Daddy/Daughter Dance 2014

We are so blessed to live in a suburb full children and devoted daddies.  As such, the city puts on an annual daddy/daughter dance and we decided that 3 was the perfect age to give it a shot.  The daddies and girls all met over here for some pics, they carpooled to the dance, and then to buca di beppo for dinner.  there was a lot of dancing and cookies (7 per Lofton although Dewey will not confirm this number) and we will definitely be doing this again next year.
My little princess...

EWM-9 months

Everett turned 9 months on 1/19/14 and he is just getting too old for this mama.  He did stay still and seem little for awhile, but right on cue he began army crawling and pushing to a sitting position right at his 9 month bday.  He is holding steady at 2 teeth, 3 meals, and 4 bottles.  He has started puffs but is not a huge fan of table food texture quite yet.  Remains in size 3 diapers and fits mostly into 6-9month clothing and a size 2 shoe.  And the biggest news.....he sleeps!!
He was finally healthy and home for a long enough period to cry it out :(  it took all of one night and we were good to go...until the next ear infection that is.
He has turned into a total daddy's boy and will leap into his arms any chance he can.
Love you baby boy!
Weight: 18lbs 11oz (32%)
Length: 28.25in (45%)
Head: 18.25in (86%)

We thought he was growing into his head, but no.  It just keeps on growing :)

Disney LIVE!

One of the things that we are loving about having a 3 year old are the fun activities!  Many things we attempted before this time, but she was just too young to enjoy and would end up as a bust.  Now she can totally sit through a movie and enjoy other similar fun outings.  One such event that we recently visited with Disney LIVE! with Jake and Sophia.  Lofton watches both of the shows (more often than she should...) and all she wanted for Christmas was a pair of Sophia shoes and a Sophia dress so this was right up her alley!  We had fun and she was completely enamored.  When the princesses came on stage she said, "They're real!  They're really real!"

Christmas 2013

We had a fun and busy Christmas this year.  Christmas Eve, I made cookies with my girl (since she missed the cousin cookie party with a fever), we went to church, and then had dinner at Justin and Tiffany's house.  On Christmas morning Santa visited followed by Mimi and Pop Pop for a day filled with food and fun.  The following weekend we had Smith family Christmas with a "very modest" gift exchange.  Fun time with family and great to see the kids grow up together and truly love spending time with one another.

EWM-8 months

My littlest love turned 8 months on 12/19/13.  He continues to be a total doll and a joy to be around.  He also continues to follow in his sister's footsteps with ear infection #2 :(  good news is that he didn't feel as bad this time as evident by the fact that he gained a pound since his visit a month before.  Also, we have now tried a penicillin and he doesn't appear to have her allergy.  Still holding on the smaller side at 17lbs 12oz (29th%).   Despite that he really does like to eat and has now moved up to 3 meals a day and 4 bottles 6oz each.  Everett is not in a big hurry to go anywhere with no signs of crawling at this point.  Fine by this Mama!  He was sleeping well but the month of ear infection, vacation, ear infection definitely derailed our progress.  Oh well, he'll sleep eventually... right??  Good thing he's cute!

Brunch with Santa

We skipped the mall this year and had a little chat time with Santa in smaller venues.  Lofton saw him once at her school party, and then both kids got a little face time with all of their cousins over brunch.  So nice to have NO lines and limitless pics.  Small victory that thus far, neither kid has been scared of the bearded man so we have been able to get pics each year!

School Christmas Party 2013!

The kiddos school does a great job of doing holiday parties for the kids and families.  They are generally from 7-8:30 which is past my little man's bedtime, so Lofton and I made a night of this year's Christmas party.  She really had so much fun and it is always good to steal a little one-on-one time.

a few pics before we left.  the theme was polar express and the kids were supposed to wear pajamas.  Lofton of course added her own flair :)

really blurry but this is my one and only pic of Lofton with her BFF at school, Gabby.  Apparently she is just as girly twirly.  Her mom says that when she gets dressed she is all "Do you think Lofton will like my shoes?  I can't wait to show her  my bow!".  We have the same conversations at home... 

telling him everything she wants...