Parker & Jolie | 19 Months

We've had a busy month.  These toddler children are far most active now over these last couple months than they have ever been.  

-We suffered our first official sickness {x2} 

-We learned MANY new words.

-Been to the pool 56472 times.

-We eat sauce (ketchup or BBQ sauce) on err'ything (by request)

-Tried cinnamon rolls for the first time (and then climbed the walls for the hour following)

-Loved our sister more than anything

-Hated our sister more than anything

-We BOTH have enough hair for piggies.

(because that is incredibly noteworthy.)

Where did those immobile babies go? What did I do with all my free time {and brain} space when they were 3..4..5 months old?  

Oh.  Thats right.  I was emotionally and physically spent from all that learning to be a mom thing.  That was all so crazy. I've got news for those new moms reading into their future.  

Crazy doesn't leave.

But its a good crazy.  REAlly good.  

Welcome to 19 months, baby girls.

Parker Jane

You, my sweetest dear, keep your daddy and me on our toes.  

..you definitly know what you want and when you want it.

Which is always 'right this very moment'.

You continue to have enough attitude for all of us..

  ..but 'happy' on you is like nothing in this entire world.  

Squeals, giggles, and those smiles that make your eyes disappear.

..I am more than proud that my chubby cheeks and round face continues to dominate your features.

You are trying SO hard to talk.

..you attempt with all efforts to repeat words we say.

I am confident that you will get there quickly.

..but I'm sad that the furrowed brow and sweet complex to say these words will soon be gone.

hi, buh-bye, cheese, teeth, eyes, ears, milk, more, momma, daddy..

..Ginny, go, no, bath, pool, yes (yeah), sister, watermelon (with more tongue movements than the actual word),

There are other words, but they are just here and there..

..mostly inconsistent and random.

Your absolute favorite thing (game) to do right now is opening and shutting (slamming) doors.

..and playing in the pantry.

We can walk through the house at any given time and every single door will be shut.

..and then we will find you in the pantry sorting the recyclables. 

"HI", slam. "HIIIIIIEEEE", slam. "MOM. HI", slam.

..entertainment while I cook dinner, and I'm totally fine with that.

Whatever works.

This month has been tough on the teething front.  

..its been awhile since we've had a hard time with cutting of teeth (since about 15 months).

You are cutting your front cuspids, and those are a killer.

..waking through the night several times a week, fussy, fever, and loss of appetite. 

Pretty much makes up the teething game in Parker's world.

..terrible.  We are all ready for some relief.

A Momma's Girl you remain.

..some of my favorite moments of the day is the mornings when its just you and me.

You sit contently in the sink, with your Wubby and sippy of milk while I do my hair and makeup.

..a few swipes across your baby cheeks with my powder brush are always warranted. 

The pride and sweet happiness when I include you in my routine..

..makes being your momma worth a million years.

You have crazy concern for your sister.

..I am nearly giddy with excitement when its time to get your morning milk from the fridge and Jolie is still asleep - JUST so I can hear all about it.

The tiny jabber that comes out of your little mouth, who knows what its about.

..most likely it is reasons why it isn't time for Jolie to have her milk OR lets go wake up Jolie so she can have her milk. 

Either way - its totally precious.

Most of the time you are totally in love with Jolie.  

..while other times you find it humorous to make her fiery mad. 

You have quiet the devious smile and demeanor these days.

..it is especially hilarious when you KNOW you are misbehaving and all you can do is cackle in my face.

100% of the time I cackle back.

..I can't help myself.

Parker Jane - you are amazing little girl.  

Jolie Grace

I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined you would become the little you that you are.

..you impress me on a daily basis with your whit, humor, and intelligence.

The list goes on.

You are patient, gentle, thoughtful, smart..

..hilarious, goofy, out-going, always smiling.

The list goes on (again).

Repeat is the name of the game.

..it doesn't matter the word, you will say it.  

Attempt to anyway.

Eyes, ears, eyebrows, hair, nose, cheese, Ginny, blue (bluuuuu), purple, yellow..

..more, bath, ya!, car (everything is a 'car'), momma, daddy, papa, Auntie, Jay (for uncle J).

Your version of Rock-a-Bye Baby kills it.

..you've got the tune down - and hum it (literally) all day long.

Your thoughtfulness is the most precious.  

..the way you care for, remember things, and hop to the opportunity to be helpful.

Puddle status is how I remain, baby girl.

You aren't as verbal as Parker, but your intellect is off the charts.

..you can see the wheels spinning in your head - hard thinking through every moment that flashes before your face.

I can only wish to know what goes through your mind.

Puzzles are your most favorite thing in the world right now.

