Our Cupcakes Turn 2!

Addy & Lilly turn 2 next week and I'll spare you all the "I can't believe it's been 2 years since they've been in my belly" talk and get on with the good stuff! We moved the party up because they will be making their flower girl debut next week and Daddy's birthday is this week, so we'll be spending 10 days starting Thursday at the Lake! So, 9 days early it was.
We decided to do a party in the park because they both LOVE being outside and honestly, I wasn't sure I was up for 14 kids wrecking havoc in my house. The park worked out great with only a few bumps in the plans. Weather was BEAUTIFUL and we were surrounded by all our family and friends who LOVE our kiddos! Who can ask for more?

Cast & Crew of the Cupcake Party (top to bottom, left to right): Max L., Jack W., Jacob D., Jaxson J., Audrey S., Chase E., Mallory C., Cooper E., Tyson J., Ben S., Dakota J. & Evan S.

Complete with Cupcake invitations, cupcake outfits, cupcake cakes and cupcake bags as favors (I love a good theme and this one was fun!), we had a great time. Of course, the stars of the show were Addy & Lilly:
I had to include a rare picture of my girlfriends and our munchkins! Love you girls!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Here we are, the middle of September. The girls are 13 months old. They crack me up atleast a few times a day now. They are so smart--we had another evaluation by "First Steps" an early-intervention agency in town that checks on kids who are be predisposed for developmental delays (ie. preemies). They passed with flying colors. The therapists were great and challenged us for 10-15 words by 15-16 months, so we've been trying to step up our vocabulary. They definately know what I'm saying. Lilly loves the game "Find the_________" it can keep her busy. She can find her toy Boat, Bear, Ball, Book, Car. Addy typically looks at me like, "It's right there, if you can see it, get it your damn self." But, it's entertaining nonetheless.

This has been my first opportunity to post pics of our little bike riders--who knew you could look so cute sporting helmets?

This past weekend, I sold some baby stuff in the Northside Twins & Multiples sale, so Grandma & Grandpa Sadler had the girls for the day. The wagon picture is from their trip to the Farmer's Market. They are celebrities there and each stand gives them treats--blueberries, homemade bread, etc. Their favorite booth is the pet treats tent. They get excited to see the dogs and when you ask them what sound they make, they'll try and let out "woof". It's all pretty damn cute.
We also celebrated with Jacob for his first birthday! It was a Colts themed party and the girls had a great time! Happy Birthday Jacob--we love you!

L-R: Jacob, Addy, Lilly & Jack Watko (Not an easy crew to get to sit quietly for a picture)

R-L: Addy, Jacob, Lilly & Jack (Addy refused the hat)

Today, we had our first trip to the Dentist! Yep, you read it right. The truth is, I'm kind of crazy about clean teeth and I'll probably pass this on to my children. I NEVER miss a cleaning. It's just one of those weird things...So, when my pediatrician saw that they were cutting their molars, she thought I should take them. They were BIG girls and climbed into the BIG chairs. She had an Elmo light, so they thought that was pretty cool. No cavities, so all is well in the world.

"Mom, you think she'll notice if I take this home?"--Lilly

"Now where have I seen that red, furry guy before..."--Addy

8 Month Birthday

Thanks to all who played along with my roll call, who knew there was such a following? We'll be printing fan club cards before too long. Well, another month has come and gone and we are celebrating the 8 month milestone. Jeremy and I are very conscience of the fact that within weeks this house will need babyproofed, the girls are definately beginning to move. Lilly still won't roll on a regular basis, but we are convinced she may be waiting for her moment to get up and walk. She can pull herself up with just a little support. For anyone expecting or looking for a gift for someone expecting, I highly recommend the Around We Go. Here's Ms. Lilly and just a small sampling of what is occupying HOURS of her day right now (Don't mind Dad's butt in the way).

It is a riot to watch her go! Meanwhile, Addy is rolling and gets up on her knees and rocks like a crawl could happen at any moment. They've both mastered the "Snatch and Grab" and sharing is going to be a BIG lesson in this house. Here's a sneak peak at one of their first classes...

So, yes, they are very happy babies most of the time, but we still struggle with bedtime and occasionally naptime. I never thought I'd be able to listen to a crying baby and not immediate rush to soothe, but I'm really trying not to do this, knowing that in the long run it will be worth it. Lilly is getting better with nights and we no longer have to go in to put her pacifier back in (victory #1), and sometimes she goes to bed without a fight, but other nights she screams like something you would hear in a horror movie. We think she'll be our strong-willed child. I'm taken back to the days whenever I was young and got a compliment on my red hair, my mom would always chime in and say "Yes, it's beautiful, but be careful, she's got a temper to match it." Maybe, my Lilly is just following in her mom's footsteps? Meanwhile, Addy is pretty low key, it takes a lot to really upset her, she's observing everything these days. She'll get her eye on something across the room (usually not a toy, but a camera or cell phone instead) and work like hell to get to it. She's also very vocal, she shouts like she has so much to say and is frustrated that no one is listening and she can't get it out. We had a play date with Jack Watko and Jacob Dumas on Sunday. After some reflection with Michelle and Jeremy, we realized that personality-wise, Jacob is a lot like Lilly and Jack is a lot like Addy, so these pictures are appropriate.

"I want to be a member of a BIG 'OL band"--Lilly & Jacob

"Hang onto me Jack, I'll show you the ropes around here"--Addy & Jack

"Aunt Becky raided my closet and look what she found..."--Addy

Mompreneurs...

Here's a shout out to my first friend to move from Business woman into motherhood and then combine the 2 to become a MOMPRENEUER. I say first, because something tells me she won't be the last. Michelle Dumas, a friend for almost 10 years, has, for as long as I've known her, known how to throw a good party. From college events, to personal showers, her own wedding and assisting with friends' events, she's always been a great hostess. For years, people have said, "You really should go into business". She would always graciously accept the compliments, but I'm not sure she really believed them. Then Jacob came along...

Children have a funny way of putting life in perspective and he made her wonder if it was possible to have it all? Could she be a GREAT mom and a GREAT event planner? I think so! Recently, she made it official and I'm happy to help promote BEYOND PLANNING. So, whether you live in Indy or beyond (she travels), whether you are planning a huge wedding or a simple shower--she can help. Check out her blog for past events, rates, etc.

Speaking of Michelle, I've had this picture for over a month now, but haven't posted because it was on a separate computer, so here are from left to right, Lilly, Jacob Dumas, Addy and Jack Watko, just hanging out...I think Addy's getting a little fresh with Jacob's butt...