Two years

It is hard to believe that just two years ago Ben came into our lives. Some days, it feels like it has been so much shorter - I vividly remember so many details about that Memorial Day weekend (how my Dad kept urging me to go to the hospital, how many people Larkin frantically called to go stay with Maya so my parents could join us at the hospital, how it felt when Larkin told me that I had a son, and how excited Maya was to meet her little brother.)


Other days, it feels like those two years have lasted a lifetime. I mean, how did we even think we were a family without this little man?! I have a hard time remembering our lives without him in it.

Ben's personality has been set since he was a baby -he loves life and approaches most everything (except vegetables and sprinklers) with complete abandon. He loves singing and dancing, running, kicking/throwing balls, and anything he deems funny.


He still gives the BEST hugs.


Thank you, Ben, for two wonderful years. I know this year will bring a lot of changes for you - a new house, a new state, a new school, and a new role as a big brother. I can't wait to see how you embrace all these changes. I love you.

Happy Mother's Day

Ben and the 'tar

Ben loves guitars (or as he calls them, 'tars.) Here is the little music man....

And here we go again...

Baby Tackett #3

Expected arrival date: September 18, 2012

New York City

My mom and I took Maya to New York City for two days in April.

 We took the train up and back.

 We stayed in Time Square on the 35th floor. Maya loved looking out the window and watching all the people. She was very puzzled by why all those people were still outside when it was bedtime!

 We took Samantha (my doll when I was little) to tea at the American Girl Cafe.

 We had fun exploring watching all the people in Times Square.

 After tea and a long day, we had "dinner" at the concierge lounge at our hotel. We had access to the lounge thanks to the points my dad acquired. Thanks, Dad! I know how much you would have loved the idea of Mom and I in NYC with Maya.

 Maya got to pick out a gift (or two) at the American Girl Cafe, and she selected a baby carrier, which was perfect for taking Sleeping Baby out to see the sights.

 We explored Central Park.

 And we made it to Central Park Zoo on a beautiful April morning.

 Maya also got to try her first Magnolia cupcake. She liked it.

We went to see the Lion King on Broadway on our last night in the city. Maya absolutely loved it; I'm so happy that my love of musicals has passed on to her. The three of us had a fantastic trip - thanks for coming with us, Mom!

Grandma Great

We went out to Bakersfield for almost a week in February to celebrate Maya and Ben's great grandma's life. We will miss Grandma Great very much, but we are happy she was able to meet and spend time with her great grandchildren.

In spite of the reason behind our trip, we had a great time in California. Maya and Lola picked right up where they left off from Thanksgiving, and Ben enjoyed his first trip to Bakersfield since he was 5 weeks old! 

 We spent a long morning at Murray Family Farms, outside of Bakersfield, with Benji, Amy, and Lola. There was a petting zoo, where the kids enjoyed getting up close and personal with the animals (me - not so much). There was also a giant moonbounce. Amy and I watched as the kids and Larkin and Benji jumped, ran, and had races. We weren't sure who had more fun - the kids or the dads.

All in all, it was a great trip. We had a wonderful time catching up with friends and family and sharing wonderful memories of Grandma Great!