Disney!

We had a great time at Disney. We stayed in a "cabin" at Fort Wilderness... this is where Rick's folks have taken Rick and Kevin ever since they were small boys. On Monday, Richard and Carol still weren't feeling quite well, so they finally talked us into taking Kaitlyn into the park while they stayed at the campgrounds with Zach (we wanted them to be the ones to take her into the park). Kevin was back to work, so wasn't able to join us there. Zach, of course, enjoys himself wherever he is, and it sounds like they had a very pleasant and leisurely day at the campgrounds.

Meanwhile, we were at Disney on what I overheard was one of the busiest days of the year. It was NUTS, but Kaitlyn enjoyed it immensely, so it was worth it. Our first stop was Cinderella's castle... we got there just in time for the show in front of the castle with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty (K's favorite), and many other dancers. She was enthralled.

Next we hit the carousel (always her favorite) and a few other rides, and stopped in a shop and got her a Sleeping Beauty nightgown, which she wore the rest of the day. Here she is trying it on and admiring herself in a mirror.

And even though he didn't go into the park with us, Mema and Bebop made sure Zach got some Disney attire too!

Then it was time for the Christmas parade. Oh wow! Did she ever love that. There were 3 High School marching bands from around the country that preceded the parade, and though it was loud (those who know her well know how sensitive she is to loud noises), she greatly enjoyed them. Then she started seeing characters she knew... Pooh and friends... Mickey and Minnie... the princesses (especially Sleeping Beauty), Santa and his reindeer. She waved and blew kisses the whole time.

Now how were we to top that?? We got to MEET the princesses. She fell asleep on our shoulders while we waited in line (yes it was a very long wait), and we woke her when we were in the same room with them. Oh what a way to wake up! I was afraid she'd be afraid of them... no, she went up to them like they were long lost best friends!

My favorite part, by far, was the next day when Mema asked Kaitlyn which princess was her favorite (and have you picked up on that yet?). So I was totally expecting to hear her say "Sleeping Beauty" but she said "ME!"

Kaitlyn is definitely MY favorite princess!

More about the Beach...

We spent a couple hours at the beach on Saturday... Kaitlyn remembered it well from her first time, and quickly dug into the sand and enjoyed playing on the edge of the water. It was in the 80s, but the water was VERY cold so we didn't swim. Zach, on the other hand, hated the sand and wanted nothing to do with it. And he hated being in the sun, so didn't want to be down by the water (poor guy inherited every fair-skinned gene Rick and I have). So while Kaitlyn ran around and had a ball, Zach was either whining or crying most of the time. Poor guy. Anyways, finally got the pics uploaded so I could post a couple here...

It turns out that the sickness that Rick, his Dad and his Mom all got that night was probably food poisoning from the place where we ate lunch (so much for FRESH fish!). So though they were shaky on Sunday morning, they wanted to proceed with the plans to go to Disney...

Merry Christmas

Well, a little late... but as you'll soon read, it's been quite hectic. But then, when is it not?

Christmas morning was so fun, watching the kids open their gifts and play with their new toys. We enjoyed a big breakfast together, and just played. When the kids went down for naps, we packed the car and when they woke, we hit the road for the airport.

Our flight to Florida to spend Christmas with Rick's folks went very well. The flight arrived 20 mins early, and both kids did great! We got to Mema & Bebop's house, and right away Kaitlyn spotted "Presents!!" under the tree. So she had her 4th (and final) set of Christmas presents to open. She remembered the house well, and was very excited to see Uncle Kevin, whom she hasn't seen in almost a year. I was quite impressed that she remembered him. But then, we've always been intentional about keeping family pictures low on the fridge for her (and now Zach) to see and hold easily, as well as "toy" photo albums for them to play with. And I believe that has been a big help in keeping her connected to the out of state family. I can see Zach beginning to notice their pictures and play with them more now too.

