everything nicole

Really Enjoying Her Ice Cream Sandwich

Xoxo

Really Enjoying Her Ice Cream Sandwich

Xoxo

All Banged Up

GracieGirl has been begging me for "hair straight across like Demi Lovato" ever since she saw Disney's Camp Rock.  Yes, it's my fault entirely for letting her watch the movie, but I was just excited to be able to watch a movie with her that didn't include rapping puppies. 
Last night during dinner Bridgie's hair was falling in her face & driving her crazy, so I grabbed my sizzors while Grace wasn't looking and cut some wispy bangs.  It took Gracie until this afternoon to notice that "Ohmygosh!  Bridgie has bangs!"  I needed to fix the quick cut I did the night before, so I agreed to give GracieGirl the much-adored bangs.  So, snip snip snip and. . .
. . .Too short.  I cut them too short.  But they should be pretty cute in a week or two.  Or three. 

xoxo
ps - cowlicks are a bitch. 

Randy's Quote of the Day

"You know, I don't think I've ever cooked in our kitchen before."
(Said today.  2+ years after we've moved in.)
More cuteness to come.  xoxo

It Snowed Yesterday

Xoxo

Smarty Pants

After discussing our many miscommunications of the morning (we were both tired & a little off), Randy decided that it's because I don't make myself clear [read: it's my fault and has nothing to do with his fantastic communication skills]. 
Being a man who knows how to stay married, however, he quickly added, "It's not your fault, though.  You're smart and extremely smart people just talk on a different level."  Hmmm. . .
xoxo

My Sweet Little Valentines

Dooce writes a monthly letter to her daughter Leta, who also recently turned five.  Although most of the blogging world has probably already read her most recent letter, I have to point it out.  What she writes so clearly explains how I feel about my beautiful daughters, and probably how most mothers feel about their children. 

You have changed so much since that first morning you spent with us, a morning that altered my life so drastically that sometimes it still feels like I'm catching my breath. I imagine that I won't ever stop feeling this way, won't ever stop having a portion of my brain dedicated to the thought of where you are and what you're doing, won't ever be able to escape the constant, nagging hope that you are happy and fulfilled. My pulse is forever closer to the surface of my neck because of you, because of my responsibility toward you, and I can't thank you enough for the dimension that this has added to what it means to be alive.

Motherhood.  It's one wild ride.  xoxo

It's Early, But Diapers Stink

We're passively potty training Bridgie right now.  Which really just means that when she goes to hide under the table to conduct her business I rush her to the bathroom and try to bribe her into going on the toilet.  She usually ends up giving up and going as soon as I put the diaper back on her. 

This morning I tried to bribe her with candy, which I'm kind of against because I hate to use food as a reward, but that girl does love her some num-nums.  To make it fair I've told GracieGirl that if Bridgie goes in the potty, Gracie can have a piece of candy too.  The best part of potty training (ish) so far?  Watching GracieGirl explain pottying to Bridgie, complete with very theatrical actions.  xoxo

PS - Pinkalicious party update coming soon! 

Pink Attacks

Five years ago today GracieGirl emerged into my world and rocked it like crazy.  What people don't usually realize about a child's birthday is that it is also a celebration for the mother.  Today, I not only celebrated the fact that I've had five fantastic years of Grace, but I am also enjoying the anniversary of my induction into motherhood.  Five years ago today, I looked childbirth in the eye and came out on the other side - alive.  I know women do it all the time without the help of modern medicine, but it is still something that I'm pretty proud of, that whole baby baking thing that I did. 

Since she is my daughter, she will be partying properly.  It started this morning with pancakes and a candle, followed by cupcakes with another candle at school (which was coincidentally her day to share and Pajama Day, it was kinda a big deal).  For dinner we had a feast of Spaghetti O's with princess cake (and another candle) for dessert.  Gracie is a little fuzzy on when she actually turns five.  Her birthday is today, but to extend the festivus we're having the party tomorrow.  It also helps that Randy will be home tomorrow to help me corral the 20-plus kids that will be coming over to wish my little five year old well. 
It's a Pinkalicious Party and it has gone way over the top.  There's pink cupcakes and pink streamers and pink flowers and a pink princess chair and pink balloons and pink party favors (except for the three boys who are coming, they get a few yellow favors).  Just the sheer quantity of children running through my house makes my skin crawl a little. 
But there is some reason behind this madness.  We've decided not to throw a party for the girls every year.  We'll do some kind of party for the 1st, 5th, 10th, 13th, 16th and 18th birthday and be done with it.  (Yes, I've thought this through that far.  Why do you ask?) (No.  Me?  Crazy? I don't think I'm being a little crazy, need I remind you of how I celebrate my birthday?) 
Also, what five year old's birthday party would be complete without a shrine to said child? 

Excuse me while I go puke my pinkalicious brains out.  Although, it has been worth it every time she's told me "this is the best birthday ever."  I think she said that last year too.  Kids are so easy.  xoxo

Skiing