So stinkin' cute

I know that she should not be able to do this at her age but it is so cute!

Christmas Morning

We had a great Christmas this year. Reece was really into Santa, the cookies, reindeer food, counting down the days, and our family elf, Nate. We talked Christmas Eve about not coming downstairs until the sun was up so that we didn't see Santa. Looking back, I wish I had made some exceptions.

I sat all night wondering what the girls reactions would be Christmas morning. Would this be the year for a scream of excitement? Not so much. Reece came down the stairs and into our room like normal and announced that Santa had come in a calm voice. I rolled over and see that she was semi naked standing in panties only. Chad asked "Where are your clothes?" Answer, "Well I tee-teed in my bed last night. I didn't want to see Santa so I changed clothes, put on new panties, and made myself a pallet in my room". This is where I was torn. Do I laugh because it was so honest? Does my heart break because I was the reason why she didn't want to come down? Do I beam with pride because my 4 year old fixed her own problem in the middle of the night? It was a little of all three.

We all went upstairs to get Addison along with a night gown for Reece and on Reece's bedroom floor was her pallet. A pillow from her bed. A blanket on the ground. Another blanket to cover up with. We ripped off the sheets, sprayed the bed, and we down to have Christmas.

That story will come up at her graduation party for sure.

In case you were wondering...

"Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of s**t."

Miss Independent

I am here again comparing by kids. I know you are not suppose to but we are talking complete opposites. I knew that once we hit 2 years old, the changes kick in at rapid speed. The shift to become more independent and less baby like are almost over night. Addison is so much more independent than Reece is today.

I remember coming home with Addison from the hospital and how Reece grew-up over night. Let me be honest, it happened the morning Reece came to the hospital to meet Addison. She went from being my baby to this little girl. I don't know if I was in a pregnancy trance for 6 months and missed her growing or if I simply slept through it.

So here we are two years later and I am more aware than ever that Addison is no longer a baby. She is talking so much and has such an independent nature. She puts on her own shoes (I still do Reece's in the morning - don't get me started, she can do it). She wants to put her pants on by herself. She is constantly say, "Me, Me, Me!" I need to get her a little t-shirt that says, "On my own". It's like her little motto,

I can see some conversations happening much sooner with Addison than with Reece. Here is what I am dreading:

I can walk myself to school.
I can stay by myself at the house - I don't need a sitter.
I can cook dinner tonight. Don't worry about dinner Mom. (I can't wait for this one!!! Not dreading it at all)
I'm driving to the football game in Houston.
I'm moving out of this house! You are making me crazy! I'll be fine with my crappy job and broken down car. I don't need you.

I know we are years away but I do see a behavior plan in my near future.

Not so perfect parent

Last night I was filling the tub for the girls bath. The poor things have my very dry skin. I thought that I would just add a little baby oil to the water to help moisturize a little like when they were babies. I immediately realized my mistake and drained the water. There was no way I could wash and rinse their hair with baby oil in the water.

Refilled the bath tub and went about the evening. After drying the girls hair, it noticed that it was still "greasy" looking, you guessed it, from the left over baby oil in the tub. So this morning, each girl got a special shampoo "like at the hair salon" in the kitchen sink. Their hair is much improved. I, on the other hand, am still without make-up and in my lounge clothes.

**This moment was brought to you by the first part of my "Not so Perfect Parent" segments.

Side note: Anyone want to clean my tub today?

Please, please just sleep

Addison has a good old fashion cold with a great ear infection. I can sympathizes with her. I had ear infections all the time growing up and have even had a few while living here as an adult. They suck. That is just all there is to it. But I think there is more to Addison's poor sleeping pattern.

My cousin and his wife have a handsome little boy, Braden, that is a few weeks younger than Addison. Monica and I are lucky to have each other and compare the two kids. Not in a competitive nature, but more in a "SHE/HE IS NOT SLEEPING" compare. So come to find out Braden is not sleeping either. Both of the kids will sleep for a couple of days then not sleep for a couple of weeks.

Addison woke up some time during the night (sorry Chad, never heard her). I know this because I rolled over and Chad was not in bed, for a long time. They both came down around 4:30 this morning and she was ready to go for the day. Like wide awake - hungry, change diaper, milk, cartoons, tissue (runny nose and eyes). So it is now 9:00 a.m. and she is still going strong. I am going to give it until 9:30. It will be time for more pain medicine and off to nap she will go. That's my plan for this morning anyway.

Here is my extended plan.

Monica and Braden will move down here for a couple of months until all of the molars are cut on both kids and we have passed through the cold and flu season. They could enjoy the better weather. (They live outside of Vancouver, Canada). Monica and I would swap nights getting up with the kids. Then when the other mom wakes up for the day, she can take over the kids for a little bit as the first mom catches a little sleep.

I know it sounds great,right Will it happen? Sadly not this year. But this is my little dream. My little way to make it better in my head. I think the sinus pressure is starting to effect me.

His name is Nate

No we did not get a dog. Nate is our elf on the shelf. If you don't know what The Elf on the Shelf is, I will give you a brief overview. The elf and story are purchased together are your favorite toy store (Learning Express). You sit down with the kids and read the story about your elf being sent by Santa to observe the kids behavior during the day. He flies away at night and reports back to Santa whether or not the child has been good or bad. In the morning the elf will be in a new location around the house. Kids have fun trying to find him. At the end of the first reading of your elf's responsibilities, you name your elf. Ours is named Nate.

We read the story to Reece last night and she was immediately into it. She had to hide the book from Nate and we left him on the coffee table for the first night. We talked about how he was going to fly out of the house and decided that the chimney was his best option. Reece opened the fireplace screens so he could fly out easily. She talked about him for a good while. She was so excited the she was having a hard time finding her words.

This morning she woke up and could not wait to find Nate. He was in the light above the kitchen table. She had to call Chad immediately and tell him all about it. My dad got an earful about Nate as well.

It is so much fun to see your kids so excited about something. So excited that they can't talk. This will be a great family tradition. We just need to remember to move him ever night.

Our forbidden four letter word

This week... less than productive. But one thing has been accomplished by default. Addison is paci free. I never thought I would see the day or survive the process. In my head, I have debated different "techniques". All seemed a little dramatic. We have been surviving on the final 2 pacies for longer than I can imagine. I made the decision to cut the tips a little (it turned into a lot) to make them less desirable. It worked well but Addison still carried them around like a smoker carries the fake nicotine "cig". It was her comfort so I let it go.

Well, Tuesday morning between the hours of 6:15 and 7:30 a.m., Addison lost the lone paci. I looked, but did not have time to really look. I had a meeting at Reece's school and had to leave that to take Addison to school on time. I warned her teachers that she did not have a paci. They said not to worry. It would be okay. Those ladies are just the best. They said she screamed for her paci forever during nap time. (the twins in her class each have one). After a long while, they took Addie to the director's office so that she would not disturb the class any more than she had. Within five minutes she was out cold, asleep on her mat. The process had been started.

