I have to mention what has become the BEST part of my morning. Before letting you in on my sweet pleasure let me preface by telling you about Will when he was a baby. I know I have mentioned it before but our Will had a cry that would make fingernails on a chalk board sound like a beautiful melody. It was so ear piercing that at 4 days old we had already moved him to his crib in his very own room. Now, before you moms out there start criticize me, let me say I always made sure he was feed and changed before putting him in his room to scream it out. All that to say I didn't get the cuddle time with him that I had enjoyed with Alaina and now enjoy with Teagan. There wasn't a time that I was able to nap with him as a newborn or pull him into our bed just to snuggle. By the time he had grown out of his screeching scream/cry he had gotten so used to sleeping on his own that he didn't want to cuddle or nap with me at all. Much to my dismay my sweet boy was a self soother who didn't like to snuggle with mommy to go to sleep.
Now let me get to the reason for this blog, which at this point you may have guessed. For the last 2-3 weeks, my Will has woken up between 6-7 AM and come into our room, crawled up into bed with me and snuggled with me until it was time to get up. Let me say, I knew I had to break the habit of letting our kids sleep with us a while back when Alaina would come into our room in the middle of the night to sleep with us. After weeks and months of sharing a bed with a squirmy toddler I decided I needed to get up and put her back to bed. But I have to admit my little boy coming in for an early morning cuddle has become the BEST part of my morning! Yes, I know it will be a habit I will need to break in a few weeks but for now I am just going to enjoy it!!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Never Been Prouder as a Mom
As a mom there are many times I have been proud of my kids, but there are also those days I am not so proud of them. Lately, my two oldest have been fighting alot and not getting along. I have been chalking it up to the fact that they are 4 and 2 years old, but it has been very discouraging! There have been glimpses of hope when they have been playing great and things seem to be normal again. Today there were two VERY bright glimpses. Let me start with the first one. We were driving home from Bible study and I hear Alaina talking to Will in a very serious voice. So I turned down the music to listen in on their conversation. I also moved the mirror so I could see her as well. As I watched her sincere face this is what I heard her sweet voice say to her brother.
"Will, don't you know that God made us?" "We were babies and now we are big kids and a long time from now we will go to Heaven to be with God and Jesus!" She repeated things of this nature a few times until Will interrupted and asked her what was on his mind.
"How will we get to Heaven Alaina?" Will asked a little worried.
She answered very confidently, "Jesus is mighty! He has power in His hands, He will take us there!"
I must admit while hearing this not only was my face beaming with a smile, but my eyes were filled with tears. The smile was there because our little Alaina was professing a faith in Jesus that she is just learning about, but she already realizes that she wants to share it. The tears filled my eyes because I realized that I myself so often forget to share my faith with others with my words. But yet here my four year old was sharing what she knew about Jesus to her two year old brother. What a blessing it was to witness this conversation!
My husband recounted this second glimpse of the sweet relationship between a sister and brother. Later in the day during dinner Aaron heard Alaina talking to Will. She was encouraging him to use the potty like her because she is a big girl and he is a big boy now. She told him that if he used the potty he would get m+m's and that mommy and daddy would be so proud of him. As soon as dinner was over Will hopped down from the table and went straight to the bathroom and used the potty. This was the first time he had done that on his own. And All it took was a little "pep" talk from his big sister.
So like the title of this post: I have never been prouder as a mom! I love my kids and pray that God will always use them to positively influence each other.
"Will, don't you know that God made us?" "We were babies and now we are big kids and a long time from now we will go to Heaven to be with God and Jesus!" She repeated things of this nature a few times until Will interrupted and asked her what was on his mind.
"How will we get to Heaven Alaina?" Will asked a little worried.
She answered very confidently, "Jesus is mighty! He has power in His hands, He will take us there!"
I must admit while hearing this not only was my face beaming with a smile, but my eyes were filled with tears. The smile was there because our little Alaina was professing a faith in Jesus that she is just learning about, but she already realizes that she wants to share it. The tears filled my eyes because I realized that I myself so often forget to share my faith with others with my words. But yet here my four year old was sharing what she knew about Jesus to her two year old brother. What a blessing it was to witness this conversation!
My husband recounted this second glimpse of the sweet relationship between a sister and brother. Later in the day during dinner Aaron heard Alaina talking to Will. She was encouraging him to use the potty like her because she is a big girl and he is a big boy now. She told him that if he used the potty he would get m+m's and that mommy and daddy would be so proud of him. As soon as dinner was over Will hopped down from the table and went straight to the bathroom and used the potty. This was the first time he had done that on his own. And All it took was a little "pep" talk from his big sister.
So like the title of this post: I have never been prouder as a mom! I love my kids and pray that God will always use them to positively influence each other.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
It is the Small Things (Part 6)
As I put the kids to bed tonight, I reached down to pick up a sock not realizing it was attached to one of Alaina's stuffed animals. When I asked about it she said, "Hippo was sucking her thumb." This of course was a strategy I have used with Will to get him to stop sucking his thumb and by the way it hasn't worked at all!!
My 2 yr old son, Will, asked for American flag cheese (otherwise known as American cheese). Too cute, right?
I asked Will what songs he knows. He proceeded to sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. As soon as he finished, Aaron asked him what other songs he knew. He then sang, "Old Macdonald Had a Farm E-I-E-I-L-M-N-O-P" to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
I woke up the other morning to find both of the kids "playing" with the hand sanitizer.Alaina quickly says to me, "Will is eating the soap!"I asked Will if he was eating the hand sanitizer he said, "Yes."So I asked, "Did it taste good?"He answered enthusiastically, "Yes! It tastes like ice cream!"
My roommate, Joie, from college came into Richmond for a visit and she asked Will why he still pooped in his diaper and he said, "Because I want to and I like it!!"
Will was playing like he was gonna "gobble" Grammie up!Grammie asked Will if he was a animal. He said, "I am a monster, a whale."Then Grammie says, "Do you live in the ocean?"Will answered, "No I live in the forest!"
As we pulled into Aaron's parents driveway to visit them for Easter.Will and Alaina were talking about surprising Grammie. So we asked, "What are you surprising Grammie with Will?" He answered by saying I am gonna hide my ring in my butt!" Aaron then suggested he hide it in his shirt. To which Will replied, "But Daddy my butt is a better hiding place!"
We took a trip to North Dakota last month and the kids said some of the funniest things on the plane:
As the flight attendant came around collecting the empty cups and snack wrappers Alaina says, "Mom, here comes the trash girl."I quickly corrected her and said, "No Alaina, that is the flight attendant."She looked at me and said, "Oh that's right she is the flight trash girl!"
Alaina always wanted to be prepared as the flight began and landed so before each of our four flights she asked me, "Mom when are we going to blast off into outer space?" This question always was followed by a few chuckles from passengers sitting around us.
Will, on the other hand, would flap his arms like a bird flapping his wings each time the plane began to take off. Also causing the same reaction from those around him.
