Mommyhood

Since giving birth to two babies, a lot of things have changed in my world (Tiara's world). I think most moms go through these things but I won't assume. My children consume most of my thoughts, hopes, and prayers. I would rather buy them clothes and toys then things for myself. I routinely bathe them, cut their nails, but forget to do these things for myself. As for eating, well... I fear I now have an eating disorder. I find myself in the pantry with the door closed when I want to sneak a snack. Hiding while eating, thats bad isn't it? I rarely sit for a meal but rather eat off of their plates. As for exersize, I rarely have time. I would not have predicted that I would let these things happen to me, but they have.

I am determined to get back up to snuff. Eat better, exersize, and better hygeine. Are you wondering where I decided to start??? The gym! I joined Monday and cannot be more excited. I SO enjoyed three days of working out. Cardio and weights, music and tv, time to myself with my own thoughts. I already feel healthier even though the numbers on the scale haven't changed. My next goal is to introduce the kiddos to the childcare. Please pray that goes well for us as this is how I am hoping to be a better healthier mommy! So I am on the road of self improvement.

Enough of me...A good week here even though Dylan was under the weather for a couple days. It is nice to have him back to himself. We are expecting a weekend warm up and a visit from Uncle Scott. Should be fun. My niece Scottie will be arriving in the next week via C-section. They attempted a version but it was unsuccessful so we will be praying for her safe arrival and a speedy recovery for Tally.

Spring Fever

Today we had a picnic and park date with some friends. A few hours prior to our meeting we had to change plans and meet at Chickfila. I was really hoping to be able to have some time outside but the clouds, wind, and temperature just didn't cooperate. We still had great lunch. The kids were able to get out some energy and we were able "chit chat" (in Avery's words).

After our afternoon naps and while waiting on Daddy to get home we bundled up and headed to the backyard. Riley needed some exercise and Avery was dying for some fresh air. Being out there for 45 minutes really gave me spring fever! The kids were so happy to just run around and play. The fresh air was amazing! I am looking forward to more and more of these kind of days!











Dylan playing this morning. Avery and Dylan's new favorite game is get into the easel and pretend it is a car and ride around the house. Not sure if it is safe, but they could do it for hours.




Can you hear Dylan saying cheese? One of his new words. Really I think it means give me the camera. He would rather play with the camera than smile for it!



Dylan posing at the water fountain at dinner last night. I was so into taking pictures I wasn't keeping a close enough eye on Avery. I wish I would have gotten a picture of her little splash. She was throwing her pennies in, about 5 and aiming for the highest bowl of the fountain. She was concentrating so hard that she fell into the water. She was soaked it was funny and embarrassing at the same time and of course I didn't get a picture!

Happy Days

Last weekend we were able to have a sleepover with Ammy and Bamp's. We had so much fun just playing at the house all day and night. Aunt Tally had a conference so Truss was there the entire day. It was so much fun to spend some time with him. It is going to get crazy when Scottie arrives! Three kids is wild and fun but I can only imagine what adding one more will be like. Love it!

Dylan's first carousel ride. He really got into it! Waving to everyone and bouncing up and down.


My sweet nephew Truss. Isn't he handsome. Any day now he will be a big brother! I can hardly wait!


Bampa the Teaser!

Never a dull moment!

So my first born is extremely active. Always on the go but needs her sleep. My second, is just as active but does not require as much sleep. I don't know if it is the gender thing or just a personality difference but I cannot take my eyes of of him! Not even for a second! He is more fearless than her (which says a lot) and tries to climb EVERYTHING! I was able to take a picture of the big boy practicing turning the light on and off. The table and chairs has found a semi-permanent home in Trevor's closet until I can teach him to stay off of them. What I didn't take a picture of is him climbing on to the table and stomping his feet. Or, when I was blow drying my hair and he fell into the tub while trying to get to his rubber ducky. Or, when he moves the kitchen chairs to get the markers I have set out of his reach on the counter. As you see, I could go on and on. He is 14 1/2 months, sweet as sugar but wild as they come! His little personality is coming out in full force. I love this little boy even if causes me to get my first gray hair.

Champions!

It sure is great to be an Auburn Tiger!!!

When I made our grocery list for the 2011 blizzard I made sure to include all the tailgating essentials. The diet at our house doesn't officially start until this football food is eaten. I couldn't imagine a better day to get snowed in and have an 8pm game. And did I mention get to see my Auburn Tigers play in the National Championship game???? I still am pinching myself!

After a fun day at home of cooking and cleaning we got the first kid to bed at 7. Some fellow Auburn grads made the dangerous trip over even having to park at the front of the neighborhood and walk to our house. We were happy to have them and so glad they were able to travel safely. We munched a lot, talked a lot to calm our nerves. then settled in for kick off. Avery stayed up for the ENTIRE game (until 12:08)! We cheered and sweated and relished in every single moment. Finally, we came out on top. We are elated! What a game and what a team!!!

WAR EAGLE!!!!!!!!!!

I so should have taken more picture! I didn't shoot the spread or the decorations!




Oh, about 12:15 Avery and I both fell asleep in her bed while reading a bedtime story. Does it get any sweeter? Well, Dylans 6 am wakeup was pretty difficult! It was worth it! War Eagle! Good night!

Wild Times

I think the novelty of snow is beginning to wear off. As we are going into our third day snowed in. The Christmas snowfall was gorgeous and made the holiday sweeter. The snow in Arizona was icing on the cake. Then, when Daddy got snowed in Monday it was a dream come true. However, the ice fell and made the snow slippery and hard. We have LOVED being together and having some relaxing family time but haven't ventured out to play as much as I had imagined.















The big bonus is some much needed down time together after the hustle and bustle of the holidays. We have been inside with nothing to do except play with each other. Trevor has been so patient and good to deal with our day to day wildness. I know he is about to go stir crazy as I think we are all ready to be able to get into a normal routine. But a break from the blog and the outside world was really nice.

Avery's new favorite past time is to put make up on. She is really talented, don't you think??

Sledding in a winter wonderland

While in Arizona we plan to go North and ride the Polar Express Train and make a couple days of it. As I mentioned earlier, the snow followed us West and didn't allow us to make our reservation. In fact, they cancelled the train ride, roads were shut down and the weather was treacherous. We still managed to have tons of fun! We waited a few days went North and went sledding. Uncle Scott found a perfect winter wonderland. Avery loved it!!! Dylan like going down the hills but hated just about everything else. We had a fun day in the fresh air!









Grammy and Grampa also babysat so the big kids could grab a delicious authentic Mexican New Years Eve dinner. We all were back at Aunt Lyn-Ann's house to ring in the 2011! Thank you!





Oh..the hot tub was another huge hit with the kids!

Arizona Aquarium

We made a trip to the Aquarium while we were in Arizona and it was great! The exhibits were all very kid friendly and they loved it. Especially Dylan, it is safe to say he has his kissy fish noise down pat! After the aquarium we had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. That is enertainment in itself. While eating dinners we enjoyed rainstorms, animal show, and lots more. Great idea L.A.!

Christmas out West

A few days after Christmas we packed up and headed West. And wouldn't you know the snow followed us all the way to Arizona!!!





We were able to celebrate the Atkinson Christmas together as a family. It was a fun week of visiting, cooking, and of course fun outings! I tried to take some photos of Lyn-Ann's amazing Christmas decorations. The inside and outside of her house were decorated to the 10's! Our first night together we celebrated Christmas and were spoiled once again. Thanks, for hosting Aunt Lyn-Ann!