My cute Sis-in-law

Carrie having a cool treat!

Her tummy is so pretty.. thanks for letting me post these Carrie, you look amazing!

Cute Carrie

She hearts her baby boy

Thought this sounded fun!

This is a post I got off of someones, while blog-stalking, weblog. Thought it sounded fun. Its on the following link. the post is called " you're invited... dont forget to RSVP"
http://according-to-kelly.blogspot.com

Ella gets her way

Ella has the worlds laziest Mommy. She has been sitting on the potty with success for about 6 months now but I have not been ready to tackle this yet. 

A few months ago I would find her diaperless, asking to wear big girl underwear... I said no. In early April I had her in underwear all day long, it was going great. When she woke up in the morning I put a diaper on her. I have just been in no hurry to do this. 

Finally, 3 days ago, I gave in. She has been really stoked to be a big girl and has only had one accident thus far, even going poo-poo in the potty without incident. Even though she's made this really simple I still loath potty training. Its going to be really nice having no diapers around here until late September though.

Great job Ella. We are proud of you!!!

united by a common interest

Luke has started to love riding his bike around. His Papa is a pretty big time rider, going over two hundred miles per week. Luke linked this common interest together Saturday.

"Now Papa and I can be friends!" were his exact words. Followed by, " we can both ride bike's together, like speed racers!"

This weekend was Dave's birthday. Papa and Nana were coming over for cake.

"Please Mama, will you ask Papa to bring his bike so that we can ride together?"

I knew my Dad would be over-joyed at Luke's sentiment and excitement. Of course he'd bring his bike, this was certain.

Luke waited all afternoon to ride. He didn't want to go without his bicycle pal... Papa came at 6pm. Luke waited patiently for him all afternoon, his bike in a holding position on the side yard, helmet ready. Lukie bolted out of the house when the white van pulled up and he got a sparkle in his eyes when the liftgate went up, revealing Papa's beautiful yellow bike. 

That's when the fun began. The boys rode their bikes for about 20 minutes... until we had to start the cake. Luke was so happy to have this bond with his Papa, that only they shared for those moments. All that mattered was Papa, Luke and those 2 bikes speeding down Lavender Street.

And it made me realize how wonderful my Dad is. Not because he wanted to bond with his grandson. And not because he acted like the 3 mile an hour speed they were going was faster than even Lance Armstrong could go. But because I have so many memories just like the ones my Son was creating. I have a Dad who loves to have fun and to  play. He always has. He has not only always been there for us to teach, guide and counsel. But to play and laugh with. He is silly and active and always ready and excited to go and do. 

I am so grateful for my Dad whom I have always loved and admired more than anything. He is one of the most amazing men I have ever known. And I am so grateful that my Children have the privilege of knowing, loving and playing with him.

look at the admiration in Luke's face

Ella ran behind them the entire time... I was actually quite impressed with her ability to keep up and her endurance to do so.

The 2 cyclist's doing what they do 

He had a smile on his face this big pretty much the entire time

Happy Birthday!

I will make this short and sweet. 

Happy Birthday honey. I know Sunday birthdays are a little bit of a bummer but I hope you had a nice day. And I hope you weren't as disappointed as Luke was that you only had 2 presents and no Star Wars plates, cups or a R2D2 cake. 

I am so grateful that 31 years ago today your Mother was holding a little baby David. And that the tiny (literally) newborn grew up to be this incredible man who has changed my life and made everything in it better.

Happy Birthday. We love you so much.

Love,

Me.... and our kids

Our first trip to the Dentist

The kids were stars. Regretfully they each had a tiny cavity. OK... Ella had 2. I felt like a bad parent, hearing my 2 year old had 2 cavities already. It made me feel a bit better to discover they were really small though.... for some reason. 

The root on Luke's chipped tooth is starting to release. The Dentist said that happens a lot to a tooth thats been hit at one point. So it looks like he may loose that front tooth within the year and we'll have to get use to a new smile again. The tooth fairy was not expecting to come so soon, but that will be a fun milestone too.

A sad realization

I just got to thinking... why is it I have already gained 10 lbs. Most of which in the last 6 weeks. Then it hit me. The following are the things I crave and eat the most during this pregnancy. What do you think the damage is? Personally I cant believe I haven't gained more weight then I have. 

97 calories and 33 mg of sodium in 1 can. I NEED at least one of these, or a Pepsi, each day. This one's not going anywhere!

Heavenly Egg Salad. Just 49 grams of fat. Luckily I have sort of kicked this one.... for now. Woody's has the yummiest ones out there, unless you can get my Mom to make her Grandmas recipe. Good luck with that one, though her's inevitably has less fat in it.

360 mg of sodium. This one is the snack I can feel the best about. Why is it I can t crave a single healthy thing? O' because I am Jill, who use to sneak the sugar bowl as a child and eat from it in my closet. And Ella is just like that.

I can eat these until my mouth has sores....29 grams of sugar in probably what equates to 1/4 of what I actually devour.

14 grams of fat later Im feeling a little guilty. Though I had a king-sized one yesterday :)

One 18 oz. package of these amazing treats? Only 2520 calories. And saturated fat? Im not even going to go there.

This is where I can do the most damage. My burger of choice... and major craving.... the Super Burger. Now this little baby is something I have already eaten probably 10 times thus far along with a healthy-sized portion of fries. The damage on this burger alone? Only 60 grams of fat. Thats right, you read that right. I know because I looked at it about 32 times with my eyes wide open whilst my jaw dropped. This is now strictly on a "special occasion" outing maybe once every 2 months. So amazing though!!!! I just had one yesterday, who am I kidding. I cant let this go either.

Anyone have any healthy snack ideas? I clearly need help.