Snow Flurries!

We had snow flurries this morning. Chad was putting the diaper bag in the car & warming it up for us to go to chuch when he yelled to me it was snowing. I got the kids' coats on quickly and took them outside. Gabby was so excited. I ran inside to get the camera and I'm so glad we took the time to take a few pictures even though we were running late! Look at that expression on her face. It's priceless! On the other hand, Carter wasn't as thrilled. He wasn't upset, but he really didn't know what to think. Here's one of them together!

Officially Three

My three year old Gabby girl tonight before bed...watching Sleeping Beauty in new princess tutu pajamas. Click on the picture to see it bigger.

Really, is she three already? I could almost cry about her birthday this year. I had no problem with her turning one or two, but this year the fact that she has turned three has really made me emotional. Maybe it's because 3 sounds like such a little girl...not a baby, not a toddler, but a true little girl. I know this year holds much fun and excitment so I'm looking forward to it. But just for a moment I wish I could freeze time and keep her this age forever. Happy Birthday, Gabby!

Birthday Party Preview

Just a quick preview of Gabby's party. Check here for one more of the birthday girl herself! I'll have to post more later (promise!)

Daring little dude

"We're going to have a climber." I said those exact words to Chad that this morning after Carter & Gabby had their baths. Carter was all clean & dressed trying to climb back into the tub during Gabby's bath. An hour or two later he almost gave us a heart attack when we heard him crying. He had climbed about 6 stairs and was on the landing where the stairs turn. Daddy thought he was with mommy & mommy thought he was with daddy (& Gabby). Luckily he wasn't hurt, just a little scared. God was definitely watching out for him! We're getting a gate tomorrow. A few hours later I put him in his crib while I was doing stuff in his room. I turned around to find him like this.




I knew I would have to take the bumpers out and the mobile down eventually, but... I didn't want to. I actually didn't have to take Gabby's bumper pad out. She never stood on it. You can see that not only can Carter stand on his, he knows he has to get that other leg up to climb. I hope he's not able to climb out for a long time! So my words from this morning have come true MUCH sooner than I anticipated. As of today, we have a climber.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Okay, so I've practically disappeared. In mid-January I was sick (again!) This time I was on the verge on pnemonia. I'm much better now. No one else had anything like what I had, thank goodness! But I'm back now and here's 2 sweet smiles (plus some crazy hair) to make up for not sharing Gabby & Carter with you lately. Obviously I couldn't get one of the two of them together, so separate will have to do! :) Happy Heart Day!

Pink Cowgirl Boots

Our friend Niki sent these boots to Gabby while she was still an infant. They FINALLY fit her little feet, so I wanted to take some fun pictures of her in them. This is one of my favorites from the afternoon. Head on over here to see another one. :)

My Resolution for 2009

A challenge to myself: Pick up the camera everyday in 2009. Take at least one photo everyday. Don't worry about making each shot a portrait. Capture the precious, everyday moments. every.single.day.

Check it out: http://tinar365.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas!

Our Visit with Santa

Both Gabby & Carter did excellent with Santa! Gabby sat with him by herself, had her picture and told him a few things she would like. We added Carter in for a picture together, then Gabby got down so we could get Carter's picture with Santa. After about 2 snaps of just Santa & Carter, he looked up at the big guy in red and burst into tears! But at least we got the following:

Oh, and I just let the mall folks take the pics this year. The had a big sign saying you were welcome to use your personal camera with a "minimum" purchase, plus there was such a long line behind me!

Over half-way

Carter is on the verge of 7 months old...already past half way to his first birthday. Unbelieveable.
I waited until he could sit up to do some official 6 month photos.

Here's one. Couldn't decide between black/white or color. Love 'em both.

I'll share more later.

thankful...

for family.
for friends.
for good health.
for a new home.
for so many little, everyday things.

Happy Thanksgiving!

thumbs.teeth.things.to.tell.

I'll start by explaining the above photo. Last Thursday night I sent Gabby to get something from my room. It sure was taking her a long time. I was on my way to check on her when she came running out screaming "wash my hands! mommy! wash my haaand!!!" frantically. I ran to check and there was blood everywhere. I finally figured out it was coming from her thumb. I asked what she did, and she took me to my bathroom & showed me a razor in a drawer! Aaaack! Well, I cleaned it up, put her in the bathtub, and offered a bandaid (which she refused at first). Anyway, this could be a blessing in disguise for us. Some of you know Gabby is a thumb sucker...an avid thumb sucker. Well, tomorrow will be a week, and no thumb sucking! I could leave the band-aid off now, but as long as she'll let me put one on there, I plan on doing so to make sure her habit it gone. The first couple of nights she whined and cried out in her sleep some, but I think the longer she goes without it, the more used to it she becomes. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Carter has some news also! Monday night he was beyond cranky, which is highly unusual for him. He slept fine that night, and yesterday afternoon (Nov. 25) I checked in his mouth and found a tooth! He still wasn't too happy last night. This morning I felt again and there was tooth #2!!! Hopefully he'll be a happier boy now that those 2 teeth have made their apperance.

