The Gibbs Family

Have You Missed These Faces?

2011-04-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

Family Photos

2011-02-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

A million thank yous to Miss Brittany at dtlphoto.com!

Santa's Helper

2011-01-26T06:07:00.000-08:00

After a monumental miscommunication with my husband, Levi came in and found me wrapping the gifts that Santa dropped off early! So I did the only thing I could logically think of, I made him help me wrap his presents. Well, mostly those were shuffled off discreetly. But he did help me with a number of the gifts. I have a tendency to get all Martha Stewart with wrapping gifts, but I tell you what, Levi's little hands wrapped gifts more beautifully than any I have seen before.

Bird's the Word

2011-01-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to share that I have joined the ranks at one of my absolutely favorite blogs, Hey Little Birdie! I am honored and thrilled to be a weekly contributor with this team of amazing women. Check me out on Tuesdays, starting a week from today. In the mean time if you haven't already visited the blog, head on over!

It is in Her DNA

2011-01-24T08:36:00.000-08:00

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-01-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

This year my true love indulged me and we bought a flocked Christmas tree. I loved it. I won't put my ornaments up because I fear for their safety. So it is just the tree and lights. And flocking. Sigh.

My little elves carrying in the tree. Poor Estelle looks like she got stuck carrying the brunt of the weight.

Mr Man posing with Christmas tree, such a natural little smile.

Estelle doing her "creepy walk"(as dubbed by her Uncle Dave)

Remember our first tree topper? Jason had to get these shots as part of what has apparently become a bizarre photo tradition. Can you imagine how awkward it is going to be with Jason is holding them up when the kids are teenagers? Yeah, someone ought to put a stop to this....

Please know how proud of my self I am for not using "flocking" as a verb, adjective or adverb in this post. It took a lot to not entertain that temptation.

Santa Fail

2010-12-31T20:37:00.000-08:00

Worst.Santa.Picture.Ever.

Don't worry, I will still go ahead and state the obvious. Here is the rundown of all that is bad in this little snapshot.

1. Estelle looks as though her soul is being ripped out. Look at her eyes. Lordy, I still feel guilty just looking at this.

2. Levi, while though clearly enraptured with the torment his sister is going through, has mastered multitasking. He has managed to thwart our desire to have a picture of him looking at the camera, stick his finger up his nose while simultaneously flipping off Santa.

3. Santa has clearly invested in Botox. The man has the crows feet of an eight year old.

Whatever, I love it.

Halloween Makeup

2010-12-31T20:18:00.001-08:00

Halloween called for makeup this year. A little swirl on Buzz's chin and whiskers on the kitten.

Apparently my little artists were terribly inspired by this and the week that followed they (repeatedly) attempted to recreate their Halloween looks.

Estelle was a touch liberal with her interpretations:

While Levi was a bit more literal:

(and yes he is on the pot in this picture, what? I cropped it...)

He tried to put Estelle's whiskers back on. Come on, are those the funniest?

Ahh I love my little masterpieces.

Halloween

2010-12-31T20:18:00.000-08:00

This was really our first year of trick or treating. It was a blast. I know there was likely thousands of little Buzz Lighyears and Kitty's running around on October 31st, but dang it, these little guys slayed me they were so flipping cute!

Going to Mimi & Papa's to warm up for the evening:

Where lollipops were a plenty:

Then it was off to Uncle Ken's and Aunt Heathers were we went trick or treating with Cierra and Diva.

Buzz had a large time but Kitty, not so much...

Crappy picture, but our awesome neighbor does an absolutely amazing Halloween display every year. We just adore it. When we got home the whole street was lined with cars to see the display.

Oh and note to self: next year don't be that person that leaves the bucket of candy out like a fool, some little punk is going to come take it all, period.

State Fair

2010-12-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

Ahh the Arizona State Fair. A special place were the air itself is actually deep fried. Seriously it is. The very first ride we went on was a carousel and it turns out I do not have the stomach for such crazy and wild rides like that... That pretty much set the tone for the rest of the trip there.

Levi and Jason had a great time. They went on a Ferris Wheel much to my disapproval. I don't know if Levi actually enjoyed it, but he did seem to have an air of accomplishment about him after the ride.

Estelle is to short to go on any of the rides so she mostly chilled in the wagon while I took out of focus pictures of her.

I wanted to go on one of the rides with Levi because I am never the one that does fun things with him. He really wanted his dad to go with him, in fact he screamed the entire ride for Jason. I, however, look like I was having the time of my life. I laughed when I saw this picture because I don't recall any merriment occurring through out the course of that ride.

Ahh see, don't feel too bad for Estelle, we let her have milk too!

What an... adventure it was.

It has Been Quite Quiet Around Here...

2010-11-30T11:20:00.000-08:00

Well on the blog at least.

Ahem. My, it has been a while since I last blogged, has it not? We have been crazy busy and with that comes my proclivity to misappropriate my down time (all 30 minutes of it). SO while I should be doing office work, I decided to to catch up on blogging! I plan on catching you up on the last few months over the next week, so check back and thanks for not giving up on this little blog.

In the meantime know:

Levi is the freaking cutest boy ever (at least the cutest boy I have ever been a mother to). He has fully emerged from his terrible twos and is turning into one amazing little boy. I think he has a poet's soul. He refers to tomorrow as "Morrow Day". I die every time I hear him say it. And no, I still have not cut his luscious locks, so don't ask.

Estelle on the other hand is prematurely entering the terrible twos and still has no hair. She is my little drama queen and feels everything with every ounce of her little being. When she is happy (which is about 80% of the time) she brings this magic to our world I would be lost without. Oh and the child dances like a wild woman. It.Is.Awesome.

Alright, check back morrow day for more!

Bribery

2010-10-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

As I was thrifting through the thrift store I strolled past the little boy clothing. I flipped through a sections in vain and went to the blues. There hung a sweet little blue dress shirt tag still on. Couple of shirts over graphic tee and then the piece de la resistance a well loved navy blazer. Five pieces of clothing and ten dollars later I left with that smug feeling that can only come from thrifting.

I also left with the obvious obstacle of how to get these freaking adorable clothes on a two year old that would exclusively wear sleeveless (I am dry heaving even writing that) Buzz Lightyear Pj's if left up to him. I was left to the sharpest tool in my bag of tricks: bribery. After extensive negotiations it was decided that he would put the blazer, shirts and even the unworn tie from Easter for an Otterpop. The jacket was dubbed the "Otterpop Coat" by Levi.

Levi has a very keen sense of what is just and fair and thought only appropriate that Estelle don a "Otterpop Coat" as well.

Straight up sugar is a fair trade for straight up cuteness, no?

Family Pics

2010-10-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

"If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people."

 Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese monk, activist and writer

Love These Faces

2010-09-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

There is something about the form of my children that almost brings me to tears. Their actions generally do actually bring me to tears...but I think you know I am talking about two different kinds of tears. I look at their little faces and see this beauty and purity. Down to the stark whiteness of their little eyes they are just so full of innocence. When I cup their little plump cheeks in my hands, I feel the perfection of their skin. It is such a contrast to their actions when they are fighting and engaging in the general naughtiness that fills their days. At the end of the day I fight to see these faces after the frustration subsides. They are good. And they are kind. And I love these faces.

