This week our life has been consumed with snot. Thats right, snot has taken over our house, our babies, and any casual conversation Jordan and I might have- in between baby talk, baby food, baby shopping.. etc. You get the point.
I was okay with the snot (as okay as one can actually be, I suppose), until it set up shop in my head, which made dealing with sicky (snotty) babies harder to handle. After waking up on Thursday morning feeling like death warmed over, no voice (literally), and a call to work telling them today was a no-go, Jordan made me call the doctor. Doctor for me resulted in a diagnosis of a double ear infection (I know, right- what adult gets an ear infection, let alone double), sinusitis (read: sinus infection) and a script for a z-pack. Feeling MUCH better this morning- you can actually understand a word coming out of my mouth whereas yesterday Jordan would just look at me with a blank stare on his face in hopes that I thought he understood what I was talking about.
I knew better.
Friday was better. For all of us- significantly less snot for sure. Hallelujah.
Running errands is our way of getting out together as a family- and its weird but I really, really love running errands with Jordan and the girls. When we drive all over Alabama (read: Texas), warranting pit stops for lunch, and Sonic drinks- its a good day. We just won't talk about the money spent along the way.. errands are fun- lets focus on that!
Tessa of Sweet T's Baby Boutique made these hair bows for us about a month ago and I had yet to get them in a picture. She is currently set up at a craft fair and wanted some of the girls for her booth (blushing!) After 4 separate attempts with crying, snotty babies, yesterday morning was finally a good day. For the most part.
I've decided that this is my favorite way to take a picture of Parker and Jolie. All the cuteness and zero pressure to get them both to smile at the camera, or even look at the camera for that matter.
Parker has been out of character for a week (read: teething, snotty, sleepy) and not willing to smile at the camera, at all.
Crazy pants Jolie on the other hand was having a blast!
Sanity while momma gets ready for the day: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (on repeat), pulled blinds, and a pile of veggie crunchies
First stop: Dr. Butler's office for the second part of our flu shot. We were originally scheduled for this past Monday, but with fevers and snot (#stupidsnot) we rescheduled.
Waiting patiently for our turn, Jolie found a new toy.
After realizing and freaking out a little because she couldn't take the balls off the tracks, she decided she loved it!
Daddy and Parker found the puzzles (typical for this baby's brain). We have these puzzles in particular on our birthday wish list:)
Costco was next.. after a brief and small fortune was spent at Babies 'R' Us.
Even though we love Costco (and Sam's for that matter) for their double-seated carts, we love them most for their samples.
Bomb diggity.
Jolie was being so silly and closing her eyes every time she would get a bite!
How could we not spend some time in the toy aisle? Plethora of Christmas goodies out on display! Until we came upon this Costco giant of a bear.
Terrified or in love?
Totally smitten.
I love everything about this picture.
After a few more stops, we finally made it home for the evening. While at BRU, we made the executive decision to introduce the toothbrush to the twinsies.
AND it was $0.99. Jolie fought and fought for about a minute and then, like a dog getting a bath, decided it wasn't that bad.
So, that was our Friday. Just Friday. Busy, busy all day long, and I loved every single second of it! The rest of the weekend is low key.. Jordan is at the fire station today, and so that leaves just me and these littles (and their laundry) to hang out. Sunday means church in the morning, and Christmas in the afternoon:) Thats right- forcing the hubs to pull down the tree. sweeetttt. I absolutely adore this time of year!
It's Monday..and while I hope you all had a great weekend, I'm excited it is Monday because today I get to share with you some of the most precious babies and their baby rad {custom} attire.
I introduce to you the work of Ang Disney, owner and designer at Curly Q's Counter. When Ang approached me about doing something special for Parker and Jolie, I was shocked I had never come across her shop before. That girl has got some talent!! Curly Q's Counter features every day fashions and styles with a unique, handmade twist. Custom orders are always welcome and the designs are limitless - tons of fun colors to add to you or your child's outfit! All sizes are available upon request and each item is uniquely made to order. The styles are made to give every outfit a pop of edge or spunk, and not something you see in stores every day.
I mean. Seriously
Her work is of great quality.. these denim vests are babyGap and run for less than $30 in her shop! In fact everything {from jeans & overalls to head gear and scarves} is of a reasonable price.
