But her thoughts on accessories do not fall under the same category. Clearly.
I've never seen someone be so overly tacky AND incredibly cute at the same time.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Less is more
There are many times when Emma Grace would probably choose a less-is-more approach: eating broccoli and sitting in time out/standing in the corner come to mind.
But her thoughts on accessories do not fall under the same category. Clearly.
I've never seen someone be so overly tacky AND incredibly cute at the same time.
But her thoughts on accessories do not fall under the same category. Clearly.
I've never seen someone be so overly tacky AND incredibly cute at the same time.
Thankful
We had a great Thanksgiving. Both of our families came to Georgia to celebrate with us. We had 5 days with them and it seemed to go by way too fast. I am so thankful for how God has chosen to bless us this year, but this little one is without a doubt my most favorite blessing.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sisters
I am so thankful my girls have something I didn't: a sister! I look forward to watching their relationship grow.
Hanging out on C's playmat.
Hanging out on C's playmat.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
New Wheels
The short story is I have a new ride!
And here is the long story (because you know I've got one):
Jereme and I have been casually looking at buying a new car for a while. My beloved Jeep, while still in great condition, was getting small. For the day-to-day when it's just me and the girls, it was fine. But in the evenings and on the weekends when Jereme was with us, it wasn't cutting it anymore. Because he is so tall, he has to have the driver's seat set back pretty far. And with a car seat behind him, he couldn't move it back far enough to get his long legs behind the wheel. When we travel, we almost always have Charlie with us. So between two adults, two children, a dog, and luggage, we were running out of room!
Jereme's preference was for me to get a minivan. Yikes. Nothing wrong with a minivan, but I said long ago I wouldn't drive one and I like to stay true to my word. Sure, a minivan might be easier to get babies in and out, and it might have lots of seating, and it may have decent cargo space, but at the end of the day it's still a minivan. My preference was a nice, big SUV...seating, cargo space, not a mini-van. Unfortunately, a big'un wasn't in our budget. Shucks.
So we started looking at another SUV that would be bigger than what we had but still affordable and landed on a GMC Acadia. It has three rows which is great in case our family grows again, and the back row can fold down for Charlie and cargo room in case it doesn't. I'm loving it.
Oh, and I should add that it was a total surprise. Jereme found a great deal on one in Alabama but at the time our (his) mind wasn't totally made up. He traveled to South Carolina on business the week before Thanksgiving. On the day he was scheduled to come home, he left South Carolina and drove through Atlanta while we were not home (cleaned out his car, hid the contents in the garage and picked up his title), and arrived in Alabama to check out the car. Everything checked out and he traded in his Volkswagen and purchased the Acadia. Next thing I know, he called me from the road and asked me to meet him in the driveway! Such a great surprise!
So, Jereme is driving my Jeep (sans car seats!) and I am so thankful for my new ride!
And here is the long story (because you know I've got one):
Jereme and I have been casually looking at buying a new car for a while. My beloved Jeep, while still in great condition, was getting small. For the day-to-day when it's just me and the girls, it was fine. But in the evenings and on the weekends when Jereme was with us, it wasn't cutting it anymore. Because he is so tall, he has to have the driver's seat set back pretty far. And with a car seat behind him, he couldn't move it back far enough to get his long legs behind the wheel. When we travel, we almost always have Charlie with us. So between two adults, two children, a dog, and luggage, we were running out of room!
Jereme's preference was for me to get a minivan. Yikes. Nothing wrong with a minivan, but I said long ago I wouldn't drive one and I like to stay true to my word. Sure, a minivan might be easier to get babies in and out, and it might have lots of seating, and it may have decent cargo space, but at the end of the day it's still a minivan. My preference was a nice, big SUV...seating, cargo space, not a mini-van. Unfortunately, a big'un wasn't in our budget. Shucks.