You're Starting to Get Your Weird Back

2010-09-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

My new favorite show is The Big C. The premise is quite sad (just google it, better yet TiVo it) but I just adore the show. In the first episode the main character's brother informs her "You're starting to get your weird back, sis" to which she coyly replies "You have no idea..."

It was one of those awesome moments on film that transcend entertainment and flutters up to becoming art.

I keep thinking about those lines. Your siblings knows the "weird" you more than most people on the planet. They know that person that used to live in your body as a child. That uninhibited one. Remember them? The one that dressed up in a feather boa and sunglasses running around singing Neil Diamond songs (ahmemm). The one that was pretty certain that they would become the poet laureate slash architect slash lawyer. The one that provided ample amounts of blackmail in their childhood by just being their weird little self.

Then think about it from the parent's side. I look at my children and I see magic. FREAKING magic. Everyday. I see the best in them. I see the infinite possibilities. I see their weirdness. I don't see them waking up one day wondering where along the way they lost their "weird". I am pretty sure my parents feel the same.

I am going to get my weird back. Just thought you should know.

Truth with Dirt on It's Face

2010-09-15T13:25:00.001-07:00

What was Levi doing while Estelle was enjoying her soiree you ask? Getting covered from head to toe in potting soil. What else? I saw this pic of him from the day of the party and it reminded me of a plaque in his room with this amazing quote:

A boy is Truth with dirt on it's face,
Beauty with a cut on its finger,
Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair,
and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket.
-- Author Unknown

Smash Cake

2010-09-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

Estelle, my poor second child. She apparently thrives on being the center of attention and will go to great lengths to hold it as long as she can.

The absolute highlight of her party was her smash cake. Oh.MY.WORD. She kills me. She was so dainty and apprehensive at first and then when she saw all eyes were on her, she, well, you'll see. I'll restrain from all the normal flip commentary because Miss Estelle speaks for herself on this one. Man I just love that little girl.

Ok this one isn't about her entirely but it is a family shot and I like it, despite both of my kids look confused like they have never seen a camera before:

Alright, onward to the smash cake:

Quick Before and After side by side for reviews sake.

Again, thank you to the very talented DTL Photo for all the photos! These are absolutely priceless to me.

Estelle's Birthday Party Photos

2010-09-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

So better late than never right? Nevermind Estelle's birthday party was almost TWO months ago. Here are the pics and details, enjoy!

Estelle was born on French Bastille Day (which is why I didn't name her London, it offended my Francophile senses...seriously...). So as a nod (albeit terribly historically perverse) to the holiday I tried to do a Maire Antoinette themed party. It ended up being pretty subtle but I stuck with it.

Her majesty at her first birthday party:

I think of Marie and I think parasols and hand fans. So with we decorated about a dozen parasols and hung them from the ceiling.

The dessert table. There were veggies too but I didn't think they warranted stands and backdrops...But red velvet cake pops, macarons, cookies, mini lemon cakes, and a cake adorned with pearls and feathers do.

I always have these big ideas for cakes. I took a fondant cake class with my SIL a while ago and planned on making Estelle's little smash cake fashioned after this little number. How fabulous would that have been? Evidently I did not miss my call as a cake decorator. I think Estelle herself could have done a better job. That is how she ended up with a cupcake. Which suited her just fine thankyouverymuch

Oh and what should have been the piece de resistance; macarons. I slaved over these bad boys for weeks. WEEKS. Oh I babied them. I accommodated every little whim of their finicky recipe. Then at 1 am the morning of the party I massacred them with this awful burned white chocolate ganache. They were absolutely inedible. But I went ahead and put the little bastards out because I worked so hard on them. My apologies to anyone that actually ate one.

Her majesty's crown. Yeah. I want to wear it.

Her causal headpiece for the soiree.

This project went way faster in my mind. Three weeks later it had ribbon, velvet, 2 coats of glitter, pom poms and feathers. Nothing like overkill.

For the party favors my mom hand painted dozens of little hand fans.

A little collage of her month photos and paper rosettes behind the gift table.

We couldn't have had everything come together with out the help of my mom, Brittany and (ahem) the Gilbert Fire Department. So a million thank yous to you!

All photos taken by DTL Photo.

Two Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed...

2010-08-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Mama called the Dr. and the Dr. said "Why, hello, Mrs. Gibbs! We were just talking about how we haven't heard from you in the last few days! Congratulations!"

Ha. Not quite that bad...but close. Suffice it to say this last month has been a bit traumatic. Actually this year is not shaping up to be the best. I won't go into detail because I love to grossly edit my life via this blog- NOTHING bad happens on family blogs. Frankly everything has been pretty minor had they all been isolated incidents. At the end of the day (today at least) my babies are healthy, thriving and filled with love (and manic energy.) I am so grateful for their health and chaos.

They bring me such joy and clarity. I pray every night that I can be the best mother I can be to them. The next morning around 8am I have inevitably already fallen horridly short, but I know they know I love them with all that I have.

My heart fills with so much joy when I see these two clowning around together, even when that entails collaborative mischief. Oh, the thing I happen upon: playing with "konkers" (ha. that is for the Hall family), filling the toilet with every last one of my hair products, emptying out the contents of my lower kitchen cabinets or sneaking into someone else's room during nap time to play. Their little shrieks of laughter usually sound of trouble but somehow that sound sooths my soul.

But for now my monkeys need to stop making mama call the doctor.

Estelle's First Birthday

2010-07-31T20:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a little photo run down of Estelle's birthday:

I remember this little clown from my birthdays in Flagstaff. The bottom rotates from one to four, my mom held on to it and we were able to use it this year for Estelle.

Oh man, this was the gift of gifts. I remember my little Cabbage Patch Doll (her name was Christi Fame, FYI) and how I loved her. My parents gave Miss Estelle a little Cabbage Patch and it was a hit.

Finally, the CAKE already! I believe she was a fan.

Twelve Months

2010-07-25T09:23:00.001-07:00

I wish I had the words to articulate the depth of my love for my daughter. I have scoured the Internet searching for a nice poem to do it for me so I could copy and paste and not have to cry. Alas, they were all to banal and cliché.

This last year has been so amazing. It is remarkable how differently and miraculously equally you can love each of your children. I always say Estelle is my heart and Levi is my soul. She is such a sensitive and loving soul. There is so MUCH GOOD in her that it is almost palpable. She exudes a presence of peace and kindness. I can literally feel a change in the room when I hear her little feet scuttle across the floor as she toddles in. Kind of like when she came into this world twelve months ago, I could literally feel a change in this world. The world was gifted with 9lbs 10ozs of improvement and it has improving exponentially ever since.

I love you my sweet child. Happy first birthday, Estelle.

Moments...

(photo by DTL Photo)

   

One month (and first smile)

Two months

Three months

(photo by DTL Photo)

   

Four months

Five months

(Photo by Bliss Boutique Photography)

Six months

Seven Months

Eight Months

(Photo by Bliss Boutique Photography)

Nine Months

Ten Months

Eleven Months

Twelve (neck-breaking fast) months

(photo by DTL Photo)

My Two Sons

2010-06-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Levi and Estelle have been having a large time together as of late. I love seeing them pal around and create mischief collaboratively (what...don't tell them but I think it is cute...for now).

Levi loves Thomas the Tank Engine or "Tom Train" as he so affectionately calls him. He has multiple Tom Train outfits. The other day he got in his head he should dress his sister up in his Tom Train pjs. Oh.. and his Cars underwear. And his shoes. And dad's socks. The kid should be a stylist I tell you!

