All things pink.

Photo Dump from the iPhone.

New cousin to play with at our playground.

She loves the Cochrans and we love her!

All smiles with Aunt Kitty!

Yes.

We went there.

Hospital selfies with my kiddos while visiting my mother in law last fall.

Get Your Pink On race at WES.

Buddy

I don't even know that I'll ever be able to verbalize or write how this whole relationship functions.  They are almost one in the same.  Same love.  Same laugh.  Same silly attitude.  They love each other SOOOOOOOOOOOO big.  It is precious and overwhelming and so much fun.  Buddy was the first person in our family who got to see Miss SpenBrynne via photo right after she was born and I do believe it was the beginning of a beautiful love song.  They are hilarious together.  In person, via FaceTime, on the phone, via Snapchat... You name it and the silly spans miles.  If ever she needed anything, I have no doubt that her Boppy would be first in line to donate an organ, or dollars, or anything else she required.

Heck, he might just give up his right arm if she asked for it!

I love that they have so much fun together!

Seriously?

When was the last time you saw someone smile that big?

Please ignore SB's giant forehead bruise.  She had been stair diving.

Its fine.

My girls

Did I mention that as soon as we got back from North Carolina we ran real fast to my aunt's house for a giant family gathering with our cousins from far away?  

This diva took her time playing and enjoying a cold beverage.

Though, she takes her time doing pretty much everything.

And this diva is just TOO happy to function normally.

I tell people all the time that she's not a real baby.

She's not.

She is this happy about 90% of the time.

I love being their momma.

I love their spunk and their HAPPY.

Last NC

Have wolf ears... will travel....

Last stop, GA rest area.

What is this bizarre water pump thing?

I got this mom.

Libby perfecting her pose with the giant bulldog.

Chubby baby with bulldog.

Here momma.... take my picture with this awesome doll.

Wait, what is this?

Coloring on the Cabbage Patch Kid table.

Next stop... Babyland General in Cleveland GA....

NC: Wolf Lodge

Our last leg of the journey to NC and back consisted of a trip to The Great Wolf Lodge in NC.  We stayed at the Concord/Charlotte location.  It was an awesome experience that I would recommend to any family!  I would recommend that you wait until all children are above the age of 3 for height requirements and restrictions on rides.... but it was STILL FUN!  

We had a few slides that we could all ride.  There were a few obstacles that the children could climb as well.  Spencer enjoyed the floor fountains and the slides that were her size.  

Libby pretty much enjoyed everything.

Hello there.

You are my size.

We can be friends.

I had to beg a stranger to get our picture.

Daryk and I are the only people actually looking at the camera.

Awesome.

This is only 4 hours from home and we are thinking about going again and taking my mother in law.  She can participate with the kids and watch them play.  Everything was zero level entry with no stairs, so she would be able to enjoy it!  

Hayesface goes to Kindergarten

I only cried a little bit.

I only cried a little bit about 5 times during the day.

He was anxious and excited for his first day of Kindergarten.  He couldn't get out of his carseat fast enough.  He was SO excited to be a Winston Wildcat and be a part of a BIG school.  He is the best example of an eager learner and the best 'first day of school' kid ever.  He jumped out of the van and I had to remind him not to run across the parking lot.  He was thrilled to walk into the building and embrace his new journey.  

Thumbs up in the car before we left the house.

Me:  Hayes, what is your bus number?

Hayes:  315.

Being the good seatbelt mom, I fixed his strap after the photo.  I'm aware that it was not correct and not safe for travel.  Thanks for your concern about my kiddo... but I promise, I worry more about him than you do.  Ever. 

Me:  Hayes, what is your bus number?

Hayes:  315.

5 minutes later...

Me:  Hayes, what is your bus number?

Hayes:  315.

10 minutes later...

Me:  Hayes, what is your bus number?

Hayes:  Mommy, we have talked about this 3 times already.  Don't ask me again.

Me:  Okay, well... what is your bus number just in case I forget?

