Madeline's School Parade

On the Friday before Halloween, Madeline's class had a costume parade & party. What fun! I was worried that Madeline would not wear her Blues Clues costume because she seemed more interested in playing with it as a stuffed animal rather than wearing it as a costume. She ended up wearing it & made a super cute Blue.

The two year olds filed out of the building and marched around the courtyard with their little shakers.

I'm pretty sure Ms. Lisa is glad that October is over...no more spider bow in Madeline's hair. Poor Ms. Lisa, she is probably always "fixing" Madeline since I'm "the mom in her class" that dresses her kid up in ridiculous bows and outfits for school.

The kids then lined up for photo ops and sang a few songs.

Madeline spotted us, and she was very excited to see us to tell us all about her parade.

Then she really got into using her shaker!

The teachers preferred parents not stay for the "party" which was really just a mega-snack time with mountains of goodies for the kids. They had a special music time and library time planned for the twos, so I'm sure it was easier if parents weren't holding up the planned activities for the day. It was cute, cute, cute, and I'm so glad that I was able to attend Madeline's first "school function"!

The Mommy Shark

Madeline received some fun bath toys for her birthday --- there are quite a variety of fish, seals, sharks, goldfish, starfish, and turtles (which she insists are caterpillars) just to name a few. She LOVES them. She loves them so much so that part of them stay in the tub for bath time and part of them get played with around the house. Madeline creates all kinds of imaginary play scenarios with her "fishies" as she is doing here while waiting for her breakfast.

Please take note of the shark:

There are only a couple of sharks in the whole batch, and they are larger than the other fish.

In Madeline's world of fish play, guess which fish is ALWAYS the Mommy? The shark!

I guess sometimes this Mommy is a scary shark! But, at least most of the time, the Mommy Shark is feeding, hugging, and kissing the other "fishies". Eric and I just laugh everytime she talks about the Shark Mommy.

34 Weeks

I had my 34 week appointment this afternoon, and I really feel like I am on the homestretch now! All of my check-ups (blood work, weight, blood pressure, measurements) were good, and once again, my platelet count held steady at 105,000, so that's good news! The doctor estimated Baby Girl to be about 5 pounds now, so he guesstimated that her birth weight would be similar to Madeline's, around 7 pounds. I had my Group B strep swab test, so from here on out, I get to have those appointments, you know, the ones where you get checked. I hate those even though they are necessary.

I am feeling good --- a little short of breath and my meals are pretty small but frequent as I feel like all my insides are crunched up in my throat. Baby Girl has a constant dance party, so my belly is constantly contorting into crazy shapes. I'm still going to the gym 5 days a week, and I'm feeling good before, during, and after my workouts, so that makes me happy. I know I'm getting bigger and dropping lower because the random stranger comments from fellow gym goers are starting to become a regular part of my workout just like they did with Madeline at the very end.

Madeline is starting to talk more and more about her baby sister, and she seems excited! Let's hope that she continues to be excited once baby sister actually comes home with us! Eric and I sure are anxious to meet the newest member of our family!

Go Tigers, Part II

Just a couple of pictures of our little tiger fan! Isn't she cute?

Go Tigers!!

Every year, my family attends a Clemson football game. We make a big weekend out of it, and it gives us all a chance to visit our old stomping grounds as well as visit with each other. This year, we attended the Clemson vs. Georgia Tech game, and we couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous day for tailgating and football. It was wonderful.

Eric and I left Madeline with my dear friend, Tara. Madeline had a blast with Ms. Tara. They went to the zoo, played with friends, went on walks, and had lots of story & play time around the house. Madeline received a wonderful report, so that made Eric and I feel good about our time away.

"Yummy in my Tummy!"

Apparently, Madeline was thrilled with her dinner selection this evening because she kept repeating, "Yummy in my tummy, Mama!" Of course, she already had me in hysterics from the beginning of her meal when she was over the top excited about "BEAN BALLS!" being on her plate. She did in fact eat two helpings of "bean balls".

Any guesses as to what a "bean ball" is in Madeline's world? Yep, green peas.

(They are green like her absolute favorite veggie, green beans, so any food item that is green is automatically a "bean", & well, the "ball" part is probably self explanatory.)

Kids. They do say the funniest stuff, and I really needed that laugh by 6 PM today.

32 Weeks


It seems like I was just announcing this pregnancy, and now I'm on the homestretch to meeting this sweet baby girl! I'm feeling good, and I'm still my usual on-the-go self. I seem to be more uncomfortable this time around, and I always have an underlying nauseated feeling. It's a yucky feeling, but oh well. I'm carrying Baby Girl very low, super uncomfortable low, but all seems to be going well from my doctor's appointments this week.


