The Born Supremacy

Happy Birthday - well at least half

2010-02-19T16:03:00.012-05:00

Today is Aaron and Stella's half birthday! Now we never celebrated half birthdays when I was a kid but we plan to do it up right here in the Barnhart household. I think the last time I marked one of these was when they celebrated their first 6 months but 2 year olds keep us pretty busy (which is why there have been less blogs).

Lots of things have happened but one of the hallmarks of this age is rapid change.

Hello everybody!

Stella NEVER stops talking. But what is remarkable to me is how she is testing language - she says things several times but each time she adds more words forming longer sentences. I am always amazed by what she remembers and by what she says. I'm learning that I need to hang in there with her until she makes me understand because when I don't she looks at me like I am stupid. She loves Toy Story II and The Adventures of Milo and Otis and all her trains and her Mr. Potato Head. She loves climbing and jumping and just being active. Most of what she says just makes us laugh. My current favorite is "Here comes poopie" when we change her dirty diaper. Our girl is so silly.
She is also learning that there are some things we can't resist - like the snuggle. She is master at asking for a snuggle when you are in the middle of something. She tends to go for her dad just as he's about to start working. It is hard to turn down a 2 1/2 year old who is asking you for a snuggle. There is renewed interest in the potty which we will have to master by the end of the summer since Stella is set to start preschool in the fall. David and I are so excited about this and we think Stella is just going to love it. As demanding as she can be, she is a very sweet girl. She's always reminding us when it's Aaron's turn to do something and if we get her something to drink she always asks for a drink for her brother. She's always looking to make a connection with him either by getting in his face and making noises or running past him and waiting for him to catch up. Stella is very aware of where Aaron is all the time.

It must have been 'no matching pants and shirts' day

These are the brown eyes he uses to get his way. Works every time.

Aaron was born a snuggler but somewhere between 1 year and 2 years he drifted away from that. Now he's come full circle and loves to be loved. For a long time he liked to do his own thing and was just as happy being alone as he was with us but he's different now. I'm not sure if this is just a natural progression for him but I feel like the therapy is helping. After the ASD diagnosis last October we've been more intentional about engaging him and it seems to be working. Although he still doesn't have words he is so interested in us - mostly our faces. He is very clear about when he wants our attention, even going so far as to grab our faces if we don't pay attention to him. When he wakes up in the morning he likes to have his milk and then hang out on the couch for 45 minutes with his dad. Aaron is a big fan of backrubs. His big smiles all day long are the most beautiful thing ever.

Mom, this old guy is snuggling me into submission. Help. Me.

This past week both kids have been pretty sick - fevers and chest rattling coughs. We've been wiping lots of noses.

Fevered and sinking into the couch after the 100th episode of Dora.

Mom, put down the camera and wipe my nose. Then get me some decent clothes.

Stella and her constant companion, Kitty.

We are 2 and a half today. Cheese!!!!

Christmas

2009-12-30T16:48:00.005-05:00

Now that we own a flip we don't take as many pictures. But we did manage to snap a few Christmas morning. The kids didn't wake up too early and of course they had no idea that it was Christmas morning. Although I did get them an Advent calendar from Trader Joes I still don't think they know what we were counting down to. Stella just really enjoyed the little bit of chocolate she got to eat every morning. She would even share with brother some mornings.

Ok I open this little door here...

Opening all the doors now. Note her chocolate moustache.

Coloring at her new table from the Grandparents.

Even though he got lots of new books for Christmas, Aaron keeps going back to his favorites.

Someone is proud of their stacking ability.

Pre-Christmas Festivities

2009-12-26T10:42:00.010-05:00

We headed to Winston to see family last weekend and besides the 14 hour drive (not kidding) and the icy roads we had a great time. Stella and Aaron got to see and play in snow last February but it was really wet and really cold. This time there was 6 inches on the ground and it was sunny and pretty warm.

I can't whistle gampa, my lips are fweezin!

Sledding in the backyard with Cousin Will.

Choosing a victim for a snowball attack.

Then we came in out of the cold for some music time.

And now I will play a few selections from The Goldberg Variations in the style of Glenn Gould...

The unorthodox "fist" technique of playing

Working the ivories with his leg thrown over the bench.

Stella with two of her favorite things - snowglobes and kitties.

The trip home was much less eventful and only 5 hours. We are so thankful for our family and the chance to spend time together!

Prepping for the Holiday

2009-12-03T22:15:00.013-05:00

We went and got our tree but waited a day to decorate so we could do it with Gma and Gpa. They even got Aaron and Stella their first nativity (the Little People one). I had dreams of getting the Christmas card picture done the same night but neither child was interested in posing.

The princess in her Christmas dress, coloring with Brobee.

The sunshine of my life in his Christmas sweater.

Unpacking and setting up the manger scene.

Putting the Angel on top...

And then trying out the donkey.

They moved into PJ's for decorating the tree and to watch Charlie Brown.

Our happy boy.

The happiest boy!

Taking her job very seriously.

Checking out his reflection.

