Two Month Check In

Already 2 months old. . . depressing how fast time flies- yet I feel like she has always been a part of my life. My adored daughter.

Long and Lean- or should I say leaner? The boys were always 95th percentile weight and a bit less in height and she is the opposite. A tall tall girl- 24 inches (97%) and 12 pounds (85%). Annamarie looks so different than the boys,- she has a little more mature of a look with a narrower face and bigger eyes. . . . however, her lust to get moving and play reminds me so much of them (I don't think my "don't walk till you're two pact" will stand a shot). She has to be looking out and seeing all the action and gets so proud of herself when she stands and jumps. This huge smile overcomes her. I tell her to slow down- Be my baby for a while- again time flies way too fast.Here's the question- her hair seems very straight but after a bath looks like this. Will she get her brother's curls? They were bald and lost all their newborn hair by 3 months and didn't get anything till they were around 14 months. I am not quite sure she will lose hers . . .It is so fun to see the boys just gawk over her. They fight over who gets to hold her, and run up to give her kisses on an hourly basis. They are becoming VERY good- she is turning from their toy sister to the real thing. Their little voices saying "mama, baby crying" "mama baby HUNGRY" is just too sweet. Carter has also gotten a good push from his brother for touching Baby Anna's belongings or getting in her bouncer. Tyler is very protective. . . .even telling friends when they hold her, "no, mama's baby."




We are having so much fun. I feel so blessed every day for my wonderful and healthy family. Anna has truly completed it and brought all of us such joy. I say everything is a phase when it comes to the quirks and qualms of my little ones . . . I'll take this phase anyday & everyday!

A Week of Luke and Brinn

It was a little piece of heaven for the boys as they chase (and get chased) by their adored cousin. . .
My brother Brian and wife Karen came up with their two little ones for a week (and the 4th at the beach) and oh my goodness the boys fell in love with their cousins. Weeks later they still ask for "Cousin Luke" every morning and when we get in the car to go somewhere . . . and when I say he is in California "Cousin Brinn?" is next. And boy do they get excited to wear his hand me down shirts. They top the list now, even beating out wearing a fire engine or alligator- that's big. Below you can see why:
Above: Luke and Tyler
Below: Luke & Carter
Look at Brinn so wanting to be involved. She is too cute for words- and SO happy. She just lights up for anyone and everyone, her smile infectious. I was thrilled to see my boys so happy following around Luke that it made me realize, our little Anna will be the same in just a year or so- worshiping and longing to see her cousin Brinn. (see picture below) How fun is that? They will have their moments together too just like these crazy three guys. Oh yes, and "guys" is now a common word in our house because of our blond haired cousin. Just one of the longterm influences he's had on our family.
Above: Popi with the boys and Brinn (Tyler in orange)
Below: Carter playing tennis
We spent the weekend of the 4th at the beach with family and friends. I know this is going to sound ridiculous BUT it was one of the most toddler-friendly place you could take the boys . . . our beaches are so huge and no one is on them . . . they could run 20 feet from you without me getting freaked out like I would at a playground or store. . . and believe me- they ran! We spent part of a wonderful afternoon together, just the five of us, down at the water. It was short but will have lasting memories for me:
Above: My wonderful husband. He took them out to the FREEZING water (which also makes it toddler-friendly cause they wanted nothing to do with it) see below- they loved being chased by the tide but did not want to get caught!
Below: Anna's first time on the sand of the Oregon Coast
The Fourth is a BIG DEAL at Cannon Beach cause of the Annual Parade. Such a sight and hysterical because everyone in the town is in it- whether it is a family piled into their truck throwing candy, or friends wearing matching t-shirts throwing candy. No float or talent required. It's a must see.
Above: The boys with Luke and Brinn
Below: Tyler showing his spirit
Above: Gigi and Popi showed the boys the ropes of candy collecting and cheering
Below: Anna is always along for the ride. She is so good about being trekked all about.We all slept in one big room- The boys on the floor on mattresses. They loved it. One morning I woke up finding Carter asleep on top of me.
The whole group of families we go with has a celebration every night. It was the first time the boys had seen fireworks and enjoyed hotdogs. Both were huge hits.
Above: Travis watching the works with the boys.
Below: Carter had no hesitation eating his first dog. He then wanted to make sure Popi knew how good it was.Below: Bunny Hunting. The place we stayed at had bunnies running around. The boys looked for them everyday, bringing along a treat.
Above: Carter
Below: Tyler
Below: I stole this picture (and some others you see) from Karen's blog. I thought it was too great not to share. Uncle Brian with our boys and as she pointed out- they are holding hands.