Here is the breakdown of the fashion disaster:

It is dang hard walking in these shoes!

Rock those socks, Mr. Burns!

My dears, look what I have!!!!

Tom-Train-FAB U LOUS NESS!

I'll show you how to put this on, sister.

Mom, no. Put the camera down. Enough. (BTW those are Chick Hicks on those undies- Freudian of Levi I do believe)

I am going to ride my tow truck out of here and go to Gap Kids, damnit.

Ok this one is great. Levi loves to help Estelle walk lately.

And finally- we had to get a picture of them together:

Eleven Months

2010-06-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

Oh my stars. Eleven months. ELEVEN! As in one short of a year... you keeping up with that math? First things first, Estelle has found her moxie this month! I am so excited. I worried that she might be a sweet little passive thing- while that might be easy as a parent I would much rather her have a spine in the real world.

She is really tottering around. She took her time transitioning from a few steps to actual "walking". She talks... a lot. I kept brushing it off thinking it was well timed babbling. But I guess girls really do start the talking process much faster.

Jason told me the other day that he is having a really hard time with her growing up so fast. Oh, buddy, you are in for a tough road, I fear.

Here is that aforementioned moxie. Do you see that "Mooother??!?!" look?

Ok. I am not ready for next months post. I love you my sweet girl.

Millions of Peaches

2010-06-04T19:59:00.001-07:00

"Going to the country. Gonna to eat a lot of peaches"...Anyone? No? Ok. Continuing on.

Last weekend we went out to Schnepf Farm for the famous peach picking. LOVE. It was love, folks. Levi was in heaven running from tree to tree picking peaches, taking a bite with this crazed wonder in his eyes like "am I really allowed to do this?!?!?" Poor city kid. Estelle mostly supervised from her wagon. I brought my farmer with me to figure out what was the best as far as ripeness goes. I can hardly pick out ripe fruit at the grocery store. Guess I am a city kid too (said without an ounce of shame).

The Voice of an Angel

2010-06-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Estelle is such a sweet little girl and loves to ramble on and on, in the middle of a sweet little singsong speech she bust out with this crazy demonic growl. Don't quite know what to make of it:

Ten Months Old

2010-05-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

My, it is getting dangerously close to a year isn't it? Estelle is an intensely affectionate little one. She will be playing look up across the room crawl over to me just to give me a kiss. Come on, does it get better than that? No. I submit it does not.

She has taken quite the turn for the theatrical. When you hurt this girl's feelings, watch out, you are in for a guilt trip. She has the most pitiful bawl you've ever seen. Oh the shrieks of heartache that proceed her being looked upon in a way that might not suit her...

Child you have my heart, my soul, and my energy. Please enjoy they are officially yours.

He Wears Many Hats.

2010-05-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

Levi is very particular about his father's hats. He somehow understands that the (nasty-needs-to-be-replaced) brown hat seen in this post is the one Dada wears at home. The black hat is for work. He equates that awful black hat to Dada being gone/unavailable. You should hear the black hat monologue: "Dada all gone-a. Dada work. Dada black hat. I no want Dada black hat. I want black hat all gone-a".

So every day when Jason gets home Levi brings Jason's brown hat to him. Kills me. I don't believe it is too easy on Jason either.

Tonight when we got ready to go out Jason decided to not wear his hat. Levi was not having that. Jason told him that he would wear his hat if Levi wore his. Safe bet, let me tell you. Levi HATES actually wearing hats. I'll be darned if the kid didn't go into his room and unearth the never before worn hat I bought in March.

An Ode to Sleep

2010-05-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, long time no blog. The only time that I seem to have to "myself" (ha...) is when the kids are asleep. But even when they have settled into their sweet sound slumber I find myself still consumed. They really are so cute when they are asleep. I have started the perilous habit of taking pictures of their hilarious sleeping poses. Darn flash...can't take these with out it.

So here is a little tribute to that glorious thing called sleep, may we meet again dear friend.

Now doesn't this look cozy? Makes me want to go curl up in my closet and take a nap too...

Typical Estelle. She goes and fights sleep (she has slept less than Levi does her whole life) but when she crashes, she crashes. As seen here mid-crawl.

This was Levi's Mother's Day gift to me. He doesn't like to snuggle when he is sleeping. I don't either but I do like to snuggle his little self.

Two things you can learn from this: 1. You never know when you are going to have a jam session. 2. Always have a backup guitar.

9 Months Old!

2010-04-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

Last week Estelle turned nine months old! How did that happen so fast?!?!
Here are her stats:
18.5 lbs (45th percentile)
28 in (70th percentile)

She is standing on her own for quite a while. She is speed crawler! The day after she turn nine months old she took her first steps. I was so proud! So was Levi, he just looked at her then at me and goes "Mama, Stelle walked!!!"

She signs "more" and "all done". She says mama (all the time) and bye bye (as well as waving bye). If you start singing "if you're happy and you know it" she starts clapping away. So cute. And my stars, she is a dancer. Where she got that I will never know.

Oh then there is this (pallid breath holding spell). Which sucks so much I can't even elaborate. Just terrifying, but apparently benign.

She is such a joy, she warms my heart. She has a gentle peacefulness about her. Our lives are immeasurably better with her here with us.
We love you, little mama!

Four Years of Marriage

2010-04-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

Four years
Hand in hand
Side by side
Equally yoked
and  that spark is still there.



Happy Anniversary.

Easter

2010-04-05T20:51:00.001-07:00

Estelle's first Easter was a blast, busy but a blast none the less. We started with Easter egg dying on Saturday. We then practiced an egg hunt (several of them, in fact) to get Levi kind of acquainted with the idea. He loved it and is now a big fan of hiding miscellaneous items and toys.

Then on Sunday the Easter Bunny came and failed miserably. MISERABLY. Levi took one look at his new bike, informed us that the orange one at Walmart was the bike of choice.

He then proceed to go get his trike and ride it around. He was insistent that Estelle ride his trike as well.

Later "RaRa" and her parents came over for brunch.

Rounding out the day was a wonderful afternoon with Jason's side of the family. A good day.

Lazy Blogging The Blissed Out Babies Edition

2010-04-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my very talented sister in law, Vanessa, for blissing out my babies.

Go look now.

Click on the photo above for more insanely wonderful Bliss.
Post Haste!

Optimism and Balloons

2010-03-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

Ahh nothing like the improbable marriage of two loves; stickers and balloons. Levi has always loved balloons and now loves letting them go and watching them drift into the sky. When he hit the jackpot and Diva bought him balloon stickers the first thing he did was run outside to let them fly off. For whatever reason, I loved that moment. Maybe it was the cognitive connection he is developing. Or the blind faith that things are simple; balloons will fly. Maybe it was just the shape his chubby little hands took to set the stickers a flight. In any case, I love those moments.

An Unfortunate Byproduct of Being a Second Child

2010-03-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Yet another reason it sucks being the second born: gender inappropriate hand-me-downs. Yeah, read her bib. I am sorry baby girl.

There... I Fixed It.

2010-03-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Last year Levi  got a hold of my glasses and snapped the arm off.  I asked Jason to fix them. They were apparently beyond a cosmetically appealing repair. He put freaking JB Weld on them. It is like a hunk of cement holding my glasses together. I actually cried when I saw his repair job. I mean I actually do (did) wear these in public. Levi apparently has an affinity for symmetry so he snapped the other arm off a few days later. Out came the JB Weld again.

