Being Needed

There are some nights that I crawl into bed and think where in the world did the time go today? Sometimes it feels like all I do is hop from one person who needs me to the next, trying my best to keep everyone satisfied.

I found this little gem on Pinterest, and oh, how true it is! 

Take Saturday night for example. After being at a softball tournament all day, we got home and--

Charlotte needed to nurse. 

We all needed to eat supper which meant I needed to cook it. 

While trying to cook, Charlotte got upset and needed her mama. 

She also needed me the entire time I tried to eat my supper. 

Then the kitchen needed to be cleaned. 

Drew needed me to cut his hair. 

In the middle of cutting his hair, Charlotte needed her paci, Livy needed the bathroom light turned on, and then she needed more toilet paper. 

Zoe needed more dog food. 

Both girls needed a bath. 

Needless to say, I needed to lie down after all that! --See what I did there? 

I'm not saying I do this all on my own. Drew helps me tremendously when he's home. He probably doesn't even realize how much help he truly is. But there are just some things that kids need their mamas for, apparently. I guess you could say that if Dad is the head of the family, that would make Mom the heart. Dad leads the way while Mom keeps everything flowing. 

This Mom is the nurturer, the chef, the boo-boo fixer, the dish washer, the snot wiper, the art teacher, the patty-caker, the maid, the laundry folder, the diaper changer, the chauffeur, the bubble blower, the hair stylist, the milk cow (Ha!), the pharmacist, the teeth brusher, the peek-a-booer, the grocery shopper, the toenail painter, and the list goes on... 

It would be really easy to complain. But they need me. Nobody else, just me. My husband needs me and my daughters need me. All for completely different reasons, mind you, and usually at the exact same time. Whenever it starts to feel overwhelming, I try to think of what the alternative would be.

Charlotte needs me to feed her again. Would I rather those days be passed? When those special bonding moments that only she and I share are gone? No, of course not!

Olivia needs me to break off a piece of tape for the 48th time this morning so she can hang up her latest masterpiece on my bedroom wall. Would I rather her not have the ability to draw all of those marvelous creations? Or just not be interested in art, period? No way!

Drew needs to go on yet another overnight business trip leaving me by myself with the girls without a break. Would I rather he have a different job? Perhaps one that didn't allow me the freedom of staying home with my girls? Absolutely not!

Sure, the examples I just gave can be quite demanding... But being needed is not all tiresome. Sometimes Olivia needs me to muggle with her while we watch Little Einsteins and share a milkshake. Sometimes Charlotte just needs her mama to hold her while she sleeps. And sometimes Drew needs a romantic night out with his wife, reminding me that I was his wife before I became their mom.

It's wonderful to be needed. 

Exhausting. 

But, oh, so wonderful. 

Crowns and Laundry

It's Monday, which means one thing... Laundry. Actually, it means a lot more than just laundry, but I always make sure to get the laundry done on Monday so I can enjoy the rest of the week.

I had stripped the sheets off of Charlotte's bed to wash them, so I was letting her nap in our bed. I was in the laundry room putting another load into the wash when I heard Charlotte start to fuss through the monitor. I asked Livy if she would go in there and talk to her for a minute while I finished what I was doing.

As I walked down the hall I could still hear her fussing, and when I got to my bedroom Livy said,

"I gave her the crown, but that didn't seem to help!?!"

I took one look at Charlotte and this is what I saw...

I couldn't help but laugh and go grab my camera. Olivia just couldn't believe that the crown didn't immediately make everything all better.

What a true princess!

The Funny Flower Girl

My little girl walked down the aisle Saturday. And I cried. Because she's just so darn cute. 

But one day she'll walk down the aisle beside her dad. And I'll cry again. Because it'll be bittersweet. 

But let's not borrow tomorrow's worries... for now I'm just laughing!

Olivia had the absolute best time last weekend at Elizabeth and Ty's wedding. In fact, she keeps asking if we can go back to the place where we did the choo-choo train dance (I'll get to the reception in a moment). I tried explaining that it was a one-time thing but she doesn't quite get it. 