The next 2 nights and days went off without a hitch. That is until last night. We left the house after dinner to run a quick errand. I know that statement is an oxymoron but we tried. As we are driving back, Addison is crabby and Reece finally speaks up and says, "I think Addie wants her PACI". Chad and I in unison say "Reece don't say that." So very quietly Reece ask Addison, "Do you want your PACI? Is that why you are so grouchy?" Addison "un-hun" Us - "Reece, DON'T SAY THAT!" R- "Well she does!"

So while many of our are worried that your child will say other 4-letter words, we are worried that PACI will be said around here. Reminds me that I need to have a conversation with that little girl.

A big sign

For a while now, I have had a sign on the back of my car window with my website address. People are always asking where I got it. How much was it? What is a burp cloth? Do you have a card? Do you get any business from it? My answers are general and if they want more information I point them to Uppercase Living.

A couple weeks ago, a mom at Reece's school approached me in the school parking lot. We talked about the sign. I gave her a card and told her about Uppercase Living. All was well. (I am thinking at this point I just need to be a rep). We had a nice conversation. The end. This week, I noticed that someone in the carpool lane had a new sign for photography and I thought nothing of it other than the fact that I thought it was cute.

Fast forward to this morning - I am making my 10th trip to Walmart for the week and across the parking lot a woman is yelling at me "I see you all over town!!!". I laugh it off because she is not the first. She is coming towards me and I realize that she is the mom from school. She is the one with the new signage on the back of her car that I noticed. She continues to talk and I learn that her SIL is "pleasant" and that the SIL is expecting so she will be contacting me in the future for a gift.

And then I start thinking...How many other people see me drive all over the town. How many other people are just waiting to accost me in the parking lot and would not be so nice. Do they just want to scream, "You have cut me off three times in the last four days!" I'm a little worried. It's like I have a huge flag on my car saying "I'M RIGHT HERE!!!"

So enjoy you ability to drive around town with complete anonymity. I am rethinking the car sign.

No longer a baby

My little baby girl Addison turned 2 this weekend.  While I am a little sad that I no longer have a baby, I am ready to move into the next phase of her life.  I would like to said that I know what comes next, but the truth is I don't.  Addison has been unpredictable from the very beginning.  The doctor had picked which day she was going to be born.  It was scheduled.  Time off from work was established. We had a plan.  But as we would soon learn, Addison makes her own plans.   Just when you think you know what makes her tick, she changes all over again.   

Here are some pictures of Addison over the last 24 months.  You will see just how much she has changed.  She left the hospital at 5lbs, 12 oz.  She quickly became the baby with all of the rolls.  But she has thinned out and fits perfectly in her 24 month clothes.

We must be going a great (good) job

I must say that Chad and I are good parents.  We don't let the girls eat total crap all the time.  They are in bed most nights by 8 pm.  They have manners (not that they always use them).  They are kind to each other (most of the time).  

I say this because Addison is wanting to spend more quality one on one time with each of us because we are so wonderful.   She calls each of our names at all times of the day.  She prefers the hours of 3 am - 7 am for this quality time.  She likes to watch us as we sleep in what should no longer be call our bed.  At this point, it is the family bed.  She likes to be awake and rock in the chair upstairs for at least 4 hours a day.  She even brought me the empty Wii box at 6:00 am on Sunday so that we could play a game together.  

While I appreciate the love and affection,  GO TO SLEEP ADDISON!!!!  Your new sleep "pattern" is terrible!  It is like having a newborn in the house.  You never know how long she will be down.  Once you get into a nice deep sleep, she screams our names instead of crying (which she does too). When she is asleep, I am finding myself saying, "Should I sleep while she sleeps?".  Or do I do the typical mom thing and do as much as I can while she is asleep because who knows when I will have a chance to do it.  Is she too old for the Ferber Method?  We are trying it and it is not working!!! 

So as you see, we are good parents.  Our children listen to us so well and are on a great schedule.   I am hoping that this phase passes real soon.  

I've been BUSSSYYY

So where have I been?  Sewing, sewing, and more sewing.  I have a show tomorrow at St. Garbirel's Church so Chad and the girls have seen very little of me.  Just wanted to show you all what I have been working on.  It will be a while before everything is on the website.  

From New Products

From New Products

From New Products

From New Products

From New Products

From New Products

From New Products

From New Products

From New Products

From New Products

From New Products

From Fair

From Fair

From Fair

From Fair

From Fair

From Fair

From Fair

Halloween Pics

I know I have been a little MIA but it has not been because of lack of things to share with you.  I am participating in a holiday bazaar this weekend and I have my own little factory upstairs.  I hope to update you with all of that later.  For now, here are a few photos from Halloween.  The girls were matching pink Princesses.  I know it is hard to believe.  We were ready to go until the girls saw our neighbor's son dressed up as a clown.  Laura did a great job on the make-up.  Reece and Addison were a little shy the rest of the evening because they did not recognize him.  Addison acted like she did this every day and went right up to the doors for her candy.  Reece did great too.    

There are also just a few pictures from The Laurie Burkner Band show that we took the girls to on Sunday.  It was a great show.  They did an excellent job including the crowd.  Addison danced most of the time.  Reece was not feeling great but did enjoy it.  

Will post more later!  

A Great way to spend Sunday night.

This past Sunday was my friend Megan's birthday. I am lucky enough to be friends with her two sisters as well and we decided that Megan needed a great birthday. We met another one of Megan's friend at Watters Creek . Did a little window shopping and had a great dinner. A couple of ladies from Megan's work joined us as well at Brio. We had a great adult meal with some fun people.  Happy Birthday Megan!

From Megan Bday

Megan and a very pregnant Michelle.

From Megan Bday

Back Leslie, Susan, and Megan

Jenni, Me, Lori and Michelle

Just a little bit Country

My Dad jokes when he tells people where we live.  He says go to the Oklahoma border and come back 10 miles.  I admit that we are "north" but I never think of us as living in the sticks.  You all thought that we were crazy 6 years ago when we moved to McKinney.  There was not a single stop sign on Custer between Main Street and Hwy 380.  Now there are 3 lights and some dangerous intersections that should be lights as well.  That is a completely different topic.  So when we moved last year, I knew we would hear it all over again.  And deal with some of the same "issues" of living in an area that has not been commercially developed.  

We had a little bit of an ice storm at the old house.  When we came home, the small fridge in the garage was open as well as about 6 beers that were frozen.  It was a beautiful mess.  The other great part was the 3 little mice that came in from the cold and literally frozen to death in the garage.  I was okay with it because it was still "outside".  They had not penatrated the inside of the house. 

Fast forward a couple of years to last winter.  I am in the kitchen at this house and I hear a straching noise above me.  I look around and the kids are in the living room.  It can't be them.  So I let it go.  It came back, and back, and back. I was totally freaking out.  I got the broom out and banged it on the ceiling as if I was disgruntal with my upstairs neighbors.  It passed.  The next night, same time it started again.  I called Chad and he was annoyed to say the least.  I'm on the phone saying "You don't hear that?"  And finally he was like "Is that the noise?"  YES!!!  "Oh, man"  He could acutally hear the noise over the phone if that tells you how loud it was.  He said call the pest people.  

