#3 And Minivan

Dearest Joshua David and Grace Elizabeth~

Joshua, you came into our room around 10 something last night.  You ended up curling into our bed and fell asleep.  I went and stayed in your bed across from Grace.  She got up around 2:30am this morning and then curled up with me. 

Daddy and I had a mission today, so we went to Mimi's and Grandpa Mike's house early this morning .... we were there around 9am.  Grandpa Mike changed the oil in my Escape and Mimi watched you all as daddy and I started our mission.  We went to a few car dealerships, got information, and test drove a few things.  Then, we regrouped for lunch with you all, Mimi, Grandpa Mike, and Uncle Brennan.  While daddy and I were gone, you two played in a pool outside.  It was another hot day .... it was around 105 degrees!

Later in the afternoon, daddy and I went back to another dealership.  This time with took the Escape and completed our mission.  

Little ones .... there's a reason daddy and I have been doing a lot of research about vehicles, washing my car, cleaning it, and talking to people and dealerships for a few weeks now.  Little gifts .... our precious family of 4 will become a family of 5!  Yes, little miracles .... you all will have a little brother or little sister in December.  :-)  I'm a little over 16 weeks pregnant and due 12/12/12.  ;-)  Our ultrasound is in 2 weeks and then we'll know if we're having a boy or a girl.  

Daddy and I prayed a lot about whether to have another miracle.  And, we're so excited and blessed that God has answered our prayer.  So, to accommodate a larger, growing family, we needed to research a larger vehicle that can hold three car seats.  The most logical vehicle for us is a minivan .... so, after test driving, researching, and talking to multiple people .... we traded in my Ford Escape and bought a Honda Odyssey.

It's light blue (matches my Carolina license plate) and we're so excited!  ;-)  However, buying a car is a nerve racking process.  We didn't get home until 9:15pm.  Daddy and I were tired and hungry!  What a long day.  Grace, you fell asleep around 9:40pm.  Joshua, you were asleep around 10am.

I hope you two are as excited as we are.  Each day we pray for you two and thank God for you both, and now we have another miracle to pray for and thank God for.  We love you all so very much!  

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you two so much!

~Mommy

Testing

Dearest Precious Gifts~

Why do you all wake up so early on days I can sleep in?  There really was no reason to be up at 6:15am this morning.  But, alas, I found myself awake with a crying Grace .... you wake up fussy sometimes.  :-P

Guess what .... we saw deer in our backyard this morning!  I think there were three out.  I wonder how they can stand the hot weather we've been having recently.  While we were downstairs, we swept and vacuumed the downstairs.  :-)

We had a little bit of playtime this morning and then headed over to see Uncle James.  He watched you two as I went to get a drug screening test for work.  I'm due for re-credentialing and renewal for work .... all providers are up every two years.  Anyway, I had to wait for one hour.  Ugh.  I picked up lunch for everyone (chicken nuggets and fries) and quickly made it back to help feed you two and change diapers.  As you all were eating, I made a quick trip to work to have my TB test read .... I was negative.  ;-)  I was back with you all at 12:30pm.  I got you all an 8 piece nugget meal with fries and you all only left one nugget and one fry!  Whoa!

We were back home by 1:30pm.  Grace, you took a nice nap.  Joshua, you fought it and didn't nap.  It was so hot out today, so once Grace woke up we stayed inside.  The high for today broke a record from previous years.

We played a little until daddy got home.  He picked up some oil and filters on the way home for the cars.  We have plans for my car, which I'll tell you all about later.  ;-)

We had leftovers for dinner.  Then, we played this evening.  But, Joshua got in trouble several times for throwing toys.  :-P  Then, it was bath time and bed time. 

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both very much!

~Mommy

100 Degrees

Dearest Blessings~

I had to be at work early this morning for a meeting that started at 7:30am.  And, since I had insomnia last night, it was hard for me to get up and get ready.  Ugh.  :-P  But, unlike yesterday morning, both of you two were awake before I left for work.  So, I got to give you both kisses before leaving!  :-)

Today was another hot day!  It was around 100 degrees!  This weekend will be hot too.  You all had fun with the water table and Joshua still had his swim trunks on when I came home from work!

I got home around 6:30pm.  I gave you all kisses when I walked through the door.  That's always a nice way to come home from a long day at work!  Your smiling faces cheer me up!  ;-)

We all played upstairs this evening.  Grace, you wouldn't take your sandals off .... you really like them!  You finally took them off for bath time though.  ;-)

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

New Glasses

Dearest Miracles~

Grace, you woke early this morning.  It was a little after 6am.  Daddy and I were getting ready for work.  You woke up grumpy and fussy.  I'm sure you were still tired but you wouldn't go back to sleep.  Joshua, you continued to sleep.  In fact, you were still sleeping when I left for work.  I kissed you before I left though.

You all had fun with Penny today, despite it being a hot day.  You all had playtime outside with the water table and went to the park.  Grace, you were apparently 'fearless' at the park and went on the big slide.  You all also had art time and story time.  Penny said that Joshua ate a blueberry for her!  Wow little man!

