How Does it Happen

That they grow so fast? These pictures are from ONE YEAR ago. It makes my stomach hurt. Maybe I need more small people; these small people keep getting BIG.

And then I think about last night and how this should be a post celebrating the fact that Holden slept through the night, but instead I'm writing about how Davis woke up at 5:00 a.m. DE.MAN.DING that he go "way on my banket in the wibing woom. with daddy."

So angry and stubborn in his demands. And I thought to myself "Who is the boss here?" And I answered (to myself) "I AM THE BOSS HERE..." So I told him no and suggested that he either lay back down or we could rock for a minute. And then he screamed so loud and so long that I just knew he would wake Holden up so I offered up laying with me in my bed for a little bit...and realized that possibly he was the boss in that moment. You win some, you lose some. I weighed my options- one baby up screaming at 5:00 a.m. is certainly better than two.

So he toddled down the hall next to me and we climbed in bed. And he had to get situated just so...he had to find his special pillow and he wanted to lay his blanket out so he could lay right on it...and he had to be in the middle of our shared pillow and he needed me to move over a little so he could get cozy...but i couldn't go on the other side of the king size bed because he wanted "mommy go right here." And then he had to whisper a little bit. That's what you do at night.

And he laid there for a minute. And then he giggled. And I played dead asleep. And he giggled again. And then he got up so close to my face and kissed me on the lips. I still played dead- one cannot be fooled by this charm at 5:00 a.m. And then, he sat up, scooted up close to me and began to rub ever so softly on my arms and back. So soft, soft, a little soft, a little more firm, a little tougher, until he was banging on my arms and back like "Hey lady- I'm giving you a back rub here, the least you can do is acknowledge it..." and so I giggled and said "thank you..." and then sure enough, Holden woke up.

So I took him back to his bed, went to feed her, tried to lay her back down, went to lay back down myself, fell asleep for 10 minutes and then heard her basically saying "I slept through the night and now I'm ready to party!" So I got up and started the day. So maybe I don't need more small people. :)

Denver: Days 3 and 4

Before I forget...
The morning of Day 3 was spent in Boulder- which is the cutest little town...full of shops and little restaurants. We walked around the main square and just looked at things. I was looking for a gift for my mom the whole time, to thank her for keeping Davis and Holden. I thought this little street fair would be perfect. The only thing I really noticed was a very cool necklace...I went over to check it out, thinking "This is SO my mom..." and the price was $3000.00. Yes, three THOUSAND dollars.

At a street fair. Just sitting on top of a little booth. WHAT? So needless to say, we left gift-less. Ha.

We then drove back and hung out at the pool all afternoon. Had more than our fair share of margaritas and pina coladas and ended up shooting the breeze with an older couple from New York who live in the Four Seasons residences. I love older people. Well, people of all ages really...you can just learn a lot from getting to know people in different life stages than you.

After sleeping off our afternoon party, we went to the loveliest restaurant called "The Kitchen." It's a farm to table restaurant that gets a lot of buzz in the Colorado area and otherwise. Okay- so that day I bought a dress in Boulder. A cute coral colored dress...very simple, but so cute. SECOND BITE in to dinner I drip an oil vinaigrette down the front. WHAT? Ruined? After one hour of wearing it? I don't think so...I ended up trying Dawn to get it out and it totally worked. Poor Bennett had other ideas for the evening- drinks, live music, something...but I was not going to let a little oil ruin my new dress.

The next morning, we met up with Sommer, John, Emma and Emma's new baby brother Landon, for brunch at Snooze. Sommer was one of my bridesmaids and while I don't see her a lot- I love that we always pick up right where we left off. Seeing her made me miss her even more than I already do. I think I'll bring Davis up there one weekend so he and Emma can play and Sommer and I can hang out. I can't stop kicking myself for not getting a picture of us all...but here is the restaurant. Man it was so cute...and so good. I had Eggs Benedict. Which is probably prompting you to wonder how I did with WW while there...I stayed the same...which I guess is pretty good for vacation.

We then hopped a plane and headed back to Austin. And I was SO excited to see Davis and Holden. Davis came running down the hallway to hug Bennett and I. It felt like a million bucks.

So that was our trip to Denver. We had a great time.

