5 MONTHS

Every month I say how I can't believe that Ella is another month old and this month is no different! Time is flying by way too quickly and much faster this time around. Ella is such a joy to us and she keeps us smiling with her precious personality. She doing so well, eating rice cereal and continuing to get chunkier by the day. We love it! She is so cuddly and sweet and loves to be held and talked to. She loves playing in her exersaucer and is learning to move herself around in circles. She loves making bubbles and has found her voice and enjoys squealing! She is trying to sit up, but is not quite ready yet. She is rolling over often now and is very proud of herself! Almost all of her hair has fallen out and is growing back in much lighter than her original color. I am ready for it to grow some more so I can clip a bow into it! We love our little girl and are having so much fun with her!





BLOWING BUBBLES - You may have to pause the playlist so that you can hear her :)

Potty talk with a 3 year old...

Jackson is officially potty trained!! A few weeks ago we decided that we were done with pull ups and diapers and just put him in undies full time. After that, it was a done deal. Only one accident in 2 weeks!! He is such a big boy and we are so proud of him! He always has funny things to say while on the potty and here was a quick conversation from this morning.

J: Mommy, I just need to sit here a minute.
C: Ok, that is fine.
J: Mommy, I am going to need a book....not a magazine.

Where do you think he learned that???

Happy Father's Day!

We had a wonderful day on Sunday celebrating Father's Day! Nanny, Grandpa, Aunt Ashley, YaYa and Heston all came over for lunch and Jason made a fabulous meal! (I know - he did majority of the cooking...he is just a better cook than me!) We enjoyed each others company, ate lunch, played with the kids and then all settled in for a nap. It was so relaxing and nice to just be together. I was sad that I did not get to spend it with my daddy, but he will be here on Wednesday so we will celebrate then. I am so thankful for my dad and he is such a wonderful man. Solid. If you need anything, he is there, anytime, anywhere. He is so much fun and I love seeing him as a grandfather to Jackson and Ella. He loves them so much and enjoys every minute he gets to spend with them. I love him more than words can express and am so grateful to him for the many years that he has taken care of me. I am also extremely lucky to have Scotty as my father-in-law. He is a great man and loves with his whole heart to all around him. He does so much for us and I am honored to be a part of the Irons family. Now onto my Jason...

Today is such a special day to celebrate you and all that you do for our family. Jackson and Ella are blessed beyond measure in having you as their Daddy. You are gentle, loving, compassionate, silly, strong, and the best daddy that they could have. I am proud of you and seeing you as a father is a feeling that I can't explain. It warms my heart to see you love on them and comfort them when they are hurt or sad. You are more than I could ask for in a husband, father and friend. We have had some hard times in the past few years and your strength continues to amaze me and I just hope and pray that we have many, many years ahead to love each other. You have a great example of a father and you are following right in his footsteps. Your eyes and smile light up the room and I could not love you more. Thanks for loving and taking care of us, we could not be more thankful. And did I mention how handsome you are??

Jazz Under the Stars

Last night we went to Jazz Under the Stars in Dallas with our friends, Sara, Chad & Samantha. Sara and I were roommates in college and have remained very good friends. We have not spent much time together lately, so it was so nice to spend the day with them yesterday. We went to their house and swam during the day and then met them in Dallas for the concert. Another couple, Nicole and Josh, their new baby Izabella, who is 4 days older than Ella, and Nicole's mom were also with us. It was such a fun evening. I loved it! We had cheese, crackers, fruit, wine, strawberry shortcake, and most importantly, Taco Bell burritos (HA!!! Sara!) It was extremely hot, but the kids did so well. Jackson and Sam sat together and ate and played. Izabella and Ella were champs and slept for a chunk of the night. We plan on going again in the next few weeks so let us know if you are interested in going!


Jackson & Sam

Nicole's mom, Izabella and Nicole

Chad & the kids

Cute Sara

Jackson loving his strawberry shortcake

Summer fun

Shadie, Heston, Carlien and her boys all came over yesterday for some summer fun. We had intentions of going to the water park, but it ended up being closed so we just hung out here and let the boys play. They had a great time as always, and at one point Jackson got a hold of the water hose and drenched Micah. We were sitting inside watching them play on the patio and we heard the water hose going and then Micah screaming. Jackson was hosing him down and they thought it was hilarious. I have to say that it was, and I could not even get onto Jackson bc I was laughing so hard. We got it on video and I plan on posting it soon (not sure how to do that). We love spending time with friends and family and loved our summer day!

My sweet boys


Young love


After a fun day of playing, this is how we spent our evening...




These still moments are few and far between and we loved every second of our snuggle time!

Eventful Weekend

We had a full and FUN weekend! It started on Friday with Shadie and I taking the boys to play at the spray park in Allen. Heston had never been before so he was so excited. He loved it and Jackson showed him how to run through the water. They played for a few hours before tiring out and then we headed to the outlet malls to shop a little bit. When we got home they played some more, had a sand fight, which ended in tears and then took a bath and we put them to bed. Jason cooked us a wonderful meal and then some of our good friends, Jared and Lindsey came over for a little while. We, as always, had great conversation, and a great time. We are so blessed to have Shadie and Heston...words can't even say how much.

On Saturday morning we drove back to McKinney for Addie's birthday party. They had a bounce house, swimming pool, a water slide and lots of yummy food. I think Jackson ate 4 muffins! You would think that we did not feed that child, the way he was eating! He had a wonderful time playing with his friends and celebrating sweet Addie's birthday. After the party we went to Dave and Kate's for the day. Kate and I went shopping for a little while and the kids and the guys napped. We love the Seals :)

Sunday was such a wonderful day! We got up and went to breakfast at this place in Ft. Worth called Ol' Southern Pancake House (so good!!) and then went to the Botanic Gardens and walked around. Jackson loved looking at the turtles and running around. It was so pretty and a nice morning. I love my little family and spending time with them is so special and priceless to me. When we got home the kids went down for naps and I went for a walk, while J worked in the yard. We spent the entire day outside, doing yard work, playing with the Aqua Bat, slip and slide and then our neighbors, Pete and Stacy, invited us over to swim. Jackson had a ball in the pool swimming and it was nice to spend some time with their family. They have 2 girls a few years older than Jackson and he loves them. He calls them "the girls." After a long swim and showers, we were too tired to cook so we went to eat at Pappasito's for dinner. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the evening and an end to our fabulous day. I took a few pictures of the kids. I could eat them up...they are so precious to me!

Eating Rice Cereal

Ella ate rice cereal for the first time last night. She actually liked it! She was unsure at first, spitting it out and looking at us like we were crazy for putting this mush in her mouth! She started to cry but then Jason had a good idea... we tricked her and put the cereal in, then the paci, to get her to swallow it. After a few minutes of that she decided that she liked it. I am excited that we have moved up and are eating solids, she is waking up in the night again because she is hungry. Hopefully this will fill her belly and keep her asleep all night!