Busy Week

Regan has had VBS every morning this week at the church where she went to Mother's Day Out, and we have done something every afternoon. She had a playdate on Monday with her Prek-3 teacher's little girl. They took dancing together and her mom would bring her to school for the fun stuff, so Regan became pretty good friends with her. She was going to be in prek-3 next year, but they are moving. So, that was some sad news. On Tuesday she did gymnastics in the afternoon instead of the morning, because of VBS. She had swim lessons Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday we met our playgroup friends at Chuck E Cheese (which is where the pictures of Addison are from). Today was her last day of VBS and we might go to the pool. It will be nice to have a low key week next week.

I think Regan had fun at VBS. We went to her program today. We couldn't see her very well, because she was behind some taller kids. The teacher told us that she was disappointed, because for practice Regan was in the very front and new all of the moves. Our girl loves the stage.

p.s. I don't think they told Regan to pose like that. They gave us a cd of pictures and none of the other kids are posing like that.

Weekend

Matt took the girls to New Orleans this weekend, so that I could get some stuff done around the house that I can't seem to get done when they are around. He and his mom took the girls and Matt's sister's kids to the Aquarium. By all accounts they had a good time. When they got home today I asked Regan if she missed me and she told me no. This is after telling me before they left that Addison was going to cry about me not being at Granny's. When I said that I didn't think she would she said in a very melodramatic voice... but she LIKES you. I thought it was because she was sad that I wasn't going, but apparently I was wrong. Apparently she told Matt while they were there that she wanted us to move next door to Granny. I now know where I rate. : )

Working the System

Some of my best childhood memories were time spent with my cousin's. We spent a lot of time together in the summer, and it was great for me (being an only child) because it meant constant playmates. A symbol of that happiness is flav or ice popcycles. My Aunt Bonnie kept her freezer stocked with them and we would eat 10 a day. I hadn't seen them since then (except occasionally in the store) until two summers ago when one of my neighbors started giving them out to the kids one day when we were all playing. You can get a box of 250 at Sam's. Since then we all have them in our deep freezer's in the garage. I gave one to my cousin Betsy when she came for Addison's baptism, for old times sake.

Yesterday we went outside and it was miserably hot. I asked Regan if she wanted to draw with chalk and she said that she wanted to ride her bicycle. I said I thought it was to hot, but she said we could try. I thought it was a little odd, because usually I have to practically force her to ride her bike. It wasn't until we got to the end of the street and she wanted to turn around that I figured out what she was up to, and I was right. The past few times she has ridden her bike we have come home and had popcycles. Sure enough as soon as we were in the garage she asked for a popcycle. She could have had one without riding her bike, but I guess she figured she had to earn it. It is very funny to me how kids think they are smarter than their parents. I didn't say anything, and I got them their popcycles.

Stomach Virus

All of us (except Matt) came down with a stomach bug this week. It hit Regan and I the hardest. While Matt and I were out on our date night she threw up and had a low grade fever. The next day I started to feel bad and threw up a lot Thursday night. Matt's mom was nice enough to come help me on Friday. Regan threw up Friday morning and we both layed in bed most of the day.

The minute Regan is feeling a little sad or a little bad here comes Nurse Addison to the rescue. Addison is very affectionate and Regan wants affection on her own terms. When Matt is laying down with her for her "1 minute" at night if he tries to snuggle with her she will tell him "No more doll games" and "I am not your doll." It is almost comical when Addison tries to comfort Regan. She starts by patting (or hitting, however you want to look at it) her. Then when I tell her soft soft she will hug her and kiss her and lay on top of her. The whole time Regan is trying to push her off and saying "Addison, go give some love to mommy." Sometimes Addison will come love on me, but usually she only has love for Regan. When Regan is feeling well and Addison wants a hug (which is all of the time) Regan will either hug her at arms length or squeeze the life out of her. I think to try and deter her from ever wanting one again, but it doesn't work.