As Will and Aaron flew into Richmond on their very last flight Will looking out the window said, "Why does everyone still have their Christmas lights on? It is not even Christmas!!"
As I put the kids to bed tonight, I reached down to pick up a sock not realizing it was attached to one of Alaina's stuffed animals. When I asked about it she said, "Hippo was sucking her thumb." This of course was a strategy I have used with Will to get him to stop sucking his thumb and by the way it hasn't worked at all!!
My 2 yr old son, Will, asked for American flag cheese (otherwise known as American cheese). Too cute, right?
I asked Will what songs he knows. He proceeded to sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. As soon as he finished, Aaron asked him what other songs he knew. He then sang, "Old Macdonald Had a Farm E-I-E-I-L-M-N-O-P" to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.
I woke up the other morning to find both of the kids "playing" with the hand sanitizer.
Alaina quickly says to me, "Will is eating the soap!"
I asked Will if he was eating the hand sanitizer he said, "Yes."
So I asked, "Did it taste good?"
He answered enthusiastically, "Yes! It tastes like ice cream!"
My roommate, Joie, from college came into Richmond for a visit and she asked Will why he still pooped in his diaper and he said, "Because I want to and I like it!!"
Will was playing like he was gonna "gobble" Grammie up!
Grammie asked Will if he was a animal.
He said, "I am a monster, a whale."
Then Grammie says, "Do you live in the ocean?"
Will answered, "No I live in the forest!"
As we pulled into Aaron's parents driveway to visit them for Easter.
Will and Alaina were talking about surprising Grammie.
So we asked, "What are you surprising Grammie with Will?"
He answered by saying I am gonna hide my ring in my butt!"
Aaron then suggested he hide it in his shirt.
To which Will replied, "But Daddy my butt is a better hiding place!"
We took a trip to North Dakota last month and the kids said some of the funniest things on the plane:
As the flight attendant came around collecting the empty cups and snack wrappers Alaina says, "Mom, here comes the trash girl."
I quickly corrected her and said, "No Alaina, that is the flight attendant."
She looked at me and said, "Oh that's right she is the flight trash girl!"
Alaina always wanted to be prepared as the flight began and landed so before each of our four flights she asked me, "Mom when are we going to blast off into outer space?" This question always was followed by a few chuckles from passengers sitting around us.
Will, on the other hand, would flap his arms like a bird flapping his wings each time the plane began to take off. Also causing the same reaction from those around him.
As Will and Aaron flew into Richmond on their very last flight Will looking out the window said, "Why does everyone still have their Christmas lights on? It is not even Christmas!!"
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Day at the Park
What an amazing day that the Lord has made! We had a fun-filled day today at the park then returned home for a picnic in the backyard with my, hoping to become famous, onion burgers (only kidding, although they have received rave reviews from friends and family). I am so thankful for my family!!
We have had an interesting and busy last few weeks...I will spare you the full details but here is the shorten version. It all started three weeks ago when Aaron pinched a nerve in his back which is causing him so much pain that going to work, putting on socks and shoes, and sitting, standing, or walking for prolonged periods of time is now difficult. Then two weeks ago, three of the five of us got a 24-48 hour stomach bug (thankfully Teagan and Aaron were able to resist it). The healing process is still taking place for Aaron, but he was a tropper today and joined us for a day at the park. (Thanks Babe!) The kids had so much fun playing, playing, and playing some more!! We have been in the house for way too many days the past month so to get out in the sun and breathe the fresh air was good for all of us. This was even Teagans first visit to the park and although she didn't get out of the stroller I think she needed it as well. After playing we toured a Nature Center there at the park and enjoy looking at turtles, snakes, and fish. So my heart is filled with appreciation to my Creator for this beautiful day and love for my family that he has so graciously blessed me with! Here are some picture of our day. I also have a full album on facebook.
We have had an interesting and busy last few weeks...I will spare you the full details but here is the shorten version. It all started three weeks ago when Aaron pinched a nerve in his back which is causing him so much pain that going to work, putting on socks and shoes, and sitting, standing, or walking for prolonged periods of time is now difficult. Then two weeks ago, three of the five of us got a 24-48 hour stomach bug (thankfully Teagan and Aaron were able to resist it). The healing process is still taking place for Aaron, but he was a tropper today and joined us for a day at the park. (Thanks Babe!) The kids had so much fun playing, playing, and playing some more!! We have been in the house for way too many days the past month so to get out in the sun and breathe the fresh air was good for all of us. This was even Teagans first visit to the park and although she didn't get out of the stroller I think she needed it as well. After playing we toured a Nature Center there at the park and enjoy looking at turtles, snakes, and fish. So my heart is filled with appreciation to my Creator for this beautiful day and love for my family that he has so graciously blessed me with! Here are some picture of our day. I also have a full album on facebook.
Friday, February 05, 2010
It is the Small Things (Part 5)
My mom was here visiting and helping take care of our new born daughter Teagan and she has helped relay some of these stories to make this issue of "It is the small things" possible. I guess 2 sets of ears are better than 1 because these antidotes accumulated quicker than usual.
Sword vs Teagan:
My mom bought the kids gifts out of the dollar bin at Target (Btw, she has done a fabulous job spoiling the two older children while she has been here-making sure they still feel special in the midst of the new arrival of Teagan). So as Will swung his sword from side to side my mom asked him, "Will, do you love your new sister, Teagan?"
He exclaimed, "I love my new sword!!"
Over hearing this conversation I chimed in and asked, "Hey Will, do you love your new sister more than your sword?"
He quickly responded, "Nope."
Fire Truck prayer:
My mom took Will to the store with her to pick up a few things. Alaina decided she wanted to wait on the porch when it was almost time for them to return home. So I said ok. (I may have shared before that growing up my mom always taught us to stop and pray whenever we heard a fire truck or ambulance.) This is a habit I have continued through to my adult life and I too have taught my children to pray during these times (which mainly occur while driving in the van). So as Alaina was waiting on the porch I heard her yelling something to me and as I got closer to the door I realized what she was saying was, "Mom we need to pray for the fire truck!" Apparently she had heard one pass by on the main road and she insisted that we pray for it and the people who needed help.
Pants on the ground:
Ok so I am sure that many people have heard of the newest craze about an original song sang in the auditions of American Idol. To my surprise my mom, who does not watch Idol, has heard of it too. And thought it was a good idea to teach it to my kids.
This is the same woman who at Halloween was teaching them to say, "Trick of Treat, Smell my feet, Give me something good to eat, If you don't I don't care, I'll show you my underwear!" So just as I said in October I looked at my mom and said, "What are you teaching my kids?"
As she sat chuckling at herself, then we hear Will running down the hall singing, "Hands on the ground, Hands on the ground!" He almost got it?
Big 'knockers':
Later that evening my mom asks Will as he is looking for something, "Are you going to use your eyes to find it?"
He answered "No, I am gonna use my really big knockers!"
