The one with the Big Princess...

Like brother like sister....

I call Addison a pretty little princess, so the other morning Cooper said Mommy your the Big Princess! Totally a sweet compliment coming from my handsome little toddler prince! Cooper is so cute and repeating everything we say. He's really becoming a sponge. I've got him counting to 5, cleaning up his mess and bringing his dirty dishes to the counter and as always saying Thanks! We are working on mommy can I please ( fill in the blank) .... Not only is he cute he will also be polite. Not being in school is tough though. He doesn't have a teacher who actually has a curriculum , its just me. And often he doesn't want to sit still and listen to me. Although he does enjoy book reading and the puzzles Aunt Kelly gave us. So I keep thinking, is he missing out on a lot? He probably won't go to school until VPK when it's free. I just can't justify spending a fortune on school when I am home. On the upside, at least he will be street smart, maybe that's even better these days!! He knows "knucks", the "people's elbow" and how to participate in a good wrestling match... Hence the broken couch from Coop and Daddy!!  LOL if only I could get him potty trained!!! Who knew it would be this hard, he's so lazy when it comes to that!!!



Cutest kids EVER!



Cooper best bud, Riley!

The little princess is almost back on track sleeping through the nights. It's not consistent yet, but we are having more full nights than not. She's eating solid foods better, to where they don't have to be mixed) and not drinking as much milk at once, which is probably why she isn't sleeping as much! When out in public and people talk and look at her she flashes her cute lil gummy smile!! And you know what everyone says, "what a happy baby!" Seriously a huge 360 she has done since her first few months here. She loves standing and being in her walker! Still a chunky money, as the doc so eloquently put it!! Holding true to herself! It's the only time in her life when cellulite and fat rolls is cute and acceptable!

News on the home front- we close on a house Oct. 1-- that is trusting everything goes smoothly! This is going to be THE house where we raise our kids. We aren't moving again ( knock on wood). It's in St. John's county, literally around the corner from my grandparents. It's 4 bedrooms AND has a pool! Perfect for our outdoorsy family! Oh yea, did I mention its on an acre? Josh is in heaven planning the landscape and his outdoor kitchen. Or outdoor man cave as I call it, since thervare no basements in Florida he has to make something his "own" space! We are beyond excited to be settled, it's been a while! Stay tuned for pictures!

Love

The one where we try to keep up...

Life is busy busy... hardly a free moment and if there is a quiet moment, I am certainly not on the computer, I am vegging out on the couch. But as you know by now I have 3 kids, not 2. We considering Josh a grown "boy". hehe :) Both kids are up and watching cartoons right now, so it's hardly quiet.... It will probably take me all day to write this.

Anyhow, Addison will be 5 months come Monday next week. She started eating baby foods- so far her food of choice is green beans and squash or the plain Jane rice and oat meals. Her tatsebuds must be too sensitive right now. Her first food was sweet potatoes, just like Cooper. She did pretty good for being a first timer. Of course most of the food ends up on her face! But hey, its so stinkin cute... She isn't a fan of the fruits quite yet. Which is the complete opposite of Cooper. He used to eat everything. I guess she will get there too. Addison is still non stop. Doesn't ever sit still unless she is sleeping! She is rolling now and talking/ screaming a lot. Her crying constantly has deceased a lot, which makes Josh more willing to hold her. She is almost standing on her own, while holding onto the couch of course. She isn't pulling her self up, but she is very very strong. I don't remember Cooper doing that quiet this early. But she does sit on her own. She love love loves to be held. Typically diva/princess- loves the attention. Just like her daddy :)



giving those sweet potatoes a stare down

they aren't SO bad mommy

Addison's supportive brother

Cooper just adores Addison. When someone is over and holding Addison, he makes it clear that it is his baby. And if they are leaving he makes sure to let them know Addison stays here. He is just the best big brother. Probably due to those big brother books I read him before Addison arrived... thanks Mamaw and Papa! Cooper is just growing way to fast. His vocabulary is soaring (at least it seems like it to me). He is talking almost all the time in sentences. Our potty training isn't going too well, he is fighting it. But tells me when he goes in his diaper. I just don't know. Everything I read says they are ready when they are ready, so I try not to push TOO hard. He picks put his own clothes already.... usually doesn't like what I pick out. If Cooper doesn't like my rules, he immediately asks for Daddy. Daddy is the more "fun" parent, but hey still goes along with what I say. You have to though, right? Daddy can't be gone all day and come home with a bunch of rules, ya know?