Separately- a few funny things Davis said this weekend.
"Well, I haven't seen those in a while..." (when Bennett pulled out some of Davis' favorite mesh shorts)

"I need a snack. I need sumfin special daddy..."

Today when trying to get the DVD player in the car to work- just to show Davis the new gadget...
Me: "I don't know, Davis. It's not working. We'll have to ask daddy when he gets back tomorrow..."
Davis: "You can DO it mommy. I know you can."

"I don't like you. I LOVE you daddy." (He had just told Bennett he didn't like him and Bennett started to act sad and said "That makes me so sad, why don't you like me, Davis?" Clever dude.)

"Daddy- do NOT put your feet on mommy's new car."

Sunday Night Thoughts

I'm at home, watching the Olympics. Feeling nervous about what I'm about to see happen with Jordyn Wieber since I already read about it online. Damn you technology! Ha. Also writing a presentation for the assistant account managers at work on "Managing Up". I meet with them/train them once a month and I really love it. It happens to be all girls- so we have a lot of fun, I hope they learn a lot, and we have a little girl talk too.

Anyway- I just have thoughts streaming through my head so I thought I would write them down. I'm a little lonely these days. I miss Bennett...he's traveling so much. I'm hoping we have a new solution soon- it's rough on him, and it's certainly hard on us at home. Mostly I miss having him here every night, or at least most nights, and on top of that, I miss having freedom. Freedom to go see friends occasionally, freedom to work out whenever I want, freedom just to go to the grocery store at night. On one hand, I shouldn't complain. Think of single moms, army moms, etc, etc. But on the other, I still feel this way. I cannot imagine how my mom did this every day for 20+ straight years. I seriously can't. It's lonely.

So that's one thing. The other thing is that I got a new car. Well, a new to me car. I ended up buying a pre-owned Acura MDX. It's white and so nice...and my favorite thing is that you can open and close the trunk with the click of a button. It's the little things. Okay, actually, that's a lie. My favorite thing is that I shouldn't have to look for cars again for a LONG TIME. Car shopping is the worst. And again- I shouldn't complain. I was able to go buy a nice car. Many people aren't. And on that note, I feel both excited about it, and a little bit like "maybe I should have just gotten something else..."

We had a sermon at church this morning about how you cannot serve two masters. You can't stop and start at the same time. You can't hold on and let go. You can't love and hate. And it was really about where you spend your time- whether in thinking, spending, worrying, working, or whatever...that is who/what you serve. And it was really about money. And while I wouldn't say I'm the most materialistic person ever- I'm also a middle class American. And I have these false expectations and feelings of entitlement...I really do. And it sort of makes me feel gross. If I had bought a Kia, I could have given my money to something/someone else.

And it reminds me that I need to make sure that not everything in my life is about me. And I don't mean just me, Sam. I mean me: my family, my friends, my job, my house, my dreams. Sometimes your master isn't even so selfish. It might be just making sure your kids are set up...can go to college stress free, or whatever. But it's still serving yourself...and that, I feel like, is really all I do. I need to change that. So that's on my mind. I just need more time.

I know. That's just an excuse.

We had a good weekend...it was nice to feel like we had three days to spend together doing whatever we wanted (other than car shopping). I could tell that Davis was so glad Bennett was home. He's been having a hard time lately- and I think it has a lot to do with his daddy being gone. He has a harder time at drop-off...today he wouldn't even stay in sunday school without huge crocodile tears...and he's started to be more vocal about missing his dad. So clearly we're trying to figure out a solution...but in the meantime it was nice to have a long weekend. Bennett took Friday off to help me with the car stuff, and I was so thankful for that.

Saturday we had the Ryans over- and Carrie said it best when she said "We've reached the promise land..." because Davis and Porter just played on their own the whole time. It was so nice. Porter would say things like "Let's go play in your room, Davis..." and I loved seeing them chase each other and giggle. We picked up Salt Lick for dinner. We watched the Olympics. GO TEAM USA! And just hung out.

And then today we did church, we played, we took Bennett to the airport and then we went to a birthday party for our 3 year old neighbor. Davis had a REALLY hard time understanding and dealing with the fact that the amazing Monster Mutt (a monster truck that is also a dog) we got was for Gavin. Not him. But we had fun anyway...