The glasses are now Levi's. Adds a little certain sophistication. Don't you think? Yeah, me either.

If you have never visited the site There,  I Fixed It, do so now. If you know Jason, you'll appreciate  this site on a whole other level.

I am NOT Tired.

2010-03-13T12:38:00.000-08:00

Holy Moses. This child fights sleep until she passes out. If she is about to fall asleep she will scream just to stay awake. I found her like this the other day.

I love it, "If I just keep sitting here, I will be able to stave sleep off...it is fool-proof"

Twenty Eight

2010-03-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

This guy is 28 today:

Here are 28 things I love about that man:

1. I love how you love your children. I mean I LOVE it.
2. I love your kindness. It is to-the-core-you-can't-fake-it-kind- of-kindness.
3. I love your joie de vivre
4. I love that you are even tempered.
5. I love your golden brown eyes.
6. I love that your daughter has the same amazing eyes.
7. I love your great out look on life.
8. I love that you eschew drama.
9. I love your conviction.
10. I love that you are a self made man. YOU have accomplished everything you have achieved on your own. You should be proud of yourself. I know I am.
11. I love the look on your face when you come home every day and see Levi running out to you.
12. I love your hands- even though I "don't take care of my man's hands" Ha!
13. I love your patience, you have enough for the two of us!
14. I love your discernment.
15. I love your honesty.
16. I love your loyalty.
17. I love the way you carry yourself, you convey the strength that comes from within.
18. I love that internal strength.
19. I love that you make me laugh when I DO NOT want to.
20. I love how well you treat your mother. I have always believed that how a man treats his mother says so much about his character. I can only hope that Levi treats and loves me as well as you treat and love your mom.
21. I love how well you treat my mother!
22. I love your goofy sense of humor.
23. I love your ability to diffuse a awkward situation.
24. I love that you are genuine. You never try to be anything or anyone you are not. Your security in who you are is so deeply admirable.
25. I love that you are my help meet.
26. I love that you are an wonderful provider, always sacrificing for your family.
27. I love that you are my husband. I love our steadfast marriage.
28. Did I mention I love what a wonderful father you are? It bears mentioning twice. I love the joy and light that spreads across their little face when you are around them. They love you so much. One day they will know how lucky they are to have you as their father.

Jason, happy 28th birthday! I love you with all that I have.

Full Contact Art

2010-03-11T05:56:00.000-08:00

Levi has an artist's soul...and temperament.

He loves to draw(on the walls), paint (the furniture) and (eat) play-dough. Who am I to stifle this little Miró-in-training's creativity?

Every time the paints come out, his masterpieces spread to multiple surfaces: counter top, construction paper, and always himself.

What is art if it not a full contact sport?

Yes this is his painting outfit he picked out. Who needs smocks and berets when you have Elmo undies and hand-me-down tennies.

Oh and stickers are a new must in all pieces. It is much better if they all end up on his face. Don't ask me. I don't get abstract impressionism.

Sunshine

2010-03-09T20:07:00.000-08:00

"If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle."
Vincent van Gogh

Levi Reading To Estelle

2010-02-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

Levi love to make snuggle beds and his insists that Estelle join him. The other day he wanted to read to her, but didn't want me to hear. So I set up the camera, pressed record, and split.

This breaks my heart I love it so much. Well, up until..you'll see.

I hate her falling, but his reaction is priceless. You can almost hear him thinking "I didn't do it, I didn't do it"

Vitameatavegamin

2010-02-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

Every morning I give Levi his vitamin- you know the gummy kind. HE LOVES them. I LOVE the way he says it. It is one of those words that will soon be replace with properly pronounced version. But for now, hearing him say "lalallavavlmin" is one of my favorite sounds. Beware, my inquisition is highly annoying.

Estelle Crawling

2010-02-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

It is brief, but I managed to capture a little bit of Estelle's first few crawls. The clip is a from last week, but Levi hid the camera I and just found it. Seriously, it is short, as in you-blink-you'll-miss-it-short.

The One When Levi Feeds Estelle Breakfast

2010-02-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

L- Take a bite, my pretty.

Ahhh-hemmm. I said, TAKE A BITE.

E- Mother, really?!?! Put the camera down and save me.

L- I know, let's try some in your eye!

L- WHATEVER! I TRIED! I guess I am just going to have to feed myself. Don't say I didn't try.

E- Happy, Mother-Dearest? Put the damn camera down already and clean this up... I am seriously pursing my lips under all of this rice cereal...Honestly....

Seven Months Old

2010-02-15T15:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, it feels like I did one these last week...Humm inconsistent punctuality. Is it worse than chronic tardiness? I think it might be, because you never know if I am going to be on time or two weeks late.

This last month was a busy one for Miss Estelle. On Jan 25th she cut her first tooth! So soon. Levi was almost 9 months old when he got teeth.

Last week she started waving. So soon! Levi was almost a year before he started waving...

She also moved to her own bed this month. I am so sad. I wanted her to stay in our room longer, but that just wasn't in the cards.

Then today she started crawling! I really didn't know if she would crawl. She has been pulling herself up on things, so she has the strength, but lacks the drive. She would get up on her hands and knees and rock and then flop down all exhausted. Then she would just roll around the house.

She is so sweet, I just love her more and more everyday.

My Funny Valentine

2010-02-14T04:30:00.000-08:00

"My funny Valentine
Sweet comic Valentine
You make me smile with my heart
...
You're my favourite work of art"
~Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart

What a noble, good, honest man I married. I swear there is no other as G O O D as this man. He makes me laugh when I really, really, don't want to. He makes me feel peace when I need to. He epitomizes security and honesty. He is my home, he is my harbor.

He makes me smile with my heart.

ByeBye Baby Cage

2010-02-13T12:47:00.000-08:00

Meet the "baby cage". Its proper name "crib tent" is nothing but an euphemism utilized by the manufacturer to make parents feel less guilty about caging their small children like the wild animals they are.

When he was around 18 months he some how started catapulting out of his crib. So we lowered it. He thwarted gravity again. Enter the baby cage.

This is our third baby cage. Levi is flipping Houdini incarnate. He manages to rip holes in these things without fail. I am terrified he is going to somehow get hung up in there so off I go to drop another 69.99 at BuyBuy Baby. I had every intention to keep Levi in his crib until he was a teenager. He had other ideas.

I guess enough is enough and I finally accepted that it was time for my baby to move into his toddler bed.

Helping Daddy put it together.

Kid, YOU ARE BREAKING MY HEART! Where is my baby? Who is this little boy in his big boy bed, wearing his big boy chonies?

He really wanted to share in this fun with his "Et Eelle". So we made a snuggle bed. First of many for many years, no doubt.

This is the day we brought him home from the hospital. He looked so teeny in his bed. And then his first time in his toddler bed. How does this happen overnight? Because, it just did.

A Different Drummer

2010-02-10T21:30:00.000-08:00

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. ~Thoreau

Yes, that is a little drum kit. For my toddler. Oh it gets worse. I bought it for him. Oh...and I love it!

Levi has been sensitive to music from the day he was born. The tempo of the day can be dictated by the type of music I have on. He sings. He dances. He thrives on it. He needs music in his little world. My wish for him is he will one day harness the ability to create it. He is unhesitatingly on his way.