I received a great report from the hematologist yesterday. My platelet count held steady at 103,000 (still low by "normal" standards) --- this is the first time the count hasn't dropped in this pregnancy. Dr. S was encouraged by this, and he says if all things remain the same, this number will not be an issue at delivery. Whew! I return to him in 4 weeks, and at that point, any decisions that need to be made regarding my bloodwork will be made then.


I had my 8 month checkup today, and things are moving along nicely. The doctor was very happy with my weight, blood pressure, etc. I gained 4 lbs. this month putting my total at 12 pounds which made the doctor smile a big smile! We had an ultrasound, and all looked to be developing properly which always makes me feel good. This baby is weighing in a little over 3 pounds right now, and that's perfectly within the normal range. I go back to the OB in two weeks which is so exciting because that means things are getting closer to delivery time!


On the homefront, we are slowly, but surely looking like a household with two little girls, and I couldn't be more thrilled. The nursery decor is a work in progress, but nursery is stocked and ready to go with all the necessities. Madeline seems more excited about her baby sister, and I know she doesn't fully "get it", but she kisses baby sister, talks about baby sister, and pats baby sister. She seems to hold no grudges about her old room being re-done for baby sister, so that puts my worrying mind to ease.


Eric and I are blessed beyond words, and we just continue to pray for eight more weeks of health & happiness.

Worry Over Nothing (As Usual)

I suppose I had anxiety over the big girl bed for no reason. Madeline has been in the bed for over a week now, and all is well. Hopefully, I didn't just jinx myself, but Madeline gets in bed at night, doesn't get up, and eventually goes to sleep after rolling around, singing, & talking. Naps can be a little more tricky, but I attribute this to the fact that on some days she really just needs some down time and not really a full blown nap.

When she wakes up in the morning or afternoon, she gets out of the bed and plays in her room until I come get her. She's happy as a clam to read books & play with her babies. So far (knock on wood), she's not done anything mischievous! We keep her doors (closet, to the hall, and the bathroom) all the way shut, so that helps.

Yay Madeline!

Silliness

I was putting laundry away one afternoon, and Madeline decided to play dress up in my closet. She chose one of my workout tanks, a scarf from her dress up drawer, a pair of my running socks, and a pair of my boots. It wasn't good enough to just put the new ensemble over her clothes...we actually had to take off her outfit & put this hilarious get up on. She was very pleased with her result when she looked in the full length mirror as evidenced by her comment to herself, "Ooh la la! This is cute. I posh." (Thank you, Fancy Nancy!) Hilarious child of mine.

Even more hilarious was watching her try to walk in my boots. I was beginning to wonder if she'd gotten into the liquor cabinet when I was in the laundry room! :)

Madeline doing her runway walk.

Of course, no runway walk is complete without a finale in the laundry basket. The boots proved to be quite an obstacle when getting inside the basket.

At some point, Madeline decided to lose the boots & just get into the basket.
Another simple, fun, around the house episode that makes me thankful that I get to be home with this little hot mess of mine!

Best Friends and Babies

Remember these best friend necklaces from when we were young?

If it were still "cool" to wear them, we'd need a BFF necklace split three ways. Steph and I have been friends since the fifth grade---25 years ago! Dana, Steph, and I have been friends since high school. Even though we all went our separate ways for colleges, careers, and adult lives, we remain the closet of friends picking up where we last left off. When one of us has something "major" happen in life, the other two automatically throw a shower and/or party for the third person. It's just our "way" with each other. Dana and her husband are expecting their first baby in January. 1/11/11 to be exact ~ I hope he comes on his due date because I think that's a pretty cool birthday!

The guest of honor, Dana, at dinner on Saturday night. It's "our thing" to eat Mexican food whenever we get together. Next time we'll get to have margaritas with our meal!

In lieu of an official baby shower for Dana, Steph & I decided to plan a getaway girls weekend for the three of us to celebrate baby boy due in January. Dana and her husband live in the DC area, so we chose our getaway location as Williamsburg, VA. We chose a bed and breakfast in the heart of Williamsburg. It was perfect!
It was fabulous ~ we relaxed, talked, ate lots of yummy food, shopped at the nearby outlets, and enjoyed each other's company away from husbands, children, and the daily grind. As our lives change, it gets harder and harder for us to spend quality time together, so this gave us an opportunity to do just that.
Just one of our many delicious meals!

It was a wonderful weekend with my two nearest and dearest friends. It's hard to believe that the next time we all get together, our little babies will be able to meet in person!