Indeed the most wonderful time of the year. Season's Greetings!

Big Girl

2009-12-03T22:11:00.002-05:00

Out for a night on the town to see the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. She loved the dancing bears and elves and all the high kicking but lost interest in the second half when it got to ballet and all that.

Painting

2009-12-01T23:05:00.005-05:00

Stella's new favorite thing to do is paint. It's really just a way to paint herself so she's only allowed to do this on bath night since she ends up a rainbow mess. But it is washable paint and she'll only be 2 for so long...

Choosing a color...

Starting with the hand...

And on to the nose.

Rainy Day

2009-12-01T23:01:00.005-05:00

I can't walk in these boots mom. They are too big!

Hmmm, she doesn't seem to be having a problem...

Halloween Weekend

2009-11-09T21:21:00.006-05:00

We got things started with a new pumpkin and some pumpkin socks.

Then the cousins came in town. Matt and Will are the perfect age to entertain 2 year olds. The boys were so sweet to their cousins.

Here Stella is getting her hair styled by Matthew.

Now she's getting some gameboy tips from cousin Will.

The boys reading "Oh Dear" to Aaron.

Aaron trying out his tough guy batman face. But it was all for naught. He started feeling badly the day before so by the time it was ready to trick or treat Aaron was not happy. Plus it was really rainy and we didn't want to make him worse. We let him stay home with his grandparents who I hear took lots of pictures of him.

All the outdoor pictures we took Halloween night are awful because of the weather but trust me when I say we had fun. Stella is having a hard time letting go of this holiday. Luckily all the Christmas stuff is already out (this makes me crazy) so she can go from pumpkin lights straight to Christmas ones.

Goodbye Halloween!

Pre-Halloween practice

2009-10-26T21:16:00.006-04:00

I was out of town this weekend (gasp! Without the kids! Double gasp!)so David met Auntie Dee at Fernbank for their annual Bugs, Bats and Bones day. Good times.

The Stella-bug and her Ikea bear. She was a little out of sorts at first.

Stella and the Bat. David said she wouldn't leave this poor thing alone and just kept following it around to get a hug.

Our very own Bruce Wayne...aka Batman. He'd wear the mask if you didn't pull it over his face.

Trying to distract his dad so as not to divulge the entrance to the batcave.

They had a great time. We'll post more on Saturday for the big event.

some Stella goodness

2009-10-14T15:16:00.005-04:00

Stupid tunnel. Ladybug needs to get in the tunnel!!

Too excited about her $1.50 flannel pj's.

We can't all be morning people.

Trying on her brother's Halloween costume

Dun nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh nuh BATMAN!!!

Cheeseburger?

2009-10-14T15:10:00.001-04:00

So you want me to hold the tomato?

Fly High!

2009-10-14T15:06:00.003-04:00

Trying to get another Falcon's win by showing our support. The one week they didn't wear this the team lost. Coincidence? I think not.

Stella also chants "Tony Tony Tony" for Tony Gonzales.

How I spent my summer vacation

2009-09-30T15:12:00.012-04:00

Hi! Aaron here. My mom decided to let me do this posting since it's all about me. You'd think they never took pictures of me since my sister is such a ham but here's proof that they never put the camera down around me either.

I'm looking pretty good here in my hawaiian outfit. Anyone wanna cuddle up with me on the couch?

Here I am reading to one of my girlfriends, Deanna. I am pretty irresistible.

And here I am with my Nana. She's my great grandma and almost 90 years old! But it just goes to show you that I'm a hit with the young and old.

See! Here I am with my Nana and my PopPop. He's big Gus and I'm little Gus. My great Grandpa is awesome. I think I'm asking them for a pony in this picture.

Whew, playing with my great grandparents made me so tired. I fell asleep!!

Here I am running for the ocean. I like the beach a lot! My mom forgot my swim trunks. I guess it didn't occur to her that we would be swimming in Florida?

Listening to the tide roll in!

I'll see ya next year!

Love,

Aaron

so sorry

2009-09-20T17:35:00.010-04:00

It's been over a month since our last post but we are still alive and we are still planning to post here. Sorry for the long hiatus. But you are here for pictures so I'll get to it.

Here is Stella painting in the morning...

And eating with chopsticks in the evening.

She's looking more and more like a big girl these days. I had to put her in long sleeves and pants a few weeks ago it was so cool outside.

And she likes to crawl into boxes to just hang out. She is nutty.

She's a real character.

Next time I'll post Aaron's pics and vacation shots.

Happy Birthday!!

2009-08-19T14:31:00.012-04:00

For 2 tiring, hectic, strange and absolutely wonderful years, we thank you Aaron and Stella.

Our sweet peas - Babies A and B. They slept snuggled together like this for 3 months.

Six months in and they're still digging each other. I love their chubby faces.

First birthday - Korean style. We were thrilled to reach this milestone. By now Stella is a wobbly walking machine and Aaron trying to catch up! But what we have are happy, healthy kids.

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Having a little cake and icing with Grandma.

More cake with Grandpa.