Remember these sweet little *violet* adjustable suspenders and distressed jeans from Parker & Jolie's 11 month post? Courtesy of CQC! {These suspenders are best for 5m-4T totally adjustable & removable} Totally smitten!! a Rafflecopter giveaway
11 Months. As I type I'm sitting here watching these two little {not so little, actually} babies {toddlers, really} walk and babble their way through the kitchen {making loops around the island with a random squeal/screech/scream here and there}. Little voices, little words, teeter totter of little legs, pointing of tiny fingers, teeth, teeth, count them five, teeth since last month.
So much has changed in such a short amount of time. I can't even bring myself to look through pictures from 11 months ago. I lie. On the daily, folks.
ELEVEN?! Months!?
Whatchu say?
Cray Cray..Time is flying so fast, sister.
What's New
Walking {Running}
Talking {Sort of..}
Sharing {Sometimes}
Acknowledging people/places/objects {All day. Every day.}
Gaining Independence {Until Momma walks into/out of the room}
As you can see from the list above, this 11th month has marked tremendous milestones- for the second month in a row. At 10 months we finally cut teeth and we started to wobble steps here and there- but as of 11 months we are both walking all over the place and getting quiet good at it, thats for sure. Parker can practically run from place to place, needs little to hold her balance, and is brave as can be. Jolie is a little more cautious with her steps- arms out to her side holding her balance, and still learning how to speed up her stride. Either way- they both take multiple tumbles a day, with little tears to show for it. I've gotten quiet accustomed to holding my ground if they happen to fall {face-plant} to the floor. I don't want to find myself running to their side any time they bump their head or trip and fall- making a bigger deal out of something that isn't.
We cut three teeth each this month-the same teeth, actually, which is so bizarre to me. I guess I didn't expect that. Jolie cut her top middle two and the one to {her} left (10/20/13) and Parker cut these same teeth about a week later (10/25/13). You wouldn't have ever know with Jo, but Parker's sleep habits and usual playful mood was affected {and it continues still} during that time.
I've noticed more and more interaction and acknowledgment of the people the girls regularly see. Especially Ashley, Jarrett {Auntie and Uncle J}, BB and Poppa {Jordan's parents}, and of course Jordan and myself. They have taken a real adoration to their BB lately- and love their time spent with her a couple days a week. So thankful for her, thats for sure. If you ask Jolie or Parker 'Where's Daddy?' or 'Where's Puppy?' {Jolie's prized possession- just like her momma!} they will point in that general direction and jibber jabber. The other day Jordan asked Jolie where Puppy was, and she went off in search of Puppy walking to the nursery and leaving Jordan in the living room. Talk about precious! They also have begun to say 'dada' anytime Jordan isn't around and I'm texting or talking on the phone. They assume 'dada' is on the other end. We have done 'face-time' with him a couple times while he is away at the fire station, but now the girls actually recognize that Daddy is on the screen- and they think it is so hilarious. It is amazing to watch their development and it floors me for how quickly it occurs- I'm talking overnight.
Teaching Jolie to blow sugars took less than a half hour. I kid you not. Smart as a whip and her sister's got things figured out, too! To be truthful, I thought that time waited until at least 12-15 months before giving my 11 month old the brain to throw a tantrum, but I was surely wrong. Where I came up with that 12-15 months window, I haven't a clue, I just can't believe my eyes sometimes when Parker throws herself on the floor in dramatic distress when she doesn't get what she wants {or Jolie snatches a toy from her grasp}. Where did you learn this, child? No adult is acting in this way {unless Jordan eats the last cookie} and they aren't around any kids regularly to witness this sort of behavior.. leaves this momma clueless, for sure. Thankfully these 'tantrums' are few and far in between.
This month you girls are getting more and more talkative by the day. Ma-Ma and Da-Da are now accompanied by da {dog}, choo {choo-choo train}, bah-bah/doh-doh {bye-bye}. They both seem to recognize and understand what you are saying to them when you ask them a question- 'are you hungry?' gets Parker's attention real quick.
Both babies continue to wear size 2 diapers and size 6 months in onesies. As far as jammies, pants, and shirts we have transitioned into size 6-12 mo (babyGap) and 9 mo (Carter's). These larger sizes are pretty loose and have plenty of room to grow, but the 6 month pants and jammies are just too short. I've got me two long and lean baby girls!