Okay, well I'm off to bed. Hope you had a great weekend.

Giggle

I got Holden to giggle. repeatedly. last night! I'm so excited, there is nothing better than the sound of a baby giggling, and it took a really long time to get her to crack. She has been smiling from ear to ear forever, but no giggles. Little did I know that all I had to do was make this really silly smacking noise with my mouth while hovering over her in her crib to get the giggle. Ha.

Also- knock on wood- this is day 2 of taking her off her reflux meds. I cannot even believe it. I sort of thought this day would never come. Thank you GOD!

End of Year Koalas Photo

I realize these are a lot of the same...but it cracks me up watching their faces change from picture to picture. Especially Davis. Ha. Can you imagine trying to get 14 kids to take even one good picture? God bless those teachers. I can't believe he has only one month left of being a Koala. Next, he will be a Robin. Geez, it's going too fast.

Click on each picture if you would like to see the facial expressions up close.

While We Were Away...

Before I get to days 3 and 4...here is a look at what Mr. Davis was up to while we were gone.

Thursday he was picked up by Honey- and she had "cop-corn" ready for him in the car. This was a special request- and I thought it was funny because we never have popcorn at home. He really remembers things.

Saturday morning he competed in a bike race with Nikki and Tony. I expected him to get in the little bike trailer and say "I all done" about 100 times, but apparently he was such a trooper and really enjoyed the whole ride. I think he was trying to impress Mikki and Toe-nee! Also, he got a cupcake at the end.

After that, he went home for a nap, and then got picked up by B and Corky to go to Chik-Fil-A and Cabela's. SPOILED! I have to get more pictures from C&B because they are so ADORABLE, but here is one Court send me on my phone.

He loves Mikki and Tony and Corky and B so much- and it makes me feel like a million bucks that they love him in return.

Thank you guys!

Denver: Days One and Two

We're back and man, I am so refreshed. We had such a fun time...we slept in, we saw the sights, we ate well, we drank well, and we just relaxed. It was everything I had hoped for. I told my mom that it really felt like we were kids. One of my favorite trips is one that Bennett and I took the summer before we got engaged. We flew to San Diego- no hotels, no plans, nothing...and we had such an amazing time. Denver felt a lot like that...it was just what we needed.

And it was the perfect amount of time. I missed Davis and Holden, of course, but I really enjoyed being there with Bennett. We laughed and talked a lot. The best way to sum up vacation without kids is that you get to talk as much as you want, or be quiet as much as you want. If you are a parent- you know what I mean. :)

Oh, but wait, before I dig into the trip...guess who has to get a new car this week? ME. And while I know that sounds fun, I didn't really plan on it, and I don't know what sort of car I should get...and I have to make a decision. EEK!

Okay, back to the regular programming.

Day One:
Bennett picked me up Thursday afternoon and we went to check in at the hotel. We got great rates on The Four Seasons, so that was a fun treat. After checking in, we walked down to this really cute gastro-pub and brewery, Euclid Hall.

I went with a tomato caprese salad to hold me over till dinner...Bennett opted for a curry corn dog, sausage, and some bone marrow. Yes, seriously. This is what it looked like.

It grossed me out...sort of made me feel like a dog gnawing on a bone...but the beer was great. I had no idea that the Denver area is the Napa Valley of beer. Lots of good, local options.

We walked around a little bit- checking out the cute local stores on Larimer Street, then went and relaxed in the room for a while. A few hours later- we walked across downtown (it was far and I was in cute/uncomfortable shoes) to have dinner at Park & Co. AMAZING burgers. And really it sort of felt like Austin.

We walked back after dinner and just decided to go to sleep early...it was so nice to both go to sleep early and sleep as late as we wanted.

Day Two:
I woke up early on Friday- well at least according to Denver time. So we were up and on the road by 8:30 to go to Colorado Springs for some hiking and a look at the Olympic Training Center. I'll be honest, this wasn't the part I was looking forward to the most, but I was trying to be congenial and compromising for Bennett. We drove to Garden of the Gods to hike, but didn't get very far...it was HOT. Like 100 degrees hot. And it wasn't my idea to quit- if that's what you are thinking.