For those of you that do not know my husband well, this was an odd statement.  We rarely call anyone out to fix or take care of anything.  Chad is extremely handy.  He can fix just about anything.  He changed the brakes on my car this month.  We do 90% of the labor ourselves so for him to say, "Call the pest company"  I was a little taken back.  It is good to know that my big weakness is also his.  MICE, SNAKES, and other unidentafiable animals.  So I call and they can't come out for a couple of days!  WTH!!! A couple of days.  That's it.  I'm checking into a hotel, motel, someone else's home.  Can not deal.  I don't but I would if money was no object.  

The lovely pest people come and point out all of the openings in my house where our friends could have made their entrance.  He showes me all kinds of little "dirt" drops that are left overs from our friends.  He says that it is most likely just a bunch of field mice.  They don't like the cold and the house is warm.  He sets $100 in traps.  We discuss the straching and he too thinks I am crazy.  He didn't see any signs of anything other than mice.  Whatever, dude.  I know what I heard.  

The following day, Chad was off of work and we were dining on some not so fine local pizza.  And we heard it.  And I am glad that I have a witness.  It was as if someone was on the second floor of the house, between the walls and dropped a small dog between the 2x4s and the sheetrock.  It sounded like a pinball machine.  We just looked at each other in shock.  There was something.  The only positive is that if the house started to stink, we would know where to start ripping down the drywall. 

So why am I telling you all of this.  Because it is that time of year again.  It has cooled down and my friends have made their apperance again.  I went into the attic last night and walk right out.  I did (and have done for the last year) the Girl Scout thing.  You know when you turn on the lights, knock on the door, and make as much noise as possible to let whatever is on the other side of the door know that you are coming in and to MOVE OUT OF SIGHT.  Two little friends died together on a sticky pad some time in the last week. Little Romeo and Juilette met there faith,  and Chad.  I sent him right up to deal with it.  He has to do the dirty work.  I just can not do it. 

We will be making another trip to Home Depot this weekend to stock up on supplies.  I don't care if it cost $3000.  This is one expense that I will not gripe about.  All because we live just a little bit in the country.   

Our first Broken Bone

We went this morning to the Ortho to follow-up on Reece's little trip down the trampoline.  She did great, as always.  She does have a fracture.  The doctor called it a ripple on the radial head bone in the elbow.   She has a beautiful hot pink cast that she thinks is pretty.  While I was talking to Mom this morning, I mentioned how cool it was to watch them wrap it up. (I have never broken a bone and have no cast experience)  Reece corrected me and said that it wasn't cool, it was pretty.  

She has a sling (she calls it her arm purse) to help her carry the cast.  It covers her whole arm from the fingers to her shoulder.  The location of the fracture is near the area where they see injuries from swinging kids by their arms.  If her arm was to dislocate, then we would be looking at surgery.  To avoid the twisting and dislocation possibility, they wrapped her wrist to keep it from moving.  

How did this all happen?  She was just being a kid.  Things like this happen.  She was hopping down the long trampoline to jump into the foam pit, and got ahead of herself.  She stuck her arms out to break her fall and landed wrong.   That is it.  Something that I am sure she has done 100 times without getting hurt.  I am sure that we will go back to a gymnastics party again.  I am sure she will fall again at some point.  I am sure that this will not be that last time she will be hurt.   Hopefully, this is our only broken bone.  

Grab some coffee and sit back

Let me start off by saying that I can hear all of you yelling at me to update the blog.  I know, I know.  I haven't been in a blogging mood.  So beware, this may be long.  

Two weekends ago, all of the Court kids and their SO and kids went to Bryan for a family reunion.  Chad and I weren't sure when we would leave but decided that we would leave Friday so that we (I mean I) could eat our (my) way through the day on Saturday.  I am happy to report that I accomplished my goal.  We had some kolaches for breakfast with some Shipley donuts.  Lunch was at Pepe's.  It is this total unremarkable building that makes great tacos, queso, and chips.  And it is cheap.  I would compare it to a homemade Taco Bell.  I did miss my little meat market and did not get there before it closed but I might be able to convince Mom to stop by before she comes up in a couple weekends.  But the BEST meal was Wings n More.  I am a big boneless wing eater but not here.  Just orginial wings please.  There is just something about their wings that make them sooooo good.  Maybe it's all of the garlic.   I left with real pretty stained fingers.  I just blended in with the crowd.  

The reunion was good.  It was nice to see everyone and all of the new faces.  The Emola family is my paternal grandmother's family.  My grandmother was one of 9.  All of the siblings had children, (my parents), and they had kids (us) and then some of us have kids (the girls).  So there was 4 generations there.  There are 3 children still living and 2 SILs and one BIL.  The only living couple just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.  So sweet.  I don't have any great pics from the weekend but I will share one when I get it.  I would guess there was about 100 people there.

This week has been nuts with just day to day stuff.  I have signed up to be the room mom for Reece this year.  Lucky me, her teacher is the lead teacher for pre-k so that also makes me the lead room mom.  We have a field trip at the end of this month so I am trying to find volunteers.  

I am sure that I have mentioned this but if not - Reece is in the dual-language program.  That means that every other day is in Spanish.  They work on 2 letters a week as well as shapes and colors.  It has been so much fun listening to her come home and "talk" in Spanish.  She is also teaching Addison as she goes and that is always entertaining.  The dual language program has an annual fundraiser for scholarships for the program and it is in 2 weeks.  She will be preforming a couple song as will all of the grades.  Then there is a fair that happens the same evening.  They serve all different Spanish foods as well as a hot sauce contest.  What weekend is this you ask?  It is the Saturday of Layne and Mitzi's couple shower that is on Friday.  You know the one that I am co-hosting.   I am not complaining.  Just saying if anyone wants to come and take the girls for a little while on Friday and Saturday, I am up for it. 

This week....was one of those weeks.  Poor Reece.  It just hasn't been great for her.  While at Mom and Dad's house in Bryan, she and I went outside to play for about 10 minutes.  She was just attacked by mosquitos.  They just went to town on her legs.  I know that she is so sweet that they can't resist.   And I know better and should have put bug spray on but it's OCTOBER!  The bugs should be dead by now.  Well come Monday her little legs were bright red and had heat, so off we went to the doc.  We got some medicine and she was good to go.  But not after we got "Please be sure to watch Reece for systemic changes such as high fever and red streaks up her legs.  This is a sign of infection.  You should call immediately.  If it is after hours, just take her to the ER and have them call us. "  Thanks Dr. Bill.  No panic.  She was fine the rest of the week.  

I have been planning with the other Maywalds this week to have pictures of all of the little cousins together.  We only have a picture of Reece and Blake when they were 4 and 7 months old.  We were way over do.  So we all met in Fort Worth.  Next time, I think I will suggest an outdoor on location shoot.  It is not in any one's best interest to try and get 4 toddlers to all smile and look cute all at the same time in a studio.  We got one that was OK and we'll take it for now.  I will let you all see it when they come in. 

We opted to stay in Fort Worth for the night.  My girlfriend's daughter's birthday party was today in Keller and it was just easier to stay than drive.  The party was at a gymnastics place and the kids had a really good time.  Addie tired to keep up with all of the other 3-6 year olds and I will have to say that she was holding her own.  Reece was doing awesome until the very end.  She fell on the long running trampoline and tried to catch herself.  She cried.  We blew it off and tired not to make it a big deal.  I thought like every other time, she would forget about it in 5 minutes.  She whined until we left and crashed in the car before we even hit the highway. She was still complaining about it when we got home.  We put her to bed to continue her nap.  It didn't last too long.  She was up and crying every time we touched her elbow.  

