Saturday, July 9, 2011

Growing up tutu quickly

I took Anna Belle's newborn photos in this tutu, and I decided it was time for her 4 month photo shoot. She's so stinkin' cute.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Blessed with Freedom, in more ways than one

Lately, I feel busy, tired, a little sick, but oh so blessed. Anna Belle is at a great age. She smiles as soon as she makes eye contact with Taylor, Brady or me. She even smiles at Brady after he splashes water in her eyes in the bath tub. It's hard to convince him that she doesn't like it. Anna Belle's getting a lot stronger, which makes her easier to hold. She grips onto us like a little koala bear.

On the way home from Grammy's, Anna Belle was crying in her car seat. Brady tried to soothe her by cooing, "AaaAaaAw, it's okay sweet girl. We're malmost home. It's goin' be okay." It absolutely melted my heart. I tried, but was unsuccessful at getting a video. The crying was just too loud to hear Brady. I love how eager he is to soothe her crying and how happy Anna Belle is to see her brother.

For the Fourth, we invited the family over to our house. Anna Belle had cute outfits for the occasion, which has quickly become my latest obsession.
Grammy baked a banana cake, and Megan and Brady decorated it with the classic cool whip, strawberries and blueberries.
Brady loves playing with his cousin Daniel in the pool; we're glad that Daniel's been able to spend so much time with us in Houston. Brady's getting pretty nimble with those water guns.
Thanks for doing the dishes, Trey and Ann! I learned that Trey used to coach at Cypress Academy with Megan. It's such a small world!
Brett and Allison brought nachos from Lupe's; we're so glad that Brett didn't have to work for the Fourth!
On an unrelated note, here's a picture of my favorite chef helping to make spinach quesadillas (a staple meal in the Bacot household). I'm impressed how much Brady can do on his own.
P.S. Brady normally cooks with clothes on.

I have 2 more days at work before I'm a stay at home mama. It's so surreal to close this chapter of my life. I've been blessed with a great job with really great co-workers, vendors and customers. With that said, I really look forward to playing with and cuddling with my kiddos. I'm grateful for Taylor's talent and work ethic in his career, which enables me to stay at home. He's a great father and husband, and we're lucky to have him : )

Next week, we're going to New Braunfels for our annual trip. Grammy Pammy's coming this year, which we're really excited about. More pictures to come!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Yee-Ha Cowboy!

Man's best friend.
Is there anything quite as cute as a little boy in cowboy boots and a cowboy hat? We have a few vacations upcoming, and we plan to let Brady do some horseback riding. I thought the cowboy gear would help him get excited. Before Brady had hardly even opened his eyes this morning, he muttered, "Put on cowboy stuff?"
The camera kept fogging up this morning. Here's Brady's tough cowboy look.
Brady's checkin' out his reflection.
Brady sure does love his little sister. Anna Belle doesn't look too enthralled in the photos below, but Brady can soothe her crying and make her smile most of the time. He's usually not this close to her face.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Hey Sweet Girl!

Brady's such a good big brother.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

My family came over to our house to celebrate Father's Day last night. Taylor grilled burgers (I would feel bad for making him cook on "his" day, but he prefers food cooked his way, so I try not to worry about it too much). Becky may be able to out run Taylor, but Taylor can shoot a basketball better.
The face of determination (tongue out).
Papa even joined in the fun! I think it's been about 10 years since Papa's gone swimming. He picked it up like an OLD pro : )
David didn't bring his swim trunks, but he couldn't resist joining in the basketball action.
Megan encouraging Brady's love of Justin Bieber. Our grapes (behind Megan) are almost ripe. I'm so excited; I pull one off for a taste test every other day.
My little cutie pie in her precious little swimsuit. Daddy said she looked like Rocky.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Anna Belle Rolled Over Today!

I set up a blanket and a few mirrors in Anna Belle's room, so she could have some tummy time. It wasn't long before she rolled right over?! Way to go sweet girl!
These mirrors were hung in the dining room of the townhouse, but they haven't found a home in the new house yet. I actually think they're kind of fun for Anna Belle's room (on the floor), so they might stay there for awhile.
Brady's a pirate... Actually, he held the lens cap over one eye and started cooing at Anna Belle like he was taking pictures of her too.
Sweet siblings.
Brady's potty training is going really well. He wears big boy underwear day and night with maybe 1 accident a week. He can take himself to the potty without help, but sometimes his pants and underoos don't go back on quite right. He's also developed an obsession with where poop comes from. He checks out his stuffed animals with a flashlight, Bailey and even our household broom (the part where the broomstick screws in). It's rather embarrassing; we can't figure out how to get him to stop!
Our mornings are really hectic, but I'm always happy to wake Anna Belle up right before we're ready to go. She is all smiles in the mornings. That sweet cheerful spirit slows me down and reminds me what's important in life.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Before and After

Here's our back yard when we moved in vs. what it looks like today. We feel like there's still a lot we want to do, but it's come such a long ways already! (I like to say "we", but this is really Taylor's doing while I watched the kids).
In the past few days, I would say Brady is officially potty trained. Hip, hip, hooray! He's had no accidents wearing big boy underwear day and night for 2 days and 2 nights.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Smile!

Anna Belle smiling at her Grammy. This new smiley phase just melts my heart.
Here's my second attempt at getting a picture with Brady and Anna Belle. Maybe I need to try another pose; this one lasts long enough for 2 quick clicks and then Brady runs off.