Parker and Jolie | 20 Months

These two are twenty months old today.  TWENTY. Two-Zero.

headband / two little bees boutique // shorts / o darling handmade // moccasins / freshly picked

Basically we packed them up for college and we'll see them off in the morning.  All the essentials were in the wagon, you know.  

Even Puppy made the cut.

20 months, you guys.   We are merely months away from counting in whole years rather than months.  As much as I wish time to slow, cease, crawl, and basically stop all together, this age/stage we are in has been a lot of fun.   

 Jolie Grace
headwrap / ruby blue inc // sunnies / the children's place // tank / gap // bloomers / lovey lake

 My littlest bit, you are just the sweetest on the planet.
..I think I say that every new month we have.

You are the girliest of all girlie.

..your sashay while wearing momma's heels is my absolute favorite.  

Your prance around the room while wearing anything you've snagged from my closet floor.

..arms up and hips swaying. Get it, girl. 

Your style is impressive.  

You have a keen eye for selecting headbands, and request to wear them often.  

The way you lean your head in for me to put them on put a little smile on your momma's face.

Occasionally I'll find you in your closet trying on every headband in your basket.

..because, now- we open doors.

All of them.  

..the most fun game in your life right now. 

I've really noticed your interest in baby dolls this month. 

..the 'valley girl' tilt to your head as you console that sweet baby doll (or rubber ducky, or stuffed animal) is absolutely hilarious.  

You are way too sweet for words, Jo.

Your favorite seems to be Dora (a bath toy).

..You chat with her the entire time we are in the bath; rather dramatic "HI" and "YEA" as you kisses, and cuddle that doll.

..and then lay her down for 'bed' before we get out. 

Bed being the bottom of the tub.

For the record, we have never watched Dora the Explorer.

..We {still} don't watch much TV.  I halfway wish on some days you had more interest in it.

..but I'm thankful on most that we can sit and listen to music while we play or eat and that will suffice even more so than Mickey on the tube. 

Rarely do you find yourself in any kind of trouble.

..and when you do, it is the end of the world, and there is no stopping those tears until we've 'made up'.

Time-out totally rocks your world, thats a fact.

  What is most interesting about this, is that you're newest game for attention is sending yourself to 'time-out'.

..letting out a fake cry with your head buried into the wall, and then searching for Mom or Dad to come get you out.

'Making up' with hugs and kisses is your most favorite.

Baby girl, I give those out for free.

You are one vibrant little chica..

..My little girl is enthusiastic about everything!! 

Coloring and puzzles are your absolute favorite.  I mention the idea for either and before I have time to even make a step you are screaming "YEA!!" and running like a banshee through the house.

..straight for the puzzle shelf, or to the kitchen table to get 'set up' for a major art show.

Favorite Foods: Pasta, Crackers, Cheesy Eggs, Mexican Rice (any rice, really), Quinoa, Veggie Burgers, Bean Cakes, Blackberries, Kiwi, Guacamole, Teddy Grahams, Goldfish, Swiss Cheese and Milk.  Milk, milk, milk.  All day long. Water is another 'fav'.. Actually.  You will drink anything I give you faster than I can keep up.   

Words are coming easier to you this month. 
..no sentences yet, but it seems like you pick up a word or two every other day.
Gah- you are so incredibly smart.
..intuitive is an even better way to describe it.
Some of the newest words: yellow, green, pink, Parker (your are working hard hard hard to perfect sisters name), bath, truck, balloon, and snack.
You say, or attempt, to repeat everything and we work hard on this everyday.
While you aren't putting sentences together, you understand everything we say 100%.
..that includes things I've never shown you or said to you, you get it.
Blows me away.
..every time.

This summer has been an absolute BLAST.
..We have spent a ton of time in the water this month.
We take you and sister girl to the Splash Pad and the pool pretty often.

..while Parker was a little more hesitant, you, my crazy-brain, are a madhouse in those fountains.  

The shooting water could knock you on your rear and nothing but laughter would surface from that sweet belly of yours.

I am thankful for the 'happy' you have literally 99% of the time.

You love to sing when no-one is listening.

..and bee-bop when no one is watching.

The chatter that emerges from my backseat while we are in the car is the cutest ever.

..I wish I didn't have to focus so much on the road and could devote my attention entirely on everything you have to say.

