The Hoopers

February :)

2012-02-11T18:55:00.004-08:00

Caleb's out of town twice a month these days gigging on the road. Here's a little glimpse into what goes on during our

GIRLS' NIGHT IN:

And because it's almost Valentine's Day...

and possibly the most ridiculous picture ever taken of my girls... so much cheese...

xoxo.

Birthdays and Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T10:53:00.000-08:00

Olivia turned 3 last month.

3 years old.

Just yesterday she was this.

And in a blink of an eye, she's become this.

We celebrated her birthday with a little party at her school.

She is obsessed with all things Disney princess- as much as I tried to keep her interest in things other than that of the pink and fru-fru.

But she's always had a mind of her own, and I love her even more for that.

And Happy 9 months to baby Norah! {a little late}

She has started reaching out to someone she wants to hold her--- and the best part--- she hugs now by resting her head on your shoulder or chest.

Norah is crawling, pulling up, babbling, walking with aid from furniture (and family) and is the proud new owner of 6 teeth. She loves pizza and cheerios and bath time, especially when those three things involve Olivia, her best friend.

The girls wrestle on the floor and constantly (and contagiously) make each other laugh.

It is the best feeling to watch them enjoy one another.

We spent Thanksgiving in Nashville with extended family that is here. So thankful to have support here when our parents/grandparents/aunts/uncles/brothers/sisters are in Texas.

(Cousin Bob^ and O)

(Cousin Will^ and sleeping Norah)

(Not sure who hustled whom in this picture^^^ or who the lady is for that matter)

We miss our family in Texas like crazy, but I'm sure it'll make Christmas with them that much more special.

Speaking of Christmas, we've decorated already (I just couldn't wait any longer- and neither could Olivia)...

...and we took the girls to see Santa. It was somewhat successful.

I am completely smitten by my little family. I am thankful for every day I am given with them. I'm thankful for a job that helps me provide for them and makes me appreciate the time I'm with them as opposed to away working. I'm thankful for an affordable preschool they can attend where they are spoiled rotten by wonderful women and they have a diverse body of friends. I am thankful for being able to live here in Nashville, in a neighborhood we love, near our church, and with a lot of fun free activities for families whenever we feel like doing anything. Only a year ago we made the decision to move here- in the middle of a pregnancy and with no promise of work, housing or success. And we did it. We're still doing it. And for that...

I'm most thankful for him.

(We got all dressed up and he took me to see Wicked. What a dream!)

Happy Holidays.

Rocktober

2011-10-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

Sorry I’ve been so late. Like soooooo late. I’ve started teaching and even though my days are “short” my evenings are filled with planning, grading, and organizing- so my weekends are full of everything else I try to accomplish. Needless to say, blogging hasn’t been at the top of my priority list recently.

The girls, however, ARE the top of my priority list, and for good reason. They are amazing. Norah is pulling up to stand on everything (why is she already doing this?) and has seriously gained 5 pounds in 3 months. Little chunk is about 21 pounds now- and she has poofy, poofy hair. It’s untamable and I love it.

Olivia is a smart, funny little girl. She’s recently been interested in all-things-princess, her new (vintage) Barbie’s from Grams, and she tells total strangers she’ll be 3 in “my-tober.” She is the best big sister and loves to help Mommy do everything to take care of Norah. We took her to Disney on Ice Sunday as a surprise for her birthday and I don’t think she stopped waving at the characters the entire time we were there. I guess we might have to make a trip to “Mickey’s House” in a couple of years (if I can convince Caleb!)

Overall, the girls are perfect. They are just now getting to the age where they make each other laugh and it is my favorite thing about being a parent. Bath time is nothing short of hysterical and family-outings are getting easier to take on.

Grandparents have been visiting recently. Sadly, my camera was MIA when my parents were here. We did manage to get some good pictures of the girls and Caleb's parents though. The distance between the girls and their grandparents is probably the only thing I don't like about living in Nashville.

At least they are close to their GREAT-grandfather...

