So we bought a dozen of these today while we took in some more apple-y orchard goodness with the little ones. Apple. Cider. Donuts. So good. They just scream 'Hello Fall' to me. We ate the first 6 in the car on our way home and then these babies were tucked away ever so well so we could have them for breakfast in the morning. Yay for some self-restraint! Happy … [Read more...]
Summer Lovin’
Hope you all had a great weekend! I just wanted to post some pictures of what we were up to the past two days...playing outside and enjoying some humidity-free weather, WAHOO! The kids did a lot of this... Yup, slip n' slide fun...remember this from when we were little? Oh, let me tell you how happy I was to see them making a comeback. We have been lovin' our slip n … [Read more...]
Two Little Ladies…
So, today is a big day at our house! We have two milestones on the menu concerning these two little ladies: Our little Penelope turned TWO today...yup, I am seriously being serious here. Please, say it ain't so, she's growing up so fast! And, our littlest Eloise is, wait for it...1 month old today too!! (Yeah, channeling a little Barney Stinson for y'all!) Put on … [Read more...]
Two Weeks
Ummm yeah, so my little Eloise is 2 weeks old today! I can't believe it, two WHOLE weeks, have we really had her for 14 days already? Can that really be true? Today is her actual due date too, so weird that this little cutie would have been due today! She's already trying to lift up that little noggin of hers! A snap of Momma and Eloise...I just LOVE this … [Read more...]
A Baby and Butterflies…
So, this happy little lady was born last week... She's really a wonderful napper and sleeper in general... She's even smiley in her sleep :) Maybe she just feels the love from these two little rugrats: They really can't get enough of her...begging to hold her from the minute she wakes up every morning! But, I have to tell you Eloise wasn't the … [Read more...]
Preschool and Pancakes.
So, yesterday Noah started Preschool...okay, so it was just Summer Camp at his Preschool this fall but nonetheless it was 2 whole hours away from momma and little sister and 2 whole hours by himself, listening to two teachers and hanging out with kids he'd never met before. We had been talking it up for a couple of months now and yesterday was the BIG day. It went well, … [Read more...]
Mother’s Day…After :)
OK, so I realize this is a day late...oopsy! I was just having such a great day yesterday enjoying my family, I am so blessed to have them in my life. I hope you had a wonderful day/weekend too celebrating your mom, being a mom, being an expectant mom...you know, just celebrating life! I woke up to this yesterday: My hubby really knows the way to my heart...FOOD! He … [Read more...]
People Let Me Tell You ‘Bout My Best Friend…
Do you all know this song? Or does my post title make absolutely no sense to any of ya? It's called 'Best Friend' and as Google tells me it's by Harry Nilsson. I just love the sing-song melody and the way it can get stuck in my head all day long. I know it from the small (and I mean small) amount of time I watched that MTV show 'Rob and Big' when it was on way back … [Read more...]
Edible Grass and Egg Hunts
So, this weekend I went out to buy Easter Basket candy for the kidlets. This is my first Easter since the kids were born that I got a chance to do this, it was super fun I must say! We usually visit my parents for Easter and they fill Easter baskets for the kiddies...ya gotta love grandparents :) but this Easter they are coming here! Why you ask? Well, since you asked, … [Read more...]
4 Wheels Big!
So, we've reached yet another milestone in the Smashed Peas household. Noah, my little man has upgraded to a BIG boy bike! I can't really believe it...no more little baby tricycle for him...now it's all Penny's (the lucky duck gets to inherit a Little Red Rider Tricycle with a bum front wheel...such is the way of a second child!) It was so funny to watch Noah ride … [Read more...]
My March Madness…SNOW!
So, this week I have been a little slacker with my blog, sorry guys! But, really it was all for a good reason, we have had some ab fab beautiful weather and just had to live it up...ahhhh, Mclovin' it! Oh man, let me tell you, it was gorgeous here in Illinois! Sunny days, blue skies, and temps in the 50's and 60's...pure heaven, seriously! Me and the kidlets went to … [Read more...]
Random Things…
I just felt like posting some random things that I have been lovin' lately...don't know why, just cause I love them I guess. We were finally able to get Noah to stop wearing his Fireman Monkey shirt and Blue Striped pants (remember this post?) that was his uniform for over a good straight month in December and January, how you ask? We had to make a run to Target and … [Read more...]
