Day 117: A Day at the Beach

Today we took all the cousins to the beach. We had a great time playing in the sand, swimming, and chasing the birds.

Today's Positives:

1.  I got to cuddle with my niece Natalia.

2. Gracie went up to Natalia and said "Hey you, hey you, tickle, tickle, tickle" It was adorable.

3. While Gracie was with Pawpaw on the beach she spotted Sophie and said "Mum, Mum" and ran towards her.

4. We found out James is cutting 4 teeth. Our little boy is growing up. It all seems to be moving too fast!

5. Sophie made her first two loaves of bread, both vegan! One banana loaf and one wheat.

6. Gracie and Leilana built a fort on the bed  with pillows

7. Pawpaw kept building a sand castle for Gracie and she kept destroying it. She also loved to have her feet buried in the sand.

Well it has been a very busy day. My kiddos love to play with their cousins and I love that they all get along so well.

Goodnight all.

-Matt

Day 116: LOTR?

This post is a belated post for yesterday. Our evening was a little too full on for me to be able to blog.



Yesterday's positives:

1: James has his bottom 2 teeth!

2: Gracie had her toes painted by Daddy! They are nice and sparkly.

3: Auntie Elizabeth, Cousin N, James and I all went to the store. It was strange going without the big girls but nice to be able to just focus on the baby. Then it started to pour and we got caught in the rain. Thankfully a nice store clerk came to help us with an umbrella so the babies managed to stay warm and dry.

4: Gracie got to go swimming with Daddy, Paw Paw, Uncle Jer, Leilani and Cousins A and G, While we were at the store.

5: James and Matt fell asleep on the couch for a nice mid morning nap.

6: Gracie also climbed up in Daddy's lap that evening, with Leilani's swimming goggles on and fell fast asleep. Very cute!!

Well that's it for yesterday!

Goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 115: Farewell

This morning was Uncle Jeff's departure for the first part of his long trip over seas. Matt, Paw Paw and Uncle Jer went to see him off. We pray for safety and quick passing of time.


Today's positives:

1: Today started with an early trip to the grocery store. I had James in the Moby face to chest. It made my day that he fell asleep all snuggled in.

2: When we got home we started our Shrek marathon ( I think we made it through 2 and a half movies).

3: Cousins A and G came to hang out for a while. We also enjoyed a brief visit from Auntie Shay and Cousin L.

4: Daddy, Gracie, James and I all took a nap together. I don't think it was as restful for everyone else as it was for me though. Sometimes it sucks to be a heavy sleeper!

5: I found Organic, Vegan baby food for James! This makes me feel good!

6: Aunt Elizabeth made yummy cassoulet for dinner. Gracie ate it up!

7: Cousin Leilani showed us her Jonah veggie tales.

8:  We put baby Natalia on the play mat and she seemed to enjoy watching the dangling things. James crawled over to see her. He laughed every time he touched her little head. It was very cute.

Well I know i'm missing lot's of stuff but this is all I can think of for now!

Goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 114: Cheese Balls

Elizabeth here, getting to guest blog :).  I'm super excited!  We've been here visiting for a few days now and having a great time!  The cousins have been getting to play together, watch movies, swim, while the babies have been cuddling with their mamas (and the mamas have been chatting and being girly *grin*)

Todays Positives:

- Natalia took another try at the Jenny Jump-up, and seemed to enjoy it.

- we watched Tangled and Cinderella, and I had a nice dance with Gracie to the music in Tangled.

-Matt and Leilani played Twister.  While Leilani didn't fully "get" the game, she thoroughly enjoyed it!

-Natalia and James played with Natalia's lightup star stacking toy.

-After three days on a vegan diet, Gracie's eczema is nearly gone!

- Sophie made Shepherd's Pie for dinner and she and Natalia had a nice little chat while she was cooking  Gracie LOVED her dinner, she smooshed some of it and seemed a bit confused as to why it was all over her fingers.  It was so cute.

-Leilani and Gracie took a bath together and enjoyed playing in the tub.

-Sophie read to Leilani and Gracie about the building of the Tabernacle and Moses getting the Ten Commandments.