So we started looking at another SUV that would be bigger than what we had but still affordable and landed on a GMC Acadia. It has three rows which is great in case our family grows again, and the back row can fold down for Charlie and cargo room in case it doesn't. I'm loving it.
Oh, and I should add that it was a total surprise. Jereme found a great deal on one in Alabama but at the time our (his) mind wasn't totally made up. He traveled to South Carolina on business the week before Thanksgiving. On the day he was scheduled to come home, he left South Carolina and drove through Atlanta while we were not home (cleaned out his car, hid the contents in the garage and picked up his title), and arrived in Alabama to check out the car. Everything checked out and he traded in his Volkswagen and purchased the Acadia. Next thing I know, he called me from the road and asked me to meet him in the driveway! Such a great surprise!
So, Jereme is driving my Jeep (sans car seats!) and I am so thankful for my new ride!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
One month check up
Caroline's one month check up went great! She is a happy, growing baby and we are so thankful! She had to get one shot and she was NOT happy about it!
She screamed immediately and I could hardly schedule her next appointment because she was so loud! Next month will be two shots and an oral, so that should be fun!
Here are her one month stats (at 5 weeks):
Weight: 10.3 pounds (66%)
Height: 22 inches (70%)
Head: 15.25 inches (77%)
She screamed immediately and I could hardly schedule her next appointment because she was so loud! Next month will be two shots and an oral, so that should be fun!
Here are her one month stats (at 5 weeks):
Weight: 10.3 pounds (66%)
Height: 22 inches (70%)
Head: 15.25 inches (77%)
Sunday, November 20, 2011
My view
A fall afternoon spent in the sunroom with candles and a Diet Coke. Perfection.
Charlie in our bed. Where he isn't supposed to be.
Oh, life with a two-year-old. Sometimes it calls for "nose in the corner" time.
I loathe the fact that Walmart so conveniently puts these rides at the main entrance so we HAVE to go by them. But it makes this little one happy...
I do love holding a sleeping baby.
Right after her evening bath.
Charlie in our bed. Where he isn't supposed to be.
Oh, life with a two-year-old. Sometimes it calls for "nose in the corner" time.
I loathe the fact that Walmart so conveniently puts these rides at the main entrance so we HAVE to go by them. But it makes this little one happy...
I do love holding a sleeping baby.
Right after her evening bath.
10 hours and 45 minutes
That's how long Caroline slept last night. Straight through. No waking up. I'm praying this wasn't just a tease!! Keep it up, baby girl!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Daddy is home and I think he missed us
Jereme was in South Carolina for a few days this week and got home late last night. I think he missed us...
In other news, he's back to his goofy ways, too. This is how I found Emma Grace this morning while Jereme bathed her.
We are glad to have Daddy home!
In other news, he's back to his goofy ways, too. This is how I found Emma Grace this morning while Jereme bathed her.
We are glad to have Daddy home!
Thanksgiving Feast
Emma Grace's school had a Thanksgiving Feast yesterday. Jereme was in South Carolina on business, so it was just the girls this time. We missed him!
Her class did a little program in her classroom where they sang a few songs they had been working on, then all of the other preschool classes joined together for the feast. The food was catered and was a traditional thanksgiving meal...so good! The best part, though, was the program in her classroom.
I got there early (this room mom takes her job very seriously) and got to help them get dressed. Each child wore a t-shirt they had made, an Indian hat with feathers, and a necklace made out of noodles. The kids got dressed way too early. Do you know what it's like keeping two classes of 2-year-olds in shirts and hats and necklaces? Oh my word. I was sweating by the time the other parents arrived.
The kids practiced their songs a few times and Emma Grace did great. I got my camera and video camera ready for when they did it for real, got a spot up front, and was so excited to see my daughter's singing debut. Who knows, this video could have been what they showed when they did one of those TV biographies on her after she made it big. You never know.