Caleb is doing great, still gigging and loving playing in Music City. I’ve never been so proud of him.

And of course, he still proves to be the best dad I've ever seen.

And as for me, I absolutely love my job. My kids are amazing (I wish I could post pictures of them, but I’d like to keep my job…) and my colleagues are a lot of fun to work with. Teaching has many challenges (and quite a few I didn’t plan for), but I really feel like it was what I was meant to do. Especially Special Ed. Gosh, I love special ed.

A personal celebration moment, my hair is getting long...

... and I'm making friends! This is my friend/coworker/play-date amiga Miss Tocco.

Life is good and I can't complain.

How are you?
xoxo.

Hello, Again!

2011-08-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm officially penciling in time to blog from here on out. I promise. It's been forever, I completely missed taking 5 month pictures of Norah (where did our memory card go?!) and here it is August, AUGUST, and I have to start setting up my classroom tomorrow.

I realize I didn't even update you on this- I finished my institute, YAY, and I've been hired as a resource teacher for K-4 at Cumberland Elementary in Nashville! I am so excited to 1) have a job and 2) be teaching what I want and 3) be working with such an outstanding principal! I knew at my interview that we would be a great fit, and now I can't wait to get started on it.

Norah is creeping/scooting/rolling/moving- so close to crawling. She's 5 1/2 months today! I promise to buy a new sim card and take amazing, amazing 6 month pictures of her.

And Olivia, what can I say about her that I haven't said before? She continues to be the best big sister I've ever seen. She's constantly looking after Norah, helping her play with things, and the other day Norah was kinda cranky so Olivia put in a baby worship movie (cheesy I know) to calm her down and it worked! I love watching those two snuggle together, which they do often.

I promise to post great pictures soon.
Promise.

Sorry So Long!

2011-06-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

I am so embarrassed that it has been so long but we have been busy, busy! Anticipating my return to work, I spent the last few weeks soaking up as much family time as I possibly could.

We took the girls to Cheekwood Botanical Gardens on Memorial Day:

Cheekwood was very beautiful. The first thing they had when we arrived was a train exhibit with special guest Thomas the Train! We probably spent about 20 minutes (in hothothot huuuuumid weather) looking at Thomas go in circles.

(Caleb didn't anticipate the heat- as made obvious by his sudo-shorts!)

The gardens were big and lovely too.

Norah had the best time just cruising in her stroller. It got a little warm for her, but she was shaded and there was almost a breeze, so she was content.

We walked through the property some, but after about an hour Norah had a diaper-blowout. We gladly accepted this as an opportunity to return to the car, cool off, and call it a day! Olivia was even glad to be in the air-conditioning again.

We've spent a lot of time at the park recently and Norah has found a new favorite past-time: Swinging! (Really, more like swaying, since we don't push her, but you'll see, she LOVES it!)

I promise, I don't have a favorite, it's just rare that I can get Olivia to be still enough for a picture. She somewhat cooperated with these :)

And Finally...

Someone turned a grand FOUR MONTHS OLD this past week, so we celebrated with some naked baby pictures. I love them :)

Livin' the dream.
xo!
-Ashton

May Girls.

2011-05-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

Norah is on a roll.

There she goes!

She did it! (And wasn't at all scared.)

Hooray!

How in the world is she already old enough to be doing this? Where has the time gone? Norah turned 3 months old on Monday (and 14 weeks today.) She continues to become the sweetest little baby I've ever seen. Seriously. Olivia is very sweet too, but Norah... she just wants to be held... and look up at you... and smile. So sweet. The little ladies in our church nursery just love the hold her- which makes me feel not so bad about leaving her in there!

Since we spent all day at the cardiologist Monday (they think the small hole in her heart is closing up, hooray!) I had to take these little gems Tuesday. I hope you enjoy them. (Sorry they might appear a little blurry, my flash wasn't completely cooperative.)

Sometimes she can be a serious girl.