Momma is here to dance to your hums, shimmy to your favorite tunes (even if there aren't any), and will always have an ear to listen to your chatter.

Always.
dress / gap {similar} // glitter bow / two little bees boutique // moccasins / freshly picked

headband / shelby chic boutique // flutter sleeve dress / gap {similar}

headwrap / shelby chic boutique // tank / gap // jeans / curly q's counter

top / double stitched  // necklace / bub + bug studio 

Parker Jane 

headwrap / ruby blue inc // tee / riley clay designs / shorts / curly q's counter

Let us count the ways that I love you so.

I've said it numerous times before, and your daddy reminds us often, but seriously.

Seriously.  You are my mini.

The looks you give, the personality you've developed, the demeanor you've mastered.

All of it.  

..I'm looking in a mirror.  Literally.

What is most funny about all of this is that I am looking in a mirror of me at age 29.

So, yes, my sweet little 20 month old.

..you are 20 months going on 29 years.

You have a way about you that brings a smile to our face (and everyone else's, too!)

..even when you are getting reprimanded.  I wish I could describe it.  

Actually- its THIS face.  The head tilt, eyebrows raised, half-smile as if you are saying

.."Really, mom.  You are getting frustrated with this face?"

Never, Parker.

..I can't even.

Time out and firm conversations have been few and far in between this month.

Last month was a tough one. 

..you tested the waters very often.

You want/need so badly to have more words to tell me what is going on or what you need, but they just aren't there yet.

At 19 months you didn't have much of a vocabulary.

..but sister, girl- you are spitting out words left and right this month.

New consistent words at 20 months: truck, car, bath, cheese, Jo, Ginny, Dog, Daph (Daphnee), milk, more, snack, cracker, no, yes, Momma, Dad, Papa, and store.

I still find myself getting into the middle of your frustrated rants because you can't annunciate  what you want momma to do.. but we are getting there.

You love to do anything that is "helping".

..THE biggest helper ever.

Playing in the tupperware or pots & pans, unloading the dishwasher (your favorite is the silverware- one piece at a time) & sitting on the counter to help prep the veggies or 'stir the pot'.

The moment we wake in the morning, you've got your routine.

..'demand' Ginny be let out of her kennel, and then barging into the pantry to get the dog food ready.  

Place the dog bowl.  Open the dog food tub.  Fill the cup. Dump the cup.

REPEAT with Daphnee.. 

..and then proceed to have a meltdown after realizing we have only two dogs to feed. 

Every morning.

Every evening. 

I have started to hide the dog bowl after Ginny eats.

..I was on the hunt for you one day and heard the dog food hitting the metal bowl behind the closed door of the pantry.  

There was no way I was going to tell you 'no' after the most precious look of 'see momma, I did it!' came across your face when you opened the door and stood at my feet.  

We are still working through those front cuspid teeth.

..sleep at night isn't an issue, but naps have taken the short route on more days than not.

Even with the short naps (like, 30 minute short), you make it through to bedtime at 7:30pm in good spirits.

Eating has been hit or miss this month (I leave that to the fault of those teeth)

Your first popsicle was had this month, and my goodness. 

..I think you've created a new food group in the Parker diet.

Favorite Foods this month include:

Popsicles (is that a food? Probably not.), Pasta, Goldfish, American Cheese, Crackers, Chicken, Egg Tacos, Cereal (Honey Nut Chex is your fav), Yogurt Raisins, and..and..and..

..I cannot leave out the fact that you have a slight obsession with little sips of momma's Diet Coke.

It would be a chug if I didn't stop you.

You are way too excited when we pull into Sonic for Happy Hour 

..half price drinks means we go almost every day.

Occasionally momma will treat my sweet girls with a cotton candy slush.

..and your day is made.

You make me laugh. 

..all.day.long.

I never thought that I could have so much joy for two little people.

..you and Jo have me and your daddy so, so happy.  Words can't even describe.

My best friend.  My mini.

Love you, precious.

headwrap / a thread up

sunnies / claire's boutique

headwrap / shelby chic boutique

headwrap / pieces to peaces

headwraps / shelby chic boutique // tee / loved by hannah and eli

headwraps / two little bees boutique // tee / trilogy design co 

headwraps / pieces to peaces // romper / target

headbow / shelby chic boutique // tank / target

headwrap / ruby blue inc // tank / gap {similar} // bloomers / lovey lake // moccasins / freshly picked

tunic / osh'gosh {similar}

 I love this age so incredibly much. I never want to forget all of the things you girls says & do- both separately and together.  What they are learning, what they remember, and how they bring my to my knees in laughter- I am truly amazed every day.  My little sponges.  