And Poof…a Belly!
Finally! It's here!!! My belly has finally popped out to the world. I have been waiting it seems like forever for this to happen and now that it has I am thinking, 'what was I thinking?!?' Because with a belly comes: not being able to bend over, much less attention spent to the hair on my legs, uncomfortable sleeping positions, trouble getting in and out of cars, … [Read more...]
Two Things…
So two things real quick I just wanted to share... First, today we had a fun little visit from the UPS man! My momma sent a box full of treats and other goodies to us...yay! I love getting packages in the mail!! I love my momma :) She always sends us goods in the mail just because...so sweet! This one was filled with all things Valentine's. Yes, a little late but … [Read more...]
*POP*POP*POP*
This week I am 16 weeks along in my pregnancy, I can't even believe it...that's 4 months of baby baking already...so insane that I'm almost half-way through! Four days ago I started feeling the baby kick which is such a happy milestone in pregnancy for me :) At first I wasn't totally sure that's what I was feeling, it feels like bubbles popping in your stomach at this … [Read more...]
Homemade Fingerprint Cards
Here is a fun project to do with your littles that grandparents and relatives will LOVE! Get some washable ink pads, plain cardstock and a nice supply of baby wipes and you have the makings for some easy, fun and very "Awwww" inducing cards. I always love to make cards using the kidlet's thumbprints which we turn into some sort of design. It not only let's you capture … [Read more...]
Things to Get You Laughing Today
Here are some funny pictures and a video of my kidlets that have made me laugh a lot lately. I hope they give you a smile too, kids are the best for turning a Monday into a Friday!!! Noah. He has worn this outfit, above, every single day for over 1 month now. Fireman monkey shirt and blue striped pants (that he has obviously outgrown)...can we say "high waters"! … [Read more...]
Happy Tears, Oh Happy Tears!
Today, my husband and I and these two little rugrats: Picture from this past Christmas, aren't their matching jammies cute? went to my 12-week midwife appointment early this morning to hear Bean III's heartbeat for the first time. Ooh, let me tell you, tears, always the tears show up at these appointments. The greatest, most happiest tears of Joy! It is always so … [Read more...]
The Jig is Up
That's right, I'm spilling the beans. I just couldn't keep it in any longer. I'm not good with secrets, can you tell? So, how many of you figured it out from the picture? If you look closely at Penelope's shirt you'll see that it says "BIG Sister" not "LITTLE sister". Yup, that's right....I'm Pregnant! That is why I have been so very bad at posting lately...I … [Read more...]
Traditions!…Traditions!…Traditions!
Traditions, some people hate 'em but I love 'em! I think there is just something so nice about doing the same thing every year or every time a special occasion/day comes up on the calendar or in your family's life. I thought I would share a few of ours that we do around Christmas time every year, maybe to inspire you if your family doesn't quite do them or just so you … [Read more...]
Wintery Fun
With all the snow we have had here in Illinois recently we've had to get outside and have some fun. So crafting has been on hold to play outside! Hope you all don't mind, I have a super yummy recipe for some easy peasy Christmas cookies I am going to be posting next...promise! Instead of sitting inside by my lonesome at my sewing machine, we have embraced the chilly air … [Read more...]
My Day…How Was Yours?
Humm...so what have I been up to today... Well, I'll spare you the drama (well, most of it anyways) and give you the abridged version...my day went a little something like this: 1. Early morning playdate with friends...always crazy with the kidlets but always lots of fun! 2. Spent the rest of the morning and afternoon with a very cranky 15-month old whom I finally … [Read more...]
Three Years Big!
Yup, that's right, my little baby boy Noah is 3 years old today...well, technically at 11:59 pm tonight but who wants to wait until then to celebrate and for only 1 minute! He seemed to have a blast today as at this age he very well knows it's his birthday. For the past few weeks he has been singing the Happy Birthday song on repeat and every night he has been wanting to … [Read more...]
Sibling Love
I was going through some of the pictures we have taken over the last month and came across these: Aren't they just so sweet, they melt your heart? Sibling Love, that's what it's all about. It seems my little ones have shrunken that huge gap of tiny little baby and big, big brother to two little playmates who can't be without each other...they run and chase each … [Read more...]