..a full hour can go by and you are still examining, placing, (and replacing) each piece.

If you could have your favorite day- puzzles in momma's lap would be involved for most of it.   

You play independently this way more often than your sister.

..definitely needing less attention and easily making yourself comfortable in every situation.

It is rare to find you nervous, anxious, or uptight.

.."She is all smiles" is what we hear THE MOST everywhere we go.

Sometimes I think your analytical skills can come off as uptight..

..but in reality you are thinking through the situation before you make your move.

We've spent many hours at the pool this summer already and your tan lines are starting to show for it.

..grateful for your momma's skin tone - thanks to your daddy, Parker girl needs about twice as much sunscreen.

Your humor in everything continues to be your greatest trait.

..I cannot get over the amount of laughter that comes out of that little body.  

No words can describe it.  

..playing chase, dancing, seeing water (lakes, fountains, pools), balls (sports, bouncing, plastic), animals, music, food, going outside..

All things that bring out a squeal in you these days (especially fountains/pools and animals).

The day you start putting words into sentences is the day you will never stop talking.

..there will always be something to tell in Jolie's world.

You are my rockstar sleeper (and have been since you were 6 months old).

..even when you don't feel well or are cutting teeth.

You typically nap 3 hours during the day and sleep 13-14 hours at night.

Holla.

Being your momma is my most favorite job in this entire world, Jo Grace.

I love you!

Parker & Jolie | 19 Months

Sisters

Best friends

Womb mates

Inseparable

Twins

The Fourth in Fotos

Fourth of July was the kind of day that I can only wish to spin it to 'Groundhog Day' and replay it about 400 times.  Yes.  That good.  Nothing overly spectacular planned- just family, food, fellowship.  Breakfast together as a foursome that morning, a nap for all of us into the afternoon, and then off to spend the remainder and into the evening with family and friends, poolside.  Food, music..and pulling off to the side of the road to watch the tail end of a random fireworks 'finale' with the hubby while two sleeping babies snoozed in the back end of the car wrapped up our perfect July holiday.  I snapped a bajillion pictures of Parker and Jolie, but soon put the camera away in hopes I wouldn't miss a moment trying to catch the moment..

I feel like that happens too often.

My world is so full.  Joy can't even explain the emotions that burst after thinking about a day like that day.  

Patriotically Adorable | Family Things on the Fourth

Celebrating our second Independence Day with these sweet ones.  It's Fourth of July- which also means RED, WHITE, and BLUE- And lots of it.  This week has turned out to be the most festive week of the year for us.. we've been wearing this color trio on the daily since last weekend.  How many ways can you wear it in a head bow?  We've got the answer.

4th of July last year was low key {HERE}- little babes being just 6 months old (what.) we opted out of the fireworks show.  This year we are off to do festive family things - cinnamon rolls for breakfast, a local children's parade, food trucks, and mostly lots of food. chips.and dips.corn dogs, hotdogs, and wiener dogs {not for eating..}  and all that holiday goodness in between.

head wrap c/o ruby blue inc // bubble necklace c/o josie james boutique // tee / twisted tanks {instagram} // jeans / curly q's counter // moccs c/o freshly picked

You'll probably find us in the pool for most of the afternoon - and then we will brave the light show in celebration of the end of this Independence Day celebration.  The fireworks could go either way.. love them, hate them, scream through them..

Only time will tell.

All these fun things are made most important because we are together. As a family.  The sweetness these two share every day brings me to me knees in thanksgiving. 

Can't even handle it.

God Bless America.  

Have a safe Fourth, friends!

It's Always a Good Time for the Alphabet

We've got a couple of |BIG| favorites - but by far our favorite things to do lately it take a bath.  We loved baths before, but these days we totally digg 'em.  

We recently switched the girls regular bath from the hall guest bathroom to our bathroom with the bigger tub.  Mostly so that if there are guests visiting they don't have to dodge Dora while scrubbing their hair.

{Side Note}: these girls don't know Dora the Explorer from Adam.. we don't watch Nick Jr. very often, but we got some bath toys as a gift, and they love her!  

Since the total upgrade from hall bath to master bath, its been a fight to the last drop down the drain after to plug is pulled to get them out.

Bigger tub, lots more space to play.. and the alphabet.  SERIOUSLY changed our bath time life.  

These foam letters stick to the side of the tub (just simply from being wet), and who knew it could be that much fun.  I personally think that this time  of development in their little brain is the perfect time to start with a (bath) toy like this.  The girls are starting to say much more words, repeat words that Jordan and I say, and comprehend requests and commands given.

For the last month or so we've been working on eyes, ears, nose, eyebrows, hair. They point all these things out without a problem and with every attempt to annunciate each facial feature.  We can pick out the animal by shapes and sounds while doing puzzles, as well as colors and size of stacking blocks.

