happy boot day

Yesterday was our ghost-blog-co-writer's birthday. I sure am glad his Mom made it to the hospital in the middle of the Shreveport blizzard 28 years ago, so I could be a part of this:



Happy Birthday, Baby!

We love you more than you could ever comprehend.

(wanna be) photographer

Despite the fact that no one is wearing pants (hey- what is else is vacation for?) this is one of my proudest moments as a photographer. Be sure you don't overlook Frannie's face in the last one! 

I cannot help but smile every time I flip through this series of pictures. Who knew such there were such big personalities in such little people?

park

At the latest Morris family wedding in Memphis, the week before Thanksgiving- I stayed in the hotel room with a napping Frannie. This guy got to go to the park with Daddy, Ryder, and Aunt Jamie. After seeing this pic, I was especially sorry I missed out. 

and there went november

and most of December too! Wow. It's December nineteenth. The other day, I said to one of my co-workers "I can't believe 2012 is almost over" and she said, "that was fast!". Since it hasn't started yet! That sort of sums up how  how sleep deprived I've been.

Here's a pic of the kiddos. This was one we used on the Christmas card this year. 

This was when we went out to my friend Lynn's farm. Tripp chased chickens and fed cows. It was hilarious, and fun, and I can't wait to go back when Frannie can be a little more hands-on. Her chickens live in The Poultry Palace- complete with a chandelier and front porch with rocking chairs. I have lots more pictures, that maybe someday will make it on here.

We did not get to take our professional pictures, since the kiddos get sick. So unfortunate. We have been very busy with a jam-packed schedule lately. And Papa Bear has a hurt back, so I've been picking up all the slack. I think all the Christmas shopping is done... with extra bottles of wine for anyone I accidentally left off the list. One Christmas down, and 3 to go. We are so blessed to be surrounded by so much family that loves us. I am especially grateful "this time of year". Now I just have to finish wrapping.

I miss sleeping.

pumpkin run

Here is our family after the pumpkin run. I think this is the only photo I have of all four of us; how sad. (I guess I should also point out that Tripp is not "acting like a gangster" like my sister suggested, but he's eating a dum-dum that someone gave him. Boy likes his candy.) I'm very excited that we're going to get some professional pics done next week. My first pumpkin run was in 2007 as a new LSU employee and a newlywed. It was a lot of fun and very, very cold. The next few years I signed up, paid my registration, and got my t-shirt. Something always came up the morning of to keep us away. In 2009 and 2010, Tripp woke up with fever. In 2008, I'm not exactly sure what happened, but I think Jase convinced me it was too cold outside. No matter- this year I was determined to make it.

We borrowed a double jogging stroller from our generous friends John and Whitney, and were ready to race. We were off to a great start! When we hit the third and final mile, Tripp decided he wanted to "walk". Translation for people who are not parents of 2 year olds: meander around, pick up rocks, squat and look a things on the ground, point out cars, point out houses, point out animals, point out... well, you get it. I'm not complaining! I like having my own personal narrator of life (unless we are running terribly late to somewhere important). My goal was to finish in an hour, and we still crossed the finish line at 1:00:46! Record time for the Wilkerson's.

Happy Fall Y'all

and there went october

October seemed to fly by more quickly than the other months. Life is swirling and whirling by, and I'm just trying to keep up. Most of the time when people casually say "How are you?" I want to proudly say "I am still standing". Some days that seems like my only accomplishment.

I've been putting off blogging until I can get pictures to accompany the stories, but I've given that up. Pictures will just have to come later.

October started with a lovely visit to the beach. On the way I was shocked to realize Jase and I had never been to the beach together. The car ride there was good, and back was not. In between was peaceful, as peaceful as it can be with a toddler and a baby. We napped with the kiddos, each finished a book, and went to bed early. We also got to hang out all week with Aunt Jordy, Uncle Pat, Grace, and Bill. Nana and Uncle Matt were there for half the week too, and we were sad to see them leave early. Tripp still says to me "Hey Mama, let's go to the beach." I wish it were that simple.

We saw lots of dolphins, and one day while Jordy and I walked along the shore of the bay we saw a big family of sting rays. The biggest one was about a foot across, and they were reddish-brown. Jordy stomped in the water to scare one, and after it swam toward her she forbade me from going in the water. I was unsuccessful at getting a pic with my camera phone. I have such great memories of going to the beach growing up, and several times during the week felt like I was back there.

Tripp hated the ocean, but he LOVED the sand! He would just lie face-down in it and just run it through his fingers. Every day we would have to scrub it out of his hair and ears and all his other nooks and crannies. Frannie only went down to the beach once. It took us 45 minutes to get down there with her, and we stayed for 20.

