The Clapper's: August 2011

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Weekend-O-Fun

We made this last weekend a long one since I went back to work on Monday.

On Thursday, we took Annie with us to do some birthday shopping for a little soon-to-be two-year-old. Then we went to a park, laid out a blanket and starred at our little girl. She is getting so big and she is just so darn sweet. She hands out smiles like they're nothing... I love it!

On Friday we had a typical morning and then decided to drive down to the new Ikea with both girls. We got in the car, drove 40 minutes to the store, pulled in the garage and then realized that it was only 9:20 am! Luckily the restaurant was open at 9:30. We had a $.99 breakfast and a free cup of coffee. Then we stopped in the ever-so-convenient mother's room to feed Annie. And then we were off through the store. The girls did really well. Jason and I got overwhelmed in about 15 minutes. We made our way through the store and left in time to get a lunch and head home just in time for nap. It wouldn't have worked out as nice if we planned it. It just so happened that 9:20 was the perfect time for us to get to Ikea!

On Friday night we had our annual movie night in the cul de sac. As soon as it's dark, we have a kid movie (it was Rio this year) with popcorn. Then after kids (and Lisa) are in bed, we have a grown-up movie (The Hangover this year) with a couple beers. Lily stayed up for half the movie. Of which she spent most of the time in my lap cuddling with me! Here is set up of the movie screen:

Which, by the way, we have the best cul-de-sac ever! On Saturday we had a birthday party in the cul-de-sac that Lily was actually old enough to participate in. And on Sunday we had a brunch party at our house because the pro bike tour went past our back patio. A lot of the bikers are the same bikers who do the Tour de France. It was actually really cool to see... gave you chills! But it went by fast...

I started back at work on Monday. While I was away, 2 sales directors left, 2 marketing directors left and we moved offices. In my first three days back, we had lay offs. I still have a job, but holy cow... talk about change! Back to the grindstone!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

The End of Summer

I had the whole summer off and now I'm gearing up to go back to work next week. This last weekend was the end to the craziness and now it's time to get back to reality! Last weekend I flew to KC to go to a friends wedding (pictures to come later). Jason stayed home with both girls! Luckily, his mom, dad and 92 year-old grandma came to help. And yes, at 92 years old, she was able to help!!

So, as I'm at work, here is what I'm going to really miss...

A little 2-year-old who is growing up before my eyes. I can't put her hair in pigtails just because it makes her look too old!

And a sweet 2-month-old who I could literally stare at all day. I'm sure some people think it's crazy, but I could just watch her all day long!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Make It Stop

I struggled with this when Lily was born, but I always knew I'd be having another baby. But now that I think we might be done, I want time to stop. I want Lily to stay a cute little 2-year-old and I want Annie to stay in my arms. Has anyone figured out how to do this? I already think Annie is growing up too fast and she's only 8 weeks old! My mind tells me that whenever I can't hold her like an infant anymore, I'm going to have to have another baby because there's just nothing I love more than cuddling with a baby. But at what point does that end? I could have 20 babies and still miss the cuddles. I guess this is just part of being a parent. Apparently the key is to enjoy every moment because it goes by fast! I just wish time would go as slow as it did when I was 5 years old sitting in church waiting for mass to be over!

I learned today that a new challenge in my quest to learn about photography is capturing 2 little ones in-between wiggles without blur. Not easy... it's going to take some practice! But here is my first shot at it!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

One Crazy Weekend and a Baptism!

All our families gathered at our house last weekend for Annie's baptism. We had so many people here that we flowed over into our neighbors house. There were 10 people sleeping at our house and 6 at the neighbors. All the cousins got a whole weekend to play together which was what it's all about!

Annie's baptism went great! She didn't cry at all... as a matter of fact, she flashed a few smiles. Just enough to bring a tear to her mommy's eye! Thank you to Godmother, Aunt Michelle, and "the Godfather", Uncle Jay, for making the trip out here to stand by Annie's side! (And thank you, soon-to-be Aunt Elizabeth for taking such great pictures... wow!)

To see more pictures from this weekend, CLICK HERE.

Baby sign language for "This is awesome, yay God!"

She actually seems to be enjoying this!

Proud parents and Godparents.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

6 Weeks... Already??

Annie is 6 weeks old! I have no idea where the past 6 weeks have gone! On one hand we've done a lot... pool, alpine slides, visitors, Water World, fireworks, etc. But on the other hand, I only have 4 more weeks until I go back to work and I don't feel like I've had time with my babies! But I'm not sure I'll ever feel like I've had enough time. It just passes too fast!

Here are some pics of the newborn Annie. CLICK HERE to see more. Coming soon... pictures of Lily AND Annie!