this is why

Sometimes they fight and steal toys from one another, it's true...

but most of the time?

They are super-sweet to one another.

She follows him around, gets excited to see him every morning, and watches him swim.

He waves to her from the side of the pool, soothes her when she's upset, and kisses her goodnight.

They play keep away from Mommy, they run around together before bath time, they giggle and play.

Tonight, when he swam to her waiting on the side of the pool, she clapped and gave him a high five for doing a good job.  

And then?  He whispered to me how happy he is to be Hannah's big brother.

I'm the luckiest mama in the world.

just beautiful

Last weekend, I headed over to my sister's house to take some pictures of her precious baby belly.  We're nearing the end (or rather, the beginning!) of this thing, and I wanted it documented for her.  We rescheduled this appointment a million times - if I'm being honest, she wasn't really thrilled about posing for such pictures as she's not feeling especially beautiful.  But, oh - she is!

       

{getting to this picture led to some very hilarious outtakes!}

I keep trying to tell her that she will look back on these photos with nothing but happiness, but she seems unconvinced.  She's uncomfortable, and in pain, and she's ready.  We're all ready, really.  I say this as though I've been carrying a big baby around in my belly for the last nine months, but honestly, I just want to meet my nephew.  I'm ready to watch my sister fall into this role of mommyhood and fall in love with the little man she's made.  And, I want all the little newborn gear to fit him for his newborn photos, so he better hurry!  I'm so, so eager:)

Right Now

{i'm in love}

Showered with Love

A couple of weeks ago, Jessica's matron of honor, Carla, and her mom hosted a bridal shower for the bride-to-be.  It was a lovely shower, and I was proud to be a part of it.  We're getting so excited that the wedding is getting closer and closer, and the shower was really a chance to celebrate that:)  I tried to take some photos (of both people and details!) so that I could share them.  Enjoy!

 The dessert table, complete with a love story, beautiful flowers, and Jess' favorite candy

 Grandma Earlie and Jessica

We asked guests to leave Jessica the key to a happy marriage.

 Carla, the matron of honor, and the bride-to-be

Mason jars with silver and navy paper straws

I made Jess take a picture with this "energy efficient cooking" piece - I like to tease her every now and then:)

Beautiful packages...

Taylor, one of the bridesmaids, and Jess

 Party favors

Me, with the best sister-in-law anyone could ever ask for:)

I bet you can tell which party details I was put in charge of!  

Jessica - I hope your shower was everything you hoped it would be and more.  I can't wait to stand up there with you on your wedding day!

Daddy's Birthday

Aside from Valentine's Day, we also celebrated Daddy's birthday during my week and a half long hiatus from the blog.  His birthday was on the 16th, which also happened to be the same day as Aunt Jess' bridal shower.  Unfortunately, Daddy wasn't feeling well that day, but after the shower (separate post, coming soon!), we went out to eat at Red, Hot, and Blue and then we had his family back to our house for presents and birthday cupcakes.  I think Jack and Hannah probably had the most fun:)

Hannah, pinching her chubby legs and saying, "Chunky, chunky," just like Mama taught her to do.  Don't worry - it's my life's mission to catch this on video:)

The kids made a "bubble wrap prison" and had so much fun playing inside.  I love their little smiles...

 Birthday cupcakes - the kids helped me make these.

Hannah loves a good cupcake!

Jack was so excited to give Daddy his new tool set - Jack picked it out all by himself!

{I know this is super-similar to the picture above, but look at that beautiful grin on Hannah Bear!}

This is what I got when I asked them to be silly:)

Daddy - Even though you weren't feeling well, we hope your day was super-special.  We love you so much!

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day becomes a whole other beast when you have little kids.  This year, in congruence with my words for 2013, I really tried to focus my energy on having a nice, family Valentine's Day.  I think we succeeded.  The kids had fun and felt special, and that made me feel good.

As promised, here are the kids' valentines that they passed out to their friends:

{only after having a little boy do you think that plastic bug valentines for your little girl is an adorable idea!}

Jack really wanted to give out candy this year - although he was given the choice of the bug valentines as well.

The night before Valentine's Day, Brad and I came up with five things we love about each of our little lovelies, and then I wrote them on hearts and put them on their bedroom doors for them to see in the morning.  Jack thought it was the cutest thing!

I took some pictures of Jack and Hannah before we left for school in the morning because they just looked so super cute in their little outfits.

They were being so silly together!

We planned to have our favorite meal in the dining room, so I set the table to be extra-special.

My valentine sent me flowers at work:)

Then we let the kids decorate their own sugar cookie dessert.

We knew Hannah would dive in, but Jack actually ate his cookie too!

Jack gave his little sister a ride around the house on the back of his tricycle, and then we cleaned up all of our messes and got everyone to bed.

We had such a nice evening, but by the end of the day, I was so exhausted.  I think I may have fallen asleep before ten.  A family Valentine's Day is tiring!

The next day, Hannah had her party at school, and she was so excited about all of the treats and the fact that her big brother came with me - she gave me her biggest grin!

We hope your Valentine's Day was just as sweet!

Silent Sunday

{37 weeks and counting}