18 Months

I know I am a little late on this, but with all the yelling and screaming, Caroline was hardly able to convince me to get out of bed. Oh, I kid. Really though...I told my friend Amy that this was my favorite age. Caroline is charming and loving and funny and sweet and then came Thursday. I am really not sure what alien came and abducted my precious 17 month and 28 day daughter, but I would like to plead with them now to bring her back.

Obviously the last two days have been a bit trying. Caroline is charming and loving and funny and sweet, but oh the screaming that we have had the last two days. Well, not really screaming, but WHINING! Ick.

Nevertheless,

My sweet (but trying) Angel,

I am hardly able to believe that 18 short months ago Daddy and I had our first truly sleepless night. There have been MANY more since then, but I am happy to say we seem to have settled into a pretty good routine.

Most people are shocked to hear that you are usually in bed by 6:30 or 7:00 at the latest. The last two weeks or so we have not had to get up in the night with you much at all. I must say I never really expected to utter those words again. I never expected to get a full night's sleep again. But, just like with so many other things, the days are passing so quickly.

It is Saturday night now. I am sitting down to finish up this post before I head to bed. I really just want you to know that I love you. I love that you wake up every morning ready to meet the day. That you have a full sentence for me as soon as I open your door. I can not wait until I know what all of those words mean! I love that most mornings you tackle breakfast with gusto and that you cry when your Veggie Tales video is over.

You are saying a few recognizable words now. You usually say "yuck" or "ewww" when I change you diaper. You sort of say "please", "carrot", "Jesus", "Bible", E-YO (E-I-E-I-O), and"Mama" but only when referring to your Llama book. You have nailed "Uh-oh" and use it for anything whether you drop something or lob it across the room.

You are BUSY. You want to touch (and sometimes taste) everything. Last weekend we went to the farm and you played in you kiddie pool for the first time. You were fascinated, but kept getting out to check on everything else in the backyard.

You bring so much joy and laughter to my life. There are days when I wonder if we will all survive, but oh my word, I could still eat you up. I love you to the bottom of my feet, child and I will love you until the moment that I take my last breath. Please know that you are the greatest gift that I have ever been given.

I will close now with prayers for sweet sleep tonight my busy girl. I love you like wind loves blowing.

Mommy

**Just wanted to add the numbers! At your 18 month check up you were 26lbs (75%ile), 32 inches (70%ile)

Happy Birthday Kimber and Class 3

Tuesday was class 3 of my Wilton Course 1 class. We learned figure piping and shell borders. I think the clowns are kind of silly, but the cake turned out pretty cute. So, Happy 28th Birthday to you, Kimber. I miss you bunches. Wish I was in LA to share a piece of cake with you. (When I saw the card that I sent you, I immediately thought of high school and lots of HOT trips in the convertible! Give the girls a kiss from me!)

First Trip to Aggieland

We took Caroline to A&M this weekend on our way home from Houston. We weren't really planning on going, so I didn't pack her A&M shirt...bummer. Campus was closed for the week, so there was not a lot going on. The bookstore was closed and Fish Pond was empty. We did luck out and find water in the fountains behind the MSC. I think Caroline's love of the fountain is well documented! Needless to say she enjoyed herself! When the new wore off the fountain, we decided it was time for lunch. We usually head for Freebirds, but the allure of the Freddy burger and Tijuana fries was just too much. We enjoyed lunch at the Chicken. Caroline was enamoured with another boy there who was playing on the deer hunting video game. She kept walking toward him and posing with her hand on her hip (why did I not think to take video?). She did enjoy her first (and please Lord, last) dance on a table. Parents of the year here we come!!!

Fountain Love

Play that Funky Music White Girl

I can not believe I am posting this on the blog!

Wilton Course 1, Class 2

Tonight was my second cake decorating class. We learned how to use the star tip to fill in and to make a tight zig zag. I had to bring my cake home to finish. The teacher said I was a perfectionist...who me? So, here is the finished product. The cake is not quite as smooth as I would like and my rainbow is a little wonky, but all in all not too bad for a first cake. The class is really fun. I think this is going to be so great for all of Caroline's birthdays.

What a Difference a Year Makes

My, How Time Flies

I think since Jake and Will were born, it has been so obvious to me that I don't have much of a baby anymore. Everyday Caroline looks and acts a little more grown up. I think my sweet baby has turned into a toddler right in front of me.

Jake and Caroline

Babies Babies Everywhere

Well, I guess it is better late than never again. William Hawkins arrived on April 23. He was 8.1 pounds and 19.25 inches. Kati, Spencer, Kaylie and Will are all doing well. I couldn't figure out how to post my pictures of Spencer. I guess I need a Picasa tutorial. Caroline has been really good with both of the boys. She loves to touch their toes and pat their little heads.