Christmas Tree Shopping

The evening we got our tree it was freezing! Parks was shocked at how compliant I was with getting the 2nd tree he held up. It was great I was cold! The girls were all over the place, of course. No shots of them among the trees, just playing around.
I am declaring a new tradition this year. A kids tree! They got to choose the decor (pink and green) and each year I will give them an ornament that represents the year as eventual keepsakes for them. Any other closet control freaks reading this understand that this allows me to keep my tree decorated in my preference :) So far, so good.

Playdate with our friend, Wrenn, longtime Mother's Morning out buddy

Long Time no Post

It's been a while since we've posted. Since then we have given up on our old camera and bought a new one. I am thrilled with the shutter speed and now more determined than ever to get the elusive picture of both girls smiling together that I can't seem to achieve.

In the mean time we've gone to Houston for Thanksgiving (which was before we got the camera so I'm getting some pictures from my sister in law to post). Most days recently have been spent getting the house ready for Christmas, making curtains, wrangling the girls, and keeping them busy in this freezing weather.

On a side note, Charlotte is climbing out of her crib now. I've witnessed it once, she hoists herself onto the top bar, straddles it, slowly brings her legs to the outside and drops down. She has a plastic doorknob cover on the inside of her door so she can't get out by herself. This doesn't slow her down though because she just calls for Lily Kate who lets her out. At least 3 mornings this past week I have woken up to the girls playing in the living room together. All this to say I'm thinking we'll make the big move to a big girl bed in January and also the move to a shared room with Kate. I foresee total chaos at bedtime, at least for the first month. Lots of laughing and wrestling which inevitably turns into crying....not going to worry about that yet...for now I'll just think about the fun parts like fabric for the curtains that will match the twin bead spreads.

Good Morning Princesses

This is what I found this morning. Charlotte is wearing 3 skirts :)

Happy Halloween

Here are the little trick or treaters. Originally both of the girls were going to be cheerleaders but in the last few days Kate got her heart set on being a princess so the awesome flower girl dress we had (thanks Becca!) came in handy. I thought these shots were cute.

Dress up Day

Lily Kate's got to wear her Halloween costume to preschool this morning. I got to go up to the class and help the kids decorate pumpkin cookies (after we got home from the doctor's office). It was precious to see the little munchkins all dressed up. I am happy to report that Lily Kate didn't do anything crazy the whole time. She was really sweet to her friends, one little buddy who was dressed like Superman kissed her when she left. His mom and I were shocked :)

Scary Morning

Charlotte slept in this morning so Parks went to wake her so I could get going to take Kate to preschool. When Parks layed her on the changing table he noticed her eyes darting back and forth, like a spasm. She was coherent and scared and bothered by what she was feeling. She began saying, "I dizzy". He moved her to the ground. The eye movement stopped and then started again. Once it stopped we stood her to dress her and she was obviously dizzy. She couldn't stand without help. We called the dr's office to let them know we were coming right in. The eye darting happened again once more while in her high chair before we left. She threw up on the way into the office but the dizziness and eye movement seemed to have stopped. I felt like my breath was held all morning.

After seeing Charlotte and doing some more reading after we left it seems that Charlotte has Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo. It is really rare in children but the symptoms line up to the T. Her "eye darting" is called horizontal nystagmus. Here is what I have read & learned. You can tell by the language used that some of these are not my thoughts, but are from medical articles :)

The condition is thought to be caused by displacement of otoconial crystals (Ca carbonate crystals normally embedded in the inner ear). This displaced material stimulates hair cells in the posterior semicircular canal, creating the illusion of motion.

Symptoms included sudden episodic sensations of spinning (vertigo) without hearing loss or tinnitus, loss of balance and staggering, expressions of fear, pallor, diaphoresis and occasional vomiting.

It is provoked by changes in head positions.

It is often accompanied by migraines. The doctor told us that migraines could develop, but not necessarily. We are praying that they won't!

