Life with A 'n E

Little A Turns Two!

2009-04-06T13:50:00.005-05:00

Sweet Baby A isn't so much of a baby these days. She's able to communicate all her needs, tell you when to set her on the potty (used only on rare occasions), and fight for her own toys. She runs, moos and waddles like a penguin. She mothers her baby dolls and pretend walks all the little animals into the barn. She has an amazing sense of humor and a dizzying array of facial expressions. Pretty much, she's a kid - her father and I wonder at what point we'll have to stop referring to her as The Baby. (College?) Most recently she's embraced this idea of being two and, having a bit of the drama in her, thrown the most irrational fits I've ever witnessed. (Who puts on shoes to go outside? Who?) Her birthday saw her healthy and happy with the proudest parents and sister on this globe. Quite frankly, she's the cutest thing we've ever had the pleasure to see!

The morning of A's birthday, and her party, this happened.

About 5 inches later, we rescheduled the party for the next day.

See the ribbon? A last minute weather-related substitution!

Cousin D was in town to share in the doll house fun.

He only got embarrassed when the camera came out. Before that, he was arranging furniture, styling hair and tempting the monster cat to storm the village.

This is her "I've been naughty" face.

Why it's on her face at this moment I can't tell you.

Practicing for tomorrow.

She's a natural!

Picture it:

Grahmi's singing, "Happy Birthday to you! Happy Bir..."

and then, "NOOOOOOOO!"

We finally figured out the formula, no candles - no singing.

Cake for the big day.

Blowing out the candles. Perfection!

Demonstration of excellent utensil skills.
Bubbles. If you have a 2 to 56 year old, I highly recommend the bubble grill.

That's it. It was a blast!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-15T23:28:00.002-06:00

I'm feeling richly blessed this evening with my little household tucked quietly away for the cold night. I never thought for a minute that my heart would be all caught up in a sticky little elf and a cat-toting monkey. But it is and I'm forever grateful. Today I wish I'd accomplished much less and snuggled more. Tomorrow's goal is full-on under-achievement. Merry Christmas and go love on your babies.... Go!

Five

2008-11-18T14:51:00.006-06:00

This weekend E turned five. Five. It didn't seem like such a big number when I was a kid but today it's a quarter of her sweet childhood and definitely the end of all things baby. I asked her the day before The Big Day if she'd like to stay four forever and she just giggled and said, "That's silly, Mom." She's right. It is silly, but still...

Some facts about being five, according to E: You grow much bigger (and she means overnight, people); you can reach the top of the fridge; you can do anything you want and make your own rules; you don't need a sippy cup; you can ride on 2 wheels instead of 4 on your bike; you get a bigger swing; can play as much as you want; and, you can clean your own room.

So, to sum up, she's taller than me and running the show, but cleans her room. Clearly we're in for a wild ride this year!

She requested a Princess Party complete with a rainbow cake.
Rainbow is a color, just ask her.
We had a pinata - as I'm certain all Royals do.

We decorated cookies, ate cake and spread a little pink eye - it's the gift that keeps giving. (We discovered both girls were afflicted the evening after the party. Again, let me say I'm sorry if you were in attendance.)

Some of our big cousins really got into the project.

Really.

Princess E got a kitten to love.
It's the King and Queen's sincere hope that love does not hurt Houston The Kitten.
Then we all took a nap and lived happily ever after.
The End.

The Fourth of July

2008-07-08T14:54:00.005-05:00

My little firecrackers! A's a bit of a loner when it comes to posing. Or maybe her sister squeezes too hard.
E wanted everyone to see her special nails. Normally I don't allow red on little ones, but we've got spirit, yes we do!
A runs off some energy before the long car ride to the country where DIY explosives are welcomed!
Aren't they sweet together? I'm not sure what had A so captivated, just that it wasn't me.

There's a baby in there! And I'm pretty sure I can get to her! My cousin's little girl is almost exactly a year younger than A - in fact, this is the dress A wore last summer!Cake break. After eating 1/4 of a hamburger and approximately 3 beans she took off. Naturally refueling is necessary.
Ready for the show. This made her Daddy real nervous. Something about shrapnel falling I think. Sissy.

