Happy 3rd Birthday to our Bri'elle

Our lil big girl turned 3 on 12/10. Time really goes by fast. I think this is a repeated saying by those who watch their kids or other kids grow up.

This past year Bri'elle you have grown up so much. You have learned so many different things. Most importantly you learned how to give love to someone you didn't know and you really didn't have time to get to know. Sisterly bond is one that I cannot describe but watching the way you treat your little sister and how protective you can be over her makes me so proud of you. You seem to amaze us every day. May God continue to guide you and bless you.

We love you - mom & dad

I will post a separate post about her Peter Pan Party off to Never Never Land

Is it Working?

So I have been a little M.I.A on here and I'll tell ya why....

I used up all the storage for pictures. I should have just continued to blog so at least I would have everything and then just go back and add the pictures when I bought more storage but no, I decided that was my excuse for not coming on here and ultimately being lazy. Grr!

When I went to buy more storage I'm not sure if I previously bought more space and forgot or if there is a glitch but it says I've only used up 1GB of storage and still have some remaining. So this is more like a test to see if its working...

One of my fav pics of my crazy girls. This was after Bri'elles 3rd birthday party, right before going and seeing Santa. They both were so wore out. I love these two girls!

I have a LOT to catch up on!!!!!!

Life with Two Princesses

Life with my little girls has been absolutely fabulous. Even better than what I expected it to.

Before Jalilah was born I thought, how will I be able to take care of two kids. Will I do okay? Etc etc. I'm not sure if everyone thinks this but I did. You see people do it all the time but you have no idea what it's like.

And then Jalilah came and it blew me away how quickly you just transition into caring for both kids and still manage to do everything else. Juggling different things here and there, it call came natural.. Being a mom is awesome!!!!

In our house we have more love, more joy, more laughter, and more fun. It's crazy to imagine how much more we have and it grows everyday. My girls are my world and its crazy how you automatically adapt to give, nourish, and cherish another being.

Now around the house we have our ups and downs. What house doesn't? Especially when you and everyone else in the household are still adapting to the new ways and walks of life with a brand new baby. But I will have to say, you learn to do things you never knew you could do. One example, take a shower with a 2 year old and a baby. Yes, ladies and gentlemen I successfully did this when I needed to. Mind you both girls were in the bathroom with me but I was at least able to shower. Or how about talk on the phone, make Bri'elles lunch all the while feeding Jalilah. Things can be done.

Big Sister in Training: The new baby

It was love at first sight when Bri'elle got to meet her baby sister.

I have never seen anyones eyes light up the way Bri'elles did when she saw her. 

She totally understood...Mommy has no belly...sister is here!

Bri'elle was so excited to hold her. She just stared at her with awe and amazement. 

Bri'elle came to visit us at the hospital about 8 hours after I delivered which was the early afternoon. I was missing her so much and wanted our family to be together. It was so much fun to spend time with her. My mom left to grab something to eat with my sister so we can have some family time with her. Jay put on a movie on his laptop and we all sat in the bed and watched the movie together, as a family of 4. We wouldn't get to all be together until the next day when we were to go home. Until then my sweet little Bri'elle. It was so hard to let her go home but I knew the day and night would quickly go by, and that it did. 

My mom took Bri'elle home to wait for us about an hour before we arrived. She cleaned the house and kept Bri'elle occupied. When we walked through the door the first thing Bri'elle asked for was her sissy. It was so cute. I wondered if she would soon realize sissy is here to stay. She was so excited as soon as we set the carseat down she began to "share" with her by placing her toys on Jalilah's lap. It was super cute. I couldn't get a decent picture because Bri'elle was too excited to sit still. 

Sine then these two have been inseparable. Bri'elle always wants to help feed her or hold her. We gave Bri'elle the job to throw the diapers away. Also she helps us bath her by washing her arms, legs, and belly. It's actually nice to have her help with different things. It always makes me smile. Now on another note, we didn't have too much trouble with Bri'elle. She did have a hard time listening for the first couple weeks. She knew I was preoccupied and I would have to tell her to do something twice sometimes even three times. She has gotten a little better and I have realized its normal for a kid her age. They are discovering so much at this age and beginning to talk and make sense. I have learned to take a deep breath, release, and start over. Being 2 months into having a little sister she is much much better. We don't really have any issues. She does have her days but there the usual up and down days, who doesn't have those? 