Mom feeling very shocked that after the lecture she received earlier about teaching my kids inappropriate things that my son knew and said the word 'knockers.'
Just as she is about to address the issues she hears Alaina say, "Will you don't have binoculars!!"
Playing house:
So Alaina and Will are not typically allowed to play in our room, but one evening they had decided to go in and play house. Will was the daddy and Alaina the mommy and then they had 2 children (Alaina's doll, Kaylyn, and Will's stuffed animal, Doggy, who they both sleep with at night.) So as they got quiet I sent Aaron back to check on them (A very good mommy skill that I have learned.... if it is quiet you go immediately to see what is going on.) So Aaron goes in and sees Will and Alaina in our bed 'sleeping' and their 'children' are in Teagan's bassinet 'sleeping' as well. So as he walks out of the room to come report to me his findings. Alaina says to him, "Thanks for coming visitor!"
Here are a few more stories that I thought you would enjoy:
The kids have been very intrigued by the newest member of our family. Just a day after we were home I was changing Teagan and Alaina was observing. Then she pointed to Teagan's belly button which still had the piece of umbilical cord attached and asked, "Mom, is that her mabizzy?"
Alaina and Will have reached the stage in their relationship as brother and sister where they don't always get along and sometimes they are just plain mean to each other. So as an argument was about to take place over a puzzle my mom stepped in and said, "Alaina don't get mad."
Immediately Will chimed in, "Get glad!"
Mom and I were so surprised we looked at each other and both began to ask where he had heard that and before we could ask Will says with a huge smile on his face, "I saw that on TV!"
So as I sit out here typing this is the lyric I hear Alaina singing in her bedroom as she plays: "Praise the Lord I am happy!
And I have to agree!
"Thank you Father for all the many blessings in my life, none more special than my children and definitely none more humorous. It is good to laugh and be happy!!" Amen
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
My Sweet Teagan
I have never been more fulfilled or content to be defined by what I do. The moment we are born we are defined by what we do. Through the course of my life I have been defined in many ways; it began at birth for me when I became a daughter, sister, and niece. As I grew I became a friend, student, athlete, etc. . . In the last few years my roles have changed, as well, therefore changing how I was defined. I became an aunt, wife, daughter-in law, teacher, and then four years ago a Mother. Today, I have three children and as many of you know my newest bundle of joy is only a week old. So I thought I would take this time to introduce her and also share how she has already changed me in just one short week. She too has begun the cycle of being defined by what she does. She is already a daughter, sister and niece, which is right where I started 29 years ago. I am excited to know I will have the opportunity to watch and help her grow into these roles that are inevitable for her to be defined by.
In the delivery room 1 hour after birth
Our hospital room 1 day old
Teagan entered the world on January 20, 2010 at 1:31 pm after almost 5 and half hours of labor. Which was much to my surprise but believe me I was more than pleased not to have another 20+ hour labor. She was delivered at 9 lbs, 3 oz and 21 inches long, which is bigger than my other two children who weighed in at (Alaina) 8 lbs, 2 oz and (Will) 8 lbs, 12 oz. Teagan was born with no complications to her or mommy and was already alert, responsive, and smiling the day after delivery. She is very pleasant and hasn't quite found her cry; we have heard her cry, but it is very soft and not very often. We have not put our finger on who she looks like and will probably just have to say she looks like Teagan. She has similar features to Alaina in her eyes and nose and the shape of her face and dark hair remind me of Will. Speaking of hair, boy does she have hair!! Will had some hair and it was dark, but Teagan has a head full of dark hair. The funny thing is at my ultrasound when I was 36 weeks pregnant the technician said, "Oh my does she have a lot of hair!" Even though I knew she was going to have a lot of hair 4 weeks before she was born I still can't believe it and I haven't gotten used to seeing one of my babies with so much dark hair. Anyway, that brings you up to speed on the things I have learned about my sweet Teagan now let me finish this blog by saying how she has already greatly changed me.
Teagan's first smile caught on camera by Grammie at 1 day old!
Leading up to and since Teagan's birth I have had a renewed desire and passion to raise my children in an environment where they will thrive after Jesus as their Savior. Although, as I mentioned above, throughout my life I have been defined as many things I could have added the word "Christian" in front of all those labels. I am teaching my children life skills, manners, and many things throughtout the day. However, my greatest desire is to teach them about their Savior, Jesus Christ. The world defines us by what we do, but if we do not know and have a relationship with Jesus we have nothing. Looking at my children is a reminder everyday that my greatest reponsiblity is to show them by my example how to be a "Christian" in everything they do no matter how they are being defined in that moment.
"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.Impress them on your children.Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Deuteronomy 9:6-7
Our first family picture
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The Countdown
I have heard women say that every pregnancy is different and now approaching the end of my third pregnancy I can say that is a true statement. (Or at least it has proven correct for me.) So today I am sitting here in my living room 4 days from my due date and what has turned out to also be my induction date as well. I have time today not only to look forward to meeting her, but to reflect on the past nine months as well. Aaron has taken the other two kids to the gym with him so I am enjoying a rare moment of peace and quiet alone at home. (Thanks Babe!)
This seems to be the perfect time to write, especially considering the next week will be a whirlwind of emotions and excitement. So here is a snapshot of my experience this go around. The first 16 weeks or so I had what some would call "morning sickness," which for me was anytime of the day sickness. Several times a week I would be not feeling up to par, but the hardest part was hearing the kids tell Aaron as he walked through the door from work, "Daddy, mommy went blah!" As a side note with all the unpleasantness of getting sick I actually was losing weight instead of gaining. By the time I was half way through my pregnancy I was less weight than when I came in for my first visit.
As I found myself in my second trimester some other symptoms started to pop up. Some familiar and others just seemed to arrive so much earlier than in my past pregnancies. Not to dwell on them but just to name a few: acid reflux, sleeplessness, uncomfortable, lower back pain, numbness in fingers, headaches, and so on. However, what also starting happening during this trimester was I began to feel this little person moving inside me. From week 14 until now I have felt her move everyday and let me say she is a mover and a shaker! The neatest thing is how responsive she is. If anything or anyone touches my belly she will kick right at that spot. I like to rest things on my belly and then watch as she kicks and squirms moving the item all around. The remote control works the best and she has entertained many of our friends by doing this. At night when I roll over and my belly touches Aaron's back he can feel her kicking him. Alaina and Will have also been able to feel their sister move as they sit on my lap. It really has been amazing and fun! Let's just say we may have our hands full when she is born.
Now I am at the end of my third trimester and I feel better than I did a month ago. I am sleeping through the night (with the slight exception of getting up 3 to 4 times to use the bathroom), which is such a blessing to feel this rested so close to delivery. Interesting enough, although my belly is without a doubt bigger than it has ever gotten in the other two pregnancy I am still less weight today then the day I found out I was pregnant. Upon delivering I will be 10 lbs or so less than my pre-pregnancy weight, assuming my doctor is accurate on her prediction that this little lady will be close to 9 lbs.
