Our Life with Two Kids and a Dog!

Houston Boat Show!

2012-01-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

Well, we went to the Houston Boat Show this weekend and searched, once again, for the perfect boat, RV, Gator-like vehicle, Jet Ski, etc. The girls did great walking around seeing everything and Matt has the 'I need a boat itch' again. We just can't decide on what color..just kidding...haha!

It's Been Beautiful Outside!

2012-01-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

We've been spending a lot of time outside lately!! It wears the girls out and we aren't inside making messes all day!!

Happy First Brithday to my sweet Jordan!!

2012-01-05T21:02:00.000-08:00

A year ago at this time I was trying to get some sleep...and just couldn't get comfortable. A few hours later, we were headed to the hospital to have our second baby girl! Jordan has been such a blessing to our family. Having two precious girls has been wonderful. Watching them play together and 'talk' together is really amazing. Jordan loves to feed herself, loves to clap, loves to play with her big sister, and loves to ride in her car!! She is eating anything we can cut up into small enough pieces that she can feed herself! Her favorites are pasta pick up ravioli! She is only taking 2-3 bottles a day and really enjoying using a sippy cup with milk! Jordan says Mama, Dada, ball...and that is about it! She screams when her sister takes her toys, or even comes toward her with the possible intention of taking her toys. She walks ALL.OVER.THE.PLACE!! With Taylor we never had to put locks on the bathroom cabinets. Last week, we put them on ALL the bathroom cabinets in order to keep Jordan out. Jordan is still waking up a few nights a week wanting a bottle. I need to quit getting up and doing this, unless I want to continue for a while...and I don't! IF we have a hard-headed kiddo, she is IT!! We are sooo looking forward to watching her grow, learn, and play!! So neat to see the different personalities in our daughters! WE LOVE YOU, JORDAN! Happy 1st Birthday!!

(excuse the blurry pictures...she moves a lot and my phone just couldn't keep up!!)

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T21:37:00.000-08:00

We spent New Years Eve (until around 9:00pm) with some great friends!! We were home and ALL asleep by 10:15pm!! I woke up at 11:59pm to the sound of a million fireworks in our neighborhood and went right back to sleep!!
Taylor wishes everyone a Happy New Year! We can't wait to see what 2012 will bring for our family!!

Go Texans and BTHO Northwestern!!! WHOOP!

2012-01-01T21:25:00.000-08:00

Liz and I went to a Texans game before Christmas! For my birthday Matt stayed home with the kiddos and let me go to the game!! He's the best! He also sent us to Pappasitos for their game day brunch, and got me a snazzy new jersey! We had fun even though the Texans lost! Thanks Liz for coming with me! Go Texans!

Joni, Randy, Matt and I were able to get away for a bit to go to the A&M Bowl Game at Reliant Stadium! It was lots of fun and we had a great time watching the Aggies win their first bowl game in ten years...might be another ten before we even get in another bowl game!!! Matt and I have put our names on the list for season tickets next season for the Aggies first season in the SEC! Gonna be rough, but we have faith!

The most wonderful time of the year!!!

2012-01-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! We are so lucky to have so much family close! We truly cherished all the time we were able to spend with all of our family and friends!

Reluctantly, I put up all the Christmas decorations right after Thanksgiving. With an almost one year old and an almost three year old I was sure I'd regret it! And, I think I've only said, "Don't touch that!" about a thousand times! I'm glad Matt encouraged me to put up the tree and everything though! Watching the girls stare at the tree all lit up is just amazing.

We spend Friday the 23rd with my family in Whitesboro and Sherman. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the Wilcox's and the 26th with the Moore's. My kids have been spoiled, busy, and on the go!!

Santa was very good to all of us!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day (Santa and Christmas with the Wilcox's)

Matt and I have always joked about these tattoo sleeves and the visor with hair...so he got some this year in his stocking...haha!!

Christmas with the Moore's

Merry Christmas from the Riv!

2011-12-14T08:58:00.000-08:00

We were excited to be able to attend the Annual River Christmas Party again this year! It is always a great time with friends that we don't get see often enough! The kiddos were invited this year and it is so much fun to watch them play! The weather was perfect to play outside, the food was really yummy (and lots of it), and the company was entertaining!! The river has a boat parade each year that the kids love to watch! The kids exchanged gifts then went to bed!! The adults played games and enjoyed each others company!! Looking forward to seeing you all next year!!

Gig'em Aggies!!

2011-12-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

Joni, Randy, Matt and I were able to attend the Texas A&M vs. t.u. game on Thanksgiving Day!! Thanks Nana and Papa for keeping ALL of the kiddos! We know how much work it is to keep just two, but takes Super Nana and Papa to keep all four!! The game was exciting and fun! The weather was perfect (maybe a little chilly and windy)! Too bad the Aggies couldn't come away with the win. We all had fun anyway and look forward to some exciting SEC home games next year!! Matt and I had nosebleed seats...but we got some pretty neat pictures from WAY up high!

Enjoying Thanksgiving!

2011-12-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

This year we had Thanksgiving with my family. It was so neat to see the kiddos all playing together. Even Jordan got into the fun!! We are so thankful to have family close and cousins for the girls to play with!! I know I always enjoyed and looked forward to seeing cousins during the holidays. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and then Joni, Randy, Matt and I got to head to College Station to watch the Aggies play a little football.

