First Sleep-Over

While Tim, Dylann and I headed up to Paso Robles over the weekend, Davis got a dose of life without us! He got to spend TWO WHOLE NIGHTS at the Franklin's house! As I drove over to drop him off, I got teary - I've only spent 4 nights away from him EVER and this was a big kid thing he was about to embark on... A Sleep-Over! Doesn't he look distraught?

I assumed he would be okay when I saw the plush aerobed setup right between Kyle and Emmi's beds, but I had no idea it would go so smoothly. Kate, Adam and the girls treated this guy like a King! It is so reassuring to know Davis has another HOME where he is so comfortable and loved. How could he not feel happy around these gorgeous girls?

Kate kept these kids busy! They made art, ate treats, played on the slip n' slide and bounced their brains out in the backyard bounce house.

Honestly, who has a bounce house like this?

This kid was in HEAVEN.

When Dylann and I came to pick up our big, independent guy, he ran to the door and yelled "Baby Dylann!!!" then crawled right in her carseat to squeeze/smooch her brains out! It was adorable and I was so relieved he missed us even though he would like to move in permanently with the Franklins ;) Heck, I think I do too!

So after a few meltdowns while getting adjusted back at home, Davis finally caved, climbed onto my lap and put his hands around my neck, then said "Mama, miss you." I LOVE YOU DAVIS! I am so proud of you for being so good while we were gone.

And Kate, thank you for treating Davis like gold! You guys truly are Davis' second home.

Art Machine

When I was a kid, my parents called me The Art Machine. I would sit with paper and crayons and seriously crank out the art. My mom said I would draw a picture, set it aside and immediately start on the next. I have recently discovered Davis is a mini Art Machine in the making. All he wants to do is make art, especially now that the tv is missing... It's amazing how we can fill our time with productive hobbies!



Watch your mailboxes everyone... A piece of art may be coming your way!!!

And She's Up!

Look who is sitting up in her seat!


It's our girl Dylann!!!


Sit Dyllie sit! Good girl!!!!!!

Poof! It's Gone!

While Davis was snoozing, Tim, my Dad and I got rid of our TV. We're upgrading to a flatscreen and reconfiguring the entertainment center is part of the project, which has become quite comical to me... After joking about going "tv-free" we actual made it a reality.


The funniest part happened when Davis woke from his nap. He came downstairs, saw the big gap on the wall and exclaimed "Oh no! TV gone! No more Dora?" - HA. I laughed out loud while panicking inside... I lost my 30 minute, comercial-free babysitter! Dora! Come back quick!!!

Bawbi!

Davis instantly chatted up my mom's junior high best friend Barbi ("Bawbi" is Davis speak), probably because she has two boys, all grown up now, and knows alot about "boy stuff" like trucks and growling and dirt and such. Davis showed Barbi his room, his trains, his toys... He showed her how he growls and how to scoop dirt out of your grandmother's potted plants - I'm pretty sure Barbi found this all quite entertaining to watch, especially because she does not have to clean up after her boys anymore! And of course, Dylann got her loves from Barbi too ;) I still can't believe my parents have known Barbi since 7th grade - How cool is that!?!

A New Crib!

My mom popped in this morning and turned Dylann's crib from drab to fab! Our little girl is happy as can be looking at her new mobile and the fun bumper print! Thanks for making Dylann's garden grow Snappy! She'll stare at the floating flowers all day :)

TV-Free?

Television has changed a child from an irresistible force to an immovable object. ~Author Unknown


Looks like we have another TV addict in this house - Dylann is straining her neck to see a giant purple dino and his bestie. I'm contemplating a TV-free week but it might be harder on me than the kids...

Baby Trade!

We had the baby lunch bunchers to our house today and while Dylann slept, Davis and I got to pretend Dane was ours!




No tears Dylann! We would never trade you in for good! How sad! :(

Sleepy

Today while Davis was napping, Dylann fell asleep on me. Usually I lay her down so I can run around the house like a crazy person, attempting to shower/change laundry/pick up toys for the 100th time/check email/etc, but today I decided to let the mom-guilt go and just HOLD her. As I watched her sleep, I remembered doing the same thing every day when Davis was a baby. I'd marvel at him, enjoying and eating up his baby-ness. Sometimes you gotta let the guilt go and just ENJOY these moments!!!! There is nothing sweeter than a baby so cozy in your arms.

Sticker Shock

I never knew stickers would be such a hot commodity in this house. Davis is obsessed. And if they sport Dora the Explorer, they might as well be gold-plated and diamond encrusted.

Boyfriend or Girlfriend?

Davis kept Cole busy on Thursday while his parents hit up the ultrasound to find out if he will get a brother or a sister!


Katie is due February 11 and we wondered all night: Will Dylann get a boyfriend or will Davis get a girlfriend? After chasing the boys for the first few hours, I was convinced Katie is having a girl... Or I hoped for one when Davis and Cole literally jumped with no fear off the furniture. But ultimately we found out Dylann will have her pick of Fornelli boys for the prom and Davis will get a new boy BFF :) Congrats Katie, Justin and Cole! We can't wait to meet him!

Gettin' Grabby

Dylann has become one handsy honey! She's started grabbing... my hair, my shirt, her brother and the toys on her playmat! Work it Dylann!

Sandy Sweat Shop

We beached it today with Great Aunt Robin and cousins Natalie, Shannon and Helena.


The sand toys were in full force! Plastic shovels and buckets = hours of exhausting play. With all that energy and determination to dig, I'm thinking of hiring a contractor to lead some major construction projects - It's like a sandy sweat shop!


Davis literally digs till he drops and I have to revive him with juice and goldfish crackers.



Dylann mastered the art of relaxing under the umbrella... no manual labor for this gal ;)


I knew it was a successful beach day when Davis slept from 5:30pm - 7:45am the next day! Thank you for hosting the fun get together Snappy - I'll employ my kids at that sandy sweat shop every day if it means 12+ hours of snooze time!

The Bjorn Identity

Dylann has found her sweet spot.

Watermelon Smuggler

I knew we were going to Tanaka Farms for a tour of the watermelon fields, but I had no idea Kim would smuggle a watermelon under her shirt! At 36 wks pregtastic, this gal was a trooper!


It was a hot, humid and slightly hectic ride on the tractor... I must have forgotten breakfast in our scurry out the door because Davis scarfed ALL the farmers let us taste: zucchini, cucumber, green beans, corn, cantaloupe, carrots and of course, watermelon! Dylann even got a carrot of her own...




It's a new thing to do these crazy outtings with 2 kids... My hands are always full and my eyes are continuously kooky trying to keep one on each kid!



Don't we look happy?....


Addison was hysterical and has the funniest expressions. These 2 kids were curious, adventurous (Davis was trying to grab bees... Thanks for that Bee Movie) and of course, BUSY!



Par for the course, Davis tried to put the moves on Addison before we left...


And got to smuggle home a watermelon of his own :)

Sandy Supper

The best part of Summer, now that it has finally shown it's face? Dinner on the beach with friends!