But here we are at Balanced Rock. It felt a lot like Zion National Park- though not as big or beautiful.

Then we headed over to the US Olympic Training Center. So cool, especially one week before the London Olympics. We went on the tour and watched the video and I actually almost cried it was so inspiring. I really admire people that work so incredibly hard, give up so much, to perfect their skills at an individual sport. It's really crazy.

So while we were there- most of the actual Olympians had already headed over to London- but we did get to see potential Olympians, that have been chosen for residency there, practicing.

Yes, that is a little boy in the first shot. It sort of bothered me how young and serious they were. But man, they were talented. I just hope they were there because they wanted to be. Not because they had to be.

We drove back that afternoon, I took the BEST nap, then we hung out by the pool for a while. Can you believe it was over 100 in Denver Colorado? It was. I was shocked and really didn't pack appropriately for the weather. Oops. Had to shop a little. I mean, what can you do?

That night we ate at this cute little Italian place called Panzano's. The appetizers were Un. Real. Brussel sprouts served with apples and a caramel glaze and the best calamari ever. By the time dinner came, we were too full to really enjoy it. Oops. We had such a great time at that dinner though- we talked and enjoyed each other's company. Good memories.

More later!

Progress

This is going to sound rinky-dink to everyone else- but to me- it's HUGE. Holden now falls asleep on her own.

What this means is that I don't have to sit in the dark silence of her room, while worrying that Davis is on the verge of burning the house down in the other room, feeling sad that I'm missing so much time playing with him, all the while trying to stop him from barging in saying "What you doing, mommy?" just as she is falling asleep, only to wake her up and start the whole 45 minute routine over again.

It's huge. I can now spend the full time between work and bedtime with BOTH of them. And then I can simply walk in her room and lay her down while she is still fully awake. So much stress relieved. Hopefully this isn't just a phase, but real progress. It makes it so much easier when I am at home with both of them and Bennett is traveling.

Separately- a few product reviews. Is there anything better than finding a really quality product? Doubtful. Okay- so just three for today but I might add this to my blog repertoire- IF I find enough good products. Anyway...may I introduce:

The Puddle Jumper.

Recommended to me by a random, kind, and very maven-like woman at Academy as I stared at the wall of lifejackets for Davis. This thing is awesome. It's approved by the Coast guard, it's cute and fun, and it doesn't hike up and get all uncomfortable like typical life jackets do. We call Davis' "monster man"...he doesn't mind wearing it at all. If a puddle jumper is not what you're looking for, what about:

Motts for Tots.

40% less sugar and also it tastes awesome. I steal Davis' drink boxes all the time. Especially the apple white grape combo. So good. I feel like no one needs all the sugar in regular juice. Get your Motts for Tots today! (Okay- that was a little far...but it's good...and refreshing). And if juice is not going to satiate your needs, have you shopped:

Soma Intimates.

Okay- every woman needs a good bra. Really- the power of a good bra should not be underestimated- especially for us busty gals. A while back, Davis made friends with this woman on the airplane, probably about my mom's age. They talked about their lives and I guess everything else under the sun, because by the end of the flight, she had recommended that Davis tell me about Soma Intimates. And man, what a good recommendation. Great gear- great prices- great selection. I am SOLD.

That's all for now. Would love to hear if you have any new/good product recommendations.

P.S. I am not getting paid for these endorsements. Though really I'm sure this post will be driving sales due to my extensive 11 person readership...I probably should get paid. Send me a check, Motts.

Also

An addendum to my previous post. Can we just compare these two for a minute? Both at six months.

And to whom it may concern, I lost a pound this week. I was expecting more, so a little bummed, but it's alright. No loss or gain the week before...so just over 4 pounds total. Slowly but surely. Just have to not screw it up on vacation this week. We're going to exercise while there. 

I'm Talkin...

Davis is such a chatterbox these days that in order for Bennett and I to get a word in edge-wise, we have to say "Davis. I'm talking right now. It's not your turn. I'll have a turn, then daddy, then it's your turn." On Saturday, he realized that he can do this too...so now, he frequently interjects, letting us know "I'm talkin! I'm talkin now."