Play time!

2011-11-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

Alex and Tyler were staying with my parents while Joni and Randy cruised the Gulf!! Taylor and Jordan played all day outside with the boys!! Papa and Nana got the kiddos a 'gator'! More pictures of that to come!! Alex drives everyone else around, he learned really quick...such a good big cousin and brother!

These two stood right there and watched Adam and Kat move Adam's stuff from upstairs. He moved into his new apartment this weekend!! We are so excited for him!! Kat was helping Adam, but she took a break to play with all the kiddos! Here they are posing on the stairs with Kat!

Lions, and Tigers, and Boones!!!

2011-11-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

David, Anna, and Boone came into town for Halloween so the cousins could Trick-or-Treat together!! Trick-or-Treating was a huge success and everyone had a great time!!

We also got the opportunity to go to the Zoo with David, Anna, Boone, and Grandma! Thanks for letting us tag along with you guys!! We had a great day and saw lots of cool animals. I really enjoy taking the girls to the zoo! We find something new every time we are there! This trip Jordan rode the entire day in the stroller, with a smile on her face!! Taylor and Boone shared a stroller and they were in and out all day long!! Running here and there all day wore Taylor out!! She was sleeping before we got out of the zoo parking lot! This is picture overload, but enjoy!!

Baby Jake and Halloween!!

2011-11-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

We've had a busy week!! My nephew was born on Monday, Oct. 24th. Welcome Jacob Paul Wilcox. He's precious!! And his older brother, Johnny, was so excited to meet him!! The kids are so lucky to have great cousins so close to grow up with!!

Halloween was fun too!! We dressed up and trick-or-treated with cousins!! Taylor was a dinosaur, RARRR, and Jordan was a poodle. Taylor had been telling us she wanted to be a dinosaur for about a month. The only costume I could find (I waited till right before Halloween to find one) was actually at the kids resale shop...it was a little big, but she loved it and that is what matters!! I think Taylor had it down. Lots of" Trick-or-treats." "Thank yous." And, "Next house." Jordan enjoyed it from the stroller. We even had a fire truck come by and the kids got to Trick-or-Treat at the fire truck.

Pumpkins and Corn

2011-10-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

Taylor and I painted some pumpkins earlier this week. She loves painting so I figured why not!! It was fun and we both enjoyed it! Here are some pictures of our pumpkins :)! We also carved a pumpkin last weekend! Taylor wouldn't touch it! She said it was "Icky". Matt did most of it and he did a fantastic job!

We also visited the corn maze in Montgomery. It was pretty neat! Taylor loved the bouncy pillow and the huge slide. Taylor didn't much care for the corn maze. She kept wanting out. She ran for just about two hours straight...it was awesome. Matt and I both figured she would sleep like a baby...Not so lucky. We apparently have monsters in our bedroom now that have been making going to bed very difficult. And staying asleep and in our bed has been nearly impossible. By about 3am she is back in our bed. I usually get tired of taking her back to her bedroom and give in...we've got to figure out how to get rid of those pesky monsters. Fancy monster spray and special protective stuffed animals have not worked....we still have some other ideas up our sleeve. I'll keep you posted on this issue.

Jordan is 9 months old!!

2011-10-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

Jordan turned 9 months old earlier this month! She is getting to be so much fun! She loves to pull up to things, walk around while holding on to furniture, and babbles a ton!! Dada Dada, is of course, her favorite!! Jordan loves bathtime!! She loves to eat anything orange, prefers NO chunks (level 3 food end up in gagging). She has also started on some small finger foods like cheerios, small banana pieces, yogurt bites, puffs, and if she is lucky and her sister shares she LOVES lucky charms marshmallows!! Jordan goes to sleep at 8 or 8:30 and sleeps until around 7am everyday!! She takes a 3-4 hour nap from around 10 or 11 till 2. Gives me some time to spend with Taylor doing fun stuff.

9 month well check stats are:
Head Circumference 44.5cm (67.11%)
Weight 18lb 3.4oz (40.15%)
Height 28.25inches (76.33%)

We did find out during the 9 month checkup that Jordan had her first ear infection. I had no idea, she hadn't been fussy at all.

The BEACH!!

2011-09-26T09:35:00.001-07:00

Matt and I took the girls down to Galveston this past weekend. We stayed at the 'Surf Shack' (thanks Danny and Claudia), went to Moody Gardens Aquarium, saw Dora in 4D, and played at the beach. The girls had such a great time seeing the ocean for the first time and all the fish at the aquarium. Matt and I decided that vacations/getaways with kids are not so much restful breaks....still fun though and we loved seeing how excited Taylor was to see everything! (I forgot the nicer camera at the aquarium and it was dark and lots of glass everywhere so they had to be taken without the flash...so they are kind of blurry.)

Jordan is 8 months old, Labor Day Fun, and Gig'em Aggies!

2011-09-12T07:12:00.000-07:00

We really didn't do much for Labor Day this year. It was nice to just be home and enjoy the wonderful weather we've had the last week or so. We played with cousins and watched the A&M football game! Matt and I will be going to a game in October...we can't wait!

Summer Fun Photo Blog!