Aaron with his awesome ball from Aunt Pam and Uncle Chick

With her new baby from Pam and Chick. She loves it!!

Hamming it up with her favorite papa. That's how she says Grandpa.

We count our blessings every day that you are with us. We love you Aaron and Stella!

One more party tonight so more pics to come.

Fernbank

2009-08-03T14:51:00.007-04:00

Posing in front of the Stegosaurus. She's not supposed to be up there but if Dee put her up and she works there, then it has to be ok right?

Hey, you've fed this thing recently right?

I come in peace!

Uh, I think David is feeding his only daughter to a topiary tyrannosaurus rex.

Fall 2009

2009-08-03T14:49:00.001-04:00

This should totally be in!

flock of seagulls

2009-07-23T21:47:00.003-04:00

I seriously think his Uncle Chris had this hair in the 80's.

I make this look good right?

Visiting Halmoni

2009-07-19T21:33:00.010-04:00

We took the kids to Columbus to see my mom. I think they are getting less patient with their car seats since we normally don't drive them very much around town. Two hours seems to be their limit. The last time we were here we left a baby pool so they'd have something to do at my mom's incredibly dangerous house. It's every parents nightmare - hard floors, glass table tops, open fireplace, uncovered light sockets, etc. Sigh.

Mr. Personality. He was hamming it up.

My mom went with us to Cooper Creek Park and got on the slide with Stella.

And then we had 4 lbs of steamed crab legs and korean food for Stella. She will eat anything off of chopsticks...including kimchee chigae.

Fourth of July

2009-07-12T21:44:00.006-04:00

We had a pretty busy 4th with friends over in the morning for brunch and a park visit then a party after naps.

I know I've said it before but i may never let him move out of the house. He's my little bug.

Aaron spent most of the party hanging out in a kiddie pool while Stella ran around and tried to keep cool. The local fireworks weren't supposed to get underway until 9:30 and we'd already decided we wouldn't try to catch them since that is so far past the kids bedtime...but at the last minute I changed my mind and we threw the babes in the stroller and headed into town.

I'd have predicted that Stella would've loved the show and Aaron would've been uninterested but I couldn't have been more wrong. Ms. Stella is absolutely fearless UNLESS something makes a loud noise. She spent the entire 30 minutes in my lap with her arms locked around my neck. At first she just said, "no no no no", over and over again but soon she was just silent.

What was that sound?

Here we are on the lawn at Decatur First Christian Church. This is where we took the kids on that snowy day this past winter.

These fireworks are friggin' sweet!

Aaron

2009-07-08T16:08:00.005-04:00

Would you like to see my new house?

It's just right over here

Well here is the view outside

And my favorite part...the kitchen. I'm a great cook.

Cutie

2009-07-02T22:13:00.002-04:00

Stella calls the beads her "pretties". She must have fluffed her hair out before we went to the park.

summertime fun

2009-06-26T16:43:00.005-04:00

Her new favorite swing position.

Wait, how'd I get here?

Pooped out on the way home

baby pool - Aaron's point of view

2009-06-13T22:28:00.006-04:00

Um mom...now I'm not being ungrateful but ummm, WHY did you put me in little mermaid swimmers? We have spiderman ones too right? RIGHT???

Seriously though. Does the pink make my butt look big?

I've got grass in my awesome hair? Point it out please.

You're right. The best water is right out of the hose.

The three faces of Aaron

2009-06-05T21:46:00.005-04:00

Ecstatic!

Clueless!

Exhausted!

New Best Friend

2009-06-04T15:16:00.005-04:00

Stella's new best friend is her potty. Right now we're just hanging out with the potty. She drags it from room to room but for now it 'lives' in the kitchen. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Taking a seat. She's holding a cup of juice with her other new favorite - Thomas the Tank Engine. AND she has a dinosaur in each hand. She's all about multi-tasking.

I am so in love with her and her giant 'someone put me down for a nap before my hair dried' bouffant. She's a keeper.

Potty time!

2009-05-31T21:29:00.003-04:00

It has been a LONG couple of days but if I start whining about that I may never stop. Instead I can tell you about the ramp up to potty training...for Stella at least. We have the potty - I just haven't tried to show her what to do with it yet. Mostly because once I start I know I have to keep going and frankly, right now I have no more extra energy to give.

She will tell us when she has to poop (and sometimes after she just pooped) and we've been praising her for dropping (dropping...ha ha) that bit of information but that's about it. Tonight after I gave the babes their baths, I let the water out and took Aaron out of the tub to dry off and dress. Stella was still in the now empty tub. She started saying poop, I ignored her and you guessed it, she pooped in the tub. BUT I know she's a genius because she:

1) Waited till I let the water out

2) Waited till her brother was out

3) Didn't try to play with it. Instead she kept saying, "dirty, dirty, ewww, ewww" and trying to climb out of the tub.

I'd just shown her a (really stupid) potty video and I guess she took it to heart...without actually USING the potty.

It's the little victories right? And yes I've done you all a favor by not having taken a picture of all this. Instead you can have this pic.