- Natalia's been enjoying getting to use all her cousins' baby stuff - swing, bassinet, and bouncy seat.  She's been loving the vibration setting in the bassinet.

- Natalia spent the evening in the bouncy seat, enjoying Baby Einstein. 

It's been a fun, relaxing day!  Goodnight all!
 Elizabeth

Day 113: Goodbye Party

Today started off rather slowly.  since Matt had overtime last night, he slept in this morning and the girlies watched movies and the babies cuddled with their mummies.
Today's positives:

1: This morning Gracie and Leilani went swimming with Paw Paw and Uncle Jer. The Mummy's got to stay home and cuddle with babies.

2: When they got back we watched Madagascar and ate humus and crackers.

3: We went to Walmart and got the 3 girls matching yellow shirts for the party.

4: This afternoon was Uncle Jeff's leaving party. He leaves for deployment on Sunday.

5: We went for a nice evening swim. Both Cousin N and James enjoyed their floats while the big girls practised swimming.

6: We came home and bathed both the babies and got them ready for bed and sleepy. Then the big girls got home and took a bath together.

7: I enjoyed reading about 5 of the ten commandments to Gracie and Leilani.

I feel like time is going by way to fast :(

Goodnight all

- Sophie and Elizabeth

Day 112: Madagascar

Today's positives:

1: This morning we made fruit smoothies in Auntie Elizabeth's Vitamix. They were super yummy. James especially liked it. He also managed to have a sneaky drink of Gracie's chocolate almond milk... I knew it wouldn't be long before he figured out how to use a sippy cup.

2: Everyone enjoyed watching Madagascar together.

3: Gracie and Cousin Leilani had lot's of fun swimming together. They went with Daddy, PawPaw and Uncle Jeremy.

4: Cousin Natalia and James had a lovely cuddle with PawPaw while the Mummy's were running around trying to get things done.

5: James and I had a peaceful walk down to the mailbox and to see Daddy this evening.

6: Gracie was in a very cuddly mood tonight.


We are all having so much fun and are very tired!! Today was also day one of trying out vegan diet. Really hoping it will clear up Gracie's eczema. So far tastey and good!

Goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 111: July 25th

I love having everyone here!!! Today has been so much fun :)


Today's positives:


1: Gracie and Cousin L have had fun playing today.

2: James loves his little baby cousin. He always reaches for her and smiles.

3: The kids were great all around the grocery store. James liked to ride in the Moby. Him and Gracie were talking to each other while I pushed her in the cart. It was also fun to have everyone riding in the van!

4: The three babies took a bath together. It was very cute!

5: Gracie and James loved to be held and play with Auntie Elizabeth.

6: Gracie even went and stayed in bed when Auntie E put her down :)


Well goodnight everyone!!

- Sophie

Day 110: Jacksonville

Today has been a very busy day. We had to say goodbye to Grammy as she had to go home. Then we went up to Jacksonville to see Uncle Jeff, Aunty Shay, and Cousins A, G, and L with the Eriks-Buker Clan. The Kiddos had a great time playing together and seeing the Navy Base.

Today's Positives:

1. We had to sleep in the kids room last night and when Gracie noticed we were there she couldn't help but come for a snuggle. The snuggle turned into climb all over and jump on mummy and daddy but it was cute. Gracie also thought I looked lonely I guess because she got her baby doll and put it in my arms and covered us up

2. When we got to Jacksonville all the cousins were playing together, it's great to have family who all get along.

3. Uncle Jeff took us all to the NAS JAX to see some old Navy Jets. Gracie and James had a great time looking at them.

4. Gracie and James were both so good for such a long day. The are troopers.

5. When we got home Gracie went straight to bed clothes and shoes still on. She did let me get her ready for bed but promptly fell asleep.

Well that about sums up our day is has been a very busy, very fun day!

Hope everyone has a goodnight.

-Matt

Day 109: Eriks-Bukers arrive!

Today's positives:

1. (Grammy here) Gracie and I went to Hobby Lobby to look at the crafting goodies. We turned the corner into the beading aisle and Gracie said, with a huge grin on her face, "ohhh pretty!"  She is such a girly girl.