So off to Acute Kids urgent care.  As we walk in, the guy be hind the counter says "head" .  The lady says "arm".  I said "Are you guess what is wrong with my kid?"  They said yes.  And I said, it is her arm.  We laughed it off and signed in.  No one else was in the waiting room so we went straight back.  A couple of x-rays and a Popsicle later, ladies and gentlemen, we have a fractured elbow.  It was confirmed by the radiologist this evening.  I am making an appointment tomorrow and will update you when I know more.  We will see.  She has a soft cast and a sling.  And some good pain medicine.  

I hope this week is easier than the last couple.  I am exhausted and I know the month I have ahead of me.  It is book solid and I need a weekend away.  Can I just go to work for one of you tomorrow?  

Adult Funny in G-rated World

It's not that naughty.  I just like a little adult humor in my G/PG rated world.  If I didn't have any kids, this might be my Fall Decor.  It probably would have been 8 years ago.  Oh - what a difference a couple years make. 

Can't wait any longer

You would think that the girls were sick and that's why they were laying on the kitchen floor.  They have pillows, blankets, and each other.  But that was not the case at all.

They were waiting for the cookies to come out of the oven.  

Late Entry...

I have been is lala land for a couple of days.  I just can't get it together.  So here is my very late entry on some things that have been going on. 

It seems like months ago that I went to the Maroon 5 concert with a couple friends.  We left early afternoon and checked into a hotel near the concert.  We grabbed a bite to eat at Uncle Julio's on Oak Lawn.  I am so happy they are putting one in Allen.  We had a couple drinks, and headed back to the hotel to catch a cab to go to the concert.  I don't remember the last concert that I went to.  It has been YEARSSSSS.  Anyway, the concert was good and it wasn't too hot.  My friend had a great post on her blog about the night and what we "learned".  Check it out for more details and pictures.  I am so glad that I went.  I must do more girls' nights.  

This weekend, Chad was in Fort Worth so it was just me and the girls.  We meet a friend in downtown McKinney for Oktoberfest.  It was busy but the kids had a great time.  Here are some pictures from the afternoon.   It's starts with face painting.  Reece is obsessed with cats right now so she became a pink kitten and Addie had a little butterfly crown.  They loved looking at each other and themselves in the mirror.  They did a little painting.  Reece tried the jump house but there were too many kids for her.  We stop at a really cute popcorn and candy shop.  Then headed for the ponies.  Everyone had their fill of the event and off we went to Chick-fil-a.  We did get a few looks because of the face painting.  Overall, a great afternoon.  

Dear Disney,

The time is drawing near for you to release yet another princess movie.  Please know that we will continue to shell out the money for the latest and greatest movie at $18.99 and for a limited time.  I would like to make a few suggestions for the main character.  Can it please be a princess that wears glasses?  It would eliminate many meltdowns in my house. If you could also make sure that she scrapes her knee, elbows, or legs.  This will help me explain to Reece that yes some princesses wear glasses and yes some princesses get boo boos.  She feels that she is not a princess when she wears her glasses or has a scrape.  

And the other request for the movie:  keep the mother ALIVE!  And don't make it a mean step mom.  Please keep the Queen Mom alive in the movie.  I know that you feel that the saddest story line is one in which the mother is not around.  I get it.  But I am starting to think that you have an issue with us.  I don't even care if you make her fat, with a bad haircut.  But let's review the movie list in which there is not a mom.

Cinderella

Beauty and the Beast

Snow White

Little Mermaid

Nemo

Aladdin

Sword in the Stone

Peter Pan

Alice in Wonderland

The Jungle Book

Robin Hood

Winnie the Pooh

I haven't seen Mulan and I know Nemo was a colabration with Pixar.  But I really can not come up with a movie other than The Lion King when a mom is in the picutre.  But you killed the dad!  

These are just a few simple request when you start thinking about the next movie. If you feel that I deserve credit in the movie, I won't object.

Works like a dog

We have some really sweet neighbors, Larry and Doris, that live across the street.  They are in their early seventies and but you would never know.  They are the most active couple I have met in a long time.  Let's face it.  I have spent some time with the older population.  Larry and Doris both are retired but work with their grown children at their pizza shop.  Larry is constantly working in the yard or washing cars.  (I think Chad will be this way when he is older).  I see Doris every morning pulling weeds or dead heading the flowers.  They have gone a ton of work to the house since moving in this summer. 

Recently Larry and Doris have added stone to their front flower beds as well as extending the flower beds to the side of the house.  If you have ever done this, you know that it is a ton of work.  Pulling up the grass, placing the stones, filling in with dirt, planting all of the plants.  I am tired just thinking about it.  

Well, Reece has found a friend in Larry.  I don't know if it is his grandfather like approach, his fountain in the back yard, the golf cart he lets us drive around the neighborhood, or the fact that she is just a good judge of character.  On severaloccasions now, when we are outside as well as Larry, Reece will say "Can we go talk to Larry?"  How do you say no?  So we go over and last night was no exception.  

Over that last week, we have been going over to check the progress of the gardens and plants.  Chad and the girls went last night for a quick visit while I had a few minutes of peace.  When they returned, we started baths and I asked if Larry had anything good to say.  Reece piped up and said, "He works like a dog". 

I just laughed.  I know that Chad and I have both said that in reference to Larry.  Not knowing of course that Reece had been listening the whole time.  Hopefully, she will say it about us one day. 

Let's talk Costumes

Halloween - you either love it or hate it. For the girls I like it. For me, I hate it. I don't have a good time trying to dress up as something else. By far, my best costume was also my worst. Two years ago when I was pregnant with Addison, I went as a pregnant nun. It was great in the fact that I was fairly comfortable in a long flowy gown. But I was miserably hot in the hat thing. Would Father John at St. Joseph be proud? No way. Would he be shocked? Most likely no. At least I was married, right?

For the girls, it is difficult every year it seems. You find the cute costume. You dress them up. 90% of the time, they don't want to wear the head piece. Which is most of the time the cutest part. You plan for nice weather, then it is cold. You are searching Target for a pair of white tights like every other mom because Halloween night it decides to be 50 degrees with wind. The next year, you plan on cool weather and it's so stinking hot that the kid ends up in a onesie or a tank top and shorts with wings. So this year I will plan for both options.

I have seriously thought at just putting them in one of the 20 dress up outfits laying around here. I don't know that I could find all of the correct parts to make one great Disney princess outfit. Could Reece be part Snow White with a Cinderella crown. I think Addison would make a terrific Tinkerbell with the Barbie Mariposa wings, right? Who says the wings have to be green? I think purple and hot pink would be great.

So I guess this weeks project will be to find new princess outfits. I don't think I need to buy shoes though. I can find at least 2 matching pair from the 10 here and build the costumes from there.

Here's some photos from the past.

Could you do it?

For those of you that don't know, my parents live about an hour and a half north of Houston. They came to the metroplex last Thursday for a planned visit. It just also happened to be the weekend that Ike came to town. We watched the weather channel all weekend and talked about the what ifs of possible damage to their house. Thankfully, they did not have any damage to the house. But their surroundings have changed.