My 2 beauties

Our 4th of July was nice! We had a great 4 days off of work and spent the day at the beach along with several other friends and their kiddos. I know I've mentioned it before, but we LIVE at the beach on the weekends. Its just so much fun for everyone and the kiddos or so worn out, its an early night for us all.

LOVE

The one where life is good...

Well, what can I say? Life is good. Hubby is happy doing well at work, Cooper is speaking in complete sentences and learning to swim and Addison is 4 months old, cooing and almost sitting on her own. And for me, well I can't complain... as long as bellies are fed, kiddos are happy and hubs is happy, I am happy. Life doesn't seem to slow down though, and I know I said that before. But I went back to work part time for the same company I have been with to help out a little bit and to make some extra cash while sitting around the house. So between work, cleaning, mom and wife duty I am a 24/7 chick. I've been waking up a little earlier most morning to walk/run the neighborhood. Still trying to burn off Addison weight, since I gained 40 lbs!! I am getting close to pre-preggers weight but there's always room for improvement! But who can really complain when you see this smiling face everyday.

We had a great Fathers day weekend. It was packed full of greatness and you know what? I have one picture to share the love. That's it.... you would think I would be on top of things like that!? I got up Saturday morning and made Josh shrimp and grits, a FAV of his. Sunday we made it out to the Suns game. The previous 2 years, we were in Atlanta and went to the Braves games, well instead of driving 6 hours for a baseball game, neither kid will remember, we decided on the Suns. I totally think we Cooper and Addison are older to travel to big time major league games would be awesome, but not while they are this young.

Potty training is going pretty good. I've got Cooper at least peeing on the floor in the bathroom... we are getting closer. I am so sick of changing 2 sets of diapers, that's been my motivation! I'm starting Addie on baby food tonight. I think she is ready.... last month doc said 4 months and she was this past Saturday. So wish me luck. Having more of a feeding schedule will help with our routines. Sending love from San Marco!

Have a great week

LOVE

The one with my beautiful bambinos...

There just wasn't any other better title I could come up with... basically I just want to take a minute to brag about how amazing and beautiful I think my kids are. Doesn't every parent think their kid is just the bestest? Well I know you will think the same about mine too! :)

We haven't done too much lately, we've been beach rats. It's almost like we are new to Florida and have never been to the beach. Some weekends we go both days. Josh is really enjoying fishing. Cooper loves digging holes. Addison likes chilaxin and I like to bronze.... so what better way to do it than the beach!

If you haven't noticed by now, Cooper is in LOVE with his superman jammies. He loves the cape and "flying" around the house. I had to make him a batman cape the other day because those Superman PJ's were so dirty from running around outside in them. He just loves capes. He reminds me of Allan. Allan was OBSESSED with Superman and Batman when he was younger. And he's such an artist that he would draw them at like the age of 5 and make them into Christmas ornaments for the family, maybe Cooper will follow, he does like to paint!

My babies took their first bath together. Addison was happy as a clam and Cooper loved having someone to "play" with. Now when he takes baths he asks for her- its so cute!

Enjoy the pictures and Happy Fathers Day to all the baby daddy's out there! We have a jam packed weekend but I'll be sure to post after!



He loves her





1st bath together



Pretending to be daddy

 LOVE

The one where the games start....

"Let the games begin" read Coopers shirt, the first day of many that he ran around outside without a diaper.... The goal was to pee on any tree, on any bush or the grass. The goal was not accomplished. I gave him a whole juice cup. I for sure thought he would pee. And while I think he loved the freedom he was also scared. When he felt he had to go he would ask me to out his underwear on! We were outside for about an hour and got nothing. I'm not going to say we didn't get anywhere because any day he wants to run around like that or wants his big boy underwear is progress. That all I ask for these days is progress, not perfection.

