TINY DANCER
Our little ballerina had her first dance recital tonight. (As did her cousin Maddie) It was precious. She was really unsure of her costume at first but ended up LOVING it once it was on. She LOVED getting to put Mommy's make-up on and she LOVED the fact that everyone came to watch her tonight at The Woodlands pavilion. I must say that for being the youngest, smallest, and last to join in her class, she did awesome. She was so cute up on stage!! She made us all so proud and I know this is just the first of many dances to come.

Way to go my tiny little dancer!

Painting Fingers and Toes.....

How many Dad's would do this??

I just heart HIM!

She Found Her Toes

Hadley was in her bumbo talking... and when I looked over, she was talking to her toes. Yep, she found them this past week. She loves to play with them now that she has discovered she has them. My little cutie pattootie is getting so big!

Fish In the Water

The same girl who taught Gavin to swim last summer has been at our house a few times a week for the last two weeks...and guess what...we can now officially say our two older kids can swim. What a great feeling! I am so proud of them! Ellie learned in one lesson just like G did last year. Our swim teacher is AWESOME with the kids! She has taught Gavin freestyle and backstroke this week and he is doing GREAT. And Ellie can swim under water and float on her back. It makes me breath a little easier when we all go swimming knowing they can save themselves. So I officially have two little fish in the water. Now, just two more years and hopefully Hadley will be joining them!! :0)

The Verdict is in...

Gavin watched American Idol with me tonight and in case anyone wants to know who will win...
According to Gavin, "David Enchilada" is going to be the winner. (David Archuleta) "He beat David Cooks bum." And was the "betterer" of the two.
(Even though Mommy and Daddy are Cook fans!)

3 Months Old

Hadley Faith Morgan you need to stop getting so big on me. It kills me!! I can't believe my baby is already three months old. She is just the sweetest little thing and we are so in love with her. It is hard to remember what life was like without her as part of our family. She is such an easy, laid back little girl who only cries when she is hungry or tired. She still has yet to sleep in her own bed and loves to snuggle Mommy every night. She puts one arm and one leg over me, it is just precious. I think it would be hard for me to sleep without her just as much as it's hard for her to sleep without me. She is so alert now and so smiley. She loves it when we talk to her and she loves to talk back with lots of coos. She loves to look at herself in the mirror. When I am getting ready in the mornings I put her bumbo in front of the bathroom mirror and she just smiles and talks to herself. I can't help but sing to her, "You're so vain...you probably think this song is about you..." She loves Gavin and Ellie and will usually stop crying as soon as she hears their voice. She follows things with her eyes and is starting to grab at things. She loves her play mat in short spurts and still loves to sleep in her swing and car seat when not in our arms. She is just a joy and such a blessing. Frank and I couldn't be more smitten with this little bundle of love. It just kills me that it is all going by so fast. I wish I could just hit a pause button and they'd all stay little forever. I packed away all her 0-3 month clothes two days ago and I must admit I was a little teary eyed as I put away the clothes not knowing if we'd ever be dressing a baby that little again. We love you little Faithy!! Happy three months!

Watch out world- Gavin has found something he LOVES- T-BALL!! Yes, he played his first game yesterday and LOVED it!!! He talked about it all day long. He was assigned the team Florida Marlins. It was so cute to see all the kids out there. I think we have a new little baseball fan!!

A few quotes from Gavin:

"This is my favoritest sport EVER!"

"I LOVE THIS!"

"Mommy I want you to sign me up a hundred million more times for T-ball!"

"I was like the best one out there!" "T-ball is awesome!" It was so cute, he ran after EVERY ball no matter where he was on the field or what position he played. I am sure this won't be our last t-ball post.

GO SPEEDRACER GO!

We have been wanting to take the kids to a drive in theater and decided to go on Friday night. It was fun. Thanks to the Laughters and Mitchell's for inviting us. :0) The kids were sooo very excited to go. Little did we know the movie wouldn't start until after 9 so we didn't get to stay for the whole thing, but we all had fun hanging out and enjoying the experience while we were there. We saw Speedracer. I couldn't tell you what it's about since our car wouldn't pick up the radio station and I was trying to keep my 2 year old awake with cotton candy and peanuts while trying to get my baby to sleep. Hopefully we'll go back again soon and get to stay for the whole movie. Maybe when it starts getting dark earlier....

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my Mother."