Date and Date
I'm always so sad to see the weekend go, especially this one since we had a babysitter for two whole days! Heaven. Yup, that about describes it. My mother-in-law came up to give the hubs and I a little break and it was so well needed. Not only did I get some time to do some errands without the littles (see this post) but my honey and I were able to go on a date on … [Read more...]
The Proof is in the Pudding
Oooh, here is proof that Penny really is taking after her Momma! Shoes...lovely, beautiful, pretty shoes...she just can't seem to get enough of them, kinda like me! Hooray! Now we can shop 'til we drop when she is older, ok...maybe when she turns 3...I just can't wait that much longer to have a shopping buddy!!! This little obsession started when she was just itty … [Read more...]
I &hearts Rice
So, the hubs and I switched cell phone carriers a little while back and ended up getting the iphone. Do you have one of these? This thing has been the best invention in technology to date...I think. I absolutely love it! Aside from cringing at paying waaaay too much for a cell phone, it has been lots of fun to have around. Not only can I check my email and facebook … [Read more...]
CANDY CANDY CANDY!!!
Halloween...need I say more!?! Yup, so if you didn't know...Halloween was last night...SURPRISE...hope I didn't let you know a day too late! By the picture above, you can see that Noah was MORE than into it this year. In his mind, Halloween = CANDY! At least he remembered to say the 3 phrases we taught him before we left the house: 'Trick or Treat', 'Thank you' and … [Read more...]
The Annual Halloween Bash
Yesterday was our Annual Halloween Bash and what a sugary fun time we had! We had lots of Noah and Penny's little friends there, lots of good food and lots of very cute costumes! I love hosting parties and the Halloween one we do every year is a clear favorite...I just love to see all the little ones dressed up and each year they wear their costumes for longer periods of … [Read more...]
Why?
Why?...Why?...Why?....this is a word that we have been hearing a lot of lately in our house. Noah seems to be at the stage where that inevitable 'Why?' is being asked after everything we say. He wants, or should I say NEEDS, to know WHY, WHY, WHY?!?!?!? Get your shoes on...Why? Brush your teeth...Why? Don't hit your sister...Why? Put your toys away...Why? Stop … [Read more...]
Leaf, Leafs…No? Ah yes…Leaves!
Hooray! Our neighbors will be so excited...me and my babes went out this afternoon to attempt to bag some of the massive amounts of leaves that have so sweetly decided to fall all over our yard. Un-hooray, since we ended up not bagging a single little one of those crunchy little suckers...Hooray! again, because we had a crazy good time raking massive piles of leaves and … [Read more...]
The Aftermath
What is that saying, a picture is worth a thousand words...well, here is the aftermath from yesterday's rice krispie fiasco: All I can say are two words...SHOP VAC! My hubby bought one to clean up after all his projects around the house earlier this year and boy, I am soooo glad he did. But in all honestly, the littles had a blast playing with the rice krispies, … [Read more...]
I’ve Never Thought Cookie Monster Was So Cute
...until I saw him on little boys' underwear. Well, maybe it's just the little boys' underwear that is just so darn cute! We started potty training Noah a couple of days ago...we are starting Day 3 today, actually! And, I still can't get over how cute all his little underwear is...these teeny, tiny, little tighty whities with all these little cartoon characters dancing … [Read more...]
All is Quiet on the Homefront
This is what I wish I was doing right now... Isn't he the most sweetest thing ever! ...but for now I'll take having both of my littles napping at the same time instead! I haven't dared to open Penny's door to snap a picture of her yet...maybe one day I'll summon up the courage to do it, just not today! I love the fact that they both take afternoon naps at the same … [Read more...]
If Popcorn Ruled the World…
Last night my husband and I were lucky enough to be able to go have a date night, WooHoo!! On a Monday night, I know but hey, I'll take it! I put Penelope down for bed and then my hubby's wonderful sister whom Noah calls "Aunt Gigi" babysat Noah and even put him to bed for us while we were able to go and see a movie and then do some littles-free shopping. It's so nice … [Read more...]
