Birthday Babes!

Last year my kiddos celebrated their birthday outside with a huge waterside and a smaller splash area for the little ones. This year - since Mama's expecting we did an indoor (aka - AC) party! We had so much fun celebrating with all of our friends and family at Bouncing Bears. Our theme was Toy Story and both of the kids wore cute little shirts showing off their ages! I can't believe that my kids are growing so fast! My baby is 4 and little man is 2! I've said it once and I'll say it again - don't blink!!

Skylar really had more fun since the bouncing catered to her age group a bit more. Bryce was ready for cu-cay's (cupcakes)! It was a very good day and I know they had a blast! 

My Sweet FOUR year old:

How time flies when you're having fun. Skylar, you are such an amazing little girl and have really grown so much over the past year. You are still the same inquisitive little girl you've always been but now, to see how much you've grown and how much you understand - it's truly amazing. You have a gift, baby. You are SO smart and adapt well in any situation. I love that you can walk into a room full of strangers and instantly make your presence known as well as making "best friends" instantly. It's something that also worries me though because you're heart is so big, it's been such a hard task to get you to understand that there are some bad people in the world too. To you, that's not possible because you see the good in everybody! You are also still as sassy as ever and while sometimes you drive mama crazy, most times I have to suppress my laughter because of what a little fireball you are. You sure can dish it out - that's for sure. I already know that you and I are going to go toe-to-toe many of times and most likely your wits and charm will beat me! But remember - you always say - "mama, you're the bus (boss)!" And DON'T you forget it! 

I love our little talks and especially love our girl-time. I think that you and I agree that most times having Bryce around is great-fun but a girl needs some downtime once and a while. You love being treated like a princess and getting your nails painted or going to look at Pottery Barn Kids. You just get lost in that store, playing with all the girly things from strollers to vanity's and jewelry boxes. You are also such a great big sister. There are times that I fear for Brycen's safety - like when you slammed his fingers shut in the bedroom door because you wanted him out. But if ever I mention taking "bubba" away, you have a huge meltdown. I know that you love him and my prayer is that you are always close! No matter what challenges each of you face - remember God gave him to you to love and protect! You're so happy right now at the idea of a new little sister. There have been times that you have asked if you're still my girl or if you got new baby clothes too. I've tried to explain to you as well as show you that NO one will ever replace you! You are my first and that's something that no one can take away. There's only one you and I'm so blessed that I get to be the one that has you - spending all of my time with you. It's something that's been difficult to convey because while you're such a "big girl", you are still only 4 and only understand so much. 

I love you my sweet princess. I am so excited for this upcoming year full of new friends and new adventures. 

Kisses, butterfly, eskimo, and BEEEEES!!! 

Mama

My Squish -

I'm not sure how much longer you'll be a little "squish" as now you're leaning out and losing some of that baby chub that we all adore so much. Don't get me wrong, I think you'll always be a big guy but there's just something about a bouncing baby boy full of pinch able fat that makes my heart melt! Nothing could've ever prepared me for you, Brycen Allen. No amount of books or "been there, done that" speeches from fellow mama's. I mean this in every sense...the obvious that you are most definitely "all boy" but also I mean that nothing could've prepared my heart for amount of love I have for you. Like your sister, you are the only "you" and to make sure that I'm clear - I love each of you beyond words but each of you hold a special but different place in my heart. There are moments I can share with your sister that sorry bud, you just can compete with. But then there are "us" moments...special, tender, and sweet moments. See - unlike your sister who has always been a very independent girl - you love to love and you love to cuddle. There are so many unasked for or unsolicited hugs and kisses that are so dear to my heart. You are definitely a mama's boy. Daddy is good for rough-housing which is something that you want to do ALL of the time but your sleepy, sick, cuddly moments are reserved just for me! You have a smile that lights the world and a contagious laugh just like your great grandmother, Judy. I pray you NEVER lose that because it's what draws everyone in and makes them feel good just to be around you. 

Now back to the other part of that statement - you know, the "all boy" thing. Sigh. Our house will never be the same now that you're here. Just when we thing everything is "bubba-proofed" you come along and destroy something else. You can't eat a meal without putting some of it on the table or yourself...art, I call it. Every drink still needs the protective "no-spill" piece because for whatever reason - drinks become a source of water gun or splash area. Our ozarka container has baby locks that you have already mastered and insist on trying to empty the 5 gallons of water daily! You MUST have shorts or pants on at all times because if left only in a diaper - it immediately comes off while you run butt-naked thru the house peeing on everything. Our silverware drawer takes a little bit of tugging when trying to pull it out because you always go in and dig for something while hanging on it and unhinging it from the rack. Because you always seem to be "unnn-rrry" (hungry), the pantry is a daily struggle. If you can reach it, you will pull it out and attempt to open it yourself. Then of course there's the normal stuff like running straight for the one and only mud puddle in our only pair of clothes, or climbing to the top of the playground and attempting to jump of the slide rather then actually slide down, or putting anything and everything in your mouth to give it a taste-test. The list goes on. I read once on pinterest or some other site a quote that said "boy - (noun). noise with dirt on it." It's SO true. I wouldn't change any of it though, baby. Not a single thing.

I love that you love to dance. I love that you love your sister with all of your heart. She's your best friend and no one makes you laugh like she can. Buddy, please promise me the you'll always be there for her. You are her only brother and I know in my heart that God has great plans for you but remember that she needs your unconditional love always. Crazy or bossy as she may be - love her still. You are my sweet son and I take so much pride in calling you mine. I leave with one little poem that I found in a book..you know to continue with the sappy stuff...

That Little Boy of Mine

Two eyes that shine so bright,

Two lips that kiss goodnite,

Two arms that hold me tight,

That little boy of mine.

No one could ever know how much your coming has meant.

Because I love you so, you're something heaven sent.

You're all the world to me.

You climb upon my knee.

To me you'll always be.

That little boy of mine.

I love you forever my Brycen Allen. 

Mama