All that to say I would like to try to articulate my current state of mind as we quickly approach the birth of our third child. There are the normal fears and anxiousness that come along with the process of labor and delivery, but also an underlying peace that my loving God will never give me more than I can handle with His help. The thought of how can I possibly love another child as much as I love the two children I already have has crossed my mind, quickly diminished by the fact that I already have such a deep connection and love for her that will only grow naturally as I meet her and care for her. The strong desire and calling that I feel God has placed on my life to be a mom is only heightened by this experience. The joy this precious girl will bring to our lives and others is immeasurable. Though unplanned in our minds, God has known and prepared for her arrival long before now. This fact only magnifies my overwhelming sense of responsibility to raise her in the love and knowledge of my Savior Jesus Christ. She is a gift from above, entrusted to us to love and cherish.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
It is the Small Things (Part 4)
Alaina had her 4 year old well appointment the other day and had to get 3 shots. As she was crying Will came over, rubbed her arm, and said, "You're doing good Alaina." That makes a Mama's heart proud!
While riding in the van we heard Will say from the backseat, "Daddy help me I can't get my choo choo out of my pants!!" For the record he was talking literally about the toy train he had stuffed down his pant leg.
As we prepare for our third child to be born, I have been bombarded with questions from my 4 year old daughter. I was talking to her the other day and telling that they new baby will be here soon. She quickly replied, "I really don't know how she can get out of your belly!?!"
While we were waiting at my last appointment, Will saw a newborn in a carrier and points at the baby and says, "Look mom, baby Jesus!"
Alaina took off her shoe and said, "Mom my foot is crinkly!"
I responded and said, "It is ok. Your foot is just asleep."
She quickly laughed and said, "Mom! Feet don't have eyes!!"
We were sitting at the dinner table the other night and Will looked at Aaron with a huge smile on his face and excitedly exclaimed to him, "Daddy, I put corn up my nose!!"
Alaina was watching Aaron play his Super Mario Bros Wii game and she kept saying, "I am not sure about all this." "Ohhh I can't watch!!"
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Bitter - Sweet
For years Christmas Eve has been a very exciting and highly anticipated evening in my family. It is a tradition my father started when he was alive and one I hope we carry on forever. Christmas Eve is the one night a year that all my siblings gather to celebrate Christmas. My dad knowing that as his 9 children grew older, married, and started our own families it would be more and more difficult to get us all together in one place. Although, the house I grew up in is small and not the most accommodating place for the Christmas Eve party it is a tradition and we all look forward to it each year! We have had years that over the span of 4 hours more than 150 people have squeezed in to and out of our home. In more recent years the numbers have declined significantly, but we have increased our numbers to try and make up for it. Here is a quick run down: My mom has 14 grandkids, 6 great grandkids, and one grandchild on the way. The majority of the kids are 5 years old and under!! So you can well imagine what a night crammed into a small house is like with just our kids alone. It is pure joy though, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Tonight will be bitter-sweet. Last December 31 we lost one of the members of this crew. My brother Scott went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven, leaving behind his wife and son. Even thinking back to last year is tough, but it was exactly a year ago today that I saw him last. We were all gathered for our Christmas Eve Party, never did I or, anyone else there imagine it would be the last time we would see him, talk him, hug him, or be able to tell him we love him. Thankfully, we took time to take a group picture (38 people) which will be treasured always!
So as I prepare to get on the road in just a few hours to head home for this very special evening. I couldn't leave without taking the time to write about my beloved brother who is gone, but not forgotten. My heart is filled with joy knowing that this year he will be spending his first Christmas in Heaven. What better place to celebrate the birth of our Savior than with our Savior Jesus Christ??
I love you Scotty and miss you!! I have to believe that on this very night you and Dad are enjoying a hot bowl of oyster stew.
Daddy, I love you too and miss you, know that your legacy will be forever carried on through us, your children!!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Catching Up...... Disney on Ice and Trip to Atlanta
Like I mentioned in my last post, which is hard to even consider a blog, because I am just quoting the funny things my kids have said over the last month. I am now prepared to play the catch up game on some of the fun outings we had in October (both of which Aaron was with us).
As a child my parents took us to see the ice capades in DC. When I saw that Disney on Ice was coming to Richmond I knew I wanted to take the kids. There were many reasons maybe not to go; the cost, kids sitting through it, and the fact that my kids have only seen two Disney movies (Cars and Cinderella). After waying all the cons with the one major pro: it would be a memory the kids (especially Alaina) would cherish forever. Not to mention, I was so excited about going as well. So because of a previous planned trip to Atlanta we decided to go on a Thursday evening.
Although Alaina had only seen the movie Cinderella, she knew all the Disney princesses, their names, and what color dress they wear. So she was excited and looking forward to catching a glimpse of the princesses and her personal favorite Cinderella. Will was immediately a fan because the show opened with Mickey, Goofy, and Donald - all characters he recognized from Mickey Mouse Playhouse. Instantly, I knew that the night was going to be a success. Alaina was captivated and as each princess made an appearance she looked at me with a huge smile and clapped happily as they each exited. Which made the night special for me to see my little princess cheer for her favorite princesses.
The next day we headed out to Atlanta (Columbus) for a friend's wedding. Actually, we needed to be on the road by 3am. So we hurried home put the kids to bed in their traveling clothes and caught a few hours of sleep ourselves. We were looking forward to driving through the night hoping the kids would not mind the 10 hour trip.
We were meeting up with friends from college so we decided to get a suite in the hotel we were staying in order to have more room to hang out and for the kids to play. So we had our bedroom with two double beds and then a living area and small kitchen. Some how the kids thought we had moved in there. Will kept saying, "I want to go home." Alaina said, "If we ever get to our home, I want to have a party." The funny thing is we were there for only 2 nights!!
This was also the first time the kids had slept in the same bed. So with eagerness they crawled into bed, almost not realizing how much they were chatting. After several reminders to stay quiet and some warnings from daddy they settled down. The last time Aaron checked on them Alaina said, "Daddy we just want to hug." So with arms wrapped around each other they drifted off to sleep.
On Saturday we headed to the wedding. The ceremony was beautiful and the reception was so much fun. From the candy table (in which you boxed up your own favors), good food, wedding party dancing to Thriller (including bride, groom, and mother of the bride) to the 4 minute sparklers we lit as they headed off - it was a fantastic night!!
Alaina and Will finished dinner in a hurry and hit the dance floor. It was so cute watching them dance. It was going smoothly until Will got a little aggressive and decided to hug the little girl he was dancing with (who happened to be the bride's niece). As he wrapped his arms tightly around her neck and started walking to towards her she toppled over backwards and hit her head on the dance floor. Ouch! Then it was time for the bride and groom's first dance so I rushed the kids off the dance floor, only to have them cry for the next few minutes not understanding why they couldn't dance. Alaina said with tears streaming down her face, "Why can't I dance with the beautiful princess?" It was a wonderful weekend with friends and the kids were great on the drive home as well.