2. On our trip to the craft store I asked Gracie if she knew where the clay was, she looked at me, spread her arms wide with her palms up and said, "I don't know". 

3. Gracie asked for the potty twice while we were out on little shopping extravganza.

4. James is getting closer to crawling.  He got on his hands and knees and crawled towards Matt covering about 3 feet.  He also gets around more and more by rolling and doing his little army man style crawl.

5. James has been trying for a couple of days to figure out how to use Gracies sippy cup. Today he managed to get some water out of the cup by laying on his belly and holding the spout in his mouth much like a suckling puppy.

6. Both the children enjoyed having all their cousins around, a total of 7 kids altogether, ranging in age from 2.5 months up to almost 9.


Grammy/Mandy

Day 108: July 22nd

Today's positives:

1: We started out today with a lovely early morning beach picnic. More like a breakfast feast! Gracie loved running around in the sand and coming back for quick bites.

2: We went for a nice walk and played in the surf for a bit. James snuggled in to Grammy and fell asleep and we chased a crab that we found. He was pretty big!

3: This afternoon we took the babies to the pool. Gracie loves to go under water and be swished back and forth from one person to another. James likes to float in his little blow up raft.

4: James strongly insisted on sharing Gracie's dinner and she was happy to oblige.

5: Gracie and James really enjoy each others company. They have started to play together most of the time. Gracie just loves to comfort him when he is sad and they make each other laugh. They have similar sense of humors. I love to see them grow and develop together.


Tomorrow the Eriks-Buker clan arrive!! So very very excited!

Goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 107: Farmers Market

Grammy moved in for a few days today! It's so lovely to have her here. We have had a lot of fun today!

Today's positives:


1: This morning we went to the farmers market with the Erik's next door, our little clan and Grammy! It was lot's of fun to wonder around looking at all the funny things they sell. Gracie and James did fantastic. James eventually fell asleep and Gracie sat watching everything and playing with her big cousins. She also enjoyed a nice packet of teddy cookies.

2: Gracie and James have had a lot of fun playing today. James continues to work on crawling. He has mastered something that's very close to army crawl. He manged to make it over to Gracie and have a crafty nibble on her leg and was trying to figure out how to drink out of her sippy cup.

3: Gracie enjoys playing with James so much now he is more mobile. Today she was making him laugh by shaking her blankie at him.

4: Grammy said she has enjoyed Gracie being very cuddly all afternoon.

5: We walked down to the playground with Cousins. Grammy pushed James on the swing and Gracie liked to spin on the tire swing. She also had fun chasing her cousins who were riding their scooters.

Such fun!

Goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 106: Bye Bye Seaside Vacay

Well today ends the first week of our summer vacay extravaganza. It has been a lot of fun. Sad to say goodbye to Great Grandma Jo and Grandpa Michael and Grandpa Rob but all good things must come to an end. We will enjoy Grammy for a few more days and then we are excited for our Eriks-Buker visit to start!! YAY!!


Today's positives:

1: Last night we managed to do a sleepover at the condo. Gracie had a love-seat pushed up against the wall. It made quite a nice little toddler nest. James slept some of the time in his travel crib and the rest of the time in our lumpy pull out bed. It was kind of exciting and like camping.

2: The first thing Gracie did upon waking up this morning was peek through the blinds and let out a loud shout of "OHH WOAH". I think upon seeing the ocean.

3: James has been working very hard on crawling in the last week. He is so close, but mostly ends up doing little bunny hops. He did make it around the living room quite easily.  Gracie found he had happened upon my flip flop and let out a loud cry of "noooo" before rescuing him from it. She is like my second pair of eyes sometimes.

4: Grammy gave Gracie chocolate peanut butter for breakfast and she ended up with a very cute chocolate beard.

5: We went to Five Guys for lunch and Gracie ate almost an entire burger and frys! Followed by strawberry ice cream with sprinkles. She must be getting ready for a growth spurt. James enjoyed his veggie baby mush.

6: Then we went for a nice HOT walk at Ponce Inlet. We went out on the jetty and saw 2 pods of dolphins jumping and feeding in the ocean. They were very close so it was exciting to see. There was also a lazy sea turtle floating by the rocks.

