May/June Pics

Since I haven't blogged in almost 4 MONTHS, I thought I'd at least post my favorite pics from this crazy, busy, fun, blessed summer. (Better than nothin, right?)

In Cabo celebrating our 40th birthdays. We've all been friends a minimum of 28 years. (Wow. If that doesn't make me feel old....)

The pool we hung out at every day

Tracy & I in our "backyard". That was our own infinity pool.

Sharla's Bachelorette in Vegas!! What a blast.

Hubby & I @ Shayne & Sharla's Wedding

Mr. and Mrs. Shayne & Sharla Smith- such a fun wedding!!

Tracy's Fabulous Fortieth Birthday Party @ The St. Regis

My Cuties (I had to bribe them with chocolate for this pic.)

The Doty's out visiting from Dallas. This was their beach party. SO fun!

LOVE this pic!!!

My girly-girls playing with Mommy's make-up brushes

Our Two year Old Babies

How often can I say "Time Flies"? It's so cliche but sooo true. It feels like just yesterday that I felt the anguish of thinking I'd never have a baby. And now I have 2 healthy, happy, sweet two year olds! I already almost can't remember how teeny they were & now they're actually little girls growing up way too fast. We had a small party at a park for them & they had a blast! I don't think they really "got" that it was their birthday but they had fun playing with their friends. We'll be having a little family party for them as well this weekend.

Having fun at their party

On their actual birthday (I bribed them with chocolate to hold hands & pose for me. Lol)

We took them to Santa Ana Zoo. A 1st for all & we had so much fun.

Their 1st carousel ride (Daddy wouldn't go on it for fear of getting sick. hee hee)

I'm beyond blessed for my beautiful family

Here are their stats & what they are currently doing @ 2 yrs. old

Sara Nicole

2 weeks old & approx. 5 lbs. 5 oz

At her 1st Birthday Party

2 years old

• Creative & methodical
• Slow waking up (like her Mommy)
• Gets frustrated when she can't figure something out or do something on her own
• Starting to be less timid around people/animals
• Still a big Momma's Girl
• Sensitive
• A little mischievious
• Loves when Daddy chases her & tickles her neck
• Starting to get bossy
• Daring
• Loves playing with baby dolls & wear high heels
• Very picky eater but loves sweets
• Loves Elmo
• Loves to make people laugh (mainly family cuz she's still a bit shy)
• Likes helping Mommy with laundry, unpacking groceries, etc...
• A big Copycat (It's pretty funny)
• Says at least 100 words & can repeat what you say very well

Nicknames: Red, the Short-Haired One, Sara Beara, Busy, Puss, Monkey, Love, Bossy Britches, LoveBug, SweetPea, Cutie Patootie

Weight- 27.2 lbs. - in the 55th percentile
Height- 34.2 inches - in the 55th percentile

Siena Maria

10 days old, still in the NICU, and weighed approx. 4 lbs. 4 oz.

At her 1 yr. Birthday Party

2 yrs. old

• Loves being outside
• Wakes up smiling
• A bit whiney
• Rarely turns down food & a treat to watch eat (she still shovels it in & gets it everywhere!)
• Loves playing with baby dolls & wear high heals (she started this trend & her sister copied
• Very ticklish
• Has gorgeous hair that women would pay big $$ for
• Pretty fearless
• Stubborn
• Loves animals, especially dogs
• Rarely sits still
• Ornery
• Loves to say "No", even for no reason
• Loves Elmo
• Says at least 100 words & can repeat but it doesn't sound much like it. lol

Nicknames: Suckerfish, Porkchop, the Little Long-Haired One, LoveBug, Busy, Monkey, Puss, Love, SweetPea, Cutie Patootie

Weight- 29.8 lbs. - 80th percentile
Height - 34" - 55th percentile

Big Girl Beds Already???

So, this started about 2 weeks ago when Grandma was watching the girls while I was sick. When I went to pick them up, she informed me that after she had put them down for naps & she was eating lunch, she looked up to see them "walking into the living room with what looked like their life's belongings." Lol . She was stunned. They had climbed out of their pack-n-plays & gathered up all of her pillows. After that, there was no way was Sara going back to bed. There was too much to do! We now know who the instigator of the two is.

