La Vita e Stella, Sam, &Oliver

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-11-29T20:32:00.001-08:00

Christmas tree decorating, holiday music, & homemade hot cocoa. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Stella & Oliver

2011-11-08T19:24:00.000-08:00

Stella loves being in photos...when Oliver is in the picture!

Stella-3 years, 5 months

Oliver-5 months

Flower Girl

2011-11-08T18:51:00.001-08:00

Stella was a flower girl in my friend, Amy's, wedding. It was her first gig and she was adorable...Stella walked down the isle at Green Pastures and threw all of the flower petals in the air when she reached the alter. It was like a petal party with her accomplice, Mikayla. Towards the end of the ceremony, Stella was really eager for the kiss. She was kissing my bouquet, kissing her hand...just waiting for the big finale. Later at the reception, Stella ate a ring pop and her tongue turned blue. She made it to almost every table in the place, showing off her electric blue tongue. She was a hoot!

Now if anybody needs a seasoned flower girl, Stella will be pre-booking for 2012.

Little Bugs, Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T20:01:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we invaded the St John's Pumpkin Patch to snap some Halloween photos, ride in a wagon, play on the playscape, eat m&ms, and grab a few pumpkins.

This year Stella wanted to be a purple butterfly and Sam wanted to be a bumble bee. So Oliver had to be a spider to fit in with his older brother and sister's bug theme. I love my Little buggies!

San Antonio

2011-10-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

We went to San Antonio this weekend with our awesome (but only partially present) family. Grandma and Grandpa rented a big house with five bedrooms and plenty of beds on 7 acres. It had a giant backyard with a path to a creek, ping pong, and a volleyball net. Scout even got to join us.

On Friday we went to dinner at Dough, a pizzeria featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. The pizza was delicious, and apparently two for one!

Saturday we woke up early and took our Little zoo to the zoo. We saw elephants, monkeys, birds, okapi, rhinos, hippos, fish, snakes, lizards, frogs, and rode the train. Aunt Kathy and Luz made enchiladas for dinner and we had cupcakes to celebrate Haley's 5th birthday (I can't believe she is FIVE!!!) After the little ones went to sleep, the grown-ups ventured to the Riverwalk for drinks and desert.

On our last day, we went to Mi Tierra. Such a cool restaurant with a Mexican style market surrounding it. Great food and scene there.

It was such a fun trip, we all want to make it an annual thing. Same time next year...

Sweet Little Oliver

2011-10-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

At three months, Oliver is cooing, rolling over, and laughing. He is just awesome. We are so lucky to have him in our Little family!

The Wooden Bowl Series

2011-07-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

The story behind the first part of this little shoot makes me smile...

I took Oliver outside to snap a few shots of him in a wooden bread bowl. He is so tiny, and he fits so perfectly, I couldn't help myself. Sam noticed us outside, so he came and laid his head down on Oliver's tummy, so that he could be in the pictures too. This camera-happy- mama was loving it!

After I was done capturing all of the cuteness, I took Oliver and the wooden bowl inside. About five minutes later, I looked out the window...Sam had taken the bowl back outside and was struggling to lay himself down in it. Not so tiny, not a perfect fit, but he was determined. He was saying, "Mommy, help!" So I offered my assistance, even though there was no way. He was partially in, but not very comfortably. He didn't mind. Once he was somewhat nestled inside the bowl, Sam was so pleased with himself. I was pleased with him too. Thanks for the sweet pictures!

Oliver Townes Little

2011-07-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

The newest addition to our Little family, Oliver Townes Little, was born on June 9, 2011. He was determined to get here quickly...I labored a whole 2 hours and 45 minutes!! Fast forward to one push later, our beautiful BOY was born; 7lbs 15 oz, 21 inches, at 9:39am.

He is cute as a button, just like his brother and sister! And Stella and Sam adore him! Stella wants to help with all of the little baby tasks, like putting on diaper cream, or giving him his pacifier. Sam likes to hug him, hold him, "shh" him (avid happiest baby on the block enthusiast), and burp him. Sam has also made several failed attempts at nursing him.

