Ode To Mrs. Riddell

This past weekend Will and I were in Austin to celebrate the union of Brad and Kristen. 

It was such a honor to watch the weekend unfold that ultimately led to Kristen Rogers becoming Kristen Riddell. 

Me and Mrs. Riddell

Friday we all met at the church (might I add, the church where Jessica Simpson was married) for some rehearsing.  

Me. The Bride. Stephanie.

We then headed to County line for the rehearsal dinner.  

Great weather. Cold beers. Delicious BBQ. Hot cobbler. Sweet friends.

It was so wonderful catching up with old friends.

Baby free!

The Future Mr. and Mrs. Portacci

Night cap with Steph

The next day I headed to Kristen's parents house for a bridal luncheon filled with yummy mimosa and quiches.

When I was 19 and got accepted into A&M Kristen bought me a tiny "Congratulations" plaque.  It was then passed off to her when she got in.  Three years later she gave it back after Will and I got engaged.  I had it in my possession during my wedding and the birth of Benjamin.  It was so fun passing it off to her on her big day.  What a sweet tradition we share together.  

It will be so much fun to see what special times are in our future that are 'plaque' worthy!

Mimosas. Check. Cute monogram button ups. Check.  

          

While I was watching this happen...

I received this from my Dad. Pop just couldn't resist.

I loved this moment.
Kristen = pure JOY!!

Gorgeous Kristen.

 They said 'I do' and it was followed with a beautiful backyard, "Father of the Bride"-style reception.  

Twinkle lights. Yummy food. Wedding cake filled with fresh strawberries. Ice cream cookie sandwiches. And a sparkler send off.

The night was filled with so much laughter and love.

Aggie Roomies.

The Mr's with their Mrs's.

My love.

 Welcome to the club Riddell's!
I am reminded of what love should look like just being around you.  You both are incredible, faithful people and it's a privilege knowing you.  May your marriage be filled with laughter, love, friendship, and lots of babies!! :)

XOXO

The Big Move!

The Schmid life has been a crazy life this month!

We have literally been out of town every weekend and squeezed a move in on top of it all.  I haven't posted in awhile so lets start from the beginning... 

We love U-Haul storage!

The day after I got back from NYC Benjamin and I started packing up our house.  We sold our house so fast and weren't able to find a home we loved.  We decided on a 6 month lease in an apartment until we find a house we can't live without.  The closing date has since changed and we will be doubling up on rent for a month but that just comes with the moving territory.  If you are thinking about moving make sure you are 100% in because it is rough! :) Being the seller of a home you have no power in decisions.  Will and I are just thankful someone wants to buy our house... we are stressed cause we are blessed!  

My precious sister volunteered to keep Benjamin for the weekend of the move and met me halfway for the drop off.  Boy, our kids sure do love some Chick Fil A! 

LOVE.

 Benjamin came into this world loving Luke. He could watch Luke play all day long! The picture of the boys hugging... Luke closed his eyes. Can you say precious!?

 Throughout the weekend I received some pictures updating me on what Ben was up to. 

This kid loves playing with letters.

Garage sale time!

Bath time with his besties.

Saturday my parents picked Benjamin up from my sister's house so she could get things ready for Audrey's dedication. 

Swim time with Uncle Rett.

Mother's Day I woke up to Duncan Donuts (iced and hot coffee to chose from), flowers, and a sweet card from my men.  I felt super loved even though our weekend was CrAzY! After breakfast I zipped from my new apartment to attend Miss Audrey's dedication and pick up Benjamin while Will was unpacking.

Miss A wearing Tula's dress.

Gibson Family

After Audrey's dedication I brought a confused Benjamin home to his new apartment.  

Isn't amazing how resilient children are? 

He settled in pretty fast! 

This kid loves hats.

So sweet.

 After spending a week of unpacking and nesting, Ben and I headed back to Mckinney for another drop off.  One of my dearest friends got married this weekend in Austin and Tula and Pop were up for weekend with Ben.  It was perfect timing because Elizabeth (another dear friend from high school) was in town with her babes. We met up with her at a local splash park for some fun in the sun!

Lily = precious.

Avenleigh = adorable.

 My sister had the genius idea to cut up a pair of Will's socks for Ben to wear while playing.  They worked like a charm and managed to keep him from cutting his legs.  

Splashing around.

 After splash fun, Amanda and I took the kids for a quick adult sushi run.   

The next day we spent the morning with Aunt Amanda before dropping Ben off with Tula and Pop.  We decided to put our swimsuits on and go for a swim at Amanda's neighborhood pool.

They loved riding in the wagon together.

Enjoying the sun.

 No worries -- we have canceled our order of baby dentures!!! Benjamin has a tooth!! 

Alleluia, thank you Jesus! 

Can you see my tiny tooth? 

Love this.

Wagon rides are relaxing and swimming is exhausting.

 I am sure after reading this post you can get the idea that our life has been crazy lately.  My poor child has been dropped off at nearly every relatives doorstep this month.  Actually he has had a great time playing with all those who adore him.  I appreciate all the help we have received!! 

 I left Friday to head to Austin and he was playing like this... he is one cool dude!

Stay tuned for Will and I's adventures in Austin...

15 Month Check Up

Today was Benjamin's 15 month check up.  With the help of a sleeve of Ritz cracker's, he did great!  The crackers are seen in majority of the follow pictures.

Benjamin is 34 inches tall (98%), weighed in at 23 pounds (32%) and his head is 47 cm (50%).

A. LONG. LEAN. MACHINE.

The doctor commented that he had never seen such a solid baby six-pack before.  Benjamin is super healthy and eats like there is no tomorrow. He still has no teeth but the doctor took a look in his mouth and saw EIGHT about to pop up!! Doesn't that sound like fun!? :) He is still covered in eczema (just like his mama was) and has some new medicine for it. 

 LOVES:

Anything involving Pop. Wrestling with Hank. Eating anything, everything. Wheels (Cars, Trucks, Chairs, ect.). Sunglasses from Tula. Bath time. Sleeping with Patches. Pushing buttons on anything he can get his hands on. Drinking (unsuccessfully) from cups. Climbing up on chairs/beds/sofas. Making the kiss sound when he wants a kiss (precious). Exploring outside. 

NOT A FAN OF:

Diaper changes (sigh). 

As seen in the pictures below my little man STILL isn't walking.  He shows no interest in it... bends his knees when I try to practice, fake sleeps when Will attempts to practice, ect.  Bottom line. We want Ben happy.  We believe Ben will be happier once he walks. I will walk through every and any door if it could help Benjamin.  Today my doctor recommended he have a physical therapy consult.  As a special ed teacher, I have gone through my list of things that could be causing this delay and I've got nothing.  I know Benjamin will eventually walk and is physically/cognitively there.  I am praying my strong Benjamin will decide to walk soon... that's just it, he has to DECIDE to walk.  In the meantime we are going to follow the doctor's orders and get some tools to help us along.  A PT consult isn't the end of the world but it has definitely been a learning experience for me.  It has humbled me as a mother.  Made me cry for parents who have actual precious special needs children.  It has taught me that being a parent is tough stuff and I have only just begun.  

Each child is unique.  Each child grows differently.  I wouldn't change a thing about my strong, long, lean love.

Drinking (an empty) adult glass.

Cool Dude

Hour 2 of "put glasses on mommy" game.

Eating his first puffy Cheetos.
Thanks Auntie Steph!

Benjamin's newest trick is crawling on Mom and Dad's bed to enjoy his snack.