Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Muffins with Mommy
Nate's school hosted a short but sweet (early) Mother's Day celebration today. I got to have a "muffin date" with my boy, and get an adorable card & flower too. Greg graciously agreed to stay home & keep Abby, so Nate & I could have some special time together. It only lasted about 30 minutes, but I will take any chance I can get these days to be alone with Nate. Somedays I miss when it was just me & him (no offense to Abby....I just mean that I miss having a lot of QT with him). He is a sweet boy and growing up too fast!!
My son the photographer! He took this all by himself!
My son the photographer! He took this all by himself!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Easter fun
Hope everyone had a good Easter! We did and, as usual, I took way too many pictures to prove it.
First up, the kids hunted for their Easter baskets. (Yes, I know this is different than what most people do, but this is what I did growing up, and I think it's a fun tradition!)
Favorite treats from the Easter Bunny included a Power Ranger action figure for N and a new set of braclets for A. And of course, CANDY!!
Then, we attempted to get a good shot of the kids in their Easter outfits. Not one of these is that great, but still, you get the picture....it is hard work getting TWO to smile on cue!!
This has got to be my new favorite picture of Abby. Love that sassy girl.
We had a great family breakfast at Mimi's and please note that Mr. Green Power Ranger had a great time too and just HAD to be in the picture. Abby kept Daddy on his toes during breakfast, and the only thing that would calm her down was sipping some orange juice from his cup. Over and over and over....
Before lunchtime, we decided to dye some eggs. Greg was in charge of the hard-boiling, and 2 of the 7 eggs cracked. He decided to try and GROSS ME OUT (mission accomplished!!!!) by putting one of the eggs on his face. Seriously, it was nasty.
The grossest part is.......he & Abby both ate it and loved it! I was barfing. Nate had fun dyeing the eggs with me, though I think I bought too fancy of a kit....definitely need to stick to the simple one next year. Or maybe I just need to read the package more carefully before I buy it. No 3 yr old wants to use eye-droppers to paint on eggs.
Then after naps, it was time for an egg hunt in our backyard! We invited a few neighbors over as well. Abby got a little help from Daddy, as he picked her up and whizzed her from egg to egg.
Nate was the slowest, as usual, but got into it near the end. (I am thinking since this was his 3rd egg hunt, he was probably kinda over it...)
Greg wore these ears all day. I am not kidding.
Some of our sweet neighbors, Autumn & Mal Mal
We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather for our Easter weekend. And the best part was that we got to have so much fun as a family!!
First up, the kids hunted for their Easter baskets. (Yes, I know this is different than what most people do, but this is what I did growing up, and I think it's a fun tradition!)
Favorite treats from the Easter Bunny included a Power Ranger action figure for N and a new set of braclets for A. And of course, CANDY!!Then, we attempted to get a good shot of the kids in their Easter outfits. Not one of these is that great, but still, you get the picture....it is hard work getting TWO to smile on cue!!
This has got to be my new favorite picture of Abby. Love that sassy girl.
We had a great family breakfast at Mimi's and please note that Mr. Green Power Ranger had a great time too and just HAD to be in the picture. Abby kept Daddy on his toes during breakfast, and the only thing that would calm her down was sipping some orange juice from his cup. Over and over and over....
Before lunchtime, we decided to dye some eggs. Greg was in charge of the hard-boiling, and 2 of the 7 eggs cracked. He decided to try and GROSS ME OUT (mission accomplished!!!!) by putting one of the eggs on his face. Seriously, it was nasty.
The grossest part is.......he & Abby both ate it and loved it! I was barfing. Nate had fun dyeing the eggs with me, though I think I bought too fancy of a kit....definitely need to stick to the simple one next year. Or maybe I just need to read the package more carefully before I buy it. No 3 yr old wants to use eye-droppers to paint on eggs.
Then after naps, it was time for an egg hunt in our backyard! We invited a few neighbors over as well. Abby got a little help from Daddy, as he picked her up and whizzed her from egg to egg.
Nate was the slowest, as usual, but got into it near the end. (I am thinking since this was his 3rd egg hunt, he was probably kinda over it...)