7: Gracie went with Grammy and Great Grandparents back to the condo and had a lovely time being spoilt. I think she ate a lot of cookies and played with lots of electronics. I even saw her chasing a paper aeroplane up and down.

All in all its been a very lovely week followed with the perfect last day. Both kiddos are sleeping soundly in their own little beds.

Goodnight all!

- Sophie

Day 105: Beach Sleepover

We are writing this from the comfort of the condo living room. I love listening to the ocean! Guest blogger Grandma Jo and Grammy.

Today's positives:

Grandma Jo: Gracie can eat a half a banana in one bite with only 2 chews and its gone... quite impressive.

Grammy: Gracie pressed the help button in the elevator and we had to wait for the help lady to call and explain what had happened.

Sophie: I enjoyed watching Grandma Jo play Peek A Boo with James.

Grandma Jo: Gracie gave James her blanket because he fell over and bumped his head.


We may sleep over tonight! See how it goes :)

Write more tomorrow!

Goodnight all

Sophie.

Day 104: late night post

Today has been yet another great day!


Today's positives:


1: We went over to the condo this morning and headed down the the beach pretty much strait away.
Gracie carried down the body board even though it was bigger than her.

2: James enjoyed holding his spade and sitting in the surf splashing. Gracie loved to be pulled up and down in the surf on the body board.

3: We sat and played in the sand for a nice long time.

4: Then we all hit the pool. Gracie loved to jump in and be tossed around in the water. She especially liked holding on to me while I was swimming.

5: Then we all went to lunch at BJ's. Gracie drank so much apple juice and ate pizza and chocolate pizzookie. James had a nice time playing with his toys and sitting with Daddy.

6: James had a lovely time sitting and talking to Great Grandad Michael back at the condo.

7: Gracie enjoyed sitting on the deck with Grandpa and spending time with Grammy and Grandma Jo.


Tomorrow we go to the recruiters office to sign final paperwork. This should be the end of paperwork!!!
Then hopfully its back to ours for a BBQ!

It's been such a lovely week..

Goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 103: Nothingness

Today the babies have both been super sleepy and quiet, I think because of their shots yesterday.
We have litterally watched veggietales or napped all day long.

Today's positives:

1: Gracie did enjoy her movie day. She did even manage to have a little dance to some of the silly songs.

2: James has wanted to cuddle all day long. I have kinda enjoyed it because he is getting so big I know it wont belong before he wants to be off doing his own thing all the time.

3: Gracie climbed up in my lap and thought it was wonderful to share a bagle with me.

4: James and I went for a nice long sleep on my bed this afternoon. I actually woke up before him which is rare.

5: I put Gracie down for a nap,  when I went to check on her she was asleep on the floor next to her bed.


Like I said, sleep and movies all day. I hope they are feeling better tomorrow!

Goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 102: Drs Visit

Today was the children's doctors appointment. My mom came with me as Matt had to work. I was sooo grateful for her help! Today James turned 7 months.

Today's positives:

1: The doctor said everything looks great with both the babies. They are tall and skinny like their Daddy.

2: The kids have managed to be in pretty good spirits besides low grade fevers and sleepyness.

3: We made shepards pie and went over to the holiday condo. We all ate out on the deck.

4: Great Grandad Michael managed to snuggle James to sleep. It was very sweet.


Tomorrow we may go for a sleep over :)

Goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 101: Florida Rocks

We have been so busy and had such a lovely day I am so tired! This may be a quick post...


Today's positives:

1: We went over to the beach condo to see everyone this morning. Gracie was so excited to see Grammy she let out a loud shriek of joy.

2: We immediately went down to the beach. Gracie loved to be swung in the waves. James enjoyed sitting with Grandpa in the surf. We sat for a long time splashing and watching the little fish.

3: After the beach we came back to the condo and made pizza. The babies sat in the pack n play with each other enjoying their toys. Then they had a lovely nap. Gracie seems to like Grammy and Grandpa's bed and James slept out on the deck.

4: When Gracie woke up she enjoyed Grandma Jo feeding her watermelon and playing with the ipad.