2011-08-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

Jordan is 6 months old :)

2011-07-10T20:17:00.001-07:00

Oh my how time does fly! We are just getting busier and busier! Jordan is 6 months old now!! She is sitting up alone, rolling all over the place, getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth, eating veggies, interacting with us more, and as I type she is eating her toes! YUM! I love her more and more each day! She has been such a joy to have in our family! When Matt and I went to Miami we heard stories of Taylor even asking, "Where is baby Jordan?" (Jordan is going to go to kindergarten thinking her name is 'baby Jordan'.) So funny how Taylor really doesn't remember life without Jordan! So lucky to have them so close in age! I sure hope they grow up to be best friends...I know I was lucky to have a best friend in my sister!!

4th of July at Lake Cherokee

2011-07-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

For the last few years we've spent 4th of July at Lake Cherokee with Gramma and Grampa! This year was no different! It is always great to see all the family that can come for the 4th! Taylor and Jordan both were great the entire trip! Jordan enjoyed all the attention she got being held and Taylor loved swimming, blowing bubbles, coloring pictures, going on boat rides, playing games, and building sand castles at the island.

Fisher Island Fishing Trip

2011-07-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

Matt and I were invited to go on a fishing trip with some friends. It ended up being way more than just a fishing trip!! Matt's aunt and uncle picked us up at the Ft. Lauderdale airport and took us to the fairy. We stayed aboard the boat, which was docked at Fisher Island, just off the coast of Miami! It was wonderful!! We enjoyed drinks on the white sandy beaches, fished for sailfish, snorkeled, ate a lot, toured South Beach, and sunned!! Thanks so much to our parents for keeping the kiddos!

Our captain's brother caught this during our last day of fishing. We met their boat on the way into the dock and got to see what they had been working to reel in all day. It was on the news later that night. AMAZING! JAWS!

We caught and released two sailfish so we got to hang the flags upside down!! And, it is good luck to go swimming at the dock after you catch your first sailfish...so the guys voluntarily jumped in for their 'lucky' swim!!

THE LAKE

2011-07-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

We love the water!! Taylor is doing so well swimming and Jordan has been a trooper in this incredible heat! We've enjoyed spending some time at Lake Conroe with Nana and Papa.

Memorial Day at Windy Hill

2011-06-20T12:24:00.001-07:00

For Memorial Day Matt and I took the girls to Gruene to see some friends at Windy Hill! We enjoyed sitting in the river, eating at the Gristmill, and swimming! It was our first out of town trip with both girls and everyone was wonderful! Taylor LOVED the river and it was so pretty all weekend. Thank you Sutton Family for a great time!!

Ironman Texas and Lake Conroe

2011-06-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago we decided to go cheer on the ironman participants. It was very neat!! We watched the bike portion of the race from Fish Creek Thoroughfare and then went home, had naps, ate lunch, and went down to Market Street to watch the finish! Taylor loved it. We got there in time to see the first finisher and a few more after that. I can't wait for The Woodlands Marathon next March and the Ironman Texas next year. I think I've decided to volunteer for the races :)!! Please don't be distracted by Taylor's orange socks. Her Daddy said she really wanted to wear them, so he let her!

Sunday we went to Lake Conroe with my parents and my brother and his girlfriend. It was HOT, but so much fun! This was Jordan's first trip to the lake!

Mother's Day!

2011-05-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day was wonderful! I slept in a bit, had a wonderful breakfast, then we headed over to my mom's house for lunch! It was a much needed relaxing day! I'm so lucky to be the mommy to two great little girls! As tired as I get sometimes, I wouldn't change anything!! I've enjoyed watching the grow, change, learn, play, and become such sweet little girls! I'm one lucky girl myself!

Happy Mother's Day to the women in my life! I hope my grandmothers, grandmother-in-law, mom, mother-in-law, aunts, cousins, sister, sister-in-laws, and friends had a wonderful Mother's Day too!!

Family Pictures 2011

2011-05-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Once again, we had Holly Anderson from HollyAndersonPhotography.com take some family pictures for us. The kiddos were not 100% cooperative, but we loved the pictures! It was also a little windy! Holly did a wonderful job with the girls! Here are some of my favorites!

Jordan is 4 months old

2011-05-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

Wow! Time has gone by so fast! I can't believe Jordan is already 4 months old. I started back to work (only two days a week)! Jordan has changed so much over the last month! She sleeps from around 10pm to 3-4am, eats, then goes straight back to sleep until around 9am. She naps twice during the day for about 2 hours each. She loves her swing for naps! She holds her head up, rolls from her back to her tummy, and loves to stand (with assistance of course)! She is still nursing every 3-4 hours during the day. She loves to be talked to! She responds with smiles, laughs, and reaching for you! Jordan gets grumpy from around 8-9 or 10 every night. This just started, and I sure hope she grows out of it soon. She has been such a blessing to our family. Her big sister loves her...sometimes too much! I was afraid Taylor would revert back to wanting a pacifier, but she hasn't! She loves to give Jordan her paci, even when she doesn't want it!! She also loves to hold Jordan and helps me burp her after she eats! If Jordan spits up, Taylor is the first to get a rag to wipe it up!! It is so neat watching the two of them! Taylor 'reads' to Jordan and sometimes I find Jordan on her play mat with a bunch of Taylor's toys surrounding her!!

We can't wait for the summer to get going...our weekends are filling up very fast! It is going to be a busy summer!