It's what all the genius kids are wearing these days.

puddle jumpers

2009-05-30T22:17:00.005-04:00

Taking turns.

Airplane!!

Goodbye...

Drinking club

2009-05-26T10:43:00.001-04:00

Sometimes the club meets in Aaron's crib. I guess mom's are only invited to take pictures.

Zoo

2009-05-26T10:32:00.006-04:00

Watching grandpa hold a parakeet. Stella was really tired by the time we got to the zoo.

I can't look at the bird grandma, there is a camera pointed at me.

Hi panda! Stella just kept saying "eat eat" because Mr. Panda was chowing down on some tasty bamboo.

The train is his favorite part!

Members Only

2009-05-17T13:18:00.002-04:00

The shirt-no pants, milk appreciation club meets in the hallway every day at 1:30 pm. Don't be late!!

America's Best Dance Crew

2009-05-11T16:00:00.004-04:00

I'm not sure what I was thinking with the matching outfits.

She has enough sense to look unhappy about being in head to toe blue.

Wheee

2009-05-09T12:56:00.002-04:00

Prepping for the derby

2009-05-08T14:54:00.004-04:00

Wait Grandpa, Is my hat on straight?

Really? My glasses are crooked?

A moment...

2009-05-08T14:50:00.002-04:00

Even superman needs to take a bath.

In Tucker

2009-05-01T22:11:00.008-04:00

Hanging out in the front yard at Gma and Gpa's. Unfortunately these are all kinda blurry.

The grandparents have all the best toys.

Going down the stairs alone like a big girl.

He couldn't be happier!!

She looks like ice cream and I want to squeeze her.

Squeeze squeeze squeeze.

Stella's new word of the week is "yes". She says "no" a lot...well actually she says "moe" but she says it when she means yes. Now she's saying "yes" and even nodding her head. So funny. And she's overly preoccupied with having clean feet. She checks in between her toes when we take off her shoes. She looks between her toes and says, "eeew...eeew...ewww". I can't stand to have dirty feet but I don't think I've expressed this to her. Maybe it's genetic. Aaron's new game is chasing me but he gets so excited about the game that he runs into stuff and falls over laughing like mad. He is just THE happiest boy.

Check up

2009-04-30T22:15:00.006-04:00

We had our 18 month well-check (at 20 months...oops) and here are the stats:

This strapping young lad is 24 lbs 3 oz and 34 inches long. He's such a big dude that he didn't even cry when he got a shot. That's my boy.

And this princess is 24 lbs 4 oz and 33 inches tall. She blubbered like a girl when she got her shot. I don't think she cried because it hurt, it was more the anticipation. She clearly remembered what happened last time because the moment we put her on the table to be measured, she started yelling "all done, all done". She was not a fan of the entire process.

But they are both healthy so no complaints from mom!!

Splashy

2009-04-20T15:06:00.005-04:00

Aaron sleeps through everything. And he doesn't have rain boots so he probably would've missed out on this anyway. Stella is living it up in the most ridiculous outfit...EVER.

Trying to jump but she hasn't reached this milestone yet. Jumping with both feet off the ground is a hard thing to accomplish.

Running like a mad woman.

She went too far and got her hands dirty. I should have put dish washing gloves on her. And I let her do this just after she had her bath. I must be mental.

Stella and Taffi

2009-04-15T12:53:00.006-04:00

We spent Easter in Winston-Salem with family. Her cousins, Matt and Will have a lovely and very patient cat named Taffi. Stella was enamored with Taffi over Christmas but now her love is in full bloom. She couldn't leave the cat alone. But to Taffi's credit, she tolerated Stella for a long time even when her tail was pulled and her ears poked.

Touching her whiskers

Petting her ears

Moving in to touch noses

Supermodels

2009-04-13T22:16:00.008-04:00

I like to wrap them both in towels as they are coming out of the tub.

Just gotta suck in the tummy.

Mom, I am runway ready!

No pictures! I have to practice.

Bryant Park, here I come!!

Hanging with the Blosfeld's

2009-04-09T22:49:00.005-04:00

Could they be any more comfortable?

I don't know. Where ARE my pants?

Snuggling with Uncle Chris and future prom date, Ajay.

Scarf no pants

2009-04-05T22:22:00.003-04:00

Dressing up with a scarf handknit by Auntie Mary!!

Going for the Gypsy look.

Ok Aaron, you put this on too!

Easter Pt. 1

2009-04-05T22:06:00.009-04:00

We've had a lot of rain lately but our prayers were answered with good weather on Saturday for the Decatur Easter egg hunt. I'm always amazed at how many kids are living within a 10 mile radius of us but when everyone is out in full force, you begin to wonder how they all fit in the schools around here.

The babies had no idea what was going on but they were both very happy to be out in the sunshine. Stella eventually caught on but she's never really had candy so collecting it wasn't really a priority for her.

I'm not sure she heard that the hunt is on!

She's got it!

Aaron wanted nothing to do with his duck basket. All he saw were kids running around trailing balloons so he began chasing them. I could barely keep up with him.