We all took turns cooking, and ate a whole lot of really good food. We had some adventures on ferry boats and to the estuarium, but mostly it was just a relaxing breather that went by too fast. I'm planning to post pictures soon... but don't get your hopes up.

Frannie is now 9 months old. She's crawling all over, pulling up on everything, and thankfully isn't walking just yet. Also this month: we went out to my friend's farm, went to pick out pumpkins, did the Great Pumpkin Run, got dressed up for Halloween, and bought a pop up camper (I'll get into that some other time). The only problem now? November is turning out to be just as eventful.

Here are some gems from Tripp:
me: Daddy's birthday is coming up soon
Tripp: ooooh. wow
me: What should we get him for a present?
Tripp: a bulldozer

me: ...and if you are really good, Santa Claus will bring you a kitchen for Christmas
Tripp: Mama, I like him

me: What do you want Santa to bring you?
Tripp: Christmas

Tripp: Mama, what letter is this?
me: it's the letter U
Tripp: the letter me?
me: no, it's the letter U.
Tripp: me? the letter me? (I gave up)

He is just the sweetest little boy. He pays very close attention to the tone of you voice, and is very concerned if any one gets hurt or is sad. He will kiss any bo-bo, and knows all about the magic healing that a kiss possesses. I love how he calls helicopters "hello-doctors", and wants to stick to the facts. "No mama, it's not happy Friday. It is Friday." It is amazing to witness his active imagination.

Frannie just makes my heart swell every time she flashes me a tooth-less grin. Pretty soon she will have teeth, and be walking, and my little baby girl will be replaced with a defiant toddler.

I'm treasuring each fleeting moment that I can get my hands on

one lucky lady

I am one lucky lady. For many reasons. But one of the main ones is because I get to be married to this handsome guy:

That was us, the week of our one year wedding anniversary. It was the 4th of July, and we were on top of a mountain somewhere in Washington state. One of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Jase "gets" me. Now, I do NOT mean that he can read my mind, but it still freaks me out when he finishes my sentences or can tell what's going on before I say over the phone. I am so grateful to have him as a friend, companion, co-parent, and my personal IT-tech-help-line-guy.

Yesterday, I called him freaking out because my computer crashed, locked me out of the system, the screen was flashing, and making horrible noises. Usually when I call he asks me to turn my computer off and back on. So this time, I did that first. Ha! I knew this time it was for sure a goner. He calmly asked me to tell him everything that happened. I tried, during my slow panic attack, to explain. Then he asked me if I had anything sitting on any of the computer keys. THIS GUY. As I looked around my office for hidden cameras, I told him (once again) he was right.

He also owns my heart because I got this text from him yesterday: "You know you're married to a nursing mom when you strip the bed and find FOUR BURP CLOTHS!!! Not to mention 2 shirts a pair of glasses and a pack of diaper wipes :-)"

Unfortunately, he was not exaggerating at all.

It's so hard for me to put in to words how this man completes me. I know we argue and aren't perfect, but at the end of the day I can't close my eyes without my other half.

number one: fashion

number one: fashion

number two: eat

number three: sleep

This girl is all about the fashion. You should see what she has packed in her suitcase for the beach. All she has in it are her beach hats, swimsuits, toys, and sunscreen. Girl is ready for the B-E-A-C-H

one week ago

One week ago, Frannie couldn't sit up by herself. Now she can go from sitting, to tummy, to "scootching" across the floor. She's not crawling... but if she spys something she wants, lets just say she figures out how to get it.

One week ago, Frannie was a happy little clam where ever she was. She now has a new awareness of "stranger danger" and when someone who is not-so-familiar tries to sneak one by her-- She is not having it.

One week ago, Frannie was pretty oblivious to the comings and goings of Mama and Daddy. Now if you walk by her and don't awknowledge her and/or pick her up. Well, let's just say (again) She. Is. Not. Having. It.

I'm not even going to get started on how solid foods are going, because you already know what I'm going to say. That's right- not having it. If she could talk she would say: "why are you trying to poison me?"

How can my sweet little seven month old already have such a big 'tude?

Yes. We are scared.

big brother

This morning I was changing Frannie's diaper on the bed, and Tripp crawled up there next to her. He quietly whispered in her ear, "Frannie, Mama changing your diaper." And then they just smiled at each other. It was just the sweetest thing to witness. I want to remember these moments, and not a few minutes later when Tripp spilled cheerios across 15 feet of my kitchen floor :)

I also love times like these when I catch him sitting quietly, looking at books all my himself. I would do anything to be able to hear the thoughts running through his mind

happy baby

Frannie is getting started early with her yoga.

six months

It is hard to believe Frannie is 6 months old. She turned 6 months August 10th, but am late posting this. I feel like she just got here! Here she is the week we brought her home from the hospital. She has already almost out grown this car seat. Her feet are starting to hang off the end! Below is her snoozing, and then Tripp patting her cheek. It is so sweet when he does this or when he pats my arm as he's falling asleep- I'm really going to miss that when he's "all grown up".