Sometimes I wonder what these two are talking about out there while they swing!

Cracked computer screen and changes to our sleeping arrangements!!

2011-05-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

Well, my computer screen is done fer! Taylor grabbed one side, and instinctively I grabbed the other...and crack! I guess it torqued enough to crack the screen on the inside. I can only see the top left corner...everything else slowly went black! I attempted to replace the screen, but the new screen is also cracked. I think I'm tired of messing with it and I'm just going to get a new one...it was about time anyway!

About the sleeping...No, Matt isn't sleeping on the couch and neither am I!! We put Taylor in her 'big girl bed' back in January and it was great for about two weeks! Then she started sleeping on the floor, crying (screaming) at her door, etc. We really wanted her to sleep in the big bed so we could start putting Jordan in the crib. Needless to say, Taylor went back to the crib, Jordan stayed in her bassinet, and we all went back to good (well as good as it can be with a baby waking up to eat) nights sleep!! Recently, we realized Taylor HAS TO get in the big bed! We have started with a mattress on the floor...she loves it! We switched her lock so we lock it from the outside and she cries for about 10 minutes for us to 'pat her back' or 'say more prayers' but eventually she climbs back in bed, covers herself up, and goes to sleep. Jordan has been moved from her bassinet to the crib! Yeah!! First nap time in the big bed ended up being a huge mess in her room...she had every drawer emptied, every toy on the floor, every stuffed animal thrown off the bed, etc. Oh well, I've moved those since, and it has been much easier for her to SLEEP during nap time! So, everyone is where they should be...and it is working....kind of! Jordan still wakes up once in the middle of the night...and the kids bedrooms are right next to each other...are you getting where I'm going with this??!!? It hasn't happened yet because I've been fast about getting in to feed Jordan, but I can see it happening...Jordan is going to wake up Taylor...I'm sure of it! How has everyone else made this transition?? I'm sure Taylor will get used to it and just sleep right through it, but until then, do we just let Jordan wake her up?? I guess we don't really have another option...THIS TO SHALL PASS!

Here are some pictures of Taylor's room after naptime...I'm not sure how much napping she did, but she sure was quietly having fun!

Hoppy Easter!

2011-04-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter weekend this year! Matt and I went to the James Taylor concert on Friday night (thanks Gramma and Grampa for keeping our kiddos), Abby and Johnny's birthday party on Saturday, and BBQ and swimming on Sunday afternoon! The weather was so pretty all weekend too!!

Dying eggs was fun...and messy! We moved our project outside, and I was very glad we did. We ended up with food coloring/water/vinegar all over the table, our hands, and Taylor's shirt. We had fun until someone decided to throw the eggs like a ball to Winnie...they cracked and we cried! We know better for next year!

Happy Birthday Abby and Johnny!

2011-04-23T12:07:00.001-07:00

Today we celebrated Abby and Johnny's Birthday at Pump It Up! EVERYONE had a blast, even the adults! All the kiddos ran around for two hours playing, jumping, sliding, and racing! It was such a neat place for a kids birthday party...heck, would be a cool place for an adult party too!! Abby and Johnny, you have pretty cool parents for letting you have such a neato party!! Thanks for letting us be a part of it!! Happy Birthday!!

My babies and our 'Tweet Tweet'!!

2011-04-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

While turning on the water to give our dry, yellow grass a drink Matt found a small bird's nest in a bush in our front yard. The nest has a five small eggs, some blue ones, and some pink ones! Anybody know anything about bird eggs?? What bird lays eggs that could be blue or pink?? This bird also likes to poop on our rear view mirrors on both our cars...just one side, but it poops a lot then smears it a little on the window...NASTY!
...And here are some pictures of my babies!

Kidney Stones and Taylor's 2nd Birthday!

2011-04-23T11:17:00.001-07:00

I'm very late posting this, but oh well!! This month has just gone way too fast! I was dealing with kidney stones (once again) for about the last two weeks. I just plain hurt for a couple days thinking I could 'pass' the stone on my own, after a few days, I realized that wasn't going to happen. A CT scan revealed I had a 1cm stone that was too big! I had lithotripsy done on Monday to 'blast' the largest stone into smaller parts! First time I've ever been 'knocked out' for surgery, so I was a little nervous. It turned out to be very easy and now I'm feeling much better!! Thank goodness we have wonderful grandparents and Susie to help out with the girls while I wasn't feeling so great! No pictures of any of that :)!

Earlier this month we had a small party for Taylor with family and a few friends! The weather turned out nice and the kiddos were able to play outside most of the time!! Matt got to use his new BBQ pit and smoked a little bit of everything!! We had a blast! Thank you to everyone who was able to come and celebrate with us!!

Ice Cream Man and Bar-B-Que

2011-03-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

So, while I was in North Texas with Jordan, Matt introduced Taylor to the ice cream man...a few times! When she heard the music today, she wanted 'icees', so we grabbed money and the camera and ran for the ice cream! Matt also got a new toy...I see lots of bar-b-que in my future!

Another Road Trip

2011-03-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

Jordan, Tyler, Joni, Mom, and I made a trip to North Texas to see Mimi and Papa Ed. We also got to see lots of other family! We all had a great time. The big kids, Taylor and Alex, stayed with their daddy's!! They had fun as well.