I couldn't be any happier at the moment.

To my sweet Bri'elle: You are growing up so fast. I'm having to treasure each moment more and more. You are a great big sister and can only pray you will continue to be one. Remember, your little sister is littler than you so you always have to look out for her and protect her. Your job from now on is to teach her things that you know. She will learn so much from you. She already looks up to you. I will let you know now, she will get on your nerves and at times you might not want to play with her but always love her and know she does it because she loves you. God has blessed our family so much and we need to always be thankful for what we have. You will be a good teacher and leader of the Lord. Mommy and daddy love you so much our sweet Bri'elle.

Big Sister in Training: First Day of Preschool

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of Bri'elles first day at preschool because daddy was in charge of it and hasn't sent them to me yet. Grrr! lol. 


Bri'elle has been in Preschool since early January. She has been doing extremely well. At first she would get a little upset but then when we would go to pick her up she would cry. Jay's sister Shelly would take her and pick her up since I wasn't able to drive. In February Bri'elle started to play sick or deathly scream when Shelly would show up to take her. We were starting to worry why she would do this. She would tell us she didn't want to go to school. It boggled us especially since she was only going one day a week. Come on Bri'elle it's only one day. 


We decided to put her in preschool to get her more socially active with other kids. She is a social butterfly and we wanted to help her learn by putting her in a preschool setting. Plus, our preschool prepares them for Kindergarten at the age of 2! She is learning how to spell her name and all kinds of other things. The preschool is also Christian based so she does teach the kids at the different holidays about Jesus which is nice since none of that is allowed in our public schools. 


Starting in March Bri'elle goes to school twice a week and my what a difference it has made. She loves going to school and has even made some friends. Now I take her to and from school. Oh boy does it take me so long to get her out of that place. She wants to show me everything or she is busy telling everyone bye for the third and fourth time. 


Bri'elle: Mommy and daddy are so proud of you. You are turning into such a big girl! You crack us up with the different sayings you have started to pick up and the question phase... What's that? What are you doing? Where are we going? What's his/her name? etc. It is so cute and I'm glad you are learning how to explore. You have been asking for Disneyland ALOT lately, okay that is an understatement. You will say it everyday. "Mommy go disneyland?" "Can we go disneyland?" "Let's go to disneyland". So we are taking you to Disneyland sometime this year. Daddy wants to go sometime during your birthday/Christmas but I think we should go sooner since you are extremely interested. Maybe Halloween. We shall see. Lately your obsession has been "lipstick" which is chapstick or little lip gloss. You will sit on the top of the toilet putting your lipstick on while I get ready. It makes me feel so good to have you there watching me get ready. You will sometimes ask for me to put some blush on your or mascara. And it amazes me that you actually know where to put the different makeup at. That's my girl! Every night for dinner you will lead the prayer. It's so cute! Sometimes you will pray over and over. "Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for food, family, friends...and whatever else you thank him for. I love you Jesus and then you yell AAAA-MEN!!!! It makes me and daddy feel so good to see that  you have picked it up to do on your own by our example when we pray for dinner. We do have the Lord to thank for that. Oh one other thing, you will point out letters everywhere we go and say ABCDEFG. You know that they are part of the alphabet and will say look ABCDEFG. It's so funny. Lately we have been trying to get you to tell us the particular letters that you are seeing so we need to work on that with you some more. You are such a smart explorer. These last few months since turning two have definitely been your learning period and you are soaking it all up. I love you my dear!!!!


I will do a BRI'ELLE post on all her likes/dislikes and more new things soon with some pictures of what she has been up to lately.

Big Sister in Training: The Great Outdoors

February posting:
 Lately I've felt bad amount doing things with Bri'elle since I haven't been able to do much the last 7 months especially during the months of Sept-Nov. At my last few appointments the doctor said that there is very little concern for my tear and diagnosis but still to be careful. I don't have to be as careful. Well, I decided I'm going to dwell in the moments I have with Bri'elle to a certain extent. 


