Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Five Whole Days

For the first time in a long time Clark actually took some time off work.  He was off on Thursday and Friday and with the Memorial Day holiday, that was FIVE days that Daddy was home with us.  It was so great!

We kicked off his vacation with a fantastic anniversary date night.  I really love date nights.  We ate sushi, listened to the Houston Symphony and didn't have to hurry home. It was fun!

Then, we just lounged around for several days.  We spent a lot of time in the pool... Walker is continuing to make major strides in the water.  I'm thrilled that he not only loves the water, but he's learned to respect it.  That was my goal.  And, I feel confident that he will get better and better and likely be really swimming before the end of the summer.  And, that precious little boy is getting quite a tan.  I didn't think he could get more handsome, but the tan looks good on him.

We went to a fun a birthday party, went to the farm in Lufkin to visit Nanna and Bubba, and make a quick trip to have dinner with Bunny and RayRay.   It was a fun-filled weekend and the perfect way to start the summer.

And, would you believe... I didn't take a single picture??  Bad mommy!!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Daddy's Girl

There's a certain someone in our house that has her Daddy wrapped around her finger!  It is the most adorable thing ever.

If Clark is in the room, Everly is looking at him, smiling at him and likely doing a turbo crawl to get to him!

Check out that smile!  I love it.  Everly is such a happy baby.  She laughs all the time.  Which makes the whole family laugh, since her laugh is more like a truck driver than a little girl!

It is so wonderful to have such a happy baby.  She was very fussy and clingy to me for so long... the happy girl is a welcome change!

She's growing up so fast.  She has taken her first step and is babbling all the time. She says dada, mama, dog and bye bye.

It is amazing how different two kids can be... We weren't sure if Walker would ever talk and at 11-months Everly already has four words!

Everly still doesn't have any teeth, but she can eat like a champ.  She'll eat anything you put in front of her, as long as she can pick it up and put it in her mouth.  She's not a fan of eating off a spoon anymore.

Such a big girl!!!!  Next up... her FIRST birthday.  Time is going by so fast!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Olympics, Here We Come

Well, we may not be ready for the Olympics, but Walker is making major progress in the pool!  We did private swim lessons this week.  He wasn't thrilled about it... in fact, he cried most of the time.  But, the tears didn't hinder the lessons... he was able to learn and do all that the teacher asked of him! 

He really loves the water.  He has no problem going under and he LOVES playing on the steps.  He even splashes and pours water over his head.

Mommy will be the teacher from now on... we plan to spend a lot of time in the pool this summer, that way we can continue what he's learned and keep adding new things. I have a feeling we're going to have a little fish on our hands!!!

Floating on his back

Jumping in

Practicing on the noodle

Saturday, May 21, 2011

First EVER School Program

Last week, during "The Week From Hell" we managed to attend Walker's school program.  (looking back, I realize this was a dumb decision, considering both babes threw up when we got home!) Anyway, I had to share the sweet photos.

Walker's class sang the Itsy Bitsy Spider and Jesus Loves Me.  He didn't actually sing, but he did do the motions!

The Spider!

Jesus Loves Me

The Bible tells me so!

Walker with his teachers, Miss Renee and Miss Shawna
Everly watching Big Brother perform!
 It really was a sweet night!  I can't believe Walker is done with his first year of Mother's Day Out.  The school year went by so fast.

Bath Time!

Bath time is pretty fun at the Wood house.  Everly can now play with her big brother!


I will admit it, I never been a fan of bath time.  But, when these two get in and have fun... it makes it more fun for mommy... and daddy!  Everly loves eating the foam letters.  I think they feel good on her still toothless gums!


I had to include this photo for two reasons... first, there's nothing cuter than a little baby tushy!  And, second, look at her hair!  It's getting long!
Yippee for clean babes!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

The Week From HELL

I don't even know where to begin... this past week was literally AWFUL.  Sick kids is the worst thing EVER!

I'll try to make the post short, otherwise I will go into way too many details that nobody wants to hear about.  So, here's what happened...  Last Saturday night, Everly threw up several times.  She felt bad, that was obvious, but we thought it would be a quick thing.  Nope.  Sunday night, Clark started throwing up.  Monday morning, Walker started throwing up. Ugh! 