-Abe Lincoln

We are so thankful God chose you both to be our Mothers.

We are so lucky! Thanks for all you do and have done

to make us who we are today.

We love you both!

FEEDING HADLEY

Yesterday Hadley was crying and Ellie said, "Daddy, Hadley is hungry...she needs to eat...put her here..." Ellie was sitting on the couch, patting her lap as she said this. Frank asked, "What is she going to eat?" And this is what we saw......

Then as I was dying laughing I said, "Where?" And she grabbed her boob......

Friends

Lexie has been Ellie's little friend since she was born. Actually maybe even before- at least in my mind. My good friend Stacy and I found out we were pregnant with the girls around the same time and they were due two weeks apart. While pregnant we frequently would talk about how they would grow up to be best friends and it is fun to see that become a reality. Ellie came late and Lexie came early and they are actually only 4 days apart. We have pictures of them in our bellies, in the hospital after being born, and throughout the last two and a half years. They are in the same preschool class and she is really the only friend Ellie has had consistent play dates with. She loves "Lexie Grace." And she loves that Lexie called her the other week and said, "Love you" on the phone. (I hear all the time how Lexie told her that.) Anyway, we got together with them for a beautiful day at Market Street yesterday (the last picture) and the girls had fun playing in the fountains and riding their bikes. Here are a few pictures of the girls and their sweet friendship that started out before they were even born. We love you Lexie Lou...

HEARTPRINTS PROGRAM
Every year I look forward to the SonKids Preschool Program. It is so cute to see your kids on stage singing songs they have been practicing all year long. This year Gavin's class changed their song the day of the program because their track wouldn't play on the CD but they still did great. Gavin was a little ham on stage and REALLY got into it. He loves to perform! Ellie was a little unsure, but once she saw me and blurted out my name she was fine and started singing her little heart out. Before spotting me she looked at the audience like a deer in headlights and slowly her fingers crept to her nose...we were dying laughing. Yes, I had the nose picker of the night. Looking at the pictures and video it definitely shows how little Ellie actually is for her age. It was such a fun night and so cute to see our little one's on stage performing for us!

10 Weeks Old

Barry B. Benson

So how many kids go to get their haircut and ask the hair stylist to cut their hair like a movie character?? I am sure not many. But I am sure it won't surprise you that our son did just that. He asked the lady to cut his hair like Barry B. Benson from the Bee movie. So she did just that...see the resemblance??

i…
i am: thirty years old
i think: about the future
i know: I am lucky to have the life I have
i want: my kids to have a fulfilling life
i have: everything I need
i wish: the world were a safer place
i hate: watching the news because of all the murders, rapes, and kidnappings reported
i miss: having time for myself like I used to
i fear: dying and not seeing my kids grow up
i feel: thankful
i hear: my kids talking to each other in the playroom
i smell: Starbucks coffee (nonfat mocha)
i crave: something sweet after dinner every night
i search: the internet daily for something (usually health related stuff..what to eat..etc.)
i wonder: what my kids will be like when they grow up
i regret: nothing...I am a firm believer you that you learn from your mistakes and they happen for a reason
i love: pregnancy...being pregnant and being involved in others pregnancies
i ache: for those who loose loved ones
i care: about making my kids feel loved, secure, and safe
i always: am obsessed with my weight
i am not: perfect
i believe: in God
i dance: with my kids- it makes them laugh
i sing: to my kids ALL THE TIME
i cry: when I hear a sad story and when my husband writes me love letters
i don’t always: react the way I should to things
i fight: for what I believe in
i write: in a journal to my kids about how much I love them and stories about them
i lose: sleep after having a baby, but love those nighttime hours with them (I know I'm weird)
i never: should say never
i confuse: everything these days...Hadley took part of my brain while I was pregnant
i listen: to all types of music- I just love music....it makes me feel good
i can usually be found: At home, in the burban running errands, or at the YMCA
i am scared: of loosing a loved one
i need: affection
i am happy about: the life I have

LEARNING TO READ I can't believe that my little man is reading. Yes, I said R-E-A-D-I-N-G! He asked me a few weeks ago if I would teach him so I went to the attic and got out all my old teaching materials and finally put them to good use. (Frank has been begging me to get rid of all that stuff that I still have been hanging onto...and this is why I have been hanging on to it all!) I had no idea it would be so easy. After one lesson he was sounding out words and one more lesson and he read his first book. Today he read a second book. Both books he got little to no coaching from me....just sounding out the words phonetically. Don't get me wrong....they are simple words....but he still read them. I am so proud of my little man. I videoed him reading but couldn't figure out how to post the video...so a picture will have to do. We are so proud of you Gavin!!