Keep stepping to the music YOU hear, son.

Six Months Old and Some Change

2010-02-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

January, 14 2010
17 lbs 10 oz (92%...!)
26 1/2 in (75%)

Ok, again, I am little late on the month post for her. But she isn't 7 months old quite yet, so it still goes. You'd think I would have got this one on the date because her half birthday fell on my actual birthday.

She continues to be the best stinking baby. She isn't quite crawling, but she manages to get around just fine by rolling from one side of the house to the other. She is madly in love with her brother and turns herself inside out smiling for anyone who give her a smile.  Her countenance is tranquil, good and serene.  This child is simply put beautiful inside and out.

Does she look like this baby? By any chance? Same age, just  25.5 years ago.

BTW, do you remember this baby?

Happy Birthday, Mimi!

2010-02-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Mimi!

You bring so much joy and love to our lives. We are beyond blessed to have you be such a huge part of our family.

We love you more than we can say!

La La La La...

2010-02-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

Oh it is an Elmo's world at the Gibbs residence. Or a "Momo" 's world as Levi so affectionately calls him.

Levi's love affair with Elmo started off rocky. He was about 22 months old and I played a You Tube video of Elmo. Elmo for whatever reason ENRAGED Levi. So...I told him a lie. I told him that Elmo was a kitty.... I know, it is weird. On my part. On his part. All the way around. But he now is fully enraptured with that red little monster.

A few weeks ago we had a chance to go meet Elmo. I knew it could have gone either way, but much to my joy, it was a hit.

Running to Momo

Oh the joy, the admiration, the awe...

Elmo's assistant gave Levi a sticker. And Levi wanted to give it to Elmo, here he is putting it on his belly.  So stinking sweet, my boy!

There it is caught on camera that Levi can, indeed, share.

Bye bye, Momo!

Levi, that made mommy's WEEK! Did you have fun? Maybe a "Thanks for bringing me to see Elmo. You are a rock star, Mama!"?

That is what I thought...

Playing in the Rain

2010-02-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

Now what good are puddles if little boys can't play in them?

Better yet, what good are puddles if grown up boys can't play in them?

Levi's daddy drug him outside to play in lake Gibbs during the great torrential storm of 2010.

Plus check out these boots! Come on now! They look particularly dashing with his pjs(yet to catch a pic of that)

Then it was time for the children to come in and warm up with a little hot coco.

"Hotttttt!" Blowing on it. "K. Not hotttttt" = Classic Levi
Hmmmm, do I like it?
Affirmative.

Chweers!

On a completely unrelated note Levi ended up throwing up all night the next night and few days later Jason ended up in the hospital...No more playing in the rain, boys!

G L A M O R O U S

2010-01-31T12:00:00.001-08:00

Jumping for Joy

2010-01-26T12:41:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Jack bought the kids a trampoline for Christmas this year. That bad boy was a beast to put together, then take apart, then put back together again. Does anyone remember writing instructional essays? Well I don't think the author of the instruction manual ever did. In fact I don't think it was proofed by anyone, ever. No matter, it is now standing many hours later and 1 bolt short... And my, is my son a fan.

Here he is trying out some interpretive dance moves.

It's love, folks.

First Feed...

2010-01-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

Wait, haven't I done this one before? Yeah, I thought so. This time around I drug my feet. Estelle slowly shifting into a baby and away from a newborn (nevermind she was the size of a toddler when she was born). It is breaking my heart. Now she is eating solids. I can tell she loves being apart of the meal time. Before she just longingly stared at our food as we ate it. She took to it like a champ.

Levi's Birthday Extravaganza- Day Two

2010-01-19T14:22:00.000-08:00

Day two of the ~~ordeal~~ extravaganza. Started off with a treat from Daddy- doughnuts and coffee. No really, the kid LOVES coffee or "caca" as he so ironically puts it. No, I don't indulge it but there might be a few grandparental units that might. Oh and no, we don't have doughnuts and McDonalds, ever. So stop judging. Now.

Now these are just gratuitous adorableness shots.

Then it was off to the park. And what an amazing park it is! About three minutes from our house and just recently discovered by us. We meet Mimi and Papa there.
It was carousel rides, merry-go-rounds, boats and train rides.
Levi is such a rough and tumble little guy that it always surprises me to see this little vulnerable nervous child that appears every so often. The train ride seemed to draw out that side of him.
Then Jason caught a fish. with.his.bare.hands. That is my man... Catching a fish with his bare hands....Levi would have nothing to do with it and demanded that his father put this fish back in the water. That is my boy.
Later that day we had Uncle Ken, Aunt Heather and "C-ra-ra" came over for cake.
Levi does not like being sung to, at all. Or having his face pushed in the cake by his father. Yeah, look closely at the middle pic on the upper left hand side. That is Jason's arm pushing poor Levi's head into his cake.

Don't ask about day three. I didn't even get the camera out. It was a crazy, eventful weekend. It was emotional, it was hard, it had a happy ending. I am just so grateful for the color and excitement that Levi has brought to my life for the last two years.

Levi's Birthday Extravaganza- Day One

2010-01-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

Poor little Levi's birthday got derailed so badly that it turned into a three day ordeal. Or shall I call it an extravaganza to make it sound more cohesive and exciting? By the time it was all over with I asked him if he had a good birthday. He looked at me with this panicked look and replied "All gone-a, bye-bye, night-night, trashcan"... We'll try again next year buddy.

Every year on our birthdays my dad would take us out to McDonald's for breakfast. This year I kept tradition alive. I even broke my number one "When I have kids I will NEVER" rule. I let him play on the germ-infested-never-ever-cleaned-playground. We had to do something to make up for the fact they didn't have Happy Meals! Seriously, no Happy Meals. At McDonald's. That is by definition a travesty.

Papa came by and dropped off Levi's awesome new red wagon.

Which he promptly filled with dirt.

Then he ate some dirt.

 Which made him throw up right as we got in the car for an emergency trip that consisted of a 2 hour long car ride.

Jason dropped me off at the hospital to see my Grandma. Then it was off to see Gigi. From the sounds of things, I don't know who had more fun, Levi or Gigi.

All the driving and chaos of that day left all of us feeling like doing this:

The day was definitely not what we had planned, but it left me clinging to the joy and love I have for my family.

You are My I love You

2010-01-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Two years ago today at 2.19 in the AM my entire world was complete. I could try to describe the depth of my love for this child, but my words would fall embarrassingly short. The book by Maryann K Cusimano says it best for me.

"You are My I Love You"

Happy Birthday, dear son. You are my love you.

LAZY Blogging- Christmas Cookies Edition

2009-12-27T08:05:00.000-08:00

I am a bad mom and didn't get pictures of Levi and Cierra making cookies for Santa. Thus no cute cookie making blog post. Luckily, my dear Sister-in-law, Heather, did. So click on the picture above to visit The Davis Family Blog.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T18:15:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day. This year we had Christmas at our home for the first time. We had enough food to feed an army. Enough toys to overjoy a little boy. Enough jewelery to bling a little girl out. And enough love to fill a home.

Accessories, accessories, accessories! What more could a girl want?!?

Hot wheels, walkie talkies, remote control cars and an Elmo phone! What more could a boy ask for?!?!

Maybe the gift to end all gifts.......

The almighty Cozy Coupe!

A wonder filled Christmas indeed.

