Wordless Wednesday

Who Dey

Thursday night was Harper's first NFL experience, and that precious little lady brought some luck to the Bengals.  Even though it was a preseason game, it was fun to watch them win!  But I do have to be honest with you, between holding Harper and catching up with a great friend,  I didn't really watch a lot of the game.  Tony and Ruthie (you may remember them from here) had extra tickets to the preseason game and asked us if we would like to join.  We jumepd at the opportunity to see the Bengals and had so much fun visiting with Tony and Ruthie.  We always have so much fun with them!  Just please no one tell Harrison that his little sister beat him to a pro football game :)

Harper stayed pretty content in the Moby!

Me, Harper, Ruthie and Baby Girl Schulz :)

Yes, I really did break out the nursing cover and breastfeed at an NFL game!  Probably the best entertainment I have ever had while nursing!

 

Yup, I pretty much cleared the place out :)

Douple Diaper Duty

Yup, having babies that are 20 months apart means lots of diapers for this stay at home momma.  On a typical day, I probably change anywhere from 12 to 17 diapers.  Having children that like getting their diapers changed makes my job a lot easier!  Harrison will come and tell me when he is ready for a change.  He holds my hand, leads me to his room, lies down on the floor and talks to me while I change him.  And Harper has recently made her way over from the dark side of diaper changes.  The child used to scream bloody murder with each change, but in the last month she now coos and grins during pit stops.  Let me tell you,  it makes my days a lot more enjoyable because let's be honest, diaper duty stinks!

3 Months Already

Oh baby girl....You are growing so quickly.  It is amazing to watch you change on a daily basis.  I can not even begin to tell you how much your sweet cheeks, chunky thighs and rolly polly arms melt my heart.  You are a brunette version of the Micheline Man :)  You have really mellowed out this month and I think a lot of that has to do with getting on a prescription for your reflux, and me being a little more careful of avoiding gassy foods.  You give huge drooly gummy grins and love to be talked to and snuggled.  You are still a big fan of the Moby and because of your growth spurt, I now carry you in the Kangaroo hold instead of the newborn hold.  You are sleeping 10 hours at night, wake up at 7am for a feeding and then go back to sleep until 10am.  When you are awake, you do not like being left in a room by yourself.  You love watching your brother dance around the living room like a crazy man and I think you are secretly hoping to join him in all the fun soon.  You smile the whole time you get a diaper change, quite the 180 from your new born days (thank goodness).  Your clothes are 3-6 month and you are now sporting 6 month sleepers and size 2 diapers.  You have had a very eventful week this week.  You turned three months old on Tuesday and to celebrate you rolled over for the first time.  And if that was not exciting enough, you laughed for the first time Wednesday!!  I absolutely love your precious little personality that is beginning to show.  Keep up the smiles and coos.  I'm kinda hooked on them!!  

You were over the photo shoot by this point.  Sorry, I had to remember this face too :)

23 Months

1. You have lips and eye lashes that women would die for (and some pay for).
2. You say "Yes Ma'am" when I tell you to do something.

3. You give the most amazing bear hugs.
4. When you want my attention (usually when I am talking to someone else) you put both hands on my cheeks, turn my face to yours and give me a big ol smooch.
5. You say the sweetest prayers at night time and follow it up with a big AAAAAmen.
6. You love to brush your teeth.
7. You sleep on your belly with Elmo tucked under your arm.
8. You love to do the "Hot Dog" dance (from the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse).
9. When Harper is in her swing, you close the door, tip toe out, and tell me to "Shhhh".
10. You are hands down the easiest kid ever to change a diaper.  You come tell me when you want to be changed, walk to your room, and lay down.  Thank you!

11. You have an obsession with Jeeps.  I am in no way exaggerating this obsession.  This week, you wore one shirt 3 days in a row (I washed it while you were sleeping) because it has a Jeep on it.  You point out a Jeep everywhere we go whether it is a Wrangler, Cherokee, Liberty or a Rubicon (like what Pop has).  You LOVE Jeeps.
12. You watch Jeep YouTube videos all the time.  (I am not kidding, you are obsessed).
13. You think it is hilarious to fake sneeze.  Not sure how this started but you do a very loud "Ah ah ah CHOOOO!".  It is pretty cute :)
14. You call Daddy "Matt".  When daddy gets home from work you yell "There's Matt!!"  (Daddy doesn't like it).

