I'm a Pepper, You're a Pepper

Years ago, before there was even a hint of a gaggle, we lived in Arizona. One of my baseball friends had me over one day and she had a new drink in her fridge. I am not a fan of anything cherry, but I really didn't want water so I gave it a go.

And it was awesome.

I fell in love with Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper. That is until we came home to Kentucky for the off season and they didn't sell it here.

Stink.

But I put on my big girl panties and got over it, because after all, it was just a drink.

Fast forward about five years and three children later, we're in Buffalo. I put regular old Diet Dr. Pepper on the grocery list for my hubby and he accidentally grabs

Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper.

Hellllloooo Buffalo!

I knew that this would just be a summer crush. A short term thing. It couldn't possibly last forever, because there's always an off season. The end of the end. (Does anyone else feel like breakin' into Grease's Summer Lovin? Anybody? Alrighty, must have just been me.)

When the girls and I packed up to come home this season, I just threw the half a twelve pack in the van that I had left without even thinking about stocking up. I like to break up quickly, it's less painful.

My mother-in-law, Lesley, saw it in our fridge a few days after we got back. She asked about it and I said

If you EVER see this in any store, anywhere, BUY IT.

Apparently she took me seriously. I don't know if it was how loud I stated my demands or the crazy look in my eye, but she heard me.

And she became a woman on a mission.

A few weeks later, my birthday rolled around. I'm not one of those hide-your-age (33) kinda gals, but I'm also not the person who's all

HEYITSMYBIRTHDAYLOOKATME!

So I was thankful for a quiet morning of resting and showering before 10 am, breakfast in bed (thanks babe) and later that day a great dinner at my sister-in-law's house. (Who, by the way is my husband's favorite cook. No, that doesn't hurt my feelings. She's my favorite cook too.)

I found it a little odd when Lesley asked Andy to help carry my gift in. She's great about getting my favorite scent from Yankee Candle or a book I've been dying to get my hands on. But a heavy box? What in the world?

And then I opened it. And I squealed like a 13 year old girl.




She found it. She took her mission straight to the top.

The woman called Dr. Pepper.

She called Dr. Pepper! Hello, why didn't I think of that?

Apparently she sat on hold for quite some time, argued with an automated machine that wanted to help her find Diet Berries and Cream Dr. Pepper (blech!) and finally reached someone who could help her.

She then drove almost sixty miles (one way!) to a Kroger that carries it.

That's love.

And determination.

And a little bit crazy.

And I am so thankful that she took the time to do something so special for me!

I'm also wondering if there is anyone in Shelbyville, KY that would like to become my supplier? Anyone?

Anyhoo, little did we know how much this mama was going to need that caffeinated deliciousness. Because starting that very evening..........

My next post may contain words like poop and vomit. Also a possibility are phrases such as "oh crap", "not AGAIN", "help us, Jesus" and "where did you put the carpet cleaner?". Consider yourself warned, and have a pleasant day.

Nineteen Months

Last summer I was nursing two babies. This summer they have cut 11 (going on 13) teeth.

Man, am I glad that those two weren't going on at the same time.

My baby girls are growing so fast. They're communicating more and they want to do things just like their big sister. Which is really cute when all three are coloring at the table.

Not so cute when they launch themselves up and down the steps.

I'm not too good at keeping baby books. I stink at it. Okay fine, I haven't even started Lainey's! And so bear with me, while I jot a few things down that I don't want to forget...... times two.


Anna, 19 months

Stats - weight 25 lbs, height 32.5 inches, 5 1/2 shoe.

Words - Mom, Mama, Mommmmmmmmyyyy, No, Nainey (Lainey), Boobie (Buike), Emmy (ironically, she's talking about a good family friend, not her sister!), Mommy, Daddy, Apple, No, Nack (Snack), Pees (Please), Tat too (Thanks), Moe (more), Ball, No, Uppy (up), Off (as in, please remove my clothing), and Shoe. Also, she has a plethora of animal sounds, my personal favorite being the owl. She purses her little lips and the tiniest little whisper of a "hoooo" comes out. It makes me want to smoosh her.

Likes - Eating. Reading. Eating some more. Playing in the sand. Driving the cozy coupe. Nainey. Clifford the Big Red Dog. Babies. Being a ham. Blowing bubbles. The Every Step I Make video on YouTube. Straw sippy cups. Telling stories.

Dislikes - Sharing. Drinking without a straw. Asparagus. (can you blame her?)

Anna is a flirt and a ham. She loves to play with her babies and gives great kisses. She dances like her mama, which is a problem. She talks gibberish all day long, usually while pointing at something to enhance the story. None of us understand any of it, but respond like we do.


Emily, 19 Months

Stats - weight 23.5 pounds, height 33 inches tall, 5 1/2 shoe. Dimple on the left cheek (on her face, people!)

Words - Nainey, Yay, Nack (Snack), Good Gurl (Buike and all dogs), Book, Bubbles, Shoe, Toe, Owie, Boo-boo, Apple, Noe (nose), Mommmmmmmmmyyyy, Daddy, Pees (Please), Tat too (Thanks), Moe (more), No, Ball, Baby, Nigh-Nigh and several animal sounds.

Likes - Climbing, running, climbing some more, turning a book page by page, eating, playing alone, buckling herself into the stroller (and the carseat, and the eat seat), putting on shoes (and socks!), Buike, walking down the slide, walking up the slide, riding in the wagon, putting on random pieces of clothing (not that we have alot of that lying around. Okay, we do.), straw sippy cups.

Dislikes - Sharing. Grilled cheese. Strangers.

Emily tends to be quiet while taking it all in. She has an adorable grin that has to be earned, but it's worth it. She will probably learn how to use our power tools before we do. She gives incredible, ring your neck hugs. She has started to "sing" the tune to the ABC song.


.........................................................................
The older you get, the more alike you look.

You fight over the Cozy Coupe. Anna usually wins.
You fight over my lap when we read books, thankfully I have room for both.


When I announce it's time to brush your teeth, you both squeal and come running.
When I announce it's time for bed, you both squeal and run away.

You recently spent 20 minutes playing quietly together.
I caught a glimpse of heaven.

You both love music and have heard quite a range of it thanks to your big sister. Current favorites include "Don't Stop Believin" and "You Never Let Go".

You would both rather play with my cell phone than your toys.

You both have curly hair, although Emily's is the curliest. We've started to experiment with product. Help us, Jesus.

You recently hugged your sister at the same time. I called it the Lainey Sandwich. It made her day.

I still dress you alike. I'm sorry.




And I think we need a bigger sand box.

- The Mama