Wednesday, January 29, 2014

January Faves


It's a good time to share some of Brooklyn's favorite things to do. She is growing up so fast, and I want to remember her little phases of pastimes. First off, she loves her grandparents. All of them. Of course, she loves when Grandpa colors with her, and when Grandma tells her stories or teaches her about something. They make playdough together and sing songs. 


My mom is learning to play the cello! She plays quite beautifully, and it was lovely having her music ringing through my home. Lovely mama.


One of Brooklyn's best friends is her cousin Mylee. She gets so excited whenever they get to play together, and it makes me happy to see the bonds they are making now that I know will last. As you might see from this picture, another of her favorite things to do is make faces in pictures. I can't really get a smile out of her, just about 10 different faces.

This boy is looking more and more like his daddy.

More faces.

This particular face is the dog from "Ten Apples Up On Top". It's her favorite.

She takes the liberty of reading to her brother on a daily basis. It's so sweet to watch, and although her words are made up, she's got the idea. :)

Holding hands.

This kid is pretty much happy all the time. Such a mellow baby. Although it's also nearly impossible to coax a smile out of him, and even harder to get a picture of it!

 Brooklyn got a haircut! Sure, she looks adorable, but I miss her long hair. :*( I'll get used to it, I'm sure. 


Giving her babies and animals a ride in her brother's swing is also a daily occurrence...

As is standing up her many tiny animals on a book so they can all be together...

As is singing "Let it Go" during whatever activity she is doing at the moment. I have a few videos of her singing it (adorable), but they are too long for here.


And here is Stock's cutie little laugh. I love it! It's so boy!

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Two Months

Happy 2 months to my Stockton James! A day late, but close enough. He gets bigger every day, and although I'm sure after my kids are grown I will look back and miss this stage, right now I am encouraging him to grow up! I love seeing him make connections and learn our faces. Must be nice to have a birthday every month. :)


Sunday, January 5, 2014

Blessing Day

 Stockton was blessed today. It was such a sweet experience, and we were surrounded by people we love and admire. He hardly cried at all, and looked so very handsome. He has been such a good baby, and we are so grateful to have him in our family. I look forward to all the experiences he will have, and feel so lucky to be his mommy.




This was my attempt at getting a Hallmark photo of the two kids, except Brooklyn was trying to smile while eating Smartees, and Stockton is looking at me like, "Are you kidding me?" *sigh*

 Another awesome surprise is that Angeli and her family were in town! They came to see the blessing, and it was so great to see them again. Brooklyn and Brooke are great friends, and although we only got to hang out for a minute, it was exciting! It's also Angeli's birthday today!



The next best part of the day? Having Mom and Dad rub my feet! Ahh. Luxury.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year! We had the greatest new year's party! Mom and Dad were visiting, so we had almost everyone. We missed Matt and Jen. :( 


 Naturally, the chocolate fountain was the star of the evening. New member of the family!


The photo bombers.









The highest number of cousins I could get at one time!

Doing some dance game... I'm getting old, I don't even know what it's called.



Chillin' in the hot tub.

Disappointed to be losing his trophy... It was tough. He still got 3rd place, but the trophy went to John Carter! Congratulations on your Fantasy Football win, John!

Grandpa Hanks isn't too happy about losing..



The faithful spectators.











Cute little Brooklyn was so tired she fell asleep on the floor, even with all of the mayhem around her.



Still sleeping.

Our family is the best! Our parties are always a blast, and I love being with family for the holidays. Here's to a new year! (Hear, hear!)