Love, Sweet Love.

We had the loveliest little Love Day and the highlight of it all was having two of our favorite gals over for a mini-party...my sister Jennifer and niece Miss Annabelle.  

So much concentration.

More on that in just a moment...

Max started the day with strawberry milk and a heart shaped waffle with honey.

Also, I got the boys a couple little gifts...

For Sully:


For My Little Monster.

You Have the Key to My Heart.

For Max:

I Love You to {Puzzle} Pieces.

Perfect Pair.  I put fabric puff paint on the bottom to create treads. He slips and slides all over the wood floors and a lot of toddler socks don't come with grips on the bottom.

When will these boys be old enough to realize what a dork I am and/or care that I do these things for them?

Max just said, simply, "Socks, momma."

And I said "Yay, SOCKS!!!"

And then he just looked at me blankly.

So I said, "Max, you LOVE socks!" Trying my hardest to convince him.

But, really, he actually does love socks. He makes a big deal out of picking them out in the morning, making sure they match and then selecting a pair for Sullivan. I guess that was yesterday, though, because this day it was just "Momma...Socks..."

Sometimes a Momma just can't win.

But Sullivan gave me a huge, drooley smile and I imagined he was saying "Yeah, Mom, I AM your little monster!!" Aw, thanks bud.

Annabelle and Jennifer came over early so we didn't run into afternoon naps.  AB and Max exchanged Valentines.  Annabelle gave Max a bag of strawberry fruit snacks with a little shovel that said "I Dig You".  I would have gotten a picture of it, but Max wanted to open his Valentine and "dig in" immediately :)

Max gave Annabelle one of these...

He gave these out to his little classmates at Parents Day Out too.  Thank goodness for Pinterest ideas :)  Max was able to help peel the crayons and put them into the molds.

I made cupcakes (half brownie/half strawberry) and let the kiddos frost and decorate them. Lots of fun. Lots of mess. I turned my back for 2 seconds and Max had dumped an entire bottle of sprinkles on his cupcake.

We also made cards for the Dadas.  It was so cute to see them get busy with crayons, markers and stickers.  No pictures, though, because the activity required all hands on deck :)

All in all it was a great day. 

And I'm so lucky to have three handsome Valentines...

Max's 2nd Birthday Carnival

Ok, so last year I said that over-the-top parties would only apply to first birthdays.  And I now have to shuffle my feet awkwardly and admit that...I lied.  I didn't mean to!  It's just that I LOVE parties.  I love the details and the memories they create.  That's really the best part...the memories and then having pictures of loved ones celebrating together that last forever.  I know Max is still too young to remember, but I hope he sees these photos and knows that 1) his momma put so much heart and thought into his birthday and 2)  he is surrounded by many people who adore him and want to be a part of his life.

Like every mom I wanted my baby's birthday to be perfect.  A well-rested, happy boy who is gracious to his guests, smiles for the camera and decor that does not fail.

*insert record scratch here*

The letters fell off my signs almost immediately (mental note: use wood glue next time), half of the cupcakes fell out of the ferris wheel baskets and Max politely told most of his guests "no, thanks." when they wanted a hug or even a high-five.  But he WAS extremely happy and excited to play with his cousins and be surrounded by everyone he loves.  He had a blast.  I finally got the cupcake situation worked out and at least I got a few pics prior to the signs falling apart.  It was such a fun and memorable party.  And that's what its all about.

Take a look at the memories we created...

   

These are just a few shots that were taken in my homemade photo booth :)  I had a poloroid camera so everyone could take home a silly photo as a souvenier.

Homemade fishy soaps.  So easy and probably a better option than live fish :)

Since Max's first birthday I had been trying to think of a way to incorporate a "Time Capsule" at his 2nd bday. Being a carnival theme, I thought a fortune teller angle would be a good way to tie it in. I want him to open this on his 18th birthday and read the notes from all the people who love and believe in him so much.  I hope it gives him confidence before he heads off to college and helps him to realize he can be whatever he wants to be.  No matter what he is loved.

Annabelle and Max playing Ring Toss.

Corn dogs, funnel cakes, popcorn, peanuts, cotton candy and just for a healthy option...fruit kabobs.

Cool guy on his new roadster. 

He LOVED having everyone sing to him.  He just looked around at all his guests with a very pleased look on his face.  And he blew out the candle in one breath!