It has been extremely nice the fast few weeks on and off. On the nice days, I've been taking her outside. We live in a condo so we don't have a front/back yard only a patio which is actually a good size. Currently Jay is working on a project so it is being occupied. But within the complex's there is a really good size grass area near the pool and clubhouse. It is only a door down from our complex. I got the blanket, some snacks, my homework, and headed out there. Bri'elle loves it especially since most days she is cooped up with me in the house doing the same thing we do everyday because I'm not able to drive or lift/carry anything at the moment. I try to change it up a bit but I'm still limited. Most of the time I think of a really good idea or project but it has to be in advance so Jay can get me the supplies if we don't have it. 


Bri'elle: You absolutely love being outside!!!! You will go and pick me flowers, find ladybugs, run up and down the little hill, collect sticks, pick at the bark on the tree, and run through the leaves if there is any. You have been very tempted by the pool and I'm glad it is gated. You ask me every time were out there to go swimming. If my keys are laying on the blanket you will grab them and try to unlock the pool door not knowing they are only for our front door. It is so cute! It will be fun to take you swimming in the summer. We are sending you to swim lessons at the college. This will be great for you. You have been interested in the water since being a baby and swimming in the pool at grammy and pappy's house. Auntie Haley teaches there so I'm crossing my fingers she will be your teacher.

This will be a fun year for you!!!!

She loves to find lady bugs

running down the hill

next favorite thing is picking flowers for momma

Moms pad outside - camera, phone, homework, and other goodies

sliding down the hill into the leaves

she now likes to collect sticks

A Day out For BOTH of my Girls

February 4th, 2012:

Mommy was feeling pretty rested up today and just in a good mood. I went with daddy and big sister to run some errands. My first store trip since being pregnant with you....BABIES R US!!!!

I was so excited to go in. And really wanted to. I haven't been able to feel that anticipation when being in a store and walking by the baby stuff so I really wanted that chance. Plus, we needed to add some things to the registry. Daddy loves picking out stuff for you girls, I think he was more excited than mommy. We went to the nurseries to check out the bedding in person we picked out for you. And we fell more in love. It goes so well with the one we picked out for Bri'elle and is just so cute. I can't wait to set it all up for you. It was a great day gearing up for you as daddy, me, and Bri'elle prepare for you more and more, today was a family outing for you. Big sister even got to pick some stuff out for you, there was a piglet doll she had to hold while we shopped bc she wanted it for you. It was so precious. We are ecstaticly waiting for your arrival that will be here before we know it. You are already so loved :) 

After our shopping date we headed over to Benihanas for dinner. This is one of our favorite places to eat and I highly recommend it. You get to sit around the grill top were the chef cooks your dinner and puts on a little show. AND they have the best fried rice, YUM! It's nice for the little ones because their menu turns into a chef's hat. Bri'elle LOVES to cook so it was perfect for her. She even pretended she was cooking us dinner along side the chef. It was so cute. We definitely have a cooker in the family. Dinner was delicious as usual. Jay and I order one of the bigger platters and share it amongst the three of us, great way to save on money. We order Bri'elle her own little drink and if one of us is craving a certain kind of drink we order one and share it (most of the time its unlimited refills) while the other one of us will order water. So that way we have pretty much everything but for a cheaper price. To top it off our dinner comes with a dessert so we share that too. Couldn't be better right?!? Oh while we were there we signed up for the special where if you go on your birthday your meal is free! Looks like we will be going back at least for ONE of our birthdays. 

Today was a good day out and even though Jalilah is still in womb it was nice to spend the day full of things for our girls.

Always my Valentine

February 14th marks a very special day for Jason and I. Not only is it thee LOVE day but it is our love day. We celebrated our 3rd Wedding Anniversary this year. 

I'm a really big planner and love to extend celebrations for longer than their usual DAY. I tend to celebrate for weeks, probably even months if time allowed, haha. So this year I did a week countdown until valentine's day. I turned it into something Bri'elle and I could do through the day and surprise daddy when he got home. Things like making him cards, to little Valentine's crafts, jello hearts, conversation cut outs, dinners, making him lunch, cleaning the house, etc..etc.. I think you get the picture. It was nice to do these things for him. He was surprised to or would say, "Whats this for?" and it was a great time with Bri'elle. Everyday, I would tell her about Valentines day. More about the meaning of love. I would show her a heart and tell her it means love. She knows where your heart it and the sound it makes, thmp, thmp, thmp. I would then ask her to tell me the things she loves. One day she started by saying mommy, daddy, and continued as she went through all her grandparents, all her aunts and uncles, her friends, and then mentioned different pets she loved. It was so cute. Another day (this was my favorite) she started by saying she loved herself. I was pleased to know she included herself. So I told her yes, it's important to love yourself because Jesus loves you and everyone loves you. Then she continued and said Jesus along with the remaining people and pets from the day before. She also added different items like her blankie, some of her favorite movies, etc. 