2 MONTHS OLD

Our sweet baby girl is two months old today. She is getting so big too fast. At the doctor yesterday she weighed 11 lbs. 11 oz. and was 23 inches long. She's gained almost four pounds in the last two months and has grown three inches.
She is definitely a Mommas girl and I LOVE it! I guess all kids who breastfeed are though, right? She is still sleeping in OUR bed at night and has yet to take a good nap in her crib. She will only sleep in our arms or the car seat. She actually loves her car seat. But most of the time she'd prefer to lay in our arms. She is starting to coo a lot and we love her sweet sounds. She also seems to be the master at blowing spit bubbles. She still likes her swing and her bouncy chair in short spurts....but like i said earlier- she prefers our arms. She loves to be talked too and that is how we get our BIG smiles. Another big milestone for Haddie is she follows us with her eyes as we walk around her. Hadley is such a cuddle bug and we can't imagine our lives without her. We are so blessed!! Happy 2 months Hadley Faith!

A friend of mine gave me a gift for Hadley last week and I am IN LOVE with it. So in love with this fabulous invention that I had to share them with all of you!! BABY LEGS!! (They are baby leg warmers) Now, maybe you all already have them, but if your like me you've seen them and haven't used them- go buy a pair! Hadley wore them this weekend and I can see how she'll be wearing them a lot this next year. This past weekend it was cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon. Had's was in a onsie and I put the baby legs on her to keep her warm. At night I took them off. Then last night it was cold so I put them back on. They also are supposed to be great for when your baby starts crawling- no more callused knees! Anyway, not only are they cute- but very functional. I'm not sure I will be wearing any of those nighties that snap all the way down anymore when I can put her in a onsie that has three snaps for an easy diaper change!! I Love, Love, Love these things!!!

A Day At the Park

So we went out today on a hunt for bluebonnets. If you live in Texas, it is something every family usually does- pictures in the bluebonnets. We were a little late this year and drove around forever trying to hunt some down as we are at the end of the season. A neighbor and friend told me about some at a local park so we headed over there.(Thanks Brittany) Not only did we get some pictures in the flowers, the kids had fun playing at the park. Hadley wasn't a big fan of the flowers and preferred a nap in her stroller. Gavin and Ellie preferred playing over the flowers...I've realized it is VERY hard to get a picture of all three kids. As much as I want one where they are all looking and smiling...I've realized it's nearly impossible. Anyway, there are too many pictures to post so I made yet another slide show. Hope your not getting sick of them.

STRAWBERRY PIE

A friend of mine shared this recipe with me and we made it today. It is TO DIE FOR and VERY easy to make. As many of you know I am trying to watch what I eat and this is not on the health menu. It is definitely a "cheat day" dessert but oh so yummy!

4 cups strawberries (quartered)
1 cup sugar
3T cornstarch
3T strawberry jello
1 cup of water
1 baked pie shell.
whipping cream

Directions:
1. Bake and cool pie shell as directed
2. Mix sugar and cornstarch together.....add water
3. Stir on stove until bubbly
4. Remove from heat and add strawberry jello and quartered strawberries.
5. Refrigerate pie
6. Whip whipping cream in mixer and add sugar to taste. Top pie with whipping cream before serving.

YUM!

It's That Time of Year Again in Texas

It's official...pool season has begun. We cheated and heated the pool a little...but it was still the kick-off to the next few months of fun and sun!! Ellie jumped in the water and swam across the pool after watching her brother. And here we thought we needed to give her lessons. I've learned with the second child they just copy everything the first child does. Don't worry..she's still going to do lessons....but she definitely won't need many.

7 WEEKS

I've learned that if you force a paci in a baby's mouth multiple times a day, they will eventually give in and take it-YEAH!!! I officially have my first PACI baby.