Greg wore these ears all day. I am not kidding.
Some of our sweet neighbors, Autumn & Mal Mal
We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather for our Easter weekend. And the best part was that we got to have so much fun as a family!!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Friday Funnies
I’m sorry if this is TMI, but I thought it was hilarious! This was a conversation we had as I’m tucking him in for naptime.
N: Mommy, do you pick your nose?
Me: Well, if I have a booger I use a Kleenex.
N: I just use my finger to get boogers.
Me: I know, but you should use a Kleenex.
N: No, I only use a Kleenex for snot!
I asked N to read a book to Abby while I was putting laundry up. He picked “Tails,” her fave book, and this is how it went:
N: Once upon a time, there was a mouse. He got hit by a car. The end.
We were talking about being blind and I said I would be sad b/c I couldn’t see the pretty trees, my friends, or Nate’s sweet face. Then he goes: “Yeah, I don’t wanna be blind...then I couldn’t see the TV!”
Nate was looking thru all his goodies from the Egg Hunt at school, and spotted a kit-kat.
N: Oh! Daddy loves these!
Me: Yes he does. Are you going to share with him?
N: Yes!
Me: That’s so nice, sweetie. (Looking thru his bucket…) And what else does Daddy like?
N: Harry Potter!!!!!!!!
And just in time for Easter, here is the story of the Resurrection, thru a 3 yr old’s eyes...N: Mommy, did you know God was on the cross?
Me: Yes I did. What happened to him?
N: The mean soldiers beat him up. Then they put him on the cross for 3 days. Then they woke up and he was gone! He got off the cross and was alive. And that’s why we have Easter!! :)
Since I don’t have an Easter pic from this year yet, check out the kiddos LAST year. Crazy!
N: Mommy, do you pick your nose?
Me: Well, if I have a booger I use a Kleenex.
N: I just use my finger to get boogers.
Me: I know, but you should use a Kleenex.
N: No, I only use a Kleenex for snot!
I asked N to read a book to Abby while I was putting laundry up. He picked “Tails,” her fave book, and this is how it went:
N: Once upon a time, there was a mouse. He got hit by a car. The end.
We were talking about being blind and I said I would be sad b/c I couldn’t see the pretty trees, my friends, or Nate’s sweet face. Then he goes: “Yeah, I don’t wanna be blind...then I couldn’t see the TV!”
Nate was looking thru all his goodies from the Egg Hunt at school, and spotted a kit-kat.
N: Oh! Daddy loves these!
Me: Yes he does. Are you going to share with him?
N: Yes!
Me: That’s so nice, sweetie. (Looking thru his bucket…) And what else does Daddy like?
N: Harry Potter!!!!!!!!
And just in time for Easter, here is the story of the Resurrection, thru a 3 yr old’s eyes...N: Mommy, did you know God was on the cross?
Me: Yes I did. What happened to him?
N: The mean soldiers beat him up. Then they put him on the cross for 3 days. Then they woke up and he was gone! He got off the cross and was alive. And that’s why we have Easter!! :)
Since I don’t have an Easter pic from this year yet, check out the kiddos LAST year. Crazy!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Mommy Moment
I experienced a "Mommy Moment" this morning....you know, one that you can only truly appreciate if you're a mom.
I was dropping off Abby in the gym nursery which is usually quite the production, tears, etc. Today, I could barely get her hoodie off fast enough....she was almost running to get thru the gate into the play area. She didn't even look back, even when I said "Love you honey!" She just walked straight to a picnic table where 3 big kids were sitting. She sat down and looked like she was saying to them: "So guys, what are we doing today?!" :)
I'm so proud of her but also SAD at how fast she's growing up!!
I was dropping off Abby in the gym nursery which is usually quite the production, tears, etc. Today, I could barely get her hoodie off fast enough....she was almost running to get thru the gate into the play area. She didn't even look back, even when I said "Love you honey!" She just walked straight to a picnic table where 3 big kids were sitting. She sat down and looked like she was saying to them: "So guys, what are we doing today?!" :)
I'm so proud of her but also SAD at how fast she's growing up!!