It's pretty funny because once it is his turn, I'll put the spotlight on him and say "Okay Davis, it's your turn. So start talking. What are you going to talk about?" And he'll think and then quickly say something random, like "I'm talkin. I'm talkin about...Mikki's car..." or "I'm talkin about that song..." or whatever pops into his little head.

We bought him a big boy bed this weekend- I found it on Craigslist for $35. Yep, you read that right. It's so cute too! I sincerely like it better than a lot of the ones I found online. It's just a simple white, wood, twin bed. We went to pick it up last night and he was so excited. He kept wanting to go in the garage and sit on his "big boy bed." I'm still figuring out what sort of bedding I want to do...so we'll probably get it all together a week or two after Denver.

Can I even tell you how excited I am about Denver? I hope it is as fun as I am hoping and I hope it's stress free and I don't feel guilty about leaving the kids, or my mom keeping them, or whatever. I am counting the hours.

Nikki and I went to La Condesa and to the Indigo Girls Saturday night. It was so fun! They were so great. And Amy (one of the singers) was wearing the same unique plaid pants I've seen her wear at two different shows. Ha. Anyway- the show was great- but the best part was hanging out with Nikki. We always laugh so hard when we're together...we were cracking up about how annoyed she is with her Olympic size queen bed and how so little bedding fits it...and I was joking about how I would probably dismount out of the bed each day like a gymnast if I had an "Olympic" bed. Okay, not as funny re-told, I'm sure. Oh well.

And here are some pictures of miss Holden. She is sitting up on her own now- for limited amounts of time- but still. She loves it. She is so sweet. I can't believe she is six months old.

Also one of Davis. I took him to get his hair cut this weekend and I almost cried, he looked so big when he was done. Also, he is really asserting himself these days. Yesterday he full-on climbed up on a shoe display at Nordstrom to get some Vans, with flames on them, to try on. Luckily Unfortunately, they only had the gray and black checked version...which are super cute. He picked them himself. I have a little boy that picks his own shoes. Vans, nonetheless.

Busy week. Gotta run. Hope you had a good weekend.

What I Love Wednesday

Spent the majority of last night with whatever stomach bug Davis had Saturday. Blech. So I will try to get back on a positive page by doing a What I Love Wednesday post.

Cottage Cheese. Not sure why, but lately, I'm loving it. Can't be too wet. Must have large curdles. Must be low-fat. Must not think about what it actually IS. No visual because I am now thoroughly grossed out after looking up "cottage cheese" on google image search.

The fact that Davis puts his hands in fists next to his chest, and clenches tight, while saying: "I don't want to get SCARY!" when it thunders or something.

Glitter nails. A party right on your fingertips.

The Bachelorette. Okay, I was over the franchise until Emily came back. I LOVE Jef with one F, though I think she will pick Arie. Man, their chemistry sometimes makes it uncomfortable to watch. I feel like I'm the third person in the bedroom, if you know what I mean.

Rain. How fun is it that it's been raining in the middle of the summer? Just before we lay sod, of course, but I'll still take it.

This funny card. My girlfriends would certainly find me faster on a bottle of wine. A red bottle of wine, to be exact.

The fact that last night, after eating 6 ounces, Holden was so loud and clearly not ready to go to sleep, so I set her down in her bed while I went to give Davis a bath, and 20 minutes later, she had put herself to sleep!

Trident Layers, cherry lime flavor. So good.

The fact that this morning when Davis asked me to come watching Lightning McQueen with him and I said "I don't feel good. I have to stay here..." he hugged me, then looked at me and said "Mommy all better now..."

DSW. I got these adorable shoes there for such a steal and I seriously want to wear them every day. That place is awesome. I also got my friend Courtney the cutest navy polka dot Chuck Taylors there.

 

This cutlery set. I don't think I'd like it as my full time set...but it certainly is fun for summer.

Happy Wednesday. Hope you're having a good one.

Splash Days

Davis' class started having Splash Day twice a week, starting in June, to keep them cool while they're out on the playground. Here are some pictures. Sometimes I wish I went to his school.

That green thing he is holding is the highly coveted garbage truck he talks about every day.

They are out there with one other class, and that is Miss Cole (Nicole) in the red.

His favorite teacher, Logan, helping them make Father's Day cookies.

Working hard on those cookies. Davis' cookies said: #1 Dad.

Hanging out with Max.