Staffbury's

We've been friends with these ladies for over 16 years! We make it a point to go out every few months to catch up with one another. We always have a great time and lots of laughs!!

Cousins at the Kamm's

We're so blessed to have family close by. Harleigh and Lawson get to see Landon, Brooks, and Isla often. Typically when the Dean boys come over, they love dress up because they don't have fun heels, princess dresses, hairbows, accessories at their house.

 

Lawson at 18months

I'm behind in blogging, sorry Ginger and mom.

Here's a quick update on where Lawson was at 18months (a month and a half late):
Weight- 25lbs 15oz (75%)
Height- 33in (75%)
Head Circum.- 48.75 (75-90%)

Lawson's growing right on track. He's very healthy and active. He's all boy- loving trucks, cars, food, chase, peek-a-boo. We're still working on his communication, and he's picking up more and more words each week. He likes to stand by the garage and say "Oww-iii" for "outside". or when Zak leaves in the morning, he'll say "Dadda dow?" for "Where did daddy go?".

We love you little guy, and look forward to more milestones down the road.

Harleigh's Style- Princess, Sparkles, and more!

Everyone is always shocked to hear of how girly Harleigh is since I spend about 5 min getting ready (that was working and not working:)). I rarely put make up on and my business dress was usually something that was boring because I hated spending a ton of money on business clothes that go in and out of style. Being home, I wear t-shirts and shorts a majority of the time so I can squeeze in a workout at any point of the day. Plus, I like acting like one of the kids, and get dirty with them.

However, as a kid, I was completely different. I would change my outfit 5-6 times a day. I always had make up on (even for swim practice), high heels, and dressed as close to "red" carpet ready as I could. It's hilarious to see my 3 year old act just like I did. She will change her outfit through out the day, just because (unfortunately all the "dirty" outfits that have been worn inside for 30 min get thrown in the laundry). Dressing like a princess is one of her favorite activities, and no princess is complete without eyeshadow (all the way to the eyebrow as bright as possible), lipstick, blush, nail polish (on both fingers and toes), high heels (the louder the better), hair bows, and anything else sparkly that we can put on. I love seeing her creative side come out, and it's even more fun to see her love and passion for fashion and accessories spread to her cousin. No, not Isla, Landon!

Eyeshadow perfectly applied. Check.

Princess themed dance routine. Check.

Figuring out how to do the "Marilyn Monroe", before even knowing who that is. Check.

Attitude. Double Check.

Once a princess, always a princess!

I love you, Harleigh. I look forward to many more dress ups, and you learning how to do your own laundry!! :)

"I'm growing up"...(insert tear)

I'm really enjoying my time staying home with the kids. I really feel that my relationship with Har and Laws is growing and they are changing by this extra time and attention from mom. As I think how quickly this time will go by, it's really bittersweet. I want them to grow, learn, and enjoy life to the fullest, at the same time I want to protect them and comfort them as if they are still babies.

As Harleigh was coming downstairs, I said "come on down, my little baby."
She quickly corrected me, "Mom, I'm not a baby. Look how much I'm growing up."

I think the little momma inside of me started to cry, and by "cry" I mean have an uncontrollable wailing, gasping for air, "ugly" cry. I'm not looking forward to Harleigh starting school in a few years, that little girl inside of me will totally come out and I'll have no neighbor friends, for sure!;) 

Asheville July 2013

I was able to get away for a night with the Book Club gals to Asheville. We had a great time catching up, and having a few adult beverages. Thanks again, Natalie, for hosting us!

 

Feb 2013 Kamm Family Photoshoot

I'm always behind in blogging, printing pictures, etc. Earlier this year, we had Somer Ocana Photography come to our house and take family and kid pictures. I think she was great with the kids and did a really good job. Here's Harleigh at 2 and Lawson at 11months. Look at Lawson's baby hair, it still wasn't coming in very thick and you can see right through it. Harleigh was on a "boot" fix so of course, she had to wear her "sparkle" boots. I can't believe how much these two have growth since early February!

 

3 Step Ribs

Beer and BBQ Ribs- longest recipe ever but they fall off the bone and are DELICIOUS!
Night before, I marinated the ribs with Montreal Steak seasoning and a little Lawry's Seasoning salt.
Grill ribs for 15-20 min on Med-Low heat.
Put them in large roasting pan, bone side down. Rub 1/2 cup brown sugar, and a little Salt and Pepper,
Drizzle 1/4cup honey on top,
Mix 1/4 cup cider vinegar and 1 bottle (12oz) dark beer and put around ribs and then spoon a few spoonfuls on top ribs,
Cover with foil and bake at 325 for 1 hour. Then, reduce heat to 250 and bake for 2 more hours until tender.
Then, pour 1/2 bottle BBQ sauce (I used Sweet Baby Ray's) all over ribs and grill again 10-15 minutes or until browned.
Serve.