Today Addison is 3 months old. To be honest it seems like much longer. I guess that's what sleep deprivation does. The doctor  said she's right on track. Almost 13lbs, which is normal. She smiled a lot while he was in there, which is a great developmental sign and her neck strength is awesome. Probably because all the "tummy time" she gets sleeping on her stomach which is a no-no... But hey she sleeps. I've noticed a few differences in her and Cooper lately. Addison is as happy as a clam when she's naked like taking a bath or getting her diaper changed. Cooper used to wail. He hated it. Cooper was such a chill baby, he loved his swing, loved laying on the couch. I feel like he would do it for hours. Addison, the diva hardly sits still. She has started to enjoy the swing more, but her arms and legs are always moving. I bet Josh was like that, he's like that now and I doubt much changes! I tell people I have 3 kids.  You know why??? Because my big kid Josh and toddler Cooper just broke the love seat in the living room. Yea, cracked it in half. Of course I was out of town when it happened and I get a text with a picture of the couch at the street and then a picture of a new one. Sorry kids, no new couch, nice try! Luckily we got the leather lazy boy back from my parents or my living room would held a lot more toys... yikes!



3 months old today!



LOVE

The one with Mothers Day...

Happy Mothers Day to all the mommas out there! This is my 3rd mothers day and 1st mothers day with 2 bambino's. It was a great day! Gorgeous weather and great family to spend it with.... We kicked off the day at my parents house with brunch and mimosas and ended with pasta and red wine! Josh, my own personal chef, whipped up a tomato, mushroom and shrimp dish. It was DELISH!! I don't even know why I cook most nights after that dinner???

Jason was in town this weekend too. It so happened to be TPC at Sawgrass. He and Josh went Friday... the most gorgeous day ever. I was slightly jealous. But Josh brought me back a shirt and promised we would go next year..... the gift seemed to make everything better :)

Not much going on here this week, it was a slow one... so maybe I'll tried to tackle potty training again. I need to utilize more bribery. It seems to work well with Cooper. Addison is sleeping most nights until 6-7am. So its perfect for me, the part time work from home mom of 2! And you know Cooper, while he has more of my mild mannered, organized personality he gets his sleep habits from his father. It's 8:30-9:00 before Cooper wakes up each day. On the weekends sometimes 10!!!

LOVE

The one with the flip flops...

It didn't take long for Cooper to get in the true spirit of being a Florida boy! He's wanting to practically live at the beach. We can't even say "beach" without him pitching a fit to go... He's a total flip-flop tot. Forget the sporty Nikes and the hip Converse shoes. He's obsessed with the 2 for $5 flip flops I got from old navy. Luckily I bought 2 pairs because I've already lost one pair! He looks so cute in them, like a little surfer boy with his tanned skin! (I'll make sure next post, I have a picture of Cooper in his flops)

The kiddos are doing great. It only gets better as we adjust to Addison's needs. Cooper is a cake walk. He's pretty much independent, likes to try things one his own, likes to color, play with his sword and Nerf guns, and watch Tom & Jerry or Scobby Doo. He's a total flip-flop all BOY tot. Addison is now sleeping 7-8 hours a night. I am trying to go to bed when she does, so I am getting plenty of rest my self! Life is good, check this photo out... I think both of them are saying, MOM, REALLY?? No more pictures!! Are they twins or what?

One of my best friends and bridesmaid in my own wedding is getting married tomorrow, Ashley. I too, have the honor to be in her wedding. Today officially starts wedding weekend with the rehearsal, dinner girls night and tomorrow is the big day! Please say your prayers that it clears up by tomorrow.... its been raining non-stop since a few days ago. I heard (on my wedding day) its good luck for it to rain, because it washes away everything in your past and allows you to start fresh! So if it does rain, please just sprinkle in the morning to finishing cleaning the way for an long and blessed future! Congrats!!!


Cheers to the Foley's!

 Happy 90th Birthday to Gramma Herrmann!! I didn't take as many pictures as I wanted, ok, I didn't take any pictures from the weekend, but I did snag this beauty from facebook! Thanks Lisa! Anyway, It was so awesome to see the Herrmann side of the family. Josh had not met most of them, so it was nice to finally have everyone meet. Gramma is still kickin it. She's rocking out, looks beautiful and is in good health. Cheers to many many more birthdays!! We love you

LOVE