Cadynce vs Donnie 6 months

I really enjoy comparing pictures of these two. Here they are at six months.

Christmas gifts from us

We usually give Christmas gifts from us a few days before flying to Indiana so the kids have time to play with their new toys. We did Christmas last night and it was a lot of fun. Cadynce got a huge doll house, a Diego rescue pack, and some much needed warm clothes. Donnie got some clothes, and two fun toys that include a hammer...every boys dream. I'm sure it won't be long before he gives himself a black eye or a bloody nose...he's really starting to swing and shake his toys. Last night Cadynce was playing non-stop with her field journal and her watch. She's really into saving animals in trouble. She even included her doll house. She had the dolls hanging over the edge of the house and she was saving them too. View Album for more pictures.

Need a Laugh Today??

Donnie 6 Months Old

We celebrated Donnie turning 6 months old just like we did with Cadynce. I made a half birthday cake for him (which he did not get to enjoy). He has just started eating real food and he's really enjoying all the new tastes in his mouth. He has just started sticking his tongue out just like his cousin Aubrey. Whenever he is happy or excited he curls his tongue up to his nose...so cute!! View Album for more pictures.

Getting Ready for Christmas!!

We went and picked out our tree from home depot Saturday. Cadynce was so excited. We went inside to pay for it and while we were looking at all the Christmas decorations Don went and found a blow up snowman for the front yard. All these years he's been a hater and look at him now. As we were checking out Cadynce saw a singing dog. She pushed the foot and the dog started singing and dancing and so did Cadynce. I had my camera so I got a little video of her. Needless to say, when you see your kid do something like that you end up buying it for them...and we did. She loves her singing dog and going outside with Daddy when he gets home from work to watch her snowman blow up.

I love getting all of our Christmas decorations out while listening to Christmas music. While the kids napped Don and I put the lights on the tree so it would be ready when the kids woke up. Once they got up we hung the ornaments...one of my favorite family moments. View Album for more pictures.

Thanksgiving/Anniversary

Grandpa and Mimi came out to spend Thanksgiving weekend with us. It's so nice having family to share this holiday with. Don decided he wanted to fry our turkey for the first time this year. The men were outside taking care of the turkey and Mimi and I were inside taking care of the rest of the food. We all had a great time preparing our food. The turkey took only 45 minutes to fry and we were all anxious to try it. It turned out great...the juiciest turkey I've ever had.

Friday was our five year anniversary and we did participate in black Friday. We woke up at 4am and got to the outlet mall around 5. We shopped til we dropped. When we got home Don said he wanted to go to Lowe's because they were having a sale on lights that ended at 1:3o. So we headed to Lowe's and I was giving Don a hard time about the way he was going and how impatient he was being. Then he pulled in front of a massage place and said "Happy Anniversary, we have a couples massage." I don't know how he kept that a secret, but I was the happiest person on earth. The massage was awesome and I loved having my hubby right next to me. That night we all went to dinner (Grandpa, Mimi, Don, Cadynce, Donnie and me). Cadynce and Donnie had so much fun with Grandpa and Mimi. They got to spend lots of time together. We went to the playground a couple of times, and enjoyed playing outside in the beautiful weather as much as possible. It was a great holiday weekend with family.

Saturday night we got a babysitter and Don and I went to dinner then to watch Stoney LaRue at Floores Country Store. View Album for more pictures.

Donnie is sitting now!!

Donnie has been working on it for a long time now, and he's finally got it. He is sitting up with no problem at all. He has an occasional wipeout, but that's usually because Cadynce is tackling him. He is finally consistently rolling over both ways and Cadynce loves to roll him over using only her head. Yes, that sounds weird but it is really entertaining for us all. Donnie adores his big sister. View Album for more pictures.

Aunt Cat and Uncle Chase Visit!!

Catherine and Chase came to see us for a few days and they have decided that they are not ready for kids yet!! Donnie did a great job of spitting up on both of them and we changed Cadynce's name to Whiney Whiner. Just kidding, it wasn't that bad. We were so happy they came to visit and so were Hoosier and Roxy. Roxy got a lot of cuddle time on the couch with Cat and Chase while Hoosier enjoyed having her bed to herself.

