Tractor Lover

"Big Green Tractor" makes me happy!

Enthralled...

Yay, a tractor!

Play it again (and again, and again...), Mommy!

Just a few pics of Branner enjoying the "Big Green Tractor" video. His new haircut is making him start to look like a big boy! Tears.

Big Green Tractor

If you've been following the blog since last Spring, you know tractors are Branner's favorite thing ever. Barry found this youtube video, and not surprisingly, B adores it. He asks for it. He dances to it. He points and laughs and says "tractor" over and over while watching it. Tractors are the greatest things since sliced bread at the Kirby house!

Five Year Anniversary Celebration

The only pic from our five year celebration. Blurry much? But, thanks anyway, Dunhill bartender!

Book Club

Well, y'all, it's official. I'm definitely old and definitely a mom. Why? Because I'm in a book club and have been for three months now. And, guess what? I LOVE IT. You already know I love to read, but add one night a month out with some fabulous girls at a yummy local restaurant and a couple of glasses of wine, and you've got a big slice of heaven for this SAHM. I have met some new, amazing people through said club. The three books we have read thus far are pictured above. I can't wait for October already!

Teacher's Pet

Prince of Preschool (complete with shaggy hair and stains on shirt)!

In case you were wondering, preschool is going fabulously for Branner! He loves it. LOVES IT. He gets excited when we pull in the church parking lot. He babbles and laughs all the way to his classroom. He always gets a good report and is happy to see me when I pick him up in the afternoon. His teachers adore him and have the nicest things to say about him. I am so pleased with my decision to start him at "school" this year!

It's Fall, Y'all!

Boot and sweater weather is right around the corner(ish). Until then, here are my favorite fall obsessions:

1. Leaves Candles by Slatkin & Co. from Bath & Body Works. Have you smelled this? If not, you need to. It's a-ma-zing!

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2. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes (made with skim milk, no whip) and Caribou's Pumpkin White Chocolate Mocha (again, made a little lighter). Delish!

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3. Colored Jeans. I'm thinking red or emerald green. Still trying to find the perfect pair for purchase. These are J Brand. Totally loving them.

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4. Leopard print everything! My latest leopard purchase? These Tory Eddies. Adore. I'm treating leopard as a neutral this year!

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5. Neutral lips. Love this look!

Source: mimmist.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

6. Essie's Carry-On Fall Nail Collection. I can't wait to wear every single one of these shades-- particularly Case Study, Power Clutch and Very Structured!

What are your fall faves?

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Singing (Really Just Playing) in the Rain

Branner has not been loving the rain lately. Particularly because he loves to play outside. This afternoon, there was a small break in the monsoon, so I let him go outside. Of course, the skies opened up eventually, but B was not going to go back in the house. It was warm, so I decided we would just play in the rain. WHAT FUN! Something I will always remember with my sweet (not-so) baby boy!

Five Years

Five years ago, I married my best friend.

Five years ago, it was all about us.

Five years ago, we didn't know if we would have children.

So many things have changed, but one thing remains the same...our love for each other!

Happy Anniversary, Barry! I love you more than words can describe! You are the most amazing husband, provider and daddy to Branner a girl could ever hope for. You should be so proud of all you do for our family. Believe me, it does not go unnoticed. We are blessed beyond measure. I can't wait to see what our future holds. At least one more baby, I hope. At least two more, you hope. One thing is for sure, our home will be full of love and laughter! 

And to think, it all started at a Cowboys and Indians mixer...

20 Months

Um, Branner is closer to being two than I can believe! So close, in fact, that we have already picked the location, date and time for his second birthday party and given a deposit. Wow! We've had another fun month between our normal routine, trips to the mountains and starting school. A glimpse into B's life these days...

Likes: TRACTORS, PRESCHOOL, playing outside, Cozy Coupe rides, greenway walks (yay for it being a little cooler now), his teachers, trying to ride Bailey, "playing" with Chloe (him trying to hug her; her running for her life), bubbles, sidewalk chalk, bike rides with Barry, visits from Gigi and Big Papa, playing train (will have to take a pic/describe this later), jumping, running (he rarely walks anywhere), "EL-do" (Elmo), Curious George, Yo Gabba Gabba, Fresh Beats Band (shoot me), building blocks, anything car/truck related, airplanes, doing forward rolls, reading books, laughing, music, dancing, digging through the pantry and refrigerator, kisses and hugs.

Dislikes: Having to come inside from playing outside, being told "no."

Foods he's enjoying: Bananas, strawberries, grapes, everything bagel thins, cherry PopTarts (I give him organic--not much better, but still), mashed potatoes, pizza, fruit smoothies, ham and egg breakfast "muffins," breadsticks, french fries, hamburgers, broccoli, roasted potatoes, yogurt, animal crackers.