Girls Weekend
I got to go to Asheville, NC this past weekend for a much-needed escape, and the annual Gibbs Girls Weekend!!
Lora & Bec did a fabulous job of making all the arrangements....our quaint "cottage" in the mountains (about 10 min outside of downtown), picking a spa and all of the MANY restaurants, as well as navigating to & from everywhere and up & down those windy mtn roads. So, shout out to them! Thanks for letting me make no decisions - it felt great! :)
Friday included one of the best professional massages I've ever had. I think everyone else felt the same way too b/c we came out of that place with goopy hair, lines on our face, and drool. Needless to say, we freshened up back at the cottage before dinner at one of my faves - Tupelo Honey!! We had to wait close to an hour but it was worth the wait. I can still taste that vegetable plate...
Saturday was a lazy morning b/c it was so stormy & gloomy outside. Luckily it cleared up late morning and we got to take a walk (or rather, a HIKE) around our cottage. It was beautiful scenery & a great butt work-out due to all the steep hills!
We shopped around Biltmore Village a little in the afternoon and had a late Mexican lunch. Then rest time at the cottage as we geared up for our night out at the Tapas/Wine bar. This was by far my fave meal. We ordered things our men would never agree to! Sauteed mushrooms, gnocchi, tempura shrimp, flank steak, goat cheese salad...the list goes on. If you've never been to a Tapas bar before, it's so fun b/c the plates are all appetizer-sized, and they bring the food out in waves so you're constanting getting 2-3 bites of something new. So fun!
Then off to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge for dessert...doesn't that name just sound like heaven!? Well, it was. As was the carrot cake. Wish I bought more turtles though b/c they were G.O.O.D.
We packed up Sunday & ate breakfast at a "green" cafe before leaving town. Only in Asheville would they ask if you want real sausage or soysage on your biscuit. I opted for real, thank you.
I love my sisters & mom, and this annual trip is just a testament to that! Thank you for the much-needed girl time and relaxation!!
Lora & Bec did a fabulous job of making all the arrangements....our quaint "cottage" in the mountains (about 10 min outside of downtown), picking a spa and all of the MANY restaurants, as well as navigating to & from everywhere and up & down those windy mtn roads. So, shout out to them! Thanks for letting me make no decisions - it felt great! :)
Friday included one of the best professional massages I've ever had. I think everyone else felt the same way too b/c we came out of that place with goopy hair, lines on our face, and drool. Needless to say, we freshened up back at the cottage before dinner at one of my faves - Tupelo Honey!! We had to wait close to an hour but it was worth the wait. I can still taste that vegetable plate...
Saturday was a lazy morning b/c it was so stormy & gloomy outside. Luckily it cleared up late morning and we got to take a walk (or rather, a HIKE) around our cottage. It was beautiful scenery & a great butt work-out due to all the steep hills!
We shopped around Biltmore Village a little in the afternoon and had a late Mexican lunch. Then rest time at the cottage as we geared up for our night out at the Tapas/Wine bar. This was by far my fave meal. We ordered things our men would never agree to! Sauteed mushrooms, gnocchi, tempura shrimp, flank steak, goat cheese salad...the list goes on. If you've never been to a Tapas bar before, it's so fun b/c the plates are all appetizer-sized, and they bring the food out in waves so you're constanting getting 2-3 bites of something new. So fun!
Then off to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge for dessert...doesn't that name just sound like heaven!? Well, it was. As was the carrot cake. Wish I bought more turtles though b/c they were G.O.O.D.
We packed up Sunday & ate breakfast at a "green" cafe before leaving town. Only in Asheville would they ask if you want real sausage or soysage on your biscuit. I opted for real, thank you.
I love my sisters & mom, and this annual trip is just a testament to that! Thank you for the much-needed girl time and relaxation!!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Too Much for a Monday
We have started off our week with quite a bang. Here is the scene I encountered when waking up Abby this morning:
Yes, it looks like a crime scene. I was FREAKING out. I took the passy out of her mouth and saw that her nose, lip, and chin was covered with dried blood. Somehow, she got a bloody nose in the middle of the night!!!!! Poor thing!! And yes I did take a picture of her (b/c I didn't think Greg would believe me), but I cannot post it. It is the most pathetic thing you've ever seen...brings tears to my eyes actually. She looks like she got beat up.
