Tate's Baptism

Tate William was baptized on October 9th. It was a joyous occasion we celebrated with family. He was a good sport, despite the fact that his white smocked jumper was a bit snug in bum area (and just about everywhere else). We love this little boy dearly!

Gearing up to sit quietly through Mass

Ellie, I said LISTEN!

Proud Godparents Celeste and Dane

The Bucklew Family....but where is Tate? Is Celeste singing? Who am I looking at?

The Hooks Family

Such a big boy

They're really sweet when they're not sitting in church :)

5 Years

We celebrated our Five Year Wedding Anniversary on September 30th. For people who have been married 10, 20, 35 years, maybe this doesn't seem like such a big deal, but we enjoyed it anyways. My sweet husband surprised me with dinner at Ruby Hill, where we had our Wedding Reception. He even included a replica of my bouquet and a scaled down version of our cake. I was emotional and beyond surprised, but I think everyone is sick of hearing me talk about it.

My parents and in-laws were extremely generous in watching Tate and Ellie while we took a five day vacation to Cabo San Lucas. Honestly, we may have had more fun then the actual Honeymoon we took to St. Kitts and Nevis. We were able to truly appreciate what it's like to completely unwind and relax. That wasn't such a novelty to us when we were newlyweds. I could pretty much take a long bubble bath and settle into a good book any night I wanted. That's not exactly the case anymore.

Honestly, I think the reason we made our 5 year Anniversary so special is because we're in a satisfying place. No, it hasn't always been easy and we've definitely had some challenging times in our marriage, but you don't want to hear about that, right? Ha! We have been blessed with two wonderful, healthy children that we get to celebrate the small joys of life with every day. Five years feels pretty good.

Old Friends

A long time ago (like, think back to July) five good friends went to the wine country. These friends grew up together in Denver, Colorado, but were spread out all over the United States now. Seriously...all over. They came from Denver, Walnut Creek, Dallas, Charlotte, and New York City. They invaded the little, quaint town of Sonoma with their boisterous and immature ways. The kind of immaturity that is brought on after drinking several bottles of wine together and god knows what else. And they laughed, and laughed, and laughed, until their stomachs hurt and they couldn't laugh anymore. And they made fun of each other like old friends do. Because who else understands weird quirks about you from high school? Who else knows that the boy who took you to Junior Prom may or may not have permed his hair? And then they poked fun of each other some more, until people started becoming sensitive and it was time to stop. After all, every one of them was beautiful, brilliant, witty, thoughtful, and talented!

They ate delicious Italian food, cheese by the ton, and yummy chocolate, followed by wine. Each morning they woke up chipper and ready to greet the new day...some more than others. They plugged in their hair straighteners, curling irons, and hairdryers until the hotel room heated up to 1 million degrees. They set out for their day with every hair and stitch of makeup in the right place, a nicely pressed summer dress, and the perfect heels. After a full day of wine tasting, they returned sweaty, stained, and looking, well, not quite as good. But that's okay. They put on their swim suits, grabbed their towels, and went off to the hot tub to offend more innocent hotel guests trying to enjoy a little peace and quiet.

They shared stories of their current adult lives, their careers, babies, dogs, husbands, and other topics. Oh, how times had changed! They cried, laughed harder, and gave each other encouragement and advice. They broke glasses, ordered more wine, more food, and continued to make fools of themselves.

And when the last day came and they were all sad and tired, they hated to say goodbye to one another. They put on their dark sunglasses to cover their bloodshot, hungover eyes, and held their heads high as they departed for their various cities. How thankful and truly blessed they all felt that such wonderful women were in their lives. There is nothing quite like an old friend. Until we meet again.

Tater is 10 Months

He came into the world at 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and now he tips the scales at 25. I hardly recognize that dark haired peanut in all the newborn pictures. No doubt he was handsome then, but I am just in love with the Gerber-like chubby baby that exists today. The more the merrier in my book when it comes to those cute, delicious rolls all over his legs. I just want to eat him all up. I know...I'm kind of a crazy nut lady. I sort of feel sorry for the woman who steals his heart away one day. You are mine, all mine!