I got home late from work.  It was close to 7pm.  But, it was because I made a stop on the way home.  I picked up my new glasses and contacts from the eye doctor!  I was way overdue for new glasses, so I was so excited to get a new pair that was the correct prescription .... everything is so clear  now!  ;-)  The frames have springs in them and can bend a little .... but you all still have to be careful .... I don't want these getting all bent up like my old glasses.  :-P

Once I was home, you two gave me kisses.  Then, we all played this evening before bedtime.

I'll try to get home sooner tomorrow!

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Nice Dinner

Dearest Miracles~

Joshua noodled into our bed around 2:45am this morning.  I went to sleep in his bed across from Grace .... our bed was too loud for me to sleep in.  :-P  Grace woke at 6:30am.

Because of the rain last night it was slightly cooler today .... it was in the 80's!  Woo hoo!  

We had play time this morning and then headed out.  We picked up Joshua's prescription and gassed up my car.  Then, we headed to speech therapy to see Kim. 

You did well again.  I told Kim that we're looking into home therapy via Anna's organization.  She knew about the early intervention group and thought it was a good idea.  If Joshua got accepted, then he would qualify for speech therapy in preschool.

We were home by lunch.  You two ate some hotdogs.  Joshua, you also had some cheese toast and Grace had some yogurt.  I made some baked spaghetti for dinner.

Aunt Katie and Uncle Brennan came over for a visit after.  They were running errands and weren't far from us.  Grace, you kept trying to put on Aunt Katie's shoes.  :-)

You two had nice naps afterward .... with minimal fussing from you both.  :-P  Once you were awake, I baked our spaghetti and roasted some asparagus, corn, and carrots. 

Daddy was home a little later because he got a haircut after work .... he's so handsome.  :-)  We had a good dinner, though Grace was a little difficult.  She only wanted toast and cheese.  Joshua, you had yogurt, cheese, and some peanut butter toast.

What a beautiful evening!  We went for a walk .... about 2.5 miles.  Then, you all had a bath before bedtime.

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Busy Day

Dearest Joshua David and Grace Elizabeth~

Joshua, you wouldn't fall asleep last night.  So, I ended up sleeping next to you all night.  I don't know what time you actually fell asleep.  I think I fell asleep first.  :-P

We had lots of play time this morning as I folded laundry from yesterday.  Some times I think the laundry is never ending.  Joshua, I increased the amount of applesauce that I give you for your snack time.  You eat close to a cup now without fussing!  Way to go!

After snacks, we headed to Kim's for speech therapy.  Grace and I played in the waiting room.  You did really well.  You said some words without prompting.  I told her how well you've been working/practicing at home.  :-)

We only had a quick stop at home for lunch and new diapers.  Grace, you ate just shy of two hotdogs!

Then, we were off to Rex for a feeding appointment with Krista.  She was impressed that you fed yourself mac and cheese the other day!  You ate a new package of purée today .... it had beets and banana.  You also tried broccoli with cheese.  And, you ate toast with peanut butter .... you loved it!  Your eating has gotten better.  I even told her that I've increased your applesauce and she was excited. 

We were home by 3:45pm.  Grace, you were sleeping so I continued to hold her as Joshua played.  Once awake, I played ball with you two in the living room.  Joshua threw the ball to me, I handed it to Grace, and then she handed it back to Joshua.  Anna came over briefly for some paperwork.  We're going to switch speech therapy to a home therapy in a few weeks and she's helping us.

Daddy came home early and I made chicken nuggets and fries for you two.  Daddy worked on the car and I took you two to the park.  Joshua, you were a pain!  We were there for thirty minutes and you cried pretty much the entire time.  Grace was in the swing and you kept running off to the large jungle gym and wanted to jump off the sides.  I repeatedly told you to go down the slide or the stairs and you continued to disobey in front of several people.  I was so embarrassed.  I put you in the swing next to Grace and you screamed.  So, we went home by 7:30pm and it will be a long time before I take you back there unless you learn to pay attention.  You can not jump off the side of a jungle gym at least 10 feet high.  

This evening we had some puzzle and play time.  Then, it rained and thundered.

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Clean Car

Dearest Joshua David and Grace Elizabeth~

Grace .... you will not take off your new sandals!  You really like them.  As soon as you went downstairs this morning, daddy put them on your feet and you wore them all morning.  They're white with little flowers and a butterfly.  ;-)  Since you wanted to wear them, we figured we needed to get out of the house to show them off.  :-)

So, we made it to the early church service.  :-)  We got to see Gigi play in the Praise Team.  We also saw Grandpa Jim and Uncle James at church.  Joshua, you ate 4 doughnut holes while there.  :-P  Both of you drew on the church bulletin. 

We were home for lunch.  We all had some leftovers and then got changed into our swim trunks.  I put water in the water table for you all and then we all headed outside to play.  Daddy and I washed my car .... boy did it need it!  You all came over to help too.  It was hot out though, so we brought you all back inside after an hour.  Joshua fussed once we went inside, but it was also nap time.  Everyone was changed and upstairs by 1:45pm .... and I had a clean car!  ;-)

You two really fought naps!  We eventually had to separate you two in order to get you all to fall asleep.  Both of you were snoring by 3pm.