Summer = Swings and Sandboxes
Our summer has been so fun! It's sad to think that summer is coming to a close. Here are some pictures of my littles on one of our recent trips to a neighborhood park. We actually were able to entice Noah into swinging in the baby swings with how much fun Penny was having since he usually forgoes them for the "big kid swings". They both were having such a good time and … [Read more...]
Messy Mornings
I thought I would post some pictures of what our mornings have been looking like lately...well, Penelope's mornings to be exact! She absolutely loves her blueberries and I just had to snap some pictures of how blue this kid really gets. It's a good time, especially the clean up part. Man, I just love the sprayer hose on our kitchen faucet...whoever invented that thing is … [Read more...]
Birthday Bash!
OK, I'm baaaccck! The party is over, the guests are all gone, my family has left for home (sniffle!) and the decorations are all taken down and put away...well, sort of! And now, I am finally getting to posting some pictures of that big bash we had for little Miss P. It was such a good time. We had lots of our friends, and some family too, come to help us celebrate … [Read more...]
One Year Ago Today…
...at exactly 4:02 pm our little Miss Penelope Joyce was welcomed into this world! Can you believe it's been a whole year? I can't, I know everyone says this but it's just so true...time flies! She has been out of my belly for 365 crazy days...it's just amazing. Penny started walking 2 months ago so technically she has been a toddling little super kid since then but … [Read more...]
Beach Bums
It's official...we are beach bums! I have to say, one of the greatest thing about summer is the nice weather and the opportunities to get to the beach and enjoy the sand and the water! Yesterday, we were able to head to the beach and meet some friends for a picnic and playdate. It was so much fun! Let me just say that again....it was so much fun! I will have to admit, … [Read more...]
Swim Lessons
The boys practicing some swim moves At the end of class they turn on the water fountains Who needs a life preserver? All smiles before class starts Enjoying the swim lesson with Daddy My littles have swimming lessons on Fridays this summer. Noah has gone through two summers of swim lessons and is now enrolled in the class where we, his parents, are supposed to transition … [Read more...]
"Baby Up!"
This is... how she... does it! My two naughty monkeysToday, as I was cleaning up yet another hurricane that somehow landed in my living room, Noah came running to me yelling, "Momma, Baby up!! Baby up!" I thought he was talking about the fact that lately Penny has been getting up into his little flintstone foot pedaling firetruck and dismissed it with an, "I know Noah, … [Read more...]
Big Brothers and Little Sisters
Breakfast, the most important meal of the day! It is so neat to be able to watch Noah and Penny's sibling relationship grow from the day she came home from the hospital. I have a big brother so I am a little sister, but I have no idea how our relationship grew to be. From the very beginning, Noah couldn't wait to shower Penny with hugs and kisses. He would jump up on our … [Read more...]
Psssssss…..
Daredevil Penelope Hmm...I wonder where she learned it from? Penny helping Daddy fix the tireI started today on a roll. Somehow everything fell into place, the kids both got up at a decent hour, were fed and dressed and amazingly I had everyone out the door and in their carseats without so much as a peep. I had lots of errands to run this morning and a few hours to get … [Read more...]
What Time Is It?…It’s Choo Choo Time!
Choo choos for me! Penelope coming to destroy! Mom, there's way more room on the floor!The big train table is up and running. We finally got enough energy and time and finished putting it together last night. It wasn't so hard but if you wanted to have the tracks look like the picture on the box (like we did) you had to match up the right pieces which can take some time. … [Read more...]
The Naked Files
Noah carbo-loading before he plays in the pool Hey, who's swim trunks and swim diaper are those? Penny lookin' cute Noah chillin' in the pool...where's my juice box? Sooo BIG!Today it is supposed to be pushing 100 degrees. And, this is not that dry heat you hear about that makes it so nice to be outside baking in the sun. This is heat with humidity...ah, yes the good ol' … [Read more...]
Climbing Mt Everest
Summitting the Staircase Penelope on the MountainAs I sit here today, my little 10 month old baby is on her 4th attempt of the morning to climb the staircase. It's amazing how quickly she can do it and how nimble she truly is especially since she is such a little chunk!Yesterday, while both my husband and I were home together with the kids, Penelope (my 10 month old) … [Read more...]
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