So far number three is a great eater, a good sleeper, and a mellow little guy. It's so nice to have a baby baby in our home again. I am totally in love with Oliver and my sweet Little family.

Big Top Birthday

2011-06-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

Stella turned 3 and Sam turned 2....to celebrate, we had a big top birthday party at Kidz n Play Jump House. Lots of friends and family were there to help us celebrate. The kids were hopped up on cake, cupcakes, lolipops, and cotton candy and bounced their little hearts out. I love birthdays, and this one was no exception. 100% pure FUN.

Happy Birthday Stella & Sam!!

Easter at the Farm

2011-05-06T19:31:00.000-07:00

Easter with our family in Goliad was so much fun!! Cookies, cake, an easter egg hunt, baseball, swimming, confetti eggs, and all of our favorite animals!! Life is good, especially if you're a toddler!

Egg Hunt at Perry Park

2011-04-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Mustache and Tattoos

2011-04-16T12:40:00.001-07:00

You send Stella to a one hour play date at Amanda's, and she comes home with a mustache and tattoos...

Typical Tuesday

2011-04-14T08:46:00.001-07:00

Tuesdays usually go like this:
1. Brentwood Park
2. Yoga
3. Little Deli
4. Lollipops

The kids obviously like Tuesdays a whole lot.

The Little league

2011-04-14T08:35:00.001-07:00

Sam LOVES baseball. He just got a t-ball set and he carries his new ball and bat around like a favorite lovey. One night he even tried to take the baseball to bed with him! After dinner we walk to the baseball fields to watch the little league games. Sam tries to sneak in to the dugout to play with the players' mits and bats. He is a little obsessed.
I have a feeling this will make sense later...I see major league in his future!

SXSW Best Band 2011

2011-03-24T09:03:00.001-07:00

My Little (Irish) Twins

2011-02-24T19:05:00.000-08:00

Our Pet Donkeys

2011-01-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, Grandma and Grandpa got the kids two miniature donkeys!! They took us all to a farm where the grandkids got to pick out their favorite donkeys. Stella could hardly contain herself she was so excited! After meeting all of them, the winners were two girls named Frida Kahlo and Ma Ferguson. Later with help from cousin Haley, their names evolved to Frida Felina and Ma Pink.

Frida and Ma are sweet and cute and barely taller than the munchkins. Such an awesome Christmas gift!! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

The Santa Experience

2010-12-29T18:59:00.000-08:00

We went to the Domain to meet Santa Claus for the very first time. There was a little line, so Stella was able to watch the bearded stranger with all the kids before her through the door on the side of his workshop. She would smile and wave at him, she was beyond excited!! When it was our turn, Santa picked up Stella and asked her what she wanted for Christmas. Her response? Ice Cream. And when he asked what Sam wanted. The same: Ice Cream. Then Sam and Stella sat in his lap and held hands (made mommy so happy!!!) I jumped around like a loon trying to get the babes to smile. I think it was a success.

Merry & Bright

2010-12-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

Boo...

2010-12-17T13:17:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot to post a Halloween photo. Stella was a sheep and Sam was a golfer. And the ouchie on Sam's face? Well, he took a ride up on the garage door and fell from about 7ft. Yup. That's my boy!

Our Little Family...

2010-12-17T12:56:00.000-08:00

Stella is two and a half. She is a whoot! She loves peanut butter straight from the jar, counting the number of boys and girls in any given situation, singing, dancing, washing her hands, and dressing up in her fancy play clothes.

Sam is a year and a half. He is our little wild man! He loves letters and letter sounds (he almost knows all of them!!), playing games on the iphone, dancing, swinging, playing catch, jumping off furniture, and dressing up in Stella's fancy play clothes.

They are growing up so fast! It is go go go with two toddlers, but they are just so much fun! Now we have another little little on the way!! Yes, due June 15th (my birthday). Can't wait to be a family of five!!

The Cool Mom Picks Holiday Gift Guide

2010-11-17T11:53:00.002-08:00

Annapolis & D.C.