I can't believe these people didn't get me a balloon. I'll go get one myself I guess...

Candy? I know not of what you speak.

Oh wait, there's one. Gotta go mom.

Trips and Birthday's

2009-03-30T22:11:00.006-04:00

We spent the weekend in Florida celebrating David's grandpa's 90th birthday.

Aaron is delighted with the hotel shower curtain and being able to wrap himself in it. Again, he is giggling like a mad man.

Hey mom, it was me the whole time!

Stella playing the piano with Colby. He's the grandchild of Stella's gma's sister. It think that makes them cousins? He is a sweetheart!!

The birthday boy! Aaron's middle name is Augustus after this man here. PopPop is the coolest 90 year old I've ever known.

I'm pretty sure Big Gus is pinching Little Gus on the cheek.

It was a great weekend. And really, how many 90th birthday parties does one get to attend? PopPop is a wonderful man and I'm just thrilled the babies actually get to see him. Happy Birthday!!!

Pudding!

2009-03-24T22:02:00.007-04:00

I forgot I had a box of instant pudding in the pantry from when I was trying to up my calcium intake when I was pregnant (I am not a milk drinker). After the babies woke up from their nap I let Stella help me make it while Aaron ran around in circles...he's a funny boy.

Imitating me mixing everything up...

Licking the bowl clean.

This just melts my heart.

Pudding grin!

Pudding coma beginning...

Dad and his little man

2009-03-19T21:35:00.005-04:00

On the back porch with Dad on a particularly warm Spring day. Note the length of Aaron's hair because now it's gone!!

Stella and kitty

2009-03-18T16:11:00.003-04:00

The love of her life.

This is her thinking face.

And her 'i am humoring you mom now leave me alone' face. So cute...but I am biased.

Stella and the Jellyfish

2009-03-15T22:53:00.002-04:00

Not sure if we should be worried...

2009-03-15T22:41:00.004-04:00

Stella is more than happy to go upstairs for her naps. Even if she's not seemingly sleepy or if she's dog tired she's more than happy to have you take her up. She has a lot of babies these days - original baby (her frog), a kitty (named...kitty), a baby dressed as a lamb (no name) and a teddy bear (it's actually Aaron's - they gave it to him at the hospital when he got his MRI. Stella let him hold it...once). We put all of them in the bed with her and when we go up to get her after her nap, we usually see this.

She jams all her babies between the wall and her crib. I don't get it. Maybe she likes to look at them as she's falling asleep? Kitty never gets this treatment but I don't know if it's because kitty is her favorite or because kitty is too unwieldy to do that to. Stella continues to be a mystery.

He's special

2009-03-15T22:40:00.003-04:00

That bump is Aaron. Under the tent. What you can't hear is his crazy giggling.

Exhausted

2009-03-10T23:04:00.001-04:00

She refused to take a nap so when we got to Sams she was done for.

drinking

2009-03-10T22:58:00.006-04:00

Sometimes they just like to hang out together and drink.

nekkid butts

2009-03-02T09:42:00.002-05:00

Waiting patiently for grandma to fill the tub...

Snow!!!

2009-03-02T09:36:00.005-05:00

hee

2009-02-23T13:44:00.002-05:00

I don't have a caption for this. I am frankly amazed they were happy to pause long enough for the picture...and be happy about it. David was pushing them around the house so they were loving life at that moment. Both pants-less and breathing out of their mouths because they are both so snotty. I'm sure stella's shirt is wet from her brother's drooling. I do love how he's holding onto her shoulder. He does that a lot.

2009-02-18T11:59:00.008-05:00

See Aaron you push this button and the car starts. We don't need mom's help at all. We'll take it for a spin and she'll never know.

Ok I think we both have to grab a wheel. You work the brake. Shhhh, we have to be quiet.

Oh hey mom. I didn't see you standing there. What are we doing? Nothing!

Hey Stella...she see's us. Stella? Stella? Uh oh, I'm slipping.

Hey mom. Us? Nothing...just sitting here. Smile Aaron. Try to look innocent!

I can't...I'm...slipping.

I'm out of here dude. You're on your own.

pig-tails

2009-02-12T20:03:00.008-05:00

Stella hates having her hair fussed with. I don't want to cut it but she refuses to let me put clips in it or comb it into a pony tail. Until this week.

She's distracted by Sesame Street. I don't think she knows what I've done.

What the...

The party is officially over.

Then she took them out.

Maybe I should have started futzing with her hair when she was younger. She'll let me clip her finger and toenails but she wants nothing to do with a comb or brush. Sigh...

Lazy Sunday

2009-02-09T22:04:00.009-05:00

The weather was so beautiful on Sunday that we had to take the kids to the park. Rather than hang in our neighborhood we took the babes to Piedmont park.

A Stella action shot. Midtown is visible behind her...as is David.

That fella is happy to be in the sun.

No mom, you hand me the granola bar and I'll give you a piece.

Look at all my teeth!!!