Taylor is Two!

2011-03-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet Taylor! I can't imagine my life without her! She is so sweet, curious, loving, smart, and cute! She loves Caillou, Barney, coloring, playing with her baby doll, loving on her sister, swinging (not in love with the slide yet, but warming up to it), reading books, working puzzles, building towers, talking, eating cheeseburgers, mac n cheese, yogurt, waffles, goldfish, raisins, apples, grapes, and apple juice! She is so helpful around the house too! Give her a paper towel and she'll have everything 'cleaned', at least everything she can reach! We love her and are so proud of her! We started celebrating with cupcakes for breakfast, her request!! We Love you Taylor! Happy 2nd Birthday!

Bad Mommy!

2011-03-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

I tried to sneak Taylor's blankie into the washing machine this afternoon...apparently I'm not very sneaky and she saw me this time! But, by the time she came into the laundry room to get it back, it was already in the washing process! She cried for about 30 minutes sitting by the washing machine watching it go in circles. So, I, being the very sympathetic Momma that I am, got my camera and took pictures! Needless to say, I'll be sneakier next time!

Road Trip

2011-03-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

Taylor, Jordan and I took a road trip for Spring Break! We went to Midland with Nana and Papa to see Memaw and Pawpaw! While we were there we got to see cousins, aunts, and uncles! Both girls did fabulous in the car! Winnie the Pooh, or Ninnie Poos as Taylor calls it, and other movies helped make the trip go by fast! Papa could have used some ear plugs on the way home, but he tolerated the continuous talking from Taylor pretty well! I'm so glad we were able to make the trip!

The Zoo

2011-03-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday we took Taylor and Jordan to the zoo! We met some friends there and had a really good time despite the large crowds! The weather was great! Jordan just slept most of the time! Taylor loved the lions, snakes, elephants, and flamingos! Lots of babies at the zoo...and the new giraffe exhibit is really neat, you get to be so close!

My Girls

2011-03-13T19:52:00.001-07:00

The Tall Cans

2011-03-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

David, Anna, and Boone were in town this past weekend for David's band to play a couple different venues! John and Linda had a party for the band on Saturday night! It was so much fun! Lots of friends/family and the weather was perfect! Taylor danced until she had blisters on her feet! The kiddos also played basketball and ate lots of food! So much fun for the cousins to get together!

Taylor's birthday present came a little early!

2011-03-10T19:26:00.001-08:00

Taylor's 2nd birthday is the 25th of this month! I cannot even believe it! She has grown up so fast! She is a wonderful little girl and GREAT big sister! We love her and are very blessed to have her! The last two years have flown by! We decided she needed a swing set for her birthday! Summer is right around the corner and she will love spending time outside playing!

Look Daddy, swings!

I'm not sure who was more excited, Matt, Taylor, or Winnie!

Jordan is Two Months Old....and other random photos!

2011-03-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

She loves sitting up in her chair!

Smiling!

I just LOVE these precious eyes!

First Day of School

2011-03-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

Taylor started going to Preschool two days a week this month! She loves it so far! I love that about my big girl! She is so adaptable, so far at least! She takes her backpack, lunch, and blanket with her everyday. Her first day happened to be Go Texan Day at the school. She wore her boots and pearl snap shirt! This week was crazy hat week...we didn't take pictures, but she had a hat each day! Next week is Spring Break, so school is closed! We have plans to visit the zoo and go see Great Grandparents in Midland!

Beautiful Weather!

2011-02-26T11:20:00.000-08:00

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous lately! Warm days and cool evenings! We are trying to enjoy every moment! We've had dinner outside a few nights, played outside during the day, had snacks outside, done some yard work, and this weekend Taylor got to go play golf with Daddy, Luke, and Grampa!

Sisters!

2011-02-26T10:24:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2011-02-14T19:37:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day! Ours couldn't have been better! Breakfast in bed, lunch with my hubby, and a wonderful dinner and yummy dessert with homemade whip cream! Taylor was extra sweet to Jordan today too!

Jordan will be 6 weeks old this week...the time has really flown by! I was able to pack away all her newborn clothes today! I think she outgrew them over night last night...growing like a weed!

Taylor will be starting preschool soon. I'm currently looking into a few options for a couple days a week. We visited one preschool today and took her with us...I think she will really like it! She jumped right in and started playing on the playground with the other kiddos! It will be good for her to be around other kids her age.

Look at all this PINK!

Jordan is One Month Old

2011-02-09T20:50:00.001-08:00

I'm a few days late posting these, but they were taken on Jordan's 1 Month BDay! She is such a great baby! We couldn't ask for more! We feel very blessed to have our two healthy girls!

Snow Day!

2011-02-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner! Since we are stuck inside anyway, Taylor and I made cookies, decorated them, then ate them! YUM! Jordan watched!

Photo Blog :)

2011-01-20T17:58:00.000-08:00

Some Firsts for Jordan

2011-01-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

We've been busy adjusting to our family of four! So far, so good! We couldn't be more happy! Enjoy these pictures of Jordan's first bath and first Dr. Appt! Jordan weighed 6lb 3oz at her first appt! She's eating well, waking up just about every three hours at night to eat and every 3-4 hours during the day.