....So, all in all, it doesn't seem so bad. It was really comforting to have our doctor read to us from a medical book a case that sounded exactly like our situation with Charlotte this morning. We are thankful to God that she seems to be okay.

We will be seeing a neurologist from UNC in the next month to get a specialized opinion. I thought of my sweet friends, the Laniers, all morning and the journey they've had in the last 6 months with their son's health. Daily reminders to trust that our little ones are in God's hands, that they belong to Him.

Winship

There aren't words for this post right now. Just wanting to put his picture in a place where we can treasure it. This was Winship with Brittany, his girlfriend, a couple months ago.

Pumpkin Patch Playtime

Peeking through...

I love this sweet moment between Samuel and June, look at her smile.


Thanks, Mom for Halloween hairbows!!

Charlotte being a big girl, holding June

Ben loving life among the pumpkins

oh, we tried to get the group shot...this was the best of the 8 pictures I shot. Samuel pushed Charlotte, Charlotte pulled Kate's hair, and Kate dropped one of the twins. Ben & Jacob weren't interested in the camera. It was funny.

This is how I find Kate out in the yard sometimes, arms stretched, fully relaxed, looking at the clouds and the pine cones on the tall trees. Sometimes I get down there and lie next to her. It's just too rare for her to be still, I have to soak it in.

I thought this above shot really captures her personality & the below one is just her sweet face. As Parks always says, "I think we should keep her"

I have been wanting to try making a dress for myself. I am happy with it but to say that it is hard to get on and off is a huge understatement. That ribbon band is fitted around my ribs and my shoulders are much wider..... I'm going to put a zipper in it. If that works I may be wearing a lot of these :)

Family Vacation to Beech Mountain

Our gracious neighbor gave us a weekend in her mountain house in Beech Mountain. We realized as we talked on our way there that we've never been on a vacation with just the 4 of us. Our time was really priceless. We laughed so much and really enjoyed each other. We went to Grandfather Mountain and saw bears, cougars, otters, an eagle, & deer. We ate apples off a tree on the side of the road and fudge from a little shop. We saw pumpkins and gourds the size of Charlotte. It was really a blast.

While we were there Charlotte threw up once and had some trouble walking. The wobbly behavior worsened and by yesterday she couldn't walk 2 steps without falling. We took her to the Boone, NC Urgent Care and found she has a "raging infection" in her ear. We decided to leave a day early. We got home last night and went to the pediatrician this morning. He confirmed a second ear infection and said that the behavior is all normal. Her infection is so bad that her equilibrium is offset affecting her balance and making her feel nauseous. She can't really walk today either. It is worst when she is lying down. Every time we change her diaper she says, "I falling, I falling". Poor girl.

In true "back to reality" fashion we had an humorous morning. Parks stayed home with me today (he's the best!) and we dropped off Kate at preschool and went on to the ped. Anyone who has ever taken a kid to the dr knows how that went - waited a long time, kid pulled everything off the counters she can reach, some crying. Not too bad. Then we ran some errands. Charlotte was hilarious, wanting to walk and not be held and bumping in to everything. She threw up all over the carpeted floor of the fabric store. Parks was on his hands and knees scrubbing while I was taking pictures of fabrics for curtain options. Then we picked up Lily Kate. Walking to the car I asked the question I always ask, "Did you go to time out today" and she says the answer she almost always says, "yes". Except today when I asked why she said that she hit Mrs Bolick and Mrs Hartzell (BOTH of her TEACHERS). I was trying not to freak out and trying not to cry of embarrassment. Then she went on to say that she had to visit Mrs Norris (the preschool director - WHAT??). I put her in the car and walked with my red face back to the school to apologize and hear more about what happened. "Lily Kate told me she hit you, I am so sorry, I can't believe she did that..." I started to slow down as I realized that her face was confused....."she didn't hit me"....long story short her story was "pretend". So I spent the drive home explaining that a pretend story when not explained that it is pretend is in fact a lie. Home for time out and lunch....ah, we are back to reality. It sure was fun.

