18 Months....

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today." 

-Stacia Tauscher

My Dearest Garrison,

Where to begin? It seems as if we just did begin. Although, everyday I am reminded that you are not a baby anymore. I no longer have a baby anymore. I have TWO walking, talking, counting, singing, screaming, eating, sleeping waking, loving toddlers!

Garrison, you are the funniest child I know. You are so interested in the world around you and way too smart for your age. When others meet you - they notice one very evident thing about you - you, my child, are gifted. You have a very special gift. We are not sure what this gift is yet.. but there is no doubt you are gifted. There isn't another word that could describe you as well. Smart, Musical, Strong, Loving, Nurturing, Compassionate, Stubborn, Adorable - you are all those things but in such a deeper way. You can say the entire alphabet, count to ten, repeat everything you see and hear and know the name of a lot of animals (you LOVE animals).

You have THE BEST hair. Uncle Bill thinks you have hair like Adam Levine. Since you most likely will have not a clue who he is, let's just leave it at you have rock star hair. You have the most piercing blue eyes. You do these things with your eyebrows that only you and your sister can do. Your eyebrows are my kryptonite. They get you what you want, when you want it and have managed to get you out of trouble on more than one occasion.

You charm everyone you meet with your adorable grin and sweet little voice. Everyone can't help but smile back at you. 

Your sister adores you in every way. She loves to pretend she's your mommy. You two balance your time between fighting and playing -- some days it is more fighting than playing. She has recently been calling you a new nickname, "Mister". It is so sweet hearing it come out of her tiny little mouth and I love that you know she is talking to you. Although you both are alike in many ways - you are more mellow and relaxed at this point. You give me no attitude, which I appreciate since your sister is bent on testing my patience and sanity daily.

You love to be outside, just like your sister. You love to go on walks and squeal in excitement if we come across a dog or cat. The park is our second home. We are often there once or twice a day. You don't stay on the baby/toddler equipment. You head right to the biggest, darkest, loopiest slide. Again, much like your sister- you have no fear. 

Although you have changed dramatically in the last 18 months. One thing remains constant - I am and will always be overwhelmed with love for you.

Mommy

Always there to lend a hand

Those eyebrows!

All Smiles (and no cavities)

I took Gigi to the dentist yesterday for a cleaning. She was so excited. It's a pediatric dentist, so they have a play area inside that rivals Chick-fil-A's.

She sat there so calmly and let the hygienist clean her Singalella (Cinderella) teeth... She refers to them as that - it has turned out to be a great way to keep her motivated to clean them.

Once again, I was impressed by her self-control. She was smiling and was so good though the whole procedure. Plus there was an added bonus - no cavities!

A little Graysonism for you - after the dentist was finished she asked: "can I have my sucker now?" (She usually gets suckers from her pediatrician). The doctor had a great laugh over the thought of his office handing out suckers.

Waiting Patiently

All Finished - All Smiles!

A Beautiful Union

Two weeks ago, we had the pleasure to witness a beautiful union! My nephew Cole, married his long-time girlfriend, Jaclyn. It was the most spectacular wedding I have ever been to. The venue was grand, the food was fabulous and the bride was breathtaking!

Moses had the honor of being the Best Man, Grayson was a flower girl and Garrison was a ring bearer. I was nervous that the kids might not perform on cue. However, they did great! Garrison walked down the aisle perfectly, he was a little doll!

It was definitely an evening to remember and I have never had such confidence that this is a marriage that will last forever!

Some of the fam!

Getting ready!

The flower girls!

Uncle Bull & Gio

Couldn't get them both to look!

The kids!

She wanted to catch the bouquet so bad!

And she did!

With her face!!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

About six weeks ago, I got to take Gigi to her first circus! It had been a LONG day already, we had been up since 5a since Garrison had surgery that morning.

I was not going to miss this opportunity to take her because I thought she would really enjoy it. Plus, I had free tickets through Macaroni Kid. Well, turns out I was wrong. She really didn't enjoy it much, she liked the motorcycles. And to top it off, it was hardly free after $12 snowcones and $22 light up wand-thingy!

I am thinking we will try the circus again, maybe when she is a little older!

I didn't take too many pictures because it was so dark. I was also doing what every mom does best - trying to keep her entertained/occupied while I attempted to enjoy the show myself.

Ahh, the light up wand! I can't believe I paid $22 for that!

St. Patty's Day!

We celebrated St. Patrick's Day, for the first time ever, on Saturday. We donned our green, headed to some local festivities (including a parade) and had a small cookout afterwards. It was Gio's first parade since he was 3 months old. It definitely won't be his last... he loved every second of it! Gigi did what she does best and found some dirt to play in during the parade. The girl just LOVES dirt! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Enjoying some Rock Candy. Trying to keep him occupied - he doesn't like to sit for long!

Done sitting - into Daddy's arms!

On the little train! Couldn't get a pic of them both looking - that figures!

Scopin out the dirt situation!

My boy and I

Grandma havin some fun!

Waiting for the parade to start!

Pure Joy!

Wordless Wednesday

{The Harlem Globetrotters}

She REALLY enjoyed the game!

Gigi's FAVE - "Globie"

Gettin Into The Game With Miss Kristin

I Was Chosen For A Contest (Yes, Probably The Least Athletic Person In The Crowd)

But, I Made A Layup And Free Throw In 30 Seconds! Who Knew, Apparently This Girl Can Jump! -- The Players Kept Telling Me "Just Bend Your Knees" Apparently That's The Secret To Professional Basketball?