If I were to make this again I would do more than 1 rack of ribs. For all the steps it's worth having the leftovers.

16 Month Fun!

Lawson Update
-Big Guy is around 26lbs and loves to be carried around. Hello, back problems.
-He's starting to talk more- "Ank Eww" (Thank You), "Mo" (More), "Bubble", "Sissssth" (little lisp, but that's "Sissy"), "Ish" (Fish), "Daww" (Dog), Mommy, Daddy, "Nack" (Snack), Ball, "Mil, Mil" (Milk), "Bible", "Vroommm" (Car). He's a total boy.
-Hates diaper changes. It's a wrestling match.
-Typically 1 nap/day and it's 2-3+ hours
-Still has reactions to cow's milk, so he only drinks almond milk.
-Clearly, a great eater, and eats everything you put in front of him.
-Loves chase, push toys, balls, hide n' seek, reading, cars, animals (at a distance), and playing with his big sister.
-Great sleeper at night, making up for those first 9months. 6:30-7pm to 7-8am


Overall, Lawson is a pretty easy going kid. He's a mama's boy and I love it, I know in a few years he'll want nothing to do with mom so I'll take it while I have it. I love you, little Bug.

Easter 2013

Since I'm so behind, below are some pictures from this Easter! Lawson and Harleigh had a blast hunting for Easter eggs with their Bradbury-side cousins Brooks, Landon, and Isla. This was my first time hosting Easter and will likely be the last I host for awhile. After eating, everyone except two got the Norovirus. It was awful, Harleigh got so sick she had to get IV fluids which then led to a trip to Levine Children's due to a medical error on the IV fluids. With all that, the kids still had a good time and the food turned out well.

Getting the hang of the whole "Easter egg hunt"

Seeing what treasures are inside

Isla's happy with her findings

After 2,543 tries this was the best I could get- 4 of 5 looking

Bradbury's

Kamm's

Kamm's with Mimi and Bibi

Mimi and Bibi love their grandkids

Look at that face!

Digging in

Last picture before everyone got sick.

Super Dad

A few pictures from this year's Father's Day.

Zak loves his new shirt from Harleigh

Papa knows how to make Lawson feel really comfortable. Brooks was ticked he got stuck next to the loudest cousin.

Someone is still happy. This was the best shot I got.

Week 1 Recap

Last week was the first week with the kiddos, surprisingly it was a bit easier than I expected. They both had good behavior since having mom home is typically not the norm. We were able to go to the library, the zoo, and the pool a few times as well as a few play dates with other friends. I'm looking forward to many more weeks with the kiddos!

Catch up

After a 4 month hiatus- thanks to my work! I'm back to blogging again. So mom, Ginger, I hope you enjoy! :)

Quick update on the family: Lawson is running around like a maniac. He's into everything and is 100% boy. He's starting to talk  more and will get frustrated if you don't understand what's he's saying (a majority of words sound like "Ball" so he squeals often out of frustration for us not understanding him). He is Harleigh's shadow, he wants to do what "sissy" is doing (he will make a "ssssss" sound and that's "sissy"). He still is a great eater, and is mastering the fork and spoon, which he really does a great job with. Lawson also enjoys outside time- push toys, balls, golf clubs, slides, swings, water toys, bikes, you name it! He sleeps great these days typically 7pm-7am.

Harleigh is at a great age. She is a talker and is really getting into using her imagination. We will take turns telling a story to one another and she does a good job with keeping it moving which is surprising for a 3 year old. She also is the queen of phrases- most of the time when we ask her to do something like "Harleigh, let's pick up our toys and put them away" she'll respond with "Maybe on Friday". She doesn't mean it in a disrespectful way just trying to use what we say and incorporate it into or language. "Probably" is another one of her favorites. She loves, loves, loves her brother. She is a little mama to him. When she gets home from school she typically runs to him and gives him a hug and tells him what she made at school. She loves to read him books, and will get frustrated if he doesn't listen or sit still. She is eating better, thanks to a "gentle" nudge from mom and dad (i.e., timer) and loves to watch Dora the Explorer, Little Einsteins, and Max and Ruby.

A big change for the Kamm family is that Harleigh and Lawson are getting more "mom time". I've been able to transition to a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom), and will be able to get more time with kiddos. I'll miss working, but I think in the long term I won't regret taking some time with the kids.

Happy Belated Birthday, Brooksie Doodle

I'm a few weeks late, but I didn't forget this little guy's birthday! Happy Birthday Mr B! He's the BIG O-N-E!

 

Brooksie's favorite aunt!

finger licking good

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