While you all napped, daddy did more yard work and I did more laundry and things on the computer.  Then, I cooked dinner.  You two woke as dinner was cooking.  I made roasted asparagus with corn and then a stove top lasagna.  It was good!  

Since we ate an early dinner, we all went for a walk.  It was hot, but a beautiful evening.  We went up past the shops and back .... at least 3 miles!  Woo hoo!  Daddy and I are trying to get healthier for you two.  :-)

Once back home, we put a movie on.  We watched 'Toy Story' with you all and relaxed.  Then, you all had a bath.  Joshua got in trouble though because he didn't listen and was chewing on toys he wasn't suppose to and then splashed daddy when told not to.  Little man, you need to learn to listen.  You weren't happy when you were taken out of the tub.  We'll try again tomorrow.

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Asheboro Trip

Dearest Blessings~

Joshua, you ended up in our bed early this morning!  Grace, you on the other hand, stayed in your toddlerbed all night long!  In fact, you were still sleeping at 7:30am!  Whoa!

Once we all got ready for the day, we headed to Asheboro to see Great Grandma and Great Grandpa!  We got there by lunch time.  We also saw Gigi, Grandpa Jim, and Uncle James.  We all visited and played while there.  You two brought toy cars to play with, but you still manged to take things off the shelves and find other things to play with.  :-P  In fact, you two enjoyed playing with the cat toys!  Once the sun was out, you all went on a tractor ride with Great Grandpa, Grandpa Jim, Uncle James, and daddy.  You all went all around the neighborhood, but the house with the horses didn't have them out.  It must have been too hot for them.  We headed home later in the afternoon and got back around 4:30pm.  You two napped in the car. 

We relaxed a little at home and then went out for dinner at Chili's for fun!  Grace, you've never been there before.  I 'think' Joshua's been when he was a baby.  You all ate mostly fries, though Joshua started to eat more mac and cheese at the end.  We made a quick trip to Target for groceries afterward.  You each ate a cookie.  And, everyone got new sandals!  Grace, you're a size 4 and Joshua, you're a size 7 (from our estimations).  ;-)

We got home at 8pm.  Whew .... what a busy day!  You two had a bath and then we all went to bed!

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both very much!

~Mommy

Haircuts For All

Dearest Miracles~

Grace, you noodled into our bed early this morning.  Joshua, you got up after daddy left for work.  Since the gate was open on the stairs, you wandered downstairs, by yourself, and started to play.  I heard you and went downstairs with Grace.

We did some laundry this morning and then headed back downstairs for some snacks.  I made you all more hotdogs since you two appear to eat them whole now.  ;-)  I also vacuumed and swept the downstairs as you two played.  

Joshua, you really impressed me at lunch.  You ate a lot of mac and cheese and you fed yourself!  I put it on your plate and you fed yourself using a plastic fork.  Wow!  You only dropped one noodle!

Also, in the book that we're reading, I can point to the pictures of the car, plane, train, truck, and boat .... and Joshua will say the words back at me without me having to say them first!  That's the first time he's done that with me!  I know you know all these words man, you just won't say them without being prompted.  We'll keep working on it, but you did really well today!  :-)

We had a really quick nap time after story time.  Then, we headed to Pam's for some haircuts!  You both sat in her booster seat (by yourselves) and behaved yourselves perfectly!  You both followed directions with no fussing!  Grace, you did act a little suspicious though.  ;-)  This was Grace's first 'real' hair cut .... I cut her bangs months ago when they were in her eyes.  :-)  And, I got my hair cut too!
 

You two helped me pick up some stamps at the Post Office afterwards and then we headed home by 4pm.  We made a pizza for dinner and it started to rain and thunder as we were cooking.  You two ate a good amount of pizza! 

Once daddy got home, we played!  He thought everyone was cute with their new haircuts!  We had more rain and thunder this evening.  Then, it was bath and bedtime.  :-)

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Big Lunch

Dearest Gifts~

Joshua, you curled up in our bed at 5:15am.  Grace, you slept through the night.  ;-)

You all had a lot of fun with Penny today.  More story time and coloring time.  You all went to the park and played outside since it was a nice day again.

I got home around 6:45pm.  You two gave me kisses when I walked through the door.  So beautiful!  That's always the best part of my day!  

Our office manager is getting married this weekend, so we had a huge party at work today.  Lots of food and fun!  I was so full I didn't even eat dinner this evening.  Ha!  

We all played this evening until it was bedtime.  :-)  Tomorrow's friday .... woo hoo!

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Hot Week

Dearest Miracles~

I got to play with you all and kiss you both before heading to work this morning!  Woo hoo!

The weather has gotten hot this week.  So, you all played outside in the water table with Penny today.  Apparently, while outside playing with water, you two helped 'wash' Penny's car!  ;-)  You all also had story time and craft time.  And, you all walked to the park.  Penny said that she gave Joshua a cookie this morning and it sounded like he said 'thank you' to her!  Wow! 

