Our Mall Playdate

The mall seems to be our safe place these days. I say safe place because as I'm still adjusting to having outings with two in tow, the mall is accomodating to our every need while helping me feel comfortable (and confident) enough to get out and about. There is tons to do; be it the bookstore, the carousel, the ice skating rink, the toy store, the Disney store, the indoor play area and let's not forget the cookie place!

Recently we met up with some friends of ours and played for hours. Ava and L got along so well and had a great time!

Here is Ava making silly faces while we take a minute to feed Griffin in the nursing lounge. She loves to be my helper in here.

Staycation to the Arbuckle "mountains"

This past weekend we took an impromptu 'staycation' up north about 100 miles to what Oklahoma deems the Arbuckle "Mountains", which cracks me up. However, it was a nice getaway and an exciting one for Ava. We started out by going to Arbuckle Wilderness, a drive-thru safari adventure. We saw emus, deer, buffalo, lions, wolves, giraffes, zebras, antelope, just tons and tons of animals. Ava was even brave enough to hand-feed a few, including camels.

After our safari, we headed over to Turner Falls, a natural spring and waterfall park. It was actually a great day for the hot and humid July summer. Overcast and a little bit of rain to cool us off. Ava and Daddy waded in the springs while Griff and I watched. We visited the 77 ft. waterfall and even did a little exploring. We decided to take a nature walk and check out a real cave! Ava thought the cave was the neatest thing. She and daddy crawled to get in and hung out in there for a good 15 minutes. Griffin and I were trying to find a tree to hide under to avoid getting (more) soaked. He was such a trooper. As long as he is in his baby carrier right next to mama, all is good in his world.

We headed home and stopped in Grapevine to finish out our safari at the Rainforest Cafe. What a treat! Ava insisted all the animals in there were real and again, had a blast.

Once we arrived home, we had an exhausted family of four. Griffin actually slept his first 6 hour stretch, which hasn't happened since.

We took lots of pictures of our exciting road trip. Enjoy!

Firsts for Baby G

1 week old: first spongebath

2 weeks old: umbilical cord and plastibell off, first bath; growing out of newborn diapers and clothes

3 weeks old: first real outing to the mall with Ava and me

4 weeks old: first 4 hour sleep stretch (and that was it)

5 weeks old: first smiles

6 weeks old: cooing and gooing at us, imitating

7 weeks old: napping in his crib in his own room consistently

8 weeks old: swatting at objects, noticing his hands more

So much to love at 3 years, 4 months

My little Ava....

I love your mispronounced words like "bitamins", "harmonitor", and "Buzz Lightning" and have no plans to correct you.

I love your enthusiasm for all things princesses. I have to admire your passion and interest, although I was never a princessy kind of girl.

I love your debate skills. Although I'm about ready to pull my hair out, again, it's admirable to see your relentlessness. Daddy and I are still trying to find a debate club that will accept 3 year olds.

I love how you still change clothes at least three times a day. It always brings a smile to my face to see what you'll be in when you come down the stairs.

I love your independence. Three is definitely a challenging age, but it also has it's advantages. You can do so much by yourself like get dressed, pick out your breakfast, get in the car, and just generally help out.

I love the time you like to spend with just you and daddy. You guys hit the pool no less than three times a week or go the petstore. You love your daddy and Ava time.

I love hearing your made up songs. You can get quite creative.

I love hearing about your alter- family... your "Tulsa family" as you call it. This is the family that does things that you would like to do and it's a way for you to play out your little white lies.

I love talking to you. We just have the best conversations these days.

I love that you are starting to understand being grateful about receiving things. Not always, but I've been getting sincere statements like "Thank you for my __________, mommy", totally unprompted.

I love your made up words. You'll say some word like "zimby" or "callusula" and explain to me what it means.

I love that you love to take showers now. You are such a big girl and just sit in there for so long, playing, pretending, talking, relaxing.

I love how proud you are of your baby brother. You tried to get a little girl to come over and see him the other day at the mall. You just wanted to show him off.

Celebrating the 4th of July

We were lucky to share our 4th with some old friends this year. The rain might of ruined our plans to celebrate at the Frisco Freedom Fest, but we made the best of it and went out to eat and came home to see the fireworks from our own playroom windows. What a fun time! The kids all had lots of fun running around and playing. Griffin didn't want to miss any of the action either. Thank goodness he finally passed out.

Thanks for celebrating with us, friends!

Wordless Wednesday: Ava and her baby brother

New Blankie

We received a new blanket from the members of an online forum I belong to. How neat that they picked a fabric that matches his room and what is in the quilt in his room. It's so cute and perfect!

Smile!

G started smiling at 5 1/2 weeks and hasn't stopped! He loves to smile at his big sissy (and she loves it also). His smiliest times are after eating and during diaper changes. Can you blame him?