May, Already?

When did May come here blowing its thunderstorms in and getting us ready for pool season? I swear it's still February in Charlotte.  We have a weekly/daily routine and much hasn't happened lately (at least that's post-worthy). We go to the library a few times, go to Trader Joes, have a visit from a friend or two... just toddler busy-ness.  Here are some recent pics. (dont forget to click on them to make them larger)

Ari at a park for a picnic and playground time.  We have been visiting parks nearby for dinner and its been a fun way to meet people and get out of the house.

This was a super early morning outside. They both were up before 7am and because they share a room, there's no sleeping in.  I got up and made coffee and then we played outside.  It was a loooong day with that morning.  Who doesn't want sand in their fleece footie pajamas?

The chive blossoms looked pretty that morning too.

 The beans are climbing high and getting read to begin harvest season. 

The most glorious scent on earth: Gardenias.  Thank you, spring, for giving them to me for Mother's day. All three bushes are in full bloom. 

This last picture makes me laugh. Ari likes to roll/walk/run down the hill in our backyard. Ari fell and Ashlyn just followed along bravely through the weeds.  

Dinner Chaos

For those of you who were wondering how that sweet girl in the previous post could be one little cranky pants, allow me to demonstrate.  Here she is screaming at dinner time because she'd eaten her 'appetizer' and I wasn't cooking dinner fast enough.  Impatience is an understatement. This is a 10 second video but it continued for at least 12 minutes until her chicken and rice were cooled off enough to eat.  Ari was even concerned and kept asking her if she was okay.  Nothing would console Ashlyn, trust me, I tried.

The second video is of them both. Ari says her letter "I" Bible verse (Be imitators of Jesus Christ). In which I usually follow it with "Jesus is kind, gentle, compassionate etc..." Clearly, Ari thinks Ashlyn needs to hear it!  

Oh, managing dinnertime is one serious test of patience!!

  

Ashlyn 10 Months!

 Ashlyn is growing too fast. Smart, funny, rebellious, curious.  

 She is so sweet at times and also so dang tough. Fighting naps, squealing, throwing food, climbing and banging her head/lips/nose/eyes, stealing Ari's toys, instigating her sister for a fight.  In return, she smiles so big, laughs, makes the funniest noises with her lips and hands. She plays well with Ari. She eats so much, especially proteins (salmon, beans, chicken, beef, lentils) and avocado- blood Type O eating habits, just like her mom.

 She's right on track for her development, standing up on her own, pulling up on things, crawling all over the place, sleeping much better, cutting teeth non-stop, eating 3 meals a day and nursing 4-5 times a day (obviously, check out those side-rolls).   She loves: balloons, magnets, dancing, crawling all-over, climbing, playing in the sandbox or dirt, singing, babbling, blowing raspberries and so much more.

Loving life with these sweet and cute and crazy girls. Time for another one. 

ONLY Joking!! (though this is the age Ari was when we found out we were pregnant again)

Yacky and Ashjee

(Yacky and Ashjee is how Ari says their names)

Allie and Zac were here right before we went to Florida and I forgot to post about it! They weren't here long, sadly, but we had fun while it lasted! The weather was so warm and they played outside. Its super cute to see the kids play together, they include Ari and are so sweet to teach her all sorts of things to do and play. I can't believe how quickly they are 6 and 4. Crazy!

Ari was a little cautious to run into the sprinkler with them and instead, found the fuzzy dandelions to entertain her.

Meet Rowdy: the Eaker's feisty and adorably colored schnauzer. She's so little and cute!