Weekend at Home

We have been busy, busy, busy and I've been bad about posting pictures! Addison is doing great in school and seems to be settling in just fine. She likes her teacher and talks about some of the other little girls in the class. Brianna is growing like a weed on Miracle Gro. She is 5 months old and easily fits into 12 month clothing. She is very close to growing out of her infant car seat which is good because I can barely carry her in that thing anymore! She is working on sitting up but still needs a helping hand to get stable and stay up. This weekend, Haylee, Aunt Kim and Nana came over and the girls played. Here are a few pictures...

Okay, so this wasn't from the weekend but I had to post it. Addison got left alone with a marker for a few minutes. I started to yell at her (why she's crying) but then couldn't quite finish because the Charlie Chaplin mustache just cracked me up!

Both girls just HAD to hold Brianna as soon as she woke up so we stuck her in the middle.

How cute is this?

Haylee and Addison

My adorable Chunky Monkey!!

First Week of School

We did it! We survived our first week of school! Addison did a great job. Monday was an Open House and Addison, Brianna and I met Mrs. Pepe and checked out the classroom. Tuesday was Visiting Day and Bryan came along as well. On this day, the kids were in class a little less than 2 hours while the parents went to a meeting. Then, Thursday was the BIG day. Brianna and I dropped Addison off at 9 and waited in our first car line at noon. Addison was all smiles when she got back in the car and told me she wanted to go back. That's when I shed my first tears through all this... I am so happy she likes it. Although, the tears could be from reality setting in that I am a room mother!? Either way, here are a few pictures of my big girl on her big day.

Mommy & Daddy have Fun too!

On occassion, Bryan and I like to have a little fun too and this past Friday was our chance! A good friend of ours who shares a birthday with Bryan and Papa McGee had a big 40th Birthday Bash and we all had to dress like 80's Rockers. While it was super stressful to come up with a costume, we ended up having a blast! Bryan dressed as Kid Rock and I naturally attempted to dress as Pamela Anderson. I was told I looked like one of the playmates from 'The Girls Next Door'. Close, right? I'll just let the pictures explain...

Kid Rock and Pamela... sort of.

Full length!

Another Kid Rock. This guy had the same tattoos and even gave the finger just like Kid Rock does. He had him down perfect.

Costume prize winner. Impressive, huh?

Our Visit to Smith Lake

Okay, so truth be told that we hopped on a flight almost a month ago to head up to Smith Lake to visit Grandma and Papa Irish and I'm just now getting to post a few pictures. We had a great time as always though. Addison just loves the water and the boys had good luck this year fishing. Here are some pictures from the long weekend.

Happy 3rd Birthday Addison!

Wow... has it really been three years? As all parents say... she's growing up too fast! I know I mentioned Addison's birthday in the last post but realized that it deserved it's own entry. Addison told me months ago she wanted a Max and Ruby party which of course is probably the only non licensed cartoon ever! So, I had to get creative and ebay became my friend! She got adorable Max and Ruby invitations, Edible Images on her cake and cupcakes, I colored some coloring pages to decorate the goody bags, and got little Max and Ruby stickers to stick on lollipops. I also made a 'Happy Birthday Addison' banner that I am very proud of! It was a gorgeous day! Well, it was crazy hot but what do you expect on July 25th in central Florida?! The girls wore matching dresses. I've updated the title with a picture of them before the party. After the party, the family came back to watch Addison open her gifts in the comfort of air conditioning and eat some left over Chick-fil-A. Yummy!!

We only had one tragedy that came well after all the guest had gone home. Later that night, we all went to a Sanford River Rats baseball game with Aunt Kim, Uncle Richie, and Haylee. We had a great time but upon returning home we found that Lexi had inched the cake off the counter and eaten 3 cupcakes and most of what remained of Addison's cake! Addison was so sad. It was awful. Although, it could have been a blessing in disguise because I would have eaten most of the leftovers!

Here are some of the pictures I managed to get. Enjoy!

My sign that you can barely see. Trust me, it was spectacular!

Addison spent most of her time on the playground. We did manage to get her out to the water after lunch.

Addison's Max and Ruby cake

"Is everyone singing to ME?!"

All tuckered out... I think ALL of us wished this is what we were doing!

The Girls Keep Me Busy!