 

This is one day when we went swimming at Aunt Adri and Aunt Alli's pool. She was about 4 months old. Then in the bathroom in my lap while I blow-dried my hair. I would cross my leg, and she would rest in the triangle it created. She won't sit there anymore though, she wants to be in my lap sitting up and looking around. She doesn't want to miss anything!

At her 6 month check-up she was in the 75th percentile for height and head size. 77th for weight! The breastmilk seems to be working... We've only tried a few foods: bananas, sweet potatoes and pears. Nothing out of a jar yet. She does not seem to be impressed at all. Hopefully the whole "food" thing will catch on soon.

growing up

Today was a bittersweet day for me. Tripp said butterfly for the first time. He used to call them "flea-flies", and I have to say I am sad to see it go. He's started speaking so much better lately, and I'm really missing some of my favorites including:
"pet-za" for pizza
"baby suit" for bathing suit
"shillard" for- can you guess?- lizard

He's also been singing a lot (still trying to capture evidence on film).
I love his rendition of Ba Ba Black sheep:
Blah Blah BLACK SHEEP
HELLO WOOL

or "Hap Boot day to You"

Aahhh, growing up. At least he still wants to sit on my lap and cuddle.

For now.

I want to thank the academy

Since I will likely never make an Oscar acceptance speech, I have to celebrate the smaller achievements in life. Thanks to Jordan G. Lynch, I have read two whole books in the last two years. And enjoyed them immensely. Last year I read Kathryn Stockett's The Help:

One of the ways I like to critique a book is by how much I laugh or cry while I'm reading it. I did a lot of both during this book. Also, I couldn't put it down. I realize there is a lot of controversy surrounding it, but I personally enjoyed it- and I can't wait to see the movie! Recently she gave me Tina Fey's book, Bossypants:

I really appreciated how open Tina was about being a working mom and being a brunette (and body image)- maybe the only 2 things we have in common. Despite the fact that she swears like a northerner, I really enjoyed this one too. I laughed out loud A LOT. And so did my husband anytime I read parts of it to him.

Jordy knows what it takes. Telling me how good a book is, reading me at least 1 excerpt out loud, and then physically putting it in my hands. If it was up to me to go out and get it- it probably wouldn't happen. I am so grateful to have a big sister who is such an inspiration, and makes sure I do my summer reading. Looking forward to next year's pick...

helping Daddy wash the car

It's tough to say who was helping who more... but I sure enjoyed watching. I suspect Tripp had more fun than Daddy. 

Tripp loved using the water hose. "Loved" still doesn't do it justice. I think this picture of pure bliss helps to show what I'm talking about. I love this age when something so simple can make your whole day so wonderful. 

Somebody had to keep an eye on things, although 

I'm positive she was secretly very jealous that she couldn't help too.

A final random thought: 

I love looking back at pictures of me and my siblings helping to wash cars. I think it's interesting how dated the cars look. It's weird knowing someday Tripp will see these pictures and think how funny this old truck looks. 

(and yes I was impressed with myself for catching bubbles in some of the pictures, haha) 

cell phone photography

Unfortunately, most of the time the only camera I have on hand is my cell phone. I know this is becoming more and more common these days with everyone. The kiddos are growing so fast, if you blink you'll miss it. Miss Frannie will be 6 months old in a week. Tick tock tick tock. The clock won't even slow down. We've tried bananas this week, her first solid food! I think she likes them okay... but doesn't care much for the high chair. Here of some recent pictures. Here's Tripp getting his 2nd haircut. His first haircut was only a week before his 2nd birthday (long birthday story there- for another day and another post). I guess it will be awhile before Frannie has any hair either.

Here's happy little Frannie

Showing off cheetos hands :) A rare treat.



A funny little story. There was a little pack of "gummies" we got somewhere for Easter, that I forgot about. Tripp found it and kept asking me for rabbits. "Me rabbits. Me want rabbits. Mama, me rabbits." I finally picked him up and asked him to show me. Here is a visual. I said "What is in here?" and he said "Rabbits". I opened it and showed him, and said "See they're gummies." He still asks me for "rabbit gummies".

Here's Frannie lounging by the pool at my friend Ashley's house



Here is an unusual photo where Tripp and Frannie are both in the same picture, and both looking at the camera! Even if nobody is smiling...



shout out

and also a "Happy Birthday" to my sole follower, and my favorite big sister

love

This morning was the first time that I got a pair of shoes for Tripp to wear, and he said: "No Mama. These shoes", and picked out his own pair. My little guy is growing up too fast. Last night we went to listen to Daddy play the drums downtown on the Red River. It was fun (and a "little" hot), and Tripp had a blast. Nana helped pack our picnic of sandwiches, chips/goldfish, grapes, and oreos. My favorite chips in the whole world are BBQ baked lays. This was Tripp's first time to have them, and he liked them so much that he wanted everyone to have some. His sweet little thoughtful heart makes me so happy. He walked around our blanket and gave (put it in their mouth) each person a chip. And also randomly held up fistfuls and yelled to strangers "Chips! Chips!" so they could share in the excitement too.