Sullivan partied in his ferris wheel onesie.  He loves a theme just as much as his momma.

And a HUGE thank you to all of  our guests who brought items to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.  Max is really excited about dropping off our contribution soon.  He keeps pointing to the big stack of stuff and saying "Momma, kid's hospital?"  Max is such a lucky little guy.

Two Years of A Beautiful Life

Dear Max,

Two years ago today was the beginning.  The beginning of your life and ours.  As parents.  As individuals with bigger hearts and bigger responsibility than the day before. We became a family.   And it's been two whole years of a beautiful life.

On this morning two years ago the sun was rising and the epidural was wearing off.  Watching the night become a new day was a promising and relieving break from the pain. I knew I was going to meet my little morning bird* soon. 

On this night two years ago I vigilantly watched over your tiny body in the darkness of our hospital room.  It was late, but you were awake and I didn't want to sleep unless you were sleeping. So I rested next to your bassinet and counted your breaths.  I barely blinked as you laid there silently contemplating your new surroundings with those puffy little eyes.  You belonged to me and I belonged to you.  I had never felt anything stronger or more undeniable.

Now you're growing into your own little person.  Our main source of entertainment (and frustration :).  And you constantly keep us guessing as you try to become independent.  You're so ready to take on the world and there is no doubt in our minds that that's exactly what you'll do.

Happy 2nd Birthday, little man.

My whole heart,

Momma

One day old.  My tiniest Valentine.

*Max, I still quietly call you my morning bird when you're sweet and sleepy after just waking up.  Morning Bird by Forest Sun is your song.  I can't remember the exact moment I heard this song for the first time, but when you were born in the morning hours my mind kept wandering back to these lyrics.  I shared your brother's "song" on the blog so I thought it was only fair that you knew yours too...

Sing to me
My morning bird
The sweetest song I ever heard
Love’s melody
In your heart’s own words
Sing to me
My morning bird

When the sun
Climbs over the mountain
Just to hear you sing your song
And all the stars
Lay down in heaven
To take their rest
Till evening comes

Won’t you sing to me
My morning bird
the sweetest song I ever heard
Love’s melody
In your heart’s own words
Sing to me
My morning bird

Don’t you fly
Away from me
Without leaving
Me with your song
For the morning
Is much too lonely
And so quiet
When you’re gone

Sing to me
My morning bird
the sweetest song I ever heard
Love’s melody
In your heart’s own words
Sing to me
My morning bird

Sing to me
My morning bird
the sweetest song I ever heard
Love’s melody
In your heart’s own words
Sing to me
My morning bird

Update: 6 months & 2 years

Yep, just as I predicted in my post last month, Sullivan turned 6 months old on February 6th. There was no way around it. And keeping in line with the steady march of time, Max will turn 2 years old on the 13th.  Time is tricky like that.  They're exactly one week short of  being 18 months apart.  I love that these two important milestones coincided.

I had a pocket full of M&Ms ready to bribe him to stand still and smile for the camera, but to my surprise he was so excited about wearing his suspenders and holding the balloons that bribes were not necessary.

With both of their big milestones falling one week apart we split the difference and combined their doctor appointments today.  Easier than going twice, right?

STATS:
Max - Height: 36 inches (90th %), Weight: 33.5 lbs (95th %) + ALL your teeth are in :)
Sullivan - Height: 28 inches (90th %), Weight: 20 lbs (90th %), Head: 18 inches (70th %)

Dr. Kate said you are both doing great!

Dear Max,

Here are some funny anecdotes from you as of late...

1) For dinner one night I made you some sesame-peanut noodles.  You started eating away and then noticed the peanuts and said "Momma, that??" (pointing and asking "that?" is my cue to give the the name of things).  I said, "Oh, those are peanuts.  Yum!"  You gave me a horrified look and started spitting them out while saying "No penis, no penis!"   I tried to explain to you that peanuts and penis are very different things but you wouldn't have it.  You picked them all out of the noodles and refused to eat them.  I'm now very careful to enunciate when I tell you that you're having peaNUT butter and jelly for lunch. (side note:  I cannot wait to tell your girlfriends this story in the future!)