Another Madeline Funny

We were leaving the gym this morning, and a very loud motorcycle was passing by on the connecting road. Madeline stops, points, and says, "Mama! A loud motobicycle!"

I just snickered, agreed, and decided not to correct her. Sometimes, the Madeline-invented-words are just too cute to correct. :)

Big Girl Bed


Day 1, Nap & Bedtime: Madeline is officially in the big girl bed and her big girl room! I finished moving all her stuff into the room, and we no longer use any part of the nursery for her in hopes that she will soon realize that "the big girl room" is hers, all hers! Madeline napped in the bed, and she seemed excited to go to that very same bed at bedtime. We'll see how the transition goes...right now, she's wound up about sleeping the same room with so many toys, in a new room, and in a new bed, & we're a little anxious about a big change with a stubborn child who fights sleep like no other.

Day 2, Morning & Nap: Madeline slept in her bed last night, and she did really well. She didn't get out one time although it took her awhile to fall asleep. I am not complaining since we didn't have to go reprimand her one time for not staying in the bed. We heard her this morning, and she got out of the bed and read her books in her rocking chair. She stayed in her room until I went and got her. That's exactly what I wanted to happen this morning, so I'm happy things seem to be falling into place right now. It eases my mind, and maybe I was worrying over nothing. We'll see how it goes from here on out!

(Madeline looks super cute sleeping in that big bed, but I don't dare wake her up by snapping a picture.)

What's Happening?

When Madeline turned 2 years old, I decided to stop doing a monthly update & pictures for a variety of reasons. However, I still plan to update as needed, and perhaps in more of a Mommy, Daddy, and Madeline update instead of just Madeline. We've been in our "school routine" for a few weeks now, and things seem to be settling in nicely. As much as I hate to see the hot, humid, carefree summer days become a thing of our past, I was ready for some structure, cooler weather, and football around here. Going to school three days a week has provided that order that we were all craving. I'm more productive, more organized with my time, and less fly by the seat of my pants which keeps me from having too many mini nervous breakdowns. :)

Madeline "snugglin with Big Baby & Baby" ~ notice the bracelet around her ankle & her silly hat

Madeline LOVES school which I suspected she would. I think she'd really love to go five days a week, but I just can't wrap my brain around sending her five days a week. She's only two, and I feel like she has her whole life to go to school five days per week. Not to mention, I love being with her on Tuesday and Thursday. We love her teachers, the social interactions, the structure, the simplicity of the learning, and making new friends. All in all, it's been a wonderful experience for us. Madeline has always gotten out of the car in the carpool line with no trouble, and she's always telling me about what she has done at school. However, a lot of what is being said to me is still a little bit gibberish, so I do a lot of nodding and inferring. Her teachers report that those first few times, Madeline would stand back and observe the various activities. She would not participate at all nor would she disrupt what was happening. I think she was just taking it all in. Now, I get reports of good participation with little to no coaxing. Her behavior at home reflects some of the things they do at school such as cleaning up her toys & putting things back where they belong without being prompted, using her manner words even more consistently than she already did, speaking more clearly, wanting to do things "by myself!", and being proud of doing something all by herself ("I did it!!"). I think this particular teacher and Eric & I have very similar values, rules, and expectations for Madeline, so in a sense we are all reinforcing the same things day in and day out. As a mom and former teacher that just makes me all giddy.

I'm still laughing at these two pictures of Madeline "snugglin".

Madeline seems to wax and wane in the terrible two department. I know she's my child so I am extremely biased, but she is a good girl 90% of the time. She listens well, uses her manners, uses great table manners, and is generally very pleasant to be around. We can take her places, and she will behave as she should most of the time. When she's bent out of shape and ready to throw an irrational tantrum, then it's on, and it's awful! But, I have to report that those times are really not as often as they could be...she knows this Mama will walk away in a hot second when she acts out like that. Of course, she tests the rules like any other child, but those times are also becoming less frequent because she's realizing that the rules are the rules regardless of the day, where we are, and what we are doing. We've picked our battles and stuck with them even in those times when we've thought, "Really?! Is it worth it?" We have to remind ourselves that yes, it does pay off in the end because Madeline knows when we promise a consequence, we keep our promised consequence as much as we may want to back down on the inside. Not to mention, she knows Daddy and I are on the same team, so although she may try to whine/cry/appeal to the other parent, she gets nowhere. I have truly learned the value of my parents' old saying, "This hurts me just as much if not more than it hurts you." Eric and I discipline in the moment as needed, and we've just learned not to let other people's ugly looks & judgements bother us. I am happy to say that we do more praising than punishing these days, so somehow, someway we've done what we think is right for our family.