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-24T21:32:00.000-08:00

I have to say I went wayyyyy overboard this year with Christmas decor, look at my ornament. Call me Martha Stewart. What can I say....

Yes, Big Bird is the ONLY ornament that made it to our tree. I am officially Scrooge.

My lack of festiveness had us worried that we might have scared off Santa. So we did the only thing we knew to do: we bribed him with cookies.

We joined hands at the bequest of Levi to say a prayer before we taste tested the cookies.

My goodness, we even shared! That ought to have put us all firmly on the "Nice List"...

Well, all niceness has its limits. One can only share so much, you see.

And alas, Santa did come to the Gibbs household. And apparently Mom was so flipping naughty this year she didn't even get coal! But thank goodness rest of the stockings are stuffed!

And gifts left under the tree.

Seems to me the cookies (mostly) did the trick!

Merry, joyful, wonder-filled, amazing Christmas to you and yours.
Love the Gibbs Family

The Beginning of a Bejeweled Life

2009-12-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

Much to my father's chagrin, we had Estelle's ears pierced. He believes that it was tantamount to mutilation. I believe it is tantamount to freaking adorable.

It ended up being a two day ordeal, who knew they had to have a specialist to do baby ears? But Little Mama did great. She was a little annoyed at the first one, and the second one, frankly, just pissed her off. By the time we left the store she was all smiles and sparkles.

Here we have the anti-piercing alliance. Levi was none too happy about them making his sister cry. And my dad, well, he is still mad at me for subjecting her to "needless pain".

Here is the progression. Yes, I took her during nap time. Look at her smiling at the camera, so unassuming...

Come on! I am going to have to go hug her just looking at this one:

But the end result, so worth it.

"Gratitude is not only the memory but the homage of the heart rendered to God for his goodness." - Nathaniel P. Willis

2009-11-26T20:58:00.000-08:00

Oh, gratitude. I remember when you were a word that so easily tripped off of my tongue. Long gone are those days. Now you envelope me. You, dear gratitude, define me. To say I give thanks is a gross understatement. Here is to being overwhelmed with gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Day Three of the Three Day

2009-11-24T15:26:00.000-08:00

She did it! Sixty miles. Three days. Two nights at camp. In a tent. My mom, in a tent. Twice. On purpose. But that's neither here nor there, because she DID IT! I am so incredibly proud of her.

I cannot even begin to describe what an amazing and positive event this was. The camaraderie among the crowds, volunteers, and walkers was just astounding. The upbeat and sanguine atmosphere was incredible (not to mention novel). The physical exertion was undoubtedly matched by the emotional impact of the cause. There was no escaping what this event aims to prevent; loss and death. The most poignant example being a woman pushing an empty wheelchair that was vacated by a woman losing her battle to breast cancer only days before the walk.

I just thank God for early detection and the awareness that has spared my mother's life and my Gigi's life. I am grateful for the advances in medicine the allow my mother to continue to paint with out the crippling complications of lymphedema. I am grateful for the efforts put forward by all the women that walked. I know that because they walked my daughter will not have to endure the wrath of this disease and all that it robs. I know they are walking for a cure, not a treatment. My hat is off to you, ladies. Well done and thank you.

Mom, you have triumphed, you have overcome time and time again. You are a force to behold. You are a hero. I love you.

At lunch. Diva with her sports injury:

At the finish line:

Watching my mom walking across the finish line with her granddaughters was one of the most powerful moments for me. Deeply symbolic and amazing

Ladies, you rock! Here is to you!

Day Two of the Three Day

2009-11-14T18:41:00.000-08:00

Forty miles down. Today they walked through rain (of course the only time it ever rains in Awhatukee is today). They walked over hills . They walked on blistered feet. They walked with increasingly weary bodies.

We dressed up in pink. We cheered for those weary bodies. And we are so proud.

Twenty miles left, Diva! We know you will make it. We can't wait to see you cross your finish line.

Day One of the Three Day

2009-11-13T19:15:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, three years ago my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. If you have ever met my mother you know that she kicked cancer's ass. She is such a feisty and vivacious woman. Really, breast cancer never stood a chance against her. After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation she is now cancer free.

As a mere spectator in the fight against breast cancer, I can not even begin to describe what a complex disease this one is for so many women. Whether we like it or not, breasts embody a whole lot of what is to be a woman. They are external symbols of motherhood, nurturing, attractiveness, sexuality and power. They can be something we are self -conscious of or they can be something we are proud of, but they should never be something we fear or mourn.

My mother's fight was an incredibly intense one, and it a fight that still haunts all of us that love her. But for her the fight is ongoing. Like many survivors, she never really gets to put the whole thing to bed. There is no assurance that tomorrow there will not be another lump. There is no peace of mind know that this cold is just a cold. There is no finale to the fear; there is no finish line.

Enter the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk. Today she started out on a three day long journey that is largely symbolic of her finish line. She is walking with hundreds of other people that understand this disease's weight, some more than others. Inspired by friends that have walked in her honor in past 3 Day's, this has become a very important goal to her. She has trained for months and is now strong enough to complete this huge milestone.

I am so incredibly proud of my mom for undertaking this expedition. But I am also profoundly grateful for the walkers the preceded her. Without them she might not be walking this weekend. And I know because she is walking she will afford others to walk after her.

Opening Ceremony:

Her personal pink cheering section:

Almost halfway at a cheering station:

Team mates Lori and Jill. They have been there to support my mother every step of this journey, it seems poetic that they are now literally walking beside her.

Less than a half of a mile until camp!

The Post You Never Saw Coming

2009-11-11T20:22:00.000-08:00

I finally did it. The unthinkable, the unfathomable, and sadly the inevitable:

I took Levi in for his first proper haircut.

The baby locks of curls are gone and under all it was a little boy (or Mia Farrow). No really, he rocked the pixie cut until those curls rounded out again. A montage of bad haircuts it looks like is coming soon. Fortunately we have product and a mom that is not afraid to use it.

Perhaps as shocking as my sacrificing my son's babyhood hair to the shears is the fact he was an ANGEL while getting his hair cut. He sat perfectly still and mostly gave himself adoring looks in the mirror.

Things were made immeasurably easier by his awesome ride, he had to make sure I saw it:

Here are a couple of him with his Delilah, checking his bad self out.

Whew... I am so glad it is FINALLY over with. Now I don't have to worry about doing that again for another 21 months. And no, I am not kidding.

Meet the Flintstones...

2009-11-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

Ok, I have to start off saying that it was a small miracle that Fred wore his outfit. For that matter it is a small miracle that Bam Bam wore his and didn't tear the bone off . And, yes, I do understand there are some logistical issues with Bam Bam not being Fred and Wilma's child, but whatever, just roll with it. So here you have it,

"Yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyabba-dabba-doooooooo!"

Flintstones... Meet the Flintstones,
They're a modern stoneage family.
From the town of Bedrock,
They're a page right out of history.

Let's ride with the family down the street.
Through the courtesy of Fred's two feet.

When you're with the Flintstones,
have a yabba dabba doo time,
a dabba doo time,
we'll have a gay old time

Oh I can't even tell you how much I love this costume! Gigi as a scarecrow. Ah I LOVE it!