2010-11-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

The Littles took a family vacation to Annapolis. We stayed with Aunt Marcia and Uncle Kevin in their AWESOME house right on the Naval Academy Base. Stella and Sam got to go to a few lacrosse matches, downtown Annapolis, Build a Bear, and to the nation's capitol. Kevin taught Stella to say, "Go Navy, Beat Army" and Sam bonded with Remy, their sweet black lab.

Stella and Sam adored their cousins, Sydney, Connor, and Marin and I appreciated all of the enthusiastic playmates!!! After a week with my cousins (aka: my little helpers), I know why my mom loved going to Grandma Dean's so much!!

Puppy Love

2010-10-25T19:01:00.001-07:00

Sam can't get enough of his grandparent's dog, Tally.

My Little Pumpkins

2010-10-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

Pretty Piggies

2010-10-09T06:19:00.001-07:00

Elle came over with all of her fun nail polish and makeup. Sam and Stella got a lesson from an obvious pro.

Our Zoo at the Zoo

2010-10-01T11:21:00.001-07:00

Don't Laugh, She's in Trouble...

2010-09-24T06:10:00.001-07:00

Little Miss Fancy & her sidekick

2010-09-24T06:09:00.001-07:00

Hook 'Em

2010-09-22T18:53:00.001-07:00

We have been trying to teach stella to "hook em". she prefers to sign the letter "f" and shout "efffff" instead. we'll work on it.

Stinker the Turtle

2010-09-03T20:13:00.001-07:00

Stinker is our neighbor's turtle. Stella & Sam like to visit him, bring him treats, and ride around the yard on his back. It's better than a pony!

Location:Argentia Rd,Austin,United States

The Walk

2010-08-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

Most every night we go on a family walk after dinner. It's such a fun routine and Stella and Sam LOVE it. We have certain pit stops along the way, and Stella guides us from one familiar thing to the next...

1.)Choosing a direction...always to the right though

2.)The cats on the front porch. One is great. Two is the BEST. None is a bummer.

3.)Searching for "burn beans" (the highlight of the whole adventure. little, solid, red beans that get hot when you rub them on the sidewalk)

*This is the part where Sam gets out of the wagon and walks the rest of the way.

4.)Talking to neighbors here and there (you get to know a lot of friendly faces)

5.)Picking up a flyer from the house for sale. According to Stella, "Mommy too little" to hold it, so she does the honor.

6.)Dogs

7.)More Dogs

8.)The fire hydrant. Stella never fails to point out the bird poop on this corner lot landmark.

9.)The Garage keypad. Stella HAS to push the last button or it cancels out all of the fun we had on our family walk.

Stella Rosebud

2010-08-18T14:36:00.001-07:00

Golly, our little girl is growing up way too fast!!

Location:Argentia Rd,Austin,United States

The Noodles

2010-08-15T19:30:00.001-07:00

I know it's a silly mommy thing, but Stella uses chopsticks and it makes me so proud!

(Sadly, I was in my twenties when I learned to use these super fun eating-utensils!!)

And Sam really likes to eat noodles, but his lap likes to catch them. There is a special waiter out there who got a very special tip!

"Luke in My Pocket"

2010-08-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

B.F.F.

2010-07-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

Elle Grace & Stella Rose...they are best friends forever.

Moon River

2010-07-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

Hannah and Stella blowing bubbles on Grandma & Grandpa's back porch.

Down at the Farm

2010-07-19T05:41:00.000-07:00

Schroeder Hall, Market Days, the park, swimming on the deck, Tally dog, Piggit the pig, feeding the fish, Blondie & Princess, snake hunting, Balderdash, homemade ice cream, cousins, GRANDMA & GRANDPA!!!!!

Life is FULLER in my family...

2010-07-09T05:41:00.000-07:00

The Fuller family reunion was in New Braunfels at the TBarM resort. There were over 150 relatives in attendance, mostly from Kansas, Texas, and Hawaii. The kids had so much fun...dancing, putt putt, movies under the stars, family picnics, cakes, games, family olympics, prizes, fire crackers, swimming. Stella enjoyed the silent auction as much as I did!! A lot of the little cousins running around the resort were shocked when I knew their names. I loved being able to respond by telling them "everyone here is your family". Stella loved the concept too. She was signing and saying "family" all weekend. And Sam felt right at home, free as a bird- with 150 pair of eyes to keep a close watch of him.