Eat
Last month the girls were willing to try anything, and this month is almost the same for the most part. Parker is still pretty good about taking a taste of anything I/we offer her, but Jolie has become quite the skeptic. She gives anything directed to her mouth a good examination before she has to put it in her mouth herself. It had become a rare occasion that I am able to put it in her mouth without question.
As we approach the 12 month mark we are starting to think about the transition to more solid foods and getting to that multi-meal a day mentality. We haven't gotten there yet, as we are still just eating solid foods twice a day- mid-morning and evening- but we are close. The girl aren't interested in 'real' food at all, so it makes it hard to offer them something I know they will actually eat! I know once we start to give them more solids they will eventually get to a point of loving everything, so I'm not too worried at this point. My biggest concern is that these girls get totally grossed out by any 'chunks' of food and immediately spit them out. Gotta work on that.
Their typical feeding schedule at 11 months:
5:30-6am: breast feed
8-8:30am: wake for the day- snack (puffs, toast, yogurt melts)
9am: 7 ounce bottle (or breast feed when I'm home)
9:45am-10am: 5 ounces fruit/vegetable and 1/2 cup yogurt
10am-12pm: nap
1pm: 7 ounce bottle (or breastfeed when I’m home)
2:30pm: nap
5pm: breastfeed
6:30pm: (eaten between the two of them) 3/4-1 cup of oats mixed with 5 ounces breast milk and 5 ounces of veggies/fruit and about 1/2 cup yogurt
This month these girls have gone through a growth spurt and it is not problem for them to take from the bottle when mom isn't around to nurse. Music to Daddy's ears! Weaning is the next step for these girls and I think it will be easier for the babes than for myself. 12 months has always been the 'magic' number, so we shall see how it goes this next month. I'm a little stressed about it all, so any tips are welcome!
Sleep
I am happy to report that Parker and Jolie continue to sleep through the night. There have been a couple times that Parker (and recently, Jolie) have woken in the middle of the night due to teething, but nothing a little momma or daddy love can't soothe quickly and right back down they go.
Two naps a day is where we are at- but the talks of a single nap during the day is in planning. Manipulating their feeding times and fitting in one long nap is whats up next for these babies. They nap around 10am or 10:30am and then again in the afternoon (down between 2:30pm-3pm).
To My Sassy Mini-
Your Favorites: your monkey Wubanub, your paci (can't sleep without it!), singing your ABC's, playing 'chase' around the house, paper (toilet paper, paper towels, boxes, receipts), iPhone, the remote control, anything you can stack- blocks, cups, etc., bath time, the color orange, and most of all- cuddling.
Food: You will pretty much try anything! Oatmeal, yogurt, sweet potatoes, bananas, and butternut squash, baby crunchies, Cheerios, goldfish
Your Not-So-Favorites: When Jolie takes a toy away, Sitting and playing alone, being in your car seat for too long, being left out, getting dressed or diaper changes.
Food: There isn't one particular thing you won't eat, but still iffy on how much of one thing you will eat. You are free to try, but after one bite its become hit or miss whether you will continue to eat or not.
Sassy is the understatement of the century. You little girl are SO much like your momma- right down to the facial expressions and demeanor. I know I've said this over and over again, but I have seen myself in you more so now than any of the previous months before. I love it!
You are such a love bug and sure know how to make your Daddy and me smile from ear to ear. You have become quite silly in your ways- screeching with excitement when you are extra happy. You walk around confident and seem to have purpose- for as much purpose as an 11 month old can possibly have. You have come out of your shell this month and are super outgoing- playing with anyone, seeking out your curiosity and gaining more and more independence by the day. I can't pinpoint the day that you decided to be brave and leave my lap for more than just a few minutes- but you are always ready for play these days. Even though this is the case, you still want momma and dad close by for comfort.
