with your hands in the toilets, climbing on the treadmill, trying to escape the gates so you can get upstairs, sadly watching the sliding glass door close your path to the outside.

Within the  last few weeks, you've shared lots of "sounds" that are words - Uh-oh, Hyyye (Hi), lots of Dada, Buh-Bye, Weeee (a personal favorite), Nigh-Nigh, De-Das (Vegas), Buuh (Book), Mama, Nana (Banana and use this for milk and your blanket too).  You've started having temper tantrums that are just so darn cute, when you don't get your way and you know how to swat our hand away.

You've been busy making music, filling things up and dumping them out, trying to brush your hair, walking around with a toothbrush in your mouth for half the day (i know, that's dangerous!), taking off your socks, trying to get outside (even in the rain), drinking lots and lots of whole milk, splashing in the tub and playing the stand-up sit-down game, pulling out all the sippy cups from the drawer, and sneaking into Amelia's room to get the miniature dog bone out of her doll house.

Given that spring has sprung already, we spruced up the backyard.  You love the patio where we relocated the play house, the cozy coupe, the tricycle and your water table.  We find you climbing through the windows of the cozy coupe to get in and out - just like the dukes of hazard.  You love playing peek a boo in the windows of the playhouse and climbing on top of the picnic table.  We've had to install safety gates to keep you from getting into the tool area or down on the bricks.  On day two with the gates you climbed through the rose garden to get around our contraptions.  Fortunately you love swinging on the playset so we can guarantee your safety for a while.

Most lovely, is your relationship with Amelia.  You are two peas in a pod and I am so excited that you love one another so much.  It is so cute to see you ladies hide from one another, giggle together and hold hands in the car from your carseats.  What lucky girls you are to have such a special relationship.

It is a treat to see you delight in your world.  We love you baby Audrey.

Fitz Family Visit

My dear friend Amy and her family - Mike, Carter and baby Hadley - were in California for a few days and we were fortunate to steal some moments with them while they were in town.  This was the first time we met Hadley - adorable baby sister to big sister Carter.  Carter and Amelia had a blast playing together, while Amy and I cherished the time to catch up on life and love on one another's kiddos.  Of course the boys had a great deal to talk about as well, so the time flew by.

We were fortunate to have incredible weather so we ate a bbq lunch outside while the girls explored the play set.  We miss you already!

Ladies who lunch

Mike and Hadley

Amy and Michelle

Cream Cheese Face

Here's sweet Audrey, loving cream cheese.

Cute Kiddos

The other day Conor was over playing and the kids were getting restless.  We saw the "big boys" from the street outside playing basketball and thought it was a good idea if Conor and Amelia went outside to play.  We came upon the tetherball - Adriana and I immediately thought of our old Elementary School Days and decided we would teach the kids how to play.  They learned a rudimentary version, but they were so cute.  I can't believe how old they are getting.

Sun-shiny day at Coyote Point

Mama has been a bit busy with work lately so when the "mom-guilt" set in, I decided that I would specifically set aside some time with the girls with my full attention.  We lucked out with an incredibly beautiful day (in February!) at Coyote Point.  This park is great - a fantastic playground with a castle and slide about 3 stories tall, huge grassy areas covered with geese (watch out for poop!) and a nice path to walk along the water.

St. Valentine's Day

I love Valentines Day.  Not for all the commercial I-need-flowers or heart-shaped-box-of-chocolates type reasons, but rather just having the opportunity to go out of your way for your loved ones.  Amelia's school had their St. Valentine's Day party on Monday the 13th (more kids attend on Mondays) so she and I spent the weekend prepping her home-made Valentines (inspired by Pinterest) and deciding on what treat to share.

My mom had sent a sweet Valentines Day surprise package that included fun cupcake liners and toppers so we decided on vanilla cupcakes with fun sprinkles in these liners with the heart toppers.  Her party at school was so cute- each student had a "mailbox" and everyone passed out their Valentines Day treats to all.  Amelia was over the top excited.  This hand-me-down jacket from cousin Sophia was the perfect addition to her outfit for the day.

Rainy day Audrey all bundled up.  

 And a rainbow of love on Valentines Day!

Amelia wearing her heart pants from Mimi.  Thanks Mimi and Papa! xo