Laney Language

Laney has a language of her own these days.  Most of it we don't understand but she definitely has lots to say.  

Here's what I hear just about everytime we get in the car followed by responses...

"Lola"- Lola's at home Laney.

"Lovie" (her blankie) - Lovie's at home Laney.

"Daddy" - Daddy's at work Laney.  

Put that on repeat what feels like a hundred times a day.  

Her other favorite word, "Oh."  This is how she answers most things.  "Don't touch that Laney, it will hurt."  "Oh." 

 She loves her Lola and puppies in general but that is a whole other post.

Here's her precious Lovie.  There is no substitution at bed time and she is often trying to sneak it out of her crib throughout the day.  

Doing more good with Stella & Dot

I know I just posted about about some good things I am doing with my Stella & Dot business this month, but I had to share this one too!  

I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, even if it takes a while to figure out what that reason is.  Well, when we first moved down here I joined a couple different Mom's groups to get involved and find our place.  Thru one of them and my friend Carolyn, I was connected to Becca Williams and her incredible family.  Her sweet daughter, Emily, is Cooper's age and has Cystic Fibrosis.  Watch this video to learn more about her and Cystic Fibrosis...

Have I mentioned that I am trying to do more good in 2013 and I am so thankful that Stella & Dot allows me to do that? ;)

Well, Becca just hosted her 3rd annual trunk show to benefit Cystic Fibrosis.  I donate 100% of my commission from the show and am so, so excited that I get to write a check for over $500!!!!!  Yes, $500!  In just a couple hours of ladies shopping and accessorizing themselves!!!!!

3 1/2...a turning point ??

Coop turned 3 1/2 the end of February and it's almost like he has transitioned into a new kid in the past 6 weeks.  And all in the best way!  He has always had an overall sweet demeanor and is the best big bro but we have had our 18 months-3 year old battles.  Remember, when we had the sticker chart (can't find the post on it) for him washing his hands, getting dressed alone, getting in car seat, picking up toys, etc (all without throwing a tantrum and finishing in under 2 hours ;)).  Oh yeah, don't let me forget I spent most nights holding him down to brush his teeth.  

No one told me about this incredible change at 3 1/2!!!  It was almost as if overnight he grew up but not  one of those, "I wish he would stop growing up" ways.  In a "thank God, this is what I have been waiting for" ways.  What has changed you ask??  Well...

-He dresses himself almost everyday, including undressing as well.  And does it under 30 minutes...yahoo!  He is also picking out his clothes and I just adore seeing how he picks out his clothes.  In the last week he has even changed before coming downstairs for the day...what!

-Climbs into his carseat AND buckles himself in!  

-He lets me brush his teeth with no fighting and even brushes himself sometimes.  He recently told me, "Mom, remember when I wasn't 3 1/2 and I would cry and scream when you tried to brush my teeth?"  Yeah Coop, I kind of remember buddy ;).

-We pick up toys together every night...not quite there picking up totally on his own yet.

- He will wash his hands when I ask...still a bit reluctant on this one. 

I know this sounds dramatic...but the last 6 weeks have been unreal!  We feel like we are really starting to enjoy him as his own person...fun conversations, playing games, watching his interests develop.

 Oh my gosh, the kid just melts my heart.

 Don't get me wrong...there is some serious sibling rivalry developing here...I am breaking up fights several times a day.  But, he is pretty darn good with her and is always patient when I have to tend to her and not play Super Heros 24/7.  told you she is always in someone else's shoes :)

*safety alert...car is parked and in garage and turned off.*  They both love to play in the car and listen to music after we get home from somewhere.  

Now...I must say he still tests my patience every.single.day at some point and we still have things to work on but that is part of parenting, right??  Just when you turn one corner there is an obstacle on the other side.  

Without the valleys the peaks aren't as sweet.  

Road Trip to Wash, MO

We were originally going to STL for Easter and then our Hawks were playing the Sweet 16 in our backyard...so plans changed.  We didn't cancel altogether, just rescheduled for a few weeks later.  So, last weekend we spent a few days visiting.  

