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Wordless Wednesday - I Have Teenagers

Wow. Some days I just look at them and can't believe I have little people. In fact, I think I might just have little teenagers in 20-month old bodies. What happened to my babies in onesies and drinking out of bottles?

You have Josh..all decked out in his button down, vintage jeans, and slip-on shoes, looking all like a little fraternity boy headed off to college:

He's so handsome!!!!

Ok, in this one, he TOTALLY looks like a teenagers, no?

And then you have this...and words just can't correctly explain this one:
Jules is decked out in her sunglasses. Also, she is wearing both rings of her Stack-A-Ring on each arm as "bracelets", which also wearing her apron (that she wears all the time now) because it has "pockets for all her treasures" (ha, love that girl)

But all is well, because even though I have mini-teenagers, they still love the occasional trip around the kitchen in the laundry basket, just like toddlers. Sigh...

<a href="http://babystribling.blogspot.com/" style="border: none;"><img alt="The fabulous Baby Striblings" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQaveQEXNnLsoTdgvLQwZbIKqMX6PNDt8i74t7hOVN5LIwn1k_fKpR0he41GZZYMQo9ToXeKAi1b5WZRRr3nQz2aBUyHFJGMVsWv7jl1f_jY2O-RnFdAT8tc0AXwSu-HDSmnF86-2Jitz/s144/150x150wordless.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 150px;"/></a>

Sweet Shot Tuesday - My Little Fireman

Is he not the most handsome fireman you have ever seen? (It's ok - you can say it, I already know)

Linking up with http://faith-simplicity.blogspot.com/

 

I want perfect kids

I do. I'll be honest. I want perfect kids. Can anyone readily admit they don't? Sure, people say that they love their children no matter what. And, of course, I do as well. But I also want perfect kids. There is so much to think about being a new mother. Behavior issues, eating issues, disclipine issues, learning issues, development issues, social issues...the list can go on and on and on. I want well-behaved, social, loving, polite, active, beautiful (already done, ha!) smart kids. The question is how much is too obsess over it? I think every parent does it, whether they will admit it or not. Plus, we get into the "I want to do things differently", "I want them to have what I didn't have".

I have a nanny, whom I absolutely adore. But now I am pondering the move to a daycare. I worry that those toddlers in daycare are learning so much more than mine and being much more social. Is this true? Probably not, but again, I think about it.

I go to Gymboree and do a Mommy and Me class with them once a week. Is this the best class for them? Are they learning the most they can? Should I try and do a Gymnastics class instead or a Music and Me class instead or in addition to? Probably not. This is probably enough for them right now, but again, I think about it.

I did Babywise when they were newborns. (gasp!!!) yes, I admit it. People have uber strong opinions about it, but that is what worked for me and my family, and I loved the principals behind it. However, Babywise is also supposed to produce well-behaved kiddos. Ha!!! Thats pretty funny. I have really good kids, mind you, but they also have their moments. They are (sigh) 19 months old now, so we are quickly approaching the terrible twos, and again, I have TWO babies approaching the terrible twos. However, I don't want brats. I want polite, mannered, well-behaved kids. Is this something to think about and obsess about when they are only 19 months old? Of course not! But, I think about it. At this point, I would just like to take them to a restaurant and have them sit with us throughout an entire meal and be able to be happy and eat their food. Thats my small goal :)

Parenting is a journey.  A fun, rewarding, amazing, wonderful, awesome, frustrating, exciting journey. I guess this is my way of telling myself to not obsess over each thing and just enjoy the moment. Its hard for me, because not only do I love every second with my sweet babes, but I also get super excited when I think of the next step in our journey with my not-so-perfect-but-fabulous babes :)

A Video of Jules the Thief

I really hesitate to post any videos of my kids. Especially when I am the one filming them (and, let's be honest, I am 100% of the filmmakers in the family). I am hesitant because I hate, hate, hate myself on camera. And even worse is hearing myself on camera. I look back at myself in college: a broadcasting major, aspiring to be the next Katie Couric, working daily to rid herself of any trace of a southern accent. Who is this whiny, nasally, southern person speaking in this video? It most certainly is not me. No sir-ee. (I really don't sound that bad in person, promise!! Right??)

So, I ask you to ignore that nasal person and only focus on the hilariousness that is Josh and Jules. Jules is in a phase right now where she wants anything and everything that Josh has. While its super funny, it can also get super annoying. She wants his toys, his shoes, his blue cups, his blue plates, etc, etc. However, she is also very smart and really sneaky. So, here is a video that is just so very typical. And it just cracks me up. My spunky Jules, and my poor little Josh.

Steppin out Saturday - Nashville Heart Walk

This week's Steppin out Saturday was a fun and personal one for me. As most of you know, I work for the American Heart Association. And although, yes, I do get paid for what I do, I am also personally involved and inspired by our mission. I really, truly believe we do good things for people with the money we raise. This Saturday was Nashville's Heart Walk. It is a HUGE event here in Nashville. I worked it.

Although there are other events that I love (the Gala, for one, because its very affluent and cocktail) Heart Walk is probably my favorite. There isn't another event we put on that you can actually see the good we are going in our community. There were SO many companies there supporting us, and SO MANY families there thanking us and supporting us as well.All the walkers wore "marathon" number signs on their backs stating who their were walking in honor or memory of.  One of the more touching moments of my day was seeing a dad carrying his infant daughter. On her back was a sign that read "I am a survivor". I mean, talk about water works. I am sure she had some type of open heart surgery as a newborn, and to think I am raising money for this cause, its just awesome.

The Memorial Aisle

Lots of companies went all out and designed their own Tshirts for the event - this is Gaylord

People could write their own Memorials. Mine is on the left. My dad had open heart surgery. His friend Larry died of a heart attack. And I will forever, forever think about Baby Thomas and his family.

Lots of dogs there!

Some fun teams. Its just so awesome.

Well, lookie here! Look who decided to also come out!

Mmmmm...balloon animals...The babes are in their UT gear as well :)

Josh and Jake. Vicki and JV also came out to join in the fun as well as his Aunt Benny, cousins Lisa, Heath and Gabe!

We have our red heart shakers! Future cheerleader?

They got REALLY excited about this dog. And, I do believe this is their first encouter with a big character, and they LOVED him.

This dog was thirsty!

Moi:  Tshirt:Volunteer AHA shirt, lol // Jeans: Gap // Jacket: Ann Taylor // Shoes: My Nikes (super stylish, no?)

They had a photo booth, which, of course makes me giddy. Dont' know why I am out of frame in #4. Hmmm.

Linking up with Mandy over at Harpers Happenings! Also, could ya vote for me please?

PM Photo Contest - Favorite from September

Super sweet moment...a picture taken from afar... the babes not knowing I am behind them...them playing quietly...learning, laughing...sitting just exactly alike...twins are so fantastic...super-awesome mommy moment :)