Both of the girls we allowed to choose one candy to buy at Mast General. If you've ever been to Mast General you know there is a room full of candy barrels reminiscent of the Wonka Factory. Charlotte quickly grabbed a "geen lollypop" and carried the rest of the time. She would pick up other things and hold them both, look at them, and then put back the other option every time. In the end the green lolly pop always won. All I could think was, "you are amid every kind of exciting candy in the world, you can have anything you want, and you chose the kind of lolly pop that we get for free at the bank". She was just too cute with her simple pleasure!

Trying on hats at Mast General

Can't you tell we're holding up the rock. It was my cheesy idea, Lily Kate was confused...."but we're not holding it up, Mom, it's already up there....."

Parks and the girls on the "mile high bridge". Anyone who knows me will not be surprised that I got about 1/8 of the way across and quietly turned around. I know my limits :)

Charlotte

I sat at the breakfast table this morning and listened to Charlotte and Parks reading books. "What's that?" he would say and animal after animal Charlotte would answer... "rine ah sis" "gee aff" "monkey". Then Parks said, "Count the balloons." and with her finger on each one she counted, "one, two, free, four, five".... Did Lily Kate count when she was 21 months?? It all goes by so fast.

I also saw her sitting by herself in my room the other day saying "giant mess... diss a giant mess" very dramatically with emphasis on each word. There was no mess at all but she was definitely pretending that something was going on....interesting little imagination... we're still learning her personality. She is an interesting mix between sweet and cuddly & feisty and bossy. I laughed a little as I typed those words so effortlessly. There are 2 other ladies in the house who are a lot like that :) Poor Parks.

stayCATION

Oh, Staycation, how I love thee....Friday around noon Parks and I packed up and drove the 4 or so miles down to Shell Island Resort at Wrightsville Beach. We only stayed until Sat afternoon but it was glorious. We lounged by the pool, we walked on the beach, we ate great food, sat in the hot tub, napped, all of the simple pleasures that you never know you love so much until you have toddlers. I love my children a little more every time I'm away from them. For me one night is perfect. Just long enough to really relax and focus on each other but by Sat afternoon I was telling Charlotte and Kate stories non stop and getting excited to see their faces. ......I'll miss you, staycation - who knows when you'll happen again.
Also, a poem should be written about our friends, Graham & Emily because they are the generous and brave souls who kept our kiddos. According to all parties a great time was had by all. Thanks, guys!

PRE-SCHOOL!!!

Oh, the day has really come! The first day of pre-school felt like a big deal around here. Last night the four of us went to Chick Fil A for a celebratory dinner. We realized that it was kids night when we got there, which was really convenient because the clown gave the girls balloon hats and they made bead necklaces. It was a perfect celebration.

Yesterday we went up to school for about 30min to an open house for the kids to meet their teachers and check the place out. Kate had a blast, she didn't want to leave at all. Although, later when I was alone with her she said, "Mom, I want to stay little." I asked her what she meant and she said that she wanted to stay little so she could stay with Charlotte and me at home. It was sweet to see a little reluctance to leave me. She is so social and so confident, so I don't see that much from Lily Kate. We talked about Tuesdays and Thursdays still being special days at home. She will only be there 3 mornings a week and I think she will love it. She woke today up very excited. I laid her clothes out last night and this morning Parks suggested that she wear something different and she was beside herself. I think the extreme reaction was due to a little nerves :) He went with the original outfit. While I was brushing her teeth this morning she said, "Am I still just 3?" I think all this talk about being a "big girl" has her a little confused.

The girls road to school together and Parks followed in his own car. We listened to "Uptown Girl" on full blast and laughed a lot when Charlotte sang "naptime girl" loudly. Parks and I walked her in this morning and she was quiet but when Parks picked her up and she was her usual self, bounding with energy, talking the whole way home. I'm so proud of her. She is really growing up. She is very considerate and creative and a little more self controlled than she used to be :) Happy first day of school, Lily Kate!!

Happy Birthday Parks!

