eloise

I guess it's been a little while since I've done any blogging. Things have been so busy around here with Graham and our newest arrival Eloise. I've had several people ask if I was going to create another blog for her, since this one is named littlegsmith. However, I can barely keep up with this blog...so it'll be just one combined blog for all of us.

I can't believe it, but Eloise is one month old today. Time has gone by so much more quickly with her. Partly I think it's because she's a better sleeper than Graham was at this age. She's only waking up once at night...not bad at all. She's has brought us such joy, and I cannot express how thankful I am that she's part of our family!

I'm always short on my words on this blog...mainly because I'm not good with writing them down, but now it's not only about that but about my time. I'm pretty sure from here on out that my posts might become shorter and shorter because I'm chasing down a 2 1/2 year old and trying to keep my littlest one happy. My blog will pretty much be full of pictures, which is what I'm sure you'd just as soon see anyways.

Here are a few from the last month.

Pumpkin carving

We've carved pumpkins every year since Jeff and I were married, but this was the first year that Graham really participated. He requested triangle eyes and teeth in the mouth. He was very engaged until we got to the gooey center. He thought that was "yucky"...which didn't surprise me at all. We had fun!

Before.

Oh no...

This was the yucky part.

The finished pumpkin. He's so proud.

Finally finished...

I've been waiting on the big "E" for two months, and I finally got it on Friday. It's not exactly what I asked for, but it still looks good. It took so long to get it that I don't want to send it back for being incorrect. Anyways, Jeff helped me hang the last few things today. I'm pretty excited that it's ready for her...that must mean she's almost here! There is a little blank space...plenty of growing room.

what's been going on

This morning I downloaded all of these pictures onto my computer. I didn't realize I had so many on there...it was fun to look through them all. A few months ago, I kept Raylee Jo and Rex for a few weeks. They are such sweet kids! It was a crazy few weeks, but we all had fun! The two little ones loved getting in the car seats. They would even buckle up some of their babies...so sweet.

When I was a kid, my mom took me to the circus every year. She wants to start this same tradition with Graham and soon to be Eloise. Man, the circus is so entertaining...even for adults. We had such a great time! Graham got a little light up toy. Between the toy and the elephants...he had such a great time!

More to come...Graham's awake now.

so soon

If everything goes according to plan, we'll be welcoming Eloise on November 2nd. It's only one month away...yay! Can't wait to see and hold our sweet little girl.

Potty Training

It has been my goal to get Graham potty trained before Eloise arrives. We were planning to do it over the long Labor Day weekend but several things came up. On Saturday, we officially started and had 20 accidents. But by Saturday night, he had gone potty in the potty three times...such a big boy! Sunday morning didn't start out that well...he probably had 8 accidents before nap. After nap though, it started to click. He went potty several times and even pooped in the potty...which I've heard is especially hard for little boys to do. Today, he woke up dry and didn't have an accident until 8pm!!! I wouldn't even call it an accident really...just a dribble. I know that's a lot of detail but I just want to brag on him a little.

We did the 3 Day Potty Training by Lora Jenson. If you don't know about the program, she has us remove the diapers FOREVER on morning one. We don't even put Graham in a pull-up for naps or night time. So many people told me that it would probably not happen within the three days, but I just knew he could do it. Jeff and I really tried to stay optimistic, and it's paid off!

Little Eloise's Baby Shower

Thank you to 5 special hostesses that put together the sweetest baby shower for Eloise. It turned out so cute and pink...which I LOVED! So many of my friends and family came which made me feel extremely special. We had it at Casa Milagro in Richardson. They had several games and activities for the guests. They asked people to make little bows for her new bow holder. They also had people fill out advice cards for Jeff and I. I especially liked the one that my mom (AKA Ashley, Colleen, and Monica) filled out....haha. Lastly, the guests filled out BINGO cards for gifts they thought I would open. As I opened gifts, they marked it down on their BINGO card...such a creative idea! Loved it all! Here are a few pictures.

Cutest little diaper cake and owl!

The bow making table.

The hostesses minus Brianna and Lindsey.

My mom and I.

My next door neighbor, Judy, and my mom.

High school and college friends.

My family.

Home Group

Rockwall friends.

Smith/Morrow side of the family.

Finally graduated with my Master's

After 5 years of coursework, I graduated with a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Texas A&M Commerce this weekend. It took me so long because for several years I only took one class per semester. I thought I would never be done, but luckily I am finished! It wasn't a showy ceremony, but it was nice. As most of you know, I'm a stay at home mom. Eventually I will go back to work and teach 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade. After all of my kids are in school, I will probably start looking. Hopefully the economy will be better by then...so some teaching jobs will be available. Here are some pictures from the day.

so darn cute...

the big boy room and the little girl room

So I've pretty much gotten Graham's room all done. I need to put a few pictures in frames, and I'm thinking of hanging a wire for his artwork above the TV. I'm excited with how it turned out!

Eloise's room is not near as far along, but it's getting there.

Diaper Cakes

For my friend Lindsey's baby shower, I made this monkey diaper cake. I had so much fun making it that I decided to start selling them. If you or anyone you know needs a diaper cake, please let me know because I'd be happy to make one for you. As I make more cakes, I'll post more pictures.

OH NO!

So, I almost had a heart attack yesterday. All of a sudden I heard someone banging on the toilet seat. When I got to the door and tried to open it, my stomach dropped...it was locked! Graham and Raylee locked the door. So I ran to get the little key to unlock it, but it wouldn't work. I called Jeff in a panic, trying to figure out if I was doing something wrong. I still couldn't figure it out, so he left the office to come help me. During this time, I'm worried and frustrated at these two little guys. I kept asking for them to talk to me...just to make sure they were okay. Lots of things can happen with two year olds in about 2 seconds. I had Rex stand guard while I ran to my next door neighbor to see if she could help. She brought over this nifty little tool (that I must go out and buy now). After a few minutes of work, we got the handle off...but couldn't get it opened. Finally, after what seemed life forever...we got the door open! OH MAN!!! And poor Jeff was already on his way...but because of it...we got a few extra minutes to spend with him.

The bathroom must be a new fascinating place for both two year olds because today they managed to get in there again...even after they were disciplined for their behavior from the day before. Fortunately, they did not lock the door this time; however, they did manage to get into all of my extra baby soaps and lotions. Raylee unscrewed the lid to one of the soaps and poured it all over herself. OH NO!!!! You'd think I wasn't paying attention, but I swear both things occurred within seconds. They are so sly...

Let's hope I don't have any more bathroom incidents tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

summer fun

We've had a full and fun summer so far!

Visiting Nana and Pop!

Riding a carousel...so fun finding Nana in the crowd!

sweet boys...Graham with Aiden

For three weeks, I'm keeping Rex and Raylee. Last week was our first week. We've had fun at the sprinkler park and playing at the mall. They are sweet friends!

Eating an ice cream and cookie dessert...yum!