I got home around 6:45pm.  You all and daddy saw a hummingbird at the feeder before I got home!  :-)

Joshua, you love to carry around a stuffed kitty everywhere you go.  When I was younger, I use to carry around a stuffed tiger.  I named him 'Stripes' and took him everywhere.  I guess you get that from me.  ;-)

Grace's leg is still red.  I keep putting putting lotion on her leg.  I hope it heals soon.  Everyone got their nails cut this evening.  Then, you two had a bath.  :-)

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Repeating Words

Dearest Joshua David and Grace Elizabeth~

Grace, you didn't wake up until 6:30am this morning.  Joshua, you slept all night!  I didn't sleep well though.  I had insomnia and was awake all night.  :-P

We did a lot of laundry this morning during play time.  Then, we headed to speech therapy with Kim.  Joshua, you did well.  We're still sticking to two syllable words and having you try to finish the sounds and words yourself.  You still need prompting.  Grace and I played in the waiting room.  

We were home in time for me to cook you all some hotdogs, chicken nuggets, and fries for lunch.  You both ate one entire hotdog each, 2 nuggets each, and some fries!  Whoa!  Then, we had some play time downstairs.

Afterward, we went upstairs for story time.  I had Joshua repeat each word I said so we could work on sounds more.  You two didn't fight me for naptime after.  And, since I had a headache, I laid down with you both.  ;-)

Daddy was home a little late.  We had little pizzas for dinner.  Then, we all went for a beautiful walk this evening beyond the shops and back.  You two were in the wagon.  We walked at least 3 miles. 

Tomorrow is another work day so Penny will be here.  I'll come home as soon as I can!   :-)

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

No Appointments

Dearest Blessings~

Both of you two were up at 7am.  Grace, you woke up congested though. 

Kim isn't in town today, so we didn't have speech therapy.  So, we didn't have any appointments at all today .... that usually doesn't happen.  :-)

This morning, we played and had music time.  I put some CD's on in the playroom and did some puzzles as it rained outside. 

Then, we went downstairs for snack time and more play time.  Joshua was able to name the train, car and, boat in a book we're using if I point to the pictures.  It didn't have to say the words first for him to imitate.  I was really pushing your talking today, but you got frustrated towards the end.  And, I have to admit, I was getting frustrated too.  We'll have to take it slowly.

We saw Grandpa Jim briefly at lunch.  He dropped off some mail and food for you all.  Then, we had nap time upstairs.  Once you two were awake, we headed downstairs and worked on dinner.  We made chicken, rice, and asparagus.  It was good, though you two preferred the french fries.  :-P

This evening we played with crayons and colored a Garfield book.  Then, you two had a bath and it was bed time.

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Father's Day

Dearest Miracles~

Today is Father's Day!  Woo hoo!  This morning you two piled onto the bed and wished daddy and happy day!  ;-)

Guess what .... we saw a bunny in the back yard at breakfast!  It was so cute!  After breakfast, we relaxed in the play room with daddy and watched some Scooby Do.  Then, we all got ready for the day.

We headed to Chapel Hill for a fun Father's Day out!  We left at 10am and parked right next to the belltower.  We walked all around the campus and Franklin Street.  Daddy and I showed you two where we took classes and where we got engaged in front of South Building.  You two were in the wagon.  It was a beautiful day! 

We had lunch at Breadmans on Rosemary street.  You two had chicken strips and fries.  Then, we went to Student Stores and walked all around looking at all the clothes and things.  I took a picture of you all in the wagon in front of the belltower.  It went off as we were walking away and it startled you both!  By 3:30pm, we were back home and you two napped in the car ride. 

Once home, we all played and had leftovers for dinner.  Joshua said 'play' without any prompting after dinner!  I was so impressed!  This evening, we watched the movie 'Thor' and relaxed.  Then, you two had a bath before bedtime.  Daddy said he had a great Father's Day! 

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Steak And Ice Cream

Dearest Precious Gifts~

Joshua, you woke up around 2am this morning.  Grace, you woke at 4am.  :-P

This morning, daddy mowed the lawn as the three of us played.  Then, I headed to an eye doctor appointment.  I was way overdue for my eye exam.  :-P  I went to a new place and everyone was very nice.  My prescription barely changed, but my glasses are so old that it was several prescriptions off!  So, while there, I ordered some new glasses for myself!  Woo hoo!  They should be ready in a few weeks.  Hopefully you all won't bend the frames like with these.  :-P

I was home for lunch.  Once everyone was fed, we all ran some errands.  We made a quick trip to the post office and then to Target for some groceries.  It was such a beautiful day!  You all ate some veggie sticks and some cookies while there.  :-)  We picked up some corn on the cob, asparagus, and steaks for a fun daddy dinner tonight .... tomorrow is Father's Day! 

You two took late naps again.  I had to separate you two into different rooms so that you all would calm down enough to take a nap!  I vacuumed out my car as you all slept .... it was nice to get all the sand and stuff out from the beach!  It still needs a good wash but it looks so much better!

Our dinner turned out great!  You two just had yogurt and fries thought .... Joshua ate a little corn.  I was surprised you two weren't into our fancy meal! 

We all went for a walk this evening to the shops near our house and back.  It was a little over 2 miles.  We stopped and had some ice cream at one of the shops.  :-)  It was such a beautiful evening.  We saw fireflies and bunnies!  Then, you all had a bath and went to bed. 