Hayes:  Mommy.  315.

So... we were on time for school and I was THRILLED at that.  Time management:  not my strongest suit.  Working on that.  I made him go back up there in the evening after dinner and take photos with this sign.  I wanted to document it and make sure we had no rush and no photo bombers.  Also, I didn't cry any after school.

Hayes managed to drink his drink, eat apples, and socialize at lunch.  He inhaled his snack after school.  I packed a sandwich, chips, and apples for lunch.  Kid is going to have to eat more than that!  Right?!

I think I'll take a photo with the school sign each year so we can document start to finish!

All smiles.  Day 1, done.  179 to go!

Mother's Day 2015

I love my church.

The tagline for the Mother's Day photo booth was that 'mom's love pictures.'

And boy, do they.

We had just spent time Saturday night having pictures made with our awesome family photographer Denise, and Daryk thought he was exempt from this on Sunday.

Wrong.

Please note the crazy smiles on Daryk and Hayes' faces...not real smiles.

And Libby looks confused.

And Spencer looks like she's lost.

But I am so happy.

All by myself

Look Mommy!

I climbed up on this stool all by myself and I'm so big!

And I can clap my hands too!

I make this motion with my hands to you every single time I want you to pick me up.

Man, I love this kid!

We actually just went to the dr today for her 1 year well check... only a month behind her actual 1 year mark...  I'm an awesome mom, seriously.  I also breed stocky kids with big heads.  She is above the 95th percentile for her weight at 28 lbs.  She's hovering between 75-80 percent for her length and around 90 percent for her head size.  Typical Cochran-Palmer genes.  Short, stocky, big head.  

The doctor and I both agreed that she has the best disposition and that she's a fantastic kid.  I am so proud to be her mom and so thankful that God gave me not one, not two, but THREE awesome babies.  I'm taking credit for the sleep training and the positive attitudes, but He gets the credit for the overall awesome package!

Punkin

I have nothing to say about this child.

She is out of control crazy.

She loves the same way; out of control and crazy.

She is the sweetest little girl when she chooses to be.

She's dramatic and exhuasting and bossy.

None of those things are negative, they are just HER.

I'd venture to say that this guy is her all time favorite person, after me of course.

All she has to do is ask and he pretty much gives....

Perfection in a train hat and Christmas pajamas.

There isn't a whole lot else to say about this one.

I want to make sure that I never forget how she puts emphasis on some of the strangest syllables and uses some of the best vocal inflection I've ever heard.  She is the most pleasant child with the best manners ever.  She isn't typically disrespectful, but she has her moments of out right defiance.  She spends more time asking questions than anything else all day long.  She is happy to help and a fantastic sock matcher, folder, and can put clothes up like a champ.  She doesn't like to brush her teeth or hair.  She likes a bath in place of a shower.  She loves lotions, lipsticks, and anything that  might sparkle a little bit.  She is fierce.  I predict she will rule the world, or at the very least, create a great one for us to live in.

Any doubts...

She is my mini me.  She is sassy and stubborn and creative.  She holds her tongue just so when she does those creative things.  She hides behind the couch and eats her chocolate.  I never know until I find the wrappers when I'm cleaning.  She rarely stays in her bed until she's supposed to get up.  She is opinionated and bossy and I don't think any of the adjectives I use to describe her are negative.  She is awesome.  She picks her own clothing, shoes, and accessories.  She rarely chooses clothing that actually matches her accessories or shoes.  She has a really big personality inside that tiny body.  

She loves big.  

She reminds me every single day that she loves me best.  

I'll never be able to understand that or explain it to someone else.  

New Kid on the Block

Something happened with this baby.  She turned my heart into mush.  I have never spent so much time just loving on a baby.  I feel like I need a few extra hours each day just to absorb this bundle of cuteness.  This post partum recovery has been the most challenging for me, but this baby girl is worth every minute!

