Really, where does time go? We celebrated Tucker's 6-Month Birthday today. It seems like only yesterday that we were introducing him to Caroline. He is a gem of a child.
The six things we love about Tucker: 1) His sweet giggles that make anyone smile; 2) how much he adores his big sister and watches and smiles at her with amazement; 3) that he started sleeping through the night at 8 weeks and is such a wonderful sleeper {even when two new teeth popped in over the weekend – who knew}; 4) how he conveniently spits up on my "dry clean only" attire just as I'm about to walk out the door {I'm beyond counting on two hands the number of times this has happened – and you wonder why I'm always running 10 minutes late}; 5) he is the definition of a good baby; 6) he's the best little snuggler.
Ruff, ruff. We got a little creative and deviated from our Halloween costume to have a special costume for the Halloween Celebration at Music Class. Tucker was the cutest little dog I've ever seen. By all his giggles, I think he thought so too {or maybe he was wondering what in the world I was doing going "ruff, ruff"}. Stay Tuned for the real Couch Halloween Costumes of 2010!
Forgive the image quality on this pic :)
Closets. Ever since I've been a little kid, I loved playing in my parent's closet – trying on all her shoes, the fabulous clothes, jewelry, my dad's belts, you name it. Its de ju vu when I watch Caroline doing the exact same thing that I have so many fond memories from the by gone days. This evening was especially entertaining as she paraded in-and-out of our closet wearing a variety of shoes – from the mile-high stilettos to my laid-back Bernandos. I wonder if years from now she will have the same fond memories of "playing in the closet" and if she'll come home from school one day and think – that closet wasn't really as big as I remember? By the way she already puts back all the shoes in their exact places and even lines them up in perfect straight lines, there is no doubt in my mind, her closet will be more organized than ours.
Today, while at a meeting, a lady stopped by with her fresh out-of-the garden tomatoes and I just had to buy some. All I need to hear is fresh from the garden and I'm on it faster than flies on honey. That evening we toasted some white bread {yes, the non-healthy kind – thank you Amanda for giving me a taste of that the other day and now my whole grain just doesn't taste the same}. Anyway, we toasted some white bread, added a little dill-flavored mayo, fresh cooked bacon, sautéed arugula from our garden, and topped it with the delicious tomato with salt and pepper – it was a taste of summer. Fresh and refreshing like a pillow that dried in the sun after a good washing. Let me tell you I don't even like plain tomatoes, but I've been converted with this sandwich. Yum. More tomato sandwiches coming up in our near future.
Maybe it's from my {brief} cheerleader days, but I just love a good pom-pom, especially the paper ones for a cost-effective decoration. Today, we went a little pom-pom crazy as we are gearing up for 4th of July. Don't ask – we had pink tissue paper so we decided to make a few for a little Saturday party as well. Pom Poms everywhere in the house. Caroline was in H-E-A-V-E-N.
Today was one of those day's where you are reminded that this is what life is all about. We have two beautiful (I think they are) children that were absolutely perfect today. It was also Cory's birthday. We woke up early and got to visit with him before he headed to work, then set out to the farm at Sunray Road to run around for a little bit in the field so Caroline could "get her wiggles out." She made me laugh when we got back in the car, and as her hair is matted to her head with sweat, she said "I ot my iggles out!"
I always love the drive down Highway 90, or in the City known as Mahan Road, out there this time of year with the Crèpe Myrtles in bloom, which Mr. Mahan planted years ago to beautify "Mahan Road." On our way back we stopped to get a fresh hand-spun milkshake from the corner store and then headed home to meet a sitter so mama could have a few hours of "work time" and get ready for daddy's birthday dinner. And, Caroline and I went swimming at our little mommy and me swim lessons. Cory's Birthday Dinner was absolutely delightful with lots of laughter and good friends, and on our way home I commented to Cory – this is a day to remember – relaxing and really noting major happened, but 100% what life is all about: family, friends, laughter, outdoors and togetherness.
And, bye, bye Beemer --- type to trade it in for a more realistic "family vehicle." Sadness...
He has arrived! William Shattuck Couch graced us with his presence on Monday, April 26 at 2:36 p.m. It was an easy, breezy labor {much better than the three hours of pushing with Caroline} and we are beyond delighted. Words cant express the happiness we are feeling right now!
We've been blessed to have Caroline be the perfect little sleeper. We usually put her in her bed and off we go on our merry way and she falls asleep with peaceful dreams. Well not last night, last night she didn't want to go to bed and finally subdued to get in there. After about 5 minutes we checked the video monitor, but couldn't see her (maybe she is in the far corner). That's what we thought until Cory said "wait a minute, did you see those books flying into the crib (from out of the crib)?" Not seconds later, guess who rounds the hallway into our room with a big smile and "hey." None other than Caroline. Our little climber, finally climbed out of the bed. I was talking on the phone and quickly hung up before Gretchen laughed "You life is over as you know it." Fortunately, it look only a little while of coaxing to convince Caroline to go back to bed and explain how she cant get out of the crib until we come get her. We will see how tonight goes. Wish us luck!
How to dye an Eater Egg {According to Caroline and Quinn}
Step 1: Eat a dye tablet
Step 2: Throw the egg in the colored water, which results in a cracked shell.
Step 3: Learn how to use the word gentle and watch and learn as you see blue water droplets mix with yellow water and see how that creates green.
Step 4: Have some fantastic laughs.
This pretty much sums up our Easter Egg dying extravaganza with the Braccis. Quinn and Caroline had a blast and we did too.
There is no denying the baby bump, more like a big balloon under my shirt. Today, we had a visit with Dr. Hume and as Caroline pointed out got to see "baby brother smiling." There is something about the 4-d ultrasounds and a good ol' fashioned ultra sounds to get you really pumped up – and it always helps to have good news from the doc. Maybe it was that his nose looks as cute as a button and his lips and eyes remind me exactly of Caroline's, but we left really excited and ready for "baby brother" to arrive. He is still Baby Brother -- still no official name yet.
Our sweet little girl is growing up and we celebrated her 2nd birthday with an intimate party of just family. I didn't have it in me to plan a big blast like last year and honestly, this year's birthday was better in many ways. We did all Caroline's favorite things: Read Books, Dance while Cory plays guitar, Sing Happy Birthday {over and over}, Played at Zoinks, ate lunch at Red Elephant, and then celebrated with a Curious George-themed birthday dinner with family {and a few close friends}. Absolutely divine! Happy Birthday Sweet Caroline.
A New Year, New Era.
As much as I love, love, love the holidays its always refreshing to get away for our annual New Year's trip with the Tatros. The Grand Caymans were just the right place to visit at the right time. Nothing like a new country, new adventures and a new year to get your head cleared, relax and have a unbelievable time.