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Half Day

Dearest Blessings~

Grace, you wouldn't go to sleep in your bed last night.  So, you ended up sleeping in our bed all night.  Joshua, you slept in.  ;-)

Once everyone was up, we played upstairs and organized somethings.  We also did some laundry.  We also did a lot of play time with blocks.  Then, we went downstairs for snack time.  While down there, we swept and vacuumed.  :-)

I made some chicken nuggets and fries for you two for lunch.  You all mostly ate the fries.  :-P  But, I made sure you two also had your yogurt prior to all those fries.  Grace, you were too funny .... you were getting tired at the table and I thought you were going to fall asleep in your chair sitting up.  ;-P

We made a quick trip to the mall after lunch.  We walked around a few times.  I had you two in the wagon.  Then, we quickly met someone to sell a camera lens that I wasn't using anymore.  I still have my other three .... my zoom, my wide angle, and my fast prime.  Those will keep me busy for a while!  ;-)

We were home by 1:40pm and daddy was home too!  He had a half day today with the summer hours!  Woo hoo!  We read some books together and then did a puzzle.  Afterward, you two both fought naps.  You all fell asleep late!

Joshua ate another hotdog by himself and fed himself mac and cheese at dinner this evening!  Wow!  Way to go little man!  We played downstairs after dinner and then had playtime upstairs with some music.  I put some CD's on.  After baths, it was bed time.  :-)

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Burp

Dearest Blessings~

Grace, you noodled into our bed at midnight and then woke up screaming when we needed to get ready for work.  :-P  My goodness.  Joshua, you slept in your own bed all night. 

The pest people came today and sprayed around the house while you two were playing with Penny today.  We've spotted a few creepy crawls recently .... probably because of the weather. 

Joshua, you ate so much at lunch today that you gave the biggest burp Penny has ever heard!  You both cracked up laughing!  ;-)

I got home late around 7pm.  When I walked in I saw your craft projects that you two made with Penny .... Father's Day cards for daddy!  They have bowties on them!  So cute!

This evening we all played.  It got late and Grace fell asleep, so no one got a bath. 

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Hotdogs

Dearest Precious Gifts~

Grace, you got up from your toddler bed and started to cry around 3:30am.  What was the matter sweetie?  Joshua, you woke at 6:20am after my work alarm went off.

I heard a loud storm last night as you all slept.  It took me awhile to fall back asleep, but I did like hearing the rain.  :-)

You two had fun with Penny today.  Joshua, you apparently said the words 'bowl' and 'Grace' with no prompting!  Wow!  Also, you ate so much for her today!  She thinks you're going through a growth spurt.  You got ate well yesterday too!  ;-)  Plus, Joshua ate one and a half hotdogs for daddy at dinner and he held the hotdog and bit it himself without someone cutting it.  Whoa!  We ended up making more hotdogs this evening since you two are eating more.

I got home late because I had to gas up my car.  Once I got home, you two gave me kisses and then we all played this evening.  You two got a bath and then it was bedtime.   

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Made Bread

Dearest Miracles~

Grace noodled into our bed around 4am.  But, Joshua, you slept through the entire night by yourself in your bed!  :-)

This morning I made hotdogs for you two as you played.  Then, we got ready for the day and headed to speech therapy with Kim.

You did better today with Kim.  She gave us more flash cards so we can continue to work on the 't' sound. 

We made a quick trip to Target but didn't get much.  They didn't have what we were looking for.  Poo!  We were home by lunch.  You both had puréed fruit and then I made some chicken nuggets and fries. 

You all were napping by 1:30pm.  Once you all woke, we played a little and then had dinner.  Grace, you ate one hotdog and a lot of pizza from yesterday.  Joshua, you had half a hotdog and lots of goldfish crackers.  Both of you all poo-poo'd the lasagna I made, but at least daddy liked it.  :-)

Daddy was home late.  We all had already ate and were making pumpkin chocolate chip bread as a 'thank you' for Penny.  We'll give it to her tomorrow.  Then, we played and you two had a bath.  :-)

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Ate So Much

Dearest Joshua David and Grace Elizabeth~

Joshua, you noodled into our bed around 2am this morning.  I let you stay there since we were too tired to move you.  You played with my hair as you fell back asleep. 

Once people were up, we baked some chicken for my work lunches this week and then I swept and vacuumed the downstairs as you two played.  We went upstairs after for some play time and Joshua threw up on the carpet in the bonus room.  Yuck!  It had been a little while since he last threw up.  I wonder what happened?  You got up and were playful right after.  :-P

After you two had your applesauce snack time and everyone was cleaned up for the day, we headed to Rex to see Krista for a feeding appointment.

You did really well little man.  Krista was impressed at what you've tried recently!  You had some BBQ and tasted a cheese omelet over the weekend.  While at Rex, you ate 7.5oz of puréed foods and half a cup of mac and cheese!  Woo hoo!  She compared you to her niece, who is two weeks older than you and was also premature.  You're now passing her on what you two eat!  Yippie!  ;-)

We were home by 12:30pm.  You two snaked on some goldfish and then we had play time until speech therapy with Kim.

