Week in Review ~ 9/21

We had a pretty quiet week resulting in not many pictures.  Avery and I went to Sunday School and left Ned and Sam at home.  I found out Saturday that the stomach virus was running through the sitter's, and Sam had some diaper issues Sunday morning that made me nervous, so I didn't want him passing on potential germs.  He was fine all day and we definitely got off easy compared to some families.  We enjoyed the afternoon and evening at home.

Our week was just a regular week with our regular commitments.  Ned's parents were gone and I prayed hard that the kids would remain well.  Ned can't be out of the office while his mom isn't there, and writing sub plans to keep Kindergartners busy would be a challenge.  Thankfully everyone was healthy.

We ate dinner at home Friday night because I was going to be gone Saturday night.

We started our Saturday off with some shenanigans.  My parents have Instagram to keep up with us, and they thoroughly enjoyed this bit of fun and were so amazed that no one "taught" Sam to do this.  Nope, Sam is pretty much self-taught.

Avery and I went to a Kelly's Kids party at Amanda's in the late morning, and Sam and Ned ran errands and got groceries.  Avery ate a huge pizza lunch at Amanda's then got in the car and asked what we were having for lunch.  The kids napped and I got some things done, and then it was time for my painting adventure.

Painting the Night Away

A while ago my friend Anna mentioned that she would like to celebrate her birthday by going to an evening painting class, so last night a few members of our friend group headed to Richmond to Spirited Art. Some of the girls had done one before, but I had not. As Picasso is not my middle name, I wasn't sure what to expect other than the fall scene we were to paint.

After a quick stop at Trader Joe's, Anna, Kristen, and I met Julie and a friend and picked our painting spots. Julie and her friend chose to freehand the painting while the rest of us were thrilled to trace part of our image. We also got busy ordering our food. I think Virginia law prohibits bringing food in so you're able to order from The Wine Loft next door. My crab and asparagus flatbread was delicious, and I was slightly sad that I had to split my eating time with painting.

We were lead through the painting step by step, from how to mix colors to brush techniques for different parts of the painting. Thank goodness there is not much competitiveness in me, so I was just happy to go about my business and laugh at what wasn't looking quite right. I did enjoy the painting part and look forward to trying it again. I especially love that our painting can be used for seasonal decorating, and I would love to do some holiday things as well. 

We left Richmond about 9:30 and a steady rain made it take forever to get home. That of course just makes more time for girl talk. Our time away would not have been complete without a few crazy moments including a loose wheel on the interstate, a loud burp, and a breast pump plug incompatible with my car. I'm so thankful for a group of girls to get away and laugh with from time to time.

Week in Review ~ 9/14

We had a busy, full week back in the swing of things.  We had our regular church things Sunday morning, then we went to the Millers' that night for dinner to celebrate Anna's birthday.  We had a good time and the kids played well.  Before we went, Ned turned Sam's car seat around.  He wasn't quite sure what to think at first.  We swapped kids' spots in the car so that I can access Sam better now that he is riding with me the most.

I met Ned and the kids at the doctor's office Monday afternoon for Sam's 18 month check.  He continues to grow by leaps and bounds, his picky dinnertime tendencies are normal and we're handling them correctly, and he went through the finger prick like a champ.  Shots were put off because they were out of one and the flu shot he needed had not come in.  Ned and Avery went to Lowe's while Sam and I were at the doctor, then we all rushed home to eat and get Avery to her first night of Bible Zone.  It took her a few minutes to warm up, but she had a great time.

Daddy allows my wardrobe choices.

Avery had a field trip to a watermelon patch Wednesday.  That was a longer trip on the bus so I had to prepare myself for that.  She had a fun time and brought home her own watermelon.  We did have an issue when I didn't have a watermelon shirt for her to wear.  Then there was the news that she had to wear her Y t-shirt.  She also had dance that night.  Poor Sam is having a hard time with me leaving on Monday and Wednesday nights, even though on Mondays I come right back.  I think he just wants to go.

We went to the Mexican restaurant Friday night, then Ned took the kids home while I went to the grocery store.  We had a busy Saturday coming up and I needed to get that chore out of the way.

Ned had a hunt club workday Saturday, so he left early for that.  He came home in time for us to all get ready and head to a bike-a-thon to benefit a scholarship for a little girl killed in a sledding accident in January.  I did not know the family well but it is still overwhelming to think about.  We enjoyed spending time with Caleb and Camden while Anna was out of town.

It's probably time to mention that Camden is photographed from behind because her parents don't put pictures showing her face on social media, and I absolutely support their decision.

Avery rode 4 laps before needing to try out the bounce house.  Most everyone else was still riding, so the bounce house was calm enough for Sam to try too.  We had to get an older girl to bring him out.

We passed on getting lunch at the bike-a-thon since we had busy Sam, so we all went to The Palm Tree.  Once we got back home, the kids napped and Ned went back to his work day.  That night, we went to my parents' to celebrate my mom's birthday.  I cheated and had Anna make my favorite cupcake, I knew it was one my mom would like too.  We had a good time there then hurried home to get everyone in bed.

Week in Review ~ 9/7

Last week was the first week of school for both Avery and me!  Everyone had a good week.

On Sunday we went to Sunday School and then I kept the nursery.  We left after Ned took communion and met my parents at Cracker Barrel.  We tried to run to Walmart after naps but it started raining terribly.  We had hot dogs for dinner since we had such a big lunch.

We were all home Monday and mainly stayed around the house.  We did finally make it to Walmart for the things we needed.  Ned cooked steaks on the grill to say goodbye to the summer season.

 Aiding and abetting during time out

Tuesday was Avery's first day of 4 year preschool.