Except that I don't think they'll show this particular video. You see, her singing debut didn't go too well. As soon as all the parents started piling in, she froze. Then she saw Dee Dee come in and that was the end of it. She cried and wanted to go to Dee Dee. I told her she had to go back to her chair and sing pretty. Clearly I need to work on my pep talk skills because, except for the very last song where she sang a few words and gave a few hand gestures, she sat there silent the entire time. She didn't look upset. She just looked around and watched everyone else. Like this was some sort of practice. Oh yeah, and she WOULD NOT wear her Indian hat. I guess the feathers weren't the look she was going for that day. And my sweet two-year-old has discovered she has an opinion and likes to use it. And, let's face it, there's no making a two-year-old wear an Indian hat when she doesn't want to. At least not when you're in public when other people are watching. I have to keep up my good standings as room mom, after all.
Emma Grace before school.
Gobbling like a turkey.
Her class did a little program in her classroom where they sang a few songs they had been working on, then all of the other preschool classes joined together for the feast. The food was catered and was a traditional thanksgiving meal...so good! The best part, though, was the program in her classroom.
I got there early (this room mom takes her job very seriously) and got to help them get dressed. Each child wore a t-shirt they had made, an Indian hat with feathers, and a necklace made out of noodles. The kids got dressed way too early. Do you know what it's like keeping two classes of 2-year-olds in shirts and hats and necklaces? Oh my word. I was sweating by the time the other parents arrived.
The kids practiced their songs a few times and Emma Grace did great. I got my camera and video camera ready for when they did it for real, got a spot up front, and was so excited to see my daughter's singing debut. Who knows, this video could have been what they showed when they did one of those TV biographies on her after she made it big. You never know.
Except that I don't think they'll show this particular video. You see, her singing debut didn't go too well. As soon as all the parents started piling in, she froze. Then she saw Dee Dee come in and that was the end of it. She cried and wanted to go to Dee Dee. I told her she had to go back to her chair and sing pretty. Clearly I need to work on my pep talk skills because, except for the very last song where she sang a few words and gave a few hand gestures, she sat there silent the entire time. She didn't look upset. She just looked around and watched everyone else. Like this was some sort of practice. Oh yeah, and she WOULD NOT wear her Indian hat. I guess the feathers weren't the look she was going for that day. And my sweet two-year-old has discovered she has an opinion and likes to use it. And, let's face it, there's no making a two-year-old wear an Indian hat when she doesn't want to. At least not when you're in public when other people are watching. I have to keep up my good standings as room mom, after all.
Right before the Indian hat got the boot.
EG is far right on the front row. She showed her bloomers most of the time. Proud parenting moment. At least she wasn't Kinley who picked her nose the entire time. Or Zach who got up and walked to his parents half way through.
Caroline slept through everything.
So, despite the lack of singing and headpieces, they kids were super cute and the lunch was delicious and Emma Grace sang her songs the entire way home. And you know what? It's not on video, but was just as perfect. We will always remember the Thanksgiving program where she wouldn't participate. I'm so thankful for her.
Place settings.
EG's placemat.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
First time to church as a family of FOUR!
Sunday was our first time to church as a family of four. Just saying that sounds so weird. And when I talk about "our girls", I can hardly believe I'm saying that. We have kids. Plural. Wow.
Anyway, we got everyone up and out the door on Sunday for church. We didn't make it in time for Sunday School, but truth be told, I wasn't even planning on it. I figure we start out with trying to get there by 11:00, then work our way to 9:45. Baby steps.
Of course, we had to document Caroline's first Sunday at church with a picture!
She did great. I wasn't ready to leave her in the nursery, so she came in the sanctuary with us. She stayed in her car seat the entire time. She slept a good bit and was content while she wasn't sleeping.
It was so good to be back and I'm thankful that Caroline made it easy on us!
Happy 1 Month Birthday, Caroline!
Sweet Caroline,
Today you are one month old. This month has flown by!
You are such a sweet baby. You are content and a pretty easy going second child, which makes for a great combination. You do get mad, though, and your mad cry is not a pretty sound.