Major Attitude

2009-02-06T15:53:00.002-05:00

If he were older, I'd want to date him.

Rub a Dub

2009-02-06T15:48:00.003-05:00

Ninja!

2009-02-06T15:43:00.006-05:00

Stella has become quite the stair climber. For some reason she likes to pause for a few kicks between stairs.

Hey mom, you wanna see some of my moves?

Warming up. You don't want to pull a muscle.

Hiiiiiyaaaaa!

She wanted me to note the full extension of the leg. I just hope she's not prepping to take Aaron out.

birthdays

2009-01-26T09:13:00.003-05:00

So here are pics from my birthday. Everyone was here so I had a wonderful time.

Aaron reading with Cousin Matt.

Stella reading with Aunt Millie and Cousin Will.

Stella had a little lamb

2009-01-26T09:09:00.004-05:00

And his name is Aaron. Here he is wearing his girlfriend Lily's hat. Turnabout is fair play so he let her borrow some pj's. She put that plastic thing in her mouth on her own though. Hilarious.

Lily as baby fishmouth.

more birthdays

2009-01-18T22:28:00.004-05:00

Well i spent my birthday literally surrounded by family. Everyone on the immediate Barnhart side of the family was in town save Sarah (who is in Salt Lake) and it was wonderful. Year 36 started out great so I have high hopes for the rest of 2009. Gpa snapped all the pictures so I'll post when I get them from him.

Anyway, today we went to a friends birthday party at this indoor play space with inflatables for the kids. They were EXHAUSTED when we left.

We gave her this balloon just to get her out to the car. Then she fell asleep holding it. It was adorable.

With thanks to Vane!

2009-01-18T22:07:00.003-05:00

It finally got cold here last week. I'm talking like 25 degrees during the day - not that we can complain with the week the midwest and the northeast had but it was pretty cold. So we were finally able to break out the mittens Auntie Vanessa sent us a while ago. The babies even left them on!

boxes

2009-01-06T20:49:00.005-05:00

Gma and Gpa got the babies a wagon for Christmas and while they enjoy it immensely

They seemed to like the box even more.

Sorry Sorry Sorry!

2009-01-01T09:45:00.007-05:00

Christmas can really take it out of you. All the shopping and wrapping and driving - and doing that with two kids is just silly. It takes 2 hours to get 20 minutes of shopping done and then no one is happy. But it's over and we survived AND we had a great holiday. So here are the pictures.

Heading to North Carolina. I finally cut her bangs. They were driving me crazy!

Uh mom, can we open presents now?

Making faces at the cat, Taffi. Whenever Stella got upset, her Uncle Chris would ask her where the cat was. Then he'd pick her up and they'd go look for Taffi. The whole time Stella would just make meowing sounds. It was so sweet.

Getting a ride on his new fire truck from cousin Matt. Aaron was screaming and giggling at the same time. He was so excited!

And then absolutely exhausted well before nap time. He'd had too much fun that morning so his Aunt Millie plopped him in the beanbag chair. He looks comfy no?

Happy Holidays!

Keep on rockin in the free world

2008-12-18T14:16:00.002-05:00

David will ask Stella if she wants to hear her song and she'll run over to the CD player. When he turns it on she starts dancing...which normally means she just stomps one foot over and over. Yesterday I gave her the ipod and put her song on and she loved it. She saw the ipod today and wouldn't stop bugging me until i gave it to her.

Could she be happier?

Putting up the tree

2008-12-10T10:24:00.007-05:00

Unpacking the ornaments.

I like this one.

And then Stella took it of course.

I had them cut like 3 inches off the bottom of this tree because I just know, at some point, one of the kids (read:Stella) will pull the tree down on top of themselves. And is Barney really that much taller than me? :)

Oh Dear

2008-12-07T21:22:00.003-05:00

This is the face of a girl with a pea stuck up her nose. I took the picture and then pulled it out.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T08:22:00.007-05:00

We had a lovely, albeit smaller, Barnhart Thanksgiving this year. We were short Aunts, Uncles and cousins this year but instead my mom and uncle and my friend (of 20+ years) Emily joined us for the celebration.

We all look so relaxed because the babies are sleeping.

Feeling a little too good...

Do you hear what I hear?

Wearing Grandpa's hat

We are so thankful for the love and support of our friends and family!

Yay!!!

2008-11-29T21:30:00.004-05:00

I'll do all the other catch up stuff like Thanksgiving later because I have way better news. Aaron took his first solo steps yesterday. Wheeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!! We haven't caught it on video yet but I did take a couple of pictures. This just makes us so happy.

Yo homies, this is how I roll. When I walk, I walk cool.

And then I lean in to get the music started.

but not the hippopotamus

2008-11-21T18:33:00.004-05:00

A moose and a goose together have juice!

While the moose and the bear and the goose and the hare are doing their best to keep up with the rest.

But not the Hippopotamus!

Superstar

2008-11-20T14:33:00.002-05:00

All American Babies

2008-11-13T10:45:00.007-05:00

I love the orange cast the tunnel on the jungle gym creates in these.