She was excited to move to Ms. Brenda's class and had a great day.  It was also my first day of Kindergarten.  I was exhausted at the end of the day, but overall things went well and my kids were very cute.  Ned had a church meeting that night, and I did my best to stay awake until he got home.  I was asleep before 9:30.

Avery started dance Wednesday night.  She is still tired at the end of the school day and was a little unsure about dance, even though she has the same teacher.  The parents hung out in the room for awhile and then she was fine for me to go sit.  It is nice to get my Mom time back with Anna, but we are pushing it to get to dance by 5:30 p.m.  Ned and Sam will be having boys' dinner on Wednesday nights.  Sam seemed to enjoy this and ate a ton of the chicken spaghetti that he refused the night before.

The rest of the week went well for everyone.  We have a lot of work to do in Kindergarten in terms of rules, procedures, and learning about school, but I really think I'm going to like it a lot.  Avery continued to love school, and Ned and Sam had good weeks as well.

Avery brought home Chester Friday night to stay the weekend.  She was not all that interested in including him in our weekend activities.  We met Ned at FoSho for dinner Friday night.

Ned worked on the farm Saturday morning, and the kids and I stayed home.  Sam turned 18 months old!  After naps, I went to the grocery store.  Since I got home late, we decided to just go to Applebee's.  I left one of Sam's before meal foods at home, and I thought he was going to cry until the meal came.  Luckily, a cup of water and some crackers were enough entertainment.

18 Months

Dear Sam,

First, I must apologize for no 17 month post.  Truthfully, it was the 9th or 10th of August before I realized that the 7th of the month had past.  I had every intention of getting the post done, but by the middle of the month I could no longer remember what had happened when, so here we are.  Yes, you are the 2nd child, but we love you lots.

We go to the doctor Monday for you well-check, so we'll get new measurements then.  Mid-August you were still 26 pounds like you were at 15 months.  I feel certain you've grown in height.  We are retiring most of your 18m cotton one-piece outfits and some of your bubbles.  You have a pair of Carter's 18m pants that fit, but I think after a few wash cycles they'll be too short.  It is almost time to think about the next size in pajamas, and we'll be measuring your foot soon for fall shoes.  You are wearing a size 4 diaper.

Eating has been a bit of a challenge lately.  Things you loved like french fries, waffles, and pancakes can be hit or miss, depending on your mood or your location.  Breakfast and lunch still go pretty well, but dinner usually turns you into a puddle of tears.  You have no desire to try anything new.  Sometimes you will pick it up and put it right back down.  You still get what we get for dinner, but I make sure there is at least one thing you like on your plate.  Dinner is usually a lot of yogurt or cheese and applesauce or fruit.  You did eat chicken spaghetti last week after crying over it the night before.  Maybe we are slowly turning a corner.  You've had your first juice in the last 2 months, but only the remnants of Avery's juice box.  Luckily you haven't shown interest in it since, but you did suck it down.  For several months you would steal Avery's sippy cups with straws, so you now have your own.  We got you your own cup of water at Applebee's tonight and you drank 2 cups like a pro.  I think hot dogs have been your only new major food introduction.

I took away your morning nap when we came home from the beach and you did well.  You were going down for you afternoon nap around 12:30 but now it is anytime from 12:30-1:00 and occasionally later if we're out.  You sleep 1.5-2 hours.  You wake up around 6:30 a.m. and were sometimes sleeping later at the end of the summer.  You still go to bed at 7 p.m.

You talk all the time and are adding more and more real words to the mix, although a lot are still only understandable to your family.  Daddy is now Deda and Mommy is Mema.  You call Daddy more than me.  In the last 2 months you've added go go go, teacher {from Brown Bear Brown Bear}, snack, achoo, ball, Caillou (Yayou), rock rock {pronounced with Cs}, baby, chip, beep beep, please {meeee}, and Poppa.  You've been saying Yaya for awhile.  I'm sure there are more that I'm forgetting and many that I'm not picking up on yet.

You are still happy to just play and see what you can find.  Lately you love to push the golf clubs around inside and outside and throw the balls in front of you.  You still love your books and have added a nursery rhyme book, Sniff!, and Toes, Ears, and Nose! to your favorites.  You do love TV but rarely sit to watch it for long periods.  You like the Disney favorites Mickey, pirates, Sofia, and Doc McStuffins, and you also like Caillou.  You will bring the remote if you are not pleased with what's on.  We watched a little Barney this summer and you seemed to like that like Avery did.  You love to wander around outside and have no problem wandering away from us.  You are busy, busy both inside and outside.  It is not uncommon to find you on the living room sofa looking out the window, about to tumble off the ottoman, or halfway up the stairs.  One day you made it all the way up and went to your room to turn your sound on.  My bathroom products or kitchen items are never in the bathroom or kitchen thanks to you.  And yes, we have babyproofed the dangerous items and areas, other than the steps.  As busy as you are, you are still happy to cuddle multiple times during the day.  You are not a hugger, but will lean your sweet head in for a kiss anytime you are asked.  You and Avery get along very well and love each other very much, except for the times you don't.  Sometimes Avery gives you a hard time because she doesn't realize you will soon be able to give her one back.  You are starting to show her it's coming though.

You seem to be out of the fussy stage that you were in several weeks ago.  You were drooling, chewing on your fingers, and fussing in your sleep.  I even took you to the doctor but nothing was wrong.  I'm thinking that your 2 year molars must have been moving.  I don't think they have broken through and you don't seem bothered now.  You are usually very happy.

Sam, I can't believe we are halfway through your 2nd year and halfway to 3!  You are growing, changing, and learning faster than I thought possible.  I could kiss your face and look at your bright smile and eyes all day.  You are such a gift to our family.

We love you to bits and pieces!
Mommy and Daddy