The Wish I Wish Tonight

I know I am not alone in my wish. I know we are all asking for the same thing. I know that I am not in charge of the greater plan. But I will still continue to wish, to pray, for an eternity with my children. These smiles are all I need!

Blessed

I always feel a little tingle in church. Something about the smell, the music, the time to reflect -- it always gets to me. I cried in mass when I found out I was pregnant with both babies. I cried when the priest blessed my belly. I cried when the church volunteer came to my hospital bed to offer communion before both deliveries. I cried this Sunday during one of the songs. A few of the songs.

But I SMILED when Ben's godparents laid their hands on his body as he was baptized as a child of God. His head smelled of holy oils all day. I hated to wash it off. But I know that the holy spirit lives in his heart now and always. And, that.......well, it makes me cry.

It's Hot!

Summer is here and man is it hot! Here are some photos of the gang enjoying some Florida sunshine!

Have A Great, Long Weekend

Love, The Stones.

Hustle

Our morning routine goes something like this:

Ben wakes up mommy way too early.

Mommy feeds Ben, then drinks cup #1 of coffee.

Mommy puts Ben back down and gets dressed - really fast.

Mommy and Ben go upstairs and wake up Lily by singing obnoxious morning songs. It makes her crazy (but she loves it).

Mommy gets Ben dressed. Then he starts to cry.

Lily runs around house. Mommy threatens time out 100 times. Finally, Lily is dressed. 

Lily tries to soothe her brother - usually by cramming a pacifier in to his mouth.

Mom ignores all this and tries to pick out a pair of shoes.

We all brush teeth. Why, because I still have another cup of coffee to drink!

Quick breakfast. A few minutes of Nick Jr.

Then we all load up. Down the stairs we go. Please no one trip.

Set alarm. Never enough time to get me and two kids out the door in 30 seconds!

Crap, Izzy ran out the door. 

Do over. Set alarm again.

Two kids in to car seats. 

Damn, Ben is heavy.

Mom cursing to herself because it is way too hot.

Key in ignition.

AC kickin.

Radio on.

Morning prayers.

Put lipstick on.

Don't run into crazy drivers going the wrong way on the one-way street.

Drop kids off at school. Im sure I forgot something.

Mom back in car. 

Breath.

Drive to parking garage. Park on a lower level than I should hoping I dont get in trouble.

Hustle into office.

Hmmmm- a few minutes late.

Grab co-worker and wallet -- off to get third and final cup of coffee.

Seriously? How did I get so many emails over night?

I love weekends.

So Good To Be A Girl

There is nothing like fun jewelry to make you glad to be a girl! Last night, I hosted a trunk show for a great line of jewelry called Stella & Dot. I fell in love with all of it. So did Lily. It was so hard for her to keep her little fingers off of it. Thankfully they have a girl's line that is equally as cute, and of course I cannot say no to buying something for my little princess-in-training.

I just had to share some photos of my favorites. I have not make my own purchase yet and I need some help. What do you think?

If you want to take a look at more of this eye candy, check out www.stelladot.com/aimeereed.

And if you do make a purchase, enter in my name at check out and get free shipping (for the next five days only)! Who-hoo!

Clean Fun!

Rub A Dub Dub, My Lovies In The Tub!

mothers day x 2

I loved celebrating mothers day with two children! I am blessed x 2. Here are a few new pictures of the kiddos. Ben and his classmates threw a fabulous party at school for all the moms and grandmas. And, we enjoyed a relaxing day pool-side at Mimis. Being a mother is as good as it gets....thank you to my mom, and all the special women in my life! You inspire me every day.

Big News From Ben

Say Cheese!

For Christmas, Santa brought Papa a membership to a cheese club. So every so often we get a big box of cheese to try out. Last night, Papa hosted a cheese tasting party for us so we could sample the newest delivery. Lily loved all of the cheeses - fancy gouda and a sage-infused white cheese were her favorites. Funny little kid!

First Day

There is a new groove in the Stone house. We are all back to work and off to school. The mornings are busy and full of laughter and songs (literally). The evenings are slow, but special as we all soak each other up! 

Lily helped take some of these pictures during our first week back to work. See - lots of fun goin on in the mornings! Lots of coffee too!

 

Dear Ben

Dear Benjamin,

My son. My sunshine. Having you in our life has made me feel totally complete, satisfied, fulfilled, content and at peace. I had no idea months ago how much I would love being a mother to two children. In fact, I wondered if my heart could love anymore. Now I realize I had no need to worry. In the instant that you took your first breath, my heart opened to you and brought you in forever.

The past three months have been the best of my life. I have lived so present in every moment because of you. I know how quickly time will pass, and so I have enjoyed every second of you. Even our middle-of-the night "dates". I actually love the feedings that interrupt our sleep, because it is just a little more time that I can stare into your eyes and snuggle against your soft skin. 

I call you my sunshine because you are so bright, so happy, so full of life. Just like the sun, you bring life to our days. You are warm and cheerful and one of God's most beautiful creations.

How is it that I can have so much fun with a little baby that sleeps most of the time? I think that speaks to who you are and will be. You are a joy to be with. Even as an infant there is something special about you that brings out the best in others. I feel it. With you, I am the best version of myself. I want to give to you. I want to laugh with you. I want to see what tomorrow brings. 

Wow - how lucky am I? I think this all the time. What did I do to deserve such amazing children? Both you and your sister blow me away! You are amazing. You give so much to us.  In the quiet moments I share with you, I try to find the right words to convey my pride in you. I try to give you enough kisses and snuggles to ensure you know your special place in my heart. I try to find the right stories to motivate you to take this world by storm! But mostly I give thanks for you. I'm really quite selfish in those moments, because I rock you a little longer than I need to just so I can steal a few more moments for myself. Even in the middle of the night, in my PJs, darkness all around - you give to me. You give so much to me. Will you ever understand? Can I ever find the right words to explain the joy you give to me? 

I am loving in new ways. Thank you for that. Thank you for the way you snuggle into my chest. Thank you for the sideways smile that warms me to my core. Thank you for your gentle disposition. Thank you for the sweet sounds you make when you sleep. Thank you for the way you search for me in a room full of people. Thank you for all of the wonderful moments ahead. I can't wait!

You will be starting school in the morning and I am not sure yet how I am going to walk out of the room. I know with every cell in my body that you will be loved at school. But you and I know that we have a special bond......a little something extra special between the two of us - and man am I going to miss having that to myself all day long. But we will find a new groove and I promise that you will still get all of  my love. No scrimping on the hugs and kisses!

You will be in my heart and mind tomorrow, and all my days. My son. My sun. I love you like crazy. 

Momma