A couple days before the wedding I showed her a video from YouTube of what a flower girl is supposed to do. She immediately went to her room, got all dressed up, grabbed her Easter basket and began practicing sprinkling toys around her room. It was pretty cute! 

Friday at noon she and I went to the bridal luncheon and she got to dress up. She thought she was something else hanging out with all the pretty bridesmaids. 

That night was the rehearsal. She and Katie, the other flower girl, were instant friends. Katie was very sweet to Livy and held her hand when they walked down the stairs. 

 

After the rehearsal we all drove to West Shore for the dinner. It's hard to believe that it's already been over 6 years since Drew and I were having our own rehearsal, and now here we are with 2 kids. Life just keeps getting better! Disclaimer* I could go on and on about my love for that man but I'll try to keep this post about the wedding. :)

We had to be at the church by 4:00 Saturday afternoon for pictures. She had a blast getting all dolled up. I curled her hair and even let her wear a teeny bit of blush and lip gloss. 

Doesn't every girl stare at herself in the mirror while she eats crackers?

When it got close to show time, I left Livy with the bridal party and found my seat beside Drew. I was really hoping Charlotte would just sleep through the whole wedding. I was so nervous that she would be too noisy. And sure enough... as soon as the music started for the family to walk down the aisle to be seated, Charlotte started to fuss. Thankfully, I was able to bounce her back to sleep and she was perfect, but boy was I nervous!

The bridesmaids took their places on the stage and then it was time for my girl to walk down the aisle. Everyone turned around to look at them (and the bride, of course) and Livy caught a glimpse of her favorite people and whispered, "Pappy, Annie!!!" They were seated right behind us and we all giggled a little. She began to walk down the aisle grinning from ear to ear, sprinkling flower petals as she went. She took her place on stage as the beautiful bride entered the room.

During the prayer, I kept one eye on Livy to make sure she was behaving. While everyone else had their heads bowed and eyes closed, our daughter was steadily dropping one flower petal on the floor. She'd pick it back up and drop it again. I elbowed Drew and we both got tickled. Then she set her bucket down and practically sprawled out on the floor.

After the prayer I shook my head at her hoping she'd understand that I was trying to tell her to be still. She then puckered out her lips and held her fisted hands behind her doing her "mad face." Then we all got tickled. I thought I better leave well enough alone. Too bad there's not a picture of that one!

Then as the bride and groom shared in their first kiss, such a special moment... our daughter was staring at the boo-boo on her elbow. Ha! I'm telling you... she lives in her own little world!

Then it was over. Thankfully, for Livy's sake, it was short and sweet. They all walked back down the aisle and she even sprinkled more flower petals on the way out.

Then it was time for the real party. Livy couldn't wait to go dancing! And that she did. She danced the ENTIRE night. On the stage. In front of the DJ. Everyone got a kick out of her and her dance moves. She had the best time!

It was such a FUN wedding! Elizabeth is just a sweetheart. I've known her since she was 5 years old. She was my little sister's best friend growing up, and I think I spent more time with them than I did kids my own age. We were always coming up with productions, recitals, and other wild ideas. She even sang at my wedding, so it was such an honor for Livy to be her flower girl. We were so glad we got to be a part of her special day!

5 Week Check-Up

Charlotte finally got to go to the doctor today for her check-up! She went when she was one week old, but because of it being flu season, her doctor didn't want to keep us in the office too long. They only weighed and measured her, and we were supposed to go back the following week for a 2 week check-up.

That week, her doctor ended up with a stress fracture and a cast on her right foot and couldn't work for about a month! I talked to her, and she said as long as Charlotte wasn't having any problems, it would be fine for us to wait on her to come back to work. So that's what we've been doing... waiting. And we finally got to go today!

The nurses loved her, and how could you not?! She was happy during the whole appointment! She's 2 days shy of being 6 weeks old, weighs 12 lbs 6.5 oz and is 22 inches long. Her doctor said she is in the 97th percentile for height, and off the charts for her weight... OFF THE CHARTS!! Ha! I'm pretty sure I could have predicted that one during labor! Bless her, I don't think the chart was even in sight for Charlotte. She was born off the charts!