And my snuggle boy.

Happy Birthday

2008-11-10T22:51:00.005-05:00

I don't know if you know this, but yesterday was Elmo's birthday. Another thing you may not know is that Stella and Elmo are really tight. He stopped by so they could hang out for his big day.

Oh Stella, It was the best party ever. When you get older I'll bring you to Sesame Street so you can meet Cookie Monster. He's a riot.

And don't even get me started on Oscar. I've never met anyone who loves practical jokes more!

Please no pictures! I'm just hanging out with my friend. This better not end up on TMZ...

Oh, and it was Auntie Natalie's birthday too. Happy Birthday Natalie!

Halloween pictures

2008-11-07T13:36:00.009-05:00

The Aaron puppy. Yes, he is standing unassisted. He didn't mind the costume at all but whenever Stella saw him, she'd pull off his ears and tail.

The Stella piglet. We just let her wear this around the house because it is hilarious.

Leaving our first house. Stella had no idea what was going on. Frankly, she was more interested in the decorations in the front yards than in the candy.

Stella's new favorite thing in the world is pumpkins. If you ask her where the pumpkins are she'll look till she finds one. And she makes all the appreciative noises which makes us laugh every time.

Here Stella is hanging onto Natalie's skirt. There was a treasure chest on the ground and this skeleton would emerge and then the lid would slam back down. The first time it happened, Stella jumped. When it happened again she grabbed Natalie's skirt. When it happened the third time she made Natalie pick her up. It was funny and kinda sad at the same time.

I think Aaron sees the skeleton in the chest now. You can't tell from the pictures but the owner of this tiny house went with a full pirate theme this year. She had an entire ship in her yard with a giant inflatable squid in it that she made from plastic table cloths. She had an entire graveyard, a row boat with talking skeletons a skeleton jail, skeleton flamingos, tons of crows tied into the trees, blinking lights, etc. This lady takes a week off of work to put it all up and it is amazing. Parents drive their kids over from other neighborhoods just to see her yard. She said she regularly gets 200+ kids every year.

And then Stella was all done. Goodnight!

Jennifer Beals eat your heart out

2008-11-03T10:04:00.003-05:00

This was right before she broke out her flashdance routine.

A little later, it was yoga time.

I just hope all this exercising doesn't get rid of her trim figure.

Grandpa took most of the Halloween pics so I'll post them as soon as I get them.

Last weekend

2008-10-31T09:24:00.005-04:00

We spent last weekend in NC visiting family. It was a super rare occurrence where all the Barnhart cousins were in the same place. We even got a picture!

On one of the lawns at Guilford. Aaron must have seen a plane or something.

Here Stella is taking off with one of Max's tennis balls. Max is the new German Shepard her cousins got.

Hey, where did every body go? Hello? Hellooooooo?

baby legs

2008-10-28T10:20:00.005-04:00

Now that it has gotten colder I figured it was finally time to make some of these. I bought about 6 pairs of socks yesterday and hope to have them all converted by this evening. I made Stella a test pair last night and am happy to say they turned out beautifully even without the aid of a sewing machine. She is pushing these to their limits however, with her ample thighs. And diaper changing will be a snap.

She's holding her fake credit card. I hope she's going to treat herself to a haircut.

I think this is Aaron's worried face. He's worried I'm making him a pair next. Sorry little dude, I am.

And then a pair for his daddy.

Ready for Halloween

2008-10-24T09:43:00.006-04:00

Cutting out the stencil for our first family pumpkin. Note stella's onesie (it says Daddy's little devil) and her awesome thighs.

Expert carving by Sarah, the babies cousin. Stella didn't hear that the marker portion of events was over. She wants Sarah to keep drawing.

Yeah, I'm looking pretty good here.

Give piglet alllll of your candy. Or piglet will find you...

We love Fall

2008-10-20T21:17:00.008-04:00

Uh, do you know the way to San Jose?

Boo

I loooooooooove pumpkins!

This one right here is MINE!

Brusha brusha brusha

2008-10-19T22:23:00.003-04:00

Stella hated having her teeth brushed (while Aaron LOVES it) - until her Grandpa gave her an electric toothbrush. Now she gets upset when you won't let her brush her teeth.

So that's how you brush your teeth Gpa?

I'll just keep polishing this one tooth down on the bottom.

Sprinkler

2008-10-13T12:02:00.006-04:00

Gma and Gpa got new grass so they were allowed to water to make sure it doesn't die. If you aren't in Atlanta then maybe you aren't in a drought so this is a big deal...watering that is. The grandparents took the babies for a walk and when they got back Gma asked if she could run Stella through the sprinkler.

Hey Gma, let's not go through the sprinkler. I'll clean off your glasses instead.

Little yogurt break.

Goodbye summer...

eyelashes

2008-10-13T11:59:00.002-04:00

He's just so pretty!

livestock is dangerous

2008-10-09T13:03:00.009-04:00

Last week, Gpa and I took the babes to visit a friend in Lilburn. Their house sits on a big piece of property and they have 4 goats as pets. Well the goats work by keeping the grass down so they kind of earn their keep. Stella met her first goats at the zoo and was thrilled to see these.