Oh so true.

Happy Dress-up Candy Day!

Pumpkin Patch

Okay, maybe you'll forgive me for not posting pictures lately when you see this:

We went to the pumpkin patch yesterday. Gabby had to find her "perfect pumpkin." She had to look and look. She found many "perfect" pumpkins even though we waited until the last minute to visit. We finally agreed on one and she hasn't even mentioned it since we brought it home! Oh well. :)

PIF - Pay it Forward

When we got home from Disney last week (look for pictures one day...I won't even say soon..hopefully soon!) I had a great surprise in the mail. A while back I commented on Erin's blog to participate in PIF. She sent me the cutest notecards using a photo she had taken. Now it's my turn to Pay it Forward!

If you want to get a surprise from me and then pass the fun on you must: 1) have your own blog and 2) commit to continuing the PIF by sending gifts (handmade or otherwise - no rules or limitations) to the first three people who leave a comment. So who's up for it? Leave a comment and be sure I have access to your email address so I know how to get in touch with you! (3 comments will be a record for my blog I think!)

10 on Tuesday...wait, make that Wednesday!

I'm back! From an unexpected and unplanned blogging break, I'll start back with a 10 on Tuesday...or Wednesday by the time I finish the post!

1. We've moved into our new house! (Hence part of the reason for the blogging break)

2. In the middle of moving, Gabby, Carter and I got sick with different things. I'm glad to say we are all well now!

3. Look at Carter...he's growing so fast! I did an impromptu photo shoot on Sunday afternoon. He has such a sweet smile & temperament.


4. Carter had rice cereal for the first time tonight. When I got up to get supper out of the oven, Gabby jumped in and took over for me. (Look for photos soon!)

5. Know any one that wants a schnoodle? I'm ready to give ours away.

6. I'm so excited that fall is here. I love the somewhat cooler weather! It's my favorite time of year. I just wish we got more of the beautiful colors and scenery!

7. My 10 year high school reunion is coming up in about 3.5 weeks. Where did the time go?! I can't believe it has already been 10 years. I'm looking forward to seeing lots of old friends. Even though I live in town, there's so many people I haven't seen for years.

8. Fall Break is a week and a half away. It couldn't come at a better time! I still have boxes to unpack and things to put in place here at home. After 9 weeks back at school, I'm ready for a break!

9. During the break we're headed to....DISNEY WORLD! I haven't been in at least 15 years. Gabby is already getting geared up. She's talked non-stop about it since we told her a few days ago. That little girl doesn't forget anything! Chad was showing her some things on the Disney website, and she's still talking about Dumbo, Cinderella's Castle (and some sort of table?), and Donald Duck's Boat. Anyone have any advice or suggestions on Disney with 2 small ones?

10. Thanks for checking in even in my absence. Hopefully I won't be gone for a month again anytime soon!

Ten on Tuesday

Okay, so I'm trying something new...I've seen this on lots of blogs I visit, and I'm challenging myself to come up with ten things to blog about today! Maybe I can start doing this on some Tuedays (I don't dare venture to say EVERY week!)

1. August is almost over?!? Where did it go? With school being back in session for teachers on August 1, students coming back on the 6th, and the first couple weeks of school, this month has FLOWN by!

2. Our house should be just weeks away from move-in ready. They've been painting, and should be doing countertops & hopefully starting on the tile this week.

3. They mistakenly started painting our living room, hallway, and stairwell to the bonus room RED. The dining room is red, but not the whole main part of the house! I almost fainted when I saw it the first time. It is fixed now. Thank goodness!

4. I dread packing and have yet to start.

5. I am going to cook every night this week. I even have a menu prepared ahead of time. (and we're already changing it around for tonight!)

6. I'm not a gourmet cook. Does anyone have any simple, quick and tasty recipes they'd like to share?

7. I know you're out there reading. Why not comment every now and then? I know, I know...you're thinking, "Why don't you post more often?" Hmm, maybe the two go hand in hand!

8. Laundry at our house is never-ending. As soon as I have it all done, there's already more!

9. I didn't make it to the beach once this summer...I guess that's understandable with a newborn though.

10. I made it to 10!

New Header

I decided to make a new header of just Carter. Gabby has had her limelight as long as the blog has existed. Since it has her name as the address (and it'd be too much trouble to change) I figure the least I can do is let Carter have a solo act in the header for a little while. :) I took that a couple weeks ago as part of his 3 month photos and I just love it! Here's the color version:

Beijing 2008

Last night we had the Olympics on and Phelps had just won his 8th gold medal. I was about to put Gabby in her pajamas. With the Olympics being in China, I was reminded of these Chinese pajamas. (She refers to them as her Kai-lan jamas...a little Nick Jr. shout out there) I had some like them when I was litte too. My mom brought them to her last year from Panama. Anyway, I've been planning to get some shots of her in them ever since. I figured last night was as good a time as any. So while the U.S. was winning gold and making history, Gabby was cheering them on in her "Kai-lan 'jamas" (and Carter was sleeping).