2) A few weeks ago we were out to lunch with Lolli and GG.  You had removed your straw from your juice box and started squirting it into your mouth.  So I said, "Max.  You're making a mess please put your, um....your um....(trying my hardest to think of the word for straw).  You just stopped what you were doing, looked up at me and said "Straw?"  (like, "Uh, duh, mom.  Learn to talk.")  I just said "Yes, your STRAW!"  while Lolli and GG couldn't stop laughing.  You're a quick little guy.

3) You speak to "Baby Van" in the cutest little old lady voice.  You "Ohhh" and "Ahhh" over him and say "Ohhhh Baaabyyy...soo cuuuute!" in a really high pitched voice. 

4)  When we ask you who's birthday is coming up you yell "MY BIRFDAY!".  And when we ask you how old you're going to be you say "TWO!" and hold up 10 fingers :)
----------------------------------------

Dear Sullivan,

You continue to be one of the sweetest babies ever.  No teeth yet despite the fact you've been drooling and chewing like you've been cutting some since 2 months.  We started introducing solids to you and so far you haven't met a food you didn't like.  You can sit pretty well unassisted...you're a bit wobbly though.  Also, yesterday I put you on your back on your activity mat thinking that you can only roll over once (you still haven't figured out tummy-to-back yet).  So I left the room for 1 minute.  I came back and SOMEHOW got yourself totally off the mat and onto the wood floor about 3 feet from where I left you.  I still don't know if you rolled, crawled or scooted.  Baby Houdini.  I keep trying to get you to do it again, but you're keeping your secret tricks to yourself.  And lastly, dear Sully, you look at Max like he's the coolest person on the planet.  You always reach your arms out toward him.  He returns the adoration and has started saying "I love you, baby" when he gives you big hugs. 

I went back and looked at pictures of what we were doing six months ago. 

Before: I managed to muster up a smile for the camera in the early stages of labor.  It was about 3am on your birthday. 
After:  Finally here...12 long hours later.

At this point I had only imagined a fraction of the joy you were going to bring this family.

Even at a healthy 10lbs at birth you still seemed so tiny!

We celebrated your half birthday by going to Sully's Pub.  We started a 1/2 birthday tradition of taking Max to "Max's Autodiner" so naturally we're doing the same for you. 

(See Max's 6 month celebration) 

 It just so happens that there's a place called Sully's.

We were lucky to have the entire place to ourselves.

"Hmm...what should I have...mozzarella sticks, Frito pie, chicken tenders..."

"Ohhh...NACHOS! Nachos, nachos, nachos..."

"Wait a second...that was my bite!"

"Really not cool, Dad."

And then there was Max doing this....

Max needed two spoons to shovel the Frito pie in.

Ah! We love you both so much!

Forever and always.
Momma & Dada

My Vintage Life.

I have been surrounded by vintage things my whole life.  I remember antiquing frequently with my Mom and Gram throughout out my childhood.  I slept on a gorgeous old iron bed growing up and it seemed almost everything in our home had a story behind it.  Back then I couldn't image why anyone would want anything "old".  Now I have a great appreciation for all things vintage.  Especially vintage houses like this one...

This is my Gram's house.  She recently moved into my parent's home which left us with endless possibilties for this 1906 beauty. 

It is such a special place we decided we had to share it with others. So now it is "The Vintage House" and available to rent for small events and gatherings. We recently hosted a lady's luncheon here, but the space will serve so many purposes. We're currently working on a monthly calendar that will include creative workshops, Pinterest parties and more fun luncheons. The Vintage House is the perfect location for bridal and baby showers as well. Not to mention it is home to the always anticipated "Friends of a Feather" sales!

So, we've been busy. This is where I've been spending my time when Max is in school once a week.

Sullivan in tow. Happy to go with the flow....

My Mom ("Lolli") with Sullivan.

Sullivan naps in the bathtub on chair cushions.  Looks comfy, doesn't it? :)

Thank goodness Lolli had her stroller.  Sullivan loved going for a spin when he got bored.

Here I am "working".  Getting pictures of our new (old) event space.

Gram taking a break from setting up for the luncheon to give Sullivan some love.

This new venture celebrates many of the things I love most in life...decorating, vintage "stuff", planning fabulous events, and, of course, family.  The Vintage House allows me to combine all of these things and I can't wait for others to experience it.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW "THE VINTAGE HOUSE" BLOG

CLICK HERE TO VIEW INFORMATION ON THE UPCOMING "FRIENDS OF A FEATHER" SALE TAKING PLACE FEBRUARY 23RD, 24TH AND 25TH.