Cousins = Best Friends

Two of Liliana and Graves' favorite people in the whole world are their cousins, Madison and Lucas. Today we got to have them over after school, they played, ate dinner, and then it was time to rest. Of course Liliana was just tuckered out and couldn't resist the sleepiness, so she fell asleep quickly. Madison and Lucas wanted to stay up, but Aunt Niki said it was a school night and they had to go to sleep. Madison was second to give in - and Lucas wasn't far behind. We really enjoyed spending the afternoon/evening together.

8 months...

Well, 8 months and a few days, but I forgot to take his picture last week. So here is Graves at 8 months old. What a handsome little man. He is so happy, most of the time and into absolutely everything. He is trying to walk. Crazy! He has completly mastered cruising around furniture and will step from one piece of furniture to another. He can also walk if he holds onto one of our hands - but doesn't need two hands anymore. He is just an amazing little boy.

Ready to go...

I think Liliana's favorite day of the week is Wednesday. So many fun things happen on Wednesdays. Daddy is home from work most Wednesdays and Liliana loves spending time with her Daddy. We also go to our weekly playdate at the coffee shop. Liliana loves spending time with her friends and getting a smoothy at the coffee shop. I took these pictures this morning. I can't believe how grown-up she is looking. It's hard to believe that she will be three in just a few short months!

Silliness

Liliana is so silly. Last week we had a friend over. Macyn and Liliana were so silly all day long. They had such a great time. You would never know that they are a year apart. This is Macyn and Liliana coloring and shaking their heads being silly.

Guess what I got today?

Sleepover with her baby

Sshhh... baby's sleeping.

Liliana put her baby to sleep on the floor and then stole my pillow so that she could go to sleep with her baby as well. She sung her some songs and put her to sleep...then she was off and going again ;)

Pony Tail

Can you believe she FINALLY has enough hair for a pony tail? Only took her 33 months :D

A sad day...

Last night our little sweet dog passed away peacefully in her sleep. Sadi was quite old, probably at least 9 or 10 years. She brought so much love into our lives in the short 2 years that we were blessed with her presence. Rest in peace sweet girl. We will always love you.

Halloween Preview

I decided to dig up the box of things that I bought last year after Halloween. I knew that bought Graves a turtle costume on clearance for $4 and some shirt but couldn't remember what I had for Liliana. I was so excited to find that I had indeed bought her a costume. It's such a cute lady bug dress. She loves it! She still hasn't taken it off! Yeah for clearances! Graves and Liliana both have costumes and I paid less than $8 for both!

Dancing

Liliana's new fun thing to do is dance. She loves to put music on and be silly. She got this dress in the mail the other day and insisted on wearing it and said it was her "dancing dress". So cute!

Messy Eating...

One of Graves' favorite things to do is eat :) He's also almost mastered the sippy cup. He loves water!

Forgotten

I know that this blog is all about Liliana and Graves, but there is another member of my family who often goes forgotten. Today is his special day. The last day that he lived inside of me. Although I never got to hold him before he died, I love him just the same. Having two healthy children is such an incredible blessing, but my first born holds a special place in my heart.

My special angel. I love you forever. I miss you every day. I thank God that you were a part of me, although not for as long as I had dreamt. I love you Miles Gabriel. Thank you for watching over your brother and sister. Thank you for teaching me more about a parent's love than anyone can ever know. You are not ever forgotten by me.

Today I will hold back the tears. Today I will try not to be heartbroken over my loss, but joyful for the two wonderful children that I have been blessed with. Today I will give my two living children a special hug and look forward to the day that they will mourn and celebrate their brother with me. Today, and every day, I am the mother of three beautiful children.

Look how much she's grown.

Just this summer Liliana has grown into such a big girl. Here is her second or third time on the carousel at Tweetsie this summer at the end of May.

This was Saturday, her seventh or eighth time at Tweetsie :D

Another fun trip to Tweetsie

The kids and I went to Tweetsie for another fun day yesterday. This time my friend, Shalene, and her two girls joined us. We had a great time. Lili really enjoyed riding the rides with her "friends" and she loves "Miss Shalene". It was great day because it was overcast most of the day and not too hot. The ASU game must have kept the traffic away. We all had a blast!

Big sisters

Big sisters sometimes get tired of being followed around by their little brothers. I know because I am a big sister and I know that there were a million and one times growing up when I locked them out of my room. Since Liliana can't do that, this was her solution to the problem. This took her all of 3 minutes and I was right there, no harm was done to the poor-sister-adoring-baby. See last picture for proof ;)

This is what happens...

When Liliana doesn't take a nap! Seriously wild! Love the toys everywhere don't you? Yes, she can do that in 10 minute FLAT! Every time I try and keep them picked up it's like I follow her around and clean up toys, so now I just leave them until lunch time, dinner time, and bedtime. Then at least we're only cleaning up toys three times a day. Oh the joys.

Graves absolutely loves his doorway jumper. It's hilarious to listen to him laugh when he's jumping. I need to take a video of it!

Making bath crayons...

Liliana and I made some "homemade" bath crayons. She had so much fun doing it! Don't ask how they work, because I keep forgetting to let her play with them when she's in the tub. :D