Mother's Day

We got to spend Mother's Day with both my mom and Kevin's mom. Boy...it is definitely a challenge to get a picture with both of the kids together these days.

the things that come out of their mouths...

Here are two of the funniest things Caroline said this past few weeks.
One morning when mama was extra tired, I told her "Mama is SO tired," she looked at me and matter-of-factly said "Mama needs COFFEE!"

One afternoon I was flustered/rushed/frustrated over something and I was racing around, muttering something. Caroline looked at me and called "Mama...take a breath. " How right she was!

Happy 9 month birthday Clayton Matthew!

whipped cream

Caroline has no problem taking big bites of whipped cream!

bugaphobia

Spring has finally arrived! Hurray! We are thrilled that we can spend hours upon hours outside in the fresh air. A bit of bugaphobia, however, threatens to ruin our fun. As of yesterday, Caroline has developed an overwhelming fear of those little gnats that peskily fly around any grassy area. Yes - they are pesky and unfortunately, are pretty much everywhere in our front and backyard. When one gets close to her, she lets out a blood-curdling scream, starts sobbing and pleads to be picked up. Ugh. So much for our outdoor adventures. Let's just hope this phobia is short-lived.

Caroline tasting whipped cream...

Here is the video on YouTube.

The kids in their Siesta Key T-shirts

When we were in Florida in February, we got the kids SIesta Key T-shirts. Well, it is FINALLY warm enough to actually wear them!

"Okay, my turn to look at the camera. "

"Okay, now your turn."

"Now both of us!"

Fun outside and the kids' 1st wagon ride

New swing

We got a new swing for the backyard and it is a big hit with both kids!

"Can I hold my baby brother?"

Caroline asked "Can I hold my baby brother?"

Then she realized that he had gotten pretty big and quite squirmy, and she changed her mind.
They almost look the same size in this picture!

Happy 1st Birthday to Eva and Sofia!

Our Goddaughter, Sofia, and her twin sister Eva turn one year old today!
Caroline and I went to their birthday party yesterday and had so much fun!

Fun with cousins Sarah & Alyssa

On Friday, we spent the day at Sarah & Alyssa's house. Caroline and Clayton had so much fun playing with their cousins!

Gymnastics!

This spring, I enrolled Caroline in gymnastics. The first two times were a disaster. She didn't want to try anything and cried on and off the whole time. Well, the third time was the charm because she tried EVERYTHING and loved it (except the trampoline). She climbed and tumbled through the obstacle course, swung on the bars and rings, walked along the balance beam, and played in the pit (her favorite).

I love playing ball!

An afternoon in the city...

My parents took the kids for an overnight and Kevin and I got to spend the entire afternoon in downtown Chicago. We walked all over the city, got to enjoy "adult" time drinking coffee at Starbucks, and learned about Chicago's history at the Chicago History Museum. We ate dinner at Table Fifty-Two, a cozy, southern comfort-food restaurant that Oprah Winfrey's personal chef opened last year. The food was really good and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

Roll the ball...

Learning about the United States...

Papa feeding his grandson

The "boos" in overalls

Growing with Mr. Bear - 8 months

"inside" sandbox

The weather was cold and rainy yesterday and the injuns were getting a little restless. I created an "indoor sandbox" by pouring some uncooked rice into a cardboard box. I added some measuring cups, baby bottle tops, and spoons, and Caroline "played rice box" for 2 HOURS! I had no idea it would entertain her for that long. It was awesome!

Making eachother laugh!

It is so much fun to see Caroline and Clayton starting to interact with one another. I couldn't be happier that they have eachother as siblings.
In this video, Caroline is making Clayton laugh. (Unfortunately, the cuter footage happened before I could run and get my camera, but here is the tail-end of the event...)

Godsisters!

On Sunday, we had a play date with Godparents Erica and Rick, and Godsisters Sofia and Eva. It was such fun having all the kids together!

Spring!

Spring is FINALLY here! After approx. 90 inches of snow this winter, the weather has finally shifted to spring-like temps. Thank GOD!

To celebrate the beginning of spring, Caroline dressed up like a princess and later joyfully played outside.

And Clayton was introduced to the grass for the first time.

Climbing on Mount Daddy

the man

Yesterday, I was talking to Caroline about how she is a little girl, Clayton is a little boy, Daddy is a man, and Mama is a lady. Well, at dinner that night, Caroline looked right at Daddy and said "Daddy, you're the MAN!"

3:00 am

Ugh - Caroline woke up at 3:00 am this morning and decided she needed to practice her singing. Yes - I love hearing her sing, but NOT at 3:00 in the morning!