Happy Birthday to our favorite guy! I realize that the above picture looks like we put candles in a pumpkin but I actually made Parks a cream cheese almond pound cake. It was gooood! For one of his gifts I got Titans cheerleader uniforms for the girls to wear on game days. Don't be surprised if you see this dress again in a Haloween post :) Oh, and don't worry, I got him a couple presents that were actually for himself too.

Out of the Mouth of Babes...(or three year olds!)

I have been meaning to post some of the awkward moments I've experienced due to comments from the mouth of my 3 year old. I think I'll keep these coming as they come.

Yesterday an appraiser came over to look at our house (we're refinancing). The nice man said hi to Lily Kate and I asked her to say hi to him and she says, "Hi, you look just like the lady in my Amelia Bedelia books." Promtly I say, "oh, she means man" and she interrupts, "no mom, the lady, here, I'll go get the book" and runs off to her room. I followed her and tried to explain that people don't like to be told that they look like a girl if they are a boy.....she tried to explain that it was actually the woman in the book who looks like a man. I have to agree. Anyone else have those books? Mrs Rogers really does look a lot like a man in the "Amelia goes camping" book. We just stayed in the room while Parks took the man outside.

Last week we were at Lowes Foods when a 50something year old woman walked by. "Hey" says Kate, "she has a baby in her belly, maybe she has 2 because her belly is big, right?" "Nope" I said "no.. no... no she doesn't" We've never talked about a person being overweight, it's a concept I'd like to leave out of her sweet mind at this point. So I just said that some people look like they have babies in their bellies when they don't and we can never ask them if they do, we have to wait until they tell us if they do" She didn't understand this at all. She asked, "why not"..... I swear, this is why moms end up saying "because I said so"

Twice this one has happened - We're in Harris Teeter walking down the isle and a a 2 foot distance Lily Kate loudly asks, "Mom, is that a man or a lady?" The first lady just smiled. I smiled and could not think of a single thing to say. The second time I had a smidge of experience in the situation so I pointed to the far end of the isle (away from our said lady) and said, "that person, oh that's a man". Immediately Lily Kate corrected me as I was speeding the cart away from the lady, "no mom, THAT person, man or lady?"

I've got to get more prepared in these situations, I feel like a deer in headlights every time. If you have any suggestions I'll take them.

Miss Opinionated

I thought I'd recap the conversation I had with my little 20month old fireball. I heard her talking loudly so I went in to her room to get her up from her nap and the moment I opened the door she started talking to me, "Mommy, I need a new diaper (smell the air, she is correct), I wanna diffent shorts (notice her shorts are lying on the floor, she took them off and threw them out), I like a fave-rit song "ooh ahh" (I know the song she's talking about, it's on a CD that Mom gave me that I'm going to toss out the car window like a frisbee very soon, Mom knows she listened to it non- stop while she visited!), I wanna chock-it milk. I wanna chcok-it milk in Sissy's cup." Pause, looks at me...."I need a new diaper." Wow, clearly I had better get busy :)

Which is cuter?

I posted this to show how cute this new dress is - but I got distracted by how cute I think Charlotte is! PS. I promise I won't post every dress I make. The hobby is still new and I'm just excited :)

Tate Trip

Look at this place, isn't it beautiful? This is the view from the porch of the Tate house that has been in Parks' family for years. Below is a decent family picture. Kate is wearing the third dress that I made while we were there (see post below)

Above, Lily Kate and Lillian were two peas in a pod. They got along so well. Here they are swimming together like big girls. (Below) Charlotte wanted to wear her goggles, she looks all decked out and ready to swim.

Aunt Becca and Uncle Patrick with our girls. Charlotte has a think for Uncle "Pachick" :)

Myers buried with boobs :) (above) & Lily Kate cheesing it up (below)

Lily Kate, Lillian, & Aunt Laura on the diving board (above) & the girls with Granmar (below)

I absolutely love this shot, it just makes me laugh. Kate looks so serious staring off and Charlotte is all ready for the camera