Ok. so then later in the morning, the kids were downstairs watching cartoons & I was upstairs in the attic getting some stuff down for our yard sale this weekend. I had been up there 15+ minutes when all of a sudden, I looked over, and there popped this little head above the ladder. Meaning: My 17 month-old had climbed up the 10-stair ladder to get into the attic!!!!! Freak-out #2.
Wonder what the rest of the week has in store for us....
***UPDATE: Since I posted this 3 hrs ago, we have had incident #3... Abby fell down the stairs. No I am not kidding. I was a mere two steps behind her (of course) and watched helplessly as she fell/rolled halfway down our stairs and stopped on the landing. Thankfully, all she has is a bloody lip.
To say it has been a rough day is an understatement!!
Yes, it looks like a crime scene. I was FREAKING out. I took the passy out of her mouth and saw that her nose, lip, and chin was covered with dried blood. Somehow, she got a bloody nose in the middle of the night!!!!! Poor thing!! And yes I did take a picture of her (b/c I didn't think Greg would believe me), but I cannot post it. It is the most pathetic thing you've ever seen...brings tears to my eyes actually. She looks like she got beat up.Ok. so then later in the morning, the kids were downstairs watching cartoons & I was upstairs in the attic getting some stuff down for our yard sale this weekend. I had been up there 15+ minutes when all of a sudden, I looked over, and there popped this little head above the ladder. Meaning: My 17 month-old had climbed up the 10-stair ladder to get into the attic!!!!! Freak-out #2.
Wonder what the rest of the week has in store for us....
***UPDATE: Since I posted this 3 hrs ago, we have had incident #3... Abby fell down the stairs. No I am not kidding. I was a mere two steps behind her (of course) and watched helplessly as she fell/rolled halfway down our stairs and stopped on the landing. Thankfully, all she has is a bloody lip.
To say it has been a rough day is an understatement!!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Seventeen Months!
Abby Reece is 17 months old today...hard to believe! This past month has FLOWN by, probably b/c I have never been so busy chasing after our "little" girl. She has finally decided to walk, and though I LOVE it, it sure makes keeping up with her a lot harder! :) I knew this stage was coming though, and I welcomed it...b/c I knew it would make for a happier baby & a happier Mommy! Abby loves exploring, following around her big bro, and yes, getting into things she shouldn't. Welcome to life with two toddlers.
We also hit another big milestone this month - no more bottles! As with Nate, we held onto that bedtime bottle probably a little longer than we should, as it was just part of our routine at night. Now, Baby Girl gets into her pjs, reads 3-4 books and goes right down. Kinda sad - not a ton of snuggling time - but most days she is worn out and happy to get into that crib. And I am MORE than happy to not have to wash any more itty bitty bottle parts. Ever again!
As I mentioned in last month's post, Abby Reece is becoming increasingly "girly." This month we have moved onto:
1.) Hugging & rocking every doll & stuffed animal in sight. And of course while doing this, she is saying "baby, baby"...so sweet.
2.) Accessories. Not only is Miss Hollywood obsessed with her shades, but now she has necklaces & braclets she will hardly let you take off. I think it is adorable but have NO idea where it came from!
3.) Hairbows. She used to fight me a TON but is getting better in recent days when I go to fix her hair. She has even brought me a bow once or twice. I think she is finally starting to like rocking her sassy side ponytail.
We previously took the gates down for workmen & painters to get up & down the stairs easily, as well as for showings, and have decided just to leave them down. Abby Reece loves climbing up & down the stairs and can do so pretty safely (for now). If at anytime we can't find her, we know she's gone up the stairs, and is either playing with blocks in Nate's room, or reading books in her room. She is SO MUCH BETTER at playing independently than Nate ever was! Oh, and she likes to perch on the landing of the stairs and watch tv/movies with us in the living room...looking thru the banister. What a nut.