As I put him in his carseat this morning, I said, "I love you, Tripp"
"Love you, Mama"
I signed happy and said "Tripp makes Mama happy"
He signed it too and said "Mama happy. Tripp happy"

Be still my heart.

On the way to school he tells me about everything we see.
"Mama, truck"
"I see that truck"
"Mama, big truck"
"Wow Tripp. That is a big truck"
"Mama, bus. Mama, choo-choo train."
"You're right, that is a train"
"Mama, airplane" (picture on a billboard)

Then we pass a truck, pulling a trailer... with horses in it.
"Tripp do you see those horses?"
Then he just screamed, at the top of his lungs because he was so excited...a few times. And I said, "Tripp don't scare Frannie, she can't see the horses"
So he pointed at them, and yelled, "Frannie, horses! Frannie, horses!"

I love that he thinks about her all the time. Where she is. How she's doing. If she's upset.
When he walks past her, she just grins ear to ear and laughs. She's just so excited to see him, and she's only 4 months old. I feel so blessed to be a Mama. To be their Mama. I never knew my heart could hold so much love--

good cop bad cop

"aw, did you have a bad dream? come here buddy"

"stop kicking me"

"you want to snuggle? come here"

"stop pushing the covers down"

"does his breathing sound funny to you?"

"put your feet down"

"will we ever have a normal nights sleep again?"


In my heart I know that years and years from now, I will long for the sound of feet padding down the hall, a small voice calling out, and just one more night with my snuggly babies.

yes i put my kids in daycare

Yes, I put my kids in daycare.
No, it does not make me a bad person.
Yes, I tell myself daily.

It is really hard to have a full-time job and leave your kids in someone else's care. Maybe people don't realize that when they make such rude comments and snide remarks. The guilt has been piling up lately. The media seems to say nobody stays home with their kids any more. If this is true, how come every mom that I meet does?

And they judge me.
"Your kid's in daycare, right? Well that's the problem."
And I try not to hate them.

I also really dislike the categories out there for moms. I'm a "working mom", she's a "full-time mom". So if you have a job outside the home, you're not a full-time Mama? I don't think so. I wish I knew more of the "working moms". Every blog I've found is by a stay-at-home-mom, but I'll keep looking. Hey, all you other working moms out there- tell me how you cope. Just kidding- I know I'm the only one who reads this...

Lately:

may tenth

Frannie is 3 months old today, and Tripp is 23. I can't believe he'll be 2 in a month; I don't know how to slow down this roller coaster. Today when I was getting ready in the bathroom I heard Frannie start breathing louder and faster- it's easier to tell since she has a stopped up nose. I went to check on her and found Tripp rubbing her face and whispering to her "Hi Frannie. Hi Frannie." (yes he can say F's now). He's very sweet, but has a hard time remembering not to poke her in the eye or pull her ears. After he got down he quickly found his Thomas the Tank Engine. This is one hearty little train and it doesn't stop until it hits a wall, and then makes a terrible sound- like a tommy gun- and it's terribly inconveinent when that happens under your bed. Daddy always makes a comment about how we're "under fire". Anyway, it wasn't long before the sound started. Tripp was on the floor reaching behind this shelf and when I got him to stand up we realized Thomas was running... in his hair. Tripp's face was priceless. Daddy saved the day, rescued the train, and Tripp didn't lose too much hair. AND we all still made it out the door on time.

a whole new kind of "tired"

Well, here are (finally) some pictures of Frannie. She will already be 3 months old tomorrow. I started back to work last week, and today am absolutely exhausted. My mom told me after her second baby, she called her mom and said "I'm just so TIRED." Her response was "Oh honey. It will only get worse." I'm trying to keep my eyes open and my head up, but it isn't easy.

Mother's Day was great. Mostly because I got to spend time with family. We watched old home movies where I was horrible to my mother, and everyone had cute little people voices. I want to make more videos of my kids because it all goes by so fast. For now, I'm trying to keep up with pictures. I ordered about 900 prints this weekend because there was a big sale, now if only I can follow through and get them in albums.

One more thing, I tried to find some blogs from "working moms" the other day- and couldn't. Mostly because we don't have time. I'm really starting to hate the labels/categories for moms: "working mom", "full-time mom", etc. they all imply that some moms work more or less than others, which isn't true. okay, I'm getting of my soap-box now...