E wields sparklers with caution. It's quite surprising really.Look! Fireworks! Our families did a pretty good show this year.
Ahhh. The aftermath. This is what spending time running with your cousins is really all about, at least that's what it's about for the grown-ups! Precious memories followed by precious silence!

Goals, Part June

2008-07-07T12:34:00.004-05:00

My cousin came into town and we celebrated with a trip to the aquarium. It's really a fantastic place to take the kids. This is the touch tank where you can feel the difference between a ray and a small shark. My opinion is that sharks feel like sandpaper while rays feel like the smooth side of a raw chicken breast.Look, it's a baby! See how it behaves in it's natural environment? Oh look, Fred, it's waving at you! Isn't it cute?
Another touch tank. Here the children are allowed to feel shark eggs, starfish and an urchin.
You never can tell what each new exhibit will bring. Here we have human arms. I believe they're female. Gender can be difficult to determine at this angle.
We celebrated Grahmi's birthday this month. We were asked to make a sign on the fly and get a picture of both kids with it. My brother's family did the same and their picture has the children sitting very nicely on their front porch, each holding a sign with military precision. Our results were slightly different.
We got a little pop-up pool this summer. It's been fantastic fun, and very little trouble. Totally worth it! No hauling children to the public pool and I don't have to don a suit in front of all my neighbors! The water's still a little chilly for the wee one, but she has fun running around the backyard while E swims.
Apparently the December ice storms weakened the trees a bit. This is our neighbor's beautiful tree, felled by a summer thunderstorm. There was an identical incident across the street.
A started her one year old class at the church. The girls will overlap this summer, but then E will move on as A begins her journey. I'm in love with the teachers here, E has never once not wanted to go and A just walks right in without looking back. That says it all!
There are fewer things more heartwarming for me than watching my husband enjoy our girls. Happy Father's Day again, sweet man.
More Daddy Love, with E making her contorted goofy faces and A clapping and sucking her lip. Just another day in paradise!
All caught up! Thanks for coming along!

Goals, Part May

2008-07-07T11:18:00.004-05:00

Peek-a-boo with her closet doors. We can't even go into her room without doing this every. single. time.E's time at our church's pre-school program is nearly over. Next year she'll attend Pre-K at a public school. She's very excited, but I'm a little bit sad. At the year end program E posed with her best friend. They've gone to this school together since they were one. How sweet is that?
This is our first attempt at finger painting. It won't be our last, but next time I might feed her first. (Yes, Mom, the paint was non-toxic.)
Just about the cutest little grin in the world. A's such a flirt, it's awfully fun to share her with others. She's never met a stranger - begs to be held by the person in line behind us at the store.
But this is what happens if you tell her no. She doesn't like no.

And there's this if you say no with conviction. O the drama! She stayed like this for at least 2 minutes!

Did I mention she's walking? That could account for the serious lack of semi-regular posts! Many of you will appreciate that in spite of being new to this walking thing, she's managed to pull off "Walking with Purse" without any problem.

In this house, you learn to eat pizza on your own. We don't cut up the big chunks into little sissy bites. You want the good stuff? Tackle it like a man.

This work of art was aptly named "Melting Snowman with Party Hat." I really wish I'd gotten a picture of "Anteater," it was truly a masterpiece!

May. The End.

A Girl's Gotta Have Goals

2008-07-07T10:18:00.004-05:00

I really want to post our Fourth of July pictures, but I can't until I get caught up. I can't pretend the last 3 months just didn't happen! We've had some incredible fun, after all. So here's my little re-cap!

April

We went to a local animal sanctuary with our dearest friend. They have all kinds of amazing creatures - lions and tigers and bears, o my - but instead of showing a great picture of their creatures, here's mine.
The girls had such a blast playing at Auntie Danielle's house in her new ottomans. We'd have some too if it weren't for E trying to put the lid on the ottoman while A was still inside.
A had her first playdate this month with a sweet friend's son. They're just a week apart in age and it's a treat to see them grow together. Rumor has it they kiss in the church nursery, they're mute on the subject.
When I inherited these end tables, I never imagined they'd be baby stairs. See the accomplished look on her little face? It's like she's laughing at me. Okay, she was laughing at me. These days she sits on the top and watches toons with her sister.
We have this tiny little rose bush in our front yard that has these sweet, delicate lavender blooms that last about a minute and a half in the scorching heat. They smell amazing. What with all the rain, I don't think we'll be seeing many more. Today in place of this picture you'd see my E cuddling up to a group of naked twigs. Thank you, black spot fungus.