Physical Therapy and Speech Update

I took Addison to a PT appointment for evaluation. They just want to keep an eye on her to make sure that she continues in the right direction. They were very happy with her walking. She also said it looks like her arches are going up on there own. She is still rolling her feet in a little, but they think it will correct itself. They told me to make a conscious effort to work on going up and down stairs with her. They are going to see her again in August.

I also mentioned my speech concerns to her, because she owns the center and they have speech therapists on staff. She has the evaluation sheet used by early steps and evaluated her on speech, too. She said that she is not going to qualify for early steps speech therapy, because you have to be below average. Addison scored above average on cognitive and average on speech. A baby is supposed to have six words by the age of one and Addison has five. She said that we could put her in speech through insurance. She also said that I have a valid concern since she was a cleft pallet baby. She said that we could put her in speech through our insurance and they could evaluate her once a month or so to make sure that she is staying on track and to give us pointers to help her move along. And also to have someone to have to call if something comes up that I am concerned about.

Addison's Doctor Visit

Well, Addison does have a slight ear infection. Her left ear is red, but no fluid. He said that he is not convinced that it was caused by going under water, because she would have to have been under for a prolonged period of time. So, I guess I should stop secretly cursing that kid. She is on ear drops for a week. It should be fun trying to get her to lay still while we put them in.

I also mentioned to him about how Addison is not making any sounds or saying any words where her tongue has to hit her pallet. And I asked about speech therapy. He said that normally he would wait until 2, but since she has the cleft pallet history he is willing to start her sooner. He is going to start her in early steps, which is a louisiana program for early intervention. I'm not that excited about it, because I haven't heard good things about it. But I figure we are starting early and if it doesn't work out then we will go through insurance.

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a very nice weekend and I didn't take pictures of any of it. I took the girls to the zoo on Friday with our friend's from playgroup. Matt had a half day, so he met us for lunch. I then took the girls to a birthday party on Saturday by myself. We were having people over for a barbeque on Monday and Matt wanted to clean the patio. I immediately regretted agreeing to take them by myself. They had ponies, and they had them on the side of the house in the sun. Well, I didn't want Addison to be in the sun the whole time. And I forgot sunscreen. So, I ended up standing in the driveway trying to watch both of them. It was not fun. On Sunday we went to church and then took the girls to the pool in the afternoon. Some brat kid shot us with his water gun and Matt and I were so shocked that we weren't paying attention as Addison walked off the little bench and was submerged under water. As a result, I think Addison has an ear infection now. She has been cranky all day and woke up from her nap with a fever. I guess I will be making a trip to the pediatrician tomorrow. Thanks kid. Today we had a couple of friends over and we grilled while the kids played. Well, Addison slept for most of it. But by the looks of the playroom and Regan's room, the other kids had fun.

More Pictures from the Party

Graduation Party

My cousin graduated with his MBA this weekend, and his graduation party was on Sunday. We had a really nice time. We got to see family that we don't see very often, and the kids got to swim which always makes them happy. At one point we thought Addison was going to go swimming with her clothes on. I forgot to put the memory card in my camera, so these are the only pictures that I got.

School Pictures

Regan's teacher sent home a cd of pictures that they had taken of the kids throughout the year. I pulled the ones that Regan was in and put them in a Kodak Album.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?UV=217741974685_495842427306&mode=fromsite&collid=47228333206.976843427306.1210816057536&conn_speed=1

Regan Painting at May Day

My friend just e-mailed me this picture. Is it just me, or does Regan look big in this picture? My baby is getting so big! They grow up way to fast!

Washing Car's

Regan helped Matt wash our car's this weekend. Of course, she wanted to make sure she was dressed appropriately.

Mother's Day

I had a very nice Mother's Day. I think Addison has a sinus infection and slept until 1pm on Sunday. We thought she was never getting up. She was up a little later than normal the night before as our friends had us over for a crawfish boil, but it wasn't that much later. Matt cooked a very yummy breakfast, Matt and Regan washed the car's, and we took the girls to the pool. Pretty low key.

