Before and After

So for a while now Miss Kate's hair has been looking scruffy at best. Adorable in pigtails - but when it's down (which is 99% of the time b/c she hates wearing it any other way) our little bug can hardly see.

Enter Mike and his magical scissors.

I'll admit I was SO nervous about having her first hair cut conducted at home. I envisioned it happening in a salon by a certified stylist and costing a lot of money because hey, if you want quality you gotta pay for it right? That is not what Mike envisioned. After a few rounds of "But Mike, I don't want her hair cut." and "Kelly, she needs a slight trim." and "But Mike, I don't think you can do girls hair!" and "Kelly, it's just a trim so she can see better. I can handle it!" I finally gave in with a "Fine, Mike my sweetie, you can cut her hair. I have compete and total faith in you!". Okay that might not have been *exactly* what I said but you get the picture.

I give you the before.


I am laughing so hard right now b/c REALLY! How did I let her look like that!?

And the after.



Apparently I should listen to Mike more often because OH MAH CUTENESS did he ever do a good job!!!

While he was at it he trimmed up JGif as well. The after:



I forgot to get a before pic of Jack - but he looked a little something like this.


I'm off to begin penning the story of "Mike and his Magical Scissors" because really, wouldn't that make an awesome children's book title?! DON'T steal it.

Countdown to cuteness

Cuteness overload in 5...

4....




3...





2...



1...





PIGTAILS! We have PIGTAILS!


Well, we have pigtails for approximately 15 minutes max. That is the average time Kate will leave them in her hair until realizing they are there and pulling them both out with a vengance. This must change. I have 30some hair bows and wraps and ties just dying for their time to shine. I keep cycling thru trying to find one that is light enough, stealth enough, and has enough hold to stay in her hair for an extended period of time. It's like the bull riding championship of the accessory world! Unfortunately in this case, the adorable little chubby cheek bull always wins.

Tad part 2

I know you are most likely wondering why I posted the Jack and Tad birthday picture before posting the Kate and Tad birthday picture when Kate's birthday clearly came first. (That was one long sentence).

This is why:


She never.sits.still!!! Note the tilted camera angle. That's not an artistic thing. That's a "holy $#%& I gotta grab the baby before she drops" thing. Shhhh don't tell Mike.

In case you forget how old she is, just ask her!

My voice is so much cuter in my head.


A few months into Jack's life the G-Unit family motto became "One and Done!". We loved him so but we were also SO sure that he would be our one and only. Good God are we ever happy that is not how things worked out. This little beauty is truly the light of our lives. She makes everyone happy. Really - not just us - but every single person she comes into contact with. She leaves a wake of joy behind her everywhere she goes. Her smile is addictive and her personality magnetic. It's impossible to be around her and not just be happy. Kate burst into our lives and charmed the pants of every single one of us. We are so very lucky to have been blessed with her presence. KatieBug you make us SO very happy and I promise you that I will spend the rest of my eternity trying to make you the same. Happy Birthday!!

I know I owe you all another Key West recap post - and it's coming I swear! But for now I will say bye bye. Well, Kate will.

Happy birthday to ...

THIS guy:


The kid not the frog.

He's six today, you know. SIX! Takes two hands to show you how old he is now. TWO hands! I'm still not quite sure how this happened because I swear it was just yesterday when I was taking this picture:

That was the six month shot. From six months to six years in the blink of an eye.

I've gained a whole new respect for this one over the past year. His intellectual and emotional growth since starting kindergarten has just wow'ed me beyond belief. Right when I think I'm as proud as a mama could get he does something to make me even prouder (is that a word?). But seeing him move into the role of "big brother" and having the privilege of watching him grow in that role - well - I just have no words. He is amazing. AMAZING. And every day he amazes me more. Sometimes I wonder if Kate has any idea how lucky she is to have him looking out for her. Then I watch her face light up when he walks into the room and I think - she knows. I don't think I could possibly pray enough prayers of thanks to properly convey how incredibly blessed I feel that this beautiful gift of a child was given to me. I love him so.

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY JGIF! TWO hands!!!!

Kate walks the line

A bit of a wobbly line ... but she walks it!



Cutest.walker.EVER!!!!


Tad pictures coming soon. Swear. Super pinky swear.