Jordan Leigh Wilcox

2011-01-09T10:02:00.000-08:00

Our family was happy to welcome Jordan Leigh Wilcox on Jan. 6, 2011 at 4:48am. She weighed 6lbs 11oz and was 18.5 inches long. Big sister Taylor has adjusted very well so far and loves to hold Jordan and give her kisses. Taylor is the first to tell me when Jordan makes ANY noise, when she is sleeping, eating, etc....I get minute by minute updates on what is going on...

So, here is the story....
Yes, Jordan was early. But, I'll start at the beginning of the week. Monday, Jan. 3rd Matt and I were in the Labor and Delivery at St. Lukes having me re hydrated after catching some 'bug' overnight. I couldn't keep down even the smallest amount of water or ice. My Dr. offered to induce on Monday when we were at the hospital anyway, but being sick all night we opted to go home and sleep instead. Matt ended up getting sick on Monday as well, but by Tuesday we were feeling better and Wednesday everything was back to normal! Taylor and I had a wonderful day together on Wednesday. Cleaning, laundry, gave Winnie a bath, made a good dinner, played, etc. Taylor was so much fun all day long! Wednesday night we went to sleep like normal, but neither one of us could sleep. About 1:30am we were both just about asleep and I had the feeling that my water broke. Climbing out of bed, it wasn't anything like my water breaking with Taylor (which was in the Dr. office), so we decided to wait and make sure it was my water and not, uhm, me peeing on my self (for lack of a better way to say it.) I got back in bed and in about 10 minutes it happened again, just more this time and I was pretty sure it was my water. We called Matt's mom to come over and watch Taylor and we headed to the hospital. We got to the hospital around 3am and got checked in, confirmed it was my water that broke and I was a mere 3cm dilated (just like I'd been for over a week). We weren't in any hurry, just getting blood work done, since I was already asking for the epidural so I could go back to sleep for a while! Contractions started to become more and more uncomfortable and by about 4:15am they had me in my room. I expressed to my nurse I was very uncomfortable and wanted my epidural, so she checked me and I was at 7cm. Within, just about 5 minutes I was feeling lots of pain and pressure and they still didn't have the lab results to get me my epidural...grrrr! She checked me one more time, while on the phone with the lab, and the baby's head was there! She said, "Oh, wow, we don't have time for an epidural, your baby is right there." I kinda wish she would have just kept that to herself, because I kind of started to freak out! No epidural...ok, so I'm going to have this baby 'naturally', something I had never even considered! Within, about 5 minutes there were about 6 nurses in the room and they were telling me how to breathe and not push. Needless to say, Jordan arrived in a very short amount of time with no epidural and no doctor. Matt was wonderful during the whole time! I couldn't have done it without him! I couldn't say I'd have it any other way. Recovery has been so much easier, I was up and walking around wanting to take a shower by noon that same day! Enjoy the few pictures we were able to get in the madness, a nurse was nice enough to grab the camera and get a few pictures right after she was born!

Santa, Christmas, and Travels!

2011-01-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was wonderful! Taylor is at such a fun age! We loved watching her enjoy the lights, music, presents, etc.! She didn't really enjoy Santa, but what 20 month old does?!? We are enjoying her so much...I say it about every 6 months, but this is my favorite age so far!

We spend Christmas Eve with the Wilcox's, Christmas morning with just the three of us, and Christmas night with my parents! Sunday we went to see my grandparents and spend time with Aunts and Uncles north of Dallas. Monday we came home and took down all the Christmas decorations and got all the baby stuff out of the attic!

Christmas Eve

Santa and Christmas Morning

Christmas Afternoon

Christmas in Whitesboro, day after Christmas

Wenzel Christmas Party!

2011-01-09T09:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas at the River this year was so much fun! Trey and Shanna really do it up every year for Christmas. This year the theme was 80's Prom! We had all 80's dress represented! It was fun dressing up for the adults and the kiddos loved the Boat Parade and playing with each other in the play room and on all the other fun toys!! Times have definitely changed since college, but we all agree it is a good change and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Thanksgiving at Lake Cherokee

2010-12-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

We had a great time spending Thanksgiving at Lake Cherokee! We saw LOTS of family and enjoyed the lake, great food, and cooler weather!

Road to The Last Resort

Sign at the street

Driveway

New garage/storage shed

The House and Bunk House (and Cookie coming to welcome us)

Day of Golfing! And the weather was perfect!

Lots of family!
Cousin Boone

Taylor and Boone playing with the cars!

My silly girl!

Uncle Zach and Cousin Jack!

Taylor

Me and my baby girl...growing up so fast!

Thanksgiving Dinner...there were 50 of us!

Cousins are fun!

Elle and Cousin Jack!

Uncle Adam and Cousin Johnny hanging out watching football in the game room!

Taylor

Cousin Johnny! I loved his shirt...Dear Santa, I can explain! Haha!

Cousin Abby and Taylor playing with at the cool art table Grandma and Grandpa got!

Smores Anyone??!?

First Haircut

2010-11-29T20:45:00.001-08:00

Taylor did a great job during her first haircut! Her hair was just getting too long and hard to keep out of her eyes! The shorter do she has now is much easier and stays out of her eyes! It makes her look older too!!

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER (not a very good picture, but much shorter with bangs!)

Breckyn's First Birthday!

