Say it's not so...

Gia and family are moving.  

I truly believe people come into your life for a reason ....

This week our neighbors, friends, nanny, best dessert baker, Otto's BFF, running partner, babysitter... moved on to the next chapter in their lives.  We are very sad to see our Gia, Bah, and Mr. John (all named by EK and what they are called in our neighborhood) leave but we truly wish them all the best.  Forever part of our family.  

Gia brought so much love and we will forever be grateful.  EK loves Gia with her whole heart in EK words.  There is so much that I could not have done without the help of Gia.  Not only did she watch the girls but she pushed me to run and would push a stroller so we could hit the trail with all 3.  Poppa will miss her baking, She made the best chocolate cake ever!! EK will miss cheese sticks and mac and cheese at Gia's, her favorite! All the girls will miss yelling for Bah at the top of the deck steps.  Days spent crafting with Gia will not be forgotten and EK will always be the best at tracing her hand.  The list goes on and on.  I truly believe all good things do come to end but this will not be a goodbye but see you soon.  

Stay at home mom

Any stay at home mom I have always 100% respected but I would like to applaud you.  All my friends that do it 100% of the time I wish there was an award ceremony for you, not because you need an award because what you do for your kids and who they become is enough but just because you deserve the recognition.  It is WORK and it never stops.  Don't get me wrong my job is work but this is just different.  I truly love my kids and this time but thank goodness for nap time!  I find myself so excited for poppa to come home for dinner but then again dinner time is busy!    Is it really time to eat again?!!

They key for me and my girls is to stay busy with fun activities in the morning so they are tired by nap time.  We are in a groove now and this weather has allowed us to really get out and enjoy the parks.  I do get some looks with 2 in a stroller, one walking and I'm wearing one, that's what you do because staying home is not an option.  We of course first make our coffee run.  

And let's be real some days go good and others I want to run away.  Love watching them run and play together and was not a fan of the Panera experience with Maugs screaming causing us to leave with strangers help, thank goodness made it home before she started vomiting.  In the end I'm a mom and will cherish all these memories.  

Parks, picnics, paint, and pool 

We need poppa for this outing! Night swims can be the best.

Stay at home momma for a little longer before I return to being a momma and an employee.  

A little late...20 months - note to Littles

Margaret,

My sweet 'old fashion' and mighty baby.   2 of the best words to describe you. Old fashion because you like everything that babies back in the days liked, you prefer the wooden toys and your favorite is the hedge hog on a string.  You love puppies, carbs , the wooden hedge hog toy, pushing anything, and most of all your poppa! This month you love taking toys from your sisters just because, we are working on that!  You still have the biggest smile and smile a lot!!  You are a tiny yet mighty little thing and when you are mad your mad but same goes for happy!   This month you became a big sister and you are so good at it.  You love to reach your arms out to hold her and ( my favorite) you hold on to her car seat in the car to keep her safe.  You are so loving and we love you so much Maugs!! 

Matilda,

My sweet laid back and funny baby.  This month you just make us laugh with your dance moves, your 'NO' at everything, and your mannerisms.  This month you have been so chill! You love taking care of your babies, playing in the water, and eating watermelon or any fruit. You are a happy happy girl! You love climbing and this month love climbing to turn the lights on and off.  You love your momma! You are a great big sister to 'baby'.  You are do helpful and loving.  You never want to be done holding her.  You are so sweet and we love you so much!

Note to Trudy -1 month

Trudy, 

We could not be more excited that you are here so happy and healthy!! You complete our family.  You fit right in from day one and are truly the best babe.  You are surrounded by so much love and little mommas.  I have no doubt you will love them right back and won't let them boss you too much.  You complete a sisterhood that you all are blessed to be part of, nothing can replace a sister. 

All my love,

Momma 

1 month:

Best babe! You just roll with this crazy circus!  Sleep, right now you love it and give us all a good nights sleep, please don't change that!  You love your nightly bath, milk, and of course your momma!

Feeling FULL

This past weekend was full of family and friends! The best kind of weekend. It was nonstop fun so much that the girls were sleeping in every day, Saturday until 8:45!

Trudy got to meet one her greats this weekend.  Mamo love!

EK and Poppa's first trip for fireworks! Pops and snakes.  Fun for all!

 

The 4th was full if cousin love. EK loves her some Luke!!

Saturday started with a visit from Lulu and Poppy.  Then we got to see our besties that moved last summer.  It was also so fun to see other como friends.  

Newest additions Wyatt and Trudy! Also Perrin in picture above.  So fun having so many kids the same age. 

We then headed that afternoon to a beautiful wedding of dear friends.  It was so pretty, they were married on the bluffs and there was a cool breeze the whole time, perfection!   It felt good seeing some of my best friends and sipping some champagne! 

Love these girls! Best friends!

 

2 of the best dates!

Closed out the weekend with a morning visit again with best friends and our whole crew.  So great to see so many friends and can't wait to do it all again! 

Holidays with MimiPops

I love holidays and dressing the girls is part of the fun but couldn't do it without our MimiPops outfits!  We are so lucky to have the talent of Mimi and Pops, Pops does the drawing of the patterns and Mimi works the magic with the sewing machine.  Love them and really appreciate all the work that goes into these sweet outfits.  

The 4th of July outfit traditions continue with a new design this year!  4 Manda boys in stars and 4 Manda girls in Stars and Stripes.  So cute!!!

Littlest firecracker this year! 3 weeks old! Her first MimiPops outfit!

The whole crew down on Pops Farm! 

Red, White, and Blue!