15. You started talking up a storm this month.  A month ago you were hardly talking.  In just four short weeks, you are saying three word phrases.  The most common phrases: "There it is" "See more Jeep" and "Oh shoot".
16. You love to be read to.  I read about 10 books a day to you, and if it were up to you it would be more.  Your favorites right now are The Very Quiet Cricket and Where The Wild Things Are.
17. You are an awesome eater.  You eat veggies (you love lima beans) and fruit (blueberries are your fav) and whatever else I make for you to eat.
18. We still have dance parties every morning in the kitchen.
19. Your favorite song to sing is This Little Light Of Mine.
20. You love your sister.  You give her kisses, talk to her, help burp her, console her when she cries, and make her laugh.  I think someday you are going to be very protective of her.
21. Your favorite toys right now are trains, balls, a whoopee cushion, a baseball bat, and drums.
22. Everyone compliments you on what a sweet loving boy you are.  You are very good at sharing the love :)   

23. I have made you sound like the perfect toddler on here, and to be honest most of the time you are.  You are very laid back, happy as a lark, and listen very well.  However, I would be misleading if I failed to mention your tantrums.  Just like every other (soon to be) two year old, you can throw a mean tantrum.  Most of which occur when you are tired, or there is a jeep around that you can not get in.  It does not matter to me whether you are kicking a screaming or smiling and laughing, you are the most precious kid in the world.  I am pretty sure you know how loved you are.  We definitely hit the baby boy jackpot with you!

Auntie Lolo is gettin hitched!!

Time to be honest.  When I got a text message a week ago with a picture of a diamond that was purchased for my Lauren, I was overwhelmed with emotions.  I was elated that she has found such a sweet love with Matt (yes, her soon to be hubby's name is Matt as well :).  I was overwhelmed with wedding planning joy.  I was heartbroken that this meant she was going to be leaving me.  Selfishly, I wanted her to find a man that lived here in our small little town.  I wanted her to buy the house down street and live happily ever after as sisters, best friends, and neighbors.  I knew that her loving Matt meant a life away from us because he is in the army and they may have many homes before finally settling in to one "home". 

I know that I blog about her alot on here, but I will never be able to convey what she truly means to me and my little family.  She is more than a sister, she is my best friend.  She is more than an Auntie, she is a second mother.  She is more than a sister in law, she is a hairdresser that indulges my husband in all things metrosexual.  You see, she isn't just a family member...she IS a part of our family.  I love her dearly and the next 7 months are going to be very bitter sweet for me.  I want nothing more than her happiness and Matt has proven over the last two years that his expertise is in making Lauren happy.  He loves her the way she deserves to be loved.  He will honor her and cherish her.  He completes her and to everyone who knows her, that is obvious in the way she smiles. 

So Lauren, I know you are reading this.  Please know that any tears shed (mine, mom's or anyone else's :)over the next few months are not tears of sadness or disapproval.  They are tears of selfishness and joy.  You are an irreplaceable little lady.  Your joy is infectious and your laughter contagious.  You are even more beautiful on the inside than you are on the outside (although some may argue that is not possible).  You are going to be blessed with a life full of love and laughter.  I can not wait for you to have babies of your own so that I can spoil them and start to return some of the "favors".

I love you.  I am so happy for you and I know that Matt realizes he is one lucky dude.  Harrison, little man, it is time to move over.....

Harrison: "Not sure how I feel about this...."

Lauren and her two loves. 

Matt: "Lauren, will you marry me?!?"

Harrison: "Lauren, will you play with me?!?"

Uhh, kind of an obvious choice Lauren :)

Matt getting Harrison's seal of approval

Harrison: "Seriously dude, we are cool."

  

Friends

Harrison and Walker have enjoyed some serious play time lately and I could not be happier about it.  My little boy is learning what it means to have a friend.  He is learning how to share, apologize, share, take turns, and did I mention share?  Yes, I know that "mine-i-tis" is a common disease among two year olds, but I am hoping that play dates will be the perfect solution to this nasty "mine" bug.  Have any of you seen Finding Nemo?  You know the seagulls...."mine. mine. mine. mine"  Yup, that is what it is like living with a two year old.  I am so thankful for Walker's mommy (Ms. Rachie) who reminds me constantly that my son is not so evil and that he is in fact normal :)  Sometimes that is all a momma needs to hear!

Can you feel the love?  And yes, at my house we stand on furniture :)

Check out these pretty girls.  Walker's little sister Warren is only 4 days younger than Harper and I could not be more excited about an "arranged friendship".  These little ladies are future BFFs!

Vacay with my crazy family

Lovejoypalooza

July 30th was spent with 60 other Lovejoys at George's home in Maine.  George and his family oozed hospitality and made sure each one of us had a day to remember.  For my dad, the day was unforgettable because he had his family together (his parents, sisters, wife, and all four daughters) to visit.  For Harrison, the day was unforgettable because there was a pool, countless toys, and an inflatable jumper.  For me, the day was unforgettable because I got to visit with family the I only see once a year, took pictures of my grandparents with their great grandchildren, and I had access to a pack-n-play and a baby monitor for the first time in a week :)  Thanks Kelly!!

If you can't tell from the pictures, there is some serious pride in our name.  We Lovejoy's love our name.  From tattoos, to jewelry, to cakes it was a day all about us. 

Here are some pictures from Lovejoypalooza 2011

Get it??? Heart = Love ; Smiley Face = Joy

  

All of the cousins!!

My dad's sisters and the girls

It wouldn't be a Lovejoy function without something political :)

Yes, we all have matching watches thanks to Granddad

I had these necklaces made for my mom, sisters and me.  I love it!!!

Ok, just kidding about the knuckles....You can seriously Google Image Search ANYTHING!!!