Although we aren't able to get together as often as we'd like, when we do, it's a blast. Fun, warm, friendly, salt of the earth people. I am just so glad that they are my people.

Beware: The Child May Bite

2010-06-08T06:11:00.000-07:00

Sam is my little monkey! He is now 12 months, and has been walking since May 13th. His new skill even landed him a spot in Mother's Day Out with Stella twice a week. Mommy is proud and grateful:) He is also an avid climber. His accomplishments include making it to the top of the kitchen table on multiple occasions, and even summiting the counter top. Yes, he is amazingly fearless!!!

Sam has been quite the little cuddle bug. Sam LOVES to give hugs and kisses. It makes me very happy to be showered with so much sweetness! He is learning a lot of words and signs: dadda, baby, down, night night, eat, more, all done, dog, sam, stella. His favorite book is Where is Baby's Belly Button or any book with a dog in it. He will also light up and clap to "If you are happy and you know it" (that's how i got him to smile and clap in photos 1 and 2 above). Lately Sam has been teething like crazy. He is using mommy as a teething toy. Not my favorite, but I will keep him none the less!

He is a lot like his sister, but also such a boy. I look at Sam (and Stella!!) and feel all warm and happy that Nate and I created such an amazing little being.

Happy Birthday Stella Bunny!

2010-06-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

You make this world a better place

and I am so glad you are mine, Stella Rose.

Happy 2nd birthday, bunny!

I love you to the moon and back,

Mom

...here is the deepest secret nobody knows

here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;

which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart.  i carry it in my heart -e.e. cummings

Town Lake

2010-06-02T18:29:00.001-07:00

We love to walk around Town Lake. Our friend, Amber, introduced us this little shady spot where you can feed bread to ducks, birds, turtles, and fish. It's gorgeous and Stella loves it!

Stella has chosen the "a little for you, a little for me" approach to feeding animals. Sharing IS caring.

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Stella's Tutu 2 and Sam's Robot Party

2010-05-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

Two birthdays, 9 pizzas, 1 cake, 1 dozen cupcakes, 1 day, LOADS of fun...Mission Accomplished!!

Sam Charles Little, The First Year

2010-05-19T04:41:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

There's No Place Like Home...

2010-04-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

We went to Coffeyville and Sedan this weekend for my cousin, Jack's, wedding. I love my family so much, and it's a shame that we can't see them more often! Stella and Sam loved all of the attention showered upon them by their aunts, uncles and cousins. I think everyone in my family is baby crazy. It must be a Barnes-genetic-thing!! They say it takes a village to raise a family...Luckily we are part of the best village :)

Care Bear Stare

2010-04-05T05:38:00.001-07:00

Hippity Hoppity

2010-04-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

Stella is sick (literally) and tired (literally)

The loot

This could be embarassing!!!

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!!!

Stella, Sam, and The Hawk...

2010-03-28T19:14:00.001-07:00

Stella and Sam are growing so fast!!! Stella is a little mother hen...she loves to take care of her baby brother. She brings him food, and likes to make sure he has his bottles, and blankies. If we happen to go on an errand, take a bath, or wake up with out him, she always asks for "Sam? Sam?". I know I have said it before, but I just adore their relationship!!

Stella is in to singing lately. On car rides she'll sing along to her favorite songs. She'll even spontaneously break in to a solo of her favorite tunes. Stella loves to vist our next door neighbor's giant tortoise, Stinker, and feed him dandelions we bring from our yard. So the other day she brought grass in the house to feed to her toy turtle. Aww. I love these little moments! Her favorite foods right now are Pirate's Booty and popsicles and she likes to drink her mama's iced tea. There's nothing like a near two-year old hopped up on caffeine!! The other day we went shopping with Maka (my mom). She picked out a pair of shoes, walked up to Maka, and said, "Cute". Of course she has been wearing those cute shoes ever since! She has an outgoing little personality, and loves to be around people. Good thing, because so does her mama!