Come closer little girlllllllllll

That's it...just a little closer...

Gotcha!

And then Mr. Earl took the little goat out so Stella could get up close and personal.

Hey little goat. You sure are cute!

Awww, look at your little horns! I'll just grab that. You don't mind right?

Aghhhhhhhhhhh

Yeah, she got rammed. Knocked flat on her butt. It was hilarious. Thanks goats!

Boo Bucket

2008-10-09T13:00:00.002-04:00

Stella wears this on her head.

OBAMA!!!!!!

2008-10-07T21:45:00.001-04:00

This is the face of a boy who wishes he were old enough to vote.

prepping for the big day

2008-10-06T15:32:00.003-04:00

D'oh!

2008-10-04T16:52:00.002-04:00

I didn't signal before changing lanes on my hippo? How embarrassing.

Stella and her lovey

2008-10-02T12:03:00.004-04:00

The babies wouldn't take pacifiers & they don't suck their thumbs so I just worried that they didn't have any comfort objects...besides me. Stella got this lovey before she was born and I always left it in her crib but she didn't seem to take notice of it. I started giving it to her when she was out of the crib and we called it her 'baby' and now she takes it everywhere. Luckily they sell them as a pair and a spare so this decision won't come back to bite me in the ass when she loses one. Aaron has a dog and Stella has the frog. If you ask for a kiss, she'll even hold it up to your face so you can have one.

trippy

2008-10-02T11:54:00.004-04:00

Aaron loves to look at himself in the mirror. Imagine his delight when he saw this!

in the park

2008-09-30T10:30:00.005-04:00

The stella snuggle while aaron looks at planes

Hello camera!!

Right before a big meltdown times 2

A day at the zoo

2008-09-25T22:55:00.008-04:00

She sees the flamingo's...

She greeted the birds with several "oooohhh" and "whooooooaaa" sounds. She was pretty impressed.

Hello pig!

Let us race farm animal!

You wanna butt heads? Bring it Mr. Goat!!!

Yes, Aaron was there, but he did spend a good bit of the trip fast asleep. Truth be told, Stella was thrilled to just run about like a zoo animal. All the morning excitement led to 4 hour naps from both kids. We LOVE the zoo. And Gma and Gpa who met us there.

papasan

2008-09-24T20:41:00.005-04:00

I dusted off the baby papasan and brought it out of the attic. Aaron spent a lot of time in this thing when he was wee. Stella was less interested in this than in the swing...until now. As soon as I set it on the ground, stella climbed in. She turned over, put her hands behind her head as if this was what has been missing in her life. She wouldn't let me take a picture of her in it, so I took her out and put Aaron in.

Hey ladies. Welcome to my papasan...

I'll just flip this switch - turn on the music and vibration...

Dude, we're twins! We can totally both sit in this thing. Aw man, I turned on the vibration!

Is that you Bono?

2008-09-24T20:39:00.001-04:00

squatmaster

2008-09-22T10:59:00.003-04:00

Stella would rather squat then sit or stand. I guess all babies do this?

I'm always surprised when people, strangers mostly, say the babies look a lot alike, until I see a picture of them side by side. They certainly do look like brother and sister. We were at dinner Friday night and a server came up and pinched Stella's cheeks saying, "I just couldn't resist. What a cutie! He's going to be such a ladykiller when he grows up". She was in all black so maybe she was just radiating a boy vibe.

Aaron antics

2008-09-21T22:45:00.010-04:00

Our little man has been on fire lately. Most days he rolls around from one side of the room to the other but on this day, he kept rolling under the loveseat. Both Stella and I kept coming over to see what he was doing.

Ok, so he's under there...

I think he's trying to tell us something with his feet

Stella brought me over to investigate

Then I got a few shots of him in the highchair with his new haircut.

I don't think he was expecting to get his picture taken

Then we spent some time in the park where Aaron got in some reading of Pat the Bunny and got to be a total boy as he was distracted by every truck that went by and every plane that flew overhead.

Pattin' the bunny

There's a plane

Did you see that plane mama?

I love planes!!!

Superhero

2008-09-17T17:55:00.005-04:00

By day, a mild mannered toddler...so mild she's rocking the purple crocs. Note how high her pants are pulled up.

But by night!!!

See these striped pants make me more aerodynamic so I can fly faster.

Flying makes me so thirsty

Why do I tackle crime fighting? All this responsibility on my little shoulders...Oh yeah, for the boots. I just love the boots.

yes!

2008-09-17T17:55:00.003-04:00

If you have a 1 year old...or a 5 month old for that matter, Aaron's pose here is not impressive. But our AB has had a hard time with some of his developmental milestones. This is a HUGE deal for him (being on his belly and holding up his head for a good length of time). I found him in the living room watching Yo Gabba Gabba like this yesterday and it just warmed my heart. He's now a prolific roller/scooter and can get across a room almost as fast as Stella.