Bam Bam:

Wilma and Pebbles:

Yabba dabba doo, folks.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to the pumpkin patch at the very cool Mother Nature's Farm (how had we not been there yet???). It was another beautiful, crisp autumn day here in Arizona (it was 100+ degrees). We thought, what better day for Levi to pick out his first pumpkin! It ending up mostly him trying to crawl into another kid's wagon and throwing himself down on the ground. I have a feeling he is going to be the kid screaming in the Santa pictures.

We found some more his size and he went to town. He even picked out one for Miss Estelle.

Who you can see was hard at work picking out one for herself...she was totally dreaming about them...

We got a few WONDERFUL shots in of Levi, his parents and pumpkin. Dang kid just wasn't down for the photo op.

And then his favorite part of the trip: leaving.

Gigi's Visit

2009-10-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

My grandmother came down this week to see her babies. We had a wonderful time and wish we could see her more often.

Three Months Old

2009-10-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, three months flew! Little Miss continues to be the sweetest baby ever. She coos and smiles all the time. She sleeps from 8pm until 4am, has a snack and then goes back to sleep... swoon...She is rolling over (both ways). She loves her brother, save the times he jacks her binkies. She is weighing in at 13 lbs and 13 ozs! She has brought such joy to our family. Her sweet little coo and kind disposition melts my heart.

Here are some picture of her fabulous little self taken by DTL Photo

A Recipe for a Slightly Annoyed, Mostly Amused Mom

2009-10-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

My family would most likely eat only spaghetti if not for recipe blogs (they've changed my life). So as a nod to all the fabulous food bloggers out there, I bring you our very first recipe via my little sous chef, Levi Gibbs.

Ingredients:

(1) PO'd Mother that is too tired to yell anymore for the day
(Lots of months) observing the chef de cuisine
(1) bag of spinach
(2)Inspector Gadget arms to reach aforementioned bag
Ability to thwart childproof cabinets at a freakishly young age

Now, set the table for three (that fourth one doesn't seem to be interested in food)

Take a little taste test (best served with a ice cream scooper)

Now you know you can't just leave it out, got to wrap it all up!

Yummy leftovers for tomorrow:

You just can't get the joys of home cooking like this in a five star restaurant, my friends.

This is How We Roll....

2009-10-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

I was gone for barely 40 minutes the other day and Estelle decided to show off for her Daddy. She rolled over for the first time- WITHOUT ME THERE! I have never missed a milestone of either of our children. Boo! Jason was kind enough to video it. I finally did see her do it the next day. She is changing so fast!

Post edit: about an hour after I posted this she rolled the from her back to her tummy....and I was in the other room. You have to be kidding me.

As Long as I'm Living My Baby You'll Be

2009-09-24T22:23:00.000-07:00

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.

-by Robert Munsch

Levi went into his sister's room and brought me her baby bjorn. He pointed to her, then to the bjorn, shook his head and then to himself. I gathered he meant that he wanted to be carried in it (I ignored the possibility that he wanted to carry her in it). I poured him into it and died laughing then I cried because, my goodness, it was yesterday he fit in it so well...As long as I am living my baby he will be.

And no, I don't do pics in the mirror well.

Two Months, and Some Change

2009-09-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

A week late. I think I did a "Levi Turned 100 days Old!" post.... I guess therein lies the difference between a first and second born. Sorry, daughter!

She is such a good baby. She only gets up once a night for a feeding (averaging way better than her brother currently is). She is also the happiest little thing. When she sees her mama she just lights up. You give that girl a minute she is going to have a conversation with you. Just all smiles and coos. She does have her "witching hour" at night. But Jason and I figure if she saves all typical cranky behaviour from all day into a condensed amount of time, well, that is just fine by us.

Here are a couple of pics of her pretty little self. By little, I mean not small at all, she was 24.4 in (95th percentile) and 12.12 lbs (90th).

Farmer Gibbs

2009-09-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

Because the calendars finally rolled over into September, we are forging forward with our delusion that we don't live in an inferno. That means more times outside (a wonderful thing for a 20 month old). I thought it would be fun for Levi to go back to his roots and plant something. Besides I think he was wanting to do it after reading his father's Successful Farming magazine...

Ahhh, look at those grubby little hands! I just love them!

Levi decided that gardening was not an activity that pants are required for...Love this progression:

See, now doesn't that look much more enjoyable:

First Giggle

2009-09-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

That Daddy...he is a riot. Estelle got the giggles talking to him tonight. No video, she got camera shy, but as soon as I would give up she would bust out with that sweet little gurgly giggle. So we settled on photos instead:

This one is just a completely gratuitous outfit shot:

The Facemaker and The Bad Phototaker...

2009-09-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

Ugh, we got a new camera and all I have to say is boo. Granted I am not by any means a photographer, just the mommy variety that can generally photoshop a pic into decency. But I have to say this camera really does suck. Here a few shots that I got of Estelle the other night. We ended up getting a few hilarious shots because the camera would take the pics LONG after I hit the shutter button. But here is her pretty face:

This, my friends is quintessential Estelle. The girl is always pursing her little lips. Hilarious. Maybe Temperance would have been a good name for her after all...

The middle pic just KILLS me. She is smiling a big as she can. It is such a cute, yet horridly unflattering smile. Oh, I think it is my favorite of her yet.

Summer Nights

2009-09-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

Oh, Arizona, we have such a love hate relationship, you and I. Frankly, this summer I have hated you...passionately. Then we have a night like this, family, smiles, outdoors, laughter, watermelons. Oh then I think I love you all over again.

Estelle's First Pedicure

2009-08-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

She couldn't wait to until she was even a month old to get her first pedi. Yes, that is a liner brush we were using.

First Smile!

2009-08-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

Estelle's first smile! I couldn't believe it! We were at my parents and my dad was talking to her and she starts cooing and smiling for him! It was the sweetest.

Blackmail

2009-08-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

Why, yes, Levi, your sister's 0-3 month leggings do make your butt look big.

Checking himself out in the mirror...

He apparently thought the get up needed a little something more, so he went and put his shorts on...

And really, what outfit is complete without accessories?

Son, I can't thank you enough for providing us with countless blackmail opportunities, such as this one. You make us laugh everyday and we love watching your little sense of humor (and fashion sense) develop!

Dress Up

2009-07-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

Alright, so this girl stuff is looking like it is going to be fun after all.

Thanks to Aunt B for the outrageously fabulous headbands!

Goldie Locks

2009-07-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

While we were in the hospital, my mom watched Levi for us. After a big excitement filled morning, she brought him by to visit us. Let me preface this by saying Levi NEVER sleeps when some one is holding him, in a bed other than his own and only occasionally in the car. It appears he has met his match in my mother. This kid was tuckered out.

I have to say aside from this being hilarious, it was also very poignant for me. Because it really was yesterday he was laying in bassinet in the same hospital, sleeping on his first day in this world.

More Estelle

2009-07-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

The Gibbs Family, Expanded

2009-07-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

I had my mom take a one last picture with just the three of us. Poor little guy was blissfully unaware of how much his world was about to change...

For the better...

Levi, meet Stella

2009-07-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

Levi is doing so great with his baby sister. He (mostly) loves her and wants to snuggle and love on her. He has his moments, but overall he is adjusting so well. I am so glad my mom was there to capture this moment. It is one I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Miss Estelle

2009-07-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

She is Here!

