Bella Art

I had to work this past weekend- boo! It's really not that bad. The 7 dietitians that work at the hospital rotate weekends, so I really only have to suck it up every other month or so. Anyhoo, on my work weekends, Scott gets some intense one-on-two bonding opportunities with his kids. And they love their special time with Daddy. During one of Austin's naps this weekend, Scott decided to do some school work (he's taking a class this semester). While he was studying, he gave Bella a few pieces of paper and a pen to entertain herself. When I came home, she was so excited to show me what she had done. I must say I was a little surprised by how far her artistic abilities have come. Doesn't seem like it was that long ago that it was mostly just scribbles on a page. Now, it actually looks like something or someone!

This is Austin. I love his hair. And the fact that he has 6 fingers on one hand and only 3 on the other.

This is Daddy. I love how he's tall and skinny- just like the real deal! And he has only 8 fingers- all on one hand.

This is me.

Unfortunately, she didn't draw a picture of herself. And yes, these pictures were labeled, dated and put away in a box where I keep all of her "art". And I fully anticipate having a box for Austin's "art" one day too. At this rate, I'm going to need to rent a storage unit for all the things I save in another year or so!

Bald Head

The day after Austin's birthday party, we headed to Bald Head Island for the day. We had some family on vacation there for the week, so we decided to go and spend an afternoon playing on the beach, relaxing and visiting. What a great day! We headed to Southport mid-morning and had an early lunch at Provisions before catching the ferry over to BHI. Provisions is yummy, but for me it's more about the atmosphere. I love eating outside on the water. Apparently, so does Bella and Austin!

After being sick for a few days, Austin was feeling better and ready to play! But not before eating lunch first!

How's that hot dog, Bella?

Here she is telling her daddy something very serious.


"Oh my gosh, I haven't kissed my brother in like 15 minutes! Must get to him immediately!"

Enjoying the scenery.

Watching for boats.

On the ferry, headed to BHI.

I haven't had the pleasure of spending much time on Bald Head, but it's wonderful. Very peaceful and not crowded at all. Almost like we had the beach to ourselves, in the middle of summer. We all enjoyed playing outside.

Bella and Katie playing in the tidepool.

Katie is a good babysitter! Sure wish she was closer so she could babysit our little ones some!

This boy loves the beach! He wouldn't take his usual afternoon nap on the beach this day. I think he was afraid he was going to miss some of the fun.

After dinner, we played a little bit more before heading to catch the ferry back.

My little ones waiting to take the ferry back to Southport. It was already past their bedtime, but they were still having a good time!

We all had so much fun, but we especially enjoyed our visit with family. Both kids crashed as soon as we put them in the car in Southport. They barely woke up enough to get their pajamas on once we got home. A sure sign of a fun day in the sun!

First Birthday

This past Saturday was Austin's first birthday! I can't believe he's one. It just doesn't seem like it's possible that it's already been a year since his birth. We planned to celebrate with a birthday party with family at my Grandmama's house. I really wanted both of my grandmothers to be a part of his birthday and I knew it wouldn't be possible for them to make it to Wilmington for a party. So, we took the party to them. Only it didn't go exactly as planned...

I got a call just after lunch on Friday, the day before his birthday, to let me know that Austin was running a fever at school and I needed to come pick him up. My heart just sank. What crappy timing. So, I left work to get my sweet boy to take him home for some one-on-one TLC. Austin woke up Saturday morning still running a temperature, but we decided to continue on with his birthday party as planned. I just couldn't bring myself to cancel his first birthday party. Obviously, it was a selfish decision since he will have absolutely zero memory of his first birthday.

We did enjoy visiting with family and I think everyone else enjoyed the party as well. We had lunch from Parker's Barbeque in Wilson, which I think was a hit. At least it was a hit with Scott. I've never seen someone find so much happiness with a piece of fried chicken. It's his favorite for sure! Austin's cake came from a yummy, slice of heaven bakery in Wilmington. Apple Annie's provides cake for all of our celebrations. Sometimes, I just find an excuse to get an Apple Annie's cake. They are the best!

The cake. Oh my, it was good!

Singing "Happy Birthday". Are your eyes just focused on the case of gin in the background? 'Cause that's what I saw when I first saw these pictures... Don't worry. My Grandmama isn't sitting at home sippin' on gin and juice all day. Our lunch was packed in that box when we picked it up. Perhaps we should've noticed that before we started singing and snapping pictures...

Poor fella. He was not wanting to eat a cupcake at this point in the day.

"What is this stuff? Why is my Mommy doing this to me? Doesn't she know I am sick?!"

Not a happy birthday boy. This was when I decided to cut the cupcake eating session short. He was promptly cleaned up for some snuggling with his Grandma.

My 2 grandmothers. Granny on the left and Grandmama on the right. I love these 2 ladies! They are as different as night and day, but special to me for sure!

Bella is flashing her "is it time for me to get some cake?" look at her Uncle Will.

Austin headed outside after the cupcake fiasco for a nap with my mom (a.k.a. Grandma).

After his little nap, we decided to give opening presents a whirl. He was still feeling crappy, but as long as he was in Scott's lap, he was okay. Good thing his big sister was willing to step in and help open his presents!

Wait! The birthday boy has 2 helpers. Cousin Layla wanted in on the action as well.

"Alrighty, I think I'm starting to feel better. Let me give this unwrapping presents business a go."

"Just what I wanted! Thanks Nana and Papa!"

After presents, Austin got to enjoy a relaxing golf cart ride with Grandaddy.

Meanwhile, his big sister and cousin enjoyed playing with his presents.

After his ride, Austin was finally feeling up to playing with some of his new things.

Aunt Melissa, Bella and Cousin Layla

"This is cool too! Thanks Grandma and Grandaddy!"

I hated that he felt bad, especially on his birthday. But, I think it was a good day in spite of it all. It's always nice to gather with family and celebrate life's milestones. And, he won't remember that his mommy and daddy dragged him to his first birthday party when he was sick. But, he can look back on the pictures and see the love of his family who came to celebrate his birthday! Happy Birthday Austin! Mommy loves you so much!

"I will eat all the purple ones..."

What summer is complete without popsicles in the backyard? Bella has been asking for a while now for a popsicle. I guess she knew it was a summer tradition! And her mean ole Mommy made her wait until August to indulge! It wasn't as if I was intentionally not allowing her to enjoy a popsicle, I just kept forgetting to add them to my grocery list. And with my mommy brain, if it's not written down, then chances are I'm not going to remember it. I finally remembered to make this important purchase during my grocery trip last week. She was with me, so she got to hand pick which popsicles she wanted.

She must have asked a dozen times as Scott and I were putting away the groceries if it was time to get a popsicle. Patience isn't one of her strengths! After the groceries were in their proper place, I asked what color she wanted, and she enthusiastically responded "PURPLE!" Then she sweetly said "and you can have a purple one if you would like, Mommy". I told her that wasn't necessary, since the purple ones were her favorite. Then she said "Good! Then I can eat ALL the purple ones!" And we headed to the backyard to enjoy her purple popsicle.

I love how she's just gazing at her purple popsicle! She waited a long time for it!

Whoops! The last of it ended up in the grass...

Trying to savor the last drops...

Getting a little overzealous in her clean up attempts...

Austin enjoyed some time in the swing...

Getting close to bedtime...

Enjoying a quick frisbee game before heading in for a bath...

We love summer!!