We went bowling one morning and went to the playground a couple of times, played a little tennis, and did some shopping. I was also honored to introduce Chase to his first Chipotle burrito. I think he's in love!! Friday night we went to Floores Country Store to listen to some Texas Country music. There was hardly anyone there, but it was fun to take them somewhere that was totally Texas. We ate lunch outside in the perfect weather each day while the kids napped...it was wonderful. View Album for more pictures.

Go Irish!

Don and I had a great Halloween night. We went to watch Notre Dame play at the Alamodome and got to see our friends Jeff and Kelly. The game was a blowout, but we stayed until the very end and that rarely happens. We just enjoyed our evening out. After the game we went to Chili's to eat. I really love our date nights.

Happy Halloween!

Donnie on the left

Cadynce on the right

We went trick or treating at the zoo on Friday night. It was pretty cool walking around the zoo at night and seeing the animals. Cadynce doesn't quite have the hang of trick or treating yet. Why do they put the candy in the bucket? They should have just put in her mouth as she walked by. Each piece of candy that was put in her bucket, she took it out and ate it. She was on a serious sugar high. We definitely "over did it." We had a great time and Cadynce loved being a monkey again. Our plan was for her to be Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street, but the weather was a little cool for that costume so she was a BoBo Brother. My plans for their costumes didn't happen this year. View Album for more pictures.

Papa Jack & Namah Visit (Videos Added)

Papa and Namah spent their fall break with us this weekend. We spent a lot of time outside enjoying this beautiful weather. Cadynce got to show off her scooter and her bike riding. We are really loving our cul-de-sac. We went to a football game Friday night and on Saturday we spent the day at a pumpkin patch doing all kinds of fun things. We ate apple ice cream covered with apple cider and it was really good.

I enjoyed some time getting to go out and do a little shopping by myself. Saturday night my parents watched the kids while Don and I went out. That is always a treat!! We had such a great time. View Album for more pictures. Click here for videos.

4 Months Old

Maybe it's because I gave birth to him, but I can hardly handle how cute Donnie is. His new favorite thing is the Johnny Jumper. He's growing up so fast and getting bigger every day. I'm anxious for his check-up next week to see his stats. We're taking him to his first football game tomorrow night...we'll see how it goes with two little ones this year.

Last Trip to the Pool (Videos Added)

Our pool is closing for the season so we had to go one more time. This time we got Donnie in the pool. We tried the kiddie pool out for the first time and Cadynce had a blast. It was nice for Don and I as we relaxed while Cadynce played. She brought her torpedos and she was actually able to get them a few times from the bottom.

When we got home we made cupcakes for her "friend" Benny. It was his birthday and she wanted to have a party for him...so we did. Benny is from the show Dora and he goes everywhere with us. She loves to pretend. View Album for more pictures. Click here for videos.

Cadynce vs Donnie

-Cubs Outfit-

Cadynce 15 months

Donnie 3 1/2 months

-Green Outfit-

Cadynce 10 months

Donnie 3 1/2 months

We're bringing out the winter clothes this week.

Cadynce learning a little lesson from Daddy. "Why can't I drag Hoosier around the house on her leash?"

Who says you can't have a whole family of George's? Cadynce loves to play in her "home" in the wall. She loves to play Daddy, Mommy, Cadynce, and Donnie George.

As many of you may know, bed time can be a long process and I look for any way to get it done without any "dorking" around. This is what Cadynce looks forward to every night. She wants to get her J's on, teeth brushed, and book read so she can sing "Daddy I'm ready" with me. It gets her laughing so hard so we had to get it on video. The louder we sing the harder she laughs. Donnie does not like this!!

Aren't they cute

Donnie has been working so hard to roll over these past few days and Cadynce is right there to cheer him on and give him the extra push. She really loves to help him which isn't always a good thing. We have also been enjoying our swing set when it isn't raining and we really love being in our new back yard. There is a squirrel that lives in one of our trees and Hoosier has a new purpose in life and it is to get that squirrel. She does not want to come inside anymore and just watches, chases, and barks at this squirrel. We have seen the squirrel sit in the tree and stare at Hoosier while wiggling its tail. Who knows...they could be friends. View Album for more pictures. Click here for videos.