Adam was out of town for work, so it was me and these 3 (Lola :)) for the long haul.  Not going to lie, I was a bit terrified to drive this stretch with them.  Why, you ask?  Well, if you have to ask you clearly are crazy.  It was a long 11 hours but we made it and only 2 stops!  Cooper was an absolute dream, seriously the kid didn't complain once! He did ask the infamous, 'are we there yet?' 4,398 times, but never got frustrated by my answer...8 more hours, after dinner, 3 more movies.  Laney was 'good most of the time.'  That's what Coop told Adam when he asked about the drive.  That sums it up pretty well.

She napped for about 30 minutes before lunch so of course she didn't nap in the afternoon when Cooper did.  I had lots of stickers prepared for her, this was my view at one point. 

BFFs.  Doodles finally crashed about 30 minutes away from destination.

 We had a couple gorgeous weather days and spent most of them outside.  Gigi's always hands on with the kids and styling in her Wash, MO Fair hat ;).

These 2 were inseparable.  They were Super Heros every minute they were awake.  Mamaw set up their play tent and picnic table in the yard.  Wouldn't you have loved to hear all their conversations?!

 Cooper adores his baby cousins.

 Clearly Hadley was entertained by these 2 sweet boys.

Hugs for Hadley.

The kids thought these masks were hilarious and they are, right?

Such a fun weekend, as always!

Catching Up

Oh my gosh, I can't believe it has been over a week since my last post!  I blame it on this combination...road trip to STL, drowning in Stella & Dot (in a good way!), Adam out of town a.lot and making meals ;).  Excuses, excuses, I know.  And...I started this post on Thursday night...issues with iphoto...finally resolved late last night.  

As I sit down to post, I have lots to write about with the kids and us but apparently I haven't been taking many pictures lately!  If you follow me on Instagram then you have already seen most of these.

Here's a little peek into the last couple weeks in our day to day lives...

 Laney loves to wear everyone else's shoes in the house.

 Coop in his new kicks.  That morning he told me his toes were squeezed and his shoes hurt.  We went shoe shopping right after school that day...very unlike me.  I usually wait another week or so :).  Glad I listened to the boy!!  He was wearing an 8 and his new shoes are a 9.5!

 Daytime camping

 The same day as campers...we were also firefighters.  At lunch time, Cooper insisted that all of our boots be lined up next to our pumper truck (couch), just like the real firemen.

 A beautiful Saturday morning at the park and library.  There isn't much better in our lives right now than the park and library.  

 It seems everytime I open my phone the kids have taken dozens of pics on it.  This is from one of our walks.  I just adore her chubby feet in Toms.

 Coop pulled these out of his pocket one day after school.  He said he picked them for me at recess.  sweetest.boy.ever.  Or at least for those few minutes.

 We broke out the jean shorts last week...it was 38 degrees just a few days later.  boo.

 A fun Thursday night sharing the Stella & Dot love

 I told him to give me his SuperHero face.

 After Laney goes to bed we often play board games.  He has gotten really good with this Memory game.  Totally beat me the other night.

 Sing it with me..."like the ceiling can't hold us."  We love us some Macklemore.

This is how we rolled last night to our neighborhood cul-de-sac party.  It was a crazy Saturday night, we were back home by 8 to put Doodles to bed, eat chocolate chip cookies and watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Doing Good with my Biz and something for YOU!

I posted here about wanting to do more good in 2013.  I really focused on it with my 28 Days of Love in February.  Well, this month I am putting my Stella & Dot business to good!

April is National Autism Awareness Month.  I have teamed up with one of my fave sorority sisters, Caitie Johnson or as I know her, Sullivan.  In honor of her brother, she is hosting an online show and I am donating all my commission from it to an organization that is near to their hearts.  She is then matching my donation!  If you wish to shop her show, use this link, http://www.stelladot.com/ts/urso5.

I connected with a family right here in Keller that is in the middle of an adoption process.  You can read more of the story on their blog.  It's pretty inspiring and emotional.  I am donating all my commission from these sales to their adoption expenses.  We focused on specific pieces to tie their family/friends' purchases to their cause...the Odette collection, Little Dottie bracelet and the Tree of Life necklace.  If you wish to shop her show, use this link, http://www.stelladot.com/ts/soto5.

I am thrilled that Stella & Dot has once again created an Autism Awareness Boutique this month with 20% of all sales from these pieces going to the HollyRod Foundation for Autism.  Last April we raised $126,000!  As a former teacher and mom, this cause is so close to my heart.  I have a BIG goal this month...to sell 20 of our Spirit bracelets from our Autism Awareness Boutique.  I am over 1/2 way there right now!!!  I have not taken mine off since I got it, it's just perfect.  A great gift to yourself or a special educator in your life...gift those teachers, they are doing incredible things with your children every.single.day!  At the end of the month, I am raffling off the hostess rewards (aka free jewels!) to one lucky shopper!  If you wish to shop and be entered in the raffle, shop this link, http://www.stelladot.com/ts/6oto5.

Finally, you don't forget to enter to win these fab earrings with no purchase necessary...

over at my friend Sarah's blog, just click here.  

And really, how can you resist this bag???

Easter Morning 2013 part 2

After our hunt at home and breakfast, Adam took his parents to the airport and headed to Cowboys Stadium to (unsuccessfully) sell our tickets to the Elite 8 game. :(  The kids and I headed to the Fimmens for Easter brunch and egg hunt...he did meet us there later.  

 The Fimmens live on beautiful property.  Combine that with a beautiful day and lots of kids to play with = this is the only picture I have of Cooper from the day.  He was too busy to slow down for me.

 This girl had me all over...we looked for ducks in the pond, swung in the swing (a lot), didn't sit down.  I got lots of pics of her.

 Candy on the ground, plastic egg in her mouth.  Told you she was clueless about this Easter thing ;).

 My favorite picture of the whole day and maybe of the year so far.  It just screams happiness.

There were eggs everywhere!

Thank you Fimmen family for hosting such a great morning, it couldn't have been more perfect!

Easter Morning 2013 part 1

We did the typical Easter morning egg hunt, Easter baskets, and pancakes for breakfast.  The atypical part was we were home.  This is the first holiday we have not been in MO or KS.  Weird?  Not really.  Don't tell our family but it was nice to be home for once and not be on the road for a holiday.  We were lucky enough to have Mamaw and Papaw here for morning festivities and then good friends hosted brunch. 

 Of course we had to wake Cooper up...typical.  Maybe because he was up until 11 the night before??  Kid is a serious night owl.

  Easter Baskets 2013

 I just adore Laney's expression here.  She is obviously clueless why she has stuff in a basket and why we are putting her shoes to go outside first thing in the morning...but always smiling!

 Coop was on a mission.

 Several steps behind and still clueless.

 She did love her basket.

 We had to work to get her a few before Cooper found them all!

 Checking out their candy/money goods inside the eggs.

Smile Fridays - week 38

Well, I am smiling that the weather in Atlanta today was 41/rainy.  That makes me feel a tiny bit better about not being there this weekend.  The Kansas girl in me will be pulling for Wichita State.

Like these earrings?  Want them for free?  My fave are the lapis with the gold in close second!  I am doing a giveaway with my sorority sister Sarah over at Our Journey!  Check it out, easy to enter...and she has an adorable boy in her life that she blogs about ;).  Sarah was also my inspiration behind cloth diapering Laney, she's become my go-to diaper consultant!

Have you heard?  Stella & Dot is launching a bag collection and they debut Monday!  All of my samples arrived today and I am in love...probably the most excited I have been about a new collection!  

It's been gloomy, rainy, cold here the last 3 days...it felt like 3 weeks.  We were happy to cruise the neighborhood today!

This was my view across the dinner table tonight, I just laughed.  She refused to take it off after finding it outside.  Girl is something else!

Hope you all have a fabulous 1st weekend of April!  Can you believe this is the first weekend in 5 weeks that we haven't had company in town??!!  Does that mean I have to entertain my kids?