Typical post nap routine ~ reading Fancy Nancy books, playing with Baby & Kitty in bed while she waits for Mommy

We're officially moving Madeline to the big girl room starting in October. We've been taking baby steps (perhaps too small of baby steps) because of Eric's crazy travel schedule, starting school, and the room just now being completely decorated to Mama's satisfaction. Madeline is such a creature of routine, and I wasn't ready to throw so many kinks into her little routine at once. (This Mama is not so good at drastic change all at once either.) She's finally adjusted to "Daddy's working" (ie LOTS of overnight travel), and she's adjusted to her new school routine. So, I think I am ready for the transition, and I think she's excited too. She loves her big girl room, and she's spent a great deal of time in there playing, reading books, and rolling around on the beds. Once we tackle the big girl room, I think potty training is on the horizon. Madeline loves the potty, and girlfriend can sit on there forever reading her books. So far we've not had one single drop of anything go into the potty, but Madeline definitely has the "potty procedure" down pat --- sit on it and talk and read and talk and read, use a "napkin" (most people call it toilet paper), flush, & wash hands. Her diapers are starting to remain dry for longer periods of time, and she's had a few times when she's informed that "a stinky is coming". Unfortunately, I have not been able to seize those opportunities to stick her on the potty, but believe me, when I can, I will, and maybe it will click! :) Not to mention, she loves "undies", so I think she'll enjoy picking out some special "undies" when the time comes.

A rare moment Madeline is sitting still complete with her fuzzy slippers, Big Baby & Baby, a snack, and smoothie. Another rare moment is being allowed to eat & drink in the den like this...no spills though!

Daddy has been traveling a lot getting his accounts settled, giving presentations, entertaining customers, and just being the hard working Daddy that we love so much. Unfortunately, lately a lot of the travel has trickled into the weekends too, so Madeline and I have had a lot of time together. We get into a pretty good groove when Daddy's not home, so it makes the time go by faster. Unfortunately for Daddy's wallet, this Mama and Madeline do a lot of shopping, but it sure is fun! :) We've set up a few playdates with some new friends from school on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, so that has been fun for us both...a little Mama-to-Mama time & a little play time for Madeline.

As for me, in between eating my new favorite food, Honey Crisp Apples (seriously, for as many of these that I am crunching on, I need my own tree in the back yard!), I find lots of projects to keep me busy especially when Eric is on the road. I get these crazy second winds at night, and I burn the midnight oil doing all kinds of crazy projects! I do love to organize & clean out, so it's not really a chore in my mind. However, I think the official pregnancy nesting has begun ~ two of our three attics are cleaned out & reorganized, Madeline's winter clothes are organized and put away in her new room, the newborn clothes/burp clothes/receiving blankets have been laundered, folded, & put away into the nursery, sale shopping for some essential nursery items has been done, a ginormous load has been dropped off at the Goodwill, Baby Girl's baby book has been started, and the downstairs guest bedroom closet has been cleaned out & reorganized ~ just to name a few of the projects I've checked off my list. I've even ordered a Christmas stocking for Baby Girl #2, a toy bag to match Madeline's, and her little bag that I take to and from the gym that will keep her essentials. Yes, I am that over-the-top-busy-bee right now! :)

Madeline yelling out the window, "Ms. Lisa!!! Where are you?" while we wait in the carpool drop off line.

As a family, we have many busy weekends ahead of us with some football game adventures, entertaining friends, and a few have been set aside as "family time" to just relax. We're staying busy, getting ready for little sister, and enjoying the cooler temperatures around here.

A Madeline Funny

I was sitting on the sofa helping Madeline change her baby doll's diaper when my belly started to wiggle around from the baby's movement. Madeline pointed to it and said, "What's dat, Mama?" I told her that her baby sister was moving around to which Madeline replied, "Baby sister's playing Ring Around the Rosie!"

29 Weeks

I had my 7 month appointment this morning, and Baby Girl seems to be just fine. My blood work, weight, blood pressure, measurements, & baby's heartbeat all measured well. I think this was the quickest I have ever been in and out of the doctor. It was great! Next month, the doctor wants to do an ultrasound to get an estimate of how big baby girl is and check her out. Yay! I love ultrasound appointments!

I am feeling good for the most part. I am able to continue my workouts without much alteration although I have resorted to the elliptical most of the time. The extra weight burdens my knees when I run and do other forms of cardio, and my heart rate is much easier to control on the elliptical. My weight workouts have not changed much, so that's good for my soul. Baby Girl moves A LOT, and it can be a little bit annoying during the night when I am trying to sleep. However, I can't complain because the movements do make me smile. I don't really have any specific cravings other than juicy Granny Smith apples and fresh salads full of veggies! I'm starting to fill up more quickly due to lack of physical space, so I feel like I am eating all the time!