Our little Mr. Sam has four teeth now! I think his top two are so stinkin adorable, I peek at them daily by flipping him upside down or making him laugh. I am kind of obsessed!! He signed for the first time this weekend, "more". He also is copying words, like "uh-oh", "mama", and "dada". Baby food is losing it's appeal since he has discovered more and more real food. He is still crawling, and standing on his own. But no walking yet. He will walk if he is pushing a walking toy, but if you try to hold his hands and walk with him, forget about it! Sam is a laid back happy go-lucky little boy. I think the faux hawk suits him well.

Zilker Park Kite Festival

2010-03-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

Fun at the Lake (Starring Stella, Sam, Annie, Luke, and Elle)

2010-03-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

"Three Blankets, Seven Stuffed Animals, And a Bottle...

2010-03-04T04:50:00.000-08:00

And that's all I need to go potty." -Stella

Snow Day

2010-03-02T17:56:00.000-08:00

It will snow in Austin when pigs fly. Oink oink--whoosh!

Super Pooper

2010-02-21T08:14:00.000-08:00

Big news at the Little household today...Stella pooped in her potty!!!! This morning she went up to Nate and said, "Ah poo poo". So Nate told her to hold on while he went to go get her potty. She gathered up all of her babies, sat on the toilet, and then started to get off. Nate told her to finish pooping first, so she sat back down. After about 30 seconds she announced that she was "all done". Success!!! I could hear the cheering from bed. Stella, Sam, and Daddy all came in with her potty to show me the poo poo. Although breakfast in bed would be a far more traditional way to surprise mommy in bed--this was much more exciting!!! We cheered, and sang "Poo poo in the potty" as we flushed it down the big potty, Stella was decorated with stickers, and we called the grandparents to tell them the news. Don't get me wrong, I am still of the mind set that she can stay in diapers for a while. I prefer a contained "mess". But it was a big day and I am proud of her accomplishment. Such a big girl...

Wow!! Just imagine how I will feel at kindergarten graduation!!!

Happy Little Valentines!!!

2010-02-18T18:36:00.000-08:00

Decorate cupcakes and cookies. Check. Eat more cupcakes and cookies than "real food". Check. Read Valentines books. Check. Adorn "mailboxes" with stickers, color, and doilies. Check. Deliver Valentines. Check.

I would say it was a successful day! Hope you and your lovebugs had a Happy Valentines!!

Dining with the Kozuskos

2010-02-02T13:35:00.001-08:00

The girls were feeding Sam mac n cheese from the table. His first introduction. Oh glorious day!

Nam & Stella

2010-01-29T05:15:00.000-08:00

Stella has recently begun calling Sam by his name, but it comes out "Nam". Which is completely adorable!! But she also has another name for him: "Nammy". Now I think you will agree, this sounds a lot like "Sammy". Right? Ugh! Really?? Since we have never called our son Sammy, I have no idea where she has picked up this little nickname. Regardless of how cute it sounds when she says it, we have to nip it in the bud!! In the infamous words of the Wonder Pets, "This is serious"!

Now the first thing she does when she gets up from nap or when I pick her up from Mother's Day Out is sign "Sam" and ask for "Nam, Nammy, Nam". Like she can't wait to see him. It's so sweet! Yesterday when I picked her up, it continued in to the car. She saw him, and kept saying his name, and then saying "happy".

Yes, Stella. I am happy too!!!

And a Happy New Year...

2010-01-07T14:42:00.001-08:00

For New Years Eve day, we took the kids to First Night downtown. Super cold, interesting music, and fun people watching. We let Stella run amuck, and she loved every minute of it!! (Please note how extra adorable Stella is with the pig-tails. Ugh... I melt!!)

Some new things for the new year...