Below: More beach pictures including sweet Anna.

Little Imaginations

I feel like the boys JUST got talking- and now they are making stuff up like crazy. I gave them pretzels for a snack- Tyler took a bite out of his, holds it up it up proudly and says "boat!" and Carter instantly munched on his and stuck in my face announcing "big dinosaur" - Tyler, another bite proclaiming it was a "big tower" - and the fun went on and on. They pretend to see firetrucks, dinosaurs, tigerbirds, and trains on every car ride. When I ask where, they state so convincingly "see it, right there!" . . . and then they laugh. A blanket thrown over the couch has now become a "waterfall". . . the list goes on. I have said it before but I experience it daily, they crack me up. From their imagination to the way they follow each other like ducks and just love life. I would sometimes say they love life too much- but that comes from a mother's keep them safe and me sane perspective. I hope they always have this spark, this energy and love to live and explore.

Above: Looking for bugs (Tyler in orange) Below: Carter was so excited to give me a flower. Then he took it back and picked off each petal one by one. My Perfect Baby.
For the past week she has slept 5-7 straight hours a night. Don't hate me fellow moms. I know how lucky I am and I swear she does it cause she knows I need every ounce of energy to keep the boys trucking and happy. What a fabulous sister. I am now religious with my evening plan for her. Poor Travis cause right when she gets comfortable and cuddly on him around 8:30pm, I quickly snatch her to give her a bath or tell him "don't let her sleep!" But it works- we have a wonderful evening with one baby to adore and she sleeps from 9:30-10pm to 3-5am. (Above is her sweet spot. She crawls to cuddle right by your face- it's the most wonderful thing.) Anna is truly a treat- just one baby. It's hard to explain. I don't have to worry about another baby crying, rushing to change another one's diaper, trying to double feed to not leave one screaming hungry, the list goes on- it's a luxury. I love it.
Above: The boys have to hold her on a regular business and it's a little competition. It ends up with them both holding her together seeing who can kiss her the most. (Tyler is above and in the red below)
Above: Carter in yellow always pressing the limits!
Below: Annamarie's First Bath
A Visit with Nana:
We went to visit Nana at her place one morning. Such a treat for her and US. I am following in her shoes- My mom was her little angel after having her twin boys (my uncle Jim & Mike). I cannot imagine the memories she must have holding Annamarie and thinking about my beautiful mom. How quickly the time probably seems to have gone.

Father's Day:
Baby Annamarie got to meet her Uncle Zan and soon-to-be Aunt Janna. Anna approves of Zan's upcoming wedding- can't you tell?! She couldn't take her eyes off Janna.

Below: Travis and my dad (I love you!) with the boys later in the day.
Go Brasil!
We love our neighbors Ty & Paula and their son Enzo, who is just a month younger than the boys. Below is his birthday party. Paula is from Brazil so little Enzo speaks both Portuguese and English and I have to say, after the party I think EVERYONE should get their birthday song sang in Portuguese (and by her family)- I don't know what they were saying but it was awesome. The boys have been wearing (and supporting) Brazil in the World Cup since they got these soccer shirts from Enzo on their birthday.
Above: Enzo on his big day- he's too cute.
Below: There is no doubt- Carter loves chocolate.
Below: Showing off their shirts earlier that day.
More Fun- the boys have learned a little too early to know when I bake and demand the beaters. Now, they help me, and get a little carried away. It is always a huge mess and a headache after but as I always tell myself whenever things get crazy and exhausting- THEY had fun. That's what it's all about. And I know I will look back and be so glad I made the effort to let them have fun. . . whether it was a long hike and having to trek their school bus and firetruck and THEM once they got tired or just flour spilled everywhere and having to spend an entire nap spent cleaning just flour! (below: carter)
Comment of the week: Tyler runs up to me with one of my magazines saying "Cousin Cousin Cousin" and shows me this picture. He thought it was Camden. That means that's you too Kylie :)