I'm starting to get the itch to get up in the attic and get out clothes to wash and fold, re-assemble newborn "equipment", and organize all things tiny. We're using Madeline's bedding for the nursery, so I'm just having to do a little fine tuning as far as decorating the nursery goes. However, I'm resisting the urge to do that just yet since we have a few other room projects going on at the moment. I can't start a new project until I've wrapped up a few of my other projects first! It gets too overwhelming having too many "open" projects.

December will be here before we know it, and I am so excited to welcome Madeline's little sister into this world!

Madeline's Big Girl Room!

It's ready, and hopefully we are too! Madeline's big girl room couldn't have turned out any cuter. I have my friend, Farrah, to thank for making my bargain duvets look super cute and custom with her girly ideas & awesome sewing skills. She found dust ruffle, Euro sham, and curtain fabric & cording for me, and we couldn't be more pleased with the end result. I wanted simple, girly, fun, and something that would grow with Madeline. All that is missing is the little girl sleeping in that big bed! (more on that later)

A Blast from my Past

My parents have decided that it's time to downsize, and their house has sold! And, boy oh boy, my mom is on a mission to do some attic purging! Over the weekend, she showed up on our doorstep with these treasures from my childhood for Madeline...

This "cart" is now the one we take on neighborhood walks, and her newer one can be indoors. After a little dusting off and a run through the washing machine, Madeline was in heaven with all things girly just like I was as a child. She has fondly started calling the rather large baby that she carries by the neck "Big Baby". So we have "Big Baby" and "Baby". haha! All the blankets were ones that my mom used with me as a baby, so it's fun that Madeline can use them on her babies. She loves to "feed" her babies in the high chair.

I kept these 1980s classics from my childhood in hopes that our children will love them as much as I did.

Madeline's First Day

Madeline had her first day of 2 year old preschool this morning. We decided to send her to our church's preschool Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week. After this week's experiences learning about the program, meeting the staff, and seeing Madeline's eagerness to "meet her teacher" (that's what she says when she's going to/talking about school), I couldn't be more pleased with our decision. Of course, we were "those parents" documenting every inch of the morning with our first born's first day of school ever experience!

Madeline is not used to waking up early ~ over the summer, we've allowed her to stay up later, nap later, and therefore wake up the next morning later. I had to wake her this morning, and she was a pretty good sport about it. After all, she did remember that she was going to "meet her teacher" today! She had her breakfast on our screened in porch, and she needed a few minutes to get herself together.
Breakfast of champions --- toast with cream (bagel w/ cream cheese) & milk --- Once Madeline got herself together, she was eager to wave hello to the camera.

Hanging out with Daddy and her kitty...leaving the house without a baby, excessive jewels & accessories, purses, and/or a stuffed animals was a tiny bit tricky. Mommy doesn't allow these things to the classroom (unless it's a special share day), and the school discourages it as well.

And, here's the reaction I received when I told Madeline she had to leave behind her kitty and her bracelets...she was not happy with her Mommy!

Madeline perked up once we got outside, but as you can see, she was protesting the camera with her lack of smiles.

The new tote bag (purse!) was a hit and elicited a few half-hearted smiles.

Once Madeline realized her bag was packed and ready to go, she was ready to "meet her teacher!" Yes, it's huge, but I figured she could grow into it over the next couple of years.

Leading the way to the car

Notice Mama's big smile as we were about to leave ~ I'm really excited about Madeline's program for two reasons...I know this whole school thing is right up her alley, & I have some free mornings to myself before Baby Sister arrives.

Madeline is all smiles!

I didn't get any pictures of her in the classroom or with her teacher as the staff believes it is much easier to start the first day with the normal routine carpool. (They don't allow us Mamas to walk our kids in on the first day simply because sometimes it's harder on everyone, so they have the "normal routine rule". I'm all for it...being a former classroom teacher, I understand how hard the first few days can be on the child, the parent, and the teacher.) Madeline was waving out the window as soon as she caught glimpse of Mrs. Lisa coming to our car door. She greeted Madeline, unbuckled her from her seat, got her up from the car, and escorted her inside to the room. Madeline cheerfully went along with the whole process, and I was so happy for her. I teared up just a tiny bit :) because she looked like such a big girl holding Mrs. Lisa's hand, toting her bag, and waving bye to me.

When I picked her up at noon, she was all smiles, exhausted, and very thirsty! Mrs. Lisa gave us the thumbs up & said that Madeline did wonderfully and seemed to be really happy throughout the entire three hours.