A new habit she's picked up which completely disgusts me but makes everyone else around me laugh: she LOVES licking glass windows, doors, etc. I don't mind so much at home, b/c hello our house is cleaner than it's even been! But when we're out in public and I catch her out of the corner of my eye doing it, GROSS. The discovery center, the mall, the bookstore, you name it...she's licked it.
A very sweet moment happened this month....I took Abby over to see my best friend's newborn baby (Cole), and Abby was super sweet around him. Very curious at first...just wanted to poke his legs while I held him. Then when he moved into the swing, she insisted on rocking him (sometimes a little too fast for my liking) and then started to "pet" him. Seriously, I melted. (Not enough to have a 3rd kid, but still, it was adorable.)
And last but not least, Greg & I got to witness one of the funniest moments of sweet Abby Reece's life this past week. The 4 of us were upstairs before bedtime, and we let the kids run around in their underwear/diaper before putting on pjs (it's been HOT here)! I was telling Greg how whenever we're in the car, Nate asks that I put the radio on a good country song....Josh Turner, Eric Church, Brad Paisley are some of his faves. Well poor Abby just sits there most of time with a blank look on her face. UNTIL I turn on some R&B...for instance: Beyonce's "Single Ladies." Girlfriend starts moving & dancing in her carseat! SO....when we were upstairs, I started (badly) singing...."If you like it then you should've put a ring on it....oh oh oh...." and Abby starts BREAKING IT DOWN. Doing a booty dance no less. Greg & I fell out laughing!!!! And ever since, if I just sing a few bars of that song, she stops what she's doing and starts jamming. Hilarious! White girl can shake it...I love it.
I will try to get a video of her on my cell at some point.
Abby Reece, you are the true definition of joy...you have brought so much to our family in these short 17 months. We are so blessed to have you in our lives and I can't wait to see the person you become. As for now, you sure know how to keep Mommy on her toes & make things interesting, and for that we love you!!
Some other fun pics from this month:
First homemade smoothie! Getting really good with a straw...
Don't disturb me, I'm eating animal crackers...
Had fun at the beauty parlor while N got his hair cut
Gap Kids, here we come! Love my little model and his new short 'do
Playing copycat with N
The shirt says it all...
We also hit another big milestone this month - no more bottles! As with Nate, we held onto that bedtime bottle probably a little longer than we should, as it was just part of our routine at night. Now, Baby Girl gets into her pjs, reads 3-4 books and goes right down. Kinda sad - not a ton of snuggling time - but most days she is worn out and happy to get into that crib. And I am MORE than happy to not have to wash any more itty bitty bottle parts. Ever again!
As I mentioned in last month's post, Abby Reece is becoming increasingly "girly." This month we have moved onto:
1.) Hugging & rocking every doll & stuffed animal in sight. And of course while doing this, she is saying "baby, baby"...so sweet.
2.) Accessories. Not only is Miss Hollywood obsessed with her shades, but now she has necklaces & braclets she will hardly let you take off. I think it is adorable but have NO idea where it came from!
3.) Hairbows. She used to fight me a TON but is getting better in recent days when I go to fix her hair. She has even brought me a bow once or twice. I think she is finally starting to like rocking her sassy side ponytail.
We previously took the gates down for workmen & painters to get up & down the stairs easily, as well as for showings, and have decided just to leave them down. Abby Reece loves climbing up & down the stairs and can do so pretty safely (for now). If at anytime we can't find her, we know she's gone up the stairs, and is either playing with blocks in Nate's room, or reading books in her room. She is SO MUCH BETTER at playing independently than Nate ever was! Oh, and she likes to perch on the landing of the stairs and watch tv/movies with us in the living room...looking thru the banister. What a nut.
A new habit she's picked up which completely disgusts me but makes everyone else around me laugh: she LOVES licking glass windows, doors, etc. I don't mind so much at home, b/c hello our house is cleaner than it's even been! But when we're out in public and I catch her out of the corner of my eye doing it, GROSS. The discovery center, the mall, the bookstore, you name it...she's licked it.