You did well with Kim.  You need to continue to work on the 't' sound.  It started to rain once we got home.  We made a pizza for dinner and then we played until daddy got home.  You two ate almost a quarter of the pizza yourselves!  You two have eaten so well today!

Daddy made some fun banana chocolate chip bread this evening.  You two ate a lot of chocolate chips as daddy was mixing the ingredients.  Then, we played this evening and had baths before bedtime.

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Beach

Dearest Gifts~

This morning we all pitched in to clean Penny's place.  We certainly don't want to leave it a mess or else we won't get invited back!  ;-)  Once everything was put back together, we headed back to the aquarium to pick up a package from one of Mimi's friends.  She wasn't working yesterday so we didn't see her then.  Then, we were off to the beach!

Grace this was your first time seeing the beach and the ocean!  Joshua, you've seen the beach and ocean before, but it's been a long time!  Daddy and I covered you both in sunscreen!  I put a sheet down on the sand for us all to sit on.  Then, we walked down to the water.  Grace, you were scared, so I had to hold you, but I didn't bend over and put your little toes in the water.  This is the Atlantic Ocean!  The water was cold, we all felt the ocean!  ;-)  Joshua, you were scared too, but you at least stood there with your feet in the water.  Then, we spent the rest of the time playing in the sand.  We were there for about an hour and then you two appeared to get a little bored. 

So, we headed back to Penny's by 11:30am.  You two ate a little and then we were back on the road to Raleigh by 12:20pm.  I was sad to leave the beach so soon, but I'm sure we'll be back at some point.  It was nice to get away for a weekend with you two and daddy! 

We stopped at 2pm for a restroom break and a late BBQ lunch for daddy and I.  You two were grumpy since you were sleeping in the car and we woke you.  We were finally back home by 4pm.  As soon as we were home, I put some clothes in the laundry and you two got a bath to get all the sand off!  I'll need to clean my car at some point.  ;-)

We ran to Target after some dinner and got groceries for the week.  Then, we went back home to relax the rest of the evening.  Daddy put the movie 'Finding Nemo' on since we went to the aquarium this weekend.  :-)

Joshua, you bit me when flossing and brushing your teeth this evening.  I bled so much that I needed a band-aid.  :-P  Let's not do that anymore ok?  

I hope you all had a great time at the beach.  Maybe we can convince daddy that we need another vacation soon and get away again!  ;-)

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Aquarium

 

Dearest Miracles~

 

Today is my half birthday!  Ha!  And, what a way to spend it than with you all at the beach!  ;-)

 

Well, things didn't start out as I imagined.  One of Penny's smoke alarms needed a new battery so it beeped all night.  It was around 11pm once we got settled, so we were too exhausted to run out for a battery.  Unfortunately, for a light sleeper like myself, that means no sleep.  :-P  Ugh.  We all roomed together in the front bedroom and tried to block off the back bedroom where it was beeping.  Since I was awake early, I went out and picked up some breakfast foods and milk while you all slept.

 

Once people were up, we headed to the aquarium!  We had so much fun!  We got to see penguins, river otters, lots of fish, sharks, seahorses, crabs, snakes, and so much more!  We got to see them feed the penguins while we were there.  Joshua, the scuba divers scared you.  :-P  Both of you all liked the river otters swimming around.  In fact, I think they were everyone's favorite!  While there, you two got a little hungry, so you all split a hotdog.

We left around 12:30pm and then went to grab lunch for daddy and I.  You two actually ended up eating more!  You two ate eggs, potatoes, and toast off our plates!  I was so impressed!  Even Joshua was trying different things.  :-)

We were back at Penny's place by 2pm for a break and some diapers.  You two fought naps, but you eventually fell asleep by 3pm.  After naps, we headed over to Beaufort.  We walked around the waterfront and saw lots of boats!  While there, we saw our good friend Allison.  Then, we headed over to the Boardwalk Cafe for some dinner.  Grace, you ate about a million french fries and a roll.  :-P

Since you two were so good today, we watched a movie this evening (Cars) when we got back to Penny's at 8pm.  Then, we headed to bed.  Since we changed that battery, the smoke alarm doesn't beep any more .... we should have a better night's sleep then!  

 

Sleep tight little ones!

 

I love you both so much!

 

~Mommy

Beach Bound

Dearest Blessings~

At some point Joshua noodled into our bed.  I woke up to use the restroom and he was coughing next to me.  Grace, you slept in your bed all night.  :-)

This morning, I did some laundry and dishes.  Uncle James came over and watched you two as I ran an errand.  I was home in a jiffy in time for your applesauce snack time.  :-)  Once you two were content we headed out for a good time. 

First, we went to a used bookstore.  Uncle James had a coupon there so we wandered around and looked at all the books, movies, and music.  You two mainly wanted to pull every book off the bookshelf.  :-P  I read you two a Thomas the Train book and Joshua found a cars book.  Grace, you started to get fussy since it was getting close to lunch.  

