Two and Through?

My latest article is up over at Modern Parent! See how many kids are in our family plan... Comments on the site are much appreciated!

The Witching Hour

My latest article is up over at Modern Parent! It's about the witching hour. If you have a child, I know you know what I'm talking about! 

Dada

Barry has gone to shoot guns on my family's farm in Asheboro today. Branner and I have been playing/trying to motivate to get out of the house on this rainy morning. He keeps pointing to this toy, playing with it, and calling it "Dada." I don't really see the resemblance...

Happy (Rainy) Saturday!

ChickFilA!

First time in the ChickFilA play area. Life (and lunches out) will never be the same!

TWO.

Dear Branner,

You are two. TWO!!!! I truly cannot believe two years have passed since the day you came into this world and our lives were forever changed for the better. Watching you develop and grow and master skills has been the greatest, most fulfilling thing I have ever experienced and that will never change.

You are funny, wild, mischievous, sweet, amazing, smart, hilarious, strong-willed and beautiful in every way. Your smiles and laughter are contagious. You have a big personality that gets you noticed, and you adore that. You give the best kisses and hugs in the world, and you give them often. 

You love being outside, tractors, trains, cars, trucks, animals, being read to, school, ice cream, being the center of attention, playing, dancing, laughing, baths, slides, swings, building blocks, and so much more. You dislike being told "no," not being able to get your point across, and super-long car rides. 

Your presence in my life has impacted me more than you will ever know. Because of you, I am closer to being the person I want to be. Because of you, my compassion towards others has grown immensely and my faith in the good of others has been renewed. You have changed me, and only for the better. Nothing I ever give you or do for you will ever compare to this gift. You will always be my biggest blessing. I wouldn't be able to teach you in a million years a fraction of what I have learned from you.

I am forever grateful that God had a bigger, better plan for me than I could have ever imagined and that He has given me the task of being your mother. I will always be your biggest cheerleader and I will always, always, always love you--more each and every day. You are truly something special, and I cannot wait to see what the next year holds. 

Love You to the Moon and Back, 

Mommy

Branner's 2nd BirthDAY!

Branner's actual birthday was filled with fun! We opened the gifts his birthday party guests brought, went to lunch at Phil's with Gigi, played, loved, danced and did rocket blast offs in the front yard after nap (shout out to the Thompson's for giving us the rocket set)! We capped off the day with a cupcake and another round of singing "Happy Birthday" for our special boy on his special day. We love you with all of our hearts, Branner! You are "two" much!

Branner's 2nd Birthday Party!

This year, this mama decided to make it easy on herself and booked Branner's second birthday party at Gymboree. The party involved lots of kids, lots of activities, lots of fun, lots of bubbles, lots of pizza, lots of cake and one happy birthday boy! He ran, climbed, jumped and played his way throughout the gym with his friends. He had a blast, and I'm pretty sure all of the other kids did, too! We left the party with a car full of presents, cupcakes, pizza and one worn out birthday boy! Happy, happy birthday to our amazingly energetic boy!