We have come to the conclusion that your favorite color is orange. You double fist any orange toy we have- particularly the orange stacking ring and orange ball- carrying it around all day. There was even a meltdown moment when sister had the orange cap in her sippy cup and you were devastated we gave you the pink. Finally we figured out what the actual problem was and made a quick switch. INSANE to think you actually understand and know what you want/need. Makes me realize that you aren't so little these days. You know exactly what you want and when you want it- just like the time you physically stopped me from snapping my fingers while singing the ABC's and showed me that clapping was better. Being corrected by an 11 month old is a feeling I will never forget. Clearly you prefer the claps over the snaps- so that is the only way to do it, I suppose. Soon you will be saying more words than 'mama' and 'dada' and you'll be chatting me up all day everyday. As bad as I want that day to come, I really have enjoyed this sweet stage you are in. Sweet and snuggly, handing out hugs by the handfuls- I cannot get enough of you!
You have become incredibly playful this month and your new favorite game to play is 'chase'..if thats the real name for it. You take off running, arms in the air, and attempt to 'hide' in the hallways and peer around the corner to see if daddy or momma are right behind you- squealing with delight as you take off running again. Repeat this about 67 times {or until momma is completely out of breath} and you are good to go.. and go. and go some more. You could play this all day long. Again- another thing I can't pinpoint the change, but the once 'sit back and watch' Parker is no longer.
Happy eleven months, sweetest PJ. You are one incredible light to our life. I love you.
Hey Jo-Jo (in my best Yogi Bear voice)
Your Favorites: Your Puppy, singing the ABC's, anything that lights up and sings, smiling and being silly, climbing and exploring, rough housing, bath time, hide and go seek, laughing at Daphnee through the back window.
Food: Oatmeal, yogurt, sweet potatoes, mango, applesauce, baby crunchies, Cheerios, and butternut squash, and bread (hard rolls, pizza crust, etc.).
Your Not-So-Favorites: being in your car seat for too long, finding a comfortable position to sleep in, getting dressed and changing your diaper (continues to be a never ending battle!)
Food: You are picky, picky, picky! Not trusting anyone to put something straight in your mouth. You must do it for yourself if you are going to even try anything. Straight up avocado (you will eat guacamole), pasta, and banana- I think its a texture thing.
Baby girl, you've got a way about you that sure does keep my heart full to the brim. I know your daddy can agree.
Crazy Train. On repeat. Every day. The look on your face- half cracked smile and sly eyes- I cannot help but giggle. Its as if you are up to no good..and thank goodness we aren't to that stage at this point. You have become the sweetest soul this month. You have always been a sweet girl, but it is showing more and more everyday. Maybe because your sister has enough sass for the both of you and then some.. but either way- I'm digging you, girlie. My favorite little goofy smile- and those TEETH! I still cannot believe you have teeth. Too big for your britches baby girl.
You are quite the chatter box and will talk and point out every thing. You are so very smart and I can probably attest to be taken back at least once a day by how quickly you pick up on various things. Your daddy and I think you will be the first with full sentences as you are already making strides to forming more understandable words.
Your puppy is your best friend- the light up of your face is unforgettable and the sweetest when you see puppy. Can we talk about how hilarious it is to watch you {attempt} to walk around with that stuffed animal in your hand? Puppy is as big as you are! We have to limit puppy at bed time because he will keep you awake all night long- hugs and kisses and lots and lots of chatter. What you two are talking about is beyond me- but your little voice over the monitor is to die for. Sometimes he is the last resort when momma or daddy can't do the trick to soothe you- oh, but puppy has the magic touch.
You continue to wear your TOT collar 3-4 times a day and we continue to see great improvement in the straightness of the way you hold your neck. Even though you have been discharged from PT {got the letter in the mail officially on 11/6/13} we aren't ready to phase out the collar just yet. You don't seem to mind it all that much and will tolerate it up to an hour or more! You play so well with it on, we often times forget you are even wearing it. Such a good sport you are.
Stealing toys from your sister is your favorite game these days- but I have come to think it isn't intentional simply because if she takes it back from you, you totally could careless. Parker screams her head off- but its like you shrug your shoulders and move on- most of the time. You have flipped places with sister and have come to love sitting in momma's lap for more than just a few moments. I'm surely not complaining at all whatsoever. You are more of a thinker and evaluates every situation before taking part. Much different that these last months before.
Jolie Grace- thank you for your contagious smiles and amazing personality. Our days are much sweeter with you apart of them.