Stella is saying short phrases, like "love you" and "hold you" and "up please". She has started calling her daddy "Nate" occasionally. It's pretty funny! Before bath time she likes to sit on the toilet and pretend to wipe. Potty training is still a while a way though. Thank goodness!! Her favorite books are Tomie de Paola's Baa Baa Black Sheep and Other Rhymes, and Can You Find Me, and Counting Colors. She is very good at signing and is picking up new ones all the time. She likes to try and sign along when we sing our ABC's. So far she has the 'z' down. Her favorite songs are Baa Baa Black Sheep (go figure), The Wheels on the Bus (especially the 'beep beep beep' part), and If You're Happy and You Know It. We have started coloring almost daily. It is super fun!! The only downside is Stella likes to take the markers and draw on her face a little. It's all fine and dandy till we go in public with a hint of hot pink on her face. I get a lot of, "What happened???". She blows my mind everyday...she's funny, smart, and sweet. I just love watching her grow.

Sam unfortunately has swine flu right now. He is doing fine, but Stella is in Houston until he is all better. But he is doing lot's of new, exciting things too...

He has been pulling up to standing, and even pushing things around a bit (like his mini piano). I think he will be walking soon. He also says, "Da da da"-when he's happy and "Ma ma ma"-mostly when he's sad. Sam also makes a clicking sound. Much in the same way the dolphins do, I believe he must be using sonar communication to tell me something very very important. He really is a happy little guy; easy, adorable, and totally cuddly.

Every night Nate plays this game where he chases Stella around the house with Sam extended in his arms. It looks like Sam is flying around the room after his sister. They both laugh hysterically. It's friggin hilarious!! They are gonna be best friends. I can already tell.

So, cross your fingers we kick this flu quickly. It's the pits. And did I mention I am ready for Stella to come home too?!?

Happy 2010!!!

Merry Christmases. Yes. Plural.

2010-01-02T19:30:00.000-08:00

The Farm:

Houston:

Farewell Uncle Primo

2009-12-22T19:46:00.000-08:00

So today was a very emotional day at the Little house...Uncle Primo went back to Kansas :( Jordan has been staying with us for the past seven months. Basically Sam's whole life!! He got a really great job offer at a Golf Course, and now he is off to start his career. Although we are sad to see him go, we are very very proud of him!!

It has been such a great experience having Jord in Austin...first and foremost he has been ah-mazing with Stella and Sam!! The kids are really attached to him and he is such a natural with them... He can bathe, change diapers (although #2s are not preferred), put on clothes, feed, swaddle, put to bed, and entertain two babies. A pretty big feat for a single guy!!

Stella LOVES playing with her Primo, or "Mimo". When he first arrived, she was obsessed with the neighbor's dogs. He would always take her out multiple times a day, even when it was over 100 degrees, just to make her smile. (Fyi- We have now we have moved on to airplanes. Obsessed!!!) And Sam will laugh and laugh when Primo gets him going. It's too funny!!

The transition of going from one baby to two is always a challenge, but having Jordan here has made it a much smoother and enjoyable adventure. He always seemed to know just how to brighten our day or make things easier on us.

We found out a few days ago that Primo was leaving for sure, so secretly I was making weak attempts to make him stay...telling the kids to make puppy dog eyes, heckling him about his decision to leave us, making his favorite cookies, putting the kids in their irresistibly cute knit hats to wave goodbye. Sadly, none of it worked. While Jord was packing his car to leave, Stella was standing next to his Explorer saying, "bye bye" and blowing kisses. I kind of think she was planning on going with him.

I guess all I can say now is THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! We have loved every minute of it. It really has been a fun ride. So, here's to you Uncle Primo...you will be missed at the Little household!!! -meg

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Luz

2009-12-18T07:42:00.000-08:00

The Munchkins

2009-12-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

Sam is growing so fast. He is eating baby food now, sitting up, scooting around on his tummy, and sleeping through the night better. He is a smiley little guy and he loves his big sister...

For quite a while, Stella has been obsessed with buckles...on the car seat, high chair, stroller, grocery cart. All buckles all the time. She is really good at it now. Her newest fascination is light switches. On, off, on, off. But you have to draw the line somewhere, or the game will go on for hours.