As a child my parents took us to see the ice capades in DC. When I saw that Disney on Ice was coming to Richmond I knew I wanted to take the kids. There were many reasons maybe not to go; the cost, kids sitting through it, and the fact that my kids have only seen two Disney movies (Cars and Cinderella). After waying all the cons with the one major pro: it would be a memory the kids (especially Alaina) would cherish forever. Not to mention, I was so excited about going as well. So because of a previous planned trip to Atlanta we decided to go on a Thursday evening.
Although Alaina had only seen the movie Cinderella, she knew all the Disney princesses, their names, and what color dress they wear. So she was excited and looking forward to catching a glimpse of the princesses and her personal favorite Cinderella. Will was immediately a fan because the show opened with Mickey, Goofy, and Donald - all characters he recognized from Mickey Mouse Playhouse. Instantly, I knew that the night was going to be a success. Alaina was captivated and as each princess made an appearance she looked at me with a huge smile and clapped happily as they each exited. Which made the night special for me to see my little princess cheer for her favorite princesses.
The next day we headed out to Atlanta (Columbus) for a friend's wedding. Actually, we needed to be on the road by 3am. So we hurried home put the kids to bed in their traveling clothes and caught a few hours of sleep ourselves. We were looking forward to driving through the night hoping the kids would not mind the 10 hour trip.
We were meeting up with friends from college so we decided to get a suite in the hotel we were staying in order to have more room to hang out and for the kids to play. So we had our bedroom with two double beds and then a living area and small kitchen. Some how the kids thought we had moved in there. Will kept saying, "I want to go home." Alaina said, "If we ever get to our home, I want to have a party." The funny thing is we were there for only 2 nights!!
This was also the first time the kids had slept in the same bed. So with eagerness they crawled into bed, almost not realizing how much they were chatting. After several reminders to stay quiet and some warnings from daddy they settled down. The last time Aaron checked on them Alaina said, "Daddy we just want to hug." So with arms wrapped around each other they drifted off to sleep.
On Saturday we headed to the wedding. The ceremony was beautiful and the reception was so much fun. From the candy table (in which you boxed up your own favors), good food, wedding party dancing to Thriller (including bride, groom, and mother of the bride) to the 4 minute sparklers we lit as they headed off - it was a fantastic night!!
Alaina and Will finished dinner in a hurry and hit the dance floor. It was so cute watching them dance. It was going smoothly until Will got a little aggressive and decided to hug the little girl he was dancing with (who happened to be the bride's niece). As he wrapped his arms tightly around her neck and started walking to towards her she toppled over backwards and hit her head on the dance floor. Ouch! Then it was time for the bride and groom's first dance so I rushed the kids off the dance floor, only to have them cry for the next few minutes not understanding why they couldn't dance. Alaina said with tears streaming down her face, "Why can't I dance with the beautiful princess?" It was a wonderful weekend with friends and the kids were great on the drive home as well.
Monday, November 16, 2009
It is the Small Things (Part 3)
I am sad to say I have not posted in over a month. I do have many things to write about, but little motivation these days to do so. I am now 31 weeks along in my pregnancy, but feeling more like 36 or further. So needless to say, for those women out there who have been in this situation, I am tired and uncomfortable. No excuse, maybe, but it is mine. I am planing to make some time to write about the things I have missed - so stay tuned and hopefully I will post them soon! While you wait on those stories here are few that may make you laugh. Enjoy!!
Will said to Aaron today, "Daddy I tooted out of my mouth!"
So, Alaina likes to have Will ask daddy and mommy for things she wants. Tonight, Will comes into the living room and asks if they can have candy.
I asked him, "Did Alaina send you in here?"
"Yes!" he says.
"Well, go tell Alaina to do her own dirty work," Aaron says.
"Ok," he says as he runs out of the room. We then hear him tell Alaina, "Daddy said yes!"
Will and I were singing God is so good and as I was singing the second verse (God answers prayers), he interrupted me and said, "No mommy, God loves soap!" So cute. (For those of you who may not know, the third verse is God loves us so.)
I caught Will singing his version so I thought I would add the video to this post:
While snuggling with Will at nap time one afternoon he looked up at me and said with a huge smile and seemingly very proud, "Mommy my butt makes noise."
Now that I have hit 30 weeks in this pregnancy I am feeling quite big and uncomfortable. Alaina is now giving me daily updates on how big my belly is. She looked at me last week and said, "Your belly is so big! You might not fit through the door!"
Random quote:
"I am a giant and I am going to stomp!" Says Will
After eating cotton candy at the Piston's game Alaina says, "My hands are sticky as glasses."
I said, "What Alaina?"
She replied, "Sticky as glasses."
So I asked, "Do you mean sticky as molasses?"
She said, "Yeah."
I really have no clue where she learned that saying.
While watching the Pistons play, Alaina was sitting on my lap wearing her cheer leading outfit. I looked down and said, "Alaina, ladies keep their legs closed."
"Ok!" she said. Then after a quick thought she looked down at me and said, "You don't have your legs closed."
I quickly replied, "Well I am not wearing a dress." (Oops, Caught me!)
Will said to Aaron today, "Daddy I tooted out of my mouth!"
So, Alaina likes to have Will ask daddy and mommy for things she wants. Tonight, Will comes into the living room and asks if they can have candy.
I asked him, "Did Alaina send you in here?"
"Yes!" he says.
"Well, go tell Alaina to do her own dirty work," Aaron says.
"Ok," he says as he runs out of the room. We then hear him tell Alaina, "Daddy said yes!"
Will and I were singing God is so good and as I was singing the second verse (God answers prayers), he interrupted me and said, "No mommy, God loves soap!" So cute. (For those of you who may not know, the third verse is God loves us so.)
I caught Will singing his version so I thought I would add the video to this post:
While snuggling with Will at nap time one afternoon he looked up at me and said with a huge smile and seemingly very proud, "Mommy my butt makes noise."
Now that I have hit 30 weeks in this pregnancy I am feeling quite big and uncomfortable. Alaina is now giving me daily updates on how big my belly is. She looked at me last week and said, "Your belly is so big! You might not fit through the door!"
Random quote:
"I am a giant and I am going to stomp!" Says Will
After eating cotton candy at the Piston's game Alaina says, "My hands are sticky as glasses."
I said, "What Alaina?"
She replied, "Sticky as glasses."
So I asked, "Do you mean sticky as molasses?"
She said, "Yeah."
I really have no clue where she learned that saying.
While watching the Pistons play, Alaina was sitting on my lap wearing her cheer leading outfit. I looked down and said, "Alaina, ladies keep their legs closed."
"Ok!" she said. Then after a quick thought she looked down at me and said, "You don't have your legs closed."
