Avery's First Day of 2nd Grade

Today was the big day!  Avery started 2nd grade off with a smile and positive attitude.  I was a lot less emotional this year until I saw her walk down the stairs looking like a 12 year old.  How do you stop time?
Wishing you a GREAT year Avery K! We love you!














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Walker 22 Months

I don't normally do a post for 22 months but Walker is so funny and has such a personality that I wanted to be sure and capture it so that I can always remember him exactly as he was at this age.

What You Did This Month- 22 months old

Weight: no idea- probably 32-35 lb- this guy is dense and anytime anyone lifts him up they always exclaim "ohmygosh he is SO heavy!" lol

Length/Height: ?  we don't go to doctor again until 2 year so I really don't know

Diaper Size: Size 5

Clothing Size: phasing out of 18-24 months into 2T

Sleeping Habits: His naps have been funky the past few weeks as he has been waking up crying hysterically after only about 30-45 minutes.  He falls back asleep about half the time and the other half we just cross our fingers that he doesn't turn into a total sleep-deprived monster during the rest of the afternoon and evening.  He sleeps well through the night from about 7am-7pm. He sleeps with his blanket, a little stuffed mickey mouse doll and a stuffed elmo.  

Eating Habits: He recently hasn't been eating that well but I also think its because he doesn't want to sit still in his booster seat long enough to actually eat.  He would much rather prefer to sit in a normal chair (which is obviously too small for) but that allows him the freedom to eat and run around at the same time, which is obviously alluring to a 1 1/2 year old.  So most meals I force him as much as I can before he throws a fit and attempts to throw all his food on the ground.  

Milestones:He is talking up a storm.  He calls Avery "EEEEE" and Gracyn "Goo Goo", calls me "momma" and Matt "Daddy"  he has the funniest names for things that probably only me, matt and the girls can understand but he can easily talk and express his wants and needs to us.  It seems like he mainly says the first or last syllable of a word, for instance he calls himself "Waaaaaa"  its pretty hysterical.
Walker has definitely been my most strong-willed child.  He is a boy so he obviously is a little more crazy and busy just by nature, but he also is a very very strong willed kid.  He likes to have things a certain way and he is ready to fight with you ALL DAY LONG in order to get his way.  So it is a battle of the wills constantly about every single thing- the cup he uses, the socks he wears, getting into the car, getting out of the car, the show he watches, etc.  you name it and we fight about it.  I know its all part of the process but there are days i am so exhausted just from the power struggle that we are going through.  But as with everything I know that this too shall past but he sure keeps it interesting and most definitely keeps me on my toes.
With all that being said he is also a super sweet little snuggly momma's boy.  He always says "momma sit!" and taps the place next to him so I will sit and snuggle him whenever he watches Mickey Mouse.  He loves to wrestle, play hide and seek and chase.  He is a silly fun-loving boy who adores his sisters too.  Immediately when he wakes up he does what I call "role-call" where he says "Hi Momma! Where EEEE? Where Dada? Where Goo Goo?  Where Mace (the dog)?"  He likes to be in on the action no matter what and tries to keep up with his sisters all day long.  To say he is spoiled and doted on by them is an understatement.  All he has to do is look at them and they shower him with love and kisses, as well as giving him any and every toy that he asks for, even if they were playing with it.  He truly is blessed with the best big sisters.

Likes/Dislikes:

-  He is still pretty obsessed with Mickey Mouse.  He demands it all throughout the day and it is the only show he will actually watch so unfortunately in order to get dinner made, homework done, etc he probably gets to watch more Mickey than he should, but that is the only thing that will entertain him (and keep him quiet) long enough to actually complete a task.  I call it survival mode.  You gotta do what you gotta do.

-He loves to read Goodnight Moon before bed.  Its one of my most favorite parts of the day.

- He still sucks his thumb and sticks his other finger in his belly button.  The dentist told us last month that it was probably time to stop the thumb sucking but I haven't been that great about encouraging him to quit.  I told myself I would really start to get on him when he's 2.  He has 2 more months of thumb-sucking bliss.

This guy can sure be a challenge but I adore him so much.  He is exhausting and crazy but I sure do miss him when he goes to bed at night and can't wait to see him each and every morning.

Avery's Meet the Teacher- 2nd Grade

I have to say that it sure is nice to be one of the more "seasoned" parents now and sort of know what to expect from most of the school events, such as meet the teacher, but the excitement on the day when she finds out her new teacher never loses it thrill.
We were so excited to get Mrs. Jellis this year.  She was a Kindergarten teacher the past few years and we have always loved chatting with her and we were thrilled when we heard she was moving up to 2nd this year and even more thrilled when we found Avery got into her class!  It is going to be such an amazing year!

The Last Month of Summer

After Daddy left for training camp we started our last month of summer countdown.  We have been super busy with playdates, swimming, splash pads, the zoo, sleepovers, baking, snuggles, ice cream and lots and lots of laughs.  It has been jam-packed full of fun and I am so sad to see it go.  As always in our house the summers seem to go too fast but I know this school year is going to be another great one and can't wait to watch my kiddos grow and learn.














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Here We Go.... Season 8

This year will be our 8th season with the Miami Dolphins.  You would think I would be used to how quickly football season creeps back up, but for some reason it always take me by surprise.  Matt reported for training camp yesterday, which will begin his full-on crazy travel schedule, so in order to celebrate the new season and to send Daddy off on a good start we had one last family dinner together before the big send off.











 We enjoy our summers with Matt home so much, but the anticipation of a new football season is always fun. Wish us luck this season.  I just know its going to be a good one!

Our New Adventure

Sometimes I feel myself dwelling on the fact that my kids are growing up at an alarming rate.  I am sad there will be no more newborn moments, no more first steps or no more first time saying "Mommy."  But I was so blessed to have a one-on-one Mommy and Avery date day to remind me that there is so much beauty in having big kids.  This new adventure with older kids is SO much fun.  We went back-to-school shopping and had such a fun time picking out "really, really fashionable outfits" and then had a hilarious lunch.  She is so smart, witty, fun and happy.  It was the best lunch date I have had in ages.  I am so proud of our big girl and what an amazing 7 year old she has become.  This  new era of having older kids is definitely going to be a blast!

It's Never Too Early To Brainwash Your Kids

Luckily my in-laws live in College Station so a few times a year we get to reiterate to our kiddos how amazing Texas A&M is, and show them all the school has to offer first hand.
I think Avery has drank the Kool-Aid and is a full time Aggie fan. Class of 2029 anyone?











And of course Walker is already partying hard at Northgate......no doubt this may become his second home one day. LOL!


Sadly I didn't bring my big camera and capture any real pics with the Syptaks, or any when we headed to Houston to shower Katie and Drew for their baby that is due in August.  We can't wait to meet our newest little Winston babu!

I Heart Summer

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