BIKRAM YOGA

So for months now I have been wanting to try Bikram yoga. A new studio just opened up in the Woodlands a little over a year ago. Being pregnant I was scared to go, but now that Hadley is here I finally gave it a go. This morning was ROUGH. It was harder than any running I have ever done. (Yes, even the 10 miler!) The room is HOT! They heat the room and you do 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises in 90 minutes. Your body drips sweat and at one point I was thinking how nice it would be to strip down into my panties and sports bra. You get to a point to where you don't care what fat is hanging out, you just want to cool off. I got busted looking at the clock forty-five minutes into the class and the instructor told me to stop looking at the clock. About an hour and fifteen minutes into it, my head was pounding, purple, and dizzy. I didn't do the last two poses, just laid on the mat and breathed. Bikram yoga is supposed to stimulate the organs, glands, and nerves, moving fresh oxygenated blood to the entire body. And the heated room assists in detoxifying the entire body. I am still recovering and it's been two hours!! I really want to go again if I can find a sitter for Hads. (She has to be 6 months to get into their childcare). If you want to be adventurous- I suggest giving it a try.

Bikram Yoga:
Increases Energy - Vitality - Strength - Flexibility - Endurance - Blood Circulation - Lubrication of Joints - Weight Loss or Weight Gain – as it balances the bodies ideal weight

Improves Posture - Balance - Relaxation - Muscle Tone - Concentration - Immune System - Breathing and Lung Capacity

Assists Detoxification - Injury Recovery - Reduction of Stress - Reduces Symptoms of many Chronic Diseases - Integrates both Hemispheres of the Brain – which improves Memory and Learning

Thanks Kelley and Tiff for a memorable morning!!

BOBBY PIN CROSS

There is something so sweet in listening to your kids talk about Jesus. Gavin today was in my bathroom playing with things on the counter when he picked up two bobby pins. He moved them to make a cross and then held it up and said, "Look, a cross. Jesus died on the cross. He died for you and me so we can go to heaven." It was so cute and sweet that of course I grabbed my camera to capture the moment to share with you guys.

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS

So you know you are a Mom when you spend your 30th birthday taking your kids to a Dinosaur show. Well, that is exactly what we did tonight. Gavin has been eyeing Walking with Dinosaurs and really wanted to go. Luckily for him Daddy managed to get us tickets! We had two extra tickets and since my Dad is also in love with dinosaurs we asked my parents to join us. It was amazing to see these creatures that they created to look so real. These creatures walked and moved around the Toyota Center like they had come back from a million years ago. Ellie didn't miss a beat and wasn't scared at all. Although she did ask me a few times before the show started, "dinosaurs can't scratch my neck, right?" She sat on Pepa's lap almost the entire show with her big eyes gazing at these life-like, life-size creatures. Gavin was enamored as well with each dinosaur that entered the arena. He wanted to know what each of their names were and wanted to make sure I got pictures of each and every dinosaur as he wants to show his class pictures. Overall it was a great show and I think the kids will remember walking with the dinosaurs forever!

THE BIG 3-0

Well, as many of you know I am no longer a twenty-something. I entered my thirties this morning at 2:47 am. Hard to believe that when I was a little girl I thought people in their thirties were OLD. And now here I am and I still feel very young- definitely not old. I definitely don't feel like I thought I would feel when I turned thirty. I used to think when I turned thirty I would be sad, but I am not sad to be 30. I actually feel very blessed to have the life I do and to have accomplished so many things in the last thirty years. My sister, Kelly, sent me a really sweet cookie bouquet today and on each cookie it said something different (Mom, Sister, Daughter, Granddaughter, Friend, and Happy 3-0 Lacey Girl). Getting the cookies reminded me that I have a lot to be thankful for. I am a Mom to three wonderful kids, a wife to an incredible husband, a sister to three great siblings, a daughter to awesome parents, a granddaughter to an amazing Grandma, and I have been blessed with a circle of fabulous friends!! I am so lucky and blessed...my first thirty years have been awesome and from what I hear I have a lot to look forward to. My Dad told me awhile back that his thirties were his best years. I can't imagine the next ten years being any better than what I have already experienced- but I'll take them!

SIX WEEKS AND THAT SILLY HAT

Little Hadley is six weeks old. She is just getting over her first illness. (thank goodness!) With me staying in and keeping her away from all the germs she still managed to get a cold and cough that lasted over a week. Poor girl.
I found this hat the other day and it made me laugh. I put it on her for some pictures...apparently she realized how ridiculous it looked also and was first pouting and then gave us some big smiles. These are my two favorites of the MANY I took. I love her pouty lips and her big smile. She is starting to smile all the time now. We just love her!