Also, she's got lots of rolls.  And wrinkles... and creases... and I hate having to wash her hands.  She keeps them all clenched up like that and they trap all sorts of grossness.  Fuzz and hair and they stink.  Why is that?  The wrinkles in her feet also get dirty.  She's almost 2 months old.  How is that even possible?

We are about at the end of the 0-3 month clothing.  She has gotten so much longer in the last 2-3 weeks.  She also continues to pack on the lbs, so her clothes are getting a little bit snug.  She's not a huge fan of tummy time, bath time, or being cold and naked, makes for diaper changing challenges.  She loves to snuggle, nurse, and smile at her siblings.  She likes a blanket close to her face while she sleeps and she loves a paci!  She takes a bottle like a champ and nurses just fine also!  She is also super chatty for a tiny baby.  

Hakuna Matata

A week before I went to have Spencer Brynne at the hospital I took Hayes to see THIS!  Mom was able to get tickets for us to go and enjoy this fantastic show.  We had dinner at Chick fil A on the way into the city and then we met Buddy and Leigh Anne at The Fabulous Fox theatre.  Hayes was thrilled to see those two and just as excited to see the show!  He was totally convinced that the large truck below transported those 'animals' back to the zoo once they were done with the show.

He loved the sign outside the theatre and talked about it several times after we left.

I am so thankful that I was able to have some one on one time with Hayes before we had a baby girl.  The look on his face once those 'animals' came to life inside the theatre was amazing.  I know it brought me to tears!  It was super special that we got to share that time with Leigh Anne and Buddy!  If you've never seen that show, do yourself a favor and GO NOW.  It was one of the best shows I have ever seen and my 4 year old LOVED it!

The Herd

Sometimes my heart is just so full it could burst.

I love watching those littles toddle, run, collide, and leap into church every Sunday I can.  I love that my littles are learning about Jesus and the wonderful things He has done and CAN do for us.  

Also, those guys aren't too bad either.  They are both pretty good helpers with the littles.

Life with Libby

Life with Libby usually starts with a tall glass of berry or chocolate milk each morning.  She's not a huge breakfast fan like her momma.  She doesn't eat much in the mornings at home.  She is more of a snacker and a lunch/dinner girl.  She usually continues her day begging for some sort of cosmetic products.  Lipstick, lipgloss, and fingernail polish are among her top favorites.  She puts them on with gusto and has recently tried mascara.  I think it is working its way up the list.

She doesn't meet a stranger and has energy for days.  Sometimes I wonder how the rest of us keep up... but we manage.  One day at a time... one morning at a time... one of those grins at a time.

Also, she never wears shoes and she dresses her self.  Do NOT judge me.  

She's photogenic, what can I say?

I cannot handle the squishy baby face.  I have to laugh at her multiple chins, her chubby cheeks, and her leg rolls.  She is the perfect example of baby perfection.  Third time is the charm, right?

Baby yawns are enough to make you swoon.

Y'all, the hospital they make these hats with bows.  As in, my nurses made it for her one night while I was asleep.  She rocks that bow like a true lady.  The bigger the bow... the closer to Jesus.  

I just can't even.

I just love her.

I never thought I'd say things like, 'I'm done having children'...

But I do believe I'm done.

For a multitude of reasons, which I'll explain in a later post.

For now, I'm going to soak up some baby snuggles and neck sugars 

...before she turns two and says NO all the time.

Cousin Playdate

Last week I got to play with my littles and Kendall.  She came to our house while her Daddy was coaching wrestling with our Daddy.  I go to experience the '3 baby' deal with her for a few hours.  She was the most well behaved of the 3 while they played together.  My two, on the other hand, were making me crazy.  I try to make sure that I spend time with them as soon as I get home, so they will be able to play independently without needing to crawl in my butt.

On this particular day I was NOT successful with the 'play independently part' of the plan.  They pretty much acted like they wanted to play in the middle of the kitchen floor while I tried to cook dinner.  Cooking dinner while trying to hurdle two preschoolers is like cleaning the house while they are playing.  Either way, we had  great visit with Kendall and everyone eventually ate dinner.