Anyhow, we got here safely. I was just a little sick the next morning (sore throat and achy), but by Friday I was fine. So today we loaded up and drove to the beach for the day. Kaitlyn had a BALL running in the sand and water. Of course, I had to let her know it was okay for her to get "dirty" (yes, she's all girl!) but then she really got into digging into the sand and loved spashing in the water. Zach, on the other hand, HATED the beach. Might be he was still too tired to take well to all that new stuff, but he cried or whined most of the time we were there, and espcially didn't want anything to do with either sand or water. We got back to the house, and determined that he, Rick and Rick's Dad ALL have fevers, with the two Dad's being quite high. So the boys are all down for the count. We are praying for quick recovery, because tomorrow we're supposed to head out for Disney.

On a sad note, my Grandma (Mom's Mom) died on Christmas Day. Mom was by her side as she just slowed down and breathed her last. She was 94. She was a great cook (I remember how patiently she let Sandi and I "help" make bread or pies even while we were very young... and yes, I cherish her cherry pie recipe!). She was smart, loved interesting conversations, and very well read. Please pray for Mom and her brother Bill as they work out all the logistics and details. And pray for Miles... he was her 2nd husband (they married after both were widowed quite young), and their rooms were side by side in the nursing home. He is 93, and I know he will feel her loss so profoundly. I am ever so grateful that we were able to introduce Grandma to her only great-grandchildren last summer. That visit gives me great comfort. And I am grateful that I'll be back to TN in time to turn around and go to Ohio for her service.

Z's laughter

Lately, Zach's been experimenting with sounds. His latest is that when he really gets laughing hard, he sounds more like he's coughing up a hairball. Really cracks us up! (Please forgive the jiggling camera. I just got so tickled watching him!)

Z's got talent

Check out Zach's spoon trick...

Singing

Kaitlyn is learning new songs at church that I don't even realize she has learned. The other day she started singing the Gaither's chorus "Let's Just Praise the Lord" and I just got so tickled. It's long been one of my favorites, but it hasn't come to mind in quite a while, so to have my 2 year old singing it was especially sweet.

Rick and I were quizzing her about what she knows about God (in part because I wanted to get a sense of what she knew and what we need to work on), and her first answer was "God loves me." I couldn't have hoped for a better answer!

A Star is Born

Kaitlyn had her "debut" last week. The Children's choir sang, and yes, she was the one that's in every crowd... can't stand still, totally performing for the crowd. And we enjoyed every minute of it.


I have thus far failed to get any updated family group pics with us and/or grandparents.

While Kaitlyn is our performer, Zach is our engineer. He picks up a toy and studies it and figures it all out. Recently he's been focused on the kitchen. Perhaps he'll be a cook? He does love to eat!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful for! Of course, we are thankful that God chose to love us and save us. We are thankful for our marriage and our kids. We are thankful for our health. We are thankful for wonderful Grandparents... in Ohio, Florida, and of course, the adopted ones here in Tennessee... they joined us for Thanksgiving dinner. At least I got an updated picture with them. Finally.


We are thankful for our new home here in Tennessee, and the friends God has given. We are thankful for Rick's job, and how much he is enjoying it. We are thankful to be part of a church where we can grow in the Lord and that takes seriously God's command to "Go." And we are thankful for our many friends who are not close in distance, but our hearts will always be knit together.

We are thankful to live in the USA. We may not always agree with the changes being sought, but at least we have the opportunity to have our voice heard... may we never take it for granted.

Getting Away

Rick and I got to take our first weekend away, just the two of us, since before kids (BK). It was SO nice. We slept in, read the paper. I actually finished a cup of coffee while it was still hot. We wandered around the area, without having to plan for naptimes, and without having to pack up just to walk out the door. It was really great - so very restful.

Florida Mema & Bebop came up to be with the kids while we were gone. They all had a really great time. This was an unusually long stretch since last time they'd seen each other (since June), but Kaitlyn didn't miss a beat, and Zach quickly figured out how much fun they are. We're looking forward to seeing them again in just a month.

The bad part, is I had great intentions of getting an informal portrait of the 4 of them together, and we just never made it happen. So I have no pics. Good thing they're good with their camera... I know they got a lot of good shots.

Kaitlyn's Loves...

This is "Dolly." She has been inseparable from Kaitlyn since the beginning. She has this thing about rubbing her braids under her nose. Needless to say, Dolly gets frequent "baths."
But as of a couple days ago, Dolly has some competition, in the name of Barbie. She loves her big Barbie (as opposed to the little 4" ones that were in McD's Happy Meals for a while... that's where she first discovered Barbie). I'm not really ready for her to start this phase, but I don't think I have a choice. She is ALL girl.

Home Again

It's official. After 3 nights of staying dry in a pullup, Kaitlyn said she wanted to sleep in her big-girl panties, and she hasn't worn a diaper or pullup since. I tell her how proud I am that she's staying dry, and she'll grin and chant "No more diapers! No more pullups!". Yah Hoo!!!

The rest of our trip to Ohio was terrific. We played outside lots, including a couple trips into the woods. I'm thankful the weather was unseasonably warm, because on one trip, Kaitlyn discovered the fun of splashing in the creek and ended up completely soaked. She had a ball! She also got quite good on her scooter. And she did very well on the return trip to Tennessee, so for that I am also thankful.

It was so great to see Zach again! I missed my boy! Rick had him in the tub when we got home, so when he saw me, he grinned, waved, then clapped. I loved it. Our reunion was perfect... lots of smiles and hugs, and he wasn't clingy either. Rick commented a couple times how much he enjoyed the exclusive time with Zach, and I can really tell Zach's bond with him is stronger.

Of course, much gratitude goes to Tote and June, who kept Zach during the days while Rick worked, and then fed Rick supper when he went to pick up Zach. I know Rick sure was grateful. Who knows... June's such a good cook, he may be urging me to go away again soon!

Ohio

We've had a great trip so far. the drive went quite well - 8 hours and three pit stops. And Kaitlyn stayed dry the whole way. And she's stayed dry overnight the past two nights. I think we're there. Not that there won't still be accidents. But she's finally made the decision to stay dry, and I am SO glad.

We spent the past couple days exploring around Mema and Bebop's house. Playing ball in the backyard, exploring through the woods adjacent to their backyard, and learning to ride the scooter (like a razr, but with two wheels in the back for stability). She's REALLY liking that.

And I have been REALLY liking the extra sleep. The first morning, she slept til 8:30, then I sent her to Mema and Bebop, and I got another hour after that. And today we both slept until 9:20! I was shocked! And Rick said Zach was up today at 6:30. And that means tomorrow with time change, he may be up as early as 5:30. I sure picked a good weekend to come here.

I do miss my sweet boy. Rick says he's fine, playing hard with Daddy. I guess so, because Rick got him to take 2 1-1/2 hour naps today, and he still went out before 7. I miss Zach terribly, but I'm thankful that while he misses me, he probably doesn't grasp how long I've been gone. I just hope our reunion goes well. I've heard stories that go both way, so I'm hoping for the good.

It's been refreshing being here, spending time with old friends (I may soon have to find another way to express that sentiment, as mid-life is quickly drawing near!). And being in a different routine for a few days. I know Kaitlyn is enjoying it greatly too, and that's the most important part! And it's always good to get to spend a few days with Mom and Dad, no matter how old I am.

Crazy Week

Well, Zach was sick again this week. Poor little guy... he gets a fever for about 5 days, but not really any other symptoms. Docs assure me it's viral. But this is the 4th time in two months... it's almost like clockwork. He's such a sweetie, really doesn't complain much... just gets cuddlier. And I am thankful... Kaitlyn's illnesses almost always hit her in her stomach, with, shall we say, messy results at both ends. So if it has to be, I'll take fever and extra hugs over that anytime.

He is better now, and Kaitlyn has stayed healthy, so tomorrow Kaitlyn and I are heading to Ohio to visit my folks. I hate that I can't take Zach, but I'm really not ready to tackle the trip alone with the two of them until Z-man is a little older. So he gets to stay home and have special Daddy time, and I just know he'll love spending his days with Grandma June and Grandpa Tote. I'll miss him, but I'm looking forward to the one on one time with Kaitlyn and getting to see my folks and friends up North.