The above pictured items are some things that Regan did for me at school. I find the written one funny, because it is all lies. I do not cook steak, Matt does. She does not eat steak. She tells us she will eat it when she is 13 years old. I'm not sure what the significance of the age 13 is, but okay. And I am assuming she is talking about her allergy medicine, and again Matt gives it to her. I cannot be trusted to remember medicine. I am 31, though.

Regan's Last Pre-k 3 Parent - Teacher Conference

Her last parent -teacher conference for this year went well. Nothing has really changed since the last one. Her teacher said that she is ready for pre-k4 both academically and socially. I am especially happy about the social part, because I worry since most of the kids turned 4 a while ago and Regan won't turn 4 until August. She said that some kids need certain teacher's for pre-k4, but she thinks that Regan will be fine with whomever she is placed with. I think Regan thinks she is going to have the same teacher's forever, so it might be a little hard for her to understand when she is going to a new class. But we have talked about it a little and I think the teacher's right. She seems to be a pretty adaptable kid and I think she will be fine with whomever she has.

Addison Walking

My Aunt Bonnie recently sent Addison a beautiful scrapbook chronicling her first year. What I learned from that scrapbook is that I need to put clothes on Addison more often. : ) Here is a video of her walking and she is in, you guessed it, her diaper. What can I say, that is how she spends most of her time when we are just hanging around the house.

She is walking all over the place now. Even when she loses her balance she will stand back up and start walking again. The only problem is, now she thinks she can go wherever she wants. I had a time with her at chapel on Wednesday, because she was determined to sit on my friend's lap. Which would normally be fine, except that it was her son's birthday chapel and she was trying to film him getting his book dedications. Then we took the girls to the pool yesterday, and I swear if there hadn't been two of us Addison would have jumped in the pool without thinking twice. As it was she was trying to push me away in the pool. Apparently, she thinks she can swim too. As soon as the tubes fall out of her ears I will be signing her up for swim lessons. Regan is doing so well with swimming that I thought I could maybe take them both to the pool by myself. After yesterday, I realized that I am delusional.

Regan Performing

We put a speaker set that our ipod's plug into in the kitchen so that we can listen to music. It helps me to clean if I am listening to music and sometimes it's just nice to sit in the living room and listen to music. Today I turned it on while I was cleaning and Regan started dancing in the kitchen. She often dances when I turn on music, but I have never caught it on video. Today I tried to catch her without her knowing, but she saw me. The dancing one in her night gown is a little long, but there was no way to edit it. Then she changed into a costume and started singing. The first song she doesn't know that I am videoing. The second one I restarted and asked her to sing, because I was impressed that she knew the part of "and I'm going to miss you like a child misses her blanket." Of course, she didn't sing that part when I was videoing... but I think you get the gist. I'm thinking that I have a little performer on my hands.

Dance Review

Regan had her dance review today, and except when she started looking for something under her skirt in her tap number, she did pretty well. It is very funny to watch the three year olds. They all look at each other and don't stay in a line. Regan not only has a love of the mirror (which you can see above), but she has also found a love for the stage. She really loved being on stage, and was very excited about performing. Which is funny, because I don't really remember ever liking it that much. We were required to put the silver on their eyes. And she picked the poses for her pictures. In her tap costume she is shuffling the whole time, which you can't really tell in the picture.

Off the Bottle

If you would have asked me when Addison was a baby, I would have sworn to you that Addison would be off the bottle at a year. I nursed Regan for a year and started to wean her at 11months. A week after she turned a year she was taking the sippy cup exclusively. I apparently have yet to learn the lesson that children love to prove you wrong, because Addison was not drinking from a sippy cup at a year. She thought that it was something to chew on not drink from. Then she was drinking from the sippy cup, but I didn't want to give up the snuggle time. She was only taking one right before bed, and I was also afraid that she wouldn't sleep as well if she didn't have it to "top her off." Matt gave her her bottle on Tuesday night and she did not want to sit in his lap. She wanted to walk around with it and didn't take very much of it. So, we decided that that was the end of her bottle. We didn't give her a bottle last night and she was fine. I think, as long as she doesn't see it, she probably won't mind that she isn't getting it anymore.