All jokes aside, she is healthy and growing perfectly, and I am so thankful! There are so many people caring for their sick children... We are blessed to have our girls!

Farm Road Walkin'

We've had a few days of awesome weather lately, and boy, have we taken advantage of it! We have been walking with the new stroller every day since Saturday. We walked around our neighborhood last weekend, but the past couple of days we've walked the farm road. The girls have loved it! And what I mean by that is Livy enjoys seeing all the animals while she talks the ENTIRE time, seriously, the ENTIRE time, and Charlotte sleeps. And I've been very grateful for the chance to exercise!

Yesterday when we got home, Livy stripped down to her panties as she usually does. When Drew came home, she asked him if he would jump on the trampoline with her. I just assumed he was going to put clothes on her before they went outside...

 I mean, he did take the time to put her boots on so that counts for something, right?! I was working on supper when I looked outside to see her jumping on the trampoline in her boots and panties in MARCH! I couldn't resist taking their picture!

And speaking of supper... I made some meatloaf last night, and I even weaved some bacon on top. Fancy, huh?

Then, of course, after jumping on the trampoline practically naked, bath time was a must. Thankfully, both of my girls have always loved taking their baths!

Charlotte - One Month Old

Charlotte is ONE month old! I'm not sure how this happened, I never told her it was OK to grow up... but it happened anyway. And technically, I was robbed a few days. Since February doesn't have 31 days, she was a month old a few days earlier than she would've been in any other month.

Before I had her, I always wondered how in the world I would love another baby as much as I love Olivia. I never doubted that I would - I knew God would take care of that part - it was just hard to believe that my heart could hold so much love. And guess what? As soon as she was out, it was instant. Probably even more so with her than with Olivia. I think just because I knew what it was like to be a mom.

With Livy, I had never been a mom before so everything was new. When Livy was born it was so hard to believe that she was really mine. That just came out of me?! That's who's been in there this whole time? Haha! It's not that I didn't instantly love her, because I sure did! I just couldn't get over I actually had a baby. Maybe that sounds weird, and maybe I'm the only woman to ever feel that way, but that's the truth!

When Charlotte was born, I knew what to expect, and it was just instant love and joy! And it never even crossed my mind whether or not I loved her like I love Olivia. It just happens naturally. I am so incredibly blessed to have my two girls, and if the Lord sees fit to gives us more, then I say the more the merrier!

Just look at my sweet baby girl...

 

 

 

She is so precious, and still a very laid-back baby. We've had some fussy times, usually in the evenings (Drew thinks it's because he's home. Ha!) But over overall, she is very easy to please. She's not doing too much yet. She'll grin every once in a while, usually when her sister is talking to her. She loves to snuggle. If she's fussing, I put her on my chest, and she snuggles up under my neck and is perfectly content.

As much as I want her to stay a baby, I am looking forward to the fun times ahead! The smiling, the cooing, the laughing, the crawling, the walking... it'll be fun to watch her grow!

Does Charlotte remind you of anyone?!

Olivia & Charlotte

Trip to Shreveport

Drew has been needing to buy a new softball glove lately. He's had his for about 8 or 9 years, so it's time for a new one. He's been looking online, but that sort of thing is just easier to buy when you can actually try it on and feel it. So, that meant a trip to Shreveport! 

We got down there Saturday around lunch time and went straight to Joe's Crab Shack. The weather had warmed up a little and it felt wonderful outside so we took advantage and ate out on the patio! 

 

After lunch we headed to the Sci Port museum. We had told Olivia we would go someplace fun, so all morning she had been asking if it was time to go to the "Fun Place" yet. As soon as we walked through the door and she saw all of the cool exhibits, she covered her mouth in awe. It was so funny. 

I got me some new body spray at Bath & Body Works, a bunch of good smellin' antibacterial soap to keep in the diaper bag, and a pair of jeans from Old Navy. Poor Drew came home without a glove. They didn't have the size he needed in the store, but I sure racked up! Glad he wanted to go to Shreveport! Ha!

We had so much fun just hanging out, and we ended the day with ice cream at Orange Leaf! Yum!