If you build it...

we will come! We are building a house in a great little neighborhood called Cypress Creek in Frisco, Texas. The process has been going on for months, but we are just now starting to see some things actually happen. (and we hear things go pretty quick from here) We went through the design process a month or so ago, then we met with the builder to go over our plans/drawings... all while permits were being pulled and the site was being prepped. We saw some change, but it wasn't much... until last week!

Last Wednesday was a very exciting day in our world. Bob and I drove up to check on the lot, and were there to see the first bit of concrete being poured. That's right... we have a foundation! In one day we had 1 pump truck, 13 concrete trucks, 1 slab poured, the flat work set, and 4 handprints in the driveway to mark our spots! Who would have thought concrete would be so exciting!? (and if you think I sound excited... you should have seen Bob!) The kids are loving the changes on the lot, and I think Bridgette is finally understanding that this will be our house some day! We were told the framing goes up today, and we should have the whole outline of our house by the end of this week. It's amazing how fast this goes! Check back soon... we will have more "in progress" pictures later this week.

*this post was written in February, and just realized I never posted it...oops! :)

Half Birthdays

Well, sort of... Bridgette is now 2yrs, 7months and Aiden is almost 17months. My how time flies! I figured I needed to document some basic "ages & stages" things in here before I forget! That, and their baby books are packed so when I get back to those ones of these days (insert laughter here)... I can look back at the blog to help me remember what they were doing at what age! So here's a little list of favorites for each kiddo... and of course some cute everyday pictures of the little nuggets.

Bridgette: Loves to draw, color, and anything art related! She is definitely a girly-girl, and is already showing a bunch of sass (some good/some bad). She loves chocolate and hummus, and is particular about her cow plate + pink cup in the mornings for breakfast. She loves movies, books, and pushing the stroller or walking "by myself!". She has discovered the world of dance and asks for "ballet music" in the car (i.e. classical). I showed her how to do ballet arms while we were driving, and she loved it! We need to find her a regular class.

Aiden: Loves to climb, jump, fall... on everything! He's definitely a BOY, and shows no fear! We have to constantly keep an eye on him. And anytime you sit on the floor... he automatically thinks it's "rough-house" time and runs to tackle you! And although he can be a little rough at times, he's such a cuddle-bug at other times, and it's the best feeling in the world! He loves black beans and his chupetas (at least one at all times)! He loves dogs and can spot one from down the street. And once he turns 18month, we will be able to put him in gymnastics!

And together, they love to cook in the kitchen, bath time, walks outside, playing on the playground, and getting vanilla milks at starbucks for treats. They are both little hams, and definitely keep us laughing. We are so so blessed to have such healthy beautiful children! It's definitely hard work (and I have plenty of "mommy moments") but I wouldn't trade it for anything! And on that note... I think it's time for one of our walks!

"Bloem Voyage"

My sweet friend Kelly got together with some other moms and hosted a going away playdate: "Bloem Voyage". There was a great turnout, great weather, and the kids enjoyed playing with all of their friends. The best part was hands down the "art project" they presented us. My very talented friend Sarah got all the kids fingerprints to create this great piece that will definitely hang in our new playroom! I have been so blessed to have met some wonderful girls through our early childhood pta, and it's been hard not to see them as often as I use to. We will just have to plan more playdates in advance! A big thank you to all the girls who came and made us feel so {LOVED}!

Sophie & Sarah getting last minute fingerprints...

Kelly presenting me with the art!

How cute is this!??

Good looking group we have here!

Stats Alert!

I feel like we haven't done one of these in forever! Aiden is now 16 months, but we just went in for his 15 month check up last week. Luckily, our pediatricians office has a location in Plano... so we can still be a part of the same practice. And funny enough, the doctor that they will go to now is the same one that came by the hospital for both babies when they were born! Anyways, Aiden looks great and seems to be on track. His weight has gone down some, which the doctor was concerned about at first... then by the end of the appointment he said "well, I'm not concerned as much anymore... I can see you have a calorie burning machine on your hands"! That's right, our son never stops! Hopefully he doesn't drop anymore at his next check up or we'll have to start some protein shakes or something!? HA!

Aiden, 16 months

weight: 21.13lbs (10%), length: 31 3/4" (55%), head: 18 3/4" (50%)

City Girl at Heart?

Both kids are doing well with their new surroundings, but it's pretty funny to see just how much Bridgette loves this urban life! I think I may have a little "city girl" on my hands! She has added a few new phrases to her vocabulary:

"the building" = our new apartment

"that's my shop" = Cold Stone Creamery

"that's daddy's shop" = Gingerman Brew Pub

"big fountain & circle fountain" = the 2 different fountains we walk around

"the button" = the button mommy pushes to cross the street

"there's a spot" = spotting parking spots for me to parallel park on the street

The kids also love to go get the mail, take/pick up daddy's dry cleaning, and just walk around the big pond/fountain outside. Maybe we'll have to take a little family trip to visit their Tia Marthi and Tia Christina in NYC... show them the real deal! HA!

The Adventure Begins...

That's what we're calling it at least: an adventure. While our house is being built, we are renting a 2-bedroom apartment in the Shops at Legacy. This is a great development, and one that we used to frequent often. We are walking distance to everything: restaurants, starbucks, dry cleaners, shopping, fountains, ice cream shops, and plenty of sidewalks to look at all the horse & longhorn statues. The kids have adjusted very well compared to what I thought! The only thing that becomes a bit tricky at times is sleeping... since they are sharing a room again, they are getting use to having each other across the room. And I'm definitely adjust to the tiny kitchen! But that's ok... it's totally worth the kitchen I'm about to have! ;) So here are some pictures of our new "digs"... not bad for 1,000SF, ne'?

The Shirette Send-Off

One of the hardest things to leave when we moved was our street. Liptonshire wasn't just the street our house was on... it was where we started the "Shirette" family. It's where we had our front yard happy hours, where we came home and there was always a smiling face to wave to, where we would swing our kids from the big oak trees, where we formed many great friendships, and where Bridgette & Aiden learned what having neighbors really meant!

The weekend we moved was the weekend they threw us a "going away" party. We've had many parties together on the street, but not like this! Everything was just so nice! Alice hosted at her house, and the rest of the street pitched in with great dishes, grilling, extra tables/chairs, etc. Bob and I were so touched by the whole evening, and especially the toasts/speeches at the end. We feel so loved and are forever grateful for the memories made on that little block in Lake Highlands.

We left a great house, but gained a family for life! We love you Shirettes! Thank you for everything!