I quickly replied, "Well I am not wearing a dress." (Oops, Caught me!)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
It is the Small Things (Part 2)
For Will's second birthday he received tools as a gift. As I opened the tools and was taking them out I was telling the kids the names of each tool. A few moments later while they were playing with them Alaina says, "Look Mommy! I am wrenching like a little girl!"
Will's party theme was Thomas the train and each child took home a goody bag with a train whistle, train lollipop, and some Thomas tattoos. During the party Alaina asked Grammy to put one of the tattoos on her and she did. A couple days later Alaina said, "Mommy I want my too-too off" pointing at the Thomas tattoo on her arm.
After going to church with her cousin, Kiley, I asked Alaina what she learned about Jesus. She quickly responded, "They were out of doughnuts!"
Sitting at lunch the other day, Will looks up at Aaron and says, "Smell it Daddy? Smell it Daddy?" Aaron looked at me and asked, "What is he saying?" I clearly stated that Will was saying, "Smell it Daddy?" So Aaron looked at Will and said, "Smell what?" Will quickly replied, "My butt!"
One night while sitting at a restaurant Will proudly announces, "My butt tooted, my butt tooted!"
While in the car, I was listening to my Superchicks CD and as the music changed to a different tune Alaina asked, "What kind of music is this mom?" I said, "This part is called rap music." She said, "Oh, wrapping paper music."
Watching Backyardigans one evening before bed the crew was on a secret mission and they were trying to miss all the boobie traps. Alaina quickly looked at me with a very questioning look and said, "Boobie trap, mommy?" Then she kinda smiled and repeated it to herself a couple of times.
Lately, Alaina has been very inquisitive. She has been asking some pretty tough questions too. The other day she asked, "Mommy how is the baby going to get out of your tummy?" Then tonight before bed she began to ask about Jesus on the cross. So after a lengthy conversation about the life of Christ and spending eternity in Heaven she thoughtfully asked, "How will we get to Heaven? Do we walk there?" Before I could say no or explain further she said, "If it is a long trip can we watch a movie?"
So after homeschooling Alaina today, we laid down to nap and I said to her, "I am so thankful for you! I love you very much!" She replied, "I love you too. You are the best teacher at my school!" Every mom should be so lucky to hear such words, she is a sweet girl! I must admit, I am the best teacher at her school. Considering.... I am the only teacher at her school!
Will's party theme was Thomas the train and each child took home a goody bag with a train whistle, train lollipop, and some Thomas tattoos. During the party Alaina asked Grammy to put one of the tattoos on her and she did. A couple days later Alaina said, "Mommy I want my too-too off" pointing at the Thomas tattoo on her arm.
After going to church with her cousin, Kiley, I asked Alaina what she learned about Jesus. She quickly responded, "They were out of doughnuts!"
Sitting at lunch the other day, Will looks up at Aaron and says, "Smell it Daddy? Smell it Daddy?" Aaron looked at me and asked, "What is he saying?" I clearly stated that Will was saying, "Smell it Daddy?" So Aaron looked at Will and said, "Smell what?" Will quickly replied, "My butt!"
One night while sitting at a restaurant Will proudly announces, "My butt tooted, my butt tooted!"
While in the car, I was listening to my Superchicks CD and as the music changed to a different tune Alaina asked, "What kind of music is this mom?" I said, "This part is called rap music." She said, "Oh, wrapping paper music."
Watching Backyardigans one evening before bed the crew was on a secret mission and they were trying to miss all the boobie traps. Alaina quickly looked at me with a very questioning look and said, "Boobie trap, mommy?" Then she kinda smiled and repeated it to herself a couple of times.
Lately, Alaina has been very inquisitive. She has been asking some pretty tough questions too. The other day she asked, "Mommy how is the baby going to get out of your tummy?" Then tonight before bed she began to ask about Jesus on the cross. So after a lengthy conversation about the life of Christ and spending eternity in Heaven she thoughtfully asked, "How will we get to Heaven? Do we walk there?" Before I could say no or explain further she said, "If it is a long trip can we watch a movie?"
So after homeschooling Alaina today, we laid down to nap and I said to her, "I am so thankful for you! I love you very much!" She replied, "I love you too. You are the best teacher at my school!" Every mom should be so lucky to hear such words, she is a sweet girl! I must admit, I am the best teacher at her school. Considering.... I am the only teacher at her school!
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Saving the Best for Last
This is probably going to be a short post, but I had to write about it. Over the last few years living with my daughter I have noticed many of her habits and preferences. She like her father is very particular. She like things to be just so. From the little things, like which spoon she uses to eat with to the big jobs like cleaning her room. My most recent discovery, although I had noticed it before, now I can put it into to words. My Alaina likes saving the best for last!
She eats cranberry cereal for breakfast, but before eating it she picks out the cranberries and saves them to eat last. For lunch when eating spaghetti and meatballs, yep you guessed it, she pulls out the meatballs and saves them for last. Dinner time, same thing, whatever she likes most out of the meal she saves for last to eat. On the occasion that we have dessert she pulls the chocolate chips out of the cookies and of course, eats them last.
So as I am explaining this process to my husband he smiles and says, "Yeah, I do that too." He proceeds to tell me that even that very day when we brought and had lunch with him at work he had saved his last bite of burger to eat once everything else was finished. So at least now I know where she gets it, right?
She eats cranberry cereal for breakfast, but before eating it she picks out the cranberries and saves them to eat last. For lunch when eating spaghetti and meatballs, yep you guessed it, she pulls out the meatballs and saves them for last. Dinner time, same thing, whatever she likes most out of the meal she saves for last to eat. On the occasion that we have dessert she pulls the chocolate chips out of the cookies and of course, eats them last.
So as I am explaining this process to my husband he smiles and says, "Yeah, I do that too." He proceeds to tell me that even that very day when we brought and had lunch with him at work he had saved his last bite of burger to eat once everything else was finished. So at least now I know where she gets it, right?
Thursday, October 01, 2009
The State Fair
Going to the fair is a very dear memory for me from my childhood. It was something we enjoyed doing every year sometimes hitting up more than one by traveling to nearby counties. This tradition had not been carried on into my marriage. . We went last year with the kids and had an ok time. My husband who did not take in the fair as a child said, "I don't really see the big deal." But he was a trooper and took us anyway. So as the fair approached this year I was hoping we would set this tradition in stone and go for the second year in a row. To help my cause my niece even provided us with free admission tickets and coupons for ride tickets. YAY! It looked like everything was falling into place!
Unexpectedly, we ended up keeping my niece and nephew for a few days this week so we decided to take all four kids to the fair. Some might call this a crazy decision taking a 4, 3, 2, and 1 year old to the fair, but at the conclusion of the night I was calling it one of the best nights of my life.