May Day

Today was May Day at Regan's school. She doesn't normally have school on Thursday's, but they let the MWF kids enjoy in the fun today. I volunteered at the lemonade stand while Matt stayed home with Addison. We all met up afterwards for the family picnic. Next year I think we will all go for the whole day.

p.s. Regan thinks it is funny to pose with food hanging out of her mouth.

Online Shopping

I have thought in the past that maybe I shop online a little to much. Mainly when I realized that I knew my credit card number by heart. In my defense I have had the same credit card for years. However, Regan today made it clear to me that I do in fact shop online to much. I was fixing her hair for school and she told me that if we have another baby (which we are not) that she would have to go back in the crib. So, I said no Addison would have to get out of the crib if we had another baby. Just for conversation sake I asked her if she would want a boy or a girl. She said that she wanted another girl and that I could go online and look for one. She said that I could buy it online and they would put it in my belly. She also said that she could then paint my belly. The Meche kid's must have told her that they painted my belly when I was pregnant with her, because she brings up painting my belly any time she talks about me getting pregnant again. She then asked me what color hair the baby would have, and I said I don't know what color hair would you want her to have. She said that she would want the baby to have dark red, like Ariel's. I hope she doesn't mean like her doll Ariel, because I don't think that color is found in nature.

You're a superstar, that is what you are.

We went to a gymnastics birthday party this weekend and Regan got the above pictured sunglasses in her goody bag. She was very excited, because Quinn had a white pair that I think she was coveting. Regan seemed to really enjoy the birthday party. She was particularly excited that she won a race that they ran. I have signed her up for gymnastics this summer and I hope that she likes it, because I am way over the whole dance review thing. If she likes it, then we will continue in the fall and spring. I think she is going to have her father's competitive nature. Every night when we play a game with her she is always very concerned about winning. If she doesn't win the last game she will try to make us play again. We have several games that we play and one of them is Elmo UNO and she doesn't ever want to play it because it's not easy for her to win.

For those of you who haven't already heard, Matt has accepted a position with a new company. His last day at Marlin Energy (his current company) is tomorrow and he will start at the new company, Stone Energy, on Monday. He is very excited to be moving forward in his career. I don't think it will mean much to the girls and I other than that we know we will be here another few years, if not permanently.

Physical Therapy - Good News

Addison is now walking enough to only go to PT once a month. We find that she is walking more and more. If she is already standing (i.e. holding on to furniture) she will walk to where she wants to go. If she is sitting, she will typically crawl to where she wants to go. But if we say stand up and walk she will sometimes listen and do it. She always looks very proud of herself when she does it. They want her to continue to go to PT for a little while so that they can moniter her feet and make sure she doesn't pick up any bad habits. When she first started walking she was rolling her feet in and they want to make sure that that corrects itself. Otherwise we will have to put her in braces. The PT said that she is not rolling her feet in as much and asked if I had noticed to which I replied no, because I am to busy making sure she isn't going to fall over. Hopefully, it will fully correct itself.

Dentist

I took the girls to the dentist on Thursday. They both got a clean bill of health. She said that Regan has a perfect bite and that Addison's teeth are coming in perfectly. Regan let them scrape and clean her teeth. They told her they were putting sparkles on her teeth when they cleaned them, so she wasn't to happy that I was "washing off" the sparkles when I brushed her teeth that night. I told her I was putting more sparkles on, and she was somewhat satisfied with that. I wasn't to happy that they had to scrape her teeth so much, because we brush and floss every night. I asked the dentist about it and she told me to lay her down when we brush at night to get a better brushing. I thought Regan might be resistant to it, but she layed down on the couch and was waiting for me the first night.