Thankfully, I didn't throw up... I had to take the kids to the doctor.  That's where Bunny comes in.  Clark couldn't get out of bed, so she went with me to pediatrician's office.  She started throwing up on Tuesday. 

Seriously, could it get any worse?

Sure it could.  On Wednesday, the kids seemed much, much better.  I thought we were over it.  Walker went to preschool on Thursday and his program on Thursday night.  But, when we got home, BOTH Walker and Everly threw up... AGAIN!  Seriously.

So, here we are EIGHT days after all this started and I'm still not convinced that they are well.  Yesterday was a really good day, but Walker was back to being puny today.  I pray that tomorrow is the turning point. 

There really is nothing worse than having sick babies.  I will admit, the extra snuggle time is sweet and I enjoy it, but I would give it up for them to feel good!

There are a couple of funny items to report.... First, we have watched more of The Fresh Beat Band than should be allowed.  Walker adores that show.  His favorite character is "Shout".  The other night, he was literally saying "Shout" in his sleep.  We may have to have an intervention.

Second, the babes are finding ways to entertain themselves.  Is there anything wrong with these pictures?


Like I said... anything to create a laugh is good.  Especially after the week we had.

Friday, May 6, 2011

I'm The Mama

When I think about Mother's Day, I think of my mother and my grandmother.  I don't think about the fact that I'm a mother now.  Honestly, it's a little overwhelming.  But, in honor of Mother's Day, I thought I would take the time to write down some thoughts.

Back when I was a single gal, I really questioned whether I would be a mother.  I didn't have any responsibilities... and, I liked that!  Things changed when I met the right guy.  I remember very vividly when Clark and I were on a date and we discussed whether we wanted children.  He knew without a doubt that he wanted babies, and I realized that I did, too.  See what I mean... when you find the daddy, everything changes!

Fast-forward a few years... here I am, the mother of the two most precious angels in the world.  Walker and Everly have blessed me in ways I didn't know were possible.  I have to pinch myself... A LOT.  No kidding, I will be sitting at the dinner table and will look at my babes and be overcome with joy.  I am so blessed. How in the world did I get such precious, hilarious, adorable and lovable children?

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE going into their bedrooms after they are asleep?  There is nothing more precious than my sleeping babies.

I also LOVE the way Walker calls me Mama.  He sounds like a little Italian boy.  I know it doesn't sound cute in written text.  If you heard it, you would love it, too.

And, I admit that it's not all rainbows and roses.  Some really amusing things come out of my mouth:
"Walker, please don't kick the dog."
"Everly, stop picking through the trash."
"Walker, I can't believe you just threw your entire dinner on the floor."
"Everly, are you sure you are ready to wake up?  You know, it's 6am."

But, here's the big take-away.... all of those crazy things that come out of my mouth are so worth it.  There is no better job in the world.  I am so blessed that I get to stay home with my kids.   I now know, I was meant to be a mother.

Okay, now on to "presents" for Mother's Day.  Honestly, I find it stupid.  The best "presents" in the world are my babies.  Clark has already given me the best gifts in the world.  I got one in January of 2009 and I got the second one in June of last year.  Thank you.

But, I will admit, Walker giving me his hand print in a frame this year was VERY special.  I will keep it always.

Walker and Everly, I am so honored to be your mother.  You have given more joy than I knew was possible.  I cannot wait to see you grow and learn and enjoy every single milestone that is ahead!

I love you both with all my heart!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Silliness

I thought I better add a few fun pictures from the last week.  My kids get sillier by the day!

Here's what's going on in our world... Walker loves wearing cowboy boots.


Everly no longer wants to eat "baby" food.  She wants to pick up each bite and put it in her mouth.  It doesn't all make it!


 My sweet girl likes to wear fun, spring clothes!  Maybe we should start calling her Daisy!


Clark told me that this looked like a Halloween costume... I guess I kinda agree, but it will be too small in October, so she gets to wear it now!