I really can't sum up enough words how much I love and adore them.

Its is all part of being a momma.

Happy 20 months, my little birds.

photo cred: B Faith Photography

Closet Organization {for two}

Truth be told..

We aren't IKEA shoppers.

We aren't ones for 'space saving'.

I have been known to keep my clothes in color coordination..

..and also among complete chaos.  

Parker and Jolie follow suit with their parents {momma}.

To be honest I felt halfway self conscious to write this post. I've been sitting here in front of the blank Blogger screen for an hour with nothing that seems 'good' enough to write and explain my version of closet organization for two babies {and now toddlers}.  I have been asked more times than I can count about how I organize Parker and Jolie's things - headbands in particular.  

Here I am to share my not-so-secret ways.

There are two bars running along the inside of the square walk-in closet, and those are arranged by size and shape of clothing.  

Dresses, cardigans, and sweaters are directly to the left, and tees, tanks, blouses, shorts, & pants run along to back of the closet.  The top shelving is less than organized.. books (that aren't ready for baby hands yet..), shoe boxes (because I am weird and like to hoard shoe boxes), diapers, wipes, and travel accessories. 

There is a dresser we bought right before the girls were born at an estate sale.  It was brown with terrible pull handles.  BB and Papa did their magic with a little paint and sandpaper to make it match the vintage/shabby theme of the girls' nursery furniture.  The top of that dresser is where I 'save' the new items I need to review - whether it be clothing, hair bows, or shoes.  Most anything 'new' hangs out there until I can find a space for it and have done my duties with the promotional products.  

This dresser in the closet provides amazing space-saving abilities for our small room made smaller by housing two cribs.  I guess I am a space-saver..
Top drawer hold keepsakes. I have their preemie coming home outfit in this drawer, along with personalized bibles given by their Auntie and Uncle J, pearl keepsake bracelets.. and other things from those very early days of baby-hood.

2nd drawer is for the jams (and bloomers).  We love jammies, and I'm a sucker for anything precious in the PJ form.  I also have justifiable reasons for storing jammies and bloomers together.  Not. 

3rd drawer is where I keep the girls' 'play' clothes.  These are clothes that we wear when BB is here for the day, or when daddy is home with us and especially when we have plans to play outside all day, or when we are going to get extra messy.  

4th drawer is when I keep clothes waiting to be rotated into the mix.  We are in a pretty tight rotation of clothing, and clothes that are out of season or do not fit any more are moved out pretty quick to make room for the next size up.  I am thankful my girls have gotten real wear out of their clothing overall.  We have been in size 12-18 months since we were 15 months old, and for the most part are staying put for now.  I refuse to buy anything new in the 12-18 month size because it could be any day they decided I don't fit into this anymore.. so the 18-24 mo clothing hangs out in this 4th drawer.  

 Mel's Sassy Scraps hand painted wood art hang out in our closet space.  We are working on creating a collection of accessories for our neck like we have for our head.. 

While on bed rest and having unlimited access to Pinterest I had grand plans for Jordan to make this closet amazing and lined with shelving and baskets.

This is what we came up with.  It works, and I love it.    

Mini shelving from Home Depot, and assorted baskets from Babies R Us {exact}.  Fits perfectly under the clothing, and definitely not too crowded. The bottom shelving hold baskets filled with random items.  To the left are extra wipes, and breast feeding accessories, and to the right are hair bows that are two small and I'm saving for the next little girl{s} we have. 

I am determined to reuse all this stuff. BB has revived some of the hair bows and taken them off the smaller band and put them on the larger bands for longer wear.  

 Top shelf baskets are for shoes (in the left) and swimwear (on the right)

When fall and winter hit this 'swimwear' basket will change to socks and legging.

 Headband Storage... more baskets.  

One for the flower headbands and another for the wraps and halos.  We have SO many (if I wasn't such a proud momma, it would almost be embarrassing..) and I have found that this way works the best.  There has been a time for two that I literally dump the basket out in its entirety to find a particular bow I have in mind, but otherwise it is fairly logistical.  I also don't have to worry when baby hands make their way into the baskets.. no rhyme or reason means that I can trust that Parker and Jolie 'put things back in their place'. 