Even after an excellent example set by her big sister, Addison still wanted no part of them being in her mouth. I truly do not know how they were able to count her teeth and see that there weren't any cavities.

Artwork

This is a few weeks old, but when I first found it I was to mad to post anything. Apparently, Regan decided one day to make my dining room table cloth her canvas. I suppose I should be happy that it wasn't on the furniture, but at the time I just couldn't believe it. She never does things like this. We have instilled in her that you only draw on paper and, up until now, she had always done it. So, after talking it over with a friend, I determined that taking her crayons away for a day would be a fair punishment. I really did not know what to do. I like to discipline right when something happens or not at all, but I didn't discover this little drawing until after the fact. I think it was effective, because she was upset and she hasn't done it since. Anyway, I am posting this now because I put the table cloth in the washer tonight and I thought I should preserve the artwork for posterity.

Weekend Pictures

Georgina's brother took some pictures at the christening. Here are a few.

Weekend

We had a very busy weekend in New Orleans for our newest nephew Colt's Christening. It did not start off well as Regan had Swim Lesson's until 4pm and then we got stuck behind an accident for an hour and a half. Needless to say I was a little tense when I got to New Orleans. However, holding little Colt helped to make it better. He fell asleep on me which my kid's never do. Anyway, it was a fun weekend. My kids didn't get as much sleep as they are used to, but they had fun. I forgot my camera, so no pictures. I do have to say that Addison seems to not like men that she is not familiar with which is better than her sister who didn't like men at all at this age. We were in the cry room with the kids for mass and Phil was holding Colt. Well, Addison loves babies and walked up to Colt (she is walking a lot more lately, but still crawls if she wants to get somewhere fast). As soon as she got to Colt and looked up to see Phil holding him she turned around and walked back to me. It is most funny to me how much she loves babies. She wants to hug all of them and sometimes I'm not sure that she is going to let go. Regan could have cared less if there was a baby in the room and will only pay attention now if her friends are paying attention.

Please do not lick your sister's face!

Some things you expect to say to your children... Do not jump on the furniture, pick up your toys, etc.. However, I never expected to say to Regan "please do not lick your sister's face." But I did today when she and her little friend decided that they were cat's and she started licking Addison's face. And Addison let her! Gross!!! is all I can say. We went to lunch after the park and towards the end the girls started getting restless. Ruthie (who Addison thinks is her best friend) took Regan's drink and was sharing it with Addison. I tried to get a shot of it, but never could get a good one. Which was not helped by the fact that as soon as the girls saw me taking a picture of their little sister's, they started asking me to take a picture of them.

Baby Ducks!

We met some friend's at the park and we got the added benefit of seeing baby ducklings! I was so excited. They are to cute! I just wanted to pick one up, but thought better of it.

We Made it to Church

For a while it was hard for us to go to church, because Regan would get bored and announce in her not so quiet voice that she wanted to go home. Then it was impossible because Addison took two naps a day. And now I think we are finally to the point where we can go again. We took Regan to children's chapel. I still have a little anxiety anytime I drop Regan off somewhere new. As many of you know, she has horrible separation anxiety when she was a baby and she will still sometimes give us a hard time when we are leaving. Even Matt when he is going to work. But she waved and said bye mommy, which is so nice. I think she liked that she got to hang out with the "big kids." Addison was pretty good in church, although she did think it was funny when I would try to shush her. I don't think she was to distracting. When Regan came in from children's chapel it was like she had found her long lost sister. She immediately hugged her and I wasn't sure if she was going to let go.

Matt and I ran in a race on Saturday. Matt's mom came to babysit, which always makes my kids happy. And we are always grateful. It was a fund raiser for LOPA (Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency). It was so moving to hear the stories of children who had received organs at birth and Mother's whose children had donated organs.