So many people have evacuated from Houston and Galveston to their area. All of the shelters are full. Mom said that everyone looks totally beaten down. They drove home last Sunday and stopped at Walmart to grab a few things. There was nothing to be had. Literally. The produce and dairy departments were completely bare. This 24 hour store was announcing that they were going to close at 10 pm so that they could restock. Mom says that thing have not improved much this week. The surrounding small towns to the east and south so not have any power. They are being told it will be mid October before they will have power. Without power, they can not get gas in their cars. So they fill up "in town". Kids can not go to school. They can't go to work to make any money to pay for the bills that are still accumulating.

How long can you live without power? I not talking about not having a/c, cable, internet, refrigeration. I am talking about literally camping in your house. Cooking what ever non-perishables you have on a gas grill in the back yard. If there is even anything to cook. Best case scenario, you have running water. You can bathe. But you can't dry your hair. You can pee by the light of a candle.

These are just the random thoughts in my head this week. I've always told Chad that I can't camp unless there is a flushing toilet. I guess I would learn right. I've been looking around the house to see what we could use and how we would manage. If nothing else, we have enough diet bars and peanut butter crackers to last a least a week.

I'm in Denial

I am in denial about a lot of things . But the one that hits me in the face multiple times a day is the fact that Addison is ready to be potty trained. Bless her heart. She comes up to me and tells me that she popped no less than 4 times a day. In reality, it is just a little pee and once a day she is correct about it being poop. Sometimes she takes her diaper off, sometimes just her pants. She knows where all of the diapers are in the house. She likes to sit on the potty. She knows how to wipe.

So what is the issue? MEEEEE!!! It is all me. I am the one at fault here. I accept 100% of the blame. I know that it is work. I need to go buy a couple little potties. I need to just let her run around naked. I need to move some carpet cleaner upstairs and just do it.

We have come to the little freedom stage in our lives. We don't have to pack a million things to run to the store. I don't even carry a diaper bag. And after 4 years I have finally gotten smart and just left a half pack of diapers and a whole wipe container in the car. I still pack 1 or 2 and the small wipes in my purse. But it's not the bottles, aspirator, burp cloth, change of clothes, bib, jar food, snacks.

But it is a whole different world in potty training days. For starters - you don't leave the house. It is like you are in sick kids mode, lock down. You are doing and saying the same thing every 45-60 minutes. "Let's go potty! Did you go tee-tee? Are you dirty? Where did you get that dirt? That's not dirt!" You are doing laundry multiple times a day. A couple weeks into it, you can leave. But you pack 1-2 changes of clothes - head to toe. This includes shoes. You pack towels and cleaner because you know that they will pee in the car seat.

This is something you do when it is raining for 5 days. Snowing outside. 40 degrees is the high. This isn't something that you try to do when it is a perfect 78 degrees outside. When you just want to sit outside a read a book. This is a winter project.

Don't call CPS just yet. I will potty train her. It will happen soon. Maybe before I have to run down to Costco for some more diapers. My denial will end. I will move into the acceptance stage. Just give me time. You see, I am loosing my baby. She is turning into a little girl and the diapers are the final stage. Maybe I'll be crazy mom and move her into the twin bed at the same time. Can you just imagine?

Happy Birthday Honey

That's right, Chad has celebrated another birthday and for the next couple of months he is 2 years older than me. My lovely sister took care of the sick sisters last night so Chad and I could have a nice dinner out. Just the two of us. We went to what should be called a meat buffet but instead is called a Brazilian Steak House. Basically, we didn't eat all day so that we would be starving when we arrived to sample the 20 different kinds of meat. It wasn't that many but it was a lot.

I am happy to report that I turned my disk over after not quite one round. I will keep Chad's behavior out of this post. Overall it was a nice quite dinner.

I picked Reece up from school and was telling her the today was Daddy's birthday. She asked where the balloons were. I said that Daddy didn't want any. She kept insisting that we MUST have balloons...it was a long conversation. She then asked who was all coming over this evening. I said just Sabrina. She wanted to know who else was coming to his birthday party. I said no one, we weren't having a party. "Why not?" "Daddy didn't want to have anyone over." Then her next question was when were we going to eat cake. I said that Daddy didn't want any cake so Mommy did not have any. This was very sad. And thank goodness, that is when Chad walked in the door. We turned the attention away from no cake, no one coming over, and no balloons to opening a gift. She soon let the rest of it go. It was like it really wasn't his birthday because none of the other things were happening.

I did want to share what I will call my Jerry Seinfeld moments from the evening. You know the little things that are every day but seem funny to you. And you hope that someone else will think that they are funny. Any whoo, these two late 20s guys walk into the restaurant last night. Both very casually dressed. (I guess there isn't any kind of dress code from the what I saw the rest of the evening). I look at this guy wearing a t-shirt and basketball shorts. You know the kind, kind of mesh material. I then I notice that his white shorts and on inside out. He has these HUGE pockets on the outside of his shorts kind of flapping in the wind. Two things - why in the world did the other idiot with him not tell him that his shorts were on inside out? And just what are you doing that you have to get dressed so fast that you can't take 3 seconds to see if your pants are on the right way. He did notice at some point during the evening because after he returned from one of his 10 trips to the salad bar, the shorts were turned right side out.

My other moment was a personal one and I'm not quite ready to talk about my rolling underwear. Maybe tomorrow when I don't feel like I just gained 15 pounds.

Happy Birthday Chad! You are an awesome dad, husband and friend. I am glad that you choose for us to spend the night out alone. It was a great evening. x

Ding, Ding - Round 2

My lovely Addison - my child with a stomach of steel, got a stomach virus on Friday evening. (week one of MDO - runny nose and a stomach virus, nice) We were up all night long, "resting" about every 20-30 minutes. Our pediatrician has sick appointments on Saturday so I ran her in. All I really wanted was some phenergan and a IV bag so that the child could sleep. Much to my surprise, they don't do phen any more for children under 2. She did write us a script for Zofran. She also gave us dosing guidelines for the rest of the family as this virus is vary contagiuos. She also told me that if the medicine did not work, she would directly admit to the hospital because she is so little and would dehydrate so quickly.

I am happy to report that we did not need to go. She recovered just fine. I had a girls over night in Dallas and had a whole back-up plan if she needed to go. But Addison knew that I needed this night away and she was great for Chad.

When I returned on Sunday, the family was happy and eating okay. I ran to the store for the weekly goods. As I was returning to the house, Chad was calling my phone. Reece was now sick. She continued until about 9 pm and slept through the night without incident, with the help of the medicine. She has taken the day off from school. I am hoping that we have a day without any incidents, and both girls will be well enough for school tomorrow.

Last night, I made a sink full of Lysol cleaner and wiped down every hard surface I could. All of the soft surfaces and more were sprayed with Lysol. All of the sheets have been changed. I will do as much laundry today as I can. It is fairly difficult to keep the girls away from each other. But I have assigned the spots to sit in the living room and upstairs. We are on a movie marathon today. There will not be a round three. We will be over all of this by this evening.