So, with the alphabet, we have been working on shape recognition as well as memorization of the actual letter.

 We sing the ABC's, too.  I do most of the singing.  And these two will be the only one's that will ever hear my singing.

These Nuby Bath-Tub Foam letters {found at WalMart} also stick on other things besides the tub when wet.. Jolie and Parker think that it is absolutely hilarious when Daddy spells out words across their belly {or baby bootie}.

They stand their and let him stick the letters on, and then squeal with delight!

I think their Daddy has way too much fun with coming up with words.. he's a firemen, folks.  

They never grow up.

Sweet smiles and fun before bedtime is always a win in my book.  Thanks to these our baths have gotten much more educational.. and they didn't even know it! 

WE EAT | Organic

Truth be told, I want to feed my kids healthfully.  My dietitian brain says - I MUST feed them well- EVERYthing organic, pre-washed, washed again, no sweets, no sugar, healthy proteins - steering clear of all saturated fats.  

And then I'm whipped back to reality and my mom brain says I MUST, but then there is always room from some of that fun stuff (like marshmallows and chicken nuggets).  

Seriously though.  Offering your kiddos the healthier option more often than not and making those treats an occasional occurrence is the healthiest (and most affordable) leg to stand on.  

The number one thing I come across as a mom chatting with other moms is the confusion over organic vs conventional (non-organic).  The grocery store can be a scary place to go when shopping for yourself.  Throw the obligation of feeding a couple of small mouths in the mix while standing front and center, empty basket in tow, you'll find yourself in a bit of a dilemma attempting to decipher between the vast array of produce available, and this is all before the mere thought of the term ‘organic’ comes to mind.  

That word is sprinkled throughout your grocery, placed randomly, or so it seems, on fruit, meats, and packaged goods- what does it actually mean?  While definitely not random, the word “organic” refers to the way farmers grow and process products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. The USDA requires that organic produce be developed without using conventional pesticides and fertilizers made with artificial ingredients, sewage sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.

New organic foods are appearing daily with our choices now ranging from organic cereal to butter. Butter.  Organic butter is healthy (not.) Most families (like ours) cannot afford to go completely organic. But, which foods should you buy organic whenever possible, and which are okay to buy non-organic?

Meat, Dairy, and Eggs: Free of antibiotics, added growth hormones, and pesticides- organic meat, eggs, and dairy products are among those products I would recommend choosing organic over the conventional product. Organically raised animals eat an organic diet that does not contain pesticides or fertilizers. In the organic spectrum- I would suggest to purchase these items whenever available and as budget allows. We buy organic milk and yogurt 100% of the time, organic cheeses about 50% of the time (because that stuff is really expensive for the amount you can purchase - and we eat a lot of cheese), and organic meats when available.  

• Meat including Beef, Pork, Chicken, and Turkey
• Milk and Dairy Products
• Eggs

Fruits and Vegetables: The Environmental Working Group has developed two lists of produce items in regards to going organic. The Dirty Dozen are fruits and vegetables that are most likely to have higher trace amounts of pesticides, and the Clean 15 are those fruits and vegetables that are least likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues.  Most often I purchase the following organic fruits & veggies (when available and on sale): 

apples, grapes, spinach, kale, strawberries, blueberries, & potatoes (we eat the skins).  

See the FULL LIST {here}

Know Your Terminology. The terms “natural” and “organic” are not interchangeable terms. You may see “natural” and other terms such as “all natural,” “free-range” or “hormone-free” on food labels. These descriptions must be truthful, but don’t confuse them with the term “organic.” 

Only foods that are grown and processed according to USDA organic standards can be labeled with the organic seal.

The Cooking Light website has awesome clarification of some of these terms {HERE} and again related the baby food making {HERE}.  I used this as a resource when I started thinking about making Parker and Jolie's first baby foods {Part I HERE and Part II HERE}.

Not all foods have to be purchased organic. Packaged or highly processed foods such as chips, pasta, crackers, bread, cereal, oil, and canned or dried fruits and vegetables don’t have a difference in safety and nutrient values between the organic and non-organic versions.  Those organic fruit snacks or organic cookies aren't doing much for you outside of increasing your grocery budget.  

The Envirnmental Working Group provides excellent insight, as well as a full list (beyond the clean 15 or dirty dozen) They also have a PDF download for easy carrying when shopping for your produce.  Before I had these down to a science in my brain I actually did carry it around as a reference.

The gist.. Dietitian over her shops the conventional most of the time and splurges on the organic for some of the important things.  

What about you?  Organic all the time, most of the time, or not at all?