5:Then the kiddo's came home to take a bath and eat dinner while Grandma Jo and Grandpa went to get Grandad Michael from the airport. Gracie also liked Grandma Jo reading her storeys and playing games on her phone.

6: We all went to Five Guys for dinner. Gracie sat next to Daddy and kept saying "bite" for a bit of his burger. She also munched down lots of frys. James had a jar of squash followed by apples and blueberry's.

7: Gracie went to sleep at the condo so well. She doesn't get out of bed at all. I am very proud of her.


Well its been lots of fun! Tomorrow is the pediatricians!

Goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 100: VACTION TIME!

Today Grammy, Grampy  and Grandma Jo arrived. It's been a super fun day!


Today's positives:

1: When we got back from grocery shopping the babies went down for their naps and when they woke up Grammy and Grampy were here! James went right to Grammy with a big grin. Gracie was very excited and quickly ran round the house to see who all was here.

2: Gracie had a fun time being a baby in her blankie with Grammy and did lots of chatting and running around.

3: When it was time to go out Gracie made sure to walk Grammy to the door. Even though it took three attempts to leave.

4: We all went to Fridays for lunch. Gracie and James had a nice time sitting and chatting away. James even ate a jar of baby food with everyone at lunch time.

5: Next Grandma Jo arrived. James loved her! He was very happy sitting in her lap bouncing and wriggling.
Gracie soon came round when Grandma Jo showed her how to make music on her cell phone :)

6: We all went for a nice dip in the ocean once the sun went down. Gracie went in a little deep but enjoyed splashing and jumping in the waves. James of course enjoyed his ride in the Moby.

7: Both the babies love the condo everyone is staying in, Gracie especially likes it out on the deck where she can see down and wave at people.

8: Both the babies went to sleep at the condo very well and even when we brought them home they went strait to the beds with no fuss.


It's been a very fun day! Can't wait for tomorrow to start :) PS: Happy 100 blog readings :)


Goodnight all

- Sophie

Playing with the toys Grandma Jo brought!

At the Condo

View from the deck.

Gracie relaxing on the deck.

Day 99: One more sleep

Only one more sleep until our family get here! I am so excited to see everyone.


Today's positives:

1: I put James on the floor to play this morning and got called away quickly by Matt, meaning I forgot to give him anything to play with. Thankfully his big sister came to the rescue with all his favorite toys.

2: Gracie has started running up to the T.V shouting "Watch" or "ON" when she wants to watch something.

3: I wrapped James up in a blanket and we had a lovely long sleepy cuddle on the sofa this afternoon.

4: Gracie spent most of this afternoon pointing to different parts of my face and naming them. Eyes, Nose and Mouth.

5: Gracie has discovered the word "No". I quite enjoyed asking her things over and over just to hear her say it lol. I am sure this is going to wear off soon!


So excited to blog after seeing everyone tomorrow!

Goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 98: Sleep Sleep Sleep

Today has been such a sleepy day! We have done some tidying up ready for our visitors but other than that it's been a bit unproductive lol.

Today's positives:

1: We all snuggled up in bed this morning to watch a movie. James and I were the first to fall asleep. Gracie at some point decided to go to her bed for a nap and Matt rested in between answering the phone and door to various callers. It was nice to be all snuggled up together.

2: Gracie had mashed potato's with her lunch. I normally put out a big bed sheet on the floor to sit her high chair on. Gracie had one end and James sat playing at the other. When I turned to check on them, James and rolled to Gracie's end and she was happily leaning over feeding him her taters. James had a big ol' grin on his face too.

3: Whenever James has been sad and crying today Gracie has put her arms around him.

4: It's funny to see that James favors cars and trucks to play with and Gracie baby dolls. :)

5: James is still trying very hard to crawl forward. He usually ends up standing on his hands and feet instead though.

6: As I type this Gracie and James are laying on their belly's opposite each other holding hands and laughing.

7: This evening when they were in the tub Gracie had a lovely time washing her little brother.


That's it for tonight folks.

Goodnight!

- Sophie

Day 97: Holiday Continues

Today's positives:


1: The kids enjoyed watching Little Einsteins this morning. James fell asleep in front of it. It is pretty relaxing lol.