One of our friend's who was running in the race with us had us all over for dinner on Friday. There little girl is 2 and has an older brother who is a year older than Regan. He doesn't play princesses with her, so I think she was happy to have Regan to play with. They have carpet in there play area and once again Addison was very interested in walking.

Matt took Regan to the Ragin Cajun's baseball game on Sunday. He is hoping that she will be a baseball fan, but I think (for now anyway) she goes for the ice cream.

Getting Ready

Addison has been wanting me to put a curler in her hair in the mornings when I am fixing my hair. She also loves to play with and wear my watch. She tries to get me to give her my ring, but I draw the line at my watch. And she definitely knows what to do when a camera is pointed her way... little ham.

Her favorite word right now is "baby" and she loves her baby doll that the Easter Bunny brought her.

Addison Physical Therapy Update

Addison had taken a few days off from wanting to take steps. I only thought Regan was stubborn. Addison takes it to a whole other level. Well, we went over to my friend's house the other day and she has carpet and suddenly Addison was interested in walking again. I am convinced that she does not like walking on our wood floors, because she knows that if she falls it will hurt. She also has "sensory" issues. She does not like sand or grass and today the physical therapist was trying to get her to play with a ball that has little tenticles and she wanted no part of it. It was actually kind of funny. If you tried to hand it to her she would turn her head. Once her toe hit it and she jerked her toe back like it was fire. The PT doesn't think I need to be worried. She thinks it is just a matter of exposing her to it. She said that her stability is much improved this week over last week. She thinks she will be walking within a few weeks, but said that you never know with Addison. She said that Addison had the ability to walk a couple of months ago, but she does everything on her own terms and in her own time. I have no idea where she gets that from. : )

The Mind of a 3 1/2 year old

I'm sure that most of you know that Regan sleeps with a whole collection of various stuffed animals. She tends to take inventory and will call us to bring her whatever she is missing. Well, two Christmases ago she got a stuffed Santa from one of classmates at MDO. It was part of the sleeping collection for a while, but has not been for a while. So, the other night I was laying down with her for 1 minute (more like 30 seconds since she has no concept of time) and she asked me where her Santa was. I did not know where he was and I had no intention of searching for him in the other sea of stuffed animals in her playroom. I told her that I didn't know, but that we would find him tomorrow. So she says to me in a very concerned voice.... well, am I going to have a Christmas?

Birthday Party

We went to a birthday party today after school. It was fun, but I am exhausted. And we have another one on Saturday.

Addison has always been a pretty affectionate baby when it comes to us, but now she is starting to spread her affection around. On Tuesday at dance class she insisted on hugging a little boy baby several times. Then she proceeded to try to eat all of his snacks, so I just thought she was buttering him up. Well, today at the Birthday Party one of her little friends showed up and she hugged her and wouldn't let go. The picture is of Addison trying to hug the little girl, Ruthie, or asking her to pick her up... I'm not sure which.

T.V. Does Not Rot Your Brain

Open any parenting book or magazine and it will tell you how t.v. is not good for kids. Personally I think that it is a conspiracy of parents who did not have the luxury of t.v. to occupy their kids. Sorry, but sometimes it is a lifesaver. But trying to be a good stay at home mom I try to limit t.v. to morning and night. I think that everything is okay in moderation. Although, now Regan watches t.v. for rest time because she doesn't nap anymore (and if she does she is up until 9 and 10 at night) and I need a break. However, I have been reminded over and over that kids can learn from t.v. (Matt always says that t.v. is what made him smart and I believe it because he has taught himself how to cook mostly from watching food t.v.). Today was no exception. We went to chik fi le for lunch and Regan got a little shark card toy. You put the shark card in this plastic thing and it has a question about the shark on the front and the answer is decoded on the back. So, Regan says about one of the cards "Mommy, is that a whale shark?" I looked on the back and it was a whale shark. So, I thought for a minute. Did I already read it to her, but we had just put it in the decoder. I knew I had never told her about them, because I have never heard of a whale shark. Then I realized that she had probably seen it on Go Diego Go (her new favorite show for rest time). I asked her and she said yes, that they have spots and lines on them. Apparently it was the "mystery fish" one day.