Lets be real.  There isn't enough wall space to hold each of these bows and wraps.. x 2.

I have a terrible habit of thinking 'coulda-woulda-shoulda', and I have come under a massive desire to revamp the girls' nursery {19 months later}.  It isn't amongst a crazy change, but it is in the process, and I plan to share it soon.  Most likely the closet will be next, but this set up has worked for over a year and a half with two babies living out of it, so here we are.. don't laugh at my less than creative abilities.  

In Jordan's words: Don't fix something that isn't broken..

But..what if I want to make it more pretty?? He's all over my Pinterest these days pinning ideas for an outdoor living area we are building (called you out, bro).. perhaps if I start pinning 'closet organization ideas' he will notice. 

If I pin it, he will build..

The Greatest Show on Earth

The circus. The Greatest Show on Earth.. 

I went as a really young child more times than I can count, but I haven't been in nearly 25 years. Every year I hear about the circus, and every year we don't make time for it.  

Last year we didn't go because the girl were too young, but this year.  This year we were going to go. 

It was up until recently that the girls would hold interest for anything longer than 5-10 minutes.  I'd say about two months ago.  Jolie sat on the kitchen floor and did a single puzzle over and over and over again for nearly an hour.  All by herself.  Parker was right with her, not nearly as long, but you could tell she was intrigued.

When the announcement of the circus dates came round via email I hopped on the chance pretty quick.  Next year we will have to pay for a ticket for them to go, so we were both eager to take them this summer while we could use the 'get in for free with children under 2' card.

The circus was three shows each day, around 11:30am, 3:30pm, and 7:30pm.  We opted for the 3:30pm because 11:30 was nap-time, and the 7:30p was bedtime.  While we don't have trouble staying up late every now and then, having to be confined while sleepy wouldn't go well.  So 3:30pm it was!

The 'pre-show' started an hour before, and it was highly recommended (by the internet) that we go.  There were clowns, blow-up tents, acrobats, and of course.. the elephants came out for a brief moment.   Oh.  And the amount of people.  Lots and lots of people.

sparkle bow / shelby chic boutique // tassel top / baby gap // shoes / freshly picked

necklace / trade show two years ago // top / express (similar) // shorts / loft (similar)

We did our best to make our way to a spot where we could see something (anything).

Auntie and Uncle J were with us and thankfully they were taller than most among the crowd, so holding Parker and Jolie high enough to see (i.e. shoulder seating) wasn't an issue.

We made out way to our seats after he pre-show concluded, and patiently waited for the show to start.  My kids are expert people watchers, so the 15 minutes we waited was a silent one.  There were people everywhere and I'm not totally sure we have ever been in a situation for that amount of people watching before.

Popcorn was the essential snack for watching the greatest show on earth, and Jolie made it very clear. I don't think she shared with any one.. 

We made sure to get the best seats for our money - which I think helped with the girls attention span during the 2.5 hour show.  We were able to see everything!  I told BB last week that my kids never show much interest in being a part of social situations (like clapping when others are clapping, or even knowing when the right time to clap is..) 

I was 100% proven wrong.  Jolie and Parker clapped and cheered at all the right moments.  They loved it!  I nearly lost interest in the circus watching my own show of cuteness in the crowd.  I was really taken back at their understanding of what was going on.

It is no secret that my kids loves all animals.  Squeals with delight when little birds poke around in our yard, rabbits, and the zoo makes them extra excited.  We were loving all the animals, music, and dancing, but what both Parker and Jolie loved the most were the acrobats.  Jolie clapped and laughed with excitement especially during the tight rope walking (and let me tell you, THAT was impressive). 

This show was AWESOME. So much going on, and although Parker and Jolie were near to done with it the last half hour or so (it was dinner time and momma was out of snacks..) the circus with two almost 20 month old babies was a success.

Since we were in Dallas, we planned to head over to The Texas Truck Yard for dinner after the circus.  The first time we went (HERE) it was so delicious, all I could do was think about those cheese steaks.  We had to go back.  

We got there a little later than we did last time, and it was apparent that the weather was absolutely perfect (and it was a Saturday night). 

There was a ton of people - and again, the opportune time to watch them.  All of them.  