There's April! Ta da!

Gosh, She's One Already

2008-04-04T15:52:00.004-05:00

This is where I originally put a picture of the cakes I made the girl. One for her alone and one with the party theme. Then I realized that, according to family tradition, I put A's name on her cake. I know! Imagine. So anyway, here's the part I can show you, but you miss all the super-cool stripes down the sides and that the cake is actually shaped like a one. Someday, I'll get some quality editing software!

The girl.
Comfy in her new chair, enjoying a good read.

The anticipation!
"Will I be able to blow the candle out?"

Nope... but they gave me cake anyway!

The balloons were one of the best parts!

Shortening does wonders for the hair.
It's never been softer or more lustrous.
A was such a good sport about opening gifts, she studied each one appreciatively.

Ooooo, a slide!

Party Animal.
Seriously, I didn't get a picture of her until after the party was over.

This is a terrible picture I've improved as much as possible.
See? TEETH!
Her doc declared her to be out of order but fine, so we're transferring the money back to her college account instead of the Orthodontics Fund as planned.

La Vida Loca

2008-03-10T23:45:00.002-05:00

It's not that we've been horribly busy, or incredibly ill. We haven't even been out of town. But somehow, life just snowballed on me and I've been trapped under an avalanche of ear infections, bad behavior, and obligations. I've hardly even taken a picture lately! Sure we've had fun, the baby and I spent 20 minutes today laughing ourselves silly despite her fever because I dared to dodge her left hook. She's got the best belly laugh ever! E earned back her computer privileges today and that speaks volumes! I'm not sure what happens to people at the age of four, but it appears to be very dramatic and possibly a bit painful. Thankfully, I don't remember when it happened to me, but that's what Mom's for. I get the impression from her (constant) riotous laughter that this could be one of the greater joys of grand-parenthood.

At the end of this month our baby turns one. One whole year. It's simply amazing. I remember when a year seemed like for.ev.er. My babies are growing up in the blink of an eye. Some days E seems so big I think she'll be snatching the car keys next week - her biggest dream now is to be 99, and then each night she curls up in her blanket and she's tiny again. How do they do that? It happens when they're sick or hurt, too. The other day I was holding A's hand in mine, awed over how much of my palm disappears behind hers. And today she's so small and fragile, worried and fussed over like an infant. Thank God they sleep. Thank God I get to peek in on them while they're all soft and dreamy, curled up and quiet. Thank God when life is crazy, He reminds they're still small.

An A Can Crawl

2008-01-17T14:16:00.000-06:00

At nine months, 1 1/2 weeks my baby crawled. Finally. Her peers, all boys and therefore much more interested in transportation than my laid back little girl, have been crawling for months. MONTHS! I must admit, I brought this on myself. Knowing she's our last, I prayed she wouldn't grow up so stinking fast. I wasn't asking for developmental delays or anything, but to have the opportunity to savor her babyhood. E transformed from baby to toddler in the blink of and eye and I didn't want to miss it again. But all of the younger babies are flying around the nursery floor and there sits little A, happily eating their dust. So, I resigned myself to a disappointing "crawl" that looked more like a walrus than a human - and then she gracefully tucked her knees under that sweet bottom and took off!

Oh sweet relief.

And You Shall Be Called...

2008-01-17T13:45:00.000-06:00

If you are owned by E and she has naming rights, you will be called Sarah, Matthew or Rachel - after her cousins. There are no exceptions other than Michael the fish, now deceased and replaced by Rachel With Fins (not to be confused with my niece, Rachel With Feet). For Christmas, we adopted an elephant at our zoo, her name is now Sarah. Snails, which according to E are always male, are named Matthew. And so it goes and has gone for 2 of her 4 years.