The fair was at a new location this year and it was wonderful! So nicely laid out and clean with lots of benches to sit on and well landscaped. I don't know what made this night so special. Whether it was the fact that it was a beautiful crisp fall night, one of the first of the season. Maybe it was just the fact that it brought back a lot of great childhood memories with my family when my dad was living and so enjoyed taking us to the fair every year. But if I had to contribute it to just one thing I think it would have to be seeing the fair through my daughter's eyes.
Leading up to going to the fair she and her cousin Kiley spent the day asking me questions like is there going to be a ferris wheel, cotton candy, and popcorn. They were so excited to go that as we pulled up there were shrills of delight coming from the back of the van. Then once we were walking towards the event the girls were bouncing not walking down the path.
As the kids started riding rides we realized that the thought of riding them seem more exciting then actually doing it. Except for my niece, Kiley, she was ready to ride everything even the ferris wheel. As we walked around to each ride she began to coach, encourage, and talk Alaina into riding the rides. It was just enough of a push to give her the courage to ride even the ones she thought would be too scary. I watched Alaina's face on each one of these rides, it started out with a worried grin but by the end of each ride she would run out of the exit to give me a huge hug. She looked so grown up and brave and she felt it! It was so sweet and so special to watch her confidence grow through out the night (with help from Kiley). It was getting late and Kiley was determined to still ride the ferris wheel. As Alaina, Aaron, and Kiley went round and round up so very high I thought what a good night, not knowing it was going to get better.
So we headed out of the fair but needed to make good on a promise of "dessert" to the girls. They wanted ice cream cones. We sat on a bench while they ate their ice cream cones, and I had a funnel cake with cherries, and Aaron enjoyed his usual gyros. The girls finished quickly and started to dance to the music that was playing in the background. Which was so cute I had to get up to take several videos of them. We finished our snacks and walked towards the exit realizing we still needed to get cotton candy so we bought some and sat on yet another bench this time it was right near the live music. Once the 6 of us consumed the cotton candy or at least most of it, all the kids got up and started dancing wildly to the music. As I watched and videoed them dancing, I realized this was one of the best nights of my life!
Unexpectedly, we ended up keeping my niece and nephew for a few days this week so we decided to take all four kids to the fair. Some might call this a crazy decision taking a 4, 3, 2, and 1 year old to the fair, but at the conclusion of the night I was calling it one of the best nights of my life.
The fair was at a new location this year and it was wonderful! So nicely laid out and clean with lots of benches to sit on and well landscaped. I don't know what made this night so special. Whether it was the fact that it was a beautiful crisp fall night, one of the first of the season. Maybe it was just the fact that it brought back a lot of great childhood memories with my family when my dad was living and so enjoyed taking us to the fair every year. But if I had to contribute it to just one thing I think it would have to be seeing the fair through my daughter's eyes.
Leading up to going to the fair she and her cousin Kiley spent the day asking me questions like is there going to be a ferris wheel, cotton candy, and popcorn. They were so excited to go that as we pulled up there were shrills of delight coming from the back of the van. Then once we were walking towards the event the girls were bouncing not walking down the path.
As the kids started riding rides we realized that the thought of riding them seem more exciting then actually doing it. Except for my niece, Kiley, she was ready to ride everything even the ferris wheel. As we walked around to each ride she began to coach, encourage, and talk Alaina into riding the rides. It was just enough of a push to give her the courage to ride even the ones she thought would be too scary. I watched Alaina's face on each one of these rides, it started out with a worried grin but by the end of each ride she would run out of the exit to give me a huge hug. She looked so grown up and brave and she felt it! It was so sweet and so special to watch her confidence grow through out the night (with help from Kiley). It was getting late and Kiley was determined to still ride the ferris wheel. As Alaina, Aaron, and Kiley went round and round up so very high I thought what a good night, not knowing it was going to get better.
So we headed out of the fair but needed to make good on a promise of "dessert" to the girls. They wanted ice cream cones. We sat on a bench while they ate their ice cream cones, and I had a funnel cake with cherries, and Aaron enjoyed his usual gyros. The girls finished quickly and started to dance to the music that was playing in the background. Which was so cute I had to get up to take several videos of them. We finished our snacks and walked towards the exit realizing we still needed to get cotton candy so we bought some and sat on yet another bench this time it was right near the live music. Once the 6 of us consumed the cotton candy or at least most of it, all the kids got up and started dancing wildly to the music. As I watched and videoed them dancing, I realized this was one of the best nights of my life!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
It is the Small Things
As I sit and listen to my kids play together I thought about the sweet and sometimes humorous things I overhear them say as they play with one another. So I thought I would share some of these random conversations with you.
One evening things suddenly were quiet in Alaina's room and as all moms know quiet is usually NOT good. I tiptoed back to her bedroom to find the two of them laying on her bed with the light off allowing only the bathroom light to shine in so that she could "read" him some of her books.
Just the other day as I ease dropped on them I heard Alaina saying, "This little piggy went to the market. . ." as she touched each of his toes. Then he would say, "Gin Lana, gin."
Now it is not all sweet. Along with their new found friendship and ability to play together comes the ever frequent disputes and arguments where I am the referee and try to persuade them to share. Which sometimes results in one or both of them in time-out. So as I sent Alaina into time-out one day she decided to come out early to tell Will she was sorry. As she walked up to him he pointed right at her and said, "No Lana, go back to your bed!" (This marking his longest sentence to date and so passionately stated!)
We have recently purchased a van preparing for the upcoming arrival of our third child. The side doors open and close with the push of a button and to make it more fun for the kids I have them say the magic words, "close doors close." Daddy didn't know of this new tradition and he closed the doors without using the magic words and realizing this Will said, "Daddy push the butt?"
Often times the two of them like to turn on the music in Alaina's room and dance. While accomplishing this ritual Alaina often says, "Willll! When I play music, you have to dance!"
Sitting at the dinner table, I asked Alaina to finish her dinner and she said, "I will." As Will heard this he said, "No, I'm Will." Alaina then replied, "No, I will." Will seemingly angry responded by saying, "No, I'm Will and you are Lana!!"
Trying to teach a my children manners I often have to remind them to say "yes ma'am & yes sir." Alaina now says to Will when he is not doing what she wants, "Will, say yes ma'am."
Once while riding in the car Alaina was proclaiming once again how she likes girls and Will likes boys. At a little pause in her conversation with herself Will says in a quiet voice, "baby boy." Causing both my husband and I to laugh!
While visiting family in Winchester, the kids and I went to eat at Olive Garden with my brother Brandon and his family. When leaving Alaina ran into the parking lot. I quickly explained to her that if a car hit her she would go to Heaven and I would not see her for a long time. The next day while driving around town she said, "Mommy be careful if a car hits you we will go to Heaven and WE DO NOT WANT TO GO THERE!" I immediately started damage control...I explained to her that we DO want to go to Heaven, but not until Jesus wants us there.
This last one was told to me by Aaron. One time when I had gone into a store to shop, he and Alaina decided to wait outside and sit by the fountain. As she looked into the water seeing all the coins she wanted to throw some in also, but when she asked Aaron he didn't have any money. She then turned to him and said, "Why don't you just go buy some?"
