Piper Collins: 7 months

Piper, how are you 7 months?! I can't be so! At 7 months:

-you are pushing 20 pounds!

-wearing 9 month clothes

-size 3 diapers

-you have EIGHT teethe! 4 on bottom, and 4 on top

-you are crawling!!!!!

-almost sitting up on your own

-love your fruits still, no veggies for you!

-still sleeping like a beauty queen

-smile and laugh at anyone who will pay attention to you

-You are just an all-around perfect baby. Please stay that way!!! :)

Picky Eaters

Lately, Beau and even Baine have become quite picky with what they eat. However, Beau has not complained of a school lunch yet, so that's progress! But if they get to choose what to eat, it's usually trash or fast food. They sure do love their oles and tacos :)

My 29th Birthday

Well, this birthday was certainly a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. Not because no one did anything for me, in fact it was quite the opposite. But it was just another "first" without my mom. And she was so good at birthdays. She knew how important they were. She always made me feel special on my day, which normally started off at the spa. I know I will find a new normal and make new traditions, its just a matter of adjusting and getting used to the fact that certain things in life will never seem as important or fun again without her. But to all my family and friends who catered to me, you are all amazing. My sister even came to work to bring me my favorite drink with her gifts. The bracelet is stunning. Is that your way Brook of telling me not to get the tattoo?? :) 

My girls even kept the secret they were babysitting all weekend for us and brought me breakfast :)

Beau's Nana Butterfly

Beau's teacher sent me this video last week. They had a cage of caterpillars in their classroom to watch the process of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. The other day, it hatched and it was the first time the teacher had ever since this actually happen in the classroom. So they took the butterfly outside to be released. What happened next is breathtaking. The butterfly left the cage, flew directly to Beau, stayed on him for a few seconds and looked like it was giving him a kiss almost on the cheek before flying off. Beau was the only person the butterfly flew to. It was mom. It had to have been. I know it was. 

Thankful for Jodee

Jodee normally doesn't take babies, but to help me out since not having mom, she agreed to take Piper already so I didn't need to find a different daycare. Piper has been so good for Jodee and I love the pictures I get throughout the day of the kids. We are so grateful for having such a dependable, carving and SWEET daycare provider :)

ISU vs. IA Game

Two years ago for my birthday, my mom INSISTED on coming up to Ames to tailgate for the IA/ IA State game with us. She knew we were going to drink, and probably be immature. But she hated missing out on fun and wanted to go. After a GREAT day with a few too many beers, she had to drive the bus home that night from Ames. I will NEVER forget that day and all of the memories we made. So this year, to pre-celebrate my birthday, we went back to Ames and even were able to convince Dennis to come back too. It was harder than I thought it would be, but like always, Caleb and Shawn made it the best possible and I never have a dull moment when we are all together. 

Papa and She-She watched the kids for us that weekend so we could get away for a couple nights. It was needed to say the least. But I'm not sure I'm liking that they dressed all 3 kids in Cyclone attire ;)

Beau's Kindergarten Class Pictures: Part I

The variety cheerleaders came to visit Beau's class for Homecoming this week. I asked him if he sang and danced with them, "No mommy, I only sang. Dancing is for girls". :)