Looking back over the weekend I had about a million pictures to share. I decided it was a fabulous start to the second to last month of the year.. which means my babies will be 11 months old this week. 11 months going on 14 years!
Friday afternoon me and the girls met a sweet blogger friend, Ashley for lunch and window shopping at the mall. After pizza lunch which actually means pizza, puffs, bread, and pasta ALL over the floor.. and a really dirty look from the woman walking around the food court with a broom we started off to find the play area for the kiddos. We have never played in anything like this before, but they girls went wild!
Literally running all over the place. When did Parker learn to run?
Caught ya! Don't give me that look, little lady.
Parker went to every little place she could sit up on top of and did just that- seeming to be very proud of herself.
..and again
Pointing and jibber jabbering is the newest thing in our house. She was telling me all about Marvin.
Jolie was pretty unsure of the entire thing and clung to me or Ashley the entire time..
About 45 minutes of watching her sister run like a wild banshee, she finally came around
She thought the little seats were hilarious!
She loved that she could sit on top of it. The fact that she has teeth when she smiles still weirds me out.
..and this girl. Sat like this with her back to me. No matter how many times I called her name. She is something else I tell you.
Silly sisters! We played and played and played for about 2 hours. Yes. 11 months old and they lasted that long. I told Jordan we would need to make a regular appearance at the mall. It is such a great way to break up the day! They crashed so hard on the way home. Note to self: do this again!
Ashley and I have chatted through email, graduated to texting, and now have actually met in person! The girls and I really enjoyed spending time with this girl and can't wait for our next playdate! Just a sidenote: My hair looks really short in the picture :/ GROW.. please!
Later that afternoon Parker pulled out this bow from her closet that we have yet to wear. It was originally on a beanie that their BB made for them before they were born and have since grown out of the beanie. I requested that the fabulous bow be repurposed into a headband and, hello? Perfection!
I can't even.
Saturday morning Daddy came home from the fire station and had his usual breakfast smoothie in hand and a begging Jolie at his feet. She recently figured out how to suck through a straw, and pleads with her daddy for a sip!
I headed to the grocery store bright and early, and while the girls napped that afternoon I whipped up some baby food for the littles.
roasted sweet potato, carrots, and parsnips
Sunday morning started early for us! We were meeting Jordan's family for lunch in Dallas to celebrate Poppa's birthday and decided that we would worship at our old church. I miss that place!! Makes me sad we live so far away from it- but The Village is just as wonderful.
My sweet girl after I picked her up from children's church. Man I adore her.
Lunch! Which really means puffs, bread, and pasta ALL over the floor. See a pattern? We haven't quiet grasped the idea of hand to mouth just yet.
I watched Jolie and her Poppa be so sweet together the entire lunch.
After the meal our waiter was so sweet to bring out some ice cream for the babes and a mini cheesecake for Roy's birthday. We spared him the singing- mainly because he was spoon feeding my child and she was patiently waiting while he perfectly portioned out the perfect little bite.
Parker and her BB enjoying some of that Vanilla Bean goodness, too!
After lunch we took a stroll through Northpark and stopped to check out the fountains
Happy Birthday to the sweetest Poppa on the planet! {The fountain was WAY more interesting than Momma and Dad bouncing around and hollering for attention to the camera.}
Later that evening I had a special helper unloading the dishwasher.. and a little extra something for me to unload..
Of course I had to snap a couple pictures of these girls in the most precious outfits that my sweet momma friend, Erin mailed the girls this week. She is talented, right??
Handmade stitching on the front of those little shirts. AND- look at Parker's elbow patch?! Dying!
Hey, Tweety Bird- it seems that you are having a minor accessory malfunction.
My sillies are in a constant blur! I've started snapping about a million pictures in a row in hopes to get one good one. They are always on the move and waiting for the perfect picture is impossible.
I emailed these pictures to Erin and she is totally up for taking orders if anyone has interest:) Feel free to email her at: olsonpitcrew24@aol.com for custom orders and requests. She is totally making something special for Parker and Jolie to wear when they see the Big Man in the Red Suit!
Oh what fun! Ok.. little too early for Christmas music? Tell that to my iPod blaring Bieber Christmas (pre-annoying-self absorbed-crazy teenage stage that is currently.)