Clothes: We are in between 12 and 18 month sizes in pants. 12 months fit fine in the waist but are too short and 18 months are a little large in the waist and length. I have had the best luck with 18 month pants that have the adjustable waistbands. Gap Kids 12-18 months pants are OK for now, but probably won't be after the next month or so. In tops, he can wear 18 or 24 months or 2T. He's between a 5-6 in shoes.

Oh, my baby is growing up! Time to start thinking about another one. OK, thought about it. Not quite yet!

"Terrific!!"

...that was the word that B's teacher used to describe how he was at preschool today! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my chest. I know it's only his second day (first full day), but I am relieved that he behaves himself when I am not around. I am SO PROUD of my boy!

His teacher also mentioned that she thinks I should talk to the director about moving him up to the two-year-old class. She thinks he might get bored in the toddler class. I'm not ready to take that leap yet. After talking with my mom (a former preschool director) and a few friends, I don't think I want him to be the youngest in his class (by far) or to spend two years in the two-year-old program. I was concerned at first about him being the oldest, now I'm worried about him being the youngest. We'll see how this pans out, I am apprehensive about making any changes at this point.

Yay, preschool, loving you so far!

Prince of Preschool?!

Branner has finally started preschool! How was everyone's first day back? I'd love to hear from you over on Modern Parent! Check out my latest article, Waiting for this Day :)

Lemon Face

Branner. Eating a lemon. He loves them!!!(???)

C25k Week 6--Re-do!

Between traveling and getting everything ready for Branner to start preschool, I have been pretty busy the past few weeks, and had to take some time off from running. But, I'm BACK! I went back to Week 6 and started there late last week, and I will finish tomorrow. I am getting excited to find a race to participate in!!!

Lunch Date

I heart fries. And ketchup.

YUM!!!

We met Shana and Carter for lunch today at Five Guys, and man was it delicious! 

First Day Feedback

When I picked B up, he got rave reviews! Ms. Melinda said he was great and had so much fun! I am so proud of my big boy!

First Day of Preschool!

 On the way!

Walking in with Daddy!

Branner did great this morning when Barry and I took him to school! He got excited as soon as we pulled into the parking lot and held Barry's hand and giggled and talked the whole way in. When we got to his classroom, he was so eager to go in and play that he couldn't even wait to have his teachers take his picture with us. He ran right in the little toddler door and started playing without giving us a second thought or glance. I was so relieved.

Side note: I am at Caribou, drinking a skinny pumpkin latte, enjoying myself. I've already taken care of three things on my to-do list! I love preschool already!

Of course, none of our pics turned out to be decent. UGH! Will try again on Monday, his first full day.

Teacher Meet and Greet

This morning, I took Branner to meet his teachers. He seemed a little shy at first--didn't want to walk into his classroom on his own, wanted me to carry him--but, as soon as he saw all of the awesome toys and books and the other children, he was fine. He played and played and played some more.

He was enamored with the plastic indoor slide in the room and stayed on that for a while. Not sliding, per se, more like running trucks up and down the slide. Then, of course, there was a meltdown. Another little boy wanted to go down the slide, so I told B that he would have to give someone else a turn. He got pissed. He laid on the floor and cried and flailed about, so I picked him up. He pulled on one of the strands of my necklace, and little beads went everywhere. UGH. Another mom (my new preschool BFF?) helped me pick them up, we got them thrown away, I redirected B's attention and he went back to playing.

When it was time to go, he didn't want to leave! I am hoping when he goes back on Thursday, he will be better since I won't be with him in class. He gets rave reviews when I am not around. He tends to act out when I am there. Fingers crossed for a good first day!

Tantrum Tirade

Tantrums make me want to pitch a fit!  Would love to hear your feedback!

One Day

I just finished this, and it was amazing! I highly recommend it. Oh, have I mentioned I have an Anne Hathaway obsession? Can't wait to see the movie!

Labor Day Mountain Trip

We're off to spend a few (more) days on Beech with my mom for the holiday weekend! Hope everyone has a safe, fun weekend! Happy Labor Day!

Parent Orientation

We survived Parent Orientation last night! It was short, sweet and to-the-point. We have all the information we need and a plethora of new forms to fill out. We met Branner's teachers and saw his room and cubbyhole. I loved his teachers and I just know he is going to as well! While we were there, I signed up to be a Class Mom and a Substitute Teacher (if they exhaust their regular list). Have I lost my mind?!?!

I have already started filling out the forms, picked up the supplies they requested and Branner's bag is halfway packed. He doesn't actually even start until next Thursday, but what can I say? I am Type A.  I like to be prepared!