2010-11-29T20:11:00.001-08:00

Taylor's friend Breckyn had her first birthday party! We all enjoyed great food, hay rides, and horse rides!

Gig'em Aggies!

2010-11-29T19:58:00.001-08:00

Matt and I (and baby Wilcox #2) got to attend the Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M game at Kyle Field! We had a blast and won the game! WHOOP! Alex, Tyler and Taylor had fun hanging out with Nana and Papa! They also dressed up for the game! Alex even says 'Gig'em'!!

Baby Wilcox #2's second Aggie football game!

Halloween

2010-11-29T19:42:00.000-08:00

My little ladybug was adorable!! She did so good wearing her costume and trick or treating with her cousins and Daddy! I wasn't feeling well....kidney stones again with this pregnancy....just about the same time as last pregnancy! While Taylor and Matt were out collecting candy for me, I had my parents go with me to the ER. They did the same thing, lots of IV fluid, and fetal monitors for a few hours and I was sent home with pain meds! Felt much better the next day and no ER visits since!

Random Photos from October...

2010-11-29T19:30:00.000-08:00

Enjoy random photos from October...We went to the pumpkin patch and had Tyler and Alex visit for the day...

Alex found my makeup! He liked it! I love the doll in the background with the diaper! All of Taylor's babies have diapers now...and we change them frequently!

Welcome Fall!

2010-10-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

We have been trying to enjoy this gorgeous weather! I've done some fall decorating, we had breakfast at cousin Jack's house one morning, and Matt ran in the Ten for Texas this past weekend! Taylor and I went to Market Street to cheer him on!

I made my first wreath! Not perfect, but it will work...and it was good practice for the others I want to make!!!

Taylor loved playing on Jack's toys outside! It was so pretty! Thanks Zach and Elle for the yummy breakfast!

Taylor and Grandpa!

I love playing with the keys! Ready Mama?? Let's go in the cawwrrr!

Danny finishing the Ten for Texas!

Claudia finishing the Ten for Texas being cheered on by Danny and Luciano!

Matt finishing the Ten for Texas! So proud of you Dada!

Group picture!

Being so good in my stroller!

Hope everyone have been able to enjoy the weather as much as we have! Taylor is getting so big and repeating everything we say! I can't get enough of her! I love when she gives BIG kisses and hugs, and high fives and nuckles! She has been sleeping so well!! I can't believe in just about three short months she will be a big sister! I can't wait to see how she will interact with her sister!

Grandparents are the BEST!

2010-09-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Matt and I had a great summer! We went to Vegas for a long weekend in July and Colorado for a wedding in August. So much fun! We enjoyed every minute! We missed Taylor, but thank goodness for grandparents! We knew she was in good hands! Not sure what we are going to do next year when we have two little ones to leave behind!?!? Here are some pictures of our trips and Taylor's fun times with grandparents this summer and our fun times in Vegas and Colorado!

Happy Grandparents Day to wonderful Grandparents!

Taylor enjoying a canoe ride at Lake Cherokee!

Grandma reading to Taylor before bed! Taylor can actually say 'Grandma and Grandpa' now! So exciting!

Taylor on her way to Lake Cherokee to see Grandma and Grandpa!

Playing in the water at Nana's with cousin Alex!

Snack time for Taylor and Alex!

Nana reading to her three grandbabies!

Dirty kiddos need a bath! Taylor and Alex bathing together...memories and blackmail for Mom and Dad!

Matt and Josh enjoying the pool!

Matt and I in the pool at Caesar's Palace...we never saw Caesar, but the pool was awesome!

Out for the night in Vegas! We saw Blue Man Group and had dinner!

I ate breakfast from the balcony one morning and this was my view. Vail was beautiful and the weather was great!

Dinner in Vail Village!

While in Vail we attended Kelsey and Andy's Wedding! Beautiful Bride!

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Matt, Taylor and I went and met a few friends in Gruene, Texas for Labor Day! We toured Gruene shops, ate at the Gristmill, floated the Guadalupe, and swam! Wonderful way to spend a long weekend! Thanks Sutton Family for letting us stay at Windy Hill!

Taylor loved trying on hats in the shops! Matt looks like he's been drinking, but really he hasn't!

Most of the group outside of Gruene Hall! Just had dinner at the Gristmill and ready to head to Windy Hill to play in the pool!

Yeah, my floaties keep me above water!

Gotta stay hydrated when playing outside!

Dada returning from floating the Guadalupe. Taylor and I napped while they were gone!

Wonderful Labor Day weekend!

The Houston Zoo

2010-09-12T08:36:00.002-07:00

We went to the Houston Zoo for Jaxson's Birthday Party! Taylor loved seeing her friends and the animals! Cake and Ice Cream wasn't bad either :)! Thanks Lenderman family for inviting us to such an awesome birthday party!

Kisses for Dada!

Taylor and Ava at the splash pad at the zoo.

Keeping up with all the kiddos at the zoo...teaching them to hold hands!

Taylor and I at Jaxson's bday party!

Taylor and Dada checking out the monkey!

Riding the zebra is fun!

4th of July Post #2

2010-07-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

After dropping off Matt at the airport, Taylor and I went home for naps, then headed to the lake with Joni, Randy, Tyler, Alex, Nana, and Papa. Weather wasn't too bad (weather guy predicted rain, but it never rained)! Taylor let me put her life jacket on her and we swam a few times, had hotdogs, and watched the fireworks at Walden from the boat. We also had to cut the anchor loose cause it got stuck so bad we couldn't get it free...bummer! But, we had a great time and Taylor loved the water and fireworks!