You are a great sleeper! At only one month old, you typically sleep 6 straight hours at night followed by another 5 hours after a feeding. As I noted a couple of days ago, you slept 8 1/2 hours one night and 7 hours the next night. I am so proud of you (and extremely thankful!).
You are completely on formula now and eat every 3-4 hours during the day, depending on your nap schedule and I just increased your intake to 4 ounces because you were fussy immediately after feeding and that seems to have done the trick. You love to be swaddled and, so far, the swing isn't as wonderful in your eyes as it was in your sister's. I can't tell if your going to love the paci like your sister did. You take it here and there but spit it out a lot, too.
Your hair (the little you have) is still a light brown/blonde mix. You still have those typical baby blue/gray eyes. I can't wait to see how your looks will change (or stay the same) over the next couple of months.
You are starting to give little smirks but no big smiles yet. I can't wait to see a big one!
Some funny things about your right now: your hands are almost always in fists or held together, you cross your feet a lot, and you are almost always trying to look over your shoulder.
You are pretty forgiving of your big sister who is VERY helpful when it comes to taking care of you. She makes up for it by giving you lots of kisses and saying that you are so cute and beautiful.
You are just precious and we love you so much! Happy Birthday, baby girl!
Today you are one month old. This month has flown by!
You are such a sweet baby. You are content and a pretty easy going second child, which makes for a great combination. You do get mad, though, and your mad cry is not a pretty sound.
You are a great sleeper! At only one month old, you typically sleep 6 straight hours at night followed by another 5 hours after a feeding. As I noted a couple of days ago, you slept 8 1/2 hours one night and 7 hours the next night. I am so proud of you (and extremely thankful!).
You are completely on formula now and eat every 3-4 hours during the day, depending on your nap schedule and I just increased your intake to 4 ounces because you were fussy immediately after feeding and that seems to have done the trick. You love to be swaddled and, so far, the swing isn't as wonderful in your eyes as it was in your sister's. I can't tell if your going to love the paci like your sister did. You take it here and there but spit it out a lot, too.
Your hair (the little you have) is still a light brown/blonde mix. You still have those typical baby blue/gray eyes. I can't wait to see how your looks will change (or stay the same) over the next couple of months.
You are starting to give little smirks but no big smiles yet. I can't wait to see a big one!
Some funny things about your right now: your hands are almost always in fists or held together, you cross your feet a lot, and you are almost always trying to look over your shoulder.
You are pretty forgiving of your big sister who is VERY helpful when it comes to taking care of you. She makes up for it by giving you lots of kisses and saying that you are so cute and beautiful.
You are just precious and we love you so much! Happy Birthday, baby girl!
Monday, November 14, 2011
C's first trip to Cracker Barrel
While Jereme was in Alabama, we ventured out for Caroline's first experience at Cracker Barrel. Obviously, it will be a long time before she can experience the goodness. But I think I have a picture from EG's first visit and, for sentiments, I had to take one of Caroline, too!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday night
Tonight's agenda? Father/Daughter dance party...
Followed by a movie and popcorn.
Perfection.
Followed by a movie and popcorn.
Perfection.
Let there be sleep!
Guess who slept for 8.5 straight hours last night just shy of her 4 week birthday? This cutie!
I could hardly believe my eyes when I looked at the clock! Even better, she went back down for another 4 hours after eating. I don't know what did it, but I'm feeling like a superstitious athlete who wears the same dirty socks over and over for good luck because tonight in putting her back in the same pjs and hoping for another good night!
I could hardly believe my eyes when I looked at the clock! Even better, she went back down for another 4 hours after eating. I don't know what did it, but I'm feeling like a superstitious athlete who wears the same dirty socks over and over for good luck because tonight in putting her back in the same pjs and hoping for another good night!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Waiting on Daddy
Jereme is minutes from getting home from a trip to Alabama! He went with a group from our church to help rebuild a house that was destroyed by the tornado that hit Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia this summer. We are proud of his willingness to serve that community, but we are ready to have him home! Until then, we're just waiting!
