Pee Pee in the Potty!

Yip yip! Yay! Yeehaw! Woot!

We are so excited! Luke went pee pee in the big boy potty! This has been a long time in the works. We talk about it every day. "Luke, don't you want to pee pee like a big boy?" "No!"

But, a couple nights ago, after bath, he said, "Go pee pee in potty!" When he sat down, he gave that look that says "I'm pushing" and the potty started singing! (Literally -- music starts when the pee pee hits a sensor). So, he got really scared and I got really excited and Adam ran in and got even more excited. Eventually, after several high fives, Luke was excited too.

Inspecting his work. He was pretty proud of himself.

We tried again tonight, but that was apparently a one-time deal. He just looked at the potty and said, "All done."

Boob Job

It’s that time again. The time when I really have to motivate myself to keep on pumping at work. Madeline’s growing so fast and getting hungrier, so I increased the amount of milk in her bottles for daycare. I kind of panicked when I picked her up yesterday -- her teachers told me that she slurped the bigger bottles down like they were nothing. I was secretly hoping that she wasn’t going to take the extra milk I sent. But, she did, so the pump and I meet again. And again. And again.

I’ve started to look at my pump as my business partner. We’re in this for the long haul. This is our second business venture, this one going on five months with another seven to go. My boobs are our employees. The left one is definitely a gold star employee, but the right one is completely insubordinate. I’d just as soon fire it, but it won’t leave. It refuses to produce the amount necessary. So, I have to pump and pump and pump. I even try to psyche my boobs out into producing more -- sometimes I picture rivers of milk coming out or I think of how cute Madeline is. Is that weird?

Just today, I fed Madeline this morning, pumped twice at work and another time at home, then fed her two more times before going to bed. And, that’s not counting the one or two overnight feedings. And, since the pump doesn’t pull out as much milk as Madeline would, I have to use the dang thing more often than I’d like to make three bottles for daycare each day.

With Luke, I stopped breastfeeding at seven months mainly because I just despise pumping. I regret not sticking with it, so I’m committed to going for a year for Madeline. The pump and I will continue our meetings. For the next seven months.

Lake Living

Adam's brother Eric and his wife Jennie turn 40 this year, so Adam's parents rented a house on Lake LBJ for the weekend. It was great! Such a fun way to get the family together. The kids and I went up on Friday and Adam came up Saturday. Luckily, the day before we left, we bought a new car so I was able to schlep all of the stuff for Madeline and Luke. It's just unbelievable the amount of stuff that I take with me. Two pack-n-plays, toys, clothes, carseats, stroller. Plus, my stuff. Oh -- and Max. Couldn't leave him behind. Whew. But, it was fun, and the cousins enjoyed each other. Lauren and Katie are such sweet older cousins and like to help me with the kids.

Apparently, Lauren "almost died!" When she was kneeboarding, she got hung up as the boat was pulling her. Eric and Amy were just about to jump in the lake to help her out when the skies opened up and Chance the Boat Driver pulled off his shirt and dove in to save her! It's a good thing he was there -- he evidently "saved her life." So, she wrote him a note. I don't think it hurt that he was cute. I'm sure it made his day.

Such a doll face. She's just the best little baby. Always so happy and easy going. And, so cuddly and squishy. These two fill my heart.

Pumpkin Patch

Today, I took the kids to the pumpkin patch. I was so excited! I was going to get a picture of them together. I tried to match their outfits. It was going to be great. But, Luke had another plan. No picture! No pumpkin! No. No. No. Finally, at the very end, I snapped them together, But, he wouldn't look at the camera. No!

Four Years!

Four years ago, I married my best friend and my favorite person in the world. I love you, Adam, and I'm so glad that I get to spend my life with you. It's definitely better now that you're in it. Here's to many more!

Rachel Getting Married

My cousin Rachel got married the same weekend as our anniversary. (And, for the record, it was nothing like the movie, but I needed a clever title). She and her now husband Aaron live in Boston, but they got married here. It was beautiful! And, it was the first time that we've taken both kids to a formal event. Before this, we've only gone to Mexican food restaurants or burger joints. So, this was a stretch. I have to say ... weddings just aren't the same when you have two babies with you. For instance:

First off, we arrived at 6:00 p.m. on the dot. On time! With two kids! That's a complete accomplishment. But, the ceremony started early, so we were late all the same.

Then, I had to feed Madeline but I didn't plan my outfit accordingly. Sure was glad no one walked by the car. They'd have seen a naked momma in the front seat.

Thirdly, Luke was hilarious but a handful at the same time. He talked throughout the ceremony and clapped and laughed his head off at the toasts. I'm pretty positive he had no idea what they were saying, but he thought it was just the funniest thing when everyone else started laughing.

Finally, tearing a toddler from the dance floor is a task. Who knew that he was such a good dancer? Takes after me, for sure.

All in all, it was great. Rachel and Aaron are the cutest couple and we had such a good time. Congrats, sweet cousin! 

 The rehearsal dinner was at Rachel's parents' brewery in Johnson City. Luke beelined it for a forklift.

 Obviously, Grammy and Luke were not on the same page here.

 Cheers! Cousin Bobby, sister Suzy, Uncle Mike (my Grandpa's brother), Aunt Connie

 "Look, Sis!" Luke shows Madeline her picture on the iPhone.

 Dapper Dude. He's so adorable.

 Suzy, Aunt Bridget, Madeline and Grandma.

 Sister Brookie Cookie was there, too!

 Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Kakos! Congratulations!

 And, it's time to go home. The babes fell asleep immediately.