Now, if we can all lay down and take a 3 hour nap this afternoon, I will do a little happy dance.

Did the kids cause my ADD?

I am starting to think that I have some kind of ADD or ADHD. I never thought I had it before I had the girls but I do believe that they have brought it out in me. Now don't get me wrong. I can sit on my butt and do nothing. I think that it comes from exhaustion though, not out of laziness.

I am having are hard time sitting down today and working. See, I am even on the computer blogging because I sat down to work for an hour and thought I was going a little crazy.

But when you have children it like you are in constant motion. You are always on look out and listen mode. Making your 10th meal for the day, while unloading the dishwasher, finding and blanket, and fielding a snack request. I by no means think that I am super mom and wife. I am reminded frequently about my failed attempts at the half year goals.

All I am saying is that being in this constant state of "multitasking" for so long has made it more difficult to do only one task. I am sure I will find my lazy bone again one day. But right now, I need to get back to work while I have no one talking to me.

A great day

Yesterday was Addison first day of MDO. And she did great. She did not cry one time. The teachers even said that they wished that all 7 kids were just like Addison. And to think this is the same child that has been sssssooooooo much fun for 3 weeks now. I think she just needed a break from me. We have been together almost every day for 2 years. Let's face it. I need the break too. So I will gladly take this break every Tuesday and Thursday for 9-2. For a while at least.

I'm so tired...

This is what I heard from Reece this morning at 7:00 when I went to wake her for school.

Me- Good Morning Reece. Time to wake-up (now repeat about 5 times)
Reece - Mommy, I am SOOOO tired.
Me - I know
Reece - But Mommy, the sun isn't even awake.
Me - I know
Reece - I can't even open my eyes
Me - I know, just try
Reece - how many more days of school are left?
Me - Three, counting today
Reece - AAAWWWWWW (make it sound like you are really put out)

It may be a long school year.

I think I am going to need a golf cart

As many of you know, Reece's school isn't THAT far from the house. And today was her first day. We got up early (6:00) and woke Reece about 6:45. She was ready to go right then. I mean let's walk out of the door and too school at 7:00. Chad went and got her her favorite breakfast, chocolate donuts. We decided to drive the 0.25 miles to the school and encountered what we knew would be school traffic. We walked her in, dropped a few things in the classroom and went to the cafeteria to wait with the rest of the class. Most of the kids were there. We tried to help her meet some classmates but shy Reece showed up this morning. We waited with her for a little while and off we went, minus one child.

We did the drive out the back of the neighborhood to get back to the house. (traffic - it is literally 4 cars thick; not long but side by side). We were lucky enough that Sabrina went in late today and left Addison asleep at home. (I have to work on her sleep schedule this week.)

And before you knew it, it was 2:45. Addison had been asleep for all of 1.5 hours of her 3 hour nap (it was a rough afternoon). Woke her, loaded her into the stroller, and off we went. I walked past all of the parked cars in line waiting to do the pick-up. I was thinking, this isn't so bad. Then I got Reece. She was already tired, hot in her heavy denim dress, new shoes, and hair was down and sweaty. She was not up for walking home. But we didn't have a option. And off we were and walked right past all of those cars still parked.

This was the moment I wished I had a golf cart. I could just take the path (cart path wide) from the pond and drive up behind the school. Have our hair flowing in the wind. Don't forget, we can put the rain cover on for rainy days. Pull out of the garage, right up to the front door. Strap the extra car seat to passager seat. Addie you think she was a queen riding in the front. Maybe that will be our Christmas gift to each other this year. Can we get it now?

Only one thing did not go well today. They did tell us to label everything. And I did. But they felt the urge to right on her bag anyway. I'm a little POed. So check it out as well as some rarely seen photos of Chad and I.

Attention Walmart Late Night Shoppers

I would like to make this a Public Service Announcement. I know that sometimes, the only time you can get to Walmart is in the late night. I have been there too and I saw you this evening. I can say that I was slightly embarrassed for you and would like to give you a few pointers. So please take these next few remarks to heart and try to change your shitty attitude before I see you next Saturday evening.

• *Just because it is past 10 pm, it does not make it okay to park in the handicap or expectant mother parking spots. I saw you get out of your POS and you are way past time when you can concieve. You walked in just fine as you talked on your phone while ushering your three small grandchildren and daughter. Don't say she is expecting because she was smoking crack skinny and the only thing holding her pants on was her boyfriend hand on her butt.
• *Speaking of children - don't give us ugly looks just because we are looking at your kids because they are still awake. At least act like they wouldn't go to sleep by having them in their pjs. It at least provides us with the thought that you attempted to put them to bed.
• *Please do not have a fit because the deli is closed. Again, it is past 10 pm.
  
• *Please do not start cussing because they are out of Fruity Pebbles. It is the Saturday before school starts. They are out of a lot of things- including a lot of the items on the school supply list that you are carrying around trying to get things for.
  
• *Don't act put out by all of the restocking boxes in the middle of the isle. They are trying to fill in the Fruity Pebbles, milk, lunchables, chips, soda, and kool-aid for everyone else to buy tomorrow.
  
• *And finally, be kind to the three checkers that are working. At least the showed up. You know that they are sick and tired of seeing everyone buying beer, condoms, pregnacy test, Dorittos, and Coke and wondering why they are working Saturday night at Walmart instead of you. They are trying to provide for their family, so just say thank you and move on.

My sad, sad garden

I have had these high hopes for a garden for a couple of years. I started last year and never got so see it through because of the move. So I started again this year. Let's just say, I don't have a green thumb. Of everything that was planted, I only have a few thing survive. By survive, I do not mean vegetable producing. I mean that there are more green leaves than brown. I have a a good crop in cucumbers though.

I have learned that I do not need to plant as many cucumbers. I have enjoyed several sandwiches and salads. I have shared with my neighbors and family. At one point, I was picking at yeast 5 up to 9 cucumbers a day. No one can possibly eat that many. It has slowed down with the recent heat and I may have missed one or two when picking.

I definitely missed this one.



You can see that it grew into the brick and through it.

Dear Baby Snatcher

Dear Baby Snatcher:

Would you kindly bring my sweet, lovable, quite Addison back home. There is a child here that looks to be her twin but the personalities are very different. This one is very whiny and emotional ALL DAY LONG. She does not like being told no, stop please, and leave you sister alone. These phrases often result in very loud outburst of crying and tears. Sweet Addison disappeared some time last Thursday and is deeply missed.

If you can not bring her home, please place a bottle of Zanax in the mailbox. You will find my blank check in there. Please fill in the cost for one mother's sanity.

Thanks in advance for your quick response.

Main goal in raising girls

Chris Rock once said that your main goal when raising girls is to keep them off of the pole. Parents of boys don't have to worry about this. For some reason it isn't as frowned upon if your son is a male dancer. But if your daughter is (let's be PC) an exotic dancer, it seems to be something that you should be ashamed of. And if it happened today, yes I would be a little embarrassed. If it is how they put themselves through school, we may talk. Back to where I wanted to go with this.

All children have different periods in there life where it is entertaining to be naked, nude, in their birthday suit. Some parents even take pictures of their cute little behinds. But I am starting to worry. Addison is borderline exhibitionist. The child WILL NOT keep her clothes on. We are at the point of wearing onesies again because it is harder for her to get them off. You noticed I didn't say she couldn't. It is just harder than a dress, pants, shorts, one piece jumpers and swimsuits.