(Um, how big does my big girl look? She's "reading" a book on the iPad.)
(Um, how big does my big girl look? She's "reading" a book on the iPad.)
Thursday, November 10, 2011
In a matter of minutes
Typical progression in the life of a newborn.
I'm content.
Now I'm tired.
And I'm out.
I'm content.
Now I'm tired.
And I'm out.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Twins (only 2.5 years apart)
I love my girls, especially when they are wearing matching outfits.
For the record, Caroline was supposed to be wearing a pink headband and bow, but she threw a fit when I put it on her. Bummer.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Evening cuddle
Caroline and I spent some time cuddling in the sunroom this evening while big sister and Daddy played in the backyard. So blessed...
Sunday, November 6, 2011
A house divided
It's no surprise that we are a house divided when it comes to collegiate sports. Thankfully, that's our only area of division although at times it seems pretty major. Jereme and I are living proof that sometimes you marry someone hoping to change something about them and it doesn't happen. Oh, how I have fantasized about the day we would both wear red into Carter-Finley Stadium. When we had season tickets to the State football games, he would often wear some random color and it aggravated me to no end! The closest thing I ever got out of him was white.
He knows I will never come over to the dark side, and I am slowly realizing he may never step into the light. But our latest obstacle is what to do with our children. Do we just let them decide on their own? Do we secretly coach them when the other parent isn't around?
Saturday was a big day as State and Carolina were playing each other (at Carter-Finley Stadium!). State has beat Carolina the last 4 years and I was really hoping they could make it 5. Jereme got up early and put Emma Grace in light blue (annoying!) before taking her to breakfast. I didn't have a single piece of red clothing to put Caroline in, so we had to compromise and put both girls in pink after Jereme and Emma Grace got home. The rest of the day contained a lot of trash talking (let's be honest...we had been doing that all week).
I'm so happy to say that State won! Jereme was fired up the entire time and I was having to remind him that little ears were listening! Emma Grace would yell at the T.V. "Oh, come on!!" and "Get the ball!!" and "What are you doing??" but she was also saying "Go Wolfpack!" throughout the game. I didn't even tell her to say that. It made Jereme so mad but I was thrilled that she did it without persuasion. It must have just been on her heart!
As a true Carolina fan, Jereme is already talking about basketball season. So typical! I'm just happy that State has held off Carolina for so many years in football and I get another year of bragging rights. We'll think about basketball season when it actually gets here!
He knows I will never come over to the dark side, and I am slowly realizing he may never step into the light. But our latest obstacle is what to do with our children. Do we just let them decide on their own? Do we secretly coach them when the other parent isn't around?
Saturday was a big day as State and Carolina were playing each other (at Carter-Finley Stadium!). State has beat Carolina the last 4 years and I was really hoping they could make it 5. Jereme got up early and put Emma Grace in light blue (annoying!) before taking her to breakfast. I didn't have a single piece of red clothing to put Caroline in, so we had to compromise and put both girls in pink after Jereme and Emma Grace got home. The rest of the day contained a lot of trash talking (let's be honest...we had been doing that all week).
I'm so happy to say that State won! Jereme was fired up the entire time and I was having to remind him that little ears were listening! Emma Grace would yell at the T.V. "Oh, come on!!" and "Get the ball!!" and "What are you doing??" but she was also saying "Go Wolfpack!" throughout the game. I didn't even tell her to say that. It made Jereme so mad but I was thrilled that she did it without persuasion. It must have just been on her heart!
As a true Carolina fan, Jereme is already talking about basketball season. So typical! I'm just happy that State has held off Carolina for so many years in football and I get another year of bragging rights. We'll think about basketball season when it actually gets here!
Playing outside with chalk before the game.