But usually, she just wants to be sweet and snuggle, and smile, and chill.

Olivia is a Princess.

Now, I have no idea when this "princess" phase started, but Olivia's obsessed with them. We really tried to shield her from all things that might involve a crown, but somehow she discovered Thumbelina, Belle, Ariel, and Cinderella... and now she is OBSESSED. She isn't bratty about being a princess either, it's just like she knows she is one.

And I'd have to agree with her.

We ended Tuesday by visiting PapaSid at his home. He was amazed by how big Norah is now and Olivia taught him a thing or two with her iPod. I would call that a pretty big day for all three of them. And one of the best days they've had in a while!

*On a personal, serious note, a family friend passed away today who was only 17. Something as simple as riding a skateboard can be life altering for many people. Life is short, and occasionally it's too short. Tell those you love you love them while you can and they can hear it.*

Mothers

2011-05-04T15:47:00.000-07:00

I was reading a nursing pamphlet the other day and inside it said something like "no matter the relationship you have with your own mother, becoming one will soften your heart to her..."

I paused for a moment and looked over at my two daughters and it's true. Looking at them, I appreciate my mother so much more so than I did before they were born. I understand her better. I know where she was coming from when she made so many different decisions for us. Honestly, being a mother makes me love my mother more.

I absolutely love watching my mother interact with Olivia and Norah. They are so lucky to have her, even though she lives so far away. They are too young to know she's far because she talks to them on the phone and Skype so often and sends them so many goodies. I can't wait for her to come visit us. I know the girls can't either.

I am also so grateful for my mother-in-law. I am so thankful she had Caleb and raised him to be the man he is. Because she was such a great mother, he is a wonderful father.

Being a mother makes you think about the legacy you're leaving behind, and I see the legacies of these two women whenever I look at my family.

Happy Mother's Day.

Norah Penelope is Two Months Old

2011-04-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to believe that NPH is not only two months old, but also everything that has gone on since the day she came into the world. Children really have a way of putting time into perspective. Or more so, they show us how quickly it flies by. Don't believe me? Ask any parent. The first thing they'll tell you is "it goes by so fast." And it does.

That's why we have to soak it up while we can.

Saturday, the day Norah hit the big milestone, we went to a park in the part of Nashville we hope to live in soon. The weather was beautiful and Norah was just fed enough and awake enough for some lovely pictures. Here is my little one...

If you're my friend on facebook, you can see an old album where Olivia was about 2 months and we took her to the park for some pictures. I think while they look different, they also look like sisters.

As I put Norah back into the car to leave the park, she tensed up to sneeze...

I am such a lucky mama.

I have officially finished all my pre-institute requirements for my job. Now I just have to review my resume and start trying to find a school that would be a good match for where we want to live. So I guess you could say I'm starting to feel a little bored now... so I'm in search of a hobby.

Once I discover this hobby, I'll blog about it.

Right now, I'm reading a lot. I'm currently reading Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin. Be looking forward to a little book review this week.

Baby O.

2011-04-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

Olivia's been hurting for some attention recently. So this blog is dedicated completely to her.

Learning to share the spotlight hasn't been easy for Miss O, so we make extra efforts to give her some special time with us.

Sometimes we like to get a little silly and turn all the lights off and make faces in pictures without knowing how each other is posing.

And of course Caleb is extra sweet to her when I'm busy with Norah.

And I take her on special errands, like going to the car wash.
(Apparently she doesn't like it.)

We even sit on the porch, just the two of us.

I have to admit, I miss a little time with just Olivia, so I like all of these things we do too.

One Month In (Norah, five and six weeks; Olivia still awesome)

2011-03-31T00:29:00.000-07:00

As of Monday, March 28th, we have been here exactly one month. It's hard to believe we're here- and that this isn't some extended vacation- but we are! Caleb has found a group that plays on Broadway 2-3 times a week, Broadway is like the main strip of touristy downtown, and he is now their regular bass player. This week he has three gigs- and he is playing every Saturday in April! What that means for us is INCOME until I start teaching this fall (oh ya, and a great foot-in-the-music-door for my mister). Caleb has also been mowing some on his days off with his (second)cousin Vin(ny... get it?). I'm so lucky he does this so I can stay home for a while!

