Thursday, March 31, 2011

my (first) 29th bday

I have some birthday updating to do since a certain little girl in our house just turned THREE. But I have the need to go in chronological order, so... I had a great birthday this year! My actual birthday seemed to center around food, and I was okay with that. I got to eat a couple of great meals with my little family...

lunch at Jason's Deli

dinner at my fave local diner, Dotson's


(I hereby declare - again - that Merit looks like her daddy.)

and Maggie Moo's for dessert! (or, as Merit would say, "Cow Moo's for zert")

Kev gave me the greatest necklace ever.
 A couple of days later, Kev threw me a little party at our house with some dear friends.








And I got more thoughtful and wonderful presents.
(Thank you, thank you Penny, Melissa, and Jen!!)

It was a fun start to the last year in my twenties. Thirty's not gonna be so bad, right? Right?!

Monday, March 28, 2011

We had a fun little (pink and purple) 3rd birthday party tonight!


Sunday, March 27, 2011

My dad helped Kevan put together Merit's birthday present from us and the Albrights. We managed to keep it a secret until it was up in the yard. She loves her new "yellow park"!


Friday, March 25, 2011

We went to eat lunch today with Nina and PaPa, and August sat in the restaurant high chair for the first time. So big!


Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Merit got a shot at her well check-up today. And shots always = ice cream!


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

We had such a fun time celebrating Merit today. It was a full day of donuts, Build-a-Bear, a carousel ride, a picnic at the park, a 3 hour nap, cupcakes, and her choice of supper at Chuy's. 

HAPPY, HAPPY 3rd  BIRTHDAY, MERIT!!!!


Monday, March 21, 2011

I spent today soaking up every second I could with two-year-old Merit, for tomorrow, she becomes three-year-old Merit. I watched her proudly at her ballet class, we ate lunch outside with Kevan, and we went to the park to play and throw flowers in the creek. I know she'll be the same Merit tomorrow when she wakes up, but I couldn't help but think that today was the last day with my "baby" Merit. Three just sounds so BIG. 

Please don't grow up too fast, Merit Fey.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

My two little cuties by our cute little pink bush.


and for fun, the little pink bush pic from last spring...

Saturday, March 19, 2011

I'm loving the view out of our front door right now. Spring is welcome at my house anytime.


Friday, March 18, 2011

Grammie and Popsy came this weekend to help us make our yard look pretty.


7 months!

Dear August Rose, 


Happy 7 months, baby girl! The months are just flying by, aren't they?



This past month you got a little bigger. A little sweeter.



At six and a half months, you weighed 18 pounds (87%) and were 27 inches long (83%). We're so thankful for another healthy baby girl.


I feel like you are getting so big, but it helps this time around to have an older baby girl to remind me just how little you still are.



I'm pretty certain that your daddy is your favorite person in the world. He makes you soooo happy. You make a "da" and a "de" sound a lot, and I don't think it's coincidence that you often say these when you see him. Here you are visiting him at work one day.


We also hear "a-da!", "ga!", "n-da!", and one of my faves, "au-gie!" allll day long. You are loving that voice of yours.


Some of your firsts this past month included...

your first Valentine's day

All kinds of baby food - you have a sweet tooth like the rest of us, so your faves are sweet potatoes and any fruit.

Riding in the grocery cart like a big girl makes you so very happy. You'd think you were at a carnival or something.

I finally got brave enough to leave you in the church nursery. Your sister was 9 months old when I first took her, so that's progress! Of course, you did great.

And you met your Uncle Matt, Aunt Nik-Nik, and cousin Kai for the first time (during what I think was your 4th trip to Texas).

When I was taking your chair pics, you surprised me by pushing up on the arm of the chair all by yourself!

We just love you so much, Augs. 


You are learning so much it makes me wonder what all I'll be reporting about you next month. I'm thinking that crawling might not be too far away. And maybe you can work some "mama" sounds into your vocabulary?


The more I get to know you, the more I love each and every bit of you.
Thank you, Lord, for this precious baby. 

Happy 7 Months, August!

much love,
your mama

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

It was beautiful today. We took a walk to the market, and Merit chose a Capri Sun. Spring is just the greatest.


Tuesday, March 15, 2011

I gave August some puffs today for the first time after her breakfast. I loved watching her determined look as she worked to pick one up and get it to her little mouth.


merit's first ballet class!

OH my goodness. Merit and I both loved every second of her first ballet and tap class yesterday. I can't even put into words the cuteness that went on, so I'll let the pictures and video do most of the talking. 

In the car I asked her to show me how excited she was and I got this:

She loved holding her bag with her ballet "swippers" and tap shoes inside.


Her bff Audrey is taking the class with her. Together, the cuteness was just over the top.


Class started with some stretching.


In this video, Ms. Jessie announces that it's almost time to dance. Merit heard "dance" and then had little interest in staying in the circle. Something we'll work on for next class, I guess. :)

They danced with tiaras on for a little while.



Then they took turns showcasing their skills.

 

Ms. Jessie wrapped up ballet and declared it tap time!

Penny and I just kept looking at each other in disbelief at the cuteness taking place in front of us. I'm really not exaggerating when I say that it may have been one of the favorite hours of my life. I was SO proud of Merit and was so happy because she was so happy. She may have been off in her own little world a time or two, but overall, she did a great job listening to Ms. Jessie and she gave it her all!

I have a feeling Ms. Jessie is well on her way to becoming one of Merit's favorite people.


Merit's face is blurry in this pic, but I had to document how proud I was of my girl!