I can't believe it's been a month since I've updated this blog. Time is just flying by. Brianna is growing so fast and is already 3 1/2 months old. She is such a happy girl and loves to flash her big gummy smile to anyone who will watch. She likes to practice saying "I love you, Mommy!" Right now it sounds like a dolphin squeaking but it is just the most precious sound and I love hearing it. She is getting way too good at rolling over and actually made it all the way this past Saturday! Addison celebrated her 3rd birthday with family and friends on Saturday at Ft Mellon Park in Sanford. Thankfully, it is right off of Lake Monroe so we had a nice breeze and there is a splash pad so the kids could cool off. She got lots of great presents and has enjoyed playing with each and every new toy. She is gearing up for party #2 up in Alabama with Bryan's family... such a lucky little girl to have so much family and so many friends.

This year for the 4th we headed to Winter Haven to stay with Papa and Grandma and watch the fireworks at Cypress Gardens from the boat. Addison had a blast in the pool but when it came time for fireworks things didn't go as smoothly. We unfortunately anchored the boat a little too close to the barge where the fireworks were launched from. It was so loud and scared the pants off of Addison. She was a trooper though and watched them under the safety of her "pink blankie". She even said they were pretty once we got out into the middle of the lake and they weren't as loud.

I haven't been as good about taking pictures since I usually have a little one in my arms but I'm trying... here are a few from the 4th.

The 'Diva' in the pool

Hanging out with Daddy poolside... she could get used to this!

On the way to watch the fireworks

Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful daddies out there ESPECIALLY Addison and Brianna's Daddy! Unfortunately Bryan was a little under the weather so our planned trip to Blue Springs in Papa's boat didn't quite pan out. Next year, right? Grandma and Papa McGee came to visit us and we had a very yummy cookout with the Foys Saturday night despite the change of plans. Brianna is getting so big and as luck would have it, she slept through the night for the first time on Grandma and Papa's watch! She went to sleep around 10:30 or so and slept to around 7:30! Yeah Brianna!! Sadly, the following night she went to bed at 12:00 and woke up for the morning at 5:40. Ouch. And now for the reason you even read this blog.... the pictures!





There has been great debate as to whether Addison and Brianna looked alike as babies. I'll let you decide! Guess who is who...


Who am I??


Who am I??

*The obvious answer to follow in next blog entry! ;)

All Smiles!

Brianna is getting bigger every day and hitting milestones like crazy! My personal favorite right now is her big gummy smiles. Yesterday she was particularly full of smiles so I got out the video. It's a little long but I just couldn't cut off any more. Enjoy!

Congrats Mike and Jen!

Addison did it!! As scared as I was, Addison was the perfect little flower girl for Mike and Jen this past weekend! She walked down the aisle like SUCH a big girl and was the center of attention on the dance floor all night long! Well, until 9 o'clock atleast. Jen was a gorgeous bride or pretty princess as Addison liked to call her. Today she even called Mike a handsome prince. Can you tell we read Cinderella multiple times a day? The photographer snapped off quite a few pictures but the lighting was bad in the church so here is what we were able to save...


Waiting in the church for her big moment...


Addison walking down the aisle... the picture is a little grainy but works for a blog!

Memorial Day Weekend

We were able to get out and enjoy a few rays of sunshine in between what seemed like never ending rain! Sunday we headed over to Brenden's house for a little pool time and slip and slidin'. Brenden's daddy practiced on us and made his FIRST grilled pizza! It was perfect. Here is a picture of the kiddos enjoying Brendens new outdoor kitchen... that kid's got everything! ;)

Monday we went to Brad and JoJo's for a little MORE pooltime and to celebrate Auntie Sonya's birthday. (Happy... ummm... 26th girl! Hee, hee!) We were able to take in a few rays before the skies opened up and enjoyed some yummy ice cream birthday cake so I would say it was a great day! The big kids just love little Brianna but I'm not sure if the feelings are mutual quite yet?!

Brianna is growing like crazy and at her last trip to the doctor she weighed in at a whopping 10 lbs 12 ozs. I can't believe it! Not only is she getting so big but she has already started giving us those big gummy smiles that just melt your heart. Just a few days ago I started hearing squeaks too. Can't help but think I need to enjoy this as much as possible because I keep having visions of her lined up behind Addison learning all too quickly how to "sass" her mom and dad!! Here are a few of Addison and Brianna taking a bath...

Happy Birthday Haylee!

I pulled out my camera last night to download pictures and realized that in a week with my sisters and their kids, I took only 23 shots. This time last year that number probably would have been more like 123! I am trying REALLY hard to keep up her baby book though and so far, so good. All is not lost!
Here are some shots from the party....