Don't you remember being a little kid and being frustrated that you couldn't get your swimsuit off. Not Addison. To her it is a challenge that she takes head on. She can also remove that swimmer with ease. At night she takes off her shirt or what ever is left and most of the time her diaper. Runs into the other room to show who ever is here, her naked body. She does a little gorilla chest pounding on her belly. If we are lucky, she will come back and get dressed. If not, we can anticipate at least 2-3 minutes of chasing and running around. Sometimes longer. Sometimes I just give up and let her be, hoping and praying that she doesn't pee on the carpet.

Friday night was a typical Addison moment. She had taken off her dress and bloomers. Ran to go see Chad in the closet. She rips her diaper off in the bathroom. But the best part was when her poop rolled over that bathroom floor. She doesn't care. Comes running to see me, muddy bottom and all.

We need to address this nakedness soon. We don't want her to think that you get more attention being naked and running around to show everyone. She will be on the pole if we don't change.

Blogger Identity Crisis

You may have noticed that I am having a little Blogger identity crisis. I am having a hard time finding something that I like without it being too much of anything. I think I am happy with this design for this week.

Good thing is this addiction is free.

I annoy my Daughter

Very rarely do I really turn up the music in my car. If I am alone, it is generally off so that I can enjoy the silence. But not tonight. The girls and I were on our way back from picking up dinner. I did not feel like cooking since Chad is OOT. And the kitchen is still dirty from the cookies that Reece HAD to make with Troy. But that is another story.

So as we cruise along 380, The Humpty Dance came on. So I turned it up, did a little dancing in my chair. Addison totally got into it. She was shaking side to side "like her leg was broken". Reece...she was so freaking annoyed I couldn't help but laugh. I was just looking at her in the mirror. Not even her "I'm trying not to laugh at you"smile/not smile. I just ignored her, kept on driving. I even did a tour around the neighborhood because the song was far from over. Reece just wanted to get home. I pulled into the garage, sat in the car to finish the song, and finally got the kids out. Reece aged ten years in that car ride. She got out and said, "I really didn't like that song. At all".

Well kid...it's not like I am all into Veggie Tales and JoJo Circus teaching us how to "Brush your teeth, Little Lion, brush your teeth. "

Which is more pathetic - the fact that I know all of the lyrics to "The Humpty Dance" and would sing it with Lori Bettencourt pride as she does "Shoop" or that I know that damn JoJo song just as well. BTW, here are the lyrics to THD so that you can sing along with him, in his great big white hat and fake nose. You don't even have to click on the link to know what I am talking about.

I may be working on my next blog list - favorite songs of the 90's - not the 80's. I hate the 80's. You know you missing some Smells like Teen Spirit, Nothin like A G Thang, California Love, and The Dance.

By the way , Can't Nobody hold me Down, even my kids.

Where are all of the girls?

It is now official that all of my friends are having boys. I have one last person that I am waiting to learn the sex of the baby. (no pressure Chad and Monica) But geez, what is up with everyone having a boy.

Here's the list of those with boys or having boys in the near future. Literally, just in the period of 1 year.

Ginger
Lori
Erin
Gina
Jennifer
Laura
Ali - Daniel is over a year but new to us!


Stacy was the ONLY one that had a little girl. And she is just beautiful. I have to admit that this is what I thought my girls would look like, dark hair and all. But not here. They have their dad's light blonde/brown. And no, we will not be trying to have a boy like the rest of you.

Limited Time

Can you believe that Addison is almost 2? I know it isn't for a few more months but the fact that our last baby is not really a baby anymore is a little sad. One of my favorite things about babyhood is when they snuggle up in your arms. Addison was never much of a snuggler. But she always snuggled when she awaken at night. Last night was no exception. She is at that perfect age and size when she can rest her head on my shoulder and lay perfectly on my chest, little legs tucked in on either side. It is so sweet. I am just a little sad in knowing that it won't happen much anymore. I am trying to enjoy this age as much as I can. It is sweet and forgiving and won't be here for much longer.

How lucky can a girl be?

Let's just say that this past week has been tough. Not so much in a physical aspect because I have yet to start walking again. But that is whole different entry. Just from an emotional state, exhausting. And yes, I do realize that I could totally take my butt to bed instead of telling all of you how damn tired I am but I drank a Coke too late. Yes, a real Coke.

But for the record...I have a fantastic husband and girls. Yes, we are all worn out by each other this weekend and our complete lack of schedule. But I love them with all of my heart. I can not imagine not having them in my daily life.

Chad is leaving town for a couple days to run off to California for work. I am terribly sad that I will not be joining him. But as it works out, it is all for the better. Reece has meet the teacher night on Wednesday. We have been talking up school every day. She still does not want to go. I don't know what we will do.

But wish me luck because for the next couple of weeks, her bed time is moving up and wake time too. I am hoping that she will not be miserably tired when school starts.

Now for a selfish moment.

I have had the luxury of sleeping in until my kids do. I know that it is a bad habit but I don't go to sleep until midnight so 8 am in not too bad. But I too will be getting up early and getting ready by 7:30 am. I know many of you do that every day. I have in the past and will again in the very near future. Hate me all that you want, but I will continue my sleeping in for at least one more week.

Another 100 Challenge - Can you do it?

Since the last 100 things post was so popular, let's do it again. But this time it is only on the kids. Not you and not DH. So here we go.

1. My oldest daughter is Reece.
2. Her full name is Reece Ann Maywald.
3. She says "maywad, not Maywald"
4. She and my mom have the same middle name.
5. Her name was going to be Reece, boy or girl.
   
6. She is my super sensitive kid.
7. She does not like the rain.
8. She is afraid of all loud sounds.
9. She loves to dance.
10. And sing.
11. She loves her new Laurie Berkner DVD and CD
12. She watches way too much TV.
13. She loves anything princess
14. Anything with make-up or jewelry
15. She starts school Aug 25
16. She will be going 5 days a week
17. At Folsom Elementary in the neighborhood
18. She does not want to go to school
19. But she will when she is there
20. She will have all of her classes in English one day, Spanish the next.
21. She has always been a girly girl
22. She will only wear dresses.
23. She hates pants.
24. She will always take her hair down when I am not looking
25. She still sucks her thumb.
26. She will go into another room so that we don't see it.
27. She is a picky eater.
    