Addison Taking Steps!

Addison can take about eight to nine steps consecutively. We are hoping that full on walking is around the corner!

Cute Picture From The Zoo

This is a little out of order, but Georgina just sent it to me and I couldn't resist putting it up. It's so cute. I am also hoping to post some more pictures from Easter when I get them.

Spring Break

We had a really good Spring Break. I know it was good, because Regan didn't want to come home and both of the kids are sick. : ) It was jam packed. We were in Florida for Easter Weekend. Then we were in New Orleans for the week. We had playdates, I took Regan to see Horton Hears a Who, and we went to the zoo. Yesterday when we were leaving Matt's moms she cried and she told Matt on the way home that she doesn't have fun at our house. We are trying not to take it to personally. : ) We called Granny once we got home and she was much better after she talked to her. Granny told her that she could call today and she was very excited to call her after school. Of course, she is sick and didn't go to school today so I think she has forgotten about it.

I took the kids to the doctor this morning. They think Regan has strep throat. She has had a fever off and on since Saturday and was up this morning at 2am. Addison has allergies and I think being around the cats for the week made them worse. She is showing the same symptoms that Regan did in regards to being allergic to cats, although I think her's might be worse. They gave her a breathing treatment in the office this morning and she was still wheezing afterwards. We are still to give her the abuteral for wheezing (through the nebulizer), but they are giving her another drug to take as a maintenance through the Spring that we have to give her twice a day for a week and then once a day.

Beach Pictures

We are in Florida at my Aunt Carla's and we took Beach Pictures today. I think we got a few good ones. Aunt Carla knows the photographer, so she was able to snap some pictures. These pictures are some of the ones that she got. It was a little challenging with the kids. If Addison was smiling then Regan was looking at the sand. Addison did not like the sand at all. And towards the end she got pretty fussy. She was the happiest when we were in the parking lot leaving. There were kids there taking pictures in their prom dresses and one asked if she could have a picture with Regan. Regan was more than happy to take a picture with the princess.

Regan Playing Ball with her Dad

The last hit is the best. I can't believe that this is my daughter, because I was never good at keeping my eye on the ball. However, she is still a princess. Please notice the tiara in her hair and ignore the pajama shirt that is a little to short. : )

Regan Dancing

Video from Regan's Dance Class. I think she needs a little practice.

Addison Playing

I made this video a while ago, and never put it on the blog. I decided to go ahead and post it, even if she is a little cranky. Enjoy!

Great Grandparents

Playdate

Today we went over to a friend's house for a playdate. I can't tell you when the last time we have been able to have a playdate. We are so busy right now with school, dancing and swim lessons it is hard to find time. Regan had fun, and it was nice to get out. Addison was very excited to sit on the chair like a big girl. I keep telling her that if she wants to be a big girl, that she needs to walk. She doesn't seem to listen, though. I think I heard her say "sit", but I couldn't get her to say it on command.

Busy Weekend

It was a busy weekend and it is going to be a busy month. I think March and April are as busy for us as the Christmas Holidays are. We were in New Orleans this weekend, and Matt's mom babysat a lot! Which we are, of course, grateful for. The girls and I left on Thursday. There was a smocked dress sale that I could not miss. I think the girls are set for Spring/Summer now. I also needed to get their Easter Dresses. It was really starting to bother me that I didn't have them, yet. A store that I love has "fortune cookie fridays" on the first friday of the month. I already had the dresses picked out, so I just had to go buy them. I got the only 50% off fortune cookie in the bowl. Apparently, it was my lucky day. However, you only get it on one item. Next time I am taking someone with me.

On Saturday morning Matt, Phil and I ran in a race on the Westbank. Matt ran in the five mile which was supposed to be a 10K and Phil and I ran in a 1 1/2 mile that was supposed to be a 2 mile. When they changed it, I considered running in the five mile but decided that I am just getting comfortable with three miles so I didn't want to push it. Of course, Phil and I's goal was to beat each other and he won with that. Matt thinks that if it had been a 2 mile I would have beat him, but since it was a 1 1/2 he was able to get enough of a lead on me that I couldn't catch up. Towards the end of the race I had a thought of trying to catch up but I would have had to really push myself, and I am just not that competitive. Both Phil and I did come in first in our age divisions. I thought the girl right in front of me was in my age division, but apparently she was 22. I think I must think I am younger than I am. I think it might be the first thing I have ever won.

That evening we went over to some friends house for dinner. We took the girls with us as they have children Regan's age. The girls all played really well together. I wish I would have taken a picture, because they were adorable. However, I was to busy running my mouth. Sorry.

Budding Artist

I may be biased (I know that I am), but I think Regan draws pretty well for her age. These are drawings that she did while we were at breakfast this morning. The first one was a work in progress until her water spilled. I like how on the second one she did brown and yellow hair for me. I do have eyes, they are just two blue dots that are hard to see. She typically draws dresses on her people, because they are usually princesses. However, I had pants on today.

Expressing herself

If you will notice; Regan has not one, but two crowns on.

UL Baseball

Matt took Regan to a UL Baseball game this weekend, and this time she made it through the whole game plus an extra inning. I think it probably helped that one of here friend's was there and he is really into baseball (as you can tell from the pictures).

UPDATE: Matt says that the pictures are misleading. He says that she was interested in the game. Also, she entertained the other patrons at one point by dancing to the music. I guess I should send him with the video camera next time.

How different they can be..

Addison is a total daddy's girl. I mean Regan loves her daddy, but she definitly preferred me as a baby (which to be honest, was quite exhausting). Today we met Matt for lunch and Addison saw Matt and was very happy. Well, then I wanted to straighten out and so I backed the van up and she started crying. Then he got her out of the car and she was happy again, of course Regan was mad because Addison got out of her carseat first. Well, then Regan wanted Matt to hold her so we switched and Addison started crying again. Matt ended up having to hold both girls.

Regan also never tried to climb out of her high chair. We never strapped her in and she never tried to get out. Addison on the other hand, we have to strap in and she still finds a way to get out of her strap to try to climb out. I usually end up holding her leg to keep her seated. This is at restaurants. I think her high chair is tight enough at home that she doesn't feel that she has the room to stand up. Sometimes we ask ourselves if it is worth going out with Addison. As much as I want her to walk, I am afraid that she is going to wear me out when she does.

Physical Therapy

Addison's Physical Therapist was impressed that she is starting to take an interest in walking. She was especially surprised because Addison is also making strides towards talking. She has added a new word to her vocabulary..... uh oh. And as most (or all) babies do she uses it when she purposely drops something.

The PT also did an overall assessment of Addison. She is above average in fine motor skills, above average in social skills, average to above average in cognitive skills, and below average in gross motor skills. She will jump to average in gross motor skills once she stands on her own for 30 seconds and can take 10 steps. We are hoping for that to happen by the end of the month.

I don't want to jinx it, but...

Addison took her first step today!! I still think we have at least a few weeks before she starts walking. But she is showing interest and doesn't seem to be as scared to stand by herself. I am so excited!!!

She is also getting better and better with her fine motor skills. She has a piggy bank toy that has large plastic "coins" that you put in the coin slot. And today for the first time she was able to put them in. She may be a little behind in the gross motor skills, but she definitely does well in the fine motor skill department.

Tea with Daddy

Regan and Matt had a tea party today. Regan is very into playing tea party and drawing these days. She especially likes to make invitations and thank you notes. And of course dress up goes without saying.