A very sweet moment happened this month....I took Abby over to see my best friend's newborn baby (Cole), and Abby was super sweet around him. Very curious at first...just wanted to poke his legs while I held him. Then when he moved into the swing, she insisted on rocking him (sometimes a little too fast for my liking) and then started to "pet" him. Seriously, I melted. (Not enough to have a 3rd kid, but still, it was adorable.)
And last but not least, Greg & I got to witness one of the funniest moments of sweet Abby Reece's life this past week. The 4 of us were upstairs before bedtime, and we let the kids run around in their underwear/diaper before putting on pjs (it's been HOT here)! I was telling Greg how whenever we're in the car, Nate asks that I put the radio on a good country song....Josh Turner, Eric Church, Brad Paisley are some of his faves. Well poor Abby just sits there most of time with a blank look on her face. UNTIL I turn on some R&B...for instance: Beyonce's "Single Ladies." Girlfriend starts moving & dancing in her carseat! SO....when we were upstairs, I started (badly) singing...."If you like it then you should've put a ring on it....oh oh oh...." and Abby starts BREAKING IT DOWN. Doing a booty dance no less. Greg & I fell out laughing!!!! And ever since, if I just sing a few bars of that song, she stops what she's doing and starts jamming. Hilarious! White girl can shake it...I love it.
I will try to get a video of her on my cell at some point.
Abby Reece, you are the true definition of joy...you have brought so much to our family in these short 17 months. We are so blessed to have you in our lives and I can't wait to see the person you become. As for now, you sure know how to keep Mommy on her toes & make things interesting, and for that we love you!!
Some other fun pics from this month:
First homemade smoothie! Getting really good with a straw...
Don't disturb me, I'm eating animal crackers...
Had fun at the beauty parlor while N got his hair cut
Gap Kids, here we come! Love my little model and his new short 'do
Playing copycat with N
The shirt says it all...
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday Funnies
Nate was walking around the house, with one foot inside an empty Kleenex box (yes, he’s weird)...
Nanny: Nate, what happened to your foot?
Nate: I left it on the highroad (aka highway)!
We were browsing the kids’ books aisle at Target when I spotted one of Nate’s faves...
Me: Nate look, it’s Max & Ruby!
N: Oh, good eye Mommy!
We were discussing moving...yes, he has lots of questions these days about moving and most of them are breaking my heart. I decided to lighten the mood & told him we could buy a new toy once we moved.
N: Mommy, I’m not sad about moving anymore!
Me: Good sweetie! But you know when we’re in Alabama that we won’t be close to Mal Mal anymore, right?
N: Yes, but I love new friends! And I’m so happy now!
(Oh wow, the wonders of bribery)
N: Mommy, I’m gonna save up my money.
Me: What for?
N: I don’t know.
Me: Well, Mommy & Daddy save up their money to buy things they really want. Like a new car, or a new house.
N: And new grass?
Me: Well yes, new grass.
N: I just want a new Buzz.
Talking about a boy at school...
N: I don’t like Wyatt.
Me: Why? Is he mean to you?
N: He knocks heavy stuff on the floor. And that’s not polite.
Nanny: Nate, what happened to your foot?
Nate: I left it on the highroad (aka highway)!
We were browsing the kids’ books aisle at Target when I spotted one of Nate’s faves...
Me: Nate look, it’s Max & Ruby!
N: Oh, good eye Mommy!
We were discussing moving...yes, he has lots of questions these days about moving and most of them are breaking my heart. I decided to lighten the mood & told him we could buy a new toy once we moved.
N: Mommy, I’m not sad about moving anymore!
Me: Good sweetie! But you know when we’re in Alabama that we won’t be close to Mal Mal anymore, right?
N: Yes, but I love new friends! And I’m so happy now!
(Oh wow, the wonders of bribery)
N: Mommy, I’m gonna save up my money.
Me: What for?
N: I don’t know.
Me: Well, Mommy & Daddy save up their money to buy things they really want. Like a new car, or a new house.
N: And new grass?
Me: Well yes, new grass.
N: I just want a new Buzz.
Talking about a boy at school...
N: I don’t like Wyatt.
Me: Why? Is he mean to you?
N: He knocks heavy stuff on the floor. And that’s not polite.
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