On Valentine's day these are the things we did:

Gave Bri'elle her Valentines - A card from mom/dad, the movie Lady and the Tramp, and heart shaped peeps

Bacon for Breakfast

Mommy got ready and Jalilah wanted to say hi to daddy, so I took a pic and sent it to him at work :)

Yum! Jay bought this for me a day before so I decided to get it out and make him a snack for when he got home

The chocolate cheddar cheese is in the middle!!!

Yes, that is In N Out

Grubbin'

This is exactly what I wanted, double cheddar cheese burger extra well done with fries a rootbeer and a choc shake

After eating in the car before heading into the movies

All these were taken on our phones, haha. I had my camera with me but it was so much easier at the time to snap a quick shot with my phone or Jay's phone. I need to get out of this habit. 

Jay worked and Bri'elle went to preschool so I got some good quality ME time until about 4:00 when Jay got home. We spent about a half hour talking and cleaning the house before we left to pick Bri'elle up from his parents. Once we picked Bri'elle up we brought her to my parents to spend the evening while Jay and I went on a date. We couldn't make up our minds where we wanted to eat so both of us said heck with it and decided on In N Out. I'm so happy we did. the food was extra good. After ordering it from the drive-thru we drove to the nearest movie theater which was only two minutes from In N Out and sat in the parking lot eating our dinner. We played R&B love songs while we ate and talked about our timeline of friendship to marriage (from highschool to now). It was so romantic!!! I loved every minute of it. I felt like just sitting in the car and making out for old time sake, haha but realized my belly would be really uncomfortable in Jay's stick shift Mustang coupe. Not fit for someone preggo for sure. Once we finished with dinner we went into the movie and watch Man on a Ledge. I highly recommend this movie! It was so good!!!! we were going to see a chick flick/romantic movie but I was in need of some action and have been watching to see the movie plus it was something we both wanted to watch. Better to please both of us :) After the movie we stopped at Mel's diner before picking up our little valentine. I ordered a hot chocolate and Jay got coffee. We sat there for a long time just gazing at each other, gushy I know! Right before we left a song came on from the jukebox and it was MY song literally. Not sure if any of you will know it, it's called Brandy by Looking Glass. It was perfect timing and couldn't have been picked on a better night. When we were leaving a group of girls between the age of 30's-40's about 3 of them. I noticed them looking at my belly then I heard one girl say awhh and when I looked at them they smiled with sincere admiration. I was completely glowing by this point. My night was definitely getting better and better. Next we headed home and picked up our little girl. 

And that was pretty much our Valentine's/Anniversary <3

 

The Girls' Room - Status Update

 The Girl's Room

 We have started to get their room together and it looks so good! I'm so happy we are able to put it together little by little before our little baby girl gets here. We really wanted to focus on Bri'elles stuff first and make sure we have everything ready for her to start sleeping in her room. 

Over the past weekend we pretty much finished her portion of the room. Her bed is put together, all her toys are put away on her new bookshelf that is going to be shared, her clothes are in her vanity dresser, and we are expecting her bedding to arrive later this week/weekend. 

Once the bedding arrives and Bri'elles portion of the room is completely all together we will then focus on all the baby stuff. The crib is already put together and her clothes are all out. The only thing really left to do is wash and put away her clothes which I want to wait until just a few weeks before she is expected, get her bedding, and any other little knick knacks for her. The bassinet has been up since Bri'elles birthday along with all the feeding supplies which will get washed while I'm in the hospital with her. I have this thing about washing stuff and letting them sit. I will end up rewashing them if I do it now. lol. 

The bedding we picked out for Bri'elle matches so good with the baby's bedding we picked out. I so can't wait for it all to come together and know in time it will. 

A little sneak peak and the room so far....

the sheer curtains

tubs for toys and other goodies

so far this is Bri'elles bedding..the blanket was made for her when she was born and the tiger pillow was a gift when I was in the hospital.

the top of the bookshelf with all her stuffed animals - most of them that is! 

 As it comes together - I'll post more :)