To Be THREE

True to form, Ellie turned three on June 24th, but I decided to take the opportunity to write about it over two months later. You see, I felt like I needed a better idea of what this new age entails. How am I supposed to know what it's like to have a three year old without testing the waters for a couple months?

I thought I would ask the best source, Elizabeth Bucklew herself, what it's like to be three:

Mommy: Ellie, I'm going to ask you a few questions, okay?

Ellie: Maybe later, okay? (no, actually now would be a good time)

Mommy: What is your favorite color?

Ellie: Pink (this sometimes changes to brown, depending on her mood)

Mommy: What is Daddy's favorite color?

Ellie: Blue (this is true)

Mommy: What is my favorite color?

Ellie: RED!!! (It's Pink, but that's pretty close)

Mommy: Who is your best friend at preschool?

Ellie: Miss Julie came by my new classroom to say "hi." She said she misses me.

Mommy: I know how much you like Miss Julie. Who is your best friend at preschool?

Ellie: Jo Jo and Grayson (last week it was Owen and Sarah, but this really is a loaded question and probably something I shouldn't ask. It just sets someone up for hurt feelings, you know?)

Mommy: What did you do at school today?

Ellie: I had snack. I fell down on the playground. Then I had some ice and I was holding Mope, but I feel better now (thankfully her teacher already told me this).

Mommy: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Ellie: chocolate, vanilla, and chocolate chip (maybe we should have a lesson on the meaning of the word favorite).

Mommy: What is your favorite food?

Ellie: Cookies (I don't like this answer, but it's an interview and I should state the truth).

Mommy: What else?

Ellie: Chocolate (I don't like this answer either)

Mommy: What do you like to eat for dinner?

Ellie: Cantaloupe (not totally true, but thata girl!)

Mommy: What do you want to be for Halloween?

Ellie: Wags the Dog (a character from the Wiggles)

Mommy: I thought you wanted to be a ladybug?

Ellie: I thought I wanted to be Wags the Dog!

Mommy: What is Tate going to be for Halloween?

Ellie: An Elephant! I like Elephants! Do you like Elephants Mommy?

Mommy: Yes, I like elephants. What is your favorite animal?

Ellie: ummmmm.....my favorite animal is....ummmm....an elephant, a zebra, and a green frog (again, we should probably work on the word favorite).

*It is taking longer to answer questions and I can tell her attention span is fading quickly. This interview is over.

A few things about Ellie at age three:

Ellie has 7 "lovies" she sleeps with every night (Mope, Nola, Moochie Cat, Sophie, Peter Rabbit, Baby Elephant, and Halfie).

Her bedtime routine is ridiculous. She has many rituals.

Ellie loves to make up songs and has some very exaggerated dance moves to go along with them. I think she gets it from watching Barney.

Favorite shows are Barney, Sesame Street, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Little Einsteins

She likes to draw pictures of rainbows and cats, then asks for us to hang them around the house.

Did I mention she is obsessed with cats????

Ellie has a wild imagination, which has been interesting to watch develop in the past year. She likes to use the calculator as a phone and has very detailed conversations on it, usually with her Grandparents.

She loves to swim and we are very proud of her for doing so well with her lessons this summer.

Ellie prefers smaller groups and usually has a very shy nature. I find this interesting, because she is quite the opposite at home.

Favorite food is typically pasta (does mac and cheese count?)

Ellie likes to wear band-aids even when she doesn't need them. She asks to get her nails and toes painted often, wants to wear perfume, matches things to wear (which sometimes results in over-matching)

She is a very nurturing and sweet big sister. Tate thinks she is the funniest, most entertaining person to ever walk this earth.

Ellie likes to keep us on our toes and we are looking forward to what the next year brings. We love you Ellie and can't imagine the last three years without you in it.

xoxo

Newport Trip

It seems to be a common theme that I'm a few weeks behind in updating my blog. I guess that's life with two little ones for now.