Hopefully you have enjoyed reading these as much as I have enjoyed recounting them. As you listen to the funny (or not so funny) things your kids do and say try to write them down, they will love to hear about them when they are older.
One evening things suddenly were quiet in Alaina's room and as all moms know quiet is usually NOT good. I tiptoed back to her bedroom to find the two of them laying on her bed with the light off allowing only the bathroom light to shine in so that she could "read" him some of her books.
Just the other day as I ease dropped on them I heard Alaina saying, "This little piggy went to the market. . ." as she touched each of his toes. Then he would say, "Gin Lana, gin."
Now it is not all sweet. Along with their new found friendship and ability to play together comes the ever frequent disputes and arguments where I am the referee and try to persuade them to share. Which sometimes results in one or both of them in time-out. So as I sent Alaina into time-out one day she decided to come out early to tell Will she was sorry. As she walked up to him he pointed right at her and said, "No Lana, go back to your bed!" (This marking his longest sentence to date and so passionately stated!)
We have recently purchased a van preparing for the upcoming arrival of our third child. The side doors open and close with the push of a button and to make it more fun for the kids I have them say the magic words, "close doors close." Daddy didn't know of this new tradition and he closed the doors without using the magic words and realizing this Will said, "Daddy push the butt?"
Often times the two of them like to turn on the music in Alaina's room and dance. While accomplishing this ritual Alaina often says, "Willll! When I play music, you have to dance!"
Sitting at the dinner table, I asked Alaina to finish her dinner and she said, "I will." As Will heard this he said, "No, I'm Will." Alaina then replied, "No, I will." Will seemingly angry responded by saying, "No, I'm Will and you are Lana!!"
Trying to teach a my children manners I often have to remind them to say "yes ma'am & yes sir." Alaina now says to Will when he is not doing what she wants, "Will, say yes ma'am."
Once while riding in the car Alaina was proclaiming once again how she likes girls and Will likes boys. At a little pause in her conversation with herself Will says in a quiet voice, "baby boy." Causing both my husband and I to laugh!
While visiting family in Winchester, the kids and I went to eat at Olive Garden with my brother Brandon and his family. When leaving Alaina ran into the parking lot. I quickly explained to her that if a car hit her she would go to Heaven and I would not see her for a long time. The next day while driving around town she said, "Mommy be careful if a car hits you we will go to Heaven and WE DO NOT WANT TO GO THERE!" I immediately started damage control...I explained to her that we DO want to go to Heaven, but not until Jesus wants us there.
This last one was told to me by Aaron. One time when I had gone into a store to shop, he and Alaina decided to wait outside and sit by the fountain. As she looked into the water seeing all the coins she wanted to throw some in also, but when she asked Aaron he didn't have any money. She then turned to him and said, "Why don't you just go buy some?"
Hopefully you have enjoyed reading these as much as I have enjoyed recounting them. As you listen to the funny (or not so funny) things your kids do and say try to write them down, they will love to hear about them when they are older.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Stuffed Animals, Zoo, and a New Baby Cousin
My mom and sister, Artea, came for a visit last week. Mom wanted to relax and have fun so we decided to go to Build-A-Bear, where we had never been before. For those of you who have not heard of this store it is quite an experience. First, you pick an un-stuffed animal. Second, you stuff the animal, give it a heart then sew it up. Third, you give it a "bath" by brushing it under a stream of air. Fourth, you pick out an outfit and shoes and dress it. Last, you name it and get its birth certificate.
Now for Alaina (who is 3) this was an experience she enjoyed from beginning to end, however, Will (who is 1) was ready to leave after 5 minutes. In the end we brought home two new members of the family. Will's new pal is Chip, a monkey in a NBA basketball uniform and tennis shoes. Alaina's new friend is Ella, a unicorn wearing a Cinderella dress and glass slippers. They are cute and we had a lot fun. Thanks Meemaw!
So the next day we headed to the Richmond Metro Zoo for a day of animal seeing and feeding. The highlight for me is always the giraffes, they eat right out of your hand, or cup if you don't want to get slimy from their long tongues. This time there were two new things to do, so of course we had to try them out. We got to go into an enclosed bird area and have them land on our fingers and popsicle sticks of food to watch them eat. Then we hopped onto a train to tour around the Africa Area of the zoo. This by far was Will's favorite part. He was saying, "Chugga chugga choo choo" all the way around the area. We also watched the penguin feeding time. So the whole day was a huge success!!
On Wednesday we got the call from Aunt B and found out that she was going to be induced the next day and we would be meeting our new baby cousin soon. We decided to go that very night to Winchester. We spent the next several days at their house in West Virginia with Parker and Camden. Thursday night at 7:22 Baylee Joy entered the world weighing 8.8 lbs and stretching out to be 20 3/4 inches long. Friday morning we got to meet her and she is absolutely beautiful! Congrats Beth!!
This was very exciting for all of us, especially since we found out on Tuesday of last week that we were also expecting a baby girl in January! Even though when we ask Will, "what's in mommy's belly?" He still says, "baby boy" about 90% of the time. Alaina, on the other hand is so incredibly thrilled that we will have another girl joining our family. Now the name choice begins...
Now for Alaina (who is 3) this was an experience she enjoyed from beginning to end, however, Will (who is 1) was ready to leave after 5 minutes. In the end we brought home two new members of the family. Will's new pal is Chip, a monkey in a NBA basketball uniform and tennis shoes. Alaina's new friend is Ella, a unicorn wearing a Cinderella dress and glass slippers. They are cute and we had a lot fun. Thanks Meemaw!
So the next day we headed to the Richmond Metro Zoo for a day of animal seeing and feeding. The highlight for me is always the giraffes, they eat right out of your hand, or cup if you don't want to get slimy from their long tongues. This time there were two new things to do, so of course we had to try them out. We got to go into an enclosed bird area and have them land on our fingers and popsicle sticks of food to watch them eat. Then we hopped onto a train to tour around the Africa Area of the zoo. This by far was Will's favorite part. He was saying, "Chugga chugga choo choo" all the way around the area. We also watched the penguin feeding time. So the whole day was a huge success!!
On Wednesday we got the call from Aunt B and found out that she was going to be induced the next day and we would be meeting our new baby cousin soon. We decided to go that very night to Winchester. We spent the next several days at their house in West Virginia with Parker and Camden. Thursday night at 7:22 Baylee Joy entered the world weighing 8.8 lbs and stretching out to be 20 3/4 inches long. Friday morning we got to meet her and she is absolutely beautiful! Congrats Beth!!
This was very exciting for all of us, especially since we found out on Tuesday of last week that we were also expecting a baby girl in January! Even though when we ask Will, "what's in mommy's belly?" He still says, "baby boy" about 90% of the time. Alaina, on the other hand is so incredibly thrilled that we will have another girl joining our family. Now the name choice begins...
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