Back to Blogging!

I'm baaackkkk! Back, after a summer hiatus.  I told myself I would just take a month off because life was too busy but a month became a whole summer! It was a great summer full of some of the best memories to date and I realized...I missed writing, I missed sorting though our pictures and reminiscing over the memories.  So, I'm back and I have lots of news to share.

First, James is 2!!!!

Weighting in at a whopping 26lbs and 33 inches tall, this toddler might be tiny, but he has the biggest personality. He runs everywhere and says everything and he LOVES something fierce. He continues to be a snuggle bug, loves to cuddle, loves his blanket and passie. He has a crazy love for dogs and all things lawn equipment.  His super heroes right now are the men who mow and landscape our yard, he calls them "mow guys".  He is talking up a storm and has become quite a parrot.  A few of my favorite James'isms':

"I hold you?"- when he wants to be held
"maca-maca"- Harmonica
"Mama, what u doing?"
"Mama, where are you?"
"Naked Dudes"- when him and daddy take of their shirts and run around the house- Yes, I will get a picture of this sometime
"Opisis-sis"- Octopus
"I do!"- for all things Yes

He is at such a fun age and Dada and I are loving it; wishing we could freeze time. Pete said in the car to me the other day, "I never want this age to end" and I agree. Despite a few tantrums and button pushing, two has been a great age for our whole family.

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY, MY PRINCE!

Construction Party-2nd Birthday w/ friends Cole & Finley

James and Finley (27 months, 24 months)

                      

Than... If 1 Boy is awesome then surely 2 Boys are better!!! 

Yep, we are expecting another Shempp boy around March 1st. Could not be more excited for this blessing. "Mom of Boys", my new title, that I'm beyond words excited about.

14 wks

To discover the gender of this 'bundle of joy', we celebrated with a Gender Reveal party. We had so much fun finding out this exciting news with some of our closest friends.
 

Grandma and Grandpa celebrating from home...Face Time Style ;)

 It's a....

 BOY!

March can't come soon enough!

Easter Traditions

To carry on with one of our favorite traditions, we invited our friends the Dabrowski's and the Catelotti's to our home for an Easter Brunch and Easter Egg hunt for the kids.  We had the best time; eating, drinking Pete's famous bloody mary's, the kids hunting eggs and chasing bubbles.  The weather could not have been more perfect; as was the whole day. We are blessed.

 Alexandra & Kailee- Circ 2011

Alexandra & Kailee- Circ 2013

Heather & our newest member, Evan

Ready, Set, Go!

James Egg Rock Hunting

 Us

 The Dabrowski's

The Catelotti's

My loves

Happy Spring

Happy Easter

It's Spring here in Texas. The weather is beautiful; sunny, 70, windy and fresh after a much needed rain.  Easter always feels to me, like a new beginning, a new year.  Let it be one full of happy memories....like this one

Happy Easter :)

18 Months

A year and A HALF!  What the heck. How did that happen?  James, you are such an amazing little guy.  Your stats at 18 months:

33 inches tall (65%)
23.6 lbs (40%)
Head 18.5 inch (40%)

You hit all your major milestones; running, climbing, eating with a fork, coloring, feeding yourself, saying approximately 10-15  words.  Let's see how many I can remember:
Charlie (Da-EE)
Da-Da
Ma-Ma
Shoes
Juice
Cheese
Uh-oh
Trash
No
Yea (YEA!!-in an excited tone)
ball
eye
boots
meow
blue

You and Charlie are now besties! xoxox

 You're sooooo busy

You can point to  a few body parts and follow most commands. You love to talk and even though we don't always know what you are saying...you sure do! You love to read and play outside. Your favorite activities are taking the trash out, pretend driving the cars, exploring the garage, reading books, pushing anything...chairs across the floor, your mower, your push toys, baskets...you name it.  You love to sing and to snuggle in your crib.  You have become very attached to your blanket and your litter of stuffed puppies that you keep in your bed at night.  We still have the 2 pacis but they are for your room only. You hate that rule, but follow it well.  You are still not a fan of the stroller or the car seat however, the addition of the SUV's DVD player has eased the frustration in the car (it's one battle I will not fight).

The past month you got to enjoy some time with Grammy & Gramps!

You are still a very good eater; trying most foods and liking many.  Your favorites are ham or turkey, berries, cheese, beans, peas, pizza, mac & cheese. You have a serious sweet tooth and love chocolate as much as your mama.  Speaking of teeth...you have all but 4!

You are still sleeping great too. Bedtime is 7:30 and you nap daily from 12:30-2:30. You still wake up a bit grumpy some times, but usually a little milk and some snuggling will set you right.

You're such an absolute joy, my sweet boy.  You keep us busy and worn out, but your smile and laugh are infectious and you make our lives so much better.  We love you! Happy Half Birthday :)