The other day we were at a friend's birthday party. Sam was on a blanket with many other babies. Stella came over and stood behind him, looked around, and then patted him on the head. She did this three times. Like she was nurturing him, but also comforted by having her brother there amongst all of the strangers. I love their relationship already....

Yellow Apple Please

2009-11-30T20:07:00.001-08:00

Today Stella fell in love with oranges. After eating her first one, she asked for "more yellow" (using a combination of signs & words). I explained that it was an orange, so then she pointed to the bag of clementines and said "apple please". Although I was thinking one was enough due to the negative reaction acidity has on her bottom, Stella thought differently. She desperately tried one more time. "Yellow please". She won. Two and a half clementines later...It must of been her adorable ponytail. Cross your fingers for her bottom.

Little Sue Got Married

2009-11-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

Nate's baby sister, Susan, got married this weekend in Fischer, TX. Her wedding was so so unbelievable....picturesque, amazing!!! We love the newest member of the family, Ky, to pieces and everything about the wedding was was a reflection of what a great couple they are. The littlest Littles are so excited that Uncle Ky is now official. YAY!!

Haley Turns Three

2009-11-05T05:36:00.000-08:00

Can you believe Haley Grace is three???? She is getting cuter by the minute (i know, and yes, it is possible), and she sure knows how to throw a rockin' animal party!!

School Fish

2009-11-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

Stella's Mother's Day Out Program had a Fall Festival last Thursday. They had cookie decorating, games, prizes, and an Austin Zoo animal presentation. I just love her school!!

Trick or Treat

2009-11-02T11:10:00.000-08:00

We had a Halloween Party at Maka and PopPop's house this year. It was a lot of fun for the little ones...pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, costume awards, and trick or treating. I think the wee ones might have a favorite day of the year...that is, until Christmas!!

Trashy

2009-10-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

Stella recently discovered the trashcan and the act of throwing things away. Today she threw away three magnets, a picture of PopPop (twice), a perfectly good diaper, and a muffin tin. Oh, I wonder what tomorrow will bring...

Lauren's Birthday Wish

2009-10-25T19:46:00.000-07:00

(orchestrated by Jordan, but with love from all of us... xoxo)

Santa Fe Encore

2009-10-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

A few more close-up shots of the littlest littles, which happen to be taken in Santa Fe :)

Santa Fe

2009-10-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

Santa Fe was a fun time for the Little family...aunts, uncles, cousins, oh my!!!

Little Pumpkins at the Patch (with elle & isla)

2009-10-08T05:19:00.000-07:00

Big 2 for Thomas

2009-10-07T19:46:00.000-07:00

Elle's 1st Birthday Party

2009-09-27T06:53:00.000-07:00

(and since elle didn't seem interested, stella devoured her yummy hand-made birthday cake!!! see exhibit A above)

Day at the Zoo

2009-09-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

Play Day

2009-09-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Big in Japan

2009-09-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

Those tourists in Hawaii LOVED our babies!!! Joining the ranks of David Hasselhoff, The Scorpions, and N'Sync, our kids are officially Big in Japan.

Ohana in Hawaii (Part II)

2009-09-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

Ohana in Hawaii (Part I)

2009-09-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

We just got back from our Hawaiian Vacation...it was AMAZING! The babies did really well on the flights, much better than mom and dad, and acclimated to the time change the first day. While we were on the island we were able to spend a lot of time with my Hawaiian cousins and visited with my Great Aunt and Uncle. Since they are so far away, we don't get to see them as often as we'd like, but they are salt of the earth, wonderful people! We felt so lucky to have a warm welcome and the insider scoop while we were there. Stay tuned for more Hawaii blogs...

"Dah Dah"

2009-08-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

Meet Stella's favorite past time, Sahara (and of course Sport too, although not seen here). "Dah Dah", or a pat on the thigh, is her way of telling anybody who will listen, 'Take me outside to see the dogs".
*They live behind us and we are only separated by a chain link fence.
This little activity never gets old, it's always entertaining, and it is by far one of Stella's most favorite things to do. Thank goodness for neighbors with "dah dah"!