Labor Day Surprise!!

We planned on spending our Labor Day weekend just working on the house. I was working my first Saturday since Donnie was born and Don was home with the kids. There was a knock at the door and when Don opened the door there stood his parents...Surprise!!! We had no idea they were coming. We had a great weekend and all we did was work. Mimi was the babysitter for the weekend while I painted until I could paint no more. Don and Grandpa worked in the yard and the garage. Grandpa and Mimi got to stay in the luxurious playroom suite upstairs:) We definitely got more done with them here. Unfortunately, we didn't take any pictures...all work, no play! We'll get pictures of our house up soon.

Donnie 3 Months Old

Here's our little man growing up so fast. He is a very laid back and happy baby. He is talking a lot these days and he reminds me so much of Cadynce. He loves to laugh and smile and watch his big sister act crazy. He has just discovered his feet so it shouldn't be long before they're in his mouth. He is now into 6 month clothes so I know he is much bigger than Cadynce was at this age. I think Cadynce was still wearing 6 month clothes when she was one!! I have made bathing easier on myself by washing Cadynce and then holding Donnie in the bath and letting her soap him up and wash his hair. She LOVES that. Everyone is happy and I get done twice as fast. Donnie is a great sleeper and is now sleeping from 8:30 to 7:30. He has made it very clear that he likes to lay in his crib to fall asleep. He gets comfortable by turning his head to the left to suck on his ring finger and middle finger on his left hand and he occasionally uses his right hand to hold the left in his mouth. He is so stinkin' cute and I love him more every second. View Album for more pictures.

Trip Home

I flew home last week to spend the week visiting my family and so everyone could meet Donnie. The week seemed to go by too fast and with everyone's busy schedules we spent as much time as we could with everyone. Cadynce had so much fun again seeing her cousins. Robbie was by far her favorite this trip. She was attached to him the whole time. At one point in the trip she was running around the house saying "I'm having so much fun with my cousins." It was so cute. While the cousins were out of town for a few days my mom drove with me to Indianapolis to visit Catherine and Chase and to see their apartment. We took a trip to the Indianapolis Zoo. Cadynce spent every minute she could tormenting their dog Rex which was a nice break for Donnie. We had a great flight home with Donnie laying on my lap and Cadynce asleep like a baby in my arms. Traveling alone is hard work. I was so thankful for the woman sitting next to me who offered to hold Donnie when we got to San Antonio so I could get all my stuff and handle Cadynce who had just woke up. She carried him off the plane for me until we got the stroller. We were so excited to be back home and I don't know who had the bigger smile...Don or Cadynce. We got home around 11pm and Don had a surprise for Cadynce...her first bicycle. So we got out of the car and let her ride her new bike in the street. She thought it was so cool and she loved wearing her helmet. I can't wait for our first family bike ride with Donnie in the trailer and Cadynce on her big girl bike. View Album for more pictures.

Clark Vacation

We met Grandpa and Mimi and Jeff and Julie out at Lake Tahoe for a family vacation last week. We stayed in a beautiful condo right on the lake and had a fantastic time hanging out and also enjoying the beautiful mountains and of course the lake. We rode the gondola to the top of the mountain, went jet skiing, horseback riding, and had our pictures taken while we were there. Everyone got a lot of quality time with the kids and we really appreciated all the help we had. Cadynce is also potty trained now...no more diapers!! View Album for more pictures.

2 Months Old Already!!

Donnie is growing up so fast! He is getting so big and I'm enjoying every second with him. He's doing quite a bit of talking when he's awake, but it will always be a struggle to get a word in with Cadynce around. His arms and legs are constantly going and he looks like he's riding a bike most of the time. When he's laying in his bed or the pack and play he gets the whole thing shaking. We finally got out the little gym for him to lay under and kick the animals, and they are taking a serious beating. His hands are still in a fist so he looks like a little boxer. Cadynce better watch out when she gets in his face. He's got to be tough to put up with her. He is sleeping through the night now...wooohooooo!!!! View Album for more pictures.