2: We went to the beach. Gracie loved splashing in the waves and didn't panic when she fell over. James loves any time he gets in the Moby.

3: We went to DQ for icecream. What's a holiday without icecream? Gracie had chocolate. She looked like she had bathed in it by the time she was done.

4: After such a long and lovely day Gracie was very tired. She climbed up in my lap with her blanket and fell asleep.

Today's blog is pretty short and sweet.


Hope everyone had a nice day.

Goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 96: Go Dogs Go.

Today has been a fun and full day. The kids woke up before 6 this morning but took an early nap so it's an early bedtime tonight. We did a lot of running around and even got to skype with cousins L and N.

Today's Positives:

1. Gracie had fun chatting with Great Gran on skype while Sophie was taking care of James.

2. Gracie wore her new dress today. I must say she looked adorable!

3. We put James in Gracies old "Jenny Jump-up" and he had a great time jumping and swinging in it.

4. James crawled forward an inch, he wants to go so badly and he is so close.

5. Gracie picked out her own shoes. She actually digs through until she finds the match to the ones she wants.

6. While James was playing on the floor Gracie brought him lots of presents.

Well that about does it for today. I hope everyone had a good day.

Goodnight All,
Matt

Day 95: Eriks Family Fun

Today we said goodbye to Bay which was sad but she seemed very happy in her new home.
This afternoon was lot's of fun though!


Today's positives:

1: We got to hang out with Uncle Jeff, Auntie Shay and Cousins all afternoon.

2: We went to G.I Jeffs and had fun looking at all the Navy bumper stickers and uniforms and other military stuff.

3: Then we went to Babies R Us and the guys plus all the kids disappeared only to be later discovered in the toy isles.

4: We got Gracie some new dresses because she is getting sooo tall and out growing everything.

5: We got caught in a big rain storm but thankfully Daddy and Uncle Jeff went to get the cars. Cousins A and G came to ride with us.

6: Then we all went to Applebee's for lunch. Everyone had a great time hanging out. Even though Gracie ended up piling most of her food in Gunnars chair.

8: When we got home Gracie pooped on the potty for the first time! I know this may seem gross but we are SO excited for out little girl to be taking such a big step forward potty training.

9: Matt's high lite of the day: We all went to Hobby Lobby while Mommy and Auntie Shay nursed the babies. When we all met up again Gracie was so excited to see her brother she started shouting "Jay" and let out a giant excited squeal. Like she was a teenage girl seeing the Beatles.

10: James can now do sit ups if you hold on to his feet. He is so close to being able to sit him self up.


Today has been VERY busy and lovely.

Goodnight all

- Sophie





James wearing Daddy's fedora.





Gracie's turn.






Even cousin G got in on it :)




Reading Brown Bear Brown Bear



Day 94: Sunday Funday

 As you may have noticed our blog has undergone some pretty big renovations. We have added a couple of pages and changed the image. I would like to thank my wonderful Mum for all the work she did to make it look as fabby as it does!

Today we actually made it to church!! It has been a while. Thankfully James is getting to a place where he can go much longer with out eating because he has started solids. Gracie seems happy to play as long as she has her Jay Jay there. :)


Today's positives:

1: The kids had a lovely time playing in the nursery at church.

2: We stayed for the celebration lunch of our friends new adoption. James really enjoyed playing with Cousin L and the other little baby. He is very social.

3: Gracie had a lovely time dancing and running around, and enjoyed Auntie Shay feeding her some yummy watermelon.

4: The kids have sat and played nicely all afternoon. We only had one hairy moment when Gracie got her hands on a green crayon. She only managed to color her teeth and face, her brothers cheek and her favorite book. I think I need a spare pair of eyes!

Well today has been pretty quiet. It was our last day with our beautiful dog Bay. Tomorrow she goes to live with her new family. We are really going to miss her.

Goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 93: Start Vacation.

Today feels like the start of a a summer vacation. With all the up coming fun and visitors July is going to a very exciting month.
For those of you following Matt's Navy stuff, we are waiting to hear back from the recruiters on Tuesday. Praying the paperwork all looks perfect!


Today's positives:

1: Gracie has decided when she goes to the potty its a good time to sing. She loves to sit there for ages singing her head off.

