Monday, April 30, 2018
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Monday, February 16, 2015
Anna Kate - Turns 3
January 8th, we celebrated Anna Kate's third birthday. We have now have had more birthdays with AK than without her. We made this birthday more like a birthday month.
Anna Kate has become such a big girl. She is 30 lbs 8 oz and 36.75" tall. She has a big vocabulary and has a great sense of humor. She had me rolling in the floor the other day. She was outside sitting in her chair. She gets up, bends over, and puts her hands on her back. Then she says, "My back is killing me." Do what? She could not have been any more serious.
Anna Kate loves music and singing. We have to listen to "our songs" in the car. This really is any children's music. She loves playing mommy and taking care of her babies. AK and Bennett play mommy and daddy with Kevin being Bennett and me being Anna Kate. It is so funny to hear the change in the pitch of their voice as they talk to babies. AK is such a good helper and loves to clean.
Over Christmas holidays, we were able to potty train Anna Kate. She really was so easy. This was such a huge blessing. Although we have known that AK did not have spina bifida, we still had the voices in our head that the doctors had told us that she may not be able to be potty trained. It seems from a health perspective, Anna Kate has overcome all obstacles and would be considered healthy. Behaviorally, Anna Kate has made tremendous improvements. We have also learned more about what triggers her behavior issues and what discipline works to correct it.
Anna Kate had requested a Frozen party since last June after Bennett's party. She never wavered. Having a January birthday makes it hard to figure out what to do. I thought ice skating would fit the theme, but AK does not handle large groups well. With Bennett and AK being so young, I was unsure if it would be something they would enjoy. We had a trial run Christmas Eve and it went well. So February 14th, we had Anna Kate's third birthday party at the ice rink. I was worried how it would go, but could not have been better. Anna Kate and Bennett both were eager to go ice skating. Anna Kate really is a pro. She does so well holding her feet together. After a few laps, they were done and ready to do some crafts I had plans. I have to say I had a lot of fun skating and watching our friends and their kids skate. After skating, I had a few crafts planned - coloring, making snowflakes, and making snow. The kids loved making snow. It worked, but not quite as easy as I expected. Let me say, it is messy which was even more fun for the kids and Kevin. I really appreciate family and friends who came and celebrated with us.
As if the party was not enough, we left the party to go to the Chinese New Year celebration. Kevin had taken Anna Kate last year, but it was the first time Bennett and I had attended. It was good, but not exactly what I expected. They have vendors and different local Chinese organization booths. They have events on stage from aerobatics, singing, yoga, dancing, etc. I was so surprised to see how much Bennett got into it. I had to pick him up to get him to leave watching the show and let us look at the vendors. I think it was his first time seeing so many people that look like Anna Kate.
It was a big weekend with lots of great memories.
Anna Kate has become such a big girl. She is 30 lbs 8 oz and 36.75" tall. She has a big vocabulary and has a great sense of humor. She had me rolling in the floor the other day. She was outside sitting in her chair. She gets up, bends over, and puts her hands on her back. Then she says, "My back is killing me." Do what? She could not have been any more serious.
Anna Kate loves music and singing. We have to listen to "our songs" in the car. This really is any children's music. She loves playing mommy and taking care of her babies. AK and Bennett play mommy and daddy with Kevin being Bennett and me being Anna Kate. It is so funny to hear the change in the pitch of their voice as they talk to babies. AK is such a good helper and loves to clean.
Over Christmas holidays, we were able to potty train Anna Kate. She really was so easy. This was such a huge blessing. Although we have known that AK did not have spina bifida, we still had the voices in our head that the doctors had told us that she may not be able to be potty trained. It seems from a health perspective, Anna Kate has overcome all obstacles and would be considered healthy. Behaviorally, Anna Kate has made tremendous improvements. We have also learned more about what triggers her behavior issues and what discipline works to correct it.
Anna Kate had requested a Frozen party since last June after Bennett's party. She never wavered. Having a January birthday makes it hard to figure out what to do. I thought ice skating would fit the theme, but AK does not handle large groups well. With Bennett and AK being so young, I was unsure if it would be something they would enjoy. We had a trial run Christmas Eve and it went well. So February 14th, we had Anna Kate's third birthday party at the ice rink. I was worried how it would go, but could not have been better. Anna Kate and Bennett both were eager to go ice skating. Anna Kate really is a pro. She does so well holding her feet together. After a few laps, they were done and ready to do some crafts I had plans. I have to say I had a lot of fun skating and watching our friends and their kids skate. After skating, I had a few crafts planned - coloring, making snowflakes, and making snow. The kids loved making snow. It worked, but not quite as easy as I expected. Let me say, it is messy which was even more fun for the kids and Kevin. I really appreciate family and friends who came and celebrated with us.
As if the party was not enough, we left the party to go to the Chinese New Year celebration. Kevin had taken Anna Kate last year, but it was the first time Bennett and I had attended. It was good, but not exactly what I expected. They have vendors and different local Chinese organization booths. They have events on stage from aerobatics, singing, yoga, dancing, etc. I was so surprised to see how much Bennett got into it. I had to pick him up to get him to leave watching the show and let us look at the vendors. I think it was his first time seeing so many people that look like Anna Kate.
It was a big weekend with lots of great memories.
AK's birthday celebration at home.
Present from Granddaddy.
Bennett got her Hello Kitty piggy bank.
Anna Kate got a doll house from Mommy and Daddy.