Addison helping open presents

Our Fancy sunglasses... we tried to get them on Brianna but that didn't go well.


Michaela eating her yummy cupcake!

Mother's day also got mixed in here somewhere! I had a GREAT day. Bryan babysat all the girls and Mom, Kim and I went to a great brunch at a fun breakfast spot in the area. It was very relaxing. Addison also got me a Wi to play with including the Wi Fit so I can squeeze in a few workouts here and there when we can't get to the gym. Although, Bryan seems to be hoping on alot more than I can!! But, I can play 8 ball while feeding Brianna! ;)

Mom and I playing Baseball... I hit a home run on my first hit! Beginners luck though, darn it!!

Visit with the Syberts

Things have been even crazier this past week since Kelly came down to visit with Michaela and Mattox. But, we had a WONDERFUL time and I think Addison is going to sleep for days. She even lost her voice from screaming and laughing all weekend with her cousins. The girls all get along great and even tolerate Mattox hangin' around and playing dress up with them! We are glutton for punishment and went to Sears to get pictures with all five of the little ones. It went fairly well but poor Mattox had an ear infection (we didn't realize it yet) and never really warmed up to getting his picture taken. We had to cover Kelly with a sheet so he could sit on her lap and be in the picture! It was hysterical!

Here is the now infamous picture...

Not too bad under the circumstances, huh??

We also celebrated Haylee's 4th birthday! I can't believe she is already four. Where does the time go? The kids had fun decorating their Fancy Nancy tiara's and wearing new dress up skirts and sunglasses. Pictures to follow as soon as I can figure out what is going on with this computer of mine. Meanwhile, here are a couple of the Irish girls.

Where are all the pictures?

Everyone warned me but I wouldn't believe it... they were right. You take WAY more pictures of the first one than you do of subsequent children! I think part of the reason is that you are chasing around a toddler and carrying a newborn and just don't have enough hands to snap a few shots. But, I am trying! Brianna has been a great little girl and Addison is still a wonderful big sister. She is always very concerned when Brianna cries and makes sure that Brianna always has a blanket on. Addison even shares her 'pink blankie' with Brianna... and she doesn't share that with ANYONE! Brianna is packing on the pounds but I don't know where she is putting it. She is still a long, skinny, little thing! I'm enjoying watching her grow. This time I know how quickly she will change and become a beautiful, independent girl. So, I'm soaking up all the cuddling now.

Here are a few pictures over the last week. Enjoy!

Yes, this is the only first bath picture I took! She is so little that she just keeps curling up at the bottom of the sling! She isn't a big fan of the bath but hopefully that will change.

Addison likes when Brianna sits with her. Notice the 'pink blankie' on Brianna... so sweet.

Naptime! Brianna joins us for storytime before nap... notice how awake she is? Addison's nap is about the only time of day you can guarantee Brianna will be awake. I've been told it's a conspiracy all children have against their parents... I believe it!

Brianna's 2 week check up

Can you believe she is already 2 weeks old? Amazing! At our doctor visit today, she weighed in at a whopping 8 lbs 2 ozs! Up from 6 lbs 6 ozs when we left the hospital. Doctor said everything looks good and she is a healthy baby girl. Addison is a wonderful big sister and helping out mom as much as she can. Maybe she can help mommy take some more pictures! Here are a couple from the last few weeks.

It's a Girl!

We happily welcomed a beautiful Easter baby girl to our family on Sunday, April 12. Her name is Brianna Grace. She was born at 3:33 AM, weighed 6 lbs 10 ozs, 20 1/2 inches. She was a bit early and when she was ready to be born, boy was she ready! We got to the hospital at about 11:30 PM Saturday and 4 short hours later had a baby in our arms. Addison has been a wonderful, loving big sister and was all smiles when meeting Brianna. Here are some pictures of our Easter Sunday!


Easter Egg Hunt at UCF Saturday morning... Addison only wanted to pick up the pink eggs and would skip over any other colors. We eventually encouraged her not to discriminate!


A few hours later here we are at the hospital! Bryan got to cut the cord of our little baby GIRL!



Addison was all smiles when she met Brianna. She said "Mommy, is it a girl?" I told her she was right and she has a little sister now. Her response was, "Daddy was wrong! It IS a girl!"



Don't we look sleepy.....