Friends in San Antonio

Last week Mark, Lindsay, and Addyson Anleitner were in San Antonio, so we got together with them a couple times. We had them over for a cookout one night, and Cadynce loved playing with her new friend Addyson. We also met for dinner at Papasitos where we enjoyed some good Mexican food. The kids did great and we had such a fun time with Mark and Lindsay and catching up on life.

The kids did a little swinging while Don cooked the burgers.

Locks of Love

I have been growing my hair now for nearly two years to get it long enough to donate my hair to Locks of Love. Finally, I couldn't take it any more in this heat and I had to get it done. They cut off 9 1/2 inches and boy did that feel great.

I ask Cadynce every day if I can put her hair in a ponytail and every day she says NO!! Finally, the day I got mine cut off she decides to let me put her hair in one. She looked so cute and of course all she wants is a ponytail now.

Meeting Dora

Saturday we went to the zoo to meet Dora. It was 102 degrees and Donnie had his first sweat. I can't remember the last time I was dripping with sweat that didn't involve exercise. It was so hot outside and there was no shade so we each had to take a break to go indoors to cool off and get some water. Donnie's hair was soaked and his outfit was too from sitting in that hot carseat.

It was all worth is when Cadynce got to go give Dora a hug and get a picture with her.

Look at those rosy cheeks. She was such a trooper and this was with only a 10 minute nap in the car.

Donnie's First Smile

Look at this handsome little boy!

Donnie smiled for the first time last week and every time I pulled out the camera the show was over. I finally started carrying the camera around the house with me so it would be there when I needed it. Today was my lucky day; I got a smile and I even got a little giggle.

Look at her go!!

Aren't they cute!

Don takes Cadynce to the pool every night, and Cadynce keeps getting better and better every time she gets in the water. Check her out...she's actually swimming!!!

4th of July

We drove up to Austin to visit the Felkers in their new house on Saturday. We had a great time hanging out in their new place and watching the kids play. Don and Jeff took Cadynce and Aiden to the pool while Kelly and I stayed back with the little ones. For dinner we cooked out on the grill and ate on their back deck. We brought some poppers for the kids to throw and they thought that was pretty fun. We stayed the night and had pancakes, eggs, and bacon for breakfast then packed up and drove back home. View Album for more pictures.

1 Month

Donnie is one month old and I can't believe how much faster time goes by with the second one. Donnie has been one incredible baby. He is very easy going and doesn't cry much. He only wakes up twice at night to eat and just gets a little fussy...no crying. He is still sleeping most of the time, but he always seems to be awake while Cadynce is napping. It's actually worked out nice so we can have our one on one time to hang out and talk. He usually falls asleep right before Cadynce wakes up and then Cadynce gets her time with me. We're getting into a groove now that is working for all of us. View Album for more pictures.

In Training

Cadynce has begun her potty training and it was all her idea. I was totally happy with changing her diapers, but she decided to tell me one day she needed to go so we ran to the potty and sure enough she went. It's been pretty easy so far and we've filled up two potty charts so she has earned a trip to see the snakes at the zoo and an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen. She wants her underwear on all the time and has only had one accident. She even went number two in the big potty (thank you Cadynce!) We are so proud of her!! View Album for more pictures.

Birthday Celebration

To celebrate my birthday today, Don came home from work early and we went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner then went to the Silver Stars game. It was Donnie's first women's basketball game and he loved it!! Cadynce had a blast dancing to all the music and eating ice cream with Daddy. View Album for more pictures.

Our Little Swimmer

We've been going to the pool every night when Don gets home from work, and Cadynce is getting so good at jumping in and kicking her arms and legs to come up to the top. She is holding her breath now when she's under water so she's not drinking too much anymore. Don is constantly trying new things with her which is why she is so good. Her favorite thing to do now is to throw her torpedos then jump to Don. He holds on to her then they both go under and she picks them up off the bottom of the pool. She can see them now with her new goggles. View Album for more pictures. Click here for videos.