So, we headed to 'Steak and Shake' for some food.  You two split a chicken strips meal with fries.  Surprisingly, you both ate well!  We had no leftovers!  Uncle James and I had burgers.

Once everyone had a full belly, we headed over to two fish stores.  Uncle James got four fish and a snail for his fish tank at Gigi's house.  So, we headed back to Gigi's to put the fish in the tank.  We were there around 2pm and also did a quick diaper change.  We were back at our house by 2:30pm.  Joshua, you continued to nap while home.  Grace, you helped me run multiple loads of laundry to pack for the beach.

We had some snack time and play time downstairs once Joshua woke.  I swept the vacuumed the downstairs and then we 'face timed' with Gigi.

Once daddy got home, we had a quick dinner then finished packing.  We hit the road for the beach at 7:30pm and got to Morehead City by 10:20pm.  Penny gave us a key to her place down there, so we're going to stay here for the weekend so you two can have a beach weekend!  I think we were all sleeping by 11pm.  

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

To Kiss Or Not To Kiss

Dearest Precious Gifts~

Little man, you woke up at 3am.  Grace, you noodled into our bed at 5:30am.  Needless to say, daddy and I were a little tired going to work this morning.  :-P

You all did a pretty little art project with Penny today .... you used construction paper and made pretty little flowers!  I love them!  Plus, they'll stay fresh for me since I won't have to water them!  ;-)  Ha!  

Guess what .... I was home early at 6pm!  Whoa!  This evening, we read and played.  Grace, you gave me lots of kisses!  Thank you!  :-)  Joshua, you didn't want to kiss anyone!  But, once it was bath time, daddy said you had to give kisses in order to get in the tub.  Boy .... you ran over so fast to give me and Grace a kiss!  :-P  Grace, you ended up falling asleep a little early, so we put you straight to bed.  Joshua, you took a bath by yourself though I think you missed Grace in there to help splash the water around.

So, I have some news .... we're going to the beach this weekend!  Woo hoo!  Grace, you've never seen the beach!  Penny has a little house in Morehead City that they weren't using this weekend so she brought us the key if we wanted to go down!  Yippie!  We'll either drive over there tomorrow evening or saturday morning .... we'll see how early daddy gets home and how tired we are tomorrow.  There's an aquarium there so I'm excited to take you all there!

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

No Shorts

Dearest Angels~

Grace, you slept in our bed all night.  You woke up crying around midnight.  I was too tired to put you back in your bed so you stayed with us.  Joshua, on the other hand, slept in his bed all night long.  :-)

You two had fun with Penny today.  Looks like you all took earlier naps so your walk to the park was in the afternoon.  You all also had lots of play time, story time, and some art time. 

I got home around 6:45pm.  When I got home neither one of you two were wearing any shorts .... you were just running around in onesies!  So funny!  

We had some playtime this evening.  But, Joshua had some tantrums.  He got frustrated when we wanted him to say words to ask for his toys.  We're just trying to help you little man, but I know it's frustrating.  

You two had baths this evening.  We're still checking you both for ticks, though we haven't seen anything.  Grace, you were congested so I gave you a little bit of tylenol before bed.

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

CE Course

Dearest Miracles~

Both of you two slept in your own beds last night .... woo hoo!  ;-)  And, Grace, you ate just shy of one and a half waffles at breakfast and a bite of yogurt!  Whoa!

I made some more hotdogs for you all this morning.  Then, we had some play time and our applesauce snack time.  We quickly saw Grandpa Jim before going to speech therapy with Kim.  He passed on some food, mail, and a potty chair from cousin Charlie.  We're going to start to introduce the potty to Joshua soon.  We'll see how that goes.  :-P

Joshua, you were frustrated today at speech therapy.  You did well at the beginning but then towards the end you got mad and shut down.  Perhaps you were tired. 

We were home by lunch time.  You both had your yogurts, though Joshua fought me a little.  You two then played as I made my lunches for this week. 

We went upstairs to play, but you two were napping by 1:10pm.  You guys ended up taking longer naps, but since you both were congested I let you sleep.  Once you two woke up, we watched a little bit of the 'Cars' movie. 

Daddy was home early .... by 5pm.  I headed out to a CE (continuing education) course near the hospital.  I have to have so many CE hours a year to renew my dental license.  You all had dinner and then played together.  I was home in time for baths and bedtime.  :-)

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Tick

 Dearest Blessings~

Joshua, you managed to noodle in our bed by 12:30am.  I ended up sleeping with Grace in Joshua's bed all night.  Both of you were congested and warm this morning when you woke.

We did laundry and really tried to clean the play room this morning.  We organized toys, vacuumed the room (it's been a while since we did a good vacuuming up there), moved some furniture .... you two helped a little while playing.  :-)

Joshua .... you bit Grace's arm .... again!  There was lots of screaming and crying!  Little man, you need to stop biting people!  I gave you another pop on the bottom. 

After snack time, we went to the park for about an hour before heading to speech therapy with Kim.  Our usual park was crowded, so we went to a different park in the subdivision.  We all went down the slides and met three other children while there. 

Little man, you did well with Kim this morning.  We're working on words that change the consonant sound .... like 'pony'.  We're stay at this stage for a while.  You're still imitating sounds and noises with inflections around the house. 