It's been fun anticipating this trip with Kaitlyn - a new thing now that she's gaining an understanding of time. And she's so excited about getting to see her Mema and Bebop. Dad broke his knee so they've been unable to make their usual bi-monthly trip down here, and I think at some level she knows it's been longer than usual since she's seen them.

Bonus - when we get back, I'll get her started on anticipating a visit from Florida Mema and Bebop. They'll be up the week before Thanksgiving, so it won't be long not at all!

Kaitlyn Modeling

Here's Kaitlyn showing off her "new" gymnastics outfit (thanks, Hannah!)...


And here she's dancing in her very cute Pooh outfit (thanks, Mema & Bebop) that she got for Zach's birthday...

Zach waves Hi to Mema & Bebop

Twinkle Twinkle

I just love the way Kaitlyn sings "Twinkle Twinkle L-l-l-little Star"

A Typical Dinner Conversation

I remember once before I had kids, talking on the phone to my friend, Lisa, who had 4 kids. The conversation was difficult due to noise and interruptions on her end, and made some sort of comment that I couldn't imagine functioning in such an environment. And she wisely said that you grow into it. And so I submit to you a recent typical dinnertime conversation at our house. And I wouldn't have it any other way!

My Baby is 1!!

Zach turned 1 today! Can't believe it's been a year already!

Mmmm.... this is good

Are you sure this is okay?

This is fun!

Come play with me!!

What else you got for me?

What do you mean bath time?!?

Kaitlyn was all smiles for her brother's birthday!

Uh Oh!

He's officially crawling now. Zach has discovered he can get himself around and explore on his own. And it's funny, the first time he took off, it was like he'd been doing it for months. Like he's been able to do it all along, but only just decided to show us. Today he discovered his reflection in the mirror of the curio cabinet. He loves the mirror in his bedroom, but he's never noticed this one before, and he got a big kick out of checking himself out. He's also really beginning to enjoy being outside. We went out for a walk tonight and as soon as he realized what we were doing, he got all excited, and he sat there in the stroller just looking all over the place and grinning in the breeze. And oh, he is so ticklish, and loves being tickled. Most evenings after dinner we all end up, as Kaitlyn says, "play bed?". We tickle and wrestle and tussle and hug. The kids ride horsey on our knees and soar in the air as we hold them over our heads. Zach LOVES this. He starts laughing before he's even on the bed. Rolls around and laughs. If I tickle his foot and then stop, he'll stretch it out for me to tickle again. So funny!

Challenges and Joys

I find a lot of sympathy from other parents who have lived through the "terrible two's". And I find it's easy to get distracted by all the challenges, and miss the fun. So yes, there are times I would describe as terrible. But calling it the terrible two's doesn't even hint at all the fun that is had with a two year old. Pointing to Bebop's big belly and saying he's full. And then sticking her belly out and saying she's full too. The adorable way she sings. The way she tilts her head when she smiles. The way she scoops up imaginary baby birds and pets them then helps them fly off. They way she pats her little brother on the head and coos to him. The way she reacts when she first sees me after being apart... running across the room as fast as her little feet can fly, and jumping into my arms and giving hugs that you want to never end. The way she gets on the phone with Memaw and Bebop, then takes the phone across the room to "show" them something. And she's got the cutest little giggle in the whole world! Yes, she's my challenge. But she is also my great joy.

Resiliency

I'm always so amazed at how routines are fundamental to the kids day. While Zach was sick over the past week, he was napping (or not) at all times of the day. One of my first indications that he was truly on the mend was that he fell back into his regular pattern of nap and wake times.

And Kaitlyn is beginning to show signs of getting sick in that her sleep patterns are a little off. No fever yet, but I'm watching carefully.