2009-07-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

Estelle Reeves Gibbs
July 14th,2009
7.29pm
9 lbs 10 oz
22 in
Healthy, happy, perfect

(No) Baby Update

2009-07-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

Still no Baby Girl Gibbs! I had no idea how spoiled I was with Levi having him so early! Last week when we met with our midwife she said we would talk induction at my appointment on the 8th. Right as I arrived at my appointment the midwife went flying out the door to go deliver a baby. So we waited an hour to see the doctor. He was very reluctant to schedule an induction and talked me into waiting until Monday. He did check me (4cm and 80%) and said he thought I would likely go into labor on my own in the next day or two (then talked about how he seen women a lot more ready for labor go much longer....whatever I am just going to ignore that part). He is guessing she is right at 8.5 lbs right now, so I am just hoping and praying that his guess about her arrival date is right!

36 weeks 6 Days and Still Counting

2009-06-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

This is the exact day that I went into the hospital when I had Levi. He baked for exactly 37 weeks (and two hours and nineteen minutes). I went in around 10am fully expecting to be sent home and continued to believe that I would be until 8pm when they started me on pitocin. That, my friends, is some nasty stuff. Twenty minutes later, I was 100% sure that it was all real and I was indeed going to have him. Six relatively quick hours later I was holding him in my arms.

Nothing could have prepared me for that moment. I didn't buy into that whole it will be instantaneous and immense love at first sight. I knew it would grow into an amazing life changing love, but right away? Then this blond little boy was placed in my arms and it was as though a tidal wave hit me. That second was the most formative point in my life. It was a moment of clarity and joy. This is what it is ALL about... This is why I am here... This is the most perfect little thing I have ever seen in my life.

As I edge closer to having baby #2 I don't quite know what to expect. The circumstances that lead up to Levi's early arrival were unusual, so I still don't know what to look for if I go into natural labor. Yikes! Will the moment they place her in my arms be as immense as the first time? I know it can't be quite as much of a shock.

In any case, I can't wait to meet her and see her little face for the first time.

2009-06-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

Levi is going through quite a stage right now. He is a very strong willed little man and about to drive his mama insane. But when I think of him and all the naughty little things he does, it makes me laugh. I can't imagine him any other way. He is not passive or docile or by any means easygoing. He is ornery and strong and flipping hilarious. He is just the way he was designed and I feel so deeply deeply blessed to be his mother. I just pray that I will be able to foster all the completely amazing qualities that make Levi so precious.

How can you not just love this face?

It doesn't read well in a photo, but this is Levi shrugging his little shoulders. That is his go to response to everything.

That and wagging his finger at me telling me "No no"

Oh Nooooo!

2009-06-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

This kid has a flair for the dramatic (totally gets that from his father...) His newest thing is pressing his hands up against his face and saying "Oh Nooo". It is so funny.

Actually his newest thing is sticking his fingers down his throat and gagging himself. He thinks that is just about as funny as it gets. I will spare you those photos... But really how do you talk to a 17 month old about the dangers of bulimia? I bet there is a book.

London's (?) Room

2009-05-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of sneak peaks into Little Miss's future room. I wanted it very clean, simple with nods to art nouveau. And with a little pink as possible (Jannese, if you are reading this...I tried). Jason disagreed. He gets opinions on the darnest things. And he is so cute I can't help but indulge him. It is a tad on the "unfit for a child" side right now. But hopefully by the time she is a toddler, we will have whipped it into shape. I will keep you updated on the progress, so you don't call CPS on us.

Here is my art nouveau. There are five in her room. Still debating what to put in them. Any suggestions?

You didn't think that I actually did them myself, did you? Nope, my very talented and exploited mother helped out.

Childproofing? Codes? Pishshaw.....

Look, it gets better:

Here is the bedding that Daddy picked out for his little girl.

Oh, you noticed the question mark next to her name? I still haven't decided on a name... It will come to me.

Levi's First Milk Shake

2009-05-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

This one is for Grandpa Jack. Because I know you have the feed to this blog on your RSS reader on your cell... Well, we will just show it to you when you come back out to AZ.

Jason decided to go to Sonic to get Mr. Levi his first milk shake. I think Jason halfway thought that Levi would be unable to man the straw. He figured it out. I don't even want to know how much he would have consumed if we would not have taken it way.

Look at those crazy eyes. It is like he is saying, "Take this away from me, I dare you"

We are always up for a challenge, plus we didn't want him vomiting milkshake for the next three hours. Broke his heart.

That heartbreak turned into maniacal anger.

But, alas the freezer won the prized milkshake...

By the way, am I the only mother that loves pictures of their child crying? Not like, when he is bleeding crying. But the man sized temper tantrum crying? Oh I just love those. Maybe because it is such a familiar scene.

It is in His Blood

2009-05-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

Look at my little creative genius. It was inevitable, it is in his blood. At least the creative part. For Mother's Day we tried to do little hand prints for Levi's grandmothers.

He decided he had enough of the finger painting, because really, that is merely child's play. He wanted to use the brush like his Diva does.

Seriously, I am ridiculously proud of how natural it was for him. He just took the brush and went right to it, like he had done it a million times before. I mean look at the composition of this beauty. Eat your heart out, Jackson Pollock.

Easter Eggs

2009-05-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, this is happening. I am blogging about Easter when it is almost June.

Remember last year's Easter egg dying? Let me tell you what, 3 month olds are WAY into dying Easter eggs. Levi kept telling us, "No do that color, not this one", he had to have everything justso.

This year was actually a ton of fun. He had fun putting the eggs in the dye and pulling them back out. With his bare hands. What? He looked festive. Thanks to Mimi and Papa for their help this year!

BTW does anyone see a slight family resemblance with that boy and his Mimi?

Bad, Bad, BAD Blogger

2009-05-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

I will spare you to usual apology that generally goes along with not blogging for extended periods of time. Really, doesn't that insult you a little bit when you see "I am sooooooo sorry I haven't blogged in FOREVER!"? Did me not blogging really effect the quality of your life? Did it cause some sort of undue harm not having a sneak peek in to our lives in this little voyeuristic realm?

Truth is it is Arizona and I am in my 57th month of pregnancy. I don't feel the need to elaborate. Plus my second laptop in 13 months bit it about 5 weeks ago. A week after the warranty expired. That made us start talking about making the switch. You know the big switch. The PC to Mac switch. For Mother's Day Levi and his very kind father bought me this bad boy:
I love it! It definitely has taken some getting used to, but I am hoping that in 12 18 24 36 months I won't be worrying about whether yet another pieceofcrap PC laptop will hobble along into my next pregnancy with me.

I have very little exciting news to blog about, but I do have a month and half worth of pictures of my exceptionally darling son. I will try to catch up and keep current in the next couple of weeks. On my Mac. Yippie!

And Her Name Will Be....

2009-04-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

I know, random, right? I thought we needed a picture in this post, because I don't read blog posts unless they are around 90% pics. And I bet you don't either. But do go to failblog.org, too funny.

Anyways, we have finally decided on baby girl's name: London. We are still in negotiations for a middle name. We want to give her my middle name, Reeves. However I think it is important to do a double middle name to avoid her having the initials LRG, as in large, because if she is large, well...she just doesn't need that. Jason thinks we should just leave it. It took us about 26 weeks to come up the first name, and we no longer have that kind of time to spend on another middle name.

So there we have it Baby Gibbs will be

London (Possibly Another Name Here) Reeves Gibbs.

By the way thanks to Aunt B who suggested the name to begin with!