We snagged the end of a picnic table near the stage (live music was amazing) and stuffed our face with philly cheese steak goodness, and pizza for the babes.

I attempted 746 times that day to get Parker and Jolie to sit still for a photo, and they denied me 746 times.  ZERO interest in the camera, and I don't blame them.  

Silly Jarrett and Silly Jolie.  

NO PICTURES, MOM.

The sea of people.  We had two hubby's waiting to score our table while their wives got the food. We bribed our table seating for a photo of the {6 of us}, and they obliged.  We figured that almost 3 hours was enough? 

There were 11 pictures of us when I got my phone back (his wifey has taught him well..) and every single one looked like this.  Parker took a keen interest in J's bald head and gave him a good pat-down for all 11 photos to express.

When I know we are going to be out past our bed time (7:30pm these days), I always pack jammies and milk for the right home. This way we can transfer them right to their cribs when we get home.  My trunk can hold 4 grown men, so changing my little birds in the parking lot is a breeze. 

jammies / carter's for target 

I had been looking forward to this day for months and it did not disappoint.  I loved loved loved the circus and I'm so glad my girls seemed to as well.

A few tips that I'll take into planning for next year..
Skip the pre-show.  There were way too many people, and not enough for my girls to do at this age. Until they will sit for a face painting or can safely run through a bounce house, we won't be planning on that again.
Snacks. My girls love love love popcorn, so that was worth the $5.50 for the tub, but I had a stash of snacks for them to eat during the show.  My girls are definitely snackers (they get it from their momma), so make sure to have plenty to make it through the 2.5 hour show.
Make the splurge.  Tickets can be pricey for this type of thing, but I will say that sitting close helped to hold my girls' interest.

The Barnum and Bailey/ Ringling Brothers circus was super fun, super entertaining, and made for a perfect weekend memory with my favorite people on the planet.  I can't wait to take Jolie and Parker for years to come!

Lollipops {and} Sticky Fingers

The last few days it has been somewhat gloomy out, drizzling rain here and there, which in turn meant being held up inside for the majority of the day.  We typically go out for at least an hour everyday, so these little birds had enough of being inside.  I took one look around my demolished living room {and random puzzle pieces sprawled across the kitchen floor..} and decided- we are going out.

I had picked up a couple suckers (cotton candy, in case you needed to know) as we were checking out at the grocery store with intentions of letting the girls have some that afternoon.  I totally forgot about them, and I was thankful since the insanity and non-stop whining that made up the majority of my afternoon was subsided by pure candy bribery.  Let me preface this by placing blame.  Blame on my mother-in-law. The woman grows Smarties candies in her kitchen, has pop-tarts and Apple Jacks cereal by the pounds.. and ultimately introduced my daughters to these lollipops. They both came strolling out the back door on the 4th of July, sunnies, suits, and a sucker.

Well. Okay then.

But, really.. what in the world are grandmas for?  BB is among the best, I tell you.

ANYway.

"Lets go outside" usually does the trick for hushing their complaints.

But.. lets go outside with candy?  

Parker took off running with her arms in the air towards the back door.  Jolie was right behind her, doing the Phoebe run {another Friends reference for you..} and hollering for "GEEEEY (that would be Ginny, the dog) to c'mon.

I'll trade your sucker for MY sucker.

-Jo Grace approximately 1 minute after she drops her sucker on the concrete and loses half.

leggings / odarling handmade

 Parker be like.. she be cray, momma.

 THESE two.  A couple of my besties.  Please excuse my window.  That dirty dirty window.  Two dogs and two babies don't boast well for clean glass.  The top of that glass door look amazing.. 

 headwrap / shelby chic boutique // tank / twisted tanks (instagram shop @twistedtanks)

This girl.  She's been over the moon sweet lately. I mean- she's always sweet, but she has her moments of sass.  These days that sass comes out less and less.
I cannot get enough of my mini!

They really do adore one another.  Although.. there is ZERO sharing of food, drink, and yep, candy.  

 GEEEY had to swipe a taste.  Of course.

Sister girl love

We spent almost 2 hours outside running our little hearts out.  It was good good good for the soul.  We all needed that fresh (and muggy) air.  We may have needed a bath pre pasta dinner, but the grass and dirt mixed with sticky cotton candy lollipop may have grossed momma out a little. 

Just a little bit.

It was worth it.  Lollipops all around.