The kids are also a living reminder of what Dr. Stanley always taught about HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired). If any of those factors are in play, people usually lose their ability to intentionally manage themselves. Adults may be able to mask it, but not a 2-year old. When I picked Katilyn up from preschool, she was already tired, and quite hungry, neither of which she would admit. Lunch became a battle. When she finally got enough food in her that I knew hunger was no longer an issue, I had to find a way to get her to bed, which she was totally fighting. (This brings up another whole question I don't really understand... when a child is tired, why do they resist sleep?!?) So after a couple of failed attempts, I just left her in her room, screaming, for about 1 minute, then when I went in she was just ready to be held. A couple minutes of hugging, and she laid right down and was probably asleep before I got out of the room. Amazing. As I write this, she's been out for almost 3 hours. Definitely tired!

She's also regressed yesterday with the whole potty thing - she wet herself twice. Part of me thinks that she thinks it's a way of asserting some measure of control over her life, because both times I had just tried to get her to go potty. It may also be part of the HALT thing too. I don't know. I'm just pretty sure it wasn't truly an accident. She just gets in these moods that if I tell her the sky is blue, she'd argue it was green, just because she doesn't want me to be right. Last night I was a helper in her Sing to the King class at church, and if I told her to do something, she'd go the other way, but if another adult asked her, she was quick to obey. Is this a mother-daughter thing? Or a strong-willed child thing? Or something I'm doing wrong?? I pray God will give me wisdom, bless my efforts, and protect her from my mistakes!

What a day!

The good news is Zach is finally on the mend. He started the morning with a very slight fever (5th day in a row!) but as of bedtime, he was fine - YAY!! He's still draining and sounds rather hoarse, and is still a little whiny as a result. But he was also more playful than he'd been in a week, so we had a fun day.

Kaitlyn had one of those days that she just pushed all day long. Started with not wanting to eat her breakfast, then she threw a fit when I took her plate away. By this time she's sat not eating for almost 45 minutes! So now I'm trying to hurry up and dress her to get going to preschool, and she's crying because she wants to wear her pajamas. And I don't have her favorite pair of undies clean (this must be the downside of no more diapers!). We finally get out the door and drop her off at preschool with no further incidents. And she has a great time - came out all happy and excited. Lunchtime was fun, but then she took a really short nap, like less than an hour, and the rest of the afternoon and evening was no better than the morning. The strange thing is, I know a lot of it is intentional. I ask her "x" and she says "no" and I see her watching me, and as soon as I move on to the next thing, she starts crying because she wants "x". UGH!

Of all days that Rick has to work late. By the time he got home, I kissed her good night and told him she was all his! Long shower, here I come. She was asleep by the time I got out. I am SO praying tomorrow is a better day! It amazes me how she can drive me so nuts, and end up making me smile at the end of it all.

Going Live

Okay, so I'm going to start trying to update this at least once a week. I think you can setup to receive notification whenever I add a post. This way I can post pictures and kinda keep a journal of what's going on with the family, and someday I hope the kids will enjoy going back and reading it...

Zachary

My baby boy is quickly approaching his 1st birthday, and I can hardly believe it. He's totally adorable, and is totally in love with his big sister.

Finally!

Kaitlyn has finally decided to stay dry. I know she's been capable for months, but for whatever reason, she finally decided she wanted to. Now she's wearing big girl panties. Still pullups at night, but that's more for my peace of mind. She's wakened up dry 3 of the last 4 mornings (that is, only after I take her to pee in the middle of the night!). I'm thrilled!

For her reward, she wanted to go on this bungee jump ride thingy at the mall (think jump rope, not jumping off a cliff). So after she stayed dry three days in a row, Rick took her. I was disappointed not to go too, but Zach was sick so I stayed home with him. Well, Rick said she had a great time, and I think the picture says it all.

Getting Started

This is my first attempt at a blog. With our family and friends so spread out, it's something I've been wanting to do for a while. So this is basically a test blog so I can begin to see how this works, and hopefully I can begin to add more fun things soon!

But just for starters, here's the most recent photo of the kids!