Mini Kickers

A few weeks ago we had a big day for the Israels. Lucas had his first day of soccer (and I'm officially a soccer mom). Lucas is a Minnesota Thunder along with BFF Emma. The mini kickers were not quite sure which way to kick or even if to kick the ball but they were so cute. Matt is so giddy too which is adorable. He's been wanting a kid in soccer since I told him I was pregnant. He just wishes he could be coaching. Maybe next year. But Lucas did a great job even though he did want to bring his own ball into the game instead of playing with the one the other kids were playing with.
Haley's big news was that with a little help of the soft grass at the field, she sat all by herself!!!
So stink in' proud of my kids!
And last but definitely not least. Matt and I had our first celebrity spotting in Nashville! Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's daughter Sunday Rose is playing in the same league as Lucas and they were on the field right behind us about 20 feet away! Had to try really hard to stay cool.

Before the first practice, I got my sweet boy to let me get some pics in his new gear:

Getting first instructions from their coach:

Finally kicking!

A quick pep talk

Sweet Kids:

Huddle and "Thunder" cheer

Haley - 5 Months

Our Haleybug is 5 months old! I can't believe how time is flying. She is turning from an infant into a little girl. I feel like we can see her changing and growing up in front of our eyes.

With 5 months came:

-- Solid food
-- Smiles and more smiles
-- Believing that big brother Lucas absolutely hangs the moon
-- Sitting better and better (once even all by herself ... on some soft grass)
-- Babbling and "talking" more and more -- she may take after her verbal brother
-- The love for toys (as shown in my newest photo shoot )

Our drool monster. But bows make it ladylike, right?

Even the pouts are cute. We're in so much trouble...

Taking after aunt Jenni? Practicing her stretches.

And good thing that Lucas built an awesome train track right before our picture session. Hales loves playing with big brother's toys and so far he's still willing to share. He says he has so much to teach "his baby."

The Real Thing

Now that HK is five months old we've moved on to eating real food ... well semi-real food. Lucas would like to squash up everything including gummy fruit snacks for the baby but so far we're still at rice cereal and carrots. I made my own baby food for the first time and I'm overly proud of the fact I steamed and mushed up carrots. Lucas never got homemade baby food and is a fabulous eater but I'm excited to dabble in the baby food making craze nevertheless.

First Bites:

My first batch of mushed up carrots. Appreciate my friend Christy for loaning me her baby food maker. Made it super easy.

Next up avocados, squash, peas, bananas, apples, and peaches. Yum!

Go Dores!

The first Vandy game of the season was a few Thursdays back. We lost ... in the fourth quarter ... obviously ... but we had a great time. Lucas was thrilled to get back out to see the marching band and HK got a chance to doll up in her first black and gold gear. She was unsure of all the noise and people at first but I think she got the hang of it.

A beautiful sunset behind the stadium. 

We met some of the Israel family at the game. A treat for Lucas to get to hang out with the grandparents and Uncle Dan! We did miss Uncle Mike though who missed the game due to dear Hurricane Isaac making it too difficult to travel. Hopefully soon we'll get another chance to see him.

Baby Shower for Brittany

A few weeks back several of us girls threw Brittany, one of my residency friends, a baby shower for her soon-to-be-here new arrival "Georgia." Our theme was ice cream sundays ... and who doesn't like ice cream so I think it was a big hit. 

Melissa's talent shown by the 'Baby Shower Tree" she made. So crafty. We hung little cards with advice and well wishings on the tree as the party progressed.

Haley sneaks into the party for cuddles with Melissa 

Christy whipped up another fabulous punch

A few of the hostesses

Our guest of honor!

Time to unwrap

Dayna, Lainie, and Ana

After the shower, Baby (not so much baby anymore) Molly stopped by to pick up her mommy. I got some great shots of her cuteness that I just wanted to share.

Molly's doggies:

And I can't leave out my sweet L. Playtime on the deck after the party.