Frozen party
Granddaddy and Bennett
They said another lap. Oh no.
My princess.
Making snow experiment
My attempt at baking.
My baby girl is three.
Trip to Nashville
Who said Christmas is only December 24th? We celebrated Christmas with my sister's family mid January. It was our second trip to Nashville. It started off a little rocky. Anna Kate was ready to be there about an hour in to the trip. Not a good sign. We stopped to eat supper and get out for a break. After eating, she did much better.
I love getting to see my first boys (Ethan and Parker). They are such big boys now. It is sweet, but sad. It was so much fun to play with the kids and let the kids play with each other. Anna Kate still loved her Avery. Avery has gotten a lot bigger since our last trip in September, so she was a little harder for her to hold.
We all went to the Rainforest Café for supper Saturday night. My kids were a little scared at first with the live like animals.
FYI - My kids are still singing Christmas songs when we walk through the grocery store and it is mid-February.
I love getting to see my first boys (Ethan and Parker). They are such big boys now. It is sweet, but sad. It was so much fun to play with the kids and let the kids play with each other. Anna Kate still loved her Avery. Avery has gotten a lot bigger since our last trip in September, so she was a little harder for her to hold.
We all went to the Rainforest Café for supper Saturday night. My kids were a little scared at first with the live like animals.
FYI - My kids are still singing Christmas songs when we walk through the grocery store and it is mid-February.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Orange Bowl 2014 - MSU vs. Georgia Tech
MSU had a great 2014 season. MSU had it's first #1 ranking for multiple weeks. We also had our first trip to the Orange Bowl, so you know we were their to cheer for our bulldogs. We decided to drive to Miami. It was a long drive from Birmingham, AL. We continued with a trip to Maggiano's for supper for a bowl game. We went there when we were in the Gator Bowl and Music City Bowl. It was wonderful as usual. We drove A1A Beach Front Avenue. Traffic was crazy, but saw some gorgeous homes and luxury cars. We stopped in South Beach to walk around. It was a unique city. You feel like you have left America, but you drove there. I was not impressed with the beach.
We had a great time at the game. Unfortunately, MSU lost to Georgia Tech. We stopped at Deerfield Beach on the way back to eat lunch at the Whale's Rib which was recommended to us by some friends. I have to say it is amazing. I got fried shrimp and the guys had shrimp po'boys. I was as impressed with the community as well. It was off the beach. There were number of people walking around, kids riding bikes, etc. There was a huge pier and a number of outdoor restaurants. I would stay there if I were to visit South Florida again.
We had a great time at the game. Unfortunately, MSU lost to Georgia Tech. We stopped at Deerfield Beach on the way back to eat lunch at the Whale's Rib which was recommended to us by some friends. I have to say it is amazing. I got fried shrimp and the guys had shrimp po'boys. I was as impressed with the community as well. It was off the beach. There were number of people walking around, kids riding bikes, etc. There was a huge pier and a number of outdoor restaurants. I would stay there if I were to visit South Florida again.
Christmas 2014
Finally found some time now that it is mid-January to post about Christmas. We had a great Christmas. The kids are now old enough to understand the reason we celebrate Christmas and give gifts. They still did not understand the concept of asking for certain presents. If you asked Bennett and Anna Kate what they wanted, they would name items they have. Not really the idea.
Bennett was able to participate in the Christmas program at school. I had heard him sing the song for months. Anna Kate did not quite understand why she could not sing. I think we are going to run into this conversation again and again with Bennett and Anna Kate being so close in age, but a year apart in school.
We continued Christmas with our family traditions. We went to the zoolight safari at the Birmingham Zoo. Christmas Eve night we decorated gingerbread houses and rode around and looked at lights. Christmas day was full of fun. Santa brought the practical items - games, plates/cups, bath towels, pajamas, etc. Then we opened gifts. Bennett got a tool set, Toy Story movie, book, and bike helmet. Anna Kate got a cash register, broom set, Nemo movie, and book. Later that day, we decorated cupcakes and had a birthday party for Jesus. I think that is one of my favorite traditions. I think it helps them understand what we are celebrating.
I love this special time with my kids. They make Christmas so fun, exciting, and memorable.
Bennett was able to participate in the Christmas program at school. I had heard him sing the song for months. Anna Kate did not quite understand why she could not sing. I think we are going to run into this conversation again and again with Bennett and Anna Kate being so close in age, but a year apart in school.
We continued Christmas with our family traditions. We went to the zoolight safari at the Birmingham Zoo. Christmas Eve night we decorated gingerbread houses and rode around and looked at lights. Christmas day was full of fun. Santa brought the practical items - games, plates/cups, bath towels, pajamas, etc. Then we opened gifts. Bennett got a tool set, Toy Story movie, book, and bike helmet. Anna Kate got a cash register, broom set, Nemo movie, and book. Later that day, we decorated cupcakes and had a birthday party for Jesus. I think that is one of my favorite traditions. I think it helps them understand what we are celebrating.
I love this special time with my kids. They make Christmas so fun, exciting, and memorable.
Nanna and Anna Kate at Bennett's Christmas program.
Bennett's Christmas Program
Santa's Couch
Tired from Christmas morning.
Bennett's gingerbread house
Bennett's gingerbread cookie
Anna Kate's gingerbread cookie
Bennett with a lot of sugar.
Anna Kate's cupcakes for Jesus Birthday party.
Bennett's cupcakes for Jesus Birthday party.
My precious angels.
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