Driving down the road the other day with the girls and my Dad, he asked what name E had given the Little Tykes lion flashlight. I think to myself, "Duh - Sarah, Matthew or Rachel."

Nope. I nearly drove off the road.

Jorge. Spanish pronunciation and all.

Christmas 2007

2008-01-11T14:13:00.000-06:00

The first (and really only) gift unwrapped by little A. Who knew it would get old so quick?

Overheard while unwrapping this coffee maker (that cycles REAL water)...
E: (Very excitedly) O my goodness! Look, look! It's just what I always wanted!!!
Family Friend: What is it?
E: (Screaming with excitement) I don't know!

It's never to early to accessorize!

The only picture of the girls together THE ENTIRE HOLIDAY!
Does that go against the Mother Of The Year award for last year or have I already botched 2008?

A is too busy looking at a couch full of cousins to enjoy unwrapping her gift. Thank goodness her daddy was interested in the lacy pink clothes!

Cookies for Santa/Carrots for the Reindeer.

A loves her gift from Santa and learns about colors!

E gets a big girl bike from Grahmi!

Same Grahmi reading a lovely Christmas tale. Just after this precious moment, E hopped off Grahmi's lap to play with a toy. Grahmi says, "I thought you wanted me to read you this story?" E's reply? "I can still hear you." Touching isn't it?

New wheels! Who can ride? I can! Me. All me!

She sticks her tongue out this far to blow raspberries. Then she curls it up over her lip and starts again.

A Christmas wish fulfilled. E asked Santa for an elephant. Naturally I was curious.

Me: Do you want a toy elephant?
E: No, Mom. A real one.
Me: Where will it live?
E: In my room.
Me: An elephant is far too big for your room.
E: (Thinking) I know! It can live in the backyard.
Me: (That's illegal!) (Who will clean up the poop?) I don't think the backyard is big enough either.

Santa's so smart. He adopted an elephant in E's name that lives at the zoo and we can visit it anytime. Gunda has been renamed Sarah. Sorry Gunda!

O December

2008-01-08T10:54:00.000-06:00

There was ice. Unlike many of our friends, most of our neighborhood maintained power throughout the week even though we were badly hit. We had power guilt and hosted many a dinner. It's a month later and our streets are still covered with branches. This is our backyard and the nice men from 2 different states that came to pick up our tree limb off the power line (but not the neighbor's carport.) When trees are cut in cartoons, everyone yells timber. When you watch them fall through your brick wall, "Timber" is not what you hear yourself say.

How to dress for the first snow of the year.
Brought to you by a four year old.

A's first snow. She didn't get to experience it any other way because it was bitterly cold out there and she was a little bit under the weather. Sorry about the index finger - it's a crop or post moment.

The Christmas program.
This year there was less twirling.
There was more falling on the stage.
And bowing. Lots of bowing.
Here's a mom tip: Don't give the child new shoes right before she hits the stage. She will show the entire audience because, after all, isn't that why they're all watching?

In Which My Beautiful, Amazing First-born Turns FOUR!

2007-11-18T21:37:00.000-06:00

E's first friend party at our favorite park.

This look is, "Really? A picture? Can't I just eat it, Mom?"
Four is very good, very good indeed.

Parade of Party Princesses.
We have no pictures of E running off with the first gift she opened, princess shoes, to try on in her bedroom, in front of the hall mirror, show to all the people waiting in the living room, twirl with, sound check on the tile, admire in the hall mirror while twirling and finally the running test.
And so it went with each gift.

She stopped mid-gift to check herself out in the dress... again.This is what happens to cute hair when scraped through the opening of a trampoline enclosure. I can't help but wonder if that's how Flock of Seagulls did it, too.

This is my cousin's son. He plays football, wrestles and makes disgusting body noises for fun. He also helps little girls into their princess gowns.
He's a pretty special kid!
Supergirl gets quiet and a little shy while we sing.

A makes an appearance with my aunt.

Cousins. And pink forks.
Which will remain in our family for many parties to come.
Because my mother washed them.
Yes Mom, they are very nice, durable forks.

