Above Average

Valentine's Day:: I took all the gifts from the grandparents, aunts and uncles and put them in to one big package for each of the kids. Don't worry, we didn't take credit for your gifts, but it did mean Mommy and Daddy didn't buy a thing! (Actually that is a small story. I bought some jelly beans for Elle on Thursday but I ate them all before Saturday morning?!) Thanks family!

Valentine Fondue Dinner:: The menu consisted of ribeyes hot off the grill, cheese fondue with broccoli, asparagus, carrots and french bread for dipping. We saved dessert until Grady went to bed and had chocolate fondue with strawberries, kiwi, bananas, marshmallows, and pound cake for dipping. I'm not sure, but this probably contributed a great deal to my 8 pound weight gain at the doctor yesterday. I don't want anyone to think I am crazy about the weight thing. I understand that I am in the process of growing a baby and I want to gain weight. What I am a little concerned about is the rate of gain. There are some things you'd rather not be "above average" in, and this would be one of those categories. I'm now measuring a full week ahead (I was 23 weeks, but measuring 24) so we are either in for a humongous baby or he will arrive early. I am praying for the later option.

Sunday trip to Oak Mountain:: Beautiful weather, nice picnic lunch, but not before walking through a bunch of animal poop at the farm. Doesn't get much better than that. That little black goat was something else. And the peacocks are gorgeous! One even had it's tail feathers spread. Unfortunately, it only wanted to show the back side of it's feathers, so I did not take a picture.



Nice fresh haircut for little Grady man. Don't look too close. One of my many hats is also barber/hair dresser so my kids get free haircuts at home. They are too young to care. I am taking advantage. He does look pretty handsome though, if I do say so myself. He is also getting eight teeth at one time. All four molars and all four incisors (whatever ones are in front of your molars). And despite what the doctor's say, we've had a runny nose, diarrhea and slober like he was 6 months old. Even with all that, he's still a handsome little thing.

Go Dawgs!

We had a great time in Athens. The weather was wonderful, the kids spent a lot of time playing outside, and we got to hang out with our friends, Stephanie and Brian. And we did a lot of eating. Unfortunately I don't have pictures, but Stephanie is 14 weeks ahead of me and our bellies looked a bit too similar for me! In my defense, I am one baby ahead of her. We ate downtown Saturday night after Stephanie and I sat front row and watched the Georgia Gymdogs compete against the Auburn Tigers in a gymnastics meet. (For those who don't know, I was a competitive gymnast for about 3 years and this was such a treat for me!) After dinner, there was a guy playing the banjo on the street corner and the kids were feeling the music. So fun! **Also just a side note: Athens is where Steven asked me to marry him so it is a special place for us. I won't get too mushy:).

This week has been back to reality. I have pulled out every one of my parenting/discipline books, starting with Making Children Mind without Losing Yours, because I'm fairly confident I have been losing mine over the last few weeks. Reinforcements are on their way this weekend. My mom and sister are coming for the holiday weekend and that means help with the kids, plus Steven and I get a date!

One of those weeks

The happiness did not last. This cute thing has decided to give up his morning nap. I am okay with that. I said I would let him tell me when it was time. But I had hoped that it would not involve a lot of crankiness, whininess and general unhappiness. I'm not sure what I was thinking. And I am not blaming it all on the kids either. I haven't been the biggest peach to be around. Maybe it's the cold weather or the fact that we hadn't been outside in three days. And Steven was out of town Tuesday for an auction on Wednesday. Today brought some rays of hope and sunshine (literally) and we just spent an hour at the playground. We will see if that helps each of us with the grumpies. I know some weeks are just harder than others and I'm glad the Lord gives me second and third and fourth chances.

After naptime, we are on the road to Athens, GA to visit some dear friends for the weekend. I never really look forward to trips more than an hour with the kids (my kids do not sleep in the car), but the company and fellowship will be more than worth it. I also have a surprise treat with just my friend and no children tomorrow afternoon that I am pumped about!

**We found this old paci of Elle's when I cleaned out the closest last week. Neither of my children took a paci but found their thumbs at around 6 weeks. It's a fun toy now.

On another note, please pray for my MIL. She leaves tomorrow for a mission trip to Africa for eight days. Thank you. For those you are interested, the triplets are really doing well. Mom has done a few updates with pictures. Happy weekend!

They Are In

I am a happy mommy today. I will have four hours, one day a week, in the fall all to myself... well not entirely, but close enough. This morning's events set the stage for life with a preschooler, a toddler and a newborn: Pre-K and Mother's Day Out Fall Registration. This was a new experience for us. Last year, the kids and I were there one February morning about 7:45 AM. About four or five people were ahead of us in line. I knew it might be full since those already enrolled and members of the church had registered a couple weeks earlier. As Providence would have it, there was a spot for a girl in one of the 3K classes. Elle has loved school this year, made lots of new friends, and grown socially, spiritually and educationally. I have also benefited from the two mornings she is at school. It's given me a few hours (when Grady naps!) mostly for needed housework, but also given Grady and I some time to ourselves (when he doesn't nap!).

My husband was at the school by 6:30 AM. Registration began at 8 AM. When I called to ask how many people were in front of him he replied, "I don't know. I can't see that far." One guy, so we heard, was there since 10 PM the night before. Others had arrived as early as 4 AM. Seriously. But alas, all my worry was for nothing. Both kids were able to get in the days we wanted. Elle will go to a MWF 4K class and Grady will go to MDO on Wednesday. I am excited to know I will have one morning with just a newborn. A big thanks to Steven for spending two early hours of his Monday morning to secure them a spot.