Totally 2!

It's hard for me to even get started talking about Maddie because she is literally all over the place. We refer to her as the instigator because she typically starts all  screaming, wrestling, and dangerous games. She loves playing with her brother and he does too, but sometimes he gets annoyed. She has just discovered dressing up. She's not into dresses, but she loves bracelets, hats, crowns, shoes and bangs. What a diva!! She likes to collect her treasures in her purses or bags. In the mornings she likes to take our her paci and give it to they bunny she sleeps with and then covers the bunny up. She tells the bunny "night, night". When she is tired or relaxed she loves to twirl her hair. The cutest is when she is with her daddy and they cuddle and he twirls one side and she twirls another. Priceless!

Maddie is very musical and memorizing songs easily. She often sings different songs, i.e., twinkle  twinkle little star, ring around the rosy, ABC's, I like to Move it, Ai se eu te pego, cowboy cumbia to name a few. :) She is potty training, and she's doing pretty well. We are still using pull ups and she tells me about 50% of the time. If she's having fun she won't go potty, but she's been a good sport. She is starting MDO next week, which I'm excited and nervous about. She still LOVES her paci, but we are trying to cut back. She loves to scream! Sometimes its funny, other times annoying, but SO Maddie.

Speaking so much!! Maddie says:

Sanga sanga li - When one of the kids has a booboo, I say the old Spanish song "Sana, sana". Maddie loves to touch my freckles, then she gets this concerned look on her face and rubs my face saying "sanga sanga li" MOST PRECIOUS THING EVER!!

When reading her bedtime story, if there is an animal on he page. She likes to get possessive of her pacifier or her bunny. "No tiger, it's my bunny not yours"
"Take a bite Max, you can do it" - trying to deflect attention away from herself at lunch

"Be nice Max, I sad" - This is her pleading with Max when they aren't being nice. It goes both ways

"I big gurl" - After going potty and wanting to act "big"

"Get outta here right now" - when she is "going" potty or just wants to be alone.

I don't know

I can do it

Help me

She enjoyed watching fish at a baby shower. We practiced saying "Hola pececitos"

Such a big girl in her car seat that she has almost outgrown

She loves accessorizing!

I caught a "terrible two" tantrum on camera. Sad moment, but I couldn't resist.

Aprés tantrum, she fell asleep waiting on lunch. Tired girl!

RWP Foundation Luncheon & Museum fun

We made a quick visit to College Station to attend a luncheon for the RWP Foundation that my father in law established before he passed away last year. It was bittersweet to be old co-workers, his side of the family and friends. It was a good experience though and I hope to become more involved in the future. It was held at the Brazos Center in Bryan which also has a museum. Since the kids wouldn't stay still for a luncheon we decided to check it out. The kids loved seeing all the animals (dead & alive). It was small, but the kids were excited. I remember taking my students there on field trips, so it brought back great memories.

Max & Maddie

A few cute moments I wanted to share.

Max at 3.5

"Mom, that's enough!"

This is what my big boy tells me sometimes if I want to give him hugs and kisses. It's so funny to hear him say it and it does kind of make me happy, yet sad to think he is growing up. I guess because he is my oldest I think he is such a big boy. He is so smart and communicates well. He speaks in complete sentences and is practicing his Spanish more and more. He understands some simple instructions in Spanish too. I'm working on it. He has trouble always counting to ten with no mistakes, but when he is really focused, rather when I'm not asking he can do it. Same thing with colors, he can usually pick the right color when asked, but he has trouble recalling the name. He can write an M and recognizes his name. He prefers to be called Maxwell. He likes to shake her hand and say his version of "Hi, I'm Shawn Terral, nice to meet you." Poor guy might get confused with all these names!

He is long and lean. HE is really getting too big for a few things. I pulled out the johnny jump up for a friend and he wanted to try it. He looked so silly, but I let him have some fun. He loves talking about his muscles and he is excited that one day he'll be big and strong "like my daddy". :) He is still a pretty picky eater. He loves chicken, tilapia, mac n cheese, sandwiches, chips, apples, carrots & hummus, celery and chocolate kisses. He'll eat the tops off broccoli, but that's about it. I keep explaining how all the veggies will make him stronger, hope it gets easier!

He cut his own bangs!! I was right there too!! I was putting on my makeup in front of my mirror and he was next to me. He grabbed the scissors and went to town. By the time I looked up it was too late. He was pretty proud! Still looks cute though.

He is a great friend, he loves playing with friends at playdates and the gym. I've noticed him playing "kung fu" or "tag" with bigger boys and he can definitely hold his own. Kinda makes me proud, kinda makes me worry. I don't want him to get hurt, so I try to discourage it. He still has a hard time wanting to share, but I know he understands. He usually listens and makes the good choice. Him and his sister usually get into it pretty good when they fight over a toy.

Still loves his cars!

Summer Time Fun

We are in the peak summer heat and boy are we feeling it here in Houston. The kids are keeping us on our toes and we (i.e., Shawn, my dad, RJ & Ian) are still working on our back porch. We added a swing for Maddie because she loves to swing and literally throws a fit when has to stop. I think this picture pretty much speaks for itself.

Happiness.

I also got the kids this playhouse which they love to play in. They like to play pretend that they are in the market, gas station, school, house etc. Max loves to sell me eggs fr $20. Whoa!! I love seeing them play make believe together and use their imaginations. We've had a few friends over to play which the kids love.

Playhouse fun with Jaxen.

My dad had a training in Cy-Fair so we got to see him more than normal and the kids loved it. I think they are a bit spoiled. I love it he could just "drop by" and meet us for lunch. That is one of the things I miss about living in our hometown.

We've enjoyed a few hot days over at Andrea, Leah and Emily's pool. The kids get along great and its a great way for the moms to cool down after our Zumba!

Pool fun!

Our life as told by my iPhone

Since my last post, Shawn went fishing at Matagorda Bay, the kids and I went to visit family in College Station, AND Max got sick with croup. And as I write this, from my iPhone, I have my two babies laying on me with fever. Looks like we'll have a weekend at home.

McD's is always a crowd pleaser

After a hot run in College Station

Nursing a sick little, ahem, I mean big boy! ;)

Happy Birthday to me, 30 Again!

It's never too early to be a princess

She loves her books, this is her favorite lately

Ready to roll

Loving her baby

Momma is 32!

So it was my turn to get a little spoiled. Since Maddie and I share a birthday week we kind of had a joint celebration. Some of my best friends went out to dinner at City Centre in Houston. I enjoyed a few cocktails and great conversation.

On my actual birthday I had to take my car to the dealership( I procrastinated for about a month)👀. Thankfully Laura and her daughter Olivia came to pick us up and took us to lunch. We went back to City Centre again and ate at Cyclone Anaya. We even did a little shopping, with hyper kids in tow. That evening Shawn surprised me with flowers. Then we had a great dinner at Luby's. It was my choice really! The kids ate, there were minimal issues, and they sang to me. Great day, I feel blessed.

Night out with the ladies

My lunch surprise!

my beautiful flowers

Kids loaded up in Laura's car