Anyways, we drove down to Newport a few weeks ago for a little trip to the beach with Knute's parents for some fun in the sun (well, it was kind of May Grey, but that didn't stop us from having a great time). The best part for Ellie was a day trip to Disneyland to see all her "friends." She is almost indifferent when it comes to rides and the Princesses, but LOVES all the classic characters. We had to go on a wild goose hunt to find Minnie Mouse, but it was worth it in the end when she got to walk Minnie out.

Good times and priceless memories!

Tater Tot

I just couldn't let this month pass without saying a little something about my precious boy. My sweet, little Rolly Polly baby is 6 months old. I still feel like he is the smallest, newest person in the world until I actually see a newborn and then realize how big he's gotten. I personally feel that Tate is just about the cutest thing since sliced bread. He has two little bottom teeth that make me want to eat him up when he smiles. I think Knute and Ellie would agree that he's the most handsome baby to ever walk (or roll) this planet.

He adores his big sister. She is extremely sweet and nurturing to him. She always lets me know when he wakes up from a nap, and then goes into his room to stand at his crib and talk to him. His eyes follow her wherever she goes. He likes to watch her eat, watch her play, and take a bath with her. I think he kind of worships the ground she walks on. Sometimes it makes me sad because my brother was the same way when we were growing up and I was sometimes mean to him. Ellie is never mean to him (for now). The only problem is that she calls his toys "hers" and says that she will "share them with him." That's obviously going to change one of these days.

He likes to eat. A lot. Prunes are his favorite and I can't shovel it into his mouth fast enough. Gross. If only he knew how good an ice cream sandwich tasted...

We don't have a Dr's appointment until Friday, so I don't know his stats. Knute likes to use words like huge, tank, and bruiser to describe him. He is definitely on the bigger side, but I think Knute likes to inflate things a bit. It must be a guy thing. Whatever...

He is a total Momma's boy (and always will be). Good thing, because it's my turn.

Thanks for blessing our lives little Tater Tot. We love you to the moon and back!

Eric and Diane Tie the Knot

Almost a month ago we headed to the fabulous city of New Orleans to celebrate the marriage of a very special couple. The plane flight was long, the city was full of excitement, Tate and Ellie were cooperative (mostly), the food was yummy (what's not to love about Muffalettas and Beignets?), and most importantly the couple was HAPPY. Actually, everyone was happy. I think the pictures capture it all:

Tate couldn't be happier for his Uncle Buck.

The Bucklew "kids"

The new Mr. and Mrs.

Quite a pair

Isn't she lovely?

Cafe Du Monde was a delicious treat

Auntie and her Tater Tot

A little dancing in the French Quarter

Little Miss Sassy Pants

Two of a kind

My Dad

A couple weeks ago we celebrated my Dad's 60th Birthday in Dallas. Yes, I said 60. I really love my dad. He makes me laugh. Sometimes he likes to tell the same joke over and over again even when I'm the only one that continues to find it funny. One time he was trying to tell a joke and actually had to go pull the written down punch line from his briefcase. He is extremely color blind and owns possibly 20 red shirts that all look the same. He has an appreciation for good art. He is really goofy in general and I think I take after him in that respect. He has a very strange dance move where he uses his pointer fingers and taps his feet in a sort of Irish jig. Even after 30 years I can't quite figure out if he's serious or just trying to be amusing. Surely he's not serious? I think of my Dad ever time I hear Huey Lewis or Roy Orbison. It always makes me smile. He has had many interesting hobbies in the past, including competitive roller skating, riding Harley Davidsons (he rode to Sturgis for several years), hunting, and skiing. He loves ducks and could probably observe them for hours. He always knows really strange trivia. He has lived in many interesting places, including Cuba, and all over the South. When we were little he used to take us roller skating some weekends (this later developed into Roller Blading). He would even enter the competitions (like limbo). On Sunday mornings he would bring home Winchell's donuts. He once paid my brother and I to eat squash. I'm pretty sure this actually happened on a few occasions. He despised any guy who was ever mean to me or broke my heart in High School. He has always supported me in sports, even when I wasn't any good (okay..horrible sometimes). I think he actually had to disqualify me himself when judging a swim meet one time. When I failed my driver's test on my sixteenth birthday, he let me tell people that he forgot the insurance paperwork and I was unable to take it in order to save me from embarrassment. He is one of the hardest working people I know. He has always loved my mother. I will never forget the look on his face before he walked me down the church aisle on my wedding day. I love you Dad. Cheers to many more happy and healthy years! The best is yet to come.*This picture was actually taken at my Dad's birthday celebration and not a 4th of July party. The coordinating outfits were unintentional.