We were concerned this was going to continue at our house but could tell that their cribs were a lot higher & they couldn't yet climb over. (You get where this is going, don't you?) So, last week I was still sick so I was sleeping downstairs. Jeff woke up @ about 6:30 in the am to Sara standing in the doorway smiling at him. At first he thought I had gotten them up for some reason & then when he looked over the railing & saw me sleeping, he realized that Sara had climbed out of her crib, opened their door & walked in our room!!!! I didn't really believe him when he told me until she did it again 10 minutes later. What's funny as well is that she really hasn't been able to open doors yet either! When Siena tried to copy her that afternoon & fell out of her crib, we knew it was time. Once I knew she was okay, I had to laugh at Sara saying "Sissy... Bop!"

So, it went smoother than we thought. When we heard noice upstairs, we found Sara had pulled every pair of shoes out of the closet, stuffed animals & blankets & thrown them into Siena's crib. Poor thing was still sleeping! Since then, we've moved all toys, locked the closet & things have been going great! I think they loved their beds. It's so sweet but also makes us so sad. Our sweet babies are growing up so fast!!! Here's out little cuties:

Here's a quick video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcE0XLrKdnc

Such a Proud Daughter!!!

My Dad was recognized as 'Professor of the Year' at Saddleback College, where he's been teaching for 33 years!! He's inspired so many during this time, even changed people's lives. I'm sure he couldn't even count the amount of letters, emails & conversations he's had saying as much. He's retiring next month & deservedly so. He's worked so hard & I'm soooooo proud of him. Here's a picture of the ticker than runs in front of the college & the article that was written in the O.C. Register today. http://www.ocregister.com/news/students-243325-college-music.html

Easter

I LOVE the holidays. There's typically beautiful weather, love & laughter in the air & time spent with family. It was especially fun this year cuz the girls were big enough to participate for the 1st time. We colored Easter eggs, which wasn't too fun after all, since they had no clue what they were doing & Siena just wanted to splash the colored die everywhere. Next year, we just need to lighten up & let them go at it. ;-) We also had an Easter Egg Hunt @ Grandma & Grandpa's & the cousins had a blast. Once the girls got all of theirs, we would just steal them out of their baskets & put them back on the ground & they'd get so excited there was more! lol They especially loved opening the eggs & eating the jelly beans, etc... We were all as spoiled as always. I LOVE my family!! Here's the pics:

Sara intently coloring her egg

Siena looking 'Oh So Cute' in her ponytail

This pic brings tears to my eyes. My big girls!!

Siena finding an egg (with Grandpa's help)

Sara on her search for more

Siena has been obsessed with her "babies" lately. Here, she's all decked out goin for a walk.

Sara trying to make everyone laugh with Grandpa's silly hat

Bears, Bunnies & Birds. Oh My!

So, my Mom & I were suppose to take the girls to Irvine Park to go to the zoo & see the Easter Bunny, but she's been really sick. (Thank God she's on the mend! I've been SO worried!) I decided to take them myself & it was an interesting adventure. We saw the Easter Bunny the other day at the park & Siena was so excited & kept wanting to go near him. So, the entire way to the park yesterday, she kept saying "Easter! Easter!" (I'm probably the only one that could understand what she was saying, but still.) When we got there, she was pointing, smiling, excited & as soon as we got to him & I tried to put her on his lap, she was hysterical. The only way I could get a picture was if she sat on my lap. Go figure. This was not the picture I was hoping for. lol

Sara, on the other hand, really takes things in. The entire time we were there, she was stone-faced, just staring at everything. 'Serious Sara' is so fitting. (Although, as I've said before, she's often the little Entertainer!) This is probably the only time she had any type of expression besides seriousness. Cute little egg!

Siena giving me her slightly annoyed look.

Sara's attempt to smile for the camera

Love this pic!

Siena's been carrying her bunny around with her everywhere. She's really getting into the Easter spirit, huh??

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter. Love to you & your families. Xoxo

Little Ladies

How much do I LOVE being a Mom to girls?? ♥ We played dress up today (thanks to my dear friend LG) and S&S loved playing with their new shoes & tutus. Siena especially. Sara was having fun putting the shoes in & out of the box. hee hee It was so cute watching them try to balance on heels. Start 'em young, right??? ;-) Here they are: