BFG Birthday Celebration

We got together with the original BFG (breastfeeding group)this evening to have a joint celebration for their 2nd birthdays. The kids' bdays range from Dec-Feb. We met at Fun Run in Parkville, an indoor play area with bounce-houses and other indoor activities. The kids played, ate cupcakes, drank juice boxes, and exhanged gifts. So fun to see everyone and watch the kids interact...they have changed so much!

We missed one original BFG member, Tori! Miss you friend...hope all is well in St. Louis. :)

Birthday Playdate

We decided to do separate celebrations this year because space is limited in our house. Family came last weekend, and this morning we had an informal birthday playdate at an indoor play area called The Grove in Zona Rosa. A few of Emry's close friends came to play, and enjoy yummy treats. I made vanilla cupcakes and topped them with Yo Gabba Gabba characters, and finished the remaining cake balls from last weekend. Both seemed to be a hit. Thanks everyone for coming...Emry loved spending time with you!

3 Months

Not sure how it happened but Bryn is already 3 MONTHS! The time seems to pass way too fast with two kids. She is a such a sweet little baby. Over Christmas break, she was consistently fussy and I was a little worried that she developed Colic much later than usual but once we got home, she calmed down. So I think she was upset b/c she was out of her element. She is all smiles these days and sometimes gives us the slightest hint of a giggle. I know she wants to let it out but isn't quite sure how it works yet. Here is what Miss B is up to at the ripe 'ole age of 3 months:
~ Nurses 6 times/day
~ Sleeps from 8:30pm-5 or 5:30am...nurses then sleeps till 8:00ish
~ Has a LEAST one blowout a day...can't wait for this to end
~ Becoming friends with the Bumbo seat...her neck muscles are pretty strong these days
~ Still hates tummy time but can hold her head up fairly high
~ Nap 3-4 times/day
~ Prefers to nap in the swing but will sleep perfectly in her crib overnight...weird, I know but Emry did the same thing
~ wears 3-6 month clothes
~ Has great conversations with her black & white cows that dangle from her play-mat
~ Coos and talks to us with some serious nostril flaring- she means business!
~ tolerates bath time...only squawks when I take her out to lay her on the towel
~ is hit or miss with the paci...sometimes it's her vice and other times it gags her out
~ has rolled over twice! Definitely not on purpose but her intense flailing during tummy time flings her over onto her back (this happened 1/18 & 1/20) It still counts in my book!
~ Loves her big sis and receives many gentle head-pats, kisses, and belly rubs on a daily basis

2 Year Well Check

We headed to Emry's pediatrician bright and early this morning to find out she is healthy as can be!
Weight: 27 lbs 4 oz (60 percentile)
Height: 36 3/4 inches (100 percentile)

She also said since she's so tall and has advanced language skills, most people will think she's three. So basically, even though she looks and talks past her years...her emotions are still that of a 2-yr old. Good reality check for Steve and I because sometimes I think we expect her to do more than her bitty-self is capable of doing.

She also had her last shot until she's 5 (the doc said at three she can have the flu mist). At the moment of contact, she shrieked and then cried for about a minute...not too bad. She was calmed by a pretty pink bandaid and a cute Nemo sticker.

Here's to continued good health for little E!

2 Years Old!

2 years ago today, I headed to my OB's office for a NST (non-stress test) having no idea I would be induced and give birth to my first daughter at 9:45pm. Such a special and unforgettable experience. Emry was so beautiful and Steve and I felt SOOO blessed she was ours. We cannot believe she is already two. It's been so fun to watch her personality emerge and witness her development and growth. We love her to pieces!

So many people drove from far away to celebrate Emry's special day. Gma Julie & Gpa Ted, Gpa Jeff & Gma Kathy, Gma Linda & Gpa Keith, Erin & Holly, Brian, Marcia, Allison, Anna, and Amber. I was a little lame and saved the "theme" for Emry's playdate next weekend with a few of her closest KC friends. We ate pizza, fruit, cake balls, and a lowfat chocolate bar angel food cake with ice cream. Pizza is one of E's faves (just like her daddy) and she LOVED the cakeballs. She was spoiled with some sweet gifts and had a ball hangin' with her family.

Here is our little message to our precious Emry:
"2 years ago, the angels danced in heaven and our 1st miracle was born! We love you more than you'll ever know. Happy 2nd birthday sweetie!~~ Love: Mommy, Daddy, & Bryn"

This was a Pinterest idea and even though it looks messy, it was actually pretty tastey!

My first time making cakeballs. They are really easy to make and convenient for little fingers. Yum!

Thanks to everyone who made this event special for Emry! She says, "Thank you!"

Meant to Be

On Jan. 2nd, two of the most amazing women we know, Erin (Steve's sister) & Holly, united in marriage. We felt so honored to be part of their special day and think they're absolutely perfect for one another. They are both selfless, caring, intelligent, funny, athletic, loving, and the list goes on. Steve was a groomsman and Emry was one of the flower girls.

We were a little worried about Emry's performance during the ceremony because she was an absolute CRAB during the rehearsal. To our surprise, she did okay and threw petals while Steve held her. Unfortunately, I didn't get a pic because I was doing my all to prevent Bryn from stealing the spotlight with her squawks. She eventually fell asleep and both girls were rockstars during the ceremony.

We love you Erin and Holly and wish you nothing but the best!

Cousins watchin' a video during the reception. All thanks to Marcia...thank goodness for portable DVD players and an organized mom. :)

The beautiful brides...love you both! (Holly on left, Erin on the right)

Cousin Love

The girls loved their time with their cousin Manny...especially Emry. They played so well together and he was so sweet with Bryn.

Xmas with Gpa Jeff & Gma Kathy

Late morning on the 28th, we headed to my dad's to celebrate Christmas. (You're probably catching on to the fact that our holidays can be BUSY as we bounce around between Steve's fam, my mom, and my dad.)

Emry was a lucky girl because she got a Princess Power Wheel from he and Kathy! She drove it around inside his enormous garage and did pretty well. Can't wait to watch her burn around in it this spring/summer.

Xmas with Gma Julie & Gpa Ted

The morning of the 27th, we headed up to my mom & Ted's house in Prior Lake, MN. Many of our family members on her side came over that evening to celebrate with us. Once again, so wonderful to see everyone and catch up. We stayed at my mom's until the evening of the 30th...so nice to be there for an extended period of time!

My mom protested about this picture b/c she doesn't have any makeup on...I say too bad! Both girls in Gma's arms...what could be better?

Xmas with the Sheriffs

We headed out late Christmas morning to West Des Moines to get ready to celebrate with Steve's family on the 26th.

Bryn had her first sink bath ever, from Grandma Linda and did pretty well! We enjoyed the company of about 28 people, ate yummy soup, and stuffed oursevles silly with cookies and other goodies.

Dance party with some of her cousins.

Santa brought...

...big girl underwear, a new kids CD, and a Mickey Mouse candy cane. Santa also brought something for Steve and I which hasn't happened here in KC because we're usually out of town.

Christmas Eve

We enjoyed Christmas Eve as our little family of four here in KC. Steve and I couldn't wait to give Emry her gift so we let her open it late morning. She doesn't quite have the hang of it but I'm sure she will come spring!