28. Her favorite meal is chicken, fries, ketchup, Sprite, and toy.
29. She says it very fast in the same order, every time.
30. She thinks she has to have a treat when she eats good.
31. She has been wanting to match her panties and her dress.
32. I think she will be my clothes horse.
33. I think she will be the one to always have matching bra and panties.
34. She loves to play in the water but not in deep water.
35. She likes driving her jeep.
36. She is still learning how to really ride her bike.
37. She prefers to wear nightgowns, not pjs
38. She has brown hair, brown eyes.
39. She is always tan in the summer even with sunscreen
40. She will be a flower girl in my brother's wedding.
41. She loves her sister 50% of the time
42. She does not like Addison the other 50%
43. They constantly fight over toys and my attention.
44. They do play well together.
45. Reece only naps about once a week.
46. She should nap more.
47. She is ready to go some mornings.
48. Other mornings, she needs about 30 minutes,(this is me)
49. She knows her letters and numbers
50. She can write her name.
51. Addison is my baby.
52. She was suppose to be born the day after my birthday but came 2 weeks earlier.
53. She was 6 pounds 4 oz at birth. Went home at 5#, 12 oz
54. She was a little jaundice
55. She worn preemie clothes for about a month.
56. Then she got huge and fat.
57. She went through 3 sizes over 4 months.
58. She has blonde hair, blue eyes.
59. She is my daredevil.
60. She thinks she is bigger than she is.
61. She did not sleep through the night until she was 8 MONTHS OLD. (it was miserable)
62. She just wanted to eat all the time
63. Still does
64. She wakes up ready to go and play.
65. She has to eat as soon as she wakes up.
66. She will stand in the kitchen and say hungry or snack.
67. She LOVES her milk
68. So does Reece.
69. They drink 1-2 gallons a week.
70. Addison is a little pigeon toed.
71. Reece wears glasses.
72. They both have very different but addictive laughs.
73. Addison is learning a new word every day.
74. She loves Bryson (Lori's little boy)
75. He is her boyfriend
76. She jumps as soon as he cries.
77. She wants him to have his paci
78. Addison has started leaving paci in bed when she gets out from the night or nap.
79. She is ready to potty train. (I am not there yet)
80. She will be going to MDO on Tues/Thurs
81. She will have some separation issues.
    
82. She and I are always together.
    
83. Reece thinks that she is Addison's mom sometimes
84. They are both attached to their blankets.
    
85. They both are attached to Sabrina when she is here.
86. They both like to run around naked.
87. Addison LOVED the mash potatoes last night.
88. Reece did not touch them.
    
89. Addison can not sit still for any meal.
    
90. She always stands up in her chair, even when strapped in. I don't know how.
91. They should just share a kids meal because Reece just wants the chicken and Addie just wants the fries.
92. Reece is allergic to Benadryl. It makes her hallucinate.
    
93. Addison is not. She passes out. Great for flying.
    
94. Addison did not sleep very much in her car seat as an infant.
    
95. That is how I would get Reece to sleep too many times.
96. I drove around the neighborhood at night, in my nightgown, Reece in her car seat, many a times.
    
97. Both of the girls are beautiful and do not look alike.
98. They are both very bright and will do well in school.
99. I will be called my the school on both because neither can stop talking.
100. I am deeply in love with my girls and would not have it any other way.

Sign up for free stuff

I know some of you don't have kids, or babies for that fact. If you do, go now a sign-up at Baby Wears Prada for free giveaways for the babies in your life. I have submitted products to the site for give aways also. If you blog about it on your blog, you will get 5 extra entries. Go get started. Can't wait to see what will all be given away.

Are you a magazine junkie?

If so, go here. They have low prices on a bunch of magazines. Some for only $2. And you can pay with paypal. I have some new one's coming to my house in 4-6 weeks. No automatic renews. Hopefully, no telemarketing. Happy magazine day!

Top 100

I am taking a page from one of my favorites sites and sharing 100 things about the family. Hang in there if you can.

1. I get really bored some days.
2. Chad does a lot around the house.
3. He cleans better than I do.
4. He is extremely handy around the house. Reece called him Handy Daddy the other day.
5. You would never guess that his truck is 7 years old, looks new.
6. My car does not look as good as his.
7. It has 2 major dings on opposite corners.
8. I only caused one - I hit the house with my car.
9. I thought Chad would hate me forever after that.
10. He was super dad last night and took the girls for a hour outside in this awful heat.
11. They love playing with him. He is an awesome, awesome father.
12. Reece starts school in a couple weeks.
13. I am both sad and happy about it.
14. Addie will be going to school too ( MDO 2 days)
15. I am trying to find a part-time job.
16. I should just put my burp cloths in a couple more stores and work harder at the business end.
17. I want to open my own store one day. Do you have an extra 50K I can have?
18. It would be a monogram shop.
19. I would hire my friends to work so that I don't have to deal with stupid, stupid people.
20. I know that stupid people would still exist.
21. Addison talks as much as Reece did at this age. HELP!
22. They both remind me of someone
23. She lives here too.
24. I love you Sabrina
25. I am glad that she is living here for a while.
26. I miss seeing my family more,
27. I wish my parents moved to the DFW area
28. MOVE MOM AND DAD!!!
29. I want my extended family to live closer as well.
30. The ones that do live close SUCK!
31. They have never met Addie and that makes me sad.
32. We have 2 family reunions in October.
33. Same side of family but different parts.
34. I want to be skinny by Oct.
35. It most likely won't happen that fast.
36. I hate dieting all most as much as I hate being fat!
37. My great grandmother started a church in the Brazos bottom for the farmers.
38. An angel told her twice to do it.
39. I believe the store 100%.
40. The church is 100 years old this year.
41. The bishop is coming to do the mass.
42. I grew-up Catholic.
43. I need to find a church for my family.
44. I don't think it will be Catholic.
45. I say this every weekend.
46. I do enjoy church but need it to be relevant about my life today.
47. I went to a private Catholic school for 2 years.
48. I went to mass 3 times a week for 2 years.
49. I lead the songs for mass 2 times during school.
    
50. Both were a mistake.
51. I can NOT sing.
52. I did play the piano at one time
53. I would like to play again
54. I want a piano at the house but not for a couple more years.
55. I want the girls to take dance.
56. I want them to be better at it than I was.
57. It is true that you want more for your kids than you had.
58. I have learned that I can not have it all at one time
59. Are you still reading this?
60. I went to Southwest Texas State University and it is now called Texas State University.
61. It think with was stupid to change names.
62. I meet some great people there.
    
63. One was my husband.
64. I did some really stupid things there.
65. I will not tell you all of them.
66. I got a tattoo.
67. It looks really, really, bad.
68. It is on my big toe.
69. It has no meaning what so ever.
70. Yes, I was drunk when I got it.
71. I do not drink like I used to.
    
72. Thank God!
73. Reece is now sitting in my lap.
74. I did not take turning 30 well.
75. My body does work like it used to.
76. I want it to look like it did 10 years ago.
77. I want a boob job.
78. Just to put them back where they were.
79. I would look ridiculous with huge boobs.
80. I love my girls to death.
    
81. Reece looks like her dad and Addie looks like me.
82. Reece acts like her dad. Addie acts like me.
83. They are very different children.
84. I did not enjoy being pregnant.
85. I was HUGE pregnant.
86. We are done having kids.
87. I don't want to get out numbered.
88. We only have to pack a bib and diapers/wipes when we leave the house.
89. And snacks.
90. I have joined Weight Watchers.
91. I have lost almost 5 pounds.
92. I will loose more weight this week.
93. I will win the friendly bet (Lori)
94. I enjoy cooking most of the time.
95. I like eating more.
96. This will not help me on my quest to loose weight.
97. I am not as organized as I appear to be.
98. Chad is very organized.
99. He pays all of the bills for the house so I don't have to worry about it.
100. I love my family!

Thanks for reading!