Watching the game (Jereme turns around his hat during games that are stressing him out. Every time. But I don't think he realizes it.)
Happily drinking my Diet Coke at dinner.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Caroline is 2 weeks old
Yet again, I'm late. The poor child may never know her actual birthday....
Sweet Caroline,
You are two weeks old! That doesn't seem like a long time, but life before you is already a little blurry. I definitely had more free time on my hands, but you are well worth the extra work.
You remain a pretty easy baby! You only seem to cry when you are hungry or want to go to sleep. You handle the ruckus of our house well and sleep through most of it.
You eat every three to four hours during the day, depending on whether you are sleeping or not, and do the same at night. You are in newborn diapers and clothing and I think you'll stay in them longer than your sister did! You are still sleeping in a bassinet in Mommy and Daddy's room and that is working out well for us (your sister got kicked out by this point, so good job!). If all goes as planned, we will move you into your own room in a few weeks. I think you'll like it in there, plus you won't have to hear Charlie groan in the middle of the night. It will be all yours.
Halloween was this week and you were a pumpkin, one of the two cutest pumpkins I've ever seen. You also Skyped with all of your grandparents this week. I think they are itching to see you again! The last milestone of your two week birthday is that it's Mommy's birthday, too. I'm glad our birthdays are close together...I envision lots of shared celebrations in the years to come.
Your family loves you, sweet baby. Happy Birthday.
Sweet Caroline,
You are two weeks old! That doesn't seem like a long time, but life before you is already a little blurry. I definitely had more free time on my hands, but you are well worth the extra work.
You remain a pretty easy baby! You only seem to cry when you are hungry or want to go to sleep. You handle the ruckus of our house well and sleep through most of it.
You eat every three to four hours during the day, depending on whether you are sleeping or not, and do the same at night. You are in newborn diapers and clothing and I think you'll stay in them longer than your sister did! You are still sleeping in a bassinet in Mommy and Daddy's room and that is working out well for us (your sister got kicked out by this point, so good job!). If all goes as planned, we will move you into your own room in a few weeks. I think you'll like it in there, plus you won't have to hear Charlie groan in the middle of the night. It will be all yours.
Halloween was this week and you were a pumpkin, one of the two cutest pumpkins I've ever seen. You also Skyped with all of your grandparents this week. I think they are itching to see you again! The last milestone of your two week birthday is that it's Mommy's birthday, too. I'm glad our birthdays are close together...I envision lots of shared celebrations in the years to come.
Your family loves you, sweet baby. Happy Birthday.
Caroline and Lambchop at 2 weeks
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Halloween
We took the girls to Emma Grace's school for a Trunk or Treat last night. They had food and lots of candy and Emma Grace had a lot of fun! We do have to work on one thing: given the choice, the girl will ALWAYS pick out a lollipop. I suppose this is a healthier option, but Mommy and Daddy are chocolate lovers. As much as I willed her to pick out a Reese's Cup, she went for the lollipop every single time.
From there, we came home and regrouped and Jereme and I took EG out to a few houses while Dee Dee and Caroline held down the fort and passed out candy. There were a TON of kids out in our neighborhood which is something we weren't used to in our neighborhood in Raleigh. In fact, we ran out of candy. Jereme was so embarrassed that we were THAT house that not only had a bowl sitting out for part of the night (while we were all at the Trunk or Treat) but also ran out of candy early. I'll know better for next year!
From there, we came home and regrouped and Jereme and I took EG out to a few houses while Dee Dee and Caroline held down the fort and passed out candy. There were a TON of kids out in our neighborhood which is something we weren't used to in our neighborhood in Raleigh. In fact, we ran out of candy. Jereme was so embarrassed that we were THAT house that not only had a bowl sitting out for part of the night (while we were all at the Trunk or Treat) but also ran out of candy early. I'll know better for next year!
Caroline helped me earlier in the day get the candy bags put together.
The Stouts, ready to head out!
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