July 2011

This has been the best summer so far.  I felt like I missed out on a lot of play time with Jaxon last summer because I was pregnant with Stella.  There were so many doctor appointments and I was so darn hot, I couldn't run around outside as much.

But this summer has been a blast.  We've been spending as much time outside as we can. We've be swimming, to parks, the Magic House, story times and picked peaches at Eckert's.  We watched the fireworks in downtown Kirkwood on the 4th. 

On the 18th, my little 4 pound baby boy turned 3!  He's also out of diapers, which of course means he's "not a baby" :D We spent his birthday at his Papa and 'bo Mimi's house.  The following weekend his Grandma and Tavo threw him a party, as well.  He had a blast at both parties and now loves to run around singing "Happy Birthday".  He cracks us up, he seems to love making people laugh :)

My three year old "reading" us his favorite story.

Stella is growing way too fast, also. She's my little night owl and hangs out with me when I can't sleep.  I'm finding it hard to believe that I need to start planning her first birthday.  

These kids have been playing hard and pass out at bed time.

Oh boy, raising a girl...

I'm trying so desperately hard to raise the most confident, strong and independent children possible.  It seems so much easier to do with my son than my daughter.  My heart breaks when I go to the toy store and see the fun and exciting toys in the "boys" section and then vacuum cleaners for the girls.  

I don't care if Stella wants to play with dolls and wear giant, sparkly, pink dresses.  I also don't care if she wants to play in the dirt with trucks and trains.  I just want whatever she does to be her choice.  I love to see her pushing toy cars around one minute and chewing the foot off of a doll the next.  

I'm trying to set the best example for her.  As she gets older and is watching me more, I am trying to stop complaining about my appearance and pointing out my flaws.  Instead, I want to show her how to be healthy and strong.  I want her to see that real women don't need makeup.  That real women don't need to be told they are pretty to feel good about themselves.  And of course, real women do Krav Maga and lift weights :D

I just want whatever she does, says, wears to be for her and no one else.  I want to shelter her from everyone that says she needs to act or dress a certain way.  But I know that's not realistic. The best I can do is lead by example.  

Stella has a beauty that shines from the inside. I look up to her and I'm in love with her spirit and her peaceful personality.  She is my princess, I don't mean princess like she is spoiled or a diva, and most definitely doesn't need a knight in shining armor to rescue her.  She is my princess because I want give her everything I can and she only deserves the best of this world. 

A friend of mine posted this and I love it!
How to Talk to Little Girls