2: Gracie learned to pull off her own shirt today. This could be the start of a naked phase.

3: James is up to eating solids 3 times a day. He gets quite miffed if everyone eats lunch with out him.

4: We put on Earnest goes to jail while we ate lunch. One of Matt's old faves. Gracie seemed to enjoy the slap stick humor.

5: Gracie enjoyed coloring a picture for Auntie Shay's birthday and carried it everywhere. Even when we went to walk the dog.

6: The best part of today was going swimming together with Auntie Shay, Uncle Jeff and Cousins A, G and L. Auntie Shay had swim rings which the babies enjoyed floating in. Everyone seemed to have a fun time and it was a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

7: Although time outs are not a positive, I was impressed with  Gracie when she stayed in time out at the pool. She has never had time out, outside before.

8: Gracie and James both enjoyed watching Lyle the friendly viking and king George and the Ducky.

9: Tonight we read the storey of Joseph and his special coat.

10: The babies loved playing in the bath together tonight and both went to bed at the same time.


It's been a lovely day.
We wish Auntie Shay a VERY happy birthday.

and a goodnight to you all


- Sophie



This is Gracie feeding James the other day.



Day 92: Time Flys

Some days you have remind your self over and over " Love is patient and love is kind" and in the end it sinks in and suddenly you feel patient and kind. :) I think both of the babies are a bit under the weather. Hoping they can sleep it off tonight!


Today's positives:

1: Gracie and James laid on the floor together, staring at each other smiling.

2: Gracie used her blanket to play Hidey Boo with James.

3: James has started to wiggle and move to music when ever he hears it. It's very cute!

4: Gracie learned to turn the closet door handle today, this means there is no safe place for the shoes to hide!

5: James and Daddy went on another nice long walk this afternoon.

6: Gracie helped me fold laundry.

7: James got to take a bath in the big tub all by himself. He was pretty content playing with the red squirty ball and letting me wash his back.

8: James also came a lot closer to crawling today. He now does little bunny hops forward just like Gracie used to do.


Alrighty, Goodnight all

Sophie

Day 91: July 5th

Today's positives:


1: James and I had a little sleep in this morning and when we woke up he was all smiles. It was nice to play with him and give him my complete attention.

2: Gracie fed James his breakfast this morning. Apple and Mango with rice cereal. Yum yum!

3: Matt and I decided to take the babies swimming around mid morning. The pool was empty and it wasn't too hot yet so it was nice. They both seemed to have a good time.

4: James and Daddy went out and walked the dog together.

5: Gracie and I made the most of our one on one time. We had a tea party, did some coloring in, played with her blocks and shape sorter and read the storey of Little Quack. It was really nice.


Both my kiddo's have had an early night tonight after being up so late last night. It has been a lovely day.


Goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 90: Happy 4th July

Today has been so much fun!
Today our blog is 3 months old. Gracie turned 19 months old annnnd it's 4th of July!!
We have been as patriotic as we can be (even if I am a bit of a traitor teehee), and we got to spend time with family. Oh and Uncle Jeff came home from training. He gets to stay for a few weeks before he goes over sea's. It was so nice to see everyone together again :)
Possibly our last Holiday in Florida if the Navy gets going. Fingers crossed for Halloween.

Today's positives:

1: James had a munch on one of Gracie's french frys at lunch time and a nilla wafer.

2: We all went to the playground (even Bay) for a nice afternoon walk. James LOVED the swing and Gracie enjoyed running and climbing.

3: We had a lovely time over at Nana's house! We got to see lots of our favorite people.
Gracie managed to brake a few things but on the whole it was very pleasant evening. Gracie especially loved the hot dogs and cheese cake.

4: Gracie loved to chase Cousin G all over the house. I think he is her favorite person.

5: James got to eat some yummy mixed berry's and was lucky enough to be fed by Stacey and Aunt Carrie :)

6: I was kinda worried the babies would be scared of the fire works, especially as it was 3 hours past bedtime but they loved it! Nobody cried, even Cousin L who is the littlest of all. James put his feet up and watched with wide eyes. Gracie was quiet and took everything in. Not bad for their first time.
It was a nice walk to town square and then back to Nana's house.