Backyard Bath Time...

2009-08-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

With Stella, Elle, and Sam

Rain? Check.

2009-08-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

Family Circus

2009-08-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

Instant Replay: Stella's 1st Year

2009-08-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Ode to Jordan

2009-08-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

Most of you already know, but my cousin Jordan has been living with us for the past three months. I must admit, when I told some people we were going to have a live-in house guest so soon after Sam was born, a lot of people were worried. And then when people discovered it was a boy cousin...EEK!
But it is AWESOME!! He is doing an internship officially, but when he is home he is Stella's Jordan. She thinks the world of him, and right now...in the hierarchy of people she fusses over, he is in a close third, right after mommy and daddy. We like to joke and say he is our "Manny", but really he is like the big brother Stella and Sam never had. Yay for Jordan!!!
PS- To the rest of the family trying to lure Jordan away to other parts of the country, just stop. He's mine :)

H-town

2009-08-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Sister & Brotherly Love

2009-08-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lapse in blogging! We were in Houston for a week visiting friends and family. Good times!!
How bout a few updates??
Sam is "talking" to us more and giving us smiles...yay!!! I love when the rewards start :) He is such a good boy and very tolerant of his loving sister (see examples A, B, C, and D above).
Stella has been walking for about three weeks now and has become pretty good at it pretty quickly. She is all over the place, but she was that way with crawling too. I love when she carries her blankie or floppy lovies as she's toddling around the house. I melt!!! Lately Stella has also been drawn to the men in her life. In Houston, she couldn't get enough Pop Pop time, she was attached to Uncle Seth's hip, and today she wanted Joe when daddy was outside in the garage. I think being away from daddy for a week was pretty hard on this daddy's girl!! She won't let Nate out of her sight now!!
We will have family in town for the next two weeks, so stay tuned for some family-fun blogs...

Two Months

2009-07-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

We just had sweet baby Sam's 2 month appointment...here are the stats:
Weight: 75th percentile
Height: 55th percentile
Head: 80th percentile

Happy Campers

2009-07-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Camp Little

2009-07-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

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Luke and Annie are staying with Auntie Meg & Uncle Tio (aka Nate...ask Annie?!?) through the weekend. We are having fun, playing outside, singing, dancing, occasionally crying (mostly my children though!!!), playing, reading, napping (my personal favorite), swinging, and watching movies.
Camp Little is currently accepting campers for next summer ;)

107 degrees Park

2009-07-12T18:57:00.000-07:00

Janis Joplin, Elle Elle Cool J, and Sam

2009-07-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July + Kids + Lake = FUN

A Garden Party

2009-06-25T09:44:00.001-07:00

I think I am still in shock that my first baby is one! Aghhhh!! Time flies by so quickly! I now have somewhat of an understanding of why my Grandma Dean would always say, "you all grow up so fast", or "it seems like yesterday...".
We had a sweet little garden party for Stella's 1st birthday, and it was a blast! A pool of balls, bubbles, a dog (Stella's favorite!!!), pin the fairy on the flower, cupcakes, and a lot of friends and family made the day so special!!!

Stella's Hobbies...

2009-06-23T13:13:00.001-07:00

Playing outside while Sam sleeps
Although she looks bored to tears, Stella LOVES to swing and cries when she has to stop. She is just playing it cool.
Stella takes after her daddy in so many ways...

One Month, Two Days

2009-06-21T15:01:00.001-07:00

Precious Sam

2009-06-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

And One to Grow On....

2009-06-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

Our little baby girl turned one today!! I can't believe how fast a year has gone by! She has been the light of our life for the past year, and now it is hard to imagine life before her. Stella is such a fun, sweet, and friendly little one! I can't wait to watch her grow!! Here's to the best year so far...
Stella, HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY precious girl!!!

Awake II

2009-05-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Awake

2009-05-29T20:57:00.001-07:00

Sweet Baby Boy

2009-05-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

Stella Hearts Sam

2009-05-27T09:39:00.000-07:00