We were home by lunch.  Joshua had his yogurt and then you both ate some bagel bites with me. 

After lunch, I changed your diapers and found a tick on Joshua's tummy!  It scared me to death!  I got it off but I was so rattled for the rest of the day!  I stripped everyone down and did a full tick check from head to toe!  I'm guessing it was from the park, but it could have been in our yard.  Ugh!   told Penny so she'll check you two each week too.  I felt so paranoid the rest of the day.  :-P

You two were napping by 2:30pm.  After naps, I changed you both and did another tick check.  We're going to have to check every day now since we know they're out there.  :-P

You two 'face timed' with Gigi this afternoon.  Joshua, you imitated things that she was saying!  After dinner, you two had a bath and daddy did another tick check on everyone and then me.  We didn't see any more .... whew!  

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Luncheon

Dearest Joshua David and Grace Elizabeth~

Joshua, you came running into our room at 5:30am this morning like there was a fire!  You went back to sleep when daddy put you back down.  I had some insomnia afterward and my stomach was still on edge from last night.  Yuck.  :-P  Grace, you woke congested and I gave you some more tylenol.

This morning we played some as people were getting ready for the day.  Joshua, you stacked 14 blocks by yourself on the table!  Whoa!  :-)

Then, at around 9:45am, we all went for a walk.  We put you two in the wagon and walked up the stores near the house and back.  Ace Hardware was open, so you two got to get out and stretch your legs before walking back to the house.  

For lunch, Grace and I headed to a restaurant at Crabtree Valley Mall .... Brio.  We were Mimi's guests to her sorority's 'Lovely Ladies Luncheon' today.  Aunt Katie and (Great) Aunt Allyson were also guests so we got to see and sit with them.  :-)  Also, Nannie Penny was there!  

You ate a little, but since the lunch was at 1:30pm, we actually fed you prior.  So, you mainly played with the sea shells (decoration on the tables) and the crayons.  You got a little tote bag with sun screen and a necklace with a cross from Mimi.  :-)

We were home a little after 3:30pm and Joshua was snoring away.  He and daddy stayed here and watched some cartoons and played.  Joshua, you apparently fought your nap!  :-P

You two were such big helps after dinner today!  We cleaned the kitchen, wiped counters, ran the dishes, swept and vacuumed!  It's nice to have a clean house!  ;-)

Since it was still nice out, we played outside after dinner and talked to our neighbor, Sarah.  Afterward, you two had a bath and then we all relaxed. 

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Congestion And Stomach Bug

Dearest Gifts~

Grace, you cried and were congested all night.  You woke about every two hours.  Ugh.  When everyone else was up, you were still sleeping so I tried to let you sleep in as much as possible so you'd rest. 

Once people were up for the day, we headed to Target for our groceries.  Joshua, you really hurt my feelings this morning because you didn't want to hold my hand in the parking lot.  I forced you so you'd be safe but you cried.  :-P  We were home in time for a quick applesauce snack and diaper change.  Then, we headed out to meet Aunt Katie and Uncle Brennan for lunch.

We ate at the Village Grill again.  You two split the mac and cheese, though you ate more of the cookies than anything else.  :-P

After we ate, we headed over to a flower nursery.  You two had fun walking around all the flowers and trees.  Joshua, you collected sticks.  You two were getting fussy towards the end though.  We helped pick out a cherry blossom tree for Aunt Katie and Uncle Brennan.  Their youngest puppy, Liam, was attacked by neighbor dogs the other night, so we wanted to get them something to plant near where he is buried.  :-(  We'll have to go over to their house and see the new tree.

We were home by 2:30pm.  Joshua, you napped but Grace fought it and didn't nap.  Actually, you were warm and crabby little lady.  I gave you some tylenol, but you didn't have a fever.

Then, once Joshua was waking up, daddy and I started to feel sick!  We had a bad stomach bug all night.  Ugh.  Two stomach bugs and one congested child .... this wasn't a fun evening. 

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Work On A Friday

Dearest Angels~

Today was a daddy day for you two!  I went into work to cover the clinic since Dr. Rickert (the other dentist that I work with) was unavailable.  

At 7am, when I was almost ready to leave the house, all three of you all were still sleeping .... I must get ready in the morning quietly.  ;-)  But, I still kissed you all and said 'I love you' before heading to the office.

It ended up raining off and on today.  At one point it stormed pretty heavily and daddy said it sacred Joshua.  Poor little man!  But, you all didn't let the rain stop you all from having fun!  Daddy took you all to the park and walked around the subdivision.  Grace, you apparently fell asleep during the walk.  The park was a little wet so you all got dirty.  You all met a little girl named Elizabeth while there.  You two went on the swings and the slides.

After lunch you all watched some 'Scooby Doo' together and then all three of you all took a nap.  ;-)  You all also played with blocks with daddy.  I got home early at 5:30pm!  Woo hoo!  You all were just coming down for dinner when I got home.  :-)

Grace, you were congested and warm this evening.  I gave you some tylenol.  You didn't have a fever, but you were fussy and couldn't breath .... poor little thing.

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy