Well Visit x 2

Evan and Mattie Jane both had their well visits this week - 3 years and 9 months, respectively.  For the first time I was not able to be at this appointment, but more importantly, Robert was able to go for the first time.  Here is what he reported:

Evan's Weight - 39 lbs 8 oz (96%)
Evan's Height - 40 1/4 in (95%)
Evan's Head Circumference - 53 1/4 cm (98%)

Mattie's Weight - 23 lbs 9 oz (95+%)
Mattie's Height - 29 in (90%)
Mattie's Head Circumference - 47 1/2 cm (95+%)

Conclusions:  we have tall, heavy kids with huge heads.  awesome.

The doctor said not to be concerned about Mattie's tongue tied state.  From her observation she thinks there will be no issue - we will check back at 12 months.

Other than that, happy and healthy.  What more can we ask for?

Catching My Breath

I knew making the transition from work-part-time-from-home mom to work-full-time-from-home-AND-away-from-home mom wouldn't be easy, but I honestly wasn't expecting to be this tired.  I think most of my exhaustion comes from not knowing how to manage all of my responsibilities efficiently.  I am one of those that must have my day in order from the moment I wake up until I go back to bed at night.  If I don't, not only does my productivity decline, but my day will be a complete nightmare that I'd rather not have.  So this past week was a trial week that has hopefully prepared me for this coming week and the many weeks that follow.  It is my mission to find a good routine that works for me and my family.

Due to my inefficient self, today was my only true day "off."  We chose to lay low for the first part of the day, but got outside to enjoy the beautiful weather after the kids had their naps.  Grandpa and Grandma Stinnett bought Evan a bicycle with training wheels for his birthday.  Robert spent some time last week trying to show Evan how to use the pedals - the lesson did not go so well.  We're not sure if coordination is the issue, but whatever the case, something wasn't working.

Today we decided to try again, but this time we thought if we all rode bikes it would get Evan a little more pumped about trying to ride his own.  Fail.  He can't seem to grasp the concept of pedaling quite yet.  Oh well - we will revisit this later and until then Evan will ride his $19 motorcycle that he got for his 2nd birthday and of course his police car.  But please check out Mattie Jane in her bicycle seat.  Have you ever seen anything cuter?

It wouldn't be normal for us to end the day on a happy note, so let me share Evan's melt down when we told him it was time to go inside.

  Cheers!

9 Months

Technically this picture is imperfect in so many ways, but perfect for what it represents.  Mattie Jane is 9 months old and rapidly grasping new concepts and reaching new heights of learning - pointing, reaching and waving being three big ones.

You may have noticed that chubba rock here is also about to bust out of her onesie, sized 12 months.  Food is still her best friend.  She is eating a lot of what we eat for dinner - rice, pasta, carrots, peas, beans, etc.  No matter what she has been fed prior to our dinner time, if we eat in her presence she demands to be eating too.  A lot like her mama, I guess.

This little girl will definitely be walking within 6 weeks.  She's constantly up and on her feet and challenges herself every chance she gets.  She's fearless and I love it - but hate it too.  Luckily she hasn't had too many bumps and bruises on the way.

We finally have teeth!  That gummy smile is now sporting two little accessories on the bottom.  Man, they are cute.  It's only a matter of time before she's got a full set.

Slow down, baby girl!

Happy Birthday Big Boy

My big boy turned 3 today.  My, how time just flies by.  But it's amazing how much stays the same.

The only difference here is that at a year old Evan cried about being restrained in a high chair - at three years old he cries because he's forced to blow out candles before he can open up his presents.  Well, at least he's consistent - and it's usually short-lived.

Even though E's birthday is today, we decided to celebrate on Saturday so we had a full day to spend together.  He's been patiently waiting to see Cars 2 for 3 weeks now.  Not only was this his first movie, but it was also shown in 3-D.  We were proud of Evan for keeping his glasses on the entire time.

 
We ate cake and opened up birthday presents at home.  Mimi was there to party it up with us too.  Once we convinced Evan that he could open gifts after blowing out his candles, he put his happy face back on.  He opened up and quickly tossed aside his new shoes and clothes - but his complete set of Cars 2 and his construction set are still lined up strategically across our couch with strict demands not to touch them.  True obsession right here, boys and girls.

Guess who else got to eat some cake?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVAN.  WE LOVE YOU HUGE.

Independence Day Weekend

While we did manage to catch a glimpse of fireworks from our backyard last night, we chose to celebrate the holiday with some friends at the beach and at the water park this weekend.

The Farrells made their way down to the "Redneck Riviera," aka Myrtle Beach, on Saturday ready to hit the beach.  As always, it took what seemed like an eternity to pack every thing up in the car, but we managed to head out the door at a reasonable hour.  We didn't have to fight too much traffic which was surprising and finding a parking space for two cars came rather easily as well.

Dylan and Evan were in motion the entire time - to the ocean and back, to the ocean and back.  Robert and Dan got their work out for sure.  Sarah, whom is expecting baby #2 in December (yay!) and myself were on baby duty - or maybe I should say we were on dirt patrol.  By the time Mattie was done shoveling all of Garden City Beach in her mouth, city officials probably had to request beach renourishment after we left.

 
We spent Sunday at the water park.  Again, the men ran with the little ones while Sarah and I kept the baby content.  Three hours proved to be more than enough fun time as Evan and Dylan were beginning to show signs of exhaustion, i.e. impending tantrums.  They were both asleep before we even pulled out of the parking lot.

We rounded out the weekend with a visit to Wonder Works on Monday.  With no intention of fighting the crowd inside, we chose just to have lunch before Dan and Sarah headed back to the Pines.  As always, it was so good to spend time with such special friends.  Looking forward to spending time with them as a family of four!

Catching Up

I've been slacking off a bit in keeping up with everything going on around here.  Last week we had a fantastic visit from Grandpa and Grandma Stinnett.  They rolled in from Knoxville on Tuesday and stayed with us until Saturday.  The kids were given much needed time with them and they enjoyed every minute they had.  I could kick myself for not dragging out my camera.  I did manage to get a cute one of Grandma and Mattie at the pool.  And speaking of the pool, Evan is now swimming on his own with floaties.  He couldn't be more proud of himself.

We sincerely hope Grandma and Grandpa can come back soon.

I also haven't mentioned yet that I am going back to teaching.  While I will continue writing for Gage Publishing, I am also going to be teaching kindergarten at the Academy of Hope.  Being able to write AND teach is the best of both worlds for me.  I am so happy about this new development in my life.  It is however keeping me very busy as I am preparing to be away from home more.

We also have a special little someone who will be turning 3 on the 11th.  We've been searching the internet like mad people trying to find that perfect gift - but we finally gave up on the "wow" gift because we all know what Evan really wants - I'll give you a hint.  Starts with a "C."  We'll be taking him to see Cars 2 to kick off his birthday weekend.

Might as well mention here too that Mattie Jane has two bottom teeth that just broke through yesterday.  We also lowered her crib a few days ago after we found her sitting up and desperately trying to pull herself up on the rail.  This girl is on the move.