I know a lot more happened today but these are the best bits! We have had such a nice day all round.
Thank you everyone who was part of it. We love you all xx

Daddy we missed you, but thank you for working hard for us. x

Goodnight everyone


- Sophie

Day 89: Internet down

Today has been less busy, but still busy.

We are trying to get our house ready for visitors. So we are cleaning everything from top to bottom. We made our 4th Walmart run this week and I think we finally have everything we need.

Today's positives:

1: James and Gracie both had their first Band-aids today (That's plasters for my English readers).

They are Car's ones. Which happens to be one of mine and Daddy's favorite movies. Even though I hate my kids to need to use them it was still kinda cute.

Then Gracie wanted to play nurse so I gave her a regular band-aid that she had lots of fun putting it on and off various parts of me and her. 

2: Gracie has only had one potty accident in the past 2 days, she is doing so well. She has decided she will NOT use or even sit on her potty with me or Daddy in the room. This requires me lifting her on then dashing out of the room, I stand outside the door and wait to hear calls of "DONE DONE" from inside. Unfortunately she wont use the potty toilet seat we got her so on one of today's bathroom extravaganzas I heard a sploosh followed by frantic calls of "DONE MAMA". When I walked in to the bathroom all I could see where little arms and legs and head sticking out of the toilet. Poor Gracie... I wish she wasn't quite so independent ALL the time...

3: James had his first taste of meat today. We are raising our children with a mostly vegetarian diet but have decided the occasional taste wont hurt. He seem'ed to enjoy his chicken noodle baby food very much and was even a little displeased when Gracie had a bite.

4: James had a lovely long cuddle with Daddy this afternoon. It was cute to see him all snuggled up and asleep.

Both of the kiddo's have been great today. They mostly sat and played on our bed while Matt and I cleaned. 

We are hoping Matt will be able to get tomorrow night off work so he can join us for fourth of July fun. It promises to be a good time either way. We do hope he will be there though!

Okay goodnight all

- Sophie

Day 88: shoop shoop

Today has been SUPER fun... Apart from ticks being pesky and on the dog, argh!



Today's positives:

1: We got to go to our friends adoption ceremony. The kids were on their best behavior and it was beautiful to watch.

2:  Gracie has worn the same panties all day. Not a single accident!

3: James is officially a "sitter". He has been sat playing almost all day!

4: This is not really a positive but kinda funny... Sibling rivalry has now officially started. We had Gracie and James in the double shopping cart. James was leaning forward in his seat trying to pull his sisters hair. Gracie was giving me this " MUM JAMES IS PULLING MY HAIR" face... Every time I told him to stop he would look offended for a second then grin... I'm in trouble lol.

5: We had a fantastic time at the pool. Gracie loved to run and jump in, then Daddy would catch her. James swam for a while but had fun sitting with me on the side soaking up some sunshine. Auntie Shay, cousins A, G and L all came to play too. Everyone had a lovely time playing together. Even James and Cousin L had some bonding time. Gracie did swim a little way by herself too.

I know other things have happend today, but its been so full and busy around here. This is all I can manage to scrape out of my brain lol.

Goodnight all!

- Sophie

   

 

 

 

 

 

Day 87: July 1st

I am so excited for our "weekend". Tomorrow we get to go witness a family friend adopt her long time fostered little girl. Okay that may have been a wired way to word it but I can't think of any other way lol.


Today's positives:

1: James crawled for the first time (backwards).

2: We have had continued success with  Gracie's potty training.

3: I was laying on the couch today and Gracie wiggled her legs under my head and was stroking my hair. Then when James started to fuss she gave him a cross look and said "Shhhh". It was very cute!

4: Gracie REALLY enjoyed the veggie taco's she ate at lunch time. She ate almost the whole bowl.


I know today's post is short. Unfortunatly there has been lots of errand running in the past few weeks. So the kids have eaten, been in the car, been in the store, been napping or just hanging out doing the norm.
Not exactly amazing blog material.
We are hoping to do something fun in the next couple of days and July should soon pick up with the start of many family visits happening this month!

Goodnight all

- Sophie