Rudy

His fate didn't turn out to be so good here. Rudy took a permanent vacation to Weldon, California and is now living with his original Breeder and her other dogs. She has a couple families interested in adopting an adult male Boxer. If for some reason that doesn't work out, he will live permanently with her. It's honestly one of the hardest things Knute and I have ever had to do in our marriage. The drive was long with a lot of tears. I have convinced myself that Rudy will be happier there. I imagine him frolicking through the yard with his other Boxer friends. There are many excuses I've made for sending the dog away, but none of them diminish my guilt. Guilt is a powerful thing. Mostly I feel guilty and selfish for taking away one of my daughter's very best friends. I wish she could understand. He made me feel incredibly angry every single day and I yelled at him a lot. No one wants an angry mommy. The truth is that I enjoy my children and husband (and house) a lot more without him here. Farewell Rudy. I will always carry memories of you (both good and bad) in my heart.

Slug Bugs

Once upon a time there were two little Slug Bugs who were sick with icky, yucky colds. Colds of the worst kind thought their Mother. Surely other Slug Bugs who have colds don't act this miserable! The once cheerful, bright nursery suddenly seemed dark and stuffy and was littered with Kleenex, medicine syringes, and assorted nose sprays. The house echoed from floor to ceiling with the terrible sounds of hacking and coughing, then crying and whining. The Mother felt very sorry for the poor, dear Slug Bugs. She especially felt sorry for the smaller one who was too young to whine, demand snacks, beg for more Barney, more juice, MORE JUICE, MORE JUICE! The Mother also felt very sorry for herself. She called and complained to her husband and blamed things on the dog. After all, it had to be someone or something's fault that the Slug Bugs were sick, so naturally it was the dog. The Mother walked around the house in pajamas with greasy hair all day nurturing the Slug Bugs, feeding the Slug Bugs, and picking up after them. She thought to herself,"will this ever end???" Will I ever see outside the confines of this germ infested house? When the Slug Bugs went to bed, their Mother searched the internet for the perfect pair of shoes. This would make her feel better! Temporarily of course. Alas, tomorrow is a new day and the Mother desperately hopes her little Slug Bugs recover soon.

*The older Slug Bug was asleep and therefore unavailable for the photography session. The Mother would like to keep it that way.

January Draws to a Close

It's the last day of my most dreaded month of the year and I have to say that it wasn't so bad at all. As it turns out, January was a refreshing month, other then the unwelcome cold that seems to always linger when you have a toddler.

A few things that made January a happy month:

*The Bachelor (sorry, but it has to be said)

*Little weekend field trips with Ellie to Sky High and Lindsay Wildlife Museum

*A great date "day" with my husband (I dragged him to see Black Swan and then we had appetizers and drinks after).

*The discovery of "Super Suppers"

*American Idol (I love Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez!)

*Microwave Popcorn

*Baby Boot Camp

*Yummy fondue at Cooking Club

*Friends and wine (sometimes there are occasions they go hand in hand)

*Great neighbors

*A quick visit from my Dad

*A fresh haircut and highlight

*Pizza (for some reason we kind of ate a lot of it this month and I think January is supposed to be a month you don't eat a lot of pizza, but it was good).

*My blue rain boots. When it's cold and rainy, why not have something you look forward to wearing, you know?

*Brunch with my favorite Sister-in-Law and dear friend Kelly :)

*Soy Lattes from Starbucks

*A fun night out with friends at Vanessa's Bistro

*My little family (obviously), although I'm not sure we're really considered a "little" family anymore. It certainly doesn't feel that way.

My smiley little boy

Ellie likes to have "Brown Bear" at the center of all pictures recently

It's nearly impossible to get a good picture of both kids together

Just being lazy

I love his little double chin

I love him when he's all sleepy too

A fun visit with cousin Abbie