Springtime in Nashville is just gorgeous. People really go all out in their flower beds and tulips (a personal favorite) are EVERYWHERE, the trees are blooming these pretty pink and white flowers that put a light perfume scent in the air, and the huge hills are a bright green color from all the rain we've been having. My favorite thing to do is just drive around and take it all in. Much, much prettier than west Texas.

And what you all really are curious about, my girls- they are doing great. Norah has officially started cooing and smiling on her own and Olivia continues to show me what a funny, independent, little kid she is. I have so much fun with each of them :) I'm really glad to have these few months before I start teaching to soak them up!

NORAH: five weeks old.

OLIVIA: making breakfast.

Norah: six weeks old. AND SMILING.

Olivia: at five guys.

AND A SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE: Caleb (entertaining baby NPH!)

I wake up everyday so thankful this is my little family and this is our life.

2011-03-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to be one of those groovy-cool-hip-mom-bloggers that posts nearly every day and has followers I don't even know because I'm just so cool... but really, I just don't have time for that.

So here is my what-seems-to-be-weekly blog update of the girls and our life, two days late.

We've had a big week in Music City. Caleb had his first gig last Friday and I couldn't be more proud. I'm so glad he did it, I think he got a few "first gig jitters" out of the way- and it was even a PAYING gig. It definitely made me realize how much I depend on him these days though. Olivia and Caleb share quite the bedtime routine now and the 3 or 4 nights I've had to try to get her in bed while he was out has ended in disaster! (Well, not really, O went to be eventually, but not without a good fight!)

Sunday we were going to go to church at Belmont again but on the way there both girls told us they were way too hungry to go (each in her own way)- so we opted for trying San Antonio Taco Co instead.

They call it Tex-Mex, but I say it's not nearly dirty enough to be so. It was, however, delicious; just ask Olivia!

Wednesday marked a big day for us Hoops because Norah turned ONE MONTH OLD! I know time always flies with babies, and I know it is especially true now that we have two kids in the house, but this past month has been such a blur (and it was February, so I was shorted some days)... so basically it's been the busiest, but still the best, month of my life so far!

It was a sunny day yesterday (after nearly a week of rain) so we took the girls to a groovy park off Granny White. I failed and forgot to put the Sim card in the camera so TODAY we got dressed up and took a couple of pictures in the backyard.

Shout out to Target's dollar spot for Olivia's new favorite accessory, the hat she picked out last night.

Norah isn't a fan of the Bumbo yet, seeing as her neck strength still needs a little work. It made for a semi-cute, really-quick effort.

Then Olivia decided she wanted to sit in HER Bumbo, so I let her for a minute or two. Still no real successes and Norah looks miserable.

I finally threw in the towel, took Norah inside, and snagged a couple to serve as her 1 month photos. This baby is quite the little piggy these days and I have to say is starting to look just like her mama! Hooray! (I selfishly prayed this all through my pregnancy since Olivia has always favored her daddy so much.)

During the two minutes I was doing this, Olivia thought it'd be a good idea to climb halfway up a ladder (the boys left up) and nearly made it into her "fort," but then became a little scared (thank God!) and called for help. Here's where I found her.

So I went up with her.

Then helped her down, moved the ladder, and told her she could never climb it without help again. This is her pouting, but I thought it made for a precious picture.

Nashville is beautiful in the spring. I'm so glad we're here.

And I obviously have my hands full with these two.

*PS: Sunday night Caleb took me out for a belated birthday celebration to see Texas singer-songwriter Bob Schneider, a personal favorite. (And lucky me I even got to meet him!) I think we're in love... and of course I'm talking about me and Caleb! ;)

Girl Updates!

