Deflated Pool

 I said to Jax, "Smile like a big girl.  I'm going to email it to grandma."  She responded, "Text her."  Touche.




I knew we wouldn't be outside in the PM due to heat, so we went for a walk in the AM & then broke out the "pool." 

Life Lesson:  Do not buy inflatable pool if the golden is invited.  Pool sprung a leak, but I was the only one that noticed.

 Didn't stop anyone.

 Where was Lou? See below.

Also see the new end table?  Jim bought a sander and painted it white.  Yay!  I bought this leaves bedspread set thinking it would be kind of cool/earthy.  Now I kind of feel like it just looks like old people bedding (no offense to the elderly).  But whatever.  Jim likes it. 

Oh, in between diaper changes I asked if she wanted to sit on the potty.  She said, 'No.'  So I said, 'Mommy pees on the potty.'  She responded, 'Go ahead!' and gestured toward her duck potty.  She was totally excited to watch me pee on the plastic duck potty.  Ha.

A conversation with Jax

Some things she says:

If you ask her her name, she often says, "Uncle Keith" or "Uncle Brian" or "Parker" to be silly.  If you ask her her age, she often says "Three."  Working on it.

At Target yesterday she saw a huge guy with tons of piercings and tattoos wearing scrubs.  She pointed and said, 'NOoo.. Weird.'  I explained to her she has freedom to think what she wants, but she may not say out loud things that would make people cry.  So the rest of the trip we talked about how he was crying.

She is still saying, 'Oh my God!'  I don't even think I say that so much, but I must.  I don't know where she is getting it.   She is starting to stop herself and say, "Oh my goodness!'

When you lay her in her crib she says "Blanky!" and wants you to cover her.  Then as you are covering her, she says, "Cozy!"

10 Months

 A day late, I'm ashamed to admit.  Yesterday we were busy planting flowers and I had to get ready for some women's party on my street.  Right now Jackie is sitting on a chair, talking on her pretend phone to Uncle Mick, her cup of coffee by her side, holding a swaddled baby. 

 Okay, so here is  my little heartthrob at 10 months and 1 day.  She smiles for the camera with ease.  I could not be more in love with this nugget.  We are just so lucky to have her.

 Below are my little gardener and spectator yesterday- they were both filthy and we just had to get outside ASAP. One of those mornings. 

 This is a few days ago.  All that's missing is a hair bow. 

Last Entry Today

 Okay, we did a belated Father's Day bc Jim's beloved new Toms shoes didn't arrive on time.  I made cake pops for the occasion.  Jackie now knows what a cake pop is and asks for one regularly. 

 I know.  I should start using my good camera again.  I will.  Still have Easter pics to upload.

 Below Jax is playing with our neighbor and her niece.

 Cake pops in honor of James.

 James excited that his shoes finally arrived.  Don't let him tell you otherwise.

Saturday

 Saturday afternoon we met Grammy and Pops for lunch after taking a walk in this old fashioned section of Delaware by the water.

This is like the millionth post today, but I'm very behind.  Anyway, we left the girls with a babysitter for the first time- a 25 year old girl who worked in the infant room at Jax's old daycare.  She now works at a different daycare and just received her nursing asst certification.  Anyway, her and Jax were super tight from when Jackie was 3 months old.  They played together like they never missed a beat.  When Jax woke up Sunday morning she put her bottom lip out and said, 'Jenna come back!' 

Baby Showers

 Dragged Jim to 2 baby showers.  Didn't take pics at the 2nd aside from the pic above.  The girls each received a styling hat from the guest of honor at the 2nd and they got to hang with Aunt Lauren (buckling Jax in, above).  They were SO excited.

Below are 2 pregnant chicks and Nat and myself.  This doesn't include my girls and I don't even particularly think this picture flatters any of us (particularly me), but I'm including it anyway.

 Below is a frazzled Jack and Dada.

 Hillary is at an age where she just wants to party.  This baby was passed along to everyone the entire day.  Nobody can get enough of those toes.

Coolness

 Please note how happy Hilly is in the background.  This is her jam.

Catch-up

 First of all, I had to include a pic of Jax in her new Speedo.  Looks like a total pro- even after scraping both knees in the parking lot on the way in. 

Below is an oldie of Hilly sleeping at the playground.  Makes me want to go upstairs and squeeze baby thighs.

 Below is a beautiful dog.

 On Friday I gave Jax her chicken nuggs at the table, got myself a drink and she was gone.  This is how I found her- watching Elmo on the couch.  I made my lunch and joined her.  Sometimes we are on the exact same page.

Changed Plans

 

On Wed morning, the whining began, so I quickly filled the baby pool.  All fun and games until I applied sun block.......and a drop landed in Hilly's eye.  The ped said to call poison control who said to go to doc to see if her cornea is scratched.

I threw my filthy children into the tub and we were off.  Jackie carefully observed everything from her chair.  She saw a row of collectable figurines on a shelf, pointed and said, 'Mama, kids' toys!'  Then she saw a box of books and pointed at them.  She only went over to them when I said it was okay.  Is she an angel or what? I love her (although I'd love her even if she were not an angel).

Below: photo evidence of Hilly's bum eye- which is fine- and Jackie's scraped knee.  She says, 'Boo boo outside! Better.'  She tell you it's better bc she fears you'll try to clean it up.

 Another pic I got of the 4 troublemakers.  Note: Jackie is pinching Lou's beagle skin.

 Yesterday was so hot I decided to create an indoor rice box for Jackie to play with.  Highlight of day: yellow car attached to grocery cart.  At one point, I saw Jax lighting rubbing Hilly's back as they were driving around.

Happy 7th Birthday, Lou!

 

 Lou,it seems like just yesterday we were selecting you from a litter of puppy mill beagles for $225. 

I was so broke that you were paid for by Jim and vaccinated and fixed courtesy of Aunt Donna.

But, I'll be damned if I didn't raise you for that first year.  You ruined all of my stuff and the bedroom in my apartment. 

I remember one time, I wasn't getting paid until the following day, so I couldn't afford any more kibble.  So I fed you a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast.  You sniffed the bowl and looked up at me like, 'Seriously?  You are the worst dog mom ever.'  

But when I came home from work that afternoon, the oatmeal bowl was licked clean. 

I remember on one trip back to Pittsburgh from Allentown, we hit huge hail storm and had to pull over to the side of the road.  You always rode shot gun (would you have it any other way?) and leaped into my lap and cried on the top of your lungs.  At heart, I always knew you were a softie.

In law school, when I was studying with the area heater on my feet, you would always be nearby, basking in the heat of the area heater.

You and I? Kindred spirits. Aside from the whole poop-eating thing.  We both love to be warm and relax.

You were our only child for 3.5 years.  I often wonder how you feel about pack life.  Then I see Jackie spoon feeding you yogurt and mac and cheese and serving you chicken nuggets, and I know.

Happy 7th birthday, Louie!  Here's to 7 more!!!