Mimi's Visit

Mimi came out to visit us and meet Donnie for the first time. Unfortunately, Grandpa hurt his shoulder just before the trip and couldn't make it (he's feeling better now, though). Cadynce had a great time hanging out with Mimi and showing her all of her stuff, singing, dancing, swimming, and talking non-stop!! We enjoyed going to the pool to swim every day. Cadynce got to show off her mad swimming skills. We went to lunch a couple of times, but mostly just hung out and played. Don and I got to sneak away and see a movie one night in between feedings. That was a special treat. Mimi was a big help to me while she was here (my pantry is looking pretty fantastic!) I always enjoy a nice break from cooking and cleaning too:) View Album for more pictures.

A Week with Namah

I had everything planned out perfectly...my due date was June 8th so my mom would fly out on the 4th and I had my doctors appointment set up for the 5th then I would go into labor on the 6th.  Donnie had other plans and arrived 4 days before my mom got here, but it all worked out great anyways.  It was so nice having my mom here to help out with the cooking, cleaning, and laundry while I recovered from the 5 minute delivery.  It was a great distraction for Cadynce as we adjusted to life with another baby. I also had a couple of appointments that I was glad I didn't have to take on by myself just yet.  Cadynce is doing great and she loves to hug and kiss on Donnie (a little too much sometimes).  She has a hard time letting him sleep and wakes him up quite often.  Donnie is so layed back compared to Cadynce as a baby.  He's only waking up once at night to eat and when he wakes up he doesn't cry.  View Album for more pictures.

Donnie IV (Updated)

This is the guest blogger, Don III, tonight.  Jackie's a bit tied up, so I thought I'd get some photos out into the blogosphere.  We can hardly believe it, but Donnie IV finally arrived early this morning (and a week ahead of schedule)!  We had a pretty busy day on Sunday; we worked in the children's area at church and went over to the Felker's house for dinner.  When we got home and put Cadynce to bed, Jackie started "feeling crampy."  Translation: she was in labor!!!  We stayed up all night watching TV and timing contractions, but they never got any closer than every 8-12 minutes.  At around 4 a.m., Jackie got a little frustrated and didn't think she was making much progress, so we decided to call Nicole (so she could come over and be with Cadynce) and head to the hospital.  We arrived at the hospital around 4:50 a.m. and what do you know?!?!  My off-the-charts pain tolerant wife was completely dilated and ready to push!  After a relatively frantic 20 minutes of getting Jackie ready to deliver, keeping me from passing out, and discovering Donnie's heartbeat was a bit slower than it ought to be, Donald Morrow Clark IV was born at 5:22 a.m.  He weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces, was 19 inches long, and was healthy as can be.  Once we got settled in at the hospital, I went over to Nicole's and picked Cadynce.  As we expected, she simply couldn't keep her hands off of him and kept saying, "I want to hold Donnie!!"  Jackie's really sore, but feeling better by the hour; Donnie is eating really well and getting lots of sleep.  All I can say is - God delivered a miracle once again - what an unexpected, surreal, and amazing morning!  

Click here for photos. New videos here.

Memorial Weekend

For our holiday weekend we decided to drive to the coast again this year and go to the Texas State Aquarium and the beach like we did last year.  We got up early on Sunday and drove to the Aquarium first.  We got to see the dolphin show when we first got there then made our way to all the other animals.  They have a great playground for kids to play outside so we ate lunch and let Cadynce play for a long time.  She had fun chasing all the birds and standing under the fans that blew a mist on her.  When it was nap time we headed for the beach and Cadynce slept on the drive there.  The beaches were packed so we just found the closest one that was open and parked.  We got to play for a while before the clouds started rolling in.  Cadynce had a blast and it was a little more fun this year since she was a year older.

Monday Don worked outside for several hours putting rock on one side of our house.  Grass won't grow and it's become a big mud pit that the dogs like to get dirty in.  Cadynce had fun helping Don with her little plastic shovel and he would let her ride in the wheel barrel which she thought was really cool.  We just enjoyed the rest of our day hanging out and we went to the pool with the rest of the neighborhood.  View album for more pictures.  Click here for videos.

Playing in the Rain