2011-03-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

Earlier in the week the girls went to visit their great-grandfather, Papa Sid. We had told him that we'd want to get some pictures of him with the girls and he was all dressed for the occasion when we arrived. We love him and are happy to be 13 minutes from him now instead of 13 hours.

Here he is with both girls...

And now just with NPH

(Here is the one we got of him and O when she was 4 months old...)

What a proud Great-Papa Sid!

************************************************************************

Today I turned 24. I think this is a fairly significant birthday because I am definitely out of college and the "early twenties" phase and progressing into the "mid-twenties" phase, so maybe I'll be taken a little more seriously... but not too seriously. Clearly the Gap knew it was my birthday too because I had a coupon JUST FOR TODAY for 40% off and they were also having a huge sale. Caleb took me to a wonderful lunch with the girls at the great little Mexican joint called Rose Pepper down in East Nashville and then he waited in the car with them so I could go into Gap and get a few things in peace. I managed to find some pants, a blouse, and a cute cardi for dirt cheap. The perfect teacher staple items! It's been a great, easy birthday.

Big Sister O also got all dressed for the occasion and we snapped a great picture of her outside the restaurant. Her shirt isn't a midriff, but she managed to rock it as one anyway.

When we got home she was allowed to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse- a great end to her day!

It's also a big day for Norah Penelope who turned a whopping THREE WEEKS OLD today. She's still a perfect-little-dream baby who eats/sleeps/poops like a champ. And in true little baby fashion she isn't happy without her pacifier. Here are some pictures of her today lounging around with a full belly.

Observations: 1 Week In

2011-03-07T19:37:00.000-08:00

Some observations I've made here in Nashville so far...

1) Girls wear spandex pants with t-shirts regardless of how large their rear end is.
2) Fast food is actually hard to find here, which is a good thing.
3) I need to up my car insurance because cars here are FAAAAAAAANCY!
4) People here are more courteous drivers than they are in Texas (I guess "the friendly way" Texans drive isn't so much true).
5) This is probably the longest I've gone without Mexican food because I'm afraid of being disappointed.
6) Caleb will have to be a stay at home dad because daycare is RIDICULOUSLY expensive.
7) The sun sets really early here compared to in Texas.
8) I like it.

The weather hasn't been very warm so we haven't been out much, but I promise some good pictures later this week.

We miss you, Texas.

Norah Weeks 1 & 2 (featuring a premiere Big-Sister-Style post with Olivia)

2011-03-02T21:14:00.000-08:00

One of my goals now that we've moved in and life has settled down a bit is to blog often- particularly with photos of the girls for family and friends back in Texas. Since Norah was born on a Wednesday, I figure it'll be somewhat easy to take pictures of her each Wednesday- and Olivia will eventually get her own "style" post since she's now dressing herself more and more (and it's more and more entertaining!)

Please note, I'm already a week behind but in my defense we were moving last week- so things got a little crazy.

WEEK ONE:

Last week, when she turned ONE WEEK OLD, we met up with our dear friend Sarah of Angel Kissed Photography to have some pictures taken! Sarah was my next door neighbor when I was pregnant with O- and she was pregnant with her daughter! Our girls have literally been friends since before they were born and I wouldn't imagine having anyone else photograph Norah!

WEEK TWO:

I'm pretty sure Little Norah is hitting a growth spurt. She seems to be CONSTANTLY nursing and her little newborn clothes are getting a little snug. We set up her crib in the corner of our room even though I'm a big fan and practitioner of co-sleeping (no judgment, please) and she and BSO ("big sister olivia") popped in for a quick snuggle.

BIG-SISTER-STYLE

Our family is many things- but "traditional" isn't really one of them. This trait has clearly been passed along to BSO who, if there were a memo sent out stating a girl can't LOVE dinosaurs, clearly didn't get it. Her daddy picked this up for her at Target yesterday and she was so excited to wear it today, see?

We're just trying to get into some kind of routine here in our new place--- leave us some feedback so I know you're keeping up with us :)