4th of July Post #1

2010-07-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

We went to Lake Cherokee with Matt's family for a few days before 4th of July. The weather was sketchy but we made the most of it and had a really good time. It was great to see everyone while we were there...wish we were able to get together more often! I'll also have to take pictures of the house next time we are there...the bunk house is complete! Each of the four rooms are decorated a different theme...so neat. Matt, Taylor and I stayed in the 'Lake Room'!

On July 4th Taylor and I dropped Matt off at the airport to go to Pamplona, Spain to Run with the Bulls. His really good friend chose that location for his bachelor party! They attended Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, Ran the Bulls and watched Bull Fighting on Wednesday, Thursday they are supposed to go out to a winery/vineyard, and Friday they all fly to Barcelona to catch flights back home on Saturday...Matt has a 12 hour layover in London...poor guy!
Here is a picture of Matt and Andy sometime before or after the run...they are close to the guy in blue...they are wearing white and red and waving..haha!

Tyler is Here (and has been for a while now, I'm just a little behind )

2010-07-07T18:42:00.000-07:00

Tyler, my nephew, was born on Thursday, June 3rd at 1:38pm. He weighed 6lbs, 11oz and was 20 inches long. He is such a sweet baby! Big brother wasn't too thrilled at first, but loves him and watches over him now!!

Taylor meeting Tyler for the first time!

Alex warming up to the idea of a new little brother!

And Tyler is growing! This is such a cute idea...Joni and Randy did it with Alex. They take the kids picture with an oversized stuffed animal every month. It was neat to see how much Alex grew compared to the bear. Tyler has a monkey and I can't wait to watch him grow!
Sleepy baby!

Abby and Johnny's Birthday Party!

2010-04-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Cousins Abby and Johnny had their birthday party this weekend! The pool party was so much fun! Taylor loved the water and kicked like crazy...takes after her mommy and daddy! So glad she loved the water! Can't wait for the warm summer weather to play at the lake and the pool!Abby and Johnny had a wonderful birthday party this weekend! Everyone had so much fun!

Abby enjoying some cake outside!

Johnny playing!

Taylor enjoying the water!

I love the car!

Ryan and Taylor!

Matt and Johnny!

Playing in the pool!

Taylor and Jack playing in the ducky tub!

David and Anna's Trip to Texas!

2010-04-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Taylor got to play with her cousins while David, Anna, and Boone were here from California! Here are a few pictures of the cousins!

Taylor and Johnny riding in the wagon!

Thanks for the ride Uncle Adam!

Boone

Jack, Johnny, and Boone with Adam

Jack

Johnny

Anna and Boone!
Great to see you guys while you were here!

Wonderful Weather!

2010-04-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

We got Taylor's pool out of the box this week! The weather has been so pretty! We've even been eating dinner outside a few nights this week! I can't wait for the summer!

A Little Fun in the Water

2010-04-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

Today we went to market street to walk around and enjoy the NICE weather!!! Taylor loved playing in the fountains!

Waterway Arts Festival!!

2010-04-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the Waterway Arts Festival! The weather was sooo pretty (after it rained this morning)! Here are a few pictures we took during the day!

Nap time!

But didn't last long!

Playing by the water!!!

Uh oh!

Bluebonnets

2010-04-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

I wanted to get Taylor's picture with the bluebonnets so we went driving around and found a perfect spot with lots of them! They are so pretty right now! I'm going to play around with editing some of these and see what I can come up with!

Easter...

2010-04-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to celebrate Easter at the Pavilion this year! I loved being outside hearing the sermon and listening to the wonderful music. It was GREAT! Dinner was at Grandma and Grandpa's house!Jack and Taylor

Grandpa with the girls! Taylor, Grandpa, and Abby!

Taylor and Johnny!

First Trip of the Season to the Lake!!!

2010-04-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

We were able to join Nana and Papa at the lake this past weekend. The weather was soooo pretty! I was convinced we would be cold, so I packed jackets and didn't even wear my swimsuit...but turns out it was WARM!! I got a little red on my neck and shoulders. We could have gotten in the water even (other people were). I did pack a swimsuit for Taylor! Enjoy the pictures!

Playing outside...

2010-03-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

We played outside this morning with bubbles! Yes, we were still wearing our pj's!! She actually ended up getting all wet while we were out there. I was cleaning out the bubble blower and watering the potted plants. When I turned around with the water hose I accidentally got her all wet (she's quick now...and quiet). I didn't realize she was there and got her soaked....needless to say, she liked it so I sprayed her a few more times....no pictures though! But she is walking rather well! Here is a video of her walking!

Eating...

2010-03-29T14:25:00.001-07:00

Taylor has been eating like a champ lately...a growing girl must eat! She loves cheeseburgers! I stopped at sonic on our way home from her one year well check and got her a kids meal! She loved the fries and the burger!

We had a first the other day...she fell asleep while eating dinner! And the messiest dinner EVER...Ravioli! I only walked off for a second and when I came back, this is what I saw. She was so messy I had to wake her up to give her a bath...but it was a first, so I had to take a picture first!