Oh the birthday joy!

Belated Halloween Pictures

2007-11-13T23:40:00.000-06:00

A as Tootsie RollE playing the part of Fairy Princess.
(note the wand and the very serious pose)

This is the very first time in her life she touched pumpkin guts knowing it would be icky since that fateful carving day just before she turned one and the slimy string stuck to her fingers. Not even peer pressure could break her down at preschool last year. She's nearly four people! This year I put my foot down and said, "If you want a Jack-O-Lantern (and she really did) you'll have to scoop the guts out yourself!"

There are 2 plates of spider and web cupcakes just to the right of the children. Yes, they were delicious, but that's not why I mention them. Little A knew we weren't paying attention, stuck her fingers in the icing and that's why the best picture I have of both girls in their costumes has a wand flying out at you and a frowning baby. Not the Kodak moment I was trying to achieve.

The State Fair

2007-10-07T16:46:00.001-05:00

Every year we try to get to the State Fair, it's something the husband and I have done every year since we've been married. Mostly, we just enjoy the carnival atmosphere (translated: food). We've taken E since she was tiny, and this is A's first visit.

The tiny little dot is my daughter's head....
and she LOVED it!

She rode these last year, so it was no big deal.

In a sad little ironic twist, the hatching chick exhibit was sponsored by Tyson.

A's learned to kiss on request, we all enjoy the benefits!

Cause that's how I roll...

This is the 2nd year they've had a giant indoor sandbox.
No money required, just some fun for the kids while the grown-ups rest a little.

I don't find anything remarkable about the teacup ride other than the fact we've probably all been on it - maybe even this exact one.
I just had to share because she's pretty!

E's first REAL roller coaster!
No parents - no fear.

I was trying to capture her excitement from the coaster, and while this isn't her initial reaction, I think it speaks volumes!

We had a blast in the unusually warm October sun!

O September

2007-10-07T16:05:00.000-05:00

The house is (reasonably) clean, the girls are asleep, and the husband has commandeered the TV for NASCAR. Seems like a good time to catch up!

Swimming at our local water park.

After fifteen minutes of trying to teach E to swim, I leave her with my mother for about 2. This is the child swimming.

First day of Preschool.

First impressions - at least nothing bled.

Bear's eye view at our zoo on member's night.

A-doring aunts watching the "roll over"

She sits!

Some traditions should be passed on early.
Morning cartoons... check.

Hay.

Horseback riding through a vineyard with Grahmi.
Makes next week's sleepover look pretty lame.

The Zoo!

2007-08-22T23:20:00.000-05:00

There were some lovely kids from Japan visiting our zoo this day. Our E is so incredibly outgoing she charmed the pictures right out of them! With her blond hair and blue eyes, she's the typical American girl!

She's touching the tortise!
I am SO jealous.

It's difficult to tell who's looking at who here.
Ever been stared down by a meerkat?

Yep. Got up there all by herself.

Daddy takes few pictures... we celebrate the really good ones!

A was there - this proves it!

Flamingos actually pose!
Who wouldn't take this photographic opportunity after chasing a preschooler all day?

Three and a half

2007-07-24T22:15:00.000-05:00

Months...

Years...

What a world of difference now. In the blink of an eye, the years won't matter!

A First Fourth

2007-07-05T11:05:00.000-05:00

This alert and slightly worried look was too funny! After staring for a minute, she went back to her TV show.

Do you know how hard it is to get 2 wiggly kids to smile in the direction of the camera at the same time? Of course you do! What am I thinking?

Too big to lay down. To small to sit up.
A does a great job of faking it while she watches Oprah.
Couldn't tear her eyes away despite Mom's best attempts!

A's new trick! Really aids in another favorite pastime...
licking my cousin.

Patriotic Birthday

2007-07-05T09:45:00.000-05:00

My Birthday is around the 4th.

Isn't it nice the entire nation celebrates with me?
E put the candles on my cake - Cherry inside and out!

Daddy is a (very handsome) veteran. This year he took part in our church's Patriotic Service. We all looked the part!

E's practicing her "Fiona" pose. (Shrek) In case you were wondering, after much testing, the dress twirls nicely.

Nothing but smiles these days :)

Catch Up...

2007-07-05T00:35:00.001-05:00

What's a couple of months off the blog worth? I'll tell you...

A lightening strike takes out the modem, several filters and the ethernet card. Newborn takes out the drive to get anything done quickly!
Hysterectomy 2 months post c-section. Not recommended, but certainly recoverable! (Otherwise known as "Thank you, God, for giving me a baby that sleeps!")
Lost camera. Big bad bummer is that it absolutely has to be in this house somewhere... have you seen it? I'm pretty sure it's grown legs. Hubby got me an upgrade for my birthday - isn't he sweet?!! Too bad baby A's baptism pictures are on the lost card.

May and June in pictures -------

A makes tears...and learns to smile!

We visited Pawpaw - our first out of town trip!
A gets love from a fairy
who's known for her artwork.
(She's cleaning it up with a Magic Eraser!)
E graduates and performs with her classmates.
I didn't manage to get a picture of the unscripted twirling.
One picture, 2 milestones!
A's hands find her mouth and she begins bathing with E.
E couldn't be more excited!

Bring on the rain!

2007-05-03T11:39:00.000-05:00

According to the weatherman, in Oklahoma we're officially out of the drought. The small pond that is our driveway gave us our first clue.
What bugs Daddy delights E!

Splashing Mom is WAY fun! This game had to be stopped out of respect for the camera's wetness preferences.

If you are asking yourself, "That's a threatening look, did she really jump?"
Yep. Lots.

I am amazingly blessed!

Gravity Happens

2007-05-02T15:07:00.000-05:00

My little princess spun herself into a door frame! Poor thing hit so hard that when I picked her up off the floor, there was nothing but a dent from her temple to the middle of her cheek. This picture was taken about 1/2 an hour later.

Princess Mulan was plum tuckered out from her exploits, but had just enough energy to drag herself up to the forbidden top bunk for a snooze! As this had not been attempted before, I can only assume the whack to the head is to blame!

Yesterday was better, the girls enjoyed themselves outside with Daddy! A has really become responsive in the last week. She looks us in the eye, searches for her sister and smiles when we kiss her! Please note E's response below!

Time Flies

2007-04-26T11:05:00.000-05:00

Our Little A is Four Weeks Old!
So now she's all smiles! She can hold her head up and has gotten over her grouchies despite a cold. She seems to have decided we're not so bad after all and this could be kinda fun - we can be entertaining after all! She's also gained more than 2 pounds since she's been home... check out her little belly! The night before last, she grabbed my shirt with both hands. It was the first time she held me back. A's looking in our eyes, checking out her world and even handling diaper changes without a whimper! What a month!

So, naturally Mom had to take some cute little naked baby pictures to commemorate the event!

Yep, we're in love!

Thanks!

2007-04-25T09:44:00.000-05:00

Thank you all for the warm welcome into Blogville! I look forward to getting to know you! I warn you, it may be slow going - seems A doesn't appreciate Mommy's attention to the computer!

Easter & Monkey Toes

2007-04-25T09:39:00.000-05:00

Easter Princess

My sweet girls. E love A so hard sometimes it makes A a bit uncomfortable!

Isn't she cute?

Monkey Toes. I confess, she got them from me.

Some Firsts

2007-04-24T07:50:00.000-05:00

A's first bath at home.

E holding A with enthusiasm for the first time at home!

A's first Dr's visit. See E in the background? She's on her way off the table and up in the window ledge 4 feet off the floor and 3 stories off the ground. I haven't yet figured out how to watch 2 children at once!

Peaceful sleeping!

Hello World!

2007-04-22T16:24:00.000-05:00

Meet Baby A
This is the beginning... now she's 3 weeks old!
Sweet Baby A actually came into this world as our second child. Our first love, E, is 3 and adores her little sister like no other! Sadly, Mommy didn't blog